
Ringo Starr

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 …

Ringo Starr Excerpted from his Change the World Press Conference Charlie Watts was a beautiful human being—a great guy and a lot of fun. He had a harder band than I did to keep together. He was like the quiet man. In the ’70s, I had parties, and you’ll never …

Maybe there’s something in the water. Or the air. Or perhaps it’s simply the streaming services deluging us with content while everyone is looking for anything to take their minds off of the global pandemic. But, wow, a ton of great music documentaries have exploded onto screens large and small …

Logo Heads Several years ago, I made the decision to begin selling off my drum collection. I’d spent decades amassing one of the most extensive collections of rare and vintage drums in the world. One of the biggest factors leading to the sale was that I simply ran out of …

Apparently, the Modern Drummer community loves their post-Beatles drummers. When we reached out on our Facebook page to query you about your favorite drummers on the solo albums of Paul, John, George, and Ringo, we received quite a flurry of comments—even one from drumming icon Mike Portnoy. As always, thanks …

He helped pave the way for every great studio musician who came out of L.A., and his influence extends to this very day.

On May 12, 1963, Ringo Starr received a 5.5×14 oyster black pearl Ludwig Jazz Festival snare. This drum was seen and heard by millions of Beatles fans, and it became an object of obsession for many generations of drummers that followed. One of those drummers is historian Gary Astridge. Astridge—who …

As an iconic piece of rock ’n’ roll history, this kit has since been archived, documented, and refurbished, and it currently resides in custom road cases.

In August of 1962, Ringo Starr joined The Beatles, replacing the group’s previous drummer, Pete Best. The group that was soon to revolutionize the music world was yet to make its first recording. This event occurred on September 11 of that same year. Ringo, however, was not allowed to play …

I knew Elvis was different by his clothes and his actions on stage. I said, ‘The boy’s got something. What it is, I don’t know.’ The first show at the Louisiana Hayride was kind of lukewarm. It was a country-oriented crowd, and they weren’t quite used to what he was …

When he joined the Beatles, he was the man, the one with all the playing experience. He fit like a glove, driving the music with a singular feel while meshing perfectly with the other Mop Tops and their wry sense of humor.

Whose playing endures through the decades? Whose music do we reach for when we want new ideas? When we want to practice? When we want to laugh? Who inspires and delights us most?

Unless you happened to be in Hamburg, Germany, or Liverpool, England between the years of 1960 and 1962, you would not have seen the Beatles’ original drummer, Pete Best.

The British Invasion of the ’60s literally changed the consciousness of the world.
Trying to establish a representative interview with Jim Keltner requires a sense of humor. The way he plays drums and the way he is seem to be so alike.

As we were taking a look back at some of the most iconic drummers and performances of 1967 for this month’s cover feature, we wanted to find out which tracks our readers and social media followers felt marked the greatest drumming of the entire decade. While certain ’60s drumming staples, …

MD asked several world-famous musicians to describe the impact that Ringo’s drumming had on them and to explain just how it represented the shock of the new.

Brian Blade, Lenny White, Ringo Starr, Wuv, Roy Burns, Buddy Miles, Simon Phillips, Brian Reitzell, Ryan MacMillan, Chad Szeliga, Rexsell Hardy Jr., Chris “Gartdrumm” Gartmann

Dave Lombardo, Matt Cameron, Ignacio Berroa, Jim Riley, Kris Myers, Ray Luzier, Tony Thaxton, Tony Royster Jr., Barry Kerch, Paul Chuffo, Jerome Dillon, Jim Fox, Virgil Donato, Ringo Starr, Jason Bittner, Daniel de los Reyes, Scott Rockenfield

Ringo Starr, Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Ian Paice, Steve Smith, Paul John Jr. Stanton Moorse, Michael Travis, Jason Hann, Tony Allen, Adam Topol, Kevin March, Mark Guiliana, Des Kensel, Sean Rickman, Tris Imboden, Rick Marotta, Eddie Bayers

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

Joey Kramer, Carter Beauford, John McEntire, Brady Blade, Mike Cosgrove, Rick Shelton, Donna C, James O’Connor, Peter Schmidlin, Philly Joe Jones, Ringo Starr, Brad Wilk, Akira Jimbo, John Riley

