Wackerman joined the Bill Watrous band in 1978 and then worked with Frank Zappa from 1981 to 1988. Zappa demanded high musical standards and imposed exacting discipline in rehearsal and on tour. The auditions for his band were "grueling", according to Steve Vai and Wackerman himself.[2]
Two pieces of music, "Mo 'n Herb's Vacation", and "The Black Page" were considered exceptionally difficult. Only three drummers throughout Zappa's career were able to play them successfully: Wackerman, Terry Bozzio, and Vinnie Colaiuta. In an interview with Drum Magazine, Bozzio noted that although he and Colaiuta gained more notoriety from playing with Zappa, Wackerman performed Zappa's most challenging material.[4]
In addition to appearing on Zappa's rock albums and tours, Wackerman performed with the London Symphony Orchestra in 1983 on a concert and recording session of Zappa's compositions.
Wackerman has also toured with James Taylor, Mark Linn-Baker and Larry Sweeney, John Patitucci, Jeff Lorber, and Joe Sample, as well as fellow Zappa drummer Terry Bozzio in a series of all-percussion concerts. Wackerman lived in Australia for ten years between 1995 and 2005 but moved back to California in July 2005.
The current Chad Wackerman Trio consists of Wackerman (drums), Doug Lunn (1954–2017; bass), and Mike Miller (guitar). Wackerman's solo albums include guitar contributions from Allan Holdsworth.
12Wackerman, Chad (2001–2006). "Chad Wackerman Website". Official Website Faqs. Evolutionweb.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2009. Retrieved May 12, 2009.
