Growing up in the Bakersfield area, he started playing drums when he was nine. At the age of 13, he found out that local band LAPD (which consisted of Head, Munky and Fieldy) was searching for a drummer. He auditioned - and was chosen - but needed permission from his mother to go with the band. In fact, she would often drop him off and pick him up from practices. When Jonathan Davis joined the band, they changed the name to KoЯn.

David is considered the "heartthrob" of KoЯn. His good looks have even landed him a few modeling stints, the most memorable one being for Calvin Klein jeans.

David is called the "timid member" of KoЯn. He says his favourite song from the band is B.B.K. from Follow the Leader.

David divorced his wife Shannon in 2002, going so far as removing a tattoo of her name. He has two children, David Jr. and Sofia.