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 …

Dennis Chambers, Tony Royster Jr., Matthew Cross, Jaki Liebezeit, Johnny Kelly, Chad Taylor, Martina Axen, Gregg Bissonette, Omar Hakim, Alan White, Shelly Manne, Peter Erskine, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Chick Webb, Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, John Bonham

Ringo Starr, Zak Starkey, Billy Drummond, John Riley, Clyde Stubblefield, Ben Gillies, David Bowie, Billy Higgins, Mikkey Dee, Joe Daniels, Dave Barborossa, Bill Bruford, Marc Quinones, John Riley

Ringo Starr, Saul Goodman, Mitch Mitchell, Andrew Cyrille, Steve Gadd, Joe Stefko, Joe LaBarbera, David Samuels
Posted: February 27, 2023

Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Play on The Rolling Stones’ New Album: Report
Photos via Getty The ultimate ’60s supergroup is materializing — but perhaps only for a song or two. The Rolling Stones’ new album is yet to be announced, but Variety has confirmed the record will feature The Beatles’ Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. Whether or not Starr and McCartney appear …
Posted: October 4, 2021

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: August 13, 2021

Ringo Starr Releases Change The World
4-SONG EP AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER UMe announces Ringo Starr Change The World, a new EP to be released on September 24, 2021. Available to preorder now. These 4 tracks were all recorded at Starr’s Roccabella West studio just as he did for his Zoom In EP released in March 2021. Ringo says, “I’ve …
Posted: May 15, 2021

Modern Drummer Exhibiting at the 2021 Chicago Drum Show May 15th & 16th
Modern Drummer is exhibiting at the 2021 Chicago Drum Show (Sat May 15th & Sun May 16th) at the Prairie Events Center, at Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, Illinois! This is the 30th Anniversary of the Chicago Drum Show, and after 2020 we are excited to be joining 94+ …
Posted: April 28, 2021

RIP Legendary Recording Engineer Al Schmitt; Violet & Dave Grohl & Friends
Thanks to rockcellarmagazine.com for allowing us to share the news Rest in Peace Al Schmitt, (20x Grammy-Winning) Recording Engineer/Producer: 1930-202 Al Schmitt (Photo: https://www.facebook.com/al.schmitt) Al Schmitt, a renowned recording producer/engineer with a litany of accolades and accomplishments over the course of his massively influential career, has died at the age …
Posted: February 8, 2021

Thank you to Far Out Magazine for Reminding us how brilliant Ringo Starr is. We Agree!
Credit: AlamyJack Whatley·February 5, 2021 5 isolated drum tracks to prove The Beatles’ Ringo Starr was a genius Too often has The Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr been the butt of some unkind jokes. Reportedly purported by his bandmate John Lennon, the adage goes that when asked about whether Ringo …
Posted: December 31, 2020

Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Mickey Curry + Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Steve Stecher & review on two Doc Sweeney snares. David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talk with Mickey Curry about his career & records, his way of playing the drums, and the set …
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: June 30, 2020

Ringo Starr To Celebrate 80th Birthday with Starr Studded Charity Broadcast, “Ringo’s Big Birthday Show”
The event, which benefits Black Lives Matter Global Network, the David Lynch Foundation, MusiCares, and WaterAid, airs on Youtube July 7 and featured performances by Ringo, Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Sheila E, and Ben Harper. Starr continues his peace and love initiative and invites everyone …
Posted: June 15, 2020

Tommy Lee Rocks All Access Hits with Host David Frangioni Livecast
Lee bashing out the groove to “Dr. Feelgood” for the Modern Drummer webcast audience on June 11. Revealing All Access Hits with Host David Frangioni Webinar Digs Deep into Lee’s Creative Process and Drum Techniques Tommy Lee, one of the most recognizable drummers on the planet, provided drum fans with …
Posted: March 19, 2020

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: October 1, 2019

MD Publisher David Frangioni Featured in Living a Life in Full Podcast
New Episode: Music, Technology and Writing Spun into Gold (and Platinum) with Modern Drummer publisher David Frangioni interview.
Posted: September 12, 2019

Terry Rae of the Hