Kenny Aronoff
It is time to announce the winners of the 2022 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners, and thanks for your artistry and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Thank you for your recordings, concerts, clinics, shows, books, videos, articles, and everything else that …
The Modern Drummer LEGENDS books are a rare opportunity for a drummer to talk about and examine his entire drumming career. Kenny Aronoff has been covered quite thoroughly in his many past Modern Drummer feature interviews. In those interviews he talks about how and who he has played with in …
Excerpted from Modern Drummer Legends Vol. 5: Kenny Aronoff “Paper in Fire” John Cougar Mellencamp, The Lonesome Jubilee I always tried to come up with new innovative and creative drum parts for all of John’s songs. After the success of “Jack and Diane” John expected me to come up with …
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 …
Sympathy for the Drummer: Why Charlie Watts Matters, is a fun read, even if you’re not familiar with the author’s provenance in the colorful literary universe of sex, drugs, and rock ’n’ roll publishing.
The interactive museum celebrates a decade of percussion education. Nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis is the Rhythm! Discovery Center, a gem of the drum and percussion world. Founded by the Percussive Arts Society in 2009 and now celebrating its tenth year, the RDC is said to be the …
He helped pave the way for every great studio musician who came out of L.A., and his influence extends to this very day.
Armand Zildjian starts a lot of his sentences the same way: “I’ve got a cymbal that . . . ,” after which he describes the attributes of a particular cymbal in his private collection. His enthusiasm is evident as he expounds on whatever it is that makes the cymbal special …
This past May 5, the percussionist, educator, and author Richie Gajate-Garcia received an honorary doctorate of fine arts from Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois, in recognition of his contributions to the areas of the arts and music education. Gajate-Garcia is the author of four instructional books, a faculty instructor at …
Photo by Eric Demme “Hurts So Good,” like many other songs played on the radio today, sounds technically basic and very simple. But if you listen carefully, there are many creative subtleties in the music. Hot licks and flash may catch a listener’s ears, but that doesn’t necessarily make a …
A new music documentary pushes some of the world’s greatest freelancers—including many of our favorite drummers—“out of the shadows and into the spotlight.”
As a burgeoning studio drummer in his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, Dylan Wissing studied with two giants of the session world: Kenny Aronoff and Shawn Pelton. His first recording experience was in the eighth grade, in Aronoff’s home studio.
He’s played with everybody, but he doesn’t get called just for his technique.It’s been more than thirty years since Kenny Aronoff first received national attention as the drummer on John Cougar Mellencamp’s hits “Hurts So Good” and “Jack and Diane.” After playing on numerous Mellencamp records, Aronoff became an in-demand …
The era known as the ’80s, roughly the period between the dawn of punk and rap in the late ’70s and the rise of indie rock and hair metal in the middle of the next decade, was a time of great change in pop culture.
