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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.
February 2022:
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 crew at M Network, we were able to unleash one …


May 2021:
How a Dave Weckl Performance Changed My Life
David Frangioni

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Dave Weckl play the drums. At the time, I had heard Dave on records, but had never seen him play live or on TV. One fateful day, I happened to have the TV tuned to PBS, and there was Dave playing with …


May 2021:
Dave Weckl

The Sublime Power of Supporting Music with “Special Sauce” What inspires the human spirit to pursue and achieve greatness? In the case of six-time Modern Drummer cover artist and MD Hall of Famer Dave Weckl, there are many levels of achievement to explore in the evolution of one of drumming’s …


September 2020:
MODERN DRUMMER SEPTEMBER 2020 COVER
Dave Weckl
Dave

Dave Weckl is one of the most accomplished drummers…


November 2019:
Dave Weckl’s Master Plan

A monster debut from a monster talent, and the beginning of a series of game-changing fusion recordings as a leader. By 1990, Dave Weckl was the talk of the drumming world. A headlong dive into the New York jazz scene in the early ’80s yielded recognition from a variety of …


June 2019:
June 2019 Cover
What’s Your Favorite ’90s Jazz Drumming Album?
June readers platform

We recently checked in with our readers and social media followers to find out which jazz records from the 1990s featured their favorite drumming performances. Here are some of the responses. Kenny Garrett’s album Songbook [1997] would be the one for me. This record has memorable original tunes by Garrett …


April 2019:
The Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show
Stephen Perkins

Since its inception nearly two decades ago, the Hollywood Custom and Vintage Drum Show has built up a reputation as a national premier drumming event.


April 2018:
Yamaha Drums Fiftieth-Anniversary Celebration

This past September, Yamaha Drums celebrated its fiftieth year with a daylong event at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. The day included presentations that reflected back on the company’s most significant innovations over the years, such as its debut D20 drumset, the Hexrack hardware system, ball-style tom mounts, the locking …


December 2017:
Dave Weckl, Omar Hakim, D'Addario and More!

Dave Weckl Launches Online Drum School | Omar Hakim Named Chair of Percussion Department at Berklee College of Music | D’Addario Foundation Awards Grants to 116 National Music Education Organizations | Plus more!


February 2013:
Mark Egan
Mark Egan

Mark Egan is one of the most highly regarded bassists in the history of electric jazz. Performing and recording with many of the prominent drummers of our time—a short list would include Steve Gadd, Jack DeJohnette, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Steve Jordan, Billy Cobham, and Dave Weckl—he’s gained rare …


May 2017:
Fred Pierce's Studio Drum Shop

For forty-five years, Fred Pierce has been serving drummers of the St. Louis area in a cozy space he bought outright back in 1972 after moving from Nashville. In Music City, Pierce was a working musician during the ’60s, serving as a staff drummer for the Glaser Brothers publishing company …


January 2015:
On The Cover – Dave Weckl

For more than thirty years, his drumming has been put under a microscope so often that it might as well be given its own genus and species name. Two exciting new projects get us even closer to understanding its true nature.


March 2017:
Dave Weckl

In 1985, Chick Corea, who had helped usher in jazz-fusion with Miles Davis in the ’60s, introduced a completely new sound. Appropriately naming his project the Elektric Band, the keyboard legend enlisted up-and-coming drummer Dave Weckl to see how much further he could push genre boundaries.


March 2017:
Great 80s Drum Performances, Part 2: Jazz and Fusion

The ’80s might not be anyone’s first reference point for the golden age of jazz, but a closer examination reveals wonders under the surface. Sure, traditional acoustic jazz was no longer in favor, though some of the established innovators of the ’60s and ’70s were still playing at a high …


March 2017:
An Editor's Overview – The Uncommon Man
MD Editor Billy Amendola

Hello, everyone! We’re already well into the new year, and I always like to take the opportunity around this time to thank readers, drum industry members, and everyone else who has supported Modern Drummer over the past forty-one years. Some of you will be picking up this issue at the …


December 2007:
December 2007 – Volume 31 • Number 12

Max Roach, Derek Roddy, Marvin McQuitty, Shawn Drover, Jon Moen, Mario Calire, Jiro Yamaguchi, Justin Poree, Don Stevenson, George Hurley, Aaron Comess, Charlie Watts, Morgan Rose, Bernie Dresel, Dave Weckl


