Steve Smith
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.
MARCO SOCCOLI REMEMBERED
“The drum community is a community like no other. It is made up of very special people whose work (and sometime much more) revolves around drumming, drums, and music. Marco Soccoli was a very special person and a pillar of…
Steve Smith’s 1980 Sonor Phonic Kit
In early 1980 Journey was preparing to hit the road to support their album Departure which included the hit single “Any Way You Want It.” By that time, the band was a headline act playing arenas across North America and…
Donn Bennett’s Drum Vault: Steve Smith’s 1987 Sonor Lite Vital Information Drum Set
This year marks the 45th anniversary of Steve Smith’s relationship with Sonor drums. Steve bought his first set of Sonor drums in 1977 while touring with jazz-fusion violinist, Jean-Luc Ponty. He played the same Sonor set touring with rock guitarist…
Behind the Legends
Modern Drummer’s new series of LEGENDS books are a labor of love. They feature brand new interviews. Brand new transcriptions. Never before seen pictures. Digital downloads of rare recordings. Deep dives into equipment. And more… When else does a reader…
Gallery of Groove
Photos from the 2021 Modern Drummer Festival For the second year in a row, the global pandemic chased the Modern Drummer Festival to an online venue. But we were unbowed. Presented by the MD team and produced by Thom Mozloom’s…
Remembering Charlie Watts
Ringo Starr Excerpted from his Change the World Press Conference Charlie Watts was a beautiful human being—a great guy and a lot of fun. He had a harder band than I did to keep together. He was like the quiet…
Remembering Neil
Some of the worlds greatest drummers and industry members share their memories of what Neil Peart has meant to them. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Modern Drummer 2018 Readers Poll Winners
We are excited to present the Modern Drummer 2018 Readers Poll winners! TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Study Up!
You can learn a lot just by listening to drummers talk about their own educational backgrounds. This month MD asks two Pro Panelists about their unique paths of instruction, the teachers who’ve been the most influential on them, and their…
Favorite Steve Smith Track?
Since the mid-’70s, Steve Smith’s drumming has enhanced a wide range of albums within the rock, jazz, and fusion genres. Classic hits, jazz-fusion escapades, and even Indian-influenced pursuits adorn the drummer’s discography with artists such as Journey, Jean-Luc Ponty, and…
Steve Smith: Journeyman
Although Journey has been around for eight years, tremendous public acclaim has come for the band only recently, particularly gaining momentum within the last three years of existence.
Modern Drummer 2017 Readers Poll Winners
The universally lauded multi-genre legend joins Hall of Fame, another contemporary giant sweeps three categories, and Neil Peart returns. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Understand Indian Rhythmic Concepts
Let’s get it straight from the start: There’s no dabbling when it comes to incorporating Indian musical influences into your playing. It’s all just too deep. But for decades, Western drummers who’ve fallen under Indian music’s spell have gladly dedicated…