This is one of life’s simple truths: The more you learn, the more you realize how much more you have to learn. Here is another simple truth: Kenny Aronoff understands this better than almost anybody. It’s a key reason he’s one of the most valued drummers that history has ever …
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 …
Chris Pennie, Bernard Purdie, Chad Cromwell, Billy Rymer, Mickey Waller, Rich Redmond, Dan Bitney, John McEntire, John Herndon, Marco Minnemann, Bubba Bryant, Tommy Aldridge, Brian Viglione, Bill Rieflin, Glenn Kotche, Poni, Ash Pearson, Chad Smith, Keith Harris, Kenny Aronoff
Dafnis Prieto, Kenny Aronoff, Deen Castronovo, Adam Deitch, Daniel Glass, J.M. Van Eaton, W.S. Holland, Bobby Crafford, Brian Viglione, John Dolmayan, Gene Hoglan, Julian Dorio, Hugh Grundy, Rodney Howard, John Bonham, Bill Stewart, Brandon Saller, Karl Brazil, Keith Carlock, Rod Morgenstein, Scott Rockenfield
Tomas Haake, Stan Lynch, Max Roach, Art Blakey, Philly Joe Jones, Jeff Sipe, The Blue Man Group, Han Bennick, Homer Steinweiss, Jimmy Carl Black, Ben Gillies, Sean O’Shea, Jens Hannemann, Kenny Aronoff, Jojo Mayer, Johnny Rabb
Marco Minnemann, Brian Young, Ray Luzier, George “Spanky” McCurdy, Mike Marsh, John Convertino, Tony Leone, Sean O’Rourke, Scott Asheton, Marky Ramone, Ian Wallace, Jason Bittner, Steve Hass, Kenny Aronoff
Mike Bordin, Simon Phillips, Billy Cobham, Jerry Marotta, Peter Erskine, Carmine Appice, Ed Thigpen, Jeff Hamilton, Kenneth Schalk, Paul John Jr., Adrian Passarelli, Lynn Coulter, Grant Collins, Jose Pasillas, Danny Carey, Kenny Aronoff, Billy Kilson
Travis Barker, ?uestlove, Dean Butterworth, John Molo, Stacy Jones, Brian Nolan, Liberty DeVitto, Nigel Olsson, Matt Taul, Tony Thompson, Stephen Chopek, Terry Bozzio, Danny Carey, Tony Williams, John Bonham, Bill Bruford, Dave Krusen, Kenny Aronoff, Abe Cunningham, Clayton Cameron
Billy Cobham, Giovanni Hidalgo, Matt Wilson, Max Roach, Bernard Perdie, Apt. Q-258, Jeff Sipe, Wayne Wilburn, Mike Portnoy, Andy Partridge, Patrick Fitzsimmons, Caroline Corr, Roger Earl, Les DeMerle, Denny Fongheiser, Kenny Aronoff, Danny Gottlieb
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
Tre Cool, Pete Laroca Sims, Gene Krupa, Ashwin Sood, Steve Reid, Mike Mangini, Jerry Augustyniak, Bill Goodwin, Bob Siebenberg , Jesse Siebenberg, Sylvia Cuenca, Luther Rix, Kenny Aronoff
Kenny Aronoff, Matt Cameron, Bordin, Stephen Perkins, Chris Vrenna, Tim “Herb” Alexander, Josh Freese, Louie Weaver, Steven Drozd, Alexis Fleisig, Mike Musburger, Dale Crover, Barrett Martin, Brian Reitzell, Dan Peters, J. Mascis, Carl Allen, Jeremy Taggart, Ray Marchica, Michael Urbano, Mark Zonder, Chuck Silverman, Eric Kretz, Mike Bordin, Charlie Cooley, …
Brian Blade, Jim Donovan, Jim DiSpirito, Dony Wynn, Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, Ginger Fish, Jimmy Crawford, Tony Williams, Ted Reed, King Coffey, Sly Dunbar, Tony Braunagel, Peter Furler, John Fishman, Michael Schrieve, Mike Bordin, Kenny Aronoff,
Steve Smith, Gary Novak, Neil Peart, David Silveria, Joe Zawinul, Barrett Martin, Todd Sucherman, Frank Beard, Russel Simins, Terance Higgins, Kenny Aronoff, John Robinson
In this Issue: Eddie Bayers, Jerry Kroon, Kenny Malone, Owen Hale, Paul Leim, Lonnie Wilson, Tommy Wells, Milton Sledge, Dave Beyer, Ricky Fataar, Taylor Hawkins, Max Roach, Robin Goodridge, Sidney “Big Sid” Catlett, Dennis Chambers, Stewart Copeland, Jim Donovan, Jim DiSpirito, Adolfo ” Fofi” Lancha, Kenny Aronoff, Bill Stewart, Robby …
In this magazine: Peter Erskine, Anton Fier, Charly Antolini, Michael Eurich, Dave Weckl, Kenny Aronoff, Rod Morgenstein, Alan Dawson & Steve Gadd
Features Kenny Aronoff – 16 Adam Nussbaum – 22 Joe English – 26 Doane Perry – 30 Focus On Hi-Hat – 38 Columns Education Rock Charts – 34 Concepts – 44 In The Studio – 52 Taking Care Of Business – 68 Rock Perspectives – 78 Strictly Technique – 86 …
