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drummer Billy Ward on Modern Drummer Online

Billy Ward






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Note: Some MD articles are only available in pdf format. Those articles do not appear in this list. Subscribers to Digital and All-Access can view every Modern Drummer issue in their available formats. Browse all MD issues from our archive here.
May 2020:
Remembering Neil

Some of the worlds greatest drummers and industry members share their memories of what Neil Peart has meant to them.


April 2006:
April 2006 – Volume 30 • Number 4

Neil Peart, Steve Smith, John Riley, Rod Morgenstein, Stanton Moore, Billy Ward, Ian Paice, Rob Zgaljic, Kofi Baker, Orri Pall Dyrason, Steve Davis, Aaron Spears, Jimmy Chamberlin, Scott Travis


May 2005:
May 2005 – Volume 29 • Number 5

Antonio Sanchez, Jimmy Chamberlin, Chris Wilson, Gorden Campbell, Dave Buckner, Sam Loeffler, Nathan Followill, Slim Jim Phantom, Lance Hyland Stark, Alphonse Mouzon, Steve Hubback, Chris Wilson, Ray Mosca, Jason Bittner, Billy Ward, Russ Miller


March 2005:
March 2005 – Volume 29 • Number 3

Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, Terry Bozzio, Chuck Comeau, Earl Palmer, Billy “Thunder” Mason, David Garibaldi, Rodney Green, Chris Vrenna, Rod Morgenstein, Joel Rosenblatt, Sebastian Thomson, Billy Ward, Chuck Morris, Roger Taylor, Ronnie Vannucci, Scott Rockenfield, Brad Morgan, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Ian Paice


May 2001:
May 2001 – Volume 25 • Number 5

Joey Waronker, Sheila E, Greg Eklund, John Hollenbeck, Matt Laug, Raymond Herrera, Jeff Sipe, Shane Evans, Todd Sucherman, Drori Mondlak, Billy Cobham, Gavin Harrison, Neal Busby, Ron Spagnardi, Osami Mizuno, Jennie Hoeft, Billy Ward, Rick Mattingly, Curt Bisquera, Pat Mastelotto, Ian Paice


February 2001:
February 2001 – Volume 25 • Number 2

Tyler Stewart, Hilary Jones, Billy Ward, Billy Mason, Chuck Sabo, Rob Ladd, Brian Burwell, Russ Miller, Mark Ambrosino, Ken Vogel, Rob Leytham, Roger Odell, Ed Breckenfeld, John Xepoleas, John Thomakos, Jeff Decker, Tim Earle, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, “JR” Robinson


July 1999:
July 1999 – Volume 23 • Number 7

Matt Cameron, Zoro, Billy Ward, Dave Lombardo, Rod Morgenstein, Stephen Perkins, Roger Hawkins, Paul Wertico, Kevan McKenzie, John Otto, Prairie Prince, Lee Rudnicki, Ted Moore, Roy Hanes, Jay Schellen, John Riley, Joe Morello, Daniel Glass, Russ McKinnon, Mark Griffith, Bun E. Carlos, Jack Gavin, Herman Matthews



Posted: October 12, 2022

Category: News
Jane’s Addiction and Smashing Pumpkins Tour

By Alex Kluft Smashing Pumpkins and Jane’s Addiction kicked off the opening night of their tour at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. This dream 90’s tour will end at the Hollywood Bowl on November 19th. For Jane’s Addiction, this was their first show with original bassist Eric Avery in 12 …


Posted: October 4, 2021

Category: News
100 Drummers “Drum Together” for WhyHunger Campaign

The mission is simple, but critical: One Beat. One Mission. End Hunger. WhyHunger—a non-profit founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio deejay Bill Ayres to “change systems, policies, and institutions that perpetuate hunger and poverty in our world”—enlisted more than 100 drummers and percussionists to perform a …


Posted: July 22, 2021

Category: News
Sheila E. is Crowned First Female Winner of the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame

The Queen of Percussion, Sheila E., is having a great summer. Besides being back to touring, it was announced in June, that the Latin Recording Academy will honor Sheila E. and her father Pete Escovedo with a Lifetime Achievement Award on November 17th in Las Vegas. On July 20th, Modern Drummer, the worldwide leading …


Posted: September 14, 2020

Rat Scabies
Category: News
Rat Scabies on the Upcoming Album by Professor and the Madman

Rat Scabies came to prominence with the Damned, the first British punk band to release a single (“New Rose,” October 1976), put out a full-length album (Damned Damned Damned, February 1977), and tour the U.S. (spring of ’77). Rat left the Damned in the mid-’90s, but has kept busy and …


Posted: September 5, 2020

Franie Banali
Category: News
Remembering Quiet Riot Drummer Frankie Banali

“My passion in continuing Quiet Riot has everything to do with the fact that drumming is what I’ve always wanted to do,” Quiet Riot’s Frankie Banali told Modern Drummer in a 2015 interview. “I worked very hard and struggled a lot to get to the point that we did with …


Posted: August 20, 2020

Category: News
20th Annual Modern Drummer Festival featuring A Tribute To Iconic Drummer Neil Peart.

LiveXLive to Produce and Distribute Live Pay Per View Show Featuring Incredible Lineup Reaching over 150 Million Social Media Fans — Taylor Hawkins, Chad Smith, Cindy Blackman-Santana, Thomas Lang, Alex Gonzalez A global platform for livestream and on-demand audio, video and podcast content in music, comedy, and pop culture, announced …


Posted: August 18, 2020

Phil Ehart
Category: News
Phil Ehart on Kansas’s New Album, The Absence of Presence

The Absence of Presence, American progressive-rock band Kansas’s sixteenth studio album, was released this past July 17 on Inside Out Music. The album follows up 2016’s The Prelude Implicit, which entered Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart at #14. Kansas, who have sold more than 30 million albums worldwide since their …


Posted: June 25, 2020

Category: News, News and Events
First-Ever GearFest Online Launches this Friday and Saturday

In the midst of the world-wide pandemic, Sweetwater is bringing its annual GearFest event completely online this Friday, June 26 and Saturday, June 27. All gear-obsessed musicians are invited, and no registration is required for GearFest2020. Featuring guest appearances, workshops, panels, in-depth interviews, and more from some of the biggest …


Posted: March 19, 2020

Category: On the Beat
MD Spotlight Subscriber Hal Howland: On The Beat

I really appreciated Billy Amendola’s Editors Overview in the November 2019 issue of Modern Drummer in which he asked readers to let the magazine and fellow subscribers know what we have been up to.


Posted: March 5, 2020

Joey Cassata
Category: On the Beat
Joey Cassata of ZO2

I’m really excited to announce that my recently released autobiography, Start With a Dream: A Drummer’s Journey from Rock & Roll to TV to Broadway, reached number one on the Amazon bestseller list!


