Search
May 2013
May 2013
Features

Kendrick Scott

  It doesn’t take long to realize just how much detailed analysis this blazing leader and sideman applies to his art. And that might be exactly why, when the time comes to create in the moment, he’s so free to…

Story by Ken Micallef | Photos by Paul La Raia
Features

Study Up!

You can learn a lot just by listening to drummers talk about their own educational backgrounds. This month MD asks two Pro Panelists about their unique paths of instruction, the teachers who’ve been the most influential on them, and their…

Interviews by Jeff Potter
Features

Cully Symington

Symington in Italy recording a cover of Frank Ocean’s “Lovecrimes” with the Afghan Whigs. Photo by Greg Dulli The natural-born thriller’s curious, powerful beats have made him a favorite among indie-rock royalty. Any proper search for truth or wisdom is…

by Will Romano
Features

No Doubt's Adrian Young Inteview May 2013

Behind the larger-than-life drumming persona of Adrian Young you’ll find many of the same qualities shared by the rest of us humble timekeepers. It takes a certain amount of mojo to play sold-out arenas wearing only a Mohawk and a…

Story by Stephen Bidwell | Photos by Alex Solca
Advertisement

News

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

Simmons unveils the Titan 90, the most advanced electronic drum kit in Simmons’ history

Available only at Guitar Center, the new Simmons flagship eKit delivers authentic feel, innovative technology and unmatched value for serious drummers Guitar Center today unveiled the Simmons Titan 90, the most advanced electronic drum kit ever developed by Simmons –…

Modern Drummer
Jun 25, 2026

Rush 50 Something World Tour – Opening Night, June 7, 2026 The Kia Forum

Review by Dennis Wolfe - Modern Drummer Advisory Board MemberEdited by Mark Griffith  “She (Anika) really understands and appreciates his (Neil’s) greatness, and none of this that happens is diminishing his greatness by one iota.” Geddy Lee speaking with Rick…

Modern Drummer
Jun 8, 2026

Drummer Nic Collins (Phil Collins’ Son) Learns and Performs RUSH’s Epic “2112” Suite in One Sitting: Watch

The folks at Drumeo are putting Nic Collins through the wringer. First, they challenged him to play Opeth’s mammoth “Ghost of Perdition” as he heard it for the first time, and now they’ve made him learn and play RUSH’s absolutely…

Consequence
May 30, 2025

Wolfgang Van Halen Breaks Down His Uncle Alex’s Drumming, Plays Van Halen Songs: Watch

Wolfgang Van Halen stopped by the Drumeo studio for a new video feature about his uncle, Alex, the drummer of Van Halen. In the 20-minute clip, Wolfgang opens up about his uncle’s legacy as a somewhat underrated facet of Van…

Consequence
May 20, 2025
View All News

Tour Kit Rundowns

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

View All Tour Kit Rundowns
Advertisement

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.

Nicko McBrain returns for a special bonus episode of Metal Sticks with host David Frangioni to celebrate the release of Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams—the definitive 50th anniversary book chronicling one of heavy metal's greatest bands.

Rather than simply flipping through the pages, Nicko shares the stories behind the stories. From his first encounters with legendary manager Rod Smallwood, to joining Iron Maiden, recording the classic albums, unforgettable world tours, historic stage productions, and even the incredible story behind the damaged Ed Force One, Nicko brings decades of Iron Maiden history to life with firsthand memories, humor, and insight that only he can provide.

Featuring rare photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections spanning more than four decades with Iron Maiden, this bonus episode offers fans an exclusive companion to one of the year's most anticipated music books.

If you're an Iron Maiden fan, a drummer, or simply love hearing the real stories behind rock history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Hosted by David Frangioni for Modern Drummer's Metal Sticks.

#nickomcbrain #ironmaiden #metalsticks #davidfrangioni #infinitedreams 
@ironmaiden @davidfrangioni 

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: Jason Mehler 25:01

Nicko McBrain returns for a special bonus episode of Metal Sticks with host David Frangioni to celebrate the release of Iron Maiden: Infinite Dreams—the definitive 50th anniversary book chronicling one of heavy metal's greatest bands.

Rather than simply flipping through the pages, Nicko shares the stories behind the stories. From his first encounters with legendary manager Rod Smallwood, to joining Iron Maiden, recording the classic albums, unforgettable world tours, historic stage productions, and even the incredible story behind the damaged Ed Force One, Nicko brings decades of Iron Maiden history to life with firsthand memories, humor, and insight that only he can provide.

