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January 1987
January 1987
Features

The Different Sides of Gary Husband

Gary Husband clicks a cassette into his car stereo. "This is a demo of some material I've been writing,'' he explains. We hear two acoustic guitars playing some gentle, lyrical, melodic music. "Yes, that is me playing," says Gary. "This…

by Simon Goodwin
Features

The Drummers Of Woody Herman

Frank Carlson, with a pre- "Herd" Herman band of the early '40s. For 50 years—with relatively brief interruptions—Woody Herman has led one of the greatest of all big bands. And not surprisingly, he's had some of the greatest drummers driving…

by Chip Deffaa
Features

Walter Keiser And Pedro Haldemann

Andreas who? Vollenweider?  If you haven't heard of him, it's not likely that you'll know who his drummer and percussionist are, either. The Swiss group, headed by composer and electric harpist Vollenweider, is best selling in Europe (where critical acclaim…

by Jany Sabins
Education

More Questions And Some Answers

Back in the May, 1982 issue of MD,  I wrote a column entitled "Questions, Questions, Questions, And A Few Answers." That column had to do with the many questions that young drummers ask themselves and others. Over the years since…

by Roy Burns
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News

Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more

INNINGS FESTIVAL FEATURES BLINK-182 AND SUBLIME

Tempe, Arizona’s Innings Festival combines baseball and music with the stages laid out like a baseball diamond, baseball activities, and appearances from various baseball legends. The festival corresponds with the beginning of Arizona’s Spring Baseball season. The festival comes from…

Modern Drummer
Mar 6, 2026

Gary John Burke April 9, 1948 – January 17, 2026

Gary John Burke died at home in Port Ewen, New York, on January 17, 2026, after a long illness with his wife by his side. He was 77. Born in Troy, New York, Gary built an accomplished five-decade career as…

Modern Drummer
Jan 19, 2026

Chad Smith Walks In on Thirty Seconds to Mars’ Shannon Leto Playing Chili Peppers Hit on Drums: Watch

Drumeo’s “For the First Time” series has become a regular hit on YouTube, largely thanks to a viral edition featuring Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith taking on the challenge of playing Thirty Seconds to Mars’ “The Kill (Bury Me).”…

Consequence
Dec 4, 2025

Who Is RUSH’s New Drummer Anika Nilles?

Anika Nilles has been announced as RUSH’s drummer for their upcoming reunion tour, which will mark the band’s first shows in 11 years, and first concerts since the passing of the legendary Neil Peart in 2020. Rather than tap a…

Consequence
Oct 6, 2025
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Tour Kit Rundowns

Your favorite drummers walk you through every detail of their drum setups.

Rian Dawson - All Time Low - Tour Kit Rundown

Modern Drummer Official 9K views March 16, 2026 11:00 AM

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Metal Sticks

Dedicated to interviewing iconic artists, educating drummers of all styles and genres, amplifying young talent, and showcasing Nicko McBrain’s archive of iconic gear & memorabilia, Metal Sticks aims to inspire all generations of heavy metal fans.

1984 Is When I Finally Got My Drum Sound #vanhalen #alexvanhalen

20.6K views January 5, 2026 9:40 AM

Metalheads! The season finale of Metal Sticks delivers an extraordinary and rare conversation with Alex Van Halen.

In this exclusive episode, Alex joins hosts Nicko McBrain and David Frangioni for a wide-ranging discussion that offers a unique window into his world. Alex shares what he’s been up to, reflects on the Van Halen albums, revisits some of his drum setups through the years, and dives into recording experiences and philosophies that helped define one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Insightful, candid, and deeply personal, this special season finale is a must-watch for drummers, musicians, and Van Halen fans alike.
#nickomcbrain #alexvanhalen #davidfrangioni #vanhalen @davidfrangioni @ironmaiden @VanHalen 

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Modern Drummer is the world's #1 publication on drums and drumming. Loud and proud — and representing all styles and skill levels — since 1977. Subscribe to our digital monthly magazine at: Https://www.moderndrummer.com/subscribe

https://www.moderndrummer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ModernDrummer/
https://twitter.com/modern_drummer
https://www.instagram.com/modern_drummer/

Co-Produced by: Nicko McBrain, David Frangioni, and Jason Mehler
Connect with David Frangioni on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfrangioni/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0aWIN1LQdrgZC6TP9dviA 1:25:30

Metalheads! The season finale of Metal Sticks delivers an extraordinary and rare conversation with Alex Van Halen.