Bill Bruford, Mike Clark, Mark Craney, Ed Thigpen, George Wettling, Kenny Aronoff, Jim Chapin, Terry Clarke, John Densmore, Gregg Bissonette, Carl Palmer, Russ Kunkel, Graham Lear
Posted: August 16, 2022
Nate Morton joins the Big Drum Bonanza 2022 lineup
Self-taught from age 5, Nate’s formal drum set training began during high school with Grant Menefee in Baltimore, Maryland. He continued his education in Boston, Massachusetts as a performance major at the renowned Berklee College of Music, studying with drummers such as Ed Uribe, Ian Froman, John Ramsay and Ron …
Posted: November 1, 2021
12 Drummers Drumming
Monday, November 1, 2021, on Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen’s 58th birthday, we are announcing a special upcoming auction called ’12 Drummers Drumming’ to benefit his Raven Drum Foundation. For the past 37 years, PNC has calculated the prices of the 12 gifts from the classic holiday song, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” The PNC …
Posted: September 1, 2020
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 20, 2020
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: November 14, 2019
Ron Wikso of Gregg Rolie
Hello Modern Drummer “On The Beat” readers! I’m just checking in with a little update and to say a quick hello to the most awesome drumming community in the world!
Posted: January 29, 2019
Anthony Citrinite of The Collective and MeetHook in On The Beat
Dear MD! My name is Anthony Citrinite and I have been lucky enough to play drums professionally for many years with a number of great bands including Boston, Coheed & Cambria, and currently with Embers Only.
Posted: October 19, 2018
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: November 24, 2017
On The Beat with Jacobi Gunter: Doing What I Love To Do!
Hello Modern Drummer universe, I am Jacobi Gunter from Columbia, SC and this my inaugural post. I am so hyped yet humbled to share my phenomenal journey with you all here “On The Beat.” I’ve been told that my first performance was at eighteen months old, but my earliest memory …
Posted: October 10, 2017
On The Beat with Grammy Winning Producer-Drummer-Guitarist-Songwriter Clif Magness
Hi MD. My love affair with drums began in my mother’s car. When I was around six years old, I was pounding away “Wipe Out” on the headrest when she decided then and there to rush me into drum lessons. A few years later, my parents bought me the Yamaha …
Posted: May 31, 2017
On the Beat with Gethin Davies of the Struts: Talks Touring and Influences
Hello MD! I’m Gethin Davies, drummer for British glam rock ’n’ roll band the Struts. Thanks to Billy Amendola and Modern Drummer for having me write a few words for you all—it’s an honor to be part of such a great publication.
Posted: May 31, 2017
Web Exclusive: Christian Paschall On Tour With Maren Morris
The sticksman behind a rising country star talks touring and offers advice for up-and-coming players.
Posted: May 24, 2017
Kenny Aronoff on John Cougar’s “Jack & Diane”
The drummer, who appears in the new documentary film Hired Gun, recounts the making of one of his most famous tracks. The process of writing, arranging, rehearsing, and recording a John Cougar Mellencamp song went something like this: John would come to rehearsal with a song and either play …
Posted: April 21, 2017
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 17, 2017
Kenny Aronoff’s 7 Tips for Success
There are plenty of great drummers everywhere—why is it that I get asked to do so many sessions, tours, and live shows over and over again? How have I been able to stay relevant for thirty-five-plus years in one of the most difficult businesses in the world?
Posted: February 8, 2017
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 31, 2017
Kenny Aronoff Studio Tour!
