News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
John Dolmayan Joins Yamaha Drums As New Endorser
Yamaha Drums is excited to announce that drummer John Dolmayan has joined its esteemed roster of artists. Known for his precise, technical drumming style and complex rhythmic patterns, John adds his signature style and undeniable talent to the Yamaha family.…
"Cygnus X-1": A Journey Through Time Signatures
“Cygnus X-1” opens with a tight and funky drum pattern that weaves through an intricate array of time signatures: 6/8, 7/8, 6/8, and 4/4. The first six 8th notes of each measure remain identical, while variations such as open hi-hats…
Drummer Mike Portnoy Performs Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” as He Hears It for First Time: Watch
It’s hard to imagine that anyone hasn’t heard Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” by now, but count Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy among the few humans who’ve somehow avoided the ubiquitous song since its release a decade ago. As part…
KROQ’s 2024 Almost Acoustic Christmas: A Night of Iconic Performances and Nostalgia
KROQ’s 2024 Almost Acoustic Christmas (AAC) hosted a mix of bands for one unforgettable night on December 14th. The lineup began with BBY (Tom Parkin,) the Linda Lindas (Mila de la Garza,) Awolnation, Franz Ferdinand (Audrey Tait,) and Jimmy Eat…
Support Our Art Director Charlie Weinmann and Partner Christina Holland in Rebuilding After the Eaton Fire
Modern Drummer invites our community to come together and support our Art Director, Charlie Weinmann, a vital member of the Modern Drummer family, and his partner, Christina Holland. On January 8, 2025, Charlie and Christina tragically lost their home and all…
Honoring Neil Peart: Five Years of Legacy and Inspiration
January 7th is a day that drummers will always remember as the day that the drumming community lost one of the greatest drummers ever, Neil Peart. January 7, 2025, marks five years since we lost Neil and is a time for all drummers to remember…
The Police’s Stewart Copeland Performs Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin'” as He Hears It for First Time: Watch
Stewart Copeland, legendary drummer of The Police, was tasked with playing along to Limp Bizkit’s “Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)” while hearing it for the first time as part of Drumeo’s popular YouTube series. Drumeo’s first “For the First Time” episode…
Phil Collins Sits Behind Classic Drum Kit for First Time in Over a Decade: Watch
Phil Collins’ various health issues have prevented him from playing the drums for the past several years, but the iconic musician briefly tested out his classic Gretsch concert tom kit for the first time in more than a decade in…
Highlights from Eddie Vedder's Ohana Festival 2024
Eddie Vedder’s annual Ohana Festival took place once again at the Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, CA (9/27-29.) As Vedder said on Sunday night, this is where he caught his first wave at the age of 12. There had…
End of an Era: Nicko McBrain’s Incredible Journey with Iron Maiden
In 1980 Iron Maiden released their debut self-titled record. The band was originally driven by bassist and founding member Steve Harris and drummer Clive Burr. In 1982, Burr left the band, and was replaced by drummer, and force of nature,…
Bob Bryar, Former My Chemical Romance Drummer, Dead at 44
Bob Bryar, the longest-tenured drummer of My Chemical Romance, who played in the band between 2004 and 2010, has died at the age of 44. According to TMZ, Bryar was found dead at his home in Tennessee on November 27th.…
Primus Hold Open Call for New Drummer
Primus are looking for a new drummer following the abrupt departure of Tim “Herb” Alexander from the band, and they’re opening the position to anyone with skills behind the drum kit. A social media post from the band on Monday…
Jason Bonham: Sammy Hagar “Has Decided to Carry On” with Kenny Aronoff as His Drummer
This past summer, Sammy Hagar featured an all-star backing band of Joe Satriani (guitar), Michael Anthony (bass), and Jason Bonham (drums) as part of his “Best of All Worlds” tour focusing heavily on Van Halen material. Now, the Red Rocker…
Drummer Tim Alexander Explains Why He Quit Primus
A few days after Primus announced the abrupt departure of Tim Alexander, the drummer has explained his exit in a new interview with Rolling Stone. In the interview, Alexander expanded on a statement from Primus’ Les Claypool and Larry LaLonde…
