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.
Dave Weckl
In 1985, Chick Corea, who had helped usher in jazz-fusion with Miles Davis in the ’60s, introduced a completely new sound. Appropriately naming his project the Elektric Band, the keyboard legend enlisted up-and-coming drummer Dave Weckl to see how much…
George Thorogood and the Destroyers’ Jeff Simon
Forty years ago he went electric with his guitar-slinging, blues-wailing childhood friend. Since then, millions of albums have been sold and as many miles traveled, and he’s still the unstoppable heartbeat of his good buddy’s band. TO READ THE FULL…
Great 80s Drum Performances, Part 2: Jazz and Fusion
The ’80s might not be anyone’s first reference point for the golden age of jazz, but a closer examination reveals wonders under the surface. Sure, traditional acoustic jazz was no longer in favor, though some of the established innovators of…
On The Cover - Kenny Aronoff
This is one of life’s simple truths: The more you learn, the more you realize how much more you have to learn. Here is another simple truth: Kenny Aronoff understands this better than almost anybody. It’s a key reason he’s…
Daryl Hall and John Oates' Brian Dunne
If you’ve ever seen Live From Daryl’s House, it’s a good bet that you’ve thought to yourself at least one time, Now that’s one gig I’d love to have. And to be sure, the enormity of performing with pop and…
Little River Band's Derek Pellicci
Derek Pellicci of the successful Little River Band, speaks candidly about his responsibilities with the band versus his other love, session work. Pellicci is happiest creating under studio session pressure. The drummer also discusses the importance of sound in regards…
Neil Peart
For his (record) ninth MD cover-story interview, Rush’s drummer holds a typically fluid and intense discussion of soloing and set lists, the very real differences between his drumming past and present, and the much-speculated topic of his band’s future. TO…
The Future State of the Art
So what of drumming’s future? What will happen when computers become even further integrated into our daily lives and playing routines? How will such buzz phrases as “the Internet of Things??? and “Industry 4.0??? change the way drummers interact with…
Modern Drummer: The First Decade
In the mid-’70s, a relatively unknown drummer named Ron Spagnardi had a big idea: to create the first independent magazine for and about drummers. He had no funds to speak of, and even less experience in publishing. He did, however,…
40 Years of Innovation - A look at Drum Gear Then...and Now
As Modern Drummer celebrates its fortieth anniversary, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of the important milestones in the history of drum gear—especially those that came on the scene during the MD years. Enjoy! TO…
Catching Up With...Travis Orbin
The greatest session drummers of yesteryear would dart from one legendary L.A. or New York studio to the next, where they’d crank out smash hits that the world would be singing along to a few short weeks later. Today’s busiest…
Catching Up With...Zach Danziger
Throughout the arts there are the trailblazers who establish the paths that others follow. Beginning in the mid-’90s, Zach Danziger began exploring and building what he calls his “hybrid electronic drumkit.??? Many drummers have augmented acoustic drums with electronics, but…
Mike Portnoy
It takes a big pair to be one of a kind. Since leaving the most celebrated prog-metal gig in the world with Dream Theater, the drummer has thrown himself into an impressive number of diverse musical situations, always confident in…
Tommy Lee
How many times have Motley Crue fans seen this? Tommy Lee cocks his arm high at ninety degrees, only for an instant, and whips it down with an expression of excitement matched only by the face a baby makes taking…