This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the March 2016 issue, which is available here. On The Cover Kenny Aronoff This is one of life’s simple truths: The more you learn, the more you realize how much more you have to learn. Here is another simple …
Posted: April 28, 2016
June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine
See what’s in the June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine…
Posted: April 28, 2016
June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine
See what’s in the June 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Peter Erskine…
Posted: April 25, 2016
Thomas Lang Presents Fifth Annual Big Drum Bonanza
Drummer/producer Thomas Lang (stOrk/Paul Gilbert) has announced that Big Drum Bonanza 2016 (BDB2016) will take place June 28 to July 2 at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks, California. Drummers of all ages, levels, and styles are invited to join Thomas Lang and his special guest instructors, including world-renowned …
Posted: April 15, 2016
Web Exclusive! JP Gaster of Clutch Talks Gear and More
We recently sat down with Clutch’s powerhouse drummer, Jean-Paul Gaster, to dig a bit into the making of Psychic Warfare, including which song gave him the most trouble, and we got some insight on some of his favorite drummers and recordings….
Posted: March 9, 2016
On the Beat With Anna Mylee: Crossing the World With Drumming Passion
Hi! My name is Anna Mylee and I was born in Belgium in 1991. I have been playing drums most of my life thanks to my musician father and have been exposed to great rock music since I was little….
Posted: February 23, 2016
News: Rich Redmond’s Drummer’s Weekend Comes to Los Angeles on April 8 to 10
Rich Redmond is hosting a Drummer’s Weekend in Los Angeles on April 8 to 10. The three-day immersive education event takes place in the heart of Hollywood and features twenty-four total hours of hands-on training with some of the greatest drummers on the planet.
Posted: November 2, 2015
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: September 18, 2015
News: Kenny Aronoff Performance and Master Class in Indianapolis
A master class and performance will be presented by rock/pop/studio great Kenny Aronoff at the JCC in Indianapolis, Indiana…
Posted: July 28, 2015
Vic Firth: 1930 to 2015
Modern Drummer was saddened to hear of the passing of Vic Firth. The following profile on the performing and manufacturing giant, written by Lauren Vogel Weiss, first appeared in the July 2013 issue of Drum Business magazine….
Posted: May 4, 2015
Thomas Lang Announces Big Drum Bonanza 2015
Drummer/producer Thomas Lang (stOrk/Paul Gilbert), has announced the Big Drum Bonanza 2015 (#BDB2015), which will take place July 1 through 5 at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks, California.
Posted: March 26, 2015
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 9, 2015
Lennie DiMuzio Passes
Modern Drummer is saddened to learn of the passing of Lennie Di Muzio, longtime artist relations manager for the Avedis Zildjian company. Later in life Di Muzio worked for Sabian Ltd., which, on its Facebook page, described Di Muzio as “a one-of-a-kind and a true legend who helped shape the …
Posted: February 25, 2015
Whiplash Bonus Clip: Star Drummers on Music Education
Here’s a clip from Timekeepers where Chad Smith, Kenny Aronoff, and Ryan Brown reflect on their drumming education….
Posted: February 13, 2015
News: Stephen Perkins, Matt Starr, and Steven Adler Among the Participants in Third-Annual “Rock Against MS??? Benefit Concert
The third-annual Rock Against MS returns to the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood with yet another amazing all-star lineup. The rock-fueled concert will help raise funding for notable publicist Nancy B. Sayle, as well as for the new foundation benefiting those living with MS….
Posted: August 27, 2014
Drumerica Announces 2014 Contest Finalists
Drumerica, the National Contest For Young Drummers, has announced the names of the 18 finalists in this year’s competition. They are:
Posted: August 13, 2014
Kenny Aronoff Joins Rick Springfield For Cancer Benefit
Rick Springfield is hosting a once in a lifetime benefit concert tagged “Rock For Ruben??? in benefit for his good friend and guitar tech Ruben Velasco.
Posted: July 31, 2014
Drumerica Entry Deadline Extended To 12:01 AM, Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Due to the high number of late submissions, the deadline to enter the Drumerica National Contest For Young Drummers has been extended to 12:01 AM, Wednesday, August 6, 2014.