In this exclusive episode, Alex joins hosts Nicko McBrain and David Frangioni for a wide-ranging discussion that offers a unique window into his world. Alex shares what he’s been up to, reflects on the Van Halen albums, revisits some of his drum setups through the years, and dives into recording experiences and philosophies that helped define one of the most influential bands in rock history.

Insightful, candid, and deeply personal, this special season finale is a must-watch for drummers, musicians, and Van Halen fans alike.
#nickomcbrain #alexvanhalen #davidfrangioni #vanhalen @davidfrangioni @ironmaiden @VanHalen

Want early access to videos like this? Join our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdBw0Hg_27aS88DiG4p5qw/join

Modern Drummer is the world's #1 publication on drums and drumming. Loud and proud — and representing all styles and skill levels — since 1977. Subscribe to our digital monthly magazine at: Https://www.moderndrummer.com/subscribe

https://www.moderndrummer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ModernDrummer/
https://twitter.com/modern_drummer
https://www.instagram.com/modern_drummer/

Co-Produced by: Nicko McBrain, David Frangioni, and Jason Mehler
Connect with David Frangioni on:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfrangioni/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0aWIN1LQdrgZC6TP9dviA

YouTube Video UExrOXYtVURpTWVVZzh6Y2YyX3RyeXlsSlJIRWxUQl9HXy41Mzk2QTAxMTkzNDk4MDhF

Alex Van Halen joins Nicko McBrain, & David Frangioni for the Season Finale of Metal Sticks

126.5K views January 1, 2026 5:00 PM

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Gear

Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories

Snare Drums from the Northup Drum Museum

Snare Drums from the Northup Drum Museum

The snare drum originated from the medieval tabor, a rope-tensioned drum used for military signals, it became a distinct instrument with sharper, brighter, sounds through innovations like screw-tensioning gut and coiled metal snares. Throughout the Middle Ages it was used to…

By Tim Northup
Mar 1, 2026
VOXEL Percussion: 3D Printed Drums, Sound Art in Audio Visions

VOXEL Percussion: 3D Printed Drums, Sound Art in Audio Visions

In the beginning there was wood. And then clay, metal, plastic, fiberglass, acrylic and even glass to name a few! Seems like folks have been making drums out of almost anything they can stretch a membrane on and create a…

By Brian Hill
Mar 1, 2026
Roland VAD516

Roland VAD516

Roland VAD516 V-Drums Kit  If you‘ve followed Roland’s Acoustic Design lineup of V-Drums over the past few years, you already know the story: full size shells, premium hardware, and an e-kit that looks like it belongs in front of a large audience rather than in the…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2026
Artstruments MR1 Drum Mounting Bracket

Artstruments MR1 Drum Mounting Bracket

In a previous review of Artstruments products, I explored the full display experience of the 5PK-L Drum Mounting Kit with its multiple brackets and LED lighting designed to turn a drum set into an elaborate art installation. The reality is…

By Jason Mehler
Mar 1, 2026
New Yamaha Recording Custom Snare Drums: Aluminum and Stainless Steel

New Yamaha Recording Custom Snare Drums: Aluminum and Stainless Steel

In Modern Drummer’s first look at the new series of Recording Custom Snare Drums, we looked at the Birch and Brass shell models. This time we are going to look at a few more shell versions of this storied series.…

By Brian Hill
Mar 1, 2026
Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series, TR 1000 Rhythm Creator, and CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer, DW 3000 Hardware Series Hardware Packs, True-Cast Snare, PDP Concept Series Locking Thrones, Concept Acrylic Kit and Snare, Latin Percussion City Timbales, Limited Edition Cherry Congas and Bongos

Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series, TR 1000 Rhythm Creator, and CR-78 Software Rhythm Composer, DW 3000 Hardware Series Hardware Packs, True-Cast Snare, PDP Concept Series Locking Thrones, Concept Acrylic Kit and Snare, Latin Percussion City Timbales, Limited Edition Cherry Congas and Bongos

Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series Roland was showcasing the V-Drums 3 and 5 Series, two all-new electronic drum kit lineups based around the powerful V31and V51sound modules during The NAMM Show 2026 (Room 202, Level 2). These next-generation modules are part of a unified ecosystem with…

Modern Drummer
Mar 1, 2026
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Kit of the Month

Keeping the Volume Down!

This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from Alison Gibb. Alison started to play at the age of 50 and has been playing and taking lessons for four years.…

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Give The Drummer Some - VIP

Go backstage with your favorite drummers as they talk about gear, tour life, drumming, and everything in between.