Posted: February 6, 2020

Category: On the Beat
Max Silverstein of No1Cares

Comedian/Actor/Drummer Andrew Dice Clay’s son Max talks about his influences, gear, and playing with his brother Dillon.


Posted: August 2, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Brie Darling of Cherie Currie, Fanny, and Boxing Gandhis

Los Angeles-based, female rock icons Cherie Currie and Brie Darling have joined together to record their debut album, The Motivator.


Posted: July 11, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Pete Biggiani of Kodiak

When I was eleven, Modern Drummer and Carmine Appice ran a contest. Carmine was searching for the next child drum prodigy to star in his upcoming Realistic Rock for Kids DVD. We submitted a video of my playing and I won!


Posted: May 21, 2019

Rich Scannella
Category: On the Beat
Rich Scannella of Jon Bon Jovi & the Kings of Suburbia

Hi MD readers, Rich Scannella here, I am checking in between my gigs with Jon Bon Jovi & the Kings of Suburbia.


Posted: April 18, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Bob Holz on His Latest Album and More!

What a pleasure it was to headline at the world famous Catalina Jazz Bar in Hollywood and share the stage with Dean Brown, Brandon Fields, Andrew Ford, and Hans Zermuehlan!


Posted: December 18, 2018

Dennis Diken
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Dennis Diken of the Smithereens in On The Beat

Hello MD! Greetings from our tour bus, which is rolling from St. Charles, Illinois to Youngstown, Ohio. I’m currently drumming on Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever! 2018 tour.


Posted: October 19, 2018

Beat Hunger
Category: News, News and Events
Top Drummers Join Forces for Beat Hunger Campaign

The November issue of Modern Drummer includes a news item on the hunger-awareness campaign Beat Hunger, which recently brought together a number of pro drummers to help publicize the ongoing need for nutritious food and support for Haitians living in extreme poverty. A few of the participants were kind enough …


Posted: April 19, 2018

Manny Elias
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Manny Elias of Tears for Fears and Gregory Darling: Talks New Albums

A massive hello to all you MD readers, Manny Elias here and it’s great to chat with you again! As some of you may remember I’m the original drummer from Tears For Fears (The Hurting and Songs From The Big Chair).


Posted: September 19, 2017

Hall of Heavy Metal History
Category: News, News and Events
Iconic Metal Musicians And Industry Executives Inducted Into The Hall Of Heavy Metal History

Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward, Dream Theater keyboardist Jordan Rudess, bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan, and other metal royalty will be featured in the Annual Hall of Heavy Metal History Induction Ceremony.


Posted: August 31, 2017

Joseph Scarpino
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat Joseph Scarpino of Roulette: Redefining the Role of the Drummer

Hi MD! When you start playing drums, it’s natural to picture what “type” of drummer you are going to be. You follow icons, styles of music, and project what you want for your career. But drumming has led me to so many other interests.


Posted: July 6, 2017

Fred Eltringham
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Fred Eltringham of Sheryl Crow: Talks Latest Shows and Upcoming Tour

Hey, Modern Drummer readers! Fred Eltringham here. I recently played some special shows that I think quite a few of you will enjoy, especially if you are a ZZ Top fan.


Posted: April 26, 2017

Category: A Different View, Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Web Exclusive: Producer Russ Titelman on 10 of His Favorite Drummers

The June issue of Modern Drummer magazine features an interview with three-time Grammy Award–winning producer Russ Titelman who in his long career has worked with musical giants including Little Feat, Randy Newman, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Cyndi Lauper, Graham Central Station, Rickie Lee Jones, George Harrison, Chaka Khan, the Bee …


Posted: April 18, 2017

Category: Drummers, Featured, News, News and Events
Steve Smith’s Acceptance Speech During Journey’s Induction Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

At Journey’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year, drummer Steve Smith took the opportunity to, as we say, give the drummers some.


Posted: February 8, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Legendary Bassist Nathan East on His New Album Reverence

On Nathan East’s second solo album, Reverence, he once again steps into the spotlight as bandleader. Produced by East and Yamaha Entertainment Group of America founder Chris Gero, it’s no surprise that shortly after its debut (less than one month ago), the album hit the number-one spot on both the …


Posted: January 13, 2017

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Bill Stevenson, Part 1: the Reemergence of Descendents

To borrow from the great Walt Whitman: Bill Stevenson is large. He contains multitudes. Over the last four decades, the hulking drummer has tirelessly propelled the likes of Descendents, All, and Black Flag—a trio of trailblazing bands as skilled at progressive, fusion-inspired jams as they are straight-up punk rock burners …


Posted: December 27, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Alphonse Mouzon Passes

Alphonse Mouzon came to prominence in the ’70s as one of the top drummers on the burgeoning fusion scene, playing with premier acts like Weather Report and Larry Coryell’s Eleventh House.


Posted: November 30, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured, Web Exclusive
Track-by-Track: Frank Zummo Discusses Sum 41’s 13 Voices

Born in Long Island, New York, Zummo began drumming at the early age of three when he discovered his dad’s drumkit. By the time he was seven he was an award-winning drummer, taking home the top prize in Long Island Drum Center’s Battle of the Beats. In 2004, Zummo helped …


Posted: October 27, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Ernie Durawa of the Texas Tornados: Talks Projects and Performances

Well, 2017 seems to be approaching fast! There are a lot of great music performances and some tours and recordings to talk about.


Posted: October 14, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Corky Laing of Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing: Looking Back and Facing Forward

Hi there MD readers, Corky here. As some of you may know, I have been a professional drummer for half a century. You might remember me from such bands as Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing.


Posted: October 14, 2016

Category: Drummers, Featured
Video Premiere! Billy Drummond on the Track “Eronel” and Improvising With Pianist Kris Davis

Last month Modern Drummer Online premiered two videos featuring drummer Marcus Gilmore performing with pianist, composer, and bandleader Kris Davis during the recording of her new album, Duopoly.


Posted: September 30, 2016

Category: Drummers, Issues
November 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Living Colour’s Will Calhoun

See what’s in the November 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Living Colour’s Will Calhoun!


Posted: September 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, On the Beat
On Tour: Tony Leone With the Chris Robinson Brotherhood

Longtime New York City drummer Tony Leone is currently on the road with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood.


Posted: August 5, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Terry Silverlight: Upcoming Albums and More

Hello, MD readers! I’d like to share recent news of my drumming and musical activities.


Posted: August 1, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured, Web Exclusive
Evan Chapman of Square Peg Round Hole: Juniper Album, “Name Not One Man??? Video World Premiere

With Juniper, instrumental and percussion-heavy trio Square Peg Round Hole unleashes pondering melodies, brooding harmonic landscapes, and forward-thinking rhythms. Here, the group’s main drummer, Evan Chapman, discusses the concepts and influences behind the record’s broad sonic spectrum….