Posted: July 7, 2014
Drumerica Is Open to All Young Jazz, Rock, Latin, Metal And R&B Drummers
No matter what style of music they play, aspiring drummers can show their talent, skill and personality by participating in the 2014 Drumerica drumming contest.
Posted: July 1, 2014
Drumerica Contest for Young Drummers Launches Today July 1!
With the start of the National Competition For Young Drummers less than thirty days away, Drumerica has announced the launch of the www.drumerica.us website….
Posted: June 13, 2014
Drumerica Website Goes Live With Free, Downloadable, Official Play-Along Tracks From Groove Essentials And DrumFun
Drumerica has announced the launch of the www.drumerica.us website.
Posted: June 1, 2014
Drumerica Contest Adds Additional Sponsors And Celebrity Judges
Drumerica is proud to announce that leading online music retailer Musician’s Friend, the world-renowned music education program School Of Rock and the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), the world’s largest organization of drummers and percussionists, have joined with twenty other top drum, accessory and media companies to sponsor the online video …
Posted: April 23, 2014
Thomas Lang Announces Big Drum Bonanza 2014
Drummer/producer Thomas Lang (stOrk/Paul Gilbert) has announced that the Big Drum Bonanza 2014 will take place July 2–6 at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks, California. Drummers of all ages, levels, and styles are invited to join Lang and other special guest instructors, including Chris Coleman (Stevie Wonder), Matt …
Posted: December 25, 2013
Jason Aldean’s Rich Redmond
Hello MD readers! It has been some time since we last visited here. I am still enjoying life in Nashville, juggling touring, recording, producing, writing, and teaching. I love this life we live as modern drummers!
Posted: October 25, 2013
MD Writer “Pistol” Pete Kaufmann Conducts “Big Picture Drumming” Clinic
Musician and Modern Drummer writer “Pistol” Pete Kaufmann will be conducting his clinic on “Big Picture Drumming” at Warlock Drum studios in Downtown Jersey City, Saturday, November 9th, from 1 to 3pm. Big Picture Drumming is based on Pistol’s Modern Drummer Magazine educational piece and concepts will be geared towards …
Posted: July 29, 2013
Kenny Aronoff Offers Free Lesson on Functional Practicing
Rock drummer Kenny Aronoff will be teaching a free online lesson on Functional Practicing at Drumeo.com on Friday, August 2, 2013, starting at 1 pm PDT….
Posted: February 26, 2013
Playing With a Band
Part 2: Tracking a Song Without a Strong Click (with Video)
I once attended a superb drum clinic given by studio/rock great Kenny Aronoff. His playing was world-class, but the insight he gave into the mind of a consummate session artist was invaluable. This lesson is based on those ideas and covers ways to develop your musical perception, discrimination, memory, and …
Posted: August 30, 2012
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: March 21, 2012
Zildjian Launches Drummer Love Europe
On the heels of its highly successful US Drummer Love contest, Zildjian has decided to launch Drummer Love Europe, bringing the event to the U.K., Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Russia. The contest runs from April 2 through July and includes video submission, voting, and tour components. Ultimately, six lucky …
Posted: January 23, 2012
Jan Web Update News
Ringo Starr’s seventeenth solo studio record, Ringo 2012, will be released on January 31 in the United States and January 30 internationally. The album, which was produced by Starr, was recorded in L.A. and mixed in England by Ringo and Bruce Sugar. For more, visit www.ringostarr.com. Kenny Aronoff is still …
Posted: November 21, 2011
Neil Peart: Taking Center Stage
In a Web-exclusive addendum to MD’s December 2011 cover story, we continue our conversation with Rush’s Neil Peart, discussing, among other topics, “drum solo week??? on Letterman, Neil’s surprise appearance at the KoSA Drum Camp, and the new Taking Center Stage DVD.
