Brendan Buckley, Not Just Playing Patterns with Shakira
Brendan Buckley is one of those drummers who has created a long career by playing with big name artists around the world, and lesser name artists regionally, yet you might not even know his name. You are just as likely…
Joe Chambers: A Life of Cross Rhythms
Drummer, vibraphonist, composer, bandleader, educator… Joe Chambers has done it all in his long career as a musician. Now he is talking about all of it in his new book Cross Rhythms: An Introspective into the Life and Musicality of…
Bringing the Groove Home to Nashville
When Yamaha Drums throws a party, it’s not just another industry showcase. It’s a celebration of the very heart of drumming. On July 19, 2025, Yamaha hosted its second annual “A Night in the Pocket” event. An unforgettable evening that…
Klaw Drum Anchor: Slip It, Grip It, Rip It!
Adam Stone of Klaw sent Modern Drummer a Klaw kick drum anchor, to try out. Klaw was designed out of necessity to help keep creeping kick drums from slipping away during play. As per Adam: “The days of cinder blocks…
News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Foo Fighters and Nine Inch Nails Swap Drummers
In a unique moment in drumming history, two bands at the top of their popularity and success have swapped drummers. The Foo Fighters have hired Nine Inch Nails drummer Ilan Rubin to occupy their coveted drumming throne, and ex-Foo Fighters…
Foo Fighters Reportedly Select Ilan Rubin as New Drummer with a Surprising Twist
Sources close to the Foo Fighters have indicated that Ilan Rubin will be joining as their new drummer, marking yet another significant shift for the legendary rock band. Rubin, widely recognized for his dynamic performances with Nine Inch Nails since…
Mike Portnoy Challenges Son Max to Learn Dream Theater’s “Honor Thy Father” on the Spot: Watch
Legendary drummer Mike Portnoy surprised his son Max by challenging him to learn and perform the Dream Theater song “Honor Thy Father” on the spot in a new Father’s Day video from the folks at Drumeo. Mike, who founded Dream…
Shane Hawkins Performs Taylor Hawkins’ Real Favorite Foo Fighters Song to Play: Watch
At a drum clinic in England, Shane Hawkins, the son of late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, revealed that his dad’s favorite Foos song to play was actually the track “Low,” not the tune “Aurora,” as commonly suggested. Shane took…
Videos
Rig rundowns, play-throughs, interviews, and more featuring your favorite drummers
Danny Carey - TOOL - Tour Kit Rundown
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ7oqWdMvt8 Welcome, fellow audiophiles, drumming enthusiasts, TOOL fans, and lovers of all things progressive! Today, we've scored an exclusive backstage peek into the rhythmic labyrinth that is Danny Carey's drum kingdom for TOOL's Fear Inoculum Tour. Surrounded by instruments, Danny…
Gear
Detailed assessments of the latest drum kits and accessories
Alex Van Halen Signature Snares
It’s difficult to describe the massive influence that Alex Van Halen had on generations of drummers. His explosive energy, thunderous double bass technique, and unique snare sound combined with his blazing speed and showmanship helped redefine the drummer’s role in…
Morgenstein Tool - Wing Thing
Among the many dilemmas that a drummer or drum tech faces during the chaos of playing live shows, few are as maddening as the dreaded stubborn wing nut. Whether too tight, too loose, out of reach, or just plain evil,…
Klaw Drum Anchor: Slip It, Grip It, Rip It!
Adam Stone of Klaw sent Modern Drummer a Klaw kick drum anchor, to try out. Klaw was designed out of necessity to help keep creeping kick drums from slipping away during play. As per Adam: “The days of cinder blocks…
Rustic Percussion's Padauk Temple Blocks: A True Passion For Quality
Rustic Percussion was founded in 2018 by Percussionist-Drummer, Ryan Langford, in an effort to make high quality, craftsmanship worthy, percussion instruments. As well as playing these instruments on the job, Ryan is truly a wood craftsman! Rustic Percussion’s various instruments…
New products from Roland, Waves, LP, and Gon Bops
The Roland Mood Pan Roland has introduced the Mood Pan, a unique electronic hand percussion instrument that encourages anyone to discover the restorative power of music. Inspired by acoustic handpans, Mood Pan features tranquil tones and a simple design requiring no…
The 100 Year History of the Modern Drum Set
It’s difficult to imagine that the drum set of today has only been in existence for just over 100 years. The history of the modern drum set began in the late 1800’s, with a drummer being able to play the…
Kit of the Month
Small But Mighty
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Marco Segoviano. His drums are Pearl Midtown Series with a 10” rack tom and a 13” floor tom. His bass drum is 16”…
Continue ReadingPodcasts
Host David Frangioni goes in-depth with the biggest names in drumming
Todd Sucherman - Styx - Modern Drummer Podcast with David Frangioni #36
EXCLUSIVE: The wait is over—Todd Sucherman’s Q&A Podcast has landed! Joined by his longtime drum tech Mark Petrocelli, Todd answers your top questions submitted via social media. Host David Frangioni guides the conversation, digging into the stories, tips, and insights…
Johnny Rabb - Collective Soul - Modern Drummer Podcast with David Frangioni #35
Modern Drummer catches up with Collective Soul drummer Johnny Rabb and his longtime drum tech Wayne Shovlin backstage in West Palm Beach, Florida, during the Summer Camp with Trucks Tour. Hosted by David Frangioni, this episode of the Modern Drummer…
Jack Lawless - Jonas Brothers - Modern Drummer Podcast with David Frangioni #34
As promised, here is the podcast with Jack Lawless of the Jonas Brothers, filmed during their visit to the Seminole Hard Rock Live last year. Enjoy! Check out Jack's rundown here: • Jack Lawless - Jonas Brothers - Tour ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3a_TXrSK1U&list=PLk9v-UDiMeUgmap-dWI4ZFSn47nLUmwlG&index=3
Jim Sonefeld - Modern Drummer Podcast with David Frangioni #33
Modern Drummer sat down with Jim Sonefeld of Hootie and the Blowfish while on the Summer Camp with Trucks tour. Watch Jim's Tour Kit Rundown Here: • Jim Sonefeld - Hootie & The Blowfish ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCa1GA1yKdI&list=PLk9v-UDiMeUgmap-dWI4ZFSn47nLUmwlG&index=5
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…
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…
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…
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…
