Abe Cunningham
- Type: Musician
- Country: Sacramento
- Born: July 27, 1973 in Long Beach, California, United States
- Active: 1973 - Present
Biography
Abraham "Abe" Benjamin Cunningham is an American musician, best known as the founding drummer for the Grammy-winning alternative metal band Deftones. Born on July 27, 1973, he is celebrated for his powerful and distinctive style, which blends heavy, syncopated grooves with intricate ghost notes and a dynamic feel influenced by funk, hip-hop, and drummers like *Stewart Copeland*. His playing is a cornerstone of the Deftones' sound, driving seminal albums such as 'Around the Fur', 'White Pony', and 'Diamond Eyes'. Rather than relying on the typical double-bass setups of metal, Cunningham uses a single pedal to create a unique, off-kilter, and atmospheric pocket that has influenced a generation of drummers.