Posted: October 31, 2011
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: September 21, 2011
Alex Sassaris of Eve to Adam
I’m Alex Sassaris, drummer of NYC rock band Eve to Adam. Since starting this band eleven years ago with my brother, singer Taki Sassaris, and guitar player Gaurav Bali, we’ve been spreading our unique blend of guitar-heavy, groove-oriented, melodic rock ’n’ roll.
Posted: September 8, 2011
Kenny Aronoff
A few weeks ago I went to San Francisco and jammed with Chickenfoot and made a video for the first single of their new album, “Big Foot.??? Chad Smith will be on tour with the Red Hot Chili Peppers and therefore won’t be able to do the upcoming promo tour, …
Posted: September 1, 2011
Web Update News
The latest and greatest news from the drumming industry. This edition features updates on Chad Sexton, John Tempesta, Jon Wysocki, Will Hunt, Brian Young and more.
Posted: July 28, 2011
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: June 24, 2011
Elias Logothetis with Ryan Star
I’d like to thank the folks at Modern Drummer for inviting me to share a little bit of history and a few of the upcoming events going on with Ryan Star. I’ve been playing drums with Ryan for a little over a year and a half now. I started back …
Posted: June 1, 2011
A Different View:
Duff McKagan
The Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver founder on the great drummers he’s worked with—including Isaac Carpenter, who tears up The Taking, the third album by Duff’s band Loaded.
Posted: May 27, 2011
Phil Rudd: The Very Definition of Rock Drumming
When many musicians and fans think about no-nonsense, rock-solid, play-for-the-song drumming, the first name that comes to mind is Phil Rudd.
Posted: April 15, 2011
Brian Tichy: Bonzo Tribute
On September 25, 2010, the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of John Bonham, Whitesnake’s Brian Tichy assembled a cast of eighteen top-notch drummers at Hollywood’s Key Club to pay tribute to the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer. According to Tichy, the uniqueness of the event, dubbed “The Groove Remains the Same,??? …
Posted: February 28, 2011
Steve Moore Checks Back In With MD
Hi everyone in MD land! Last year I had a video on YouTube titled “This Drummer Is At The Wrong Gig.??? I had struggled my entire life, when out of nowhere the video went viral. Within weeks my life had completely changed, and I was suddenly getting showered with the …
Posted: October 18, 2010
Kenny Aronoff: In Constant Demand
Kenny Aronoff is one of the world’s busiest session and touring drummers, working with a hugely impressive list of major artists including John Fogerty, Smashing Pumpkins, Melissa Etheridge, Rod Stewart, Avril Lavigne, Willie Nelson, and the gig he first came to most drummers’ attention on, John Mellencamp…
Posted: April 1, 2010
Drummer/Author Chris Peacock
Hey, Modern Drummer heads! My name is Chris Peacock and I’m addicted to drums. I’ve been playing for twenty-years and I started at the age of twelve. I’ve studied with Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, and Mike Shapiro and have worked in all sorts of musical situations including rock, pop, jazz, …
Posted: December 7, 2009
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: July 27, 2009
Gina Cappella-Grohl
Hello, MD! My name is Gina Cappella-Grohl and I grew up in Devon, England. When I was five years old I remember making up my own shows for my family and friends, and at six years old I told my parents I wanted to go to acting school. They told …
Posted: July 7, 2009
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: May 15, 2009
Rick Long
After ten-plus years in the drum industry as a freelance writer for Modern Drummer, I decided, “It’s time to play.???
Posted: May 1, 2009
Jack Bruno: Staying Power
Modern Drummer met up with the gentle, good-humored drummer during his tour stop with Tina at the Bank Atlantic Center in South Florida. The tour was nearing the end of its North American leg, and everyone was looking forward to a short break before heading overseas to begin the European …
Posted: November 1, 2008
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: February 19, 2008
Rich Scannella with John Eddie
First time writing in on the MD blog, but I’m a life long reader: I’ve been getting MD in the mail since the December 1980 Buddy Revisited issue!