January 2007:
January 2007 – Volume 31 • Number 1

Zak Starkey, Keith Moon, Travis Smith, Joe Russo, Jim Payne, John Fred Young, Aaron Montgomery, Joe Tomino, Joel Stevenett, Kaspar Rast, Sonny Emory, Chick Webb, Buddy Rich, Dave Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Carmine Appice


October 2006:
October 2006 – Volume 30 • Number 10

Chris Adler, Billy Kilson, Dennis Chambers, James “The Rev” Sullivan, Gary Chester, Patrick Hallahan, Mike Wengren, Timmy Biery, Chuck Burgi, Lee Crystal, Steve Smith, Michael Novak Jr., Dave Weckl, Dave Mattacks, Dick Shanahan, Walter “Clyde” Orange, Neil Peart, Morgan Rose, Joey Baron


February 2005:
February 2005 – Volume 29 • Number 2

Matt Sorum, Ben Riley, Ryan Dusick, Kenney Jones, Jerry Gaskill, Kenny Buttrey, Kenneth Schalk, Dave Weckl, Scott Phillips, Tommy Clufetos, Jack Mouse, Jeremy Taggart, Terreon Gully, Simon Phillips, Jim Keltner


June 2003:
June 2003 – Volume 27 • Number 6

Shannon Larkin, Matt Wilson, Christian Vander, Paul Crosby, Brian Stephens, Russell Batiste, Ian Froman, Terry Chambers, Mich Fleetwood, Mongo Santamaria, Taylor Hawkins, Mike Portnoy, Gregg Bissonette, Ralph Humphrey, Dave Weckl


May 2003:
May 2003 – Volume 27 • Number 5

Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Simon Phillips, Gregg Bissonette, Louie Bellson, Dave Weckl, John Dolmayan, Bill Bruford, Thomas Lang, Tommy Aldridge, Mike Mangini, Horacio Hernandez, David Garibaldi, Virgil Donati, Carl Palmer, Paul Doucette, Gavin Harrison, George Rebelo, Duduka Da Fonseca, Jim Keltner, Terry Santiel, Walfredo Reyes Jr.


January 2003:
January 2003 – Volume 27 • Number 1

Abe Laboriel Jr., Robby Ameen, Rashied Ali, Dave Weckl, Rick Allen, Kris Kohls, Jon Fishman, Ben Mize, Steve Houghton, Louie Appel, Alan White, Lionel Hampton, Ringo Starr, Travis Barker, Danny Carey, Nicko McBrain, Rocky Bryant


March 2001:
March 2001 – Volume 25 • Number 3

Dave Weckl, Ginger Fish, Max Roach, Virgil Donati, Han Bennink, Zakir Hussain, Jack Gavin, Kevin Miller, Scott Rockenfield, Jon Christensen, Mark Zonder, Carlomango Araya, Paul Clarvis, Ron Spagnardi, Ed Breckenfeld, John Riley, Jennie Hoeft, Michael Miller, T. Bruce Wittet, Jeff Hamilton, Alan White, Zach Danziger


January 2001:
January 2001 – Volume 25 • Number 1

Tré Cool, Wuv, Nicko McBrain, Dave Krusen, Phil Ehart, Trey Gray, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Rod Morgenstein, Peter Erskine, Neil Peart, Mel Lewis, Roy Burns, Mark Parsons, Rick Van Horn, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Tito Puente, Alan Dawson, Gary Chester, Eric Carr, Larrie Londin, Art Blakey, Philly Joe …


August 2000:
August 2000 – Volume 24 • Number 8

Jimmy Chamberlin, Stanton Moore, Rod Morgenstein, Mike Portnoy, Bashiri Johnson, Brian Blade, Trilok Gurtu, Joey Jordison, John “Bermuda” Schwartz, Devon Glenn, Aled Richards, Ted Kirkpatrick, Zac Hanson, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Dave Weckl, Omar Hakim


February 2000:
February 2000 – Volume 24 • Number 2

Dave McClain, Greg Hutchinson, Eric Kretz, Bill Rieflin, Trilok Gurtu, Mark Richardson, Pat Petrillo, Ryan Moore, Doane Perry, Yonrico Scott, Raymond Herrera, Dave Weckl, Herman Matthews, Zoro, Joshua Dyer, Rich Watson


