Modern Drummer’s last two cover interviews should act as true inspiration and advice for drummers everywhere. John Hoffman came out of nowhere to earn the gig as the new drummer for Primus. There were other drummers competing for that gig that were better known, had more “chops,” had a much better gig pedigree, and had bigger names in the drum industry. Brandon Pertzborn also came out of nowhere to get his first gig as the drummer for the legendary punk band Black Flag. But he didn’t stop there. Brandon went on to play with Doyle (from The Misfits,) Ho99o9, Marilyn Manson, Limp Bizkit, Suicidal Tendencies, and The Offspring. In an industry where (so-called) “big breaks” are sought, John Hoffman’s big break was throwing his hat (among thousands) in the ring and pursuing an available big gig. Brandon’s big break was simply putting an ad on Craigslist. Both had studied, practiced, […]

June 2025 Issue