Posted: June 30, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured, Web Exclusive
Carl Allen: Learning From the Giants

Allen is a revered figure in the field of forward-reaching, swinging jazz rooted in the tradition. When he first made waves in the jazz world, joining Freddie Hubbard’s band in 1982 at the tender age of nineteen, elder giants took note.


Posted: May 31, 2016

2016 Gear of the Year Issue Modern Drummer magazine
Category: Drummers, Featured, Issues, News, News and Events
July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue

See what’s in the July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue.


Posted: May 31, 2016

Category: Drummers, Featured, Issues, News, News and Events
July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue

See what’s in the July Modern Drummer magazine 2016 Gear of the Year Issue.


Posted: March 26, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Web Exclusive
Aric Improta’s “Drum Chain??? Video

For drummers who’ve learned to thrive in the YouTube era, the creation of fresh, sharable content that will grab viewers’ attention often enough to keep their buzz buzzing is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Night Verses’ quirky drummer, Aric Improta, is certainly keeping his name on the lips of …


Posted: January 11, 2016

Category: A Different View, Feature Stories, News, News and Events
David Bowie: A Different View

The music world is quite a bit less bold today with the passing of David Bowie, the iconic artist who was as famous for his appetite for new musical ideas as he was for his ability to wholeheartedly inhabit whatever sonic world he created. One happy result of the singer, …


Posted: November 2, 2015

Category: Feature Stories
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List

Over the course of his forty-year career traveling the globe to teach, perform, and conduct clinics, Dom Famularo has interacted with some of the finest drummers and drum instructors in the world. The following list contains many of those names, organized by country/continent. If you’re looking for top-notch drum instruction, …


Posted: October 14, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive: Producer David Frangioni on the Brian Frasier-Moore “Grooves For Life??? Loop Library

In 2009, Audio One’s sound-specialist and producer David Frangioni spoke to Madonna’s musical director Kevin Antunes about Brian Frasier-Moore contributing to Frangioni’s series of drum sample libraries. Antunes thought it was a wonderful idea and three years later, in 2012, David Frangioni Presents Brian Frasier-Moore, Volume 1 was released.


Posted: October 14, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Evan Burrows of Wand on 1,000 Days

The Los Angeles–based group Wand, featuring drummer Evan Burrows, singer and guitarist Cory Hanson, and bassist Lee Landy, are among the most prolific of the current crop of galaxy-gazing garage-rockers, producing three full-lengths in just over a year. Burrows makes the most out of the group’s ambitious music-world view, muscularly …


Posted: October 9, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: John Good and DW Drums Visit Guitar Center NYC for DW Day

On October 3, 2015 in New York City, original Kiss drummer Peter Criss, session drummers Shawn Pelton and Billy Ward, along with Foghat’s Roger Earl, Modern Drummer’s Billy Amendola, and DW Senior Executive Vice President and drum making guru John Good made an appearance at DW Day at the Guitar …


Posted: September 22, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Faith No More’s Mike Bordin Discusses Sol Invictus and His Hard-Hitting Playing Style

During an all too brief tour break, Bordin took a moment to talk to Modern Drummer about why Faith No More got back together, the DIY ethos that drove the making of Sol Invictus, how he manages to deliver such a physical set every night, and much more….


Posted: August 17, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: PMC Announces Appointment of Sarah Hagan of Zildjian to Advisory Board

The Percussion Marketing Council (PMC) Executive Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Hagan to its advisory board….


Posted: May 8, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
Event: Sweetwater Presents GearFest 2015

Sweetwater, a top online retailer of music instruments and audio equipment in the US, is presenting GearFest 2015 on Friday, June 12, from 9 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, June 13, from 9 am to 5 pm, at the Sweetwater campus located at 5501 US Hwy 30 W in …


Posted: April 6, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Downtrend’s J.D. Hall on Fusing Backwoods Heritage and Metal

Greetings, MD readers! My last blog was back in 2010 and much has happened since then. I am currently slamming the skins for the Pikeville, Kentucky–based hard rock/metal band Downtrend. We are signed to an indie label called Vision Metal Records out of Tennessee….


Posted: March 26, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: Vic’s Drum Shop Wins 2014 Outstanding Retailer Award From Vic Firth Company

Vic’s Drum Shop in Chicago has been selected to receive the 2014 Outstanding Retailer Award from Vic Firth. The award was presented to drum shops across America that achieved double-digit sales growth last year with more than $25,000 in annual sell-through of Vic Firth products….


Posted: March 24, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: the Blues Magoos’ Geoff Daking Talks Greenwich Village, Engineering, and Session Work

Hey drummers! I’m Geoff Daking of the Blues Magoos. I started playing in the early ’60s in Delaware. When I was in high school I came to New York City on weekends to see Monk, Cannonball, and Coltrane with those great drummers like Elvin Jones. I moved to Greenwich Village …


Posted: February 24, 2015

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, What You Need to Know About
What You Need to Know About…Bass Drum Pedals

At first thought, it might be easy to write off any bass drum pedal as a simple combination of footboard and beater. After all, how many ways can there be to strike a kick drum? To those non-drummers out there, it probably seems as elemental as step on a pedal, …


Posted: January 30, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Dre “Energy??? Boyd Checks in From Cirque du Soleil

Hi, Modern Drummer readers! This is Andre “Dre Energy??? Boyd. I’ve been on tour with Cirque du Soleil and playing cities like Zurich, Florence, Rome, Paris, Lisbon, Tenerife, and many more….


Posted: January 14, 2015

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, What You Need to Know About
What You Need to Know About…Drum Mics

By its very nature, the drumset can be the hardest instrument to mike. Guitarists, for example, have it easy: They have only themselves, their axe, and maybe an amp to deal with, whereas a drummer’s territory essentially comprises a collection of vastly different instruments. In this article we’ll take a …


Posted: October 20, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Jonathan Joseph: Tracking Soul Legend Betty Wright’s Living…Love…Lies

Jonathan Joseph recently wrapped up his second tour with legendary guitarist Jeff Beck, a gig that you can read all about in the November issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Here we talk with Joseph, who’s also singer Joss Stone’s drummer and musical director, about his work with R&B singer Betty …


Posted: October 14, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, News and Events
The Essence of Progressive Drumming

What is the rhythmic essence of progressive music? What makes prog so different from other genres? Does it require a specific skill set on the drumkit, or does the nature of the music make it open to interpretation? MD posed these and other questions to the drummers in Spock’s Beard, …


Posted: September 29, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Influences, News and Events
Influences: Bill Stevenson

Drummer Bill Stevenson is among the most influential musicians associated with West Coast punk rock, on any instrument. After making his name with seminal hard-core band Black Flag in the ’80s, Stevenson proceeded to set a standard for punk drumming with the Descendants and All, later spreading his reputation even …


Posted: August 19, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Influences: Harvey Mason

Here, as a companion to our August 2014 Influences piece on Mason, we speak with the drummer about his new album, his early days, the drummers who inspired him, and more….