October 1999:
October 1999 – Volume 23 • Number 10

Max Weinberg, Bobby Previte, Matt Abts, Sam Woodyard, Tom Teasley, Nick D’Virgilio, Dennis Diken, Janet Weiss, Jim Bogios, Fran Breen, Tomas Haake, Dave Weckl, Art Blakey, David Silveria, John “JR” Robinson, Terry Bozzio


March 1999:
March 1999 – Volume 23 • Number 3

David Silveria, Cindy Blackman, Bill Ward, Lonnie Wilson, Tommy Lee, Rick Latham, Fred LeBlanc, Hilarie Sidney, Ernie Adams, Alessandra Belloni, Billy HIggins, Dave Weckl, Buddy Rich


January 1999:
January 1999 – Volume 23 • Number 1

Matt Chamberlain, John Guerin, Armando Peraza, Vinne Amico, Bill Bruford, Carl Palmer, Jacob Slichter, Mark Zonder, Kim Zick, Steve Johns, Randy Castillo, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl


October 1998:
October 1998 – Volume 22 • Number 10

Harvey Mason, Barrett Miller, Dave Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Will Kennedy,  Eddie Bayers, Carey, Jo Jo Mayer, Jeff Hamilton, Glen Velez, Philly Joe Jones, Pete Sandoval, Dan Rieser, Kenny Aronoff, Harvey Sorgen , Ian Wallace, Petur Smith, Billy Lee Lewis, Rod Morgenstein


April 1998:
April 1998 – Volume 22 • Number 4

Dave Weckl, Walfredo Reyes Sr., Joe Chambers, Greg Eklund, Michael Giles, Michael Faue, Kevin Winard, Kalani, Sonny Emory, Abe Juckes, Ian Mosley, Bobby Borg, Phil Collins, Danny Carey


March 1998:
March 1998 – Volume 22 • Number 3

Rod Morgenstein, Billy Mason, Vernel Fournier, Chuck Burgi, Fred Holiday, Rocky Bryant, Joe Smyth, Louie Bellson, Gregg Field, Adam Cruz, Dave Abbruzzese, Mick Fleetwood, Paul Quinn, Kevin Haynes, Jonathan Joseph, Carl Palmer, Dave Weckl


September 1990:
September 1990 – Volume 14 • Number 9

In this Issue: Dave Weckl, Winard Harper, Budgie


February 1990:
February 1990 – Volume 14 • Number 2

In this Issue: Charlie Watts, Frederick Waits, Deen Castronovo, Dave Weckl, Jack DeJohnette, Vinnie Colaiuta, Danny Gottlieb, Gregg Bissonette, Liberty DeVitto, Chad Wackerman, Michael Shrieve, David Beal, Carl Palmer


July 1987:
July 1987 – Volume 11 • Number 6

In this magazine: Peter Erskine, Anton Fier, Charly Antolini, Michael Eurich, Dave Weckl, Kenny Aronoff, Rod Morgenstein, Alan Dawson & Steve Gadd


March 1987:
March 1987 – Volume 11 • Number 3

Graeme Edge, Joe Smyth, Mitch Mitchell, Neil Peart, S.P. Leary, Fred Below, Chris Layton, Fred Grady, David Olsen, Panama Francis, Harry Lewis, Dave Weckl, David Garibaldi


October 1986:
October 1986 – Volume 10 • Number 10

Dave Weckl, Bobby Blotzer, Debbi Peterson, Randy Wright, Zoro, A.J. Pero, Stefan Kaufman, Biddie Freed


April 1984:
April 1984 – Volume 8 • Number 4

Neil Peart, Ralph Cooper, Jon Hiseman, John Steel, Michael Carabello, Dave Weckl, Mark Herndon, Butch Miles, Myron Grombacher, Omar Hakim



Posted: April 9, 2021

Category: News
The Dave Weckl Band Live in St. Louis at the Chesterfield Jazz Festival 2019 – Album Review – April 9th, 2021

Review By Rob Coen St. Louis, home of great bar-b-que, the Gateway Arch, the Chesterfield Jazz and Wine Festival and drumming legend himself, Dave Weckl. Filmed and recorded at the 2019 Chesterfield Jazz and Wine Festival, this The Dave Weckl Band Live album is a triumph of musical mastery. Accompanying …


Posted: December 11, 2020

Category: News
Chemical Reactions – Album by Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard – Review – 12/11/20

