Features

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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Alex Van Halen

"To me, 'rock 'n' roll' is just a term that describes something because there is no better word to use. 'Rock 'n' roll' in the '50s meant something completely different from what it means today. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…

by Robyn Flans
Jan 15, 2018

Phillip Wilson — Beyond The Blues

You hardly have time to settle on a bag for Phillip Wilson when he pulls a rabbit out of his hat to confound all your preconceptions and expectations. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Chip Stern
Jan 15, 2018

Drums Around The World

The stage of the small Georgetown club is crowded with equipment and players. Near the far corner, with a look of intense concentration on his face, Mike Shrieve provides locomotion behind his white Hayman kit. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…

Modern Drummer
Jan 15, 2018

Frank Beard's Texas Rock

Frank Beard is a friendly, down-home sort of guy who makes you feel very comfortable talking with him. Even though he is a member of ZZ Top, a major rock band selling into the millions in records and concert tours,…

by Susan Alexander
Jan 15, 2018

Pearl Jam/Soundgarden Drummer Matt Cameron Enlists David Bowie’s Blackstar Drummer, Mark Guiliana, for His Latest Solo Album

Matt Cameron may be widely known as the drummer with two iconic bands, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, but those who’ve followed his career closely know he’s also a multi-instrumentalist who occasionally releases music as a leader. For his latest album,…

Interview by Ken Micallef
Jan 11, 2018
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M'Boom

When two or more drummers get together, traditionally, it's a battle. Or is it? What about in Africa, where a great deal of the music is performed by large drum ensembles, in which each member has a specific part to…

by Scott K. Fish & Rick Mattingly
Jan 10, 2018

Eric Carr — The Kiss Of Success

  In the summer of 1980, with the departure of original drummer Peter Criss, Kiss began a talent hunt that ended with the installation of Eric Carr in the drum chair. Unknown but far from inexperienced, he had served his…

By Michael Epstein
Jan 10, 2018

Denny Carmassi

It was a move that surprised some observers. Native San Franciscan Denny Carmassi was selected in May of 1982 to replace seven-year veteran Michael Derosier as drummer for the Seattle-based rock group, Heart. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…

by Elizabeth Shaw Green
Jan 10, 2018

Fred Below — Magic Maker

Sometimes it seems as if people have more regard for classic "things" than they do for classic people. An antique Radio King snare drum, an antique K. Zildjian cymbal and a Billy Glad stone drumset would illicit floods of adulation…

Story by Scott K. Fish | Photos by D. Shigley
Jan 10, 2018

Dr. Ralph LaFemina Exploring New Directions

The fact that Dr. Ralph LaFemina was never a performer in the big leagues of music, or that he's a practicing psychologist rather than a full-time musician, does not detract from his contribution to drumming. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…

by Charlie Perry
Jan 10, 2018

Dottie Dodgion

Don’t make the mistake of asking Dottie Dodgion what it’s like being a female drummer. “I’m so tired of that,” she’s likely to answer. “I’ve been asked that a million times, and being a woman really has nothing to do…

By Katherine Alleyne
Jan 10, 2018

Bob Gullotti

The relationship between a city and its music is very personal, and can get as close as two friends can possibly be. Bob Gullotti and Boston, Massachusetts have been good friends for over 20 years, and a partnership such as…

by Tim Smith
Jan 10, 2018
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Alan Dawson "Airegin"

  From the album Musique Du Bois By Phil Woods (Muse 5037)     TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

Transcribed by Tim Smith
Jan 10, 2018

Airto

As Airto takes the stage, his presence fills the room. The large and powerful looking man appears almost gruff, unwelcoming, austere, intimidating at initial glance. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Robyn Flans
Jan 5, 2018
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