Posted: December 15, 2007
Pete Wilhoit of FYI
In 2004, after playing with the band Fiction Plane for a year, Pete Wilhoit was offered a position to be the only American member of the all-British band….
Posted: July 24, 2007
Jason Bittner: What Drives The Beat Clinic Tour Diary
Hi, everyone out there in drum land, Jason Bittner here, recently returning home after completing my first ever U.S. clinic tour in support of my brand-new Hudson Music DVD, What Drives The Beat. We hit stops on the East Coast for seven intense days, and it was successful and a …
Posted: July 16, 2007
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: February 15, 2007
Carmine Appice: Power Drumming Forever!
With several projects coming to fruition, Carmine Appice seems poised to reclaim his throne as one of the baddest heavy rock drummers ever….
Posted: May 1, 2006
Prairie Prince: An Interview
Prairie Prince was born on May 7, 1950 in Charlotte, North Carolina and has been a founding member of art-rock band The Tubes since 1969. He was also a major player in getting the band Journey off the ground, and over the years he’s worked with Brian Eno, Jefferson Airplane, …
Posted: July 19, 2005
Damien Fahey
Damien Fahey has a dilemma: These days he’s having a difficult time finding the time to play his drums. You see, Damien hosts one of MTV’s most popular shows, Total Request Live, which airs weekdays at 5:00 P.M. EST to an audience of 50 million viewers.
Posted: May 12, 2004
In The Loop With The Pros
With all of the samplers, prerecorded loops, and programmers in the studio, how much of what we hear today from a drummer is actual acoustic drums or electronics? MD asked some of the best “hired guns” in the business to comment on their current role and gear requirements in the …
Posted: May 12, 2004
Michael Cartellone
It’s been a little over a year since former Damn Yankees drummer Michael Cartellone joined Lynyrd Skynyrd. He came into the picture shortly after the band released Edge Of Forever, which Kenny Aronoff had recorded. Ironically, just the previous year, Michael had taken over the John Fogerty gig from Aronoff….
Posted: September 1, 2022
Episode 86: Live From My Drum Room Remembering Charlie Watts – Part 2
Part 2 of John DeChristopher’s series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous and often hilarious discussion with Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Dave Mattacks, Chad Smith, Mickey Curry, Shawn Pelton, Clem Burke and Don McAulay. Please check out “Part 1” if you haven’t already and stay tuned for “Part 3”! Check out …
Posted: November 11, 2021
Special #TBT Veterans Day Podcast with Billy Amendola, Lauren Monroe, Rick Allen and friends. An extraordinary collection of music’s most influential & legendary drummers have joined Rick Allen of Def Leppard & Raven Drum Foundation in their mission to provide trauma recovery & healing for veterans and to help reduce the rate …
Posted: January 14, 2021
Episode 16: Superstar Drummer Kenny Aronoff + Shop Talk featuring the Doc Sweeney Pure Series Elm Snare. Modern Drummer Publisher and CEO David Frangioni along side Editor-At-Large Billy Amendola talk with world renowned Drummer Kenny Aronoff About his performance at the Modern Drummer 2020 festival featuring a tribute to Neil …
Posted: April 7, 2017
Episode 87: 2017 Readers Poll Winners, Practicing Transcriptions, Evans UV1 Drumheads, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss some of their favorite ways to use transcriptions to develop vocabulary and to create new ideas.
Posted: February 3, 2017
Episode 78: Drum Fills, Kenny Aronoff, Noble & Cooley Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their thoughts on when and why to play drum fills. The featured drummer is March 2017 Modern Drummer cover artist Kenny Aronoff. Up for review is a trio of sweet snares from legendary brand Noble & Cooley.
Posted: February 3, 2017
Episode 78: Drum Fills, Kenny Aronoff, Noble & Cooley Snares, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss their thoughts on when and why to play drum fills. The featured drummer is March 2017 Modern Drummer cover artist Kenny Aronoff. Up for review is a trio of sweet snares from legendary brand Noble & Cooley.