Review by Rob Coen Chemical Reactions – Album by Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard Chemical Reactions – Released on Dec 11, 2020 – The latest Prog-Fusion meets orchestral music collaboration between Antoine Fafard and Gavin Harrison, UK virtuoso musicians. Add Jerry Goodman on acoustic and electric Violin, and the orchestral …


Posted: September 28, 2020

Oz Noy Album
Category: News
Upcoming Oz Noy Album, Snapdragon, Will Feature Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers: Video

Guitarist Oz Noy’s upcoming album, Snapdragon, which comes out on November 6, will feature three of the greatest fusion drummers of all time: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers. A slew of other recognizable names also appear: bassists John Patitucci, James Genus, and Will Lee; keyboardists Brian Charette, David …


Posted: September 1, 2020

Category: News
Modern Drummer Festival 2020

Modern Drummer is rebooting its world-famous Drum Festival on September 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time with a live-streaming event honoring the late, great Rush drummer Neil Peart. Proceeds of ticket sales will benefit brain tumor research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The event, which will be produced and distributed …


Posted: August 6, 2020

Dave Weckl On The Beat
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Dave Weckl: Talks Making the Singer Happy

Hey all! I wanted to share a project that is a little different than my usual jazz/fusion content. Although I don’t get the opportunity too much these days, I’ve always loved playing with, for, and behind great vocalists. I really enjoy finding the right drum part and feel for the …


Posted: June 24, 2020

Category: News, News and Events, Uncategorized
Nick D’Virgilio Play-Through #3: “Money (That’s What I Want)”

Nick used a Tama Star Maple kit to bring home the “money.” If the reaction of Modern Drummer readers is any indication, Nick D’Virgilio must have a smash hit on his hands with his new album, Invisible [Sweetwater Studios]. The community has certainly embraced the record, blowing up our socials …


Posted: December 4, 2019

Category: News
Marc Dicciani and Tom Aungst Honored with Yamaha’s Legacy in Education Award at PASIC 2019

Yamaha bestowed the company’s Legacy in Education Award to Marc Dicciani and Tom Aungst at the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), held November 13-16 in Indianapolis, Indiana.


Posted: June 13, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Gregg Potter of the Buddy Rich Band

Cathy Rich and I brought Buddy’s band back as a touring, living, breathing sixteen-piece big band. The group features alumni who played with the BR Band at some time in their careers and who now travel the world to bring Buddy’s music back to the masses.


Posted: June 4, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Josh Roossin of the Jacks

Josh Roossin here and I play drums in the LA-based rock n’ roll band the Jacks.


Posted: April 30, 2019

Mark Hudson Molly Tentarelli
Category: On the Beat
Producer Mark Hudson and Molly Tentarelli

The reason I’m here “On The Beat” is because I just finished producing a great singer/songwriter, Molly Tentarelli, and she has five of the greatest drummers in the biz on her record as well as one of the world’s best percussionists.


Posted: March 28, 2019

Dan Laverde
Category: On the Beat
Dan Laverde of Mick Blankenship

Hey, everybody! First, I want to thank Modern Drummer for inviting me to be featured here “On The Beat!” Hopefully it’s the first of many more to come.


Posted: January 8, 2019

Kurt Reifler
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kurt Reifler: Talks Comeback and Recording Double EP in On The Beat

Hello MD! I said rock and roll was a young man’s game. It is. I said I’d retire at thirty. I did.


Posted: January 25, 2018

Ben Reimer
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ben Reimer of Architek Percussion: Talks Collaborations and New Album

Hey there Modern Drummer world! I’m Ben Reimer. I’ve been reading MD since the ’80s and I’m thrilled to be sharing a bit about what I’m up to these days.


Posted: October 24, 2017

Category: News, News and Events
Sabian Appoints Mark Love to Director of R&D

Mark Love has been promoted to the position of Director of Research and Product Development at Sabian.


Posted: October 4, 2017

Yamaha group
Category: News, News and Events
Yamaha Drums Celebrates Fiftieth Anniversary with All-Star Drummer Lineup

(l. to r.) Larnell Lewis, Dave Weckl, Tommy Aldridge Yamaha Drums assembled nearly two-dozen world-renowned drummers on September 30 for live music, a celebration of the company’s innovation and success over the last fifty years, and an exploration of the company’s plans for the future. More than 400 people gathered …


Posted: August 29, 2017

Dave Weckl
Category: News, News and Events
Dave Weckl Launces New Online School

The all-new Dave Weckl online school includes HD video lessons with sound mixed by Dave, full play-along packages, and exclusive live footage from current tours with “lessons from the hotel room.”


