Frank Beard
A heinous decision in the ’80s to remix ZZ Top’s classic early tracks didn’t totally diminish Frank Beard’s funky grooves, but it sure was a buzzkill. Fortunately, that call was reversible, and Beard’s beauteous beats were presented in all their gritty glory on a comprehensive 2013 box set. It’s never …
Frank Beard is a friendly, down-home sort of guy who makes you feel very comfortable talking with him. Even though he is a member of ZZ Top, a major rock band selling into the millions in records and concert tours, there is no pretentious attitude intruding on his just-folks manner.
“Lowdown In The Street” From the album Deguello (Warner Brothers HS-3361) Since the late ’60s, ZZ Top has amassed a huge following, with their Texas-style blend of blues, boogie, and heavy metal. This power trio is featured here with “Lowdown In The Street,” a cut from one of their most …
The ’70s were a drummers smorgasbord.
Akira Jimbo, Simon Phillips, Airto, Mark Schulman, Billy Ashbaugh, William Bryant, Ivan Hampden, Marvin Hammett, Frank Beard, Joel Rosenblatt, Barry “Frosty” Smith, Bill Stevenson, Dmitri Tsvetkov, Steve Alexander, Russ McKinnon, Mark Zonder
Steve Smith, Gary Novak, Neil Peart, David Silveria, Joe Zawinul, Barrett Martin, Todd Sucherman, Frank Beard, Russel Simins, Terance Higgins, Kenny Aronoff, John Robinson
Alex Van Halen, Phillip Wilson, Frank Beard, Stomu Yamash’ta, Ronnie Verrell, Ivan Conti, Steve Negus, Aron Kaminski, Alex Riel, James Black, Vinnie Colaiuta, Bill Bruford, Paul Jamieson, Yogi Norton
Posted: October 3, 2019
Drummer and Artist John Douglas
A drummer and artist for his entire life, Douglas merged the two passions, ultimately becoming the premier drum customizer for international superstars including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi, Maná, Van Halen, ZZ Top, Pantera, Iron Maiden, and Aerosmith.
Posted: May 1, 2014
June 2014 Spotify Playlist
Listen to the music from the pages of the June 2014 issue of Modern Drummer featuring Nate Morton of The Voice in this month’s Spotify Playlist…
Posted: October 1, 2013
Hidden Gems
Great Drum Performances Uncovered
The October 2013 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features an article in which seven MD Pro Panelists share some of their favorite “hidden gems.??? Here MD’s editorial staff weighs in on their personal favorites….
Posted: September 29, 2010
Narada Michael Walden: Web Exclusive
by Billy Amendola More—way more—with the fusion and pop maestro. In a continuation of our interview with Narada Michael Walden from the November 2010 issue of Modern Drummer, the fusion and pop drumming/producing maestro reflects on his early days, teaching, spirituality, playing in odd time signatures, and coming full circle …
Posted: February 1, 2006
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: May 12, 2004
Frank Beard of ZZ Top
Frank Beard of ZZ Top has created his share of monsters. See if you recognize one of them in the following scenario. You’re barely into your first set with your local bar band when somebody howls, “Play some ZZ Top!”…
Posted: May 12, 2004
Michael Brueggen of Supagroup
New Orleans-based rock ‘n’ roll traditionalists Supagroup spent half of 2003 and most of 2004 on the road with bands like Queens Of The Stone Age, Fu Manchu, and Drive By Truckers, touring in relentless support of its much praised, self-titled fourth album….
