Feature Stories
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.
Jon Christensen
The title of this piece is a cryptic warning that appears in the liner notes of Jon Christensen: Selected Recordings, a recent tribute CD on ECM's Rarum series. Over the past thirty years, the Norwegian drummer has played drums and…
Allison Miller
Allison Miller's playing career is all about balance these days. First, she's the drummer in alternative-pop diva Natalie Merchant's band. She's also the drummer of choice for jazz keyboardist Rachel Z, touring behind her trio's tribute to Wayne Shorter, On…
Matt Cameron with Pearl Jam
"I can definitely claim this as my band," says Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron of his psychedelic revivalist project, Wellwater Conspiracy, the gig he shares with ex-Monster Magnet guitarist John McBain. Bonding over shared aesthetics and an engaging sense of…
Ron Gannaway
The first time Ron Gannaway went into the studio with country singer/guitarist Steve Wariner, with whom he had been touring for several years, he had a question. "I asked Steve, 'Why am I here?' He had always used great Nashville…
Terry Chambers
Twenty years ago, when he walked away from the band that he helped create, drummer Terry Chambers didn't see much future for Brit-pop innovators XTC. Leader Andy Partridge had pulled the plug on live performances, and he and bassist Colin…
Billy Hart: Of Unsung Heroes and Jazz Giants
This article is an excerpt from the July 2005 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine. Check your newsstands today to read the full article. by Ken Micallef Billy Hart is one of the unsung giants of jazz. He's recorded over six…
Jason Bittner
Dedicated Metal Want to know the true meaning of a dedicated drummer? How about warming up your chops on practice pads in the back of a U-Haul trailer at 9:30 A.M. and in 95 degree weather, all in preparation for…
Tony Thompson
Original interview from 2002. Not many drummers dictated the sound of the 80's like Tony Thompson. That big, huge drum sound was everywhere: on classic recordings like Power Station's "Some Like It Hot," David Bowie's "Let's Dance," Madonna's "Like A…
Cyrus Bolooki
Cyrus Bolooki doesn't take life or fame for granted. In October of last year, while on tour with his fellow New Found Glory bandmates--vocalist Jordan Pundik, guitarists Steve Klein and Chad Gilbert, and bassist Ian Grushka--Bolooki had a freak accident.…
Damien Fahey
MTV VJ... Drum Fanatic Damien Fahey has a dilemma: These days he's having a difficult time finding the time to play his drums. You see, Damien hosts one of MTV's most popular shows, Total Request Live, which airs weekdays at…
David Northrup
Growing up on a mix of R&B, pop, rock, and country, David Northrup, originally from Syracuse New York, moved south in the early '90s playing sessions and gigging the Florida club scene. One of those gigs led him to meeting…
An Interview with Hal Blaine
Wrecking Crew member Hal Blaine, seen here on the April 1981 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Paving the way for some of the great studio musicians of our time, like Jim Gordon, Jim Keltner, Jeff Porcaro, and John…
Joey Kramer
Joey Kramer could be the first superstar to become a "modern-technology studio drummer." With Joey's new Drum Loops And Samples CD set, anyone can now have the legendary Aerosmith drummer's incredible feel on their record or demo. The Rock Icon…
Joey Shuffield of Fastball
Power-pop trio Fastball - bassist/singer Tony Scalzo, guitarist/singer Miles Zuniga, and drummer Joey Shuffield - are clearly excited to have contributed their version of "The Real Me" to the new Who tribute, Substitute, The Songs Of The Who. "This record…