Posted: April 21, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Gregg Potter: One Hundred Years of Buddy Rich

Hi everyone, Gregg Potter here! Buddy Rich would have been one hundred years old this September. Unfortunately, his body left us thirty years ago this month, but his soul remains. I know the drumming community can all agree on the fact that Buddy Rich is one of the most influential …


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: April 19, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Kennith “Memphis??? Shepherd of Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal: Being a Part of the Collective

Hello MD! With the nickname “Memphis,” it’s not hard to tell where I’m from. I grew up around a lot of musicians and have been playing drums since age two. I’m currently with the soul/funk/R&B band, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal. With the band, I get to use various styles …


Posted: April 13, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Dave Weckl, Sonny Emory, Harvey Mason, and Will Kennedy to Judge Online Competition

Grammy-winning guitarist/producer Lee Ritenour will host the biennial Six String Theory Competition for the fifth time with applications accepted in guitar, bass, piano/keyboards, and drums. Registration is open until May 15, 2016 on the website by submitting two YouTube videos….


Posted: December 11, 2015

Dave Weckl
Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Dave Weckl Releases Behind-the-Scenes Movie, Flies on the Studio Wall

Dave Weckl and his longtime musical partner, keyboardist Jay Oliver, are releasing a two-hour movie about the making of their 2014 release, Convergence. 




Posted: December 11, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Dave Weckl Releases Behind-the-Scenes Movie, Flies on the Studio Wall

Dave Weckl and his longtime musical partner, keyboardist Jay Oliver, are releasing a two-hour movie about the making of their 2014 release, Convergence. 




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: April 17, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Vic’s Drum Shop to Host Drum Fantasy Camp at Music Garage, Chicago

Vic’s Drum Shop will host the Drum Fantasy Camp at its North Loomis Street location in the Music Garage, Chicago this August 7 through Tuesday, August 11.


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: March 6, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, On the Beat, Videos
Drummer Blog: Gabor “Gabs??? Dornyei on Being Anything but Average

Some great things have happened in my career, but being featured in the current (April 2015) issue of Modern Drummer is a dream come true, especially as I’ve also just discovered that both MD and I were born in 1977….


Posted: February 6, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Vince Wilburn Jr. Talks Heroes, Projects, and Uncle Miles

Hello, MD readers. Vince here. I consider myself eternally blessed. From an early age, I was able to experience music from the very best seat in the house—backstage. My mom took me to all the greatest gigs, giving me a rare chance to see, hear, and really experience music, unlike …


Posted: February 4, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Lessons, MD Education Team
Modern Drummer Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Other Styles

We asked the members of the Modern Drummer Education Team if they felt that it’s important for all drummers to study Latin music and other musical genres, even if they don’t intend to ever perform those styles. Here’s what they had to say….


Posted: January 2, 2015

Category: Feature Stories, Lessons, What You Need to Know About
What You Need to Know About…Effects Cymbals

The term effects, or FX, is applied to a wide array of cymbals, from tiny splashes to giant, oddly shaped sheets of metal to cymbals with tambourine jingles riveted to them. The key to helping customers find that unique voice they’ve been missing in their setup is to know what’s …


Posted: November 25, 2014

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
January 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dave Weckl

See what’s in the January 2015 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Dave Weckl and where to get it….


Posted: October 16, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Cirque Du Soleil’s Amaluna’s Didi Negron on Living Your Dream

As a traveling musician in the traditional big top, I am able to implement my strong music theory background and improvisational skills while providing accompaniment and action on stage as my role of the “Goddess of Rhythm.???


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 10, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News and Events
Tickets on Sale Now for Dave Weckl Drum Clinic at LIDC

The “Original??? Long Island Drum Center will present jazz/fusion great Dave Weckl in an exciting drum clinic on Thursday, October 16 at 7 pm….


Posted: June 6, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
James Jennings of Lime Cordiale

I’m a twenty-four-year-old session drummer from Sydney, Australia. I’ve toured, played, and recorded for many Australian artists, such as Ngaiire, Mike Nock, James Morrison, Lancelot, Toucan, Phebe Starr, Pluto Jonze, Argentina, Tokyo Denmark Sweden, Mrs. Bishop, Tim Fitz, and Iluka….