Posted: August 12, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, News and Events
A Tale of Two Tull Drummers: Doane Perry and Mark Craney

Modern Drummer recently chatted with longtime Jethro Tull drummer Doane Perry while doing research for an article on drummer Dean Zimmer. Perry spoke at length about his relationship with Zimmer as well as his great friendship with the late, great Mark Craney, who, in addition to preceding Perry in Tull, …


Posted: June 6, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
Modern Drummer Online All-Starr Tribute To Ringo Starr

Fest For Beatles Fans’ Michelle Joni Lapidos introduces the Ringo Symposium for our first video tribute to Ringo Starr. Saturday Night Lives’ Shawn Pelton kicks it off by sharing and explaining his favorite Ringo drum tracks….


Posted: May 29, 2014

Category: News, News and Events
Mark Schulman, Daniel Glass, and Bruce Becker Announce “Triple Threat??? LA Drum Camp

World-renowned drummers, educators, authors, and instructional DVD creators Mark Schulman (Pink/Foreigner), Daniel Glass (Brian Setzer/Bette Midler) and Bruce Becker (Mike Stern/Ron Carter) will a drum camp this July 18–20 at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles, located at 6360 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, CA….


Posted: March 17, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, In Memoriam, News, News and Events
Stooges Drummer Scott Asheton Passes

Modern Drummer learned of the death this past weekend of Scott Asheton, drummer with the seminal Ann Arbor, Michigan, band the Stooges; his passing was noted in several media reports and on Stooges singer Iggy Pop’s Facebook page. In honor of Asheton’s unique place in rock ’n’ roll history, we’re …


Posted: November 27, 2013

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, News, News and Events
Chico Hamilton: 1921–2013

Jazz drummer Foreststorn “Chico??? Hamilton died this past Monday at the age of ninety-two. Hamilton was notable for his refined approach to the drumset, which leaned more heavily on creative orchestrations than on flash, an approach that in the 1950s inspired the movements of cool and chamber jazz. Notably, Hamilton …


Posted: November 13, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Joe Ranieri of Dog Society

My professional recording career started in 1990 with Dog Society. After years of songwriting, club gigs, and sessions, the foursome was signed to Atlantic East West Records….


Posted: October 21, 2013

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, In Memoriam
Renowned Fusion Drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson Passes

Ronald Shannon Jackson died at his home in Fort Worth, Texas, this past October 19. Jackson was a renowned drummer, composer, and bandleader who supported some of the giants of avant-garde jazz, including Cecil Taylor, Ornette Coleman, and Albert Ayler….


Posted: August 16, 2013

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
The Goo Goo Dolls’ Mike Malinin Discusses Magnetic
Track by Track

For Mike Malinin and his bandmates in the Goo Goo Dolls—bassist Robby Takac and singer/guitarist John Rzeznik—having their tenth album, Magnetic, debut at number eight on Billboard’s Top 200 chart shouldn’t come as a surprise. The Grammy-nominated trio from Buffalo, New York, has sold more than ten million albums worldwide …


Posted: July 18, 2013

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Tuning (UPDATED)

We asked the members of the MD Education Team to share their thoughts on how they prefer to tune their drums. Here’s what they had to say….


Posted: June 5, 2013

Category: News, News and Events
Thomas Lang, Aaron Spears, Steve Smith, and Dave Weckl Appearing at Cleveland Drum Fantasy Camp

For the seventh consecutive year, Drum Fantasy Camp will allow drummers of all ages, playing levels, and musical genres to spend time in small classes with some of the world’s great drummers. This year’s camp will be held August 8 through 12 at the Hyatt Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio….


Posted: May 27, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason Sutter of Marilyn Manson

I am heading out on tour again with Marilyn Manson and wanted to drop a line as to what I’ve been up to since I last caught up with Modern Drummer in a 2010 magazine feature.


Posted: May 6, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Manny Kellough of Billy Preston

Hello Modern Drummer readers. My name is Manny Kellough, and I am known mostly as the original drummer for Billy Preston….


Posted: April 25, 2013

MD columnist Stephen Bidwell at SXSW
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
MD columnist Stephen Bidwell at SXSW

The South by Southwest (SXSW) music conference started out in the late 1980s as a showcase for the Austin music scene and unsigned bands but has expanded wildly into a ten-day affair.


Posted: April 25, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
MD columnist Stephen Bidwell at SXSW

The South by Southwest (SXSW) music conference started out in the late 1980s as a showcase for the Austin music scene and unsigned bands but has expanded wildly into a ten-day affair.


Posted: March 27, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Stickman Drum Experience Fantasy Drum Camp

The Stickman Drum Experience Fantasy Drum Camp will take place at the Cedar Lodge on Blackstrap Lake in Saskatchewan from June 27 to July 1….


Posted: March 22, 2013

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Ergonomics

Click here to check out what the MD Education Team members have to say about setting up your drumset for maximum results….


Posted: March 11, 2013

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
“40 Years of Spectrum,??? Live Online Workshop with Billy Cobham

ArtistWorks, a leading provider of interactive online music lessons, has teamed up with Modern Drummer to present a live-streaming workshop with master drummer and ArtistWorks online teaching artist Billy Cobham….


Posted: March 11, 2013

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Cobham Online Workshop Live Stream

View the Billy Cobham “40 Years of Spectrum??? live-streaming event right here on March 16 at 9 am Pacific Standard Time….


Posted: December 19, 2012

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
LAMA College For Music Professionals Hosts Drum Recording Workshop

LAMA College for Music Professionals has announced details for its upcoming drum recording workshop on February 2, 2013.


Posted: December 13, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Eric Slick of Dr. Dog

Hey, MD readers. My name is Eric Slick, and I currently play drums for the Philadelphia group Dr. Dog. I’ll give you a brief history of my past, but I’ll intertwine it with two essential parts of making music: challenges and failures.


Posted: November 28, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Billy McCarthy of Ferocious Drummers

As a drummer myself, I had a burning question, “Why is it we’ve never heard from the drummer’s personality and character on and off the stage????


Posted: November 26, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Emil Amos of Grails, Om, and Holy Sons

Growing up in the ’80s, one was forced to pound the pavement and hit up older record heads for information on obscure and creative bands.


Posted: November 19, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Brit Turner of Blackberry Smoke

My name is Brit Turner, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia, with my wife, daughter, dog, two cats, one fish, and a snail. Great things have been happening for me lately.


Posted: September 21, 2012

Category: Drummers, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Traditional Grip

Is traditional grip a useful technique that drum students should learn? We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think traditional grip is relevant in today’s teachings. Here’s what they had to say.


Posted: August 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jayson Brinkworth

Hey there, Modern Drummer readers, Jayson Brinkworth here again from Canada. Things have been crazy busy up here with Aaron Pritchett and One More Girl gigs, as well as many sessions….