Featuring rare photos, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal reflections spanning more than four decades with Iron Maiden, this bonus episode offers fans an exclusive companion to one of the year's most anticipated music books.

If you're an Iron Maiden fan, a drummer, or simply love hearing the real stories behind rock history, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Hosted by David Frangioni for Modern Drummer's Metal Sticks.

#nickomcbrain #ironmaiden #metalsticks #davidfrangioni #infinitedreams
@ironmaiden @davidfrangioni

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: Jason Mehler

YouTube Video UExrOXYtVURpTWVVZzh6Y2YyX3RyeXlsSlJIRWxUQl9HXy41QTY1Q0UxMTVCODczNThE

Nicko McBrain Reveals the Untold Stories Behind Iron Maiden's Infinite Dreams Book

22.6K views June 26, 2026 10:00 AM

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

21.8K 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 

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 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 Metal Sticks Finale

136.2K views January 1, 2026 5:00 PM

View All Metal Sticks

Gear

Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary… with Drums

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary… with Drums

This year, The Chicago Drum Show hosted my museum exhibit celebrating America’s 250th Year Anniversary. The exhibit featured drums that I have collected dating from 1780 to 1976, the time of the American Revolution to the Bicentennial of 1976. The…

By Brian Hill
Jul 1, 2026
OCDP ADRIAN YOUNG SIGNATURE SNARE, SABIAN STRATUS DRY COLLECTION, DW HARDWARE, BEYERDYNAMIC PROFESSIONAL IN-EAR MONITORS, AKAI STANDALONE MPC SYSTEMS

OCDP ADRIAN YOUNG SIGNATURE SNARE, SABIAN STRATUS DRY COLLECTION, DW HARDWARE, BEYERDYNAMIC PROFESSIONAL IN-EAR MONITORS, AKAI STANDALONE MPC SYSTEMS

Limited Edition Adrian Young Signature Snare Launching exclusively at Guitar Center, the Adrian Young Signature OCDP Snare is a limited-edition, USA-made collaboration designed from scratch with the No Doubt drummer. Inspired by Adrian’s Tragic Kingdom-era touring kit, the snare features…

Modern Drummer
Jul 1, 2026
Yamaha Recording Custom Drums: Redefining the Classic, Signature Sound!

Yamaha Recording Custom Drums: Redefining the Classic, Signature Sound!

Yamaha drums have made a huge impact on the drumming world since its inception about 60 years ago. From the get-go, the Recording Custom kits were always a top pick for recording drummers and performers alike. But for a period,…

By Brian Hill
Jul 1, 2026
JC Drumsticks: Celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary

JC Drumsticks: Celebrating the USA’s 250th Anniversary

John Crocken, the mastermind behind JC Drumsticks, recently sent Modern Drummer a set of the newly minted, handmade, commemorative America 250th Anniversary Drumsticks. The sticks are made of solid ebony wood measuring at 17” in length. They have a shaft…

By Brian Hill
Jul 1, 2026
Elvin Jones’ First Set of 1982 American K Zildjians with Embossed Bag

Elvin Jones’ First Set of 1982 American K Zildjians with Embossed Bag

Shortly after Elvin Jones passed in 2004, his wife Keiko invited me to help her with the massive collection of drum gear Elvin had amassed throughout his career. The collection filled an entire apartment in their New York City apartment…

By Donn Bennett
Jun 1, 2026
Speed-A-Beat: Universal Bass Drum Pedal Roller-Ball Module 

Speed-A-Beat: Universal Bass Drum Pedal Roller-Ball Module 

Can you double your foot speed? That’s what John Crocken’s Speed-A-Beat sets out to answer. The patented module is built around a single mechanical idea: replace the friction between foot and footboard with a bed of free-spinning steel bearings and see what happens. John Crocken, known…

By Jason Mehler
Jun 1, 2026
View All Reviews

Kit of the Month

Kenn’s Custom Designs

This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from drummer Kenn Youngar. Kenn hand built his own drums. The custom drum riser and cymbal stands were created by a friend,…

Continue Reading

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

4.7K views February 12, 2026 8:05 PM

Butch Vig - Garbage - Give the Drummer Some VIP

3.1K views January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

View all VIP Videos

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
View All Collection
Advertisement