Posted: April 1, 2014

Category: News, News and Events
Lee Ritenour Announces All-Star Judges For 4th Bi-Annual Six String Theory Competition

Legendary GRAMMY® winning guitarist/producer Lee Ritenour has announced the stellar list of musicians assembled as judges for the 4th Bi-Annual Six String Theory Competition.


Posted: September 4, 2013

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
Midas Fate’s Drummer to Perform on London Drum Show

Aquiles Priester, who recently was announced as Midas Fate’s drummer, will be performing at London Drum Show on October 13….


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 29, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Bruce Becker

Greetings, fellow drummers. Bruce Becker here. I am currently residing in Los Angeles and have been recording and gigging with my brother David for thirty years. I am very involved in teaching as well….


Posted: January 3, 2013

Category: A Different View, Feature Stories
Mark Egan On…
The star bassist reflects on 15 world-class drummers

The February 2013 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features renowned bassist Mark Egan sharing some of the lessons he’s learned from working with drumming royalty. Here he focuses the discussion on the unique qualities and skills each of these players brings to the table….


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: September 7, 2012

Category: News, News and Events
Montreal Drum Fest Celebrates its 20th Year

This October 20 and 21, the Montreal Drum Fest will be celebrating its twentieth anniversary with performances by Horacio “El Negro??? Hernandez, Dave Weckl, Keith Carlock, Stanton Moore, and more….


Posted: August 17, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gregg Potter on the “You’re No Buddy??? Tour 2012

Hello, Modern Drummer readers. I last spoke to you in January. At that time, I was just beginning this Buddy Rich odyssey. We’re now getting ready to do our first extended tour, starting in mid-August.


Posted: April 19, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Phil “NaturalPhil??? Johnson

A few months back Michael and I finally had time to jam out in one of the studio sessions I had planned. We mesh really well together and are musically in sync, so when we get together it just works. I love classical styles and blurring it with contemporary music, …


Posted: February 22, 2012

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert

The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert takes place for the first time in the UK at the London Palladium on 2nd April 2012. The  lineup is confirmed as Dave Weckl,  John Blackwell and Gregg Potter from the USA and Ian Paice, Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison and Elliott Henshaw from the UK. Singing supremo Tony Christie will also appear. One of Buddy Rich’s …


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: 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 11, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Sabian Gives Drummers the Ability to Choose the Brand’s Next Four Cymbal Models

Sabian gives drummers from around the world the ability to choose the brand’s next four cymbals.


Posted: August 3, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
SABIAN has just announced the launch of a Band & Orchestral curriculum on SABIAN U!

As a result of the tremendous success of SABIAN U, SABIAN has just announced the launch of a Band & Orchestral curriculum. Comprised of 4 brand new courses, the new curriculum is specifically designed for retailers who sell Band & Orchestral instruments…


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: February 16, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Chris Coleman: Amazing Journey

More with the phenomenal drummer/educator, who was featured in the January 2011 issue of MD. His is one of the most closely observed careers in R&B, fusion, gospel, and pop drumming, with acts like Israel Houghton & New Breed, Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, Randy Brecker, and New …


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: January 20, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason Ganberg of Purple Melon

I’m Jason Ganberg of the British rock band Purple Melon. Just dropping you guys a few lines about what I’ve been up to out in L.A. and how everything has developed for me since I started drumming back in England fifteen years ago!…


Posted: December 6, 2010

David Phillips Modern Drummer Drummer Blog
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
David Phillips: "A Drummer’s Perspective???

Photo by Marc Rouve You can probably guess I dabble a bit on the old drumkit myself, and it is always difficult trying to explain to someone what it looks like sitting on that throne—the best seat in the house. With my images in the book I try to give …


Posted: December 6, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
David Phillips: “A Drummer’s Perspective???

