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Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

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Sehr Kühl

Whenever my German language skills begin to get rusty, I like to sharpen them by revisiting that country. The first time I played in Germany was while touring with the Stan Kenton Orchestra back in 1973, and as time went…

By Peter Erskine
Nov 1, 2025

All in the Family Slingerland’s

This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Bryan Beyer. We’ll let Bryan tell us about this kit’s unique history in his drumming family. “This is an early 60s Slingerland “Windsor” outfit that was originally purchased by Pierson…

Modern Drummer
Nov 1, 2025

Congrats, Geddy, Alex, and Anika!

Upon hearing the news about Rush’s 50 Something Tour, I was instantly happy for Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson; they deserve to be out there playing the music that they love and created with Neil Peart. I think Neil would…

Modern Drummer
Nov 1, 2025

Anthony Ghazel's Daughtry Touring Kit

Drums: Pearl Reference Maple kit in Piano Black with die cast hoops: 6.5×14 Reference One Brass Snare, 6.5×14 UltraCast Aluminum Snare (backup,) 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 14×20 Gong Drum, two 16×22 Bass Drums. Remo Heads: Snare Top- Controlled…

Photos by Alex Kluft
Oct 1, 2025

Out Now October 2025

Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…

Modern Drummer
Oct 1, 2025
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Drum Workshop and Guitar Center Factory Day

DW Drums and Guitar Center hosted their annual DW Factory Day in Oxnard, CA on August 23. The day started with a drum off hosted by Guitar Center’s drum buyer Glenn Noyes and Roland VP of Sales Jim DeStefano. The…

By Alex Kluft
Oct 1, 2025

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Chad Smith Launches Foundation to Champion Music Education, Access, and Opportunity for Aspiring Artists

Chad Smith, the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, today announced the official launch of the Chad Smith Foundation (CSF). Dedicated to amplifying young talent, the foundation aims to inspire, empower, and…

Modern Drummer
Oct 1, 2025

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Scene: The dining room table of the Erskine home where Peter and his wife are enjoying a quiet dinner. Out of the blue, two words come to Peter while he’s sipping cold water from a glass. “Drumming Anonymity.” Hmmm. Okay.…

By Peter Erskine
Oct 1, 2025

Watch Out Terry Bozzio, Here Comes Zar Sukoi

It’s clear that drummer Zar Sukoi’s early influences are The Professor Neil Peart, Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, and Terry Bozzio. However, since his band needed more than the essentials, he altered his kit to accommodate RotoToms. After a good deal…

Modern Drummer
Oct 1, 2025

Reimagining and the Three C's

It’s fantastic to be featuring Todd Sucherman, Stan Lynch, Kassa Overall and Evgeny Novikov this month. All four drummers have done quite a bit of reimagining within their musical careers. Reimagining anything takes the Three C’s: Creativity, Commitment, and Courage.…

By Mark Griffith
Oct 1, 2025

Tif (Teddy) Lamson's Shania Twain Touring Kit

Drums:  Gretsch USA Custom in Black Glass finish — 8×12 Rack Tom, 9×13 Rack Tom, 16×16 and 16×18 Floor Toms, 18×22 Kick Drum. Snare: Gretsch Custom 6.5×14 Ridgeland Snare in Red Glass finish. Heads:  Toms Batter: Remo Emperor Clear; Toms Reso: Remo Ambassador…

Photos by Jason Mehler
Sep 1, 2025

Out Now September 2025

Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…

Modern Drummer
Sep 1, 2025
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Lightweight Drum Hardware

For a different view on drum hardware, this is a chart of lightweight drum hardware, which is a popular subject with gigging drummers today, including myself. I compiled this list, including weights, models, and pricing, to help drummers choose lightweight…

By JR Frondelli
Sep 1, 2025

Drum Fantasy Camp in DTLA

Now in its 17th year, Drum Fantasy Camp is owned and managed by Steven Orkin of Orkin Marketing & Management. Among other artists, Steven manages marketing for my buddies Dave Weckl and Steve Smith. The idea originated when Orkin started working…

By Peter Erskine | Photos courtesy of Peter Erskine and Steve Orkin
Sep 1, 2025
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