Posted: August 3, 2012

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
The Cult’s John Tempesta

The September issue of Modern Drummer magazine features Cult drummer John Tempesta offering ten tips on navigating a journeyman career and growing as a drummer. Here he elaborates on those topics and talks about his most recent projects, including the Cult’s new album, Choice of Weapon….


Posted: July 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, Lessons, MD Education Team
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Reading Music

We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think that reading skills are crucial. Here’s what they had to say….


Posted: May 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
The Villains’ Sean McNally

The recording of the Villains’ second album, Velocity, started with a series of pre-production rehearsals attended by the band and producers Stan Lynch and Billy Chapin. (continue reading)


Posted: April 18, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Shai Hulud’s Matt Covey

Hey guys, this is Matt Covey of Shai Hulud, the Suicide Dolls, and the Flaming Tsunamis. And the Hempsteadys. And the Franklin Brothers…and Young Pandas. About three and a half years ago, I was shocked to find myself on the road playing drums for a truly pioneering band….


Posted: April 10, 2012

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
ArtistWorks Drum Academy Launches Luis Conte School of Percussion on April 11

The Grammy Award-winning master percussionist debuts an interactive, bilingual online music school.


Posted: March 19, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Tim Walsh of the Stepkids

I’m Tim Walsh of the Stepkids, and I’m excited to be on here and hope to add to the wealth of knowledge that is MD’s awesome thirty-five-year history…


Posted: March 6, 2012

Category: Back Through the Stack, Drummers, Feature Stories
Back Through The Stack:
Simon Phillips, December 1986

This is an excerpt of an article that originally ran in the December1986 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.


Posted: January 20, 2012

Category: Feature Stories
25 Great Double-Drumming Tracks

Two drummers working it out, face to face—trading licks, contributing to a massive groove, spurring each other on—it’s one of the great musical traditions, and surely it goes back to the very invention of the drumkit at the beginning of the last century. This group of tunes focuses on tracks …


Posted: January 17, 2012

Category: Back Through the Stack, Drummers, Feature Stories
Back Through The Stack
Teddy Campbell

This article originally ran in the September 2005 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.


Posted: December 13, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Queen Extravaganza Winner Tyler Warren

It’s more than a thrill to be announced as the drummer for Queen Extravaganza! Roger Taylor, one of my favorite and most inspirational musicians, picked me as their new drummer! It’s insane. And I found out while I was on a roof, no less!


Posted: December 1, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Roger Taylor Reveals Finalists for the Queen Extravaganza Tour

Over the course of the past ten weeks, vocalists, guitarists, drummers, bassists, and keyboard players from across the U.S. and Canada have auditioned online at www.queenextravaganza.com, hoping to become part of the Queen Extravaganza Tour, a major production launching in 2012 featuring performances of Queen’s biggest hits. The contestants performed …


Posted: November 30, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Ben Riley: Power of the Lion, Patience of the Ages

Ben Riley commands respect from the moment he hits the bandstand. While he is best known (and beloved) for his years spent in Thelonious Monk’s quartet at the peak of that master’s powers, Riley has also recorded and performed with many other jazz greats.This article orginally ran in the February …


Posted: November 22, 2011

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Paul Motian: Embracing The Past, Forging the Future

An interview with post-bop master Paul Motian, which ran in the April 2005 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.


Posted: November 22, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
November Web Update News

Drumming news for the month of November complied in one place.


Posted: November 7, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Atma Anur

Things have changed so much in the past ten years—in general, and for me personally, in the way I interface with the music industry. I feel like those ten years have progressed in a very different and far more varied way than the ten years that passed before them.


Posted: November 4, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
Preparing for Takeoff: Jack Irons on His Current Approach to Moving Solo Tracks to the Stage

MD Online recently spoke to Jack about the process of making his new EP, including the making of the video for the track “Outer Space Dream.???


Posted: November 3, 2011

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
Billy Ward on New Chris Shinn Project

Intimate in-studio videos of Billy Ward’s exciting new project offer a unique view of a high-art Americana recording.


Posted: October 31, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Freddie Gruber

Right up until his passing on October 11, Freddie Gruber was a source of deep and important knowledge for many top drummers.


Posted: October 4, 2011

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, What You Need to Know About
What You Need to Know About…Cymbal Alloys

Familiarize yourself with the basics of cymbal alloys and you’ll be well equipped to make the correct cymbal purchases for the type of music that you play.


Posted: August 19, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Adam Fischel with Debbie Gibson and Midtown Men

Hello to all you drummers in MD-land! I am currently touring with ’80s teen idols Debbie Gibson and Tiffany on their Journey Through the ’80s tour…


Posted: July 28, 2011

Category: A Different View, Drummers, Feature Stories
A Different View with Danny Kortchmar

More with the world-renowned right-hand man to rock’s singer-songwriter royalty, who is featured in the Different View column of this month’s issue of MD.


Posted: July 20, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Justin Wilson of Sleeper Agent

I play in Sleeper Agent. Our music is fast-paced and energetic punk-infused pop rock. We’ve been together for about three years now. Our sound is heavily influenced by Jay Reatard, the Strokes, the Beatles, and many others…


Posted: July 1, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
MD Readers Poll 2011 Results

Welcome once again to the MD Readers Poll, where the greatest drummers on the planet are honored by the most educated drum fans around. Let’s get right to it: the envelope, please….


Posted: May 27, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Remembering “The Chapin Magic”

Modern Drummer’s 2011 Readers Poll Hall of Fame inductee is the late drummer/educator Jim Chapin, who passed away in 2009.


Posted: May 2, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Danny Seraphine: Update

by Bob GirouardIt seems that since Danny Seraphine made a comeback of sorts of the 2006 Modern Drummer Festival, he’s kicked the current phase of his drumming career into high gear, appearing at events like Drummers for Jesus, the 2009 Chicago Drum Show, and a Terry Kath tribute, and making …


Posted: April 21, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason Reeves’ Billy Hawn

2011 is off to an exciting start for me as I prepare for a short radio promo tour followed by rehearsals and tours throughout the year with singer-songwriter Jason Reeves….