Photo by Marc Rouve You can probably guess I dabble a bit on the old drumkit myself, and it is always difficult trying to explain to someone what it looks like sitting on that throne—the best seat in the house. With my images in the book I try to give …


Posted: July 7, 2010

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Dave Weckl: Continuously Astounding

Very few drummers have had as dramatic an impact on the entire drumming industry as Dave Weckl…


Posted: July 6, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Enrico Calvano of At The Soundawn

Ciao, MD readers! Let me just savor this moment…. Wow! I could never imagine, not even in my wildest dreams of glory as a teenage drummer, that one day I’d have been given the chance to write a blog for Modern Drummer! Okay, what can I tell you? My name’s …


Posted: May 24, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kevin Hogle of 500 Miles To Memphis

What’s up, MD readers! Thanks for taking the time to read this blog entry, and a huge thanks to Modern Drummer for giving me the opportunity to do so! My name is Kevin Hogle, and I play in a band called 500 Miles To Memphis. We hail from Cincinnati, Ohio, …


Posted: March 16, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chris Johnson — Touring With Rihanna

Yo, what up, MD? This is ya boy Chris Johnson from Los Angeles, California. Like many others in this field, I started playing in church—my dad’s church, to be exact. So I was always there to play, practice, and everything. Needless to say, I was born in the church. Due …


Posted: January 14, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Cole Marcus: Blog

Hey, everyone, this is Cole Marcus. I recently turned eleven years old, and I’ve been playing drums professionally since the age of three.


Posted: December 7, 2009

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Influencer: Alan Dawson

Alan Dawson was an outstanding jazz drummer and a legendary teacher. Alan was known for his ingenious use of rudiments, his melodic approach to drumming, and an extremely advanced level of hand and foot coordination.


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: July 7, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Fall of Envy’s Brandt Frenchman

I am Brandt Frenchman, and I’ve been a drummer for most of my life. I love all types and styles of music, although I’ve always gravitated toward the heavier rock side of things.


Posted: June 18, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Stephen Perkins: Jane’s Addiction

Talking with Perkins, you get the vibe that the L.A.–based rocker’s life is way more than hitting the skins for the duration of a show or recording session….


Posted: May 25, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Steve Holmes: Angular House Of Drumming

Los Angeles–based drummer Steve Holmes started the Vinnie Colaiuta/Dave Weckl fan site HouseOfDrumming.com several years ago because, as he puts it, “They’ve shown me what it sounds like to obtain freedom on the instrument.”


Posted: May 23, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Stephen Nicholson of This Is A Shakedown!

My name is Stephen Nicholson. I grew up in the city of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. I became interested in drumming around the age of nine….


Posted: March 1, 2009

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive Interview: Britney Spears’ Chris Bailey

Chris Bailey was born in Sheffield, England, on January 5, 1974, and has been surrounded by music his whole life. His dad played guitar and his mom sang, and early on Chris discovered he had an uncanny talent for the drums. At age eight he was already playing in his …


Posted: December 18, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Derico Watson: Pocket, Chops, and Soul

For the past five years, Michigan native Derico Watson has held one of the most coveted chairs a drummer could imagine, touring regularly with pioneering bassist Victor Wooten.


Posted: November 20, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Gavin Harrison: The Rhythmic Illusionist Is Now Elevating Two Bands, Porcupine Tree And King Crimson

“I stopped focusing on the muscles in my arms and started focusing on the big fat muscle in my head. That’s where the good stuff comes from.???


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: August 13, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Nico Hartikainen of Danger Radio

I've been playing for about twelve years now. I started when I lived in Helsinki, Finland.


Posted: August 6, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Bruce Burgess

I started off as a rock drummer, but over time I’ve evolved into classical, jazz, and world-music playing styles…


Posted: July 3, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ricardo Meléndez

I was introduced to drumming as a source of self-discipline at the age of eight. That's when I got a five-piece drumkit, fell in love with rhythm, and became obsessed. It became the center of my life….


Posted: April 27, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
John Chipman

I've been incredibly blessed in life. I've been playing drums for nearly thirty years, and like many of you out there, I started out playing at home as a child and was quickly hooked on playing the instrument….


Posted: April 25, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Marcus Baylor of The Yellowjackets

Hello, MD family! 2008 has been a blessed and busy year, with more great things to come! My name is Marcus Baylor, and I am the drummer with The Yellowjackets.


Posted: March 19, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Eric Valentine

Facility vs. humility. (Being a professional Modern Drummer.) And the winner is?


Posted: November 4, 2007

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer/Leader Gunnar Waage

I started studying drums at the age of twelve, when my parents gave me permission to switch from the piano over to classical percussion at the conservatory….


Posted: June 25, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Shawn Glyde

Shawn Glyde’s Alternate Rhythm CD combines complex arrangements, rhythmic displacement, and technical expertise to create a brilliant, time-tumbling debut….


