Eric Michael Coonce (August 1, 1946 – February 25, 2011) was the drummer for American rock band The Grass Roots from 1966 to 1972.

Coonce developed an interest in music at an early age by observing his parents and his older brother's guitar lessons, though his mother insisted he learn the accordion.

[2] He attended high school in Simi Valley and played in local bands in between working at a Sunkist Growers packing house.

[4] He then gave lessons at sixteen at a music store, whose owner provided him a new drum set in exchange for monthly payments.

[9] With the help of producers like Steve Barri and pushed forward by Coonce's energetic drumming, which often emphasized the bass beat, the band evolved a unique sound.

The Grass Roots appeared in a major motion picture starring Doris Day called With Six You Get Eggroll.

[10] Coonce left the band in 1972 and moved to Vancouver Island, Canada, where he played in many local groups and recorded music in his home studio.