On this episode of Give the Drummer Some VIP, Harry Miree joins Modern Drummer’s David Frangioni onstage and backstage for a candid conversation about his journey with HARDY—from Nashville club gigs to headlining arenas and Madison Square Garden. Harry reflects on the explosive release of the mockingbird & THE CROW, the band’s tight inner circle, and what it really takes behind the scenes to scale an artist to the next level.

He also shares the drummers who shaped him—Carter Beauford, Travis Barker, Tré Cool—an unforgettable Randy Travis moment at the Ryman, the band’s love of heavy influences like Limp Bizkit and Metallica, and why keeping an “eighth-grade sleepover” spirit alive is the secret to surviving life on the road. 
#hardy #drummer #harrymiree #gtds

Want early access to videos like this? Join our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdBw0Hg_27aS88DiG4p5qw/join

Modern Drummer is the world's #1 publication on drums and drumming. Loud and proud — and representing all styles and skill levels — since 1977. Subscribe to our digital monthly magazine at: Https://www.moderndrummer.com/subscribe

https://www.moderndrummer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ModernDrummer/
https://twitter.com/modern_drummer
https://www.instagram.com/modern_drummer/

Executive Producer: David Frangioni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfrangioni/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0aWIN1LQdrgZC6TP9dviA

Produced by: Felipe Laverde, Jason Mehler
Cover Photo by: Jason Mehler 16:13

On this episode of Give the Drummer Some VIP, Harry Miree joins Modern Drummer’s David Frangioni onstage and backstage for a candid conversation about his journey with HARDY—from Nashville club gigs to headlining arenas and Madison Square Garden. Harry reflects on the explosive release of the mockingbird & THE CROW, the band’s tight inner circle, and what it really takes behind the scenes to scale an artist to the next level.

He also shares the drummers who shaped him—Carter Beauford, Travis Barker, Tré Cool—an unforgettable Randy Travis moment at the Ryman, the band’s love of heavy influences like Limp Bizkit and Metallica, and why keeping an “eighth-grade sleepover” spirit alive is the secret to surviving life on the road.
#hardy #drummer #harrymiree #gtds

Want early access to videos like this? Join our channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChdBw0Hg_27aS88DiG4p5qw/join

Modern Drummer is the world's #1 publication on drums and drumming. Loud and proud — and representing all styles and skill levels — since 1977. Subscribe to our digital monthly magazine at: Https://www.moderndrummer.com/subscribe

https://www.moderndrummer.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ModernDrummer/
https://twitter.com/modern_drummer
https://www.instagram.com/modern_drummer/

Executive Producer: David Frangioni
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidfrangioni/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn0aWIN1LQdrgZC6TP9dviA

Produced by: Felipe Laverde, Jason Mehler
Cover Photo by: Jason Mehler

YouTube Video UExrOXYtVURpTWVVaEpmYkt1NjVHRUZXeDlHaHYtWUduZS5GNjNDRDREMDQxOThCMDQ2

Harry Miree - Hardy - Give the Drummer Some VIP

3.6K views February 12, 2026 8:05 PM

Butch Vig - Garbage - Give the Drummer Some VIP

2.7K views January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

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Hall of Fame

A look back at the legendary drummers elected to Modern Drummer’s Hall of Fame

Keith Moon Elected to Hall of Fame in 1982

Excerpted from the September 2003 issue In his last interview, published posthumously in October 1978, Keith told International Musician and Recording World, “You can’t work out things too much. We do certain build-ups and things, but you can run into…

Story by T. Bruce Wittet
Jan 10, 2022

John Bonham Elected to Hall of Fame in 1981

Excerpted from the John Bonham tribute issue, July 1984 John Bonham played, for the most part, a very simple drumkit, consisting of a 14x26 bass drum, a 12x15 small tom—at first mounted on a snare stand and later on the…

Story by T. Bruce Wittet
Jan 10, 2022

Buddy Rich Elected to Hall of Fame in 1980

Excerpted from the January 1977 issue When it comes to interviewing Buddy, one must learn to expect the unexpected. You can end up with a first rate story, or no story at all. He’s a very intense human being, with…

Story by Jim Warchol
Jan 10, 2022

Gene Krupa Elected to Hall of Fame in 1979

Excerpted from the October/November 1979 issue “I’m happy that I succeeded in doing two things: I made the drummer a high­priced guy, and I was able to draw more people to jazz.” The above quote of drum master Gene Krupa…

Story by Karen Larcombe
Jan 10, 2022
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