Posted: April 17, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Marco Minnemann: Beyond Chops

A new breed of drummer has emerged over the past decade. This elite group of international super-drummers has changed the face of drumming and raised the bar on speed, ambidextrous technique, soloing, stick tricks, multi-pedal coordination, and independence to levels that seem unimaginable to most drummers….


Posted: February 15, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
My Chemical Romance’s Bob Bryar: The Long Road To Success

As the drummer for one of the hottest acts working today, you might think that Bob Bryar is a “flash in the pan??? success story. But he’s had to go through a lot to get to where he is today….


Posted: October 1, 2006

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Joey Zehr of The Click Five

Last summer I got to experience what it might have been like at Beatles concert at the height of Beatlemania. On separate occasions I saw shows by two new bands: The Click Five, from America, and McFly, from the UK. Not since I saw Hanson a few years ago did …


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: May 19, 2005

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Billy Ashbaugh

‘N Sync, a pop band backed by live musicians, have gained a reputation of spectacle and not-to-be-missed precision. MD Online recently caught up with rising drum star Billy Ashbaugh, the man who keeps it all together….


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
Eric Harland

When twenty-five-year-old Eric Harland was a teenager, he weighed an astonishing 380 pounds, making him a target of cruel children, mean-spirited teachers, and sometimes, his own family. “I would walk into a clothing store and the employees would just laugh,” recalls the Texas native. “Man,” they would say, “we don’t …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Mark Zonder

“There are several cool things about the recording of the new Fates Warning release, Disconnected,” says drummer Mark Zonder. “For me, one of the best things was being able to record my drum parts in my own studio. I practiced a lot for this record, and in doing so I …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Sean “The Rick” Rickman

In viewing the Compositional Drumming DVD by Washington, DC born Sean Rickman, one is immediately taken aback by his advanced drumming skills. No question, he is in a league with fusion greats Dennis Chambers, Steve Smith, and Dave Weckl. Rickman, also a talented multi-instrumentalist, composed the complex music and played …


Posted: May 12, 2004

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
John Otto

Four years ago, when John Otto was first featured in Modern Drummer, the then twenty-three-year-old spoke with a wisdom and knowledge that belied his age….


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: December 1, 2022

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Dave Weckl

Dave Weckl returns to “Live From My Drum Room” for an entire episode dedicated to questions and answers from his many fans. Dave answered questions for over an hour, on a variety of subjects, from listeners and fans around the world. This is a masterclass and a must watch episode! …


Posted: October 20, 2022

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Dave Weckl

For the 100th episode of Live From My Drum Room, John’s guest is the legendary Dave Weckl! In this episode, Dave talks about touring and his latest projects, his early drumming influences with great insights into Buddy Rich, his online drum school, his philosophy for achieving his live drum sound, …


Posted: February 6, 2021

Category: The Modern Drummer Podcast
Modern Drummer Pop-Up Podcast 2/6/21 – Featuring Dave Weckl & Rob Silverman Drumology

In this episode Billy Amendola & David Frangioni interview Dave Weckl & Rob Silverman from Drumology. Dave talks about his online drum school http://www.daveweckl.com and his upcoming record release in April on his new label – Autumn Hill Records. Rob discusses the Drumology album featuring drum duet tracks with Simon …


Posted: July 7, 2017

The Modern Drummer Podcast with Mike and Mike
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 100: Giveaway Winners Announced, Listener Questions, Most Frequently Mentioned Drummers, and More

In this special 100th episode, Mike and Mike take a humorous look back at the twenty-plus most frequently mentioned drummers on the show.


Posted: February 24, 2017

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 81: Dave Weckl, Conquering Stage Fright, ddrum Max kit, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss jazz/fusion legend Dave Weckl, who recently reunited with Chick Corea Elektric Band for a string of shows. The educational segment focuses on how to overcome stage fright. Up for review is ddrum’s alder/maple Max series drumset. After answering a few listener questions, the …


Posted: August 17, 2015

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 2: Practice, Dave Weckl, One-Mic Recording, Craviotto Vintage Series Drums, and More

Episode 2 begins with an extensive discussion about practice: what it means and what Mike and Mike feel are the most effective ways to go about it on the drumset. Then they share stories about January 2015 Modern Drummer cover artist/fusion great, Dave Weckl, before digging into various techniques and …