Posted: March 30, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Pat Torpey of Mr. Big

Hey, everyone, Pat Torpey here! Do you remember me? I’m the drummer of Mr. Big, and we have a new CD/download (or whatever you like) out that’s ready for your perusal. It’s all the original members—Billy Sheehan, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, and me. We decided to title it What If… …


Posted: March 4, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Ward: Deep Thoughts, Deep Rhythms

Billy Ward is a unique force in the drum world—a technician of the highest order who can bring taste and creativity to a huge variety of musical situations, a clear and enthusiastic educator, and a notorious drumming thinker who is always ready with an unusual but pragmatic take on the …


Posted: February 16, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
John “JR” Robinson: Web Exclusive

Story by Billy AmendolaBetween his appearance on this year’s Grammys and his upcoming performance at the Oscars, JR continues his conversation with MD about what a typical day in the studio is like, his early influences, his upcoming DVD, drum solos, reading charts, and taking a break from the studio …


Posted: February 8, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Paul Nicholasen’s Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy Camp Experience

Hello, MD readers! I want to share my brush with greatness with you. I’m an amateur drummer who was lucky enough to be sent to David Fishof’s Rock ’N’ Roll Fantasy Camp in Philadelphia by my wife. The camp was held the weekend of October 22-24 and was a blast, …


Posted: January 9, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ty Dennis of The Doors

It is my privilege to be invited to contribute here at moderndrummer.com, as I’ve looked forward to each new issue of the magazine for over twenty years! A little update: This past summer was pretty cool. May through August found me once again on the road with Ray Manzarek and …


Posted: December 22, 2010

Gorden Campbell Modern Drummer Drummer Blog
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gorden Campbell

Hey, MD readers! It’s your boy Gorden Campbell, and I’m back once again to give you an update on my travels around the globe! This has been a busy year for me. From the George Duke and American Idol tours, to recording my first instructional DVD, I’ve had a great …


Posted: December 13, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Daniel Glass: Living History

Daniel Glass is an award-winning drummer, author, historian, and educator best known for helping to usher in the resurgence of swing with renowned L.A. group Royal Crown Revue….


Posted: November 23, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Richie Hayward: The MD Interviews, Part 2

Interview by Robyn FlansRead the Little Feat drummer’s cover feature from October 1995. MD: You have a unique playing style with Little Feat. Can you describe that style and where it came from? Richie: My style has grown with the band. It started out heavily influenced by blues, rock ’n’ …


Posted: October 26, 2010

Category: Drummers, The Greats
John Tempesta: Heavy With Testament, Zombie, And Beyond

John Tempesta has worked his way to the top of heavy metal drumming, but his first inspirations and influences to pursue the instrument came via Ringo Starr in the Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night and Dennis Davis supporting David Bowie at Madison Square Garden in 1977. John bought a …


Posted: October 21, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Richie Hayward: The MD Interviews, Part 1

Read the Little Feat drummer’s feature from March 1988.The drum world will never see another Richie Hayward. The longtime Little Feat drummer, who passed away in August, was among the most musically stylish and quietly influential drummers of the classic rock era, equal parts monster technician and old-soul groove master. …


Posted: October 14, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Rich Mangicaro

Hey, Modern Drummer fans! I hope you’re all busy playing your butts off out there! As some of you may know, four years ago I made the big decision to retire my position as artist relations director at Paiste, after having the pleasure of that great gig for nineteen years. …


Posted: October 1, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Tosin Aribisala: Afrikan Rhapsody

Aye, MD faithful readers! My name is Tosin Aribisala. It is an honor for me to write a blog for this awesome drummers’ magazine. I have been an ardent reader and subscriber to Modern Drummer for over eleven of my twenty-three years playing the drumset….


Posted: April 20, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Paul Wertico: Gimme 10!

The multi-Grammy winner is never short on great suggestions for improving your playing. In fact, when we asked Wertico to offer ten tips for his story in this month’s issue, he gave us sixteen! Here’s what we couldn’t fit in the magazine….


Posted: December 28, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Sugar Hill’s Clarence Alonzo Oliver

For those of you who don’t know of me, I got my first big break as the touring drummer for the Moments, aka Ray, Goodman & Brown…


Posted: November 24, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Yoko Ono Talks Drums With Modern Drummer

by Billy AmendolaAt the young age of seventy-six, there’s just no slowing down for artist, activist, and avant-garde queen Yoko Ono, widow of the late Beatle John Lennon. Her latest CD, Between My Head And The Sky, made with her new Plastic Ono Band, was coproduced by Yoko and her …


Posted: October 20, 2009

Category: A Different View, Drummers, Feature Stories
A Different View: Paul Shaffer

The longtime Letterman bandleader and keyboardist chats with MD about some of his favorite drummers.


Posted: October 20, 2009

Category: Feature Stories
Drumming On TV

In celebration of the great, sometimes groundbreaking drumming performances of TV’s golden age, we present to you highlights along the illustrious Drumming On TV timeline…


Posted: September 2, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ken Weisbach of Flying Machines

Hello to all who have arrived here; nice to meet you. I play for a quartet called Flying Machines…


Posted: August 20, 2009

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Remembering Jim Chapin

The venerable drum teacher passed away this July 4, leaving behind thousands of acolytes–and a million great stories. In this companion to the In Memoriam in the October issue of MD, we hear from some of Chapin’s many friends and drumming disciples.


Posted: July 17, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Brian Tichy: Speed-Baggin’

Billy Idol/Foreigner drummer Brian Tichy recently rediscovered his longtime obsession with getting into shape by using a speed bag. How, what, why? Let’s find out.


Posted: June 1, 2009

Anthony "Tiny" Biuso of T.S.O.L. : Modern Drummer
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
T.S.O.L.'s Anthony "Tiny" Biuso

It’s Anthony Biuso here, checking in with a blog to let you know what’s been going on in my world. I left (hed) p.e. in August of 2008 to devote more time to my previous band, T.S.O.L. I had a great time touring and playing with (hed) p.e., and it …


Posted: June 1, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
T.S.O.L.’s Anthony “Tiny” Biuso

It’s Anthony Biuso here, checking in with a blog to let you know what’s been going on in my world. I left (hed) p.e. in August of 2008 to devote more time to my previous band, T.S.O.L. I had a great time touring and playing with (hed) p.e., and it …


Posted: May 18, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Fantastic Four: From The Church To The Shed

In this online exclusive, we continue our conversation with Gerald Heyward, Aaron Spears, Cora Coleman-Dunham, and Nisan Stewart.


Posted: March 3, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
David Jones

I just want to take this opportunity to share with you the amazing journey I’ve had over the last year–2008 was truly an unforgettable experience. After decades of playing in bands with other musicians and participating in international drum festivals, I decided to focus the last three years on solo …


Posted: February 19, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Mitch Mitchell: Drummers Weigh In

Mitch Mitchell was not alone in blending jazz and rock drumming styles, but he may have pushed the combo further than anyone who came before him. Here a number of noted drummers provide further insight into Mitch’s influence….


Posted: January 12, 2009

Category: Feature Stories, What We're Listening To
Great Drum Parts = GENIUS

The March issue of MD (out now) features Billy Ward’s fascinating conversation with Simon Phillips, Doane Perry, Marco Minnemann, Thomas Lang, and Jerry Marotta about the grooves that inspired them to play drums early on, and that continue to today. It seemed to make perfect sense for MD’s editors to …


Posted: January 8, 2009

Hawk Lopez of Crown Of Thorns : Modern Drummer
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Crown Of Thorns' Hawk Lopez

My name is Hawk Lopez and I’ve been with Crown Of Thorns since 1994, when I was recommended to Jean Beauvoir by Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo….


