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Kansas' Phil Ehart on the Opening Fill to "Carry On Wayward Son": "I Thought It Was Too Simple"

Phil Ehart, photo by Mark Schierolz Sometimes, the most iconic musical moments emerge from an accident. Such is the case for Kansas' seminal 1976 hit "Carry On Wayward Son," which features a signature drum fill after the band's a cappella…

Modern Drummer
Apr 5, 2023

Violent Femmes' John Sparrow Reveals Why He Plays on a Barbecue Grill: "It Was a Happy Accident"

  John Sparrow, photo courtesy of Two For the Road Media Some drummers obsess over the ring of their cymbals, the pop of their snare, or the dimensions of their bass drum. For John Sparrow of Violent Femmes, however, he's…

Modern Drummer
Apr 4, 2023

Steve Smith and Vital Information Announce New Double Album, 40th Anniversary Tour Dates

Steve Smith, photo by Steve Kahn Steve Smith and his jazz group Vital Information have announced a new album, Time Flies, and mapped out a US tour in celebration of the trio's 40th anniversary. Releasing on May 5th, 2023, Time Flies is…

Modern Drummer
Mar 29, 2023

Jim Gordon, Wrecking Crew Drummer, Dead At 77

  Jim Gordon (photo by Keith Morris / Redferns) Drummer and songwriter James Beck Gordon, known as Jim Gordon, has died at the age of 77. Gordon's death was confirmed today (March 15th) by a representative. A skilled drummer and…

Modern Drummer
Mar 15, 2023

Slayer and Mr. Bungle's Dave Lombardo Announces Debut Solo LP Rites of Percussion

Dave Lombardo, photo by Ekaterina Gorbacheva Dave Lombardo, the legendary drummer known for his work with Slayer and Mr. Bungle, has announced the release of his debut solo album, Rites of Percussion, which is set to arrive on May 5th…

Modern Drummer
Mar 8, 2023
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Blink 182 Postpones Mexico and Latin America Reunion Shows After Travis Barker's Injury

Travis Barker, photo by Philip Cosores Blink-182 fans in Latin America have been hit with another setback after the band announced they will postpone the first leg of their highly anticipated reunion tour. The band was scheduled to perform in…

Modern Drummer
Mar 1, 2023

Daru Jones Teases New Solo LP and Gives Advice to Young Drummers

Daru Jones, photo by David Swanson Daru Jones, Jack White's distinguished drummer — and the star of our March 2023 Modern Drummer cover — is gearing up to release a new solo album. In a comprehensive interview with Modern Drummer about…

Modern Drummer
Mar 1, 2023

New Study Proves Drummers Are Smarter Than the Average Person

Linda-Philomène Tsoungui (photo by Emilio Herce) Not only are drummers equipped with the valuable skills of rhythm, they're also more intelligent than they're usually given credit for. As Rockmusicrevival.com reports, a study led by professor Frederic Ullen from the Karolinska…

Modern Drummer
Feb 28, 2023

Watch Nandi Bushell Rip Through a Cover of Duke Ellington's "Caravan"

Nandi Bushell (via YouTube) 12-year old extraordinaire Nandi Bushell has once again wowed fans with her drumming skills by taking on Duke Ellington's jazz standard "Caravan". The young drummer described it as the "most difficult drum cover" she has ever…

Modern Drummer
Feb 27, 2023

Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Play on The Rolling Stones' New Album: Report

Photos via Getty The ultimate '60s supergroup is materializing — but perhaps only for a song or two. The Rolling Stones' new album is yet to be announced, but Variety has confirmed the record will feature The Beatles' Paul McCartney…

Modern Drummer
Feb 27, 2023

U2 to Play Las Vegas Residency Without Larry Mullen Jr.

U2, photo courtesy of band After announcing their upcoming Las Vegas residency titled "U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere” during the Super Bowl, the band has confirmed their performances will not feature their longtime drummer Larry Mullen Jr.,…

Modern Drummer
Feb 13, 2023

Travis Barker Dislocates Finger While Rehearsing for Blink-182 Tour

Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker suffered a dislocated finger while rehearsing for the band's upcoming reunion tour. "I was playing the drums at rehearsals yesterday and I smashed my finger so hard I dislocated it and tore the ligaments," Barker wrote…

Modern Drummer
Feb 9, 2023
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Terri Lyne Carrington Wins Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Modern Drummer congratulates Terri Lyne Carrington on her 2023 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Record of the Year, for her recording Standards Vol. 1 featuring Kris Davis, Linda May Han Oh, Nicholas Payton, and Matthew Stevens.  This is actually the second time…

Modern Drummer
Feb 7, 2023

New Team, New Drums, New Everything!

WFLIII Drums, the company started by the legendary Bill Ludwig III (or B3 to his friends) in 2014, producing high quality drums, are all FIRED up for their biggest year to date … 2023! Under the direction of Bill, together…

Modern Drummer
Feb 6, 2023
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