Posted: January 8, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Crown Of Thorns’ Hawk Lopez

My name is Hawk Lopez and I’ve been with Crown Of Thorns since 1994, when I was recommended to Jean Beauvoir by Ozzy Osbourne drummer Randy Castillo….


Posted: November 1, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Jon Wysocki of Staind

Jon Wysocki has been laying down his tasteful, well thought–out grooves with the chart-topping band Staind for thirteen years. The group, which hails from Springfield, Massachusetts, also includes lead singer/guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist/vocalist Johnny April. They’ve recorded six studio albums and four number-one singles, and …


Posted: October 22, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Felipe Torres

My name is Felipe, and as I write my first blog, I'm getting ready to tour with STM Records' ISM.


Posted: August 20, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Bob Thornton: Thinking Inside The Box

While many only know Billy Bob Thornton as an Academy Award–winning actor, he’s in fact been a musician far longer, ever since growing up in Arkansas…


Posted: July 18, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Thomas Pridgen: Turning Bedlam Into Beats

Twenty-four year old Thomas Pridgen unleashes the most rabid drumming in recent memory on The Mars Volta’s The Bedlam In Goliath. Of course, the band’s fans have come to expect madness and mastery from the innovative Long Beach, California group…


Posted: June 23, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Aaron Pritchett’s Jayson Brinkworth

Hey everyone, Jayson Brinkworth here writing from Canada. If this magazine doesn't get you fired up about playing drums, you must not have a pulse!


Posted: June 23, 2008

Jayson Brinkworth
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Aaron Pritchett's Jayson Brinkworth

Hey everyone, Jayson Brinkworth here writing from Canada. If this magazine doesn't get you fired up about playing drums, you must not have a pulse!


Posted: April 25, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Billy Drummond

As a leader, Billy Drummond has recorded three albums that exemplify his past-meets-future approach, a style marked by an allegiance to yesterday’s jazz masters, but with a forward-thinking bent….


Posted: April 10, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Tony Nesbitt-Larking with The Most Serene Republic

With our new CD, Population, hot off the press, and with the backing of Yaris and Arts & Crafts, we hit the road last October for a two-month mega-tour across Canada and the US.


Posted: January 25, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Roger Taylor: Update

It shouldn’t really be much of a surprise that Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate “Danja??? Hills all have production credits on Duran Duran’s new album, Red Carpet Massacre.


Posted: January 16, 2008

Category: Feature Stories
Best Of ’07

I’m convinced that, ten years from now, we’re going to look back at 2007 as an unusually fertile time in music and in drumming.


Posted: December 11, 2007

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Liberty DeVitto Checking In

I have a hard time when I hear a drummer say, “I saw you play with Billy Joel fifteen times, and there were so many questions I wish I could have asked you….”


Posted: December 1, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Update: Roger Taylor

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Nate “Danja??? Hills signed on to co-produce Duran Duran’s latest CD, Red Carpet Massacre. After all, the band—keyboardist Nick Rhodes, singer Simon Le Bon, bassist John Taylor, and drummer Roger Taylor (guitarist Andy Taylor decided to bow out …


Posted: November 1, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Amendola: Favorite Words & Music

There’s been a fantastic wave of pop lately, so for you fellow pop-heads, I wanted to share some of what I’ve been diggin’ on my iPod….


Posted: October 19, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, The Greats
Max Roach

Simply put, Max Roach brought jazz drumming into the modern age. Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Bud Powell revolutionized jazz with new melodies and concepts; Max matched these musical geniuses with startling rhythms and reactive, action-packed drumming that still influences drummers on a profound level today….


Posted: October 14, 2007

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Billy Atwell

If there is one thing I feel pretty confident discussing, it’s the concept of adaptability. In terms of drum history I went from being a tri-tom field drummer in high school to playing a Brufordesque Simmons kit in a prog-core quartet Jello Biafra called “the ‘Rush of hardcore.”…


Posted: October 1, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
The Return of Double Drumming’s Greatest Hits

In the February 2007 issue of Modern Drummer, we ran a feature called “Double Drumming’s 25 Greatest Hits.??? At the time we asked MD readers to submit their own favorite double-drum performances, which we’d post online at a later date. Well, the time has arrived, double-drum fans—the floor is yours!


Posted: September 19, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, What We're Listening To
The Evolution of Jimmy Chamberlin: Still Smashing

As a self confessed “elder statesman of music,??? and one of the most influential drummers of the past fifteen years, Jimmy Chamberlin has a thing or two to say about the state of the instrument….


Posted: July 16, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Josh Freese: Time Bandit

Time. Feel. Groove. Pulse. For many, these are illusive concepts with multiple meanings. Does a heavy metal drummer “feel??? the pulse in the same way as a pop drummer?…


Posted: November 1, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Xavier Muriel

MD Online spoke with the busy drummer mid-tour about what it’s been like going from rebuilding motorcycles to playing on hit records and sold out shows around the world….


Posted: September 25, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Joe Morello: Revisiting A Master

The Dave Brubeck Quartet was the most popular jazz group of that time. “Take Five,” featuring a drum solo by Joe Morello, was a million-seller. This group toured the world playing concerts instead of location club gigs. I can’t think of one jazz group today that approaches the level of …


Posted: May 15, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Vinnie Paul

As the drummer for two now classic metal acts, Pantera and Damageplan, Vinnie Paul has clearly leaned toward the heavier side of the rock spectrum. With his latest project, Rebel Meets Rebel, Vinnie is certainly maintaining ground he’s covered in the past….


Posted: February 1, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
The Fab Faux’s Rich Pagano

New York City drummer Rich Pagano is way more than just a member of the hippest Beatle cover band you’ll ever hear. He’s also an accomplished singer and producer. As we journey through Rich’s MD Online interview, we’ll learn that not only does he do a stellar job of providing …


Posted: October 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Mickey Curry

Not many people get to do exactly what they love and get paid for it – much less with two of the biggest artists in the world. Mickey Curry toured and recorded with Hall & Oates at the peak of their career, laying down a solid backbeat with perfect feel …


Posted: July 24, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Hart: Of Unsung Heroes and Jazz Giants

Billy Hart is one of the unsung giants of jazz. He’s recorded over six hundred albums, including seminal dates with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Joe Zawinul, Sam Rivers, Pharoah Sanders, John Scofield, Lee Konitz, Hank Jones, Pat Martino, Charles Lloyd, Dave Liebman, and most recently, heavy hitters like …


Posted: July 20, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Tony Thompson

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 Virgin,” Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love,” the list goes on.


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
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 and working with ace session guitarist Les Dudek…


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Drumming With the Velvet Underground, Part 2: Maureen Tucker

In Part 2 of our interview with the drummers of The Velvet Underground, we talk to Maureen Tucker, the player most often associated with the group….


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Ringo Starr

At an age where most would be settling back and reaping the rewards of their major accomplishments in life, Richard Starkey, better known to the world as Ringo Starr, is not even thinking about slowing down. In fact, he’s exactly where he wants to be at this stage of his …


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Steve Jordan Interview

Steve Jordan has accomplished more in his drumming career than he ever could have imagined. Of the big names he played with, a short list would include Ashford & Simpson, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders, James Taylor, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, David Sanborn, Tom Scott, …


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Tommy Lee

Tommy Lee is in a great mood, and he has every reason to be. His new CD, appropriately titled Never A Dull Moment, has just been released, and it’s off the hook! We recently caught up with Tommy while preparing for his upcoming tour.


Posted: July 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Zac Hanson

Storming out of Tulsa, Oklahoma with their major-label debut, Middle Of Nowhere, featuring the “Can’t get it out of my head” hit “MMMBop,” drummer Zac Hanson and his brothers Isaac and Taylor became the biggest-selling teen idols of 1997. Zac, only eleven years old at the time, found himself a …


Posted: May 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Ned Brower of Rooney

I saw the California-based pop band Rooney perform live before I was familiar with their music. Besides featuring some very powerful, tasteful drumming, I found them to be extremely melodic, with hooks that stuck in my head for days after the show….


Posted: May 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Drumming With the Velvet Underground, Part 1: Billy Yule

With this week’s news of the passing of singer/songwriter/guitarist Lou Reed, millions of fans are grieving, while millions more people are learning for the first time how gargantuan an influence the New York musician and his ’60s band the Velvet Underground have had on rock music….


Posted: May 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Daniel Reyes

In between those gigs he’ll squeeze in a performance with Ricky Martin, Stevie Nicks, or Jennifer Lopez, among other top acts. But Danny’s brain is always thinking: How do I make my playing better? Equally important to him these days: How do I make the instruments I play better? Enter …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Fred Hell of Tiger Army

When drummer Fred Hell was shot four times during a home invasion robbery, he was left with a bullet lodged in his skull. A member of LA-based psychobilly trio Tiger Army, Fred faced a long recovery and the possibility he might never play drums again….


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Billy Hart

Billy Hart is one of the unsung giants of jazz. He’s recorded over six hundred albums, including seminal dates with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Stan Getz, Joe Zawinul, Sam Rivers, Pharoah Sanders, John Scofield, Lee Konitz, Hank Jones, Pat Martino, Charles Lloyd, Dave Liebman, and most recently, heavy hitters like …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Lil’ John Roberts

Lil’ John Roberts’s name has been popping up more and more here at MD – in interviews with other artists, in conversations with people in the drum industry – and, most importantly, in mail from fans. It seems everyone is talking about Lil’ John. And after seeing him play, you’d …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Adam Deitch with John Scofield

“He’s a bad boy, that’s for sure,” says guitar star John Scofield of his talented young sideman Adam Deitch. On the Sco gig, Deitch comes across like a composite of two great drummers that the guitarist has worked with before’the original funky drummer himself, Clyde Stubblefield, and highly regarded jazz …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Bernie Dresel

This last June, Ignition was released by Brian Setzer’s new unit, which he calls The Brian Setzer ’68 Comeback Special. And where Brian goes, so does Bernie….


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Billy Kilson

At a 1999 Birdland performance with The Dave Holland Quintet, Billy Kilson led band and audience in a rousing chorus of drum worship. Holland, one of jazz’s most celebrated bassists and composers, has played with all the innovators, from Tony and Elvin to Jack DeJohnette and Billy Higgins. So you …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Jack DeJohnette

Jack DeJohnette has remained one of the world’s premier drummers by always looking forward, and never losing the passion. Oh, and by playing some of the most uniquely beautiful drums ever.


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Ralph MacDonald: Living The Island Life

The lyrics from one of Ralph MacDonald’s songs on his latest CD, Home Grown, start and end with words that sum up his life: “There is no better life than the island life. I love the island life, it makes my body free, it keeps my head together.”


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Prince: School Of Funk

Performing on stage twenty years after releasing Purple Rain, Prince doesn’t look like he’s aged a bit. In fact, it looks and sounds like he has more energy now then ever – and he seems to be enjoying it all a lot more this time around.


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Ben Perowsky: Beyond Labels

The scene: a cold night in Williamsburg, Brooklyn at North On Sixth, a multi-level hole in the wall jook joint where the bathroom graffiti is more political than obscene. Attracting a crowd of Manhattan intellectuals and Brooklyn deadheads, North On Sixth is tonight showcasing Ben Perowsky’s Moodswing Orchestra. A collection …


Posted: May 1, 2002

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Matt Walker: From Pumpkins To Cupcakes

Though he’s played drums for over two decades, Matt Walker is perhaps best known as “That guy who replaced Jimmy Chamberlin in Smashing Pumpkins.”



Posted: December 2, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
Episode 58: Modern Drummer Updates and 2021 Festival Announcement

Hello everyone! Welcome to this week’s Modern Drummer Podcast. This week Billy Amendola and David Frangioni speak openly about the current state of the Modern Drummer brand. Joining us in conversation are world educator  Dom Famularo and M-Network TV/Film producer Thom Mozloom. It’s a candid fly-on-the-wall conversation that explains what’s …


Posted: October 28, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
Episode 55: Billy Amendola with Earl Young Part 1

Welcome to this week’s Modern Drummer Podcast with Billy Amendola and August 2021 MD cover artist Earl Young. Tune in to watch/listen to part 1 as Billy and Earl talk about how The Sound of Philadelphia (TSOP) was born—Earl’s early days learning drums, going in the studio with the rhythm section Baker, Harris, Young, …


Posted: August 26, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
Episode 48: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Sheila E.

Welcome to MD’s #ThrowbackThursday Podcast with Sheila E.! We had a blast with Sheila and honored her with the announcement of winning the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Award; picked by the readers of MD. Sheila made history for us with this prestigious award as the first-ever woman to be …


Posted: July 22, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
Episode 43: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Sheila E.

This week’s Modern Drummer Podcast features the newest member of the MD Hall of Fame, The Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. Join Billy Amendola and David Frangioni as they announce the award to Sheila and congratulate her as the first woman ever to be inducted in the magazine’s 45 year …


Posted: June 3, 2021

Episode 36
Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 36: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Mark Schulman

Episode 36: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Mark Schulman This week P!nk’s Mark Schulman joins Billy Amendola and David Frangioni for the Modern Drummer Podcast to celebrate Pink and her Billboard Icon Award and new streaming Amazon Documentary. as well as catching up with Mark about his …


Posted: March 18, 2021

Episode 25
Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 25: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Gerald Heyward

Episode 25: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Gerald Heyward Another week, another MD Podcast! Join David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talking with “The Godfather” himself, Gerald Heyward. Gerald talks about re-inventing himself in the “new norm,” as well as recording with Rob Thomas & Michael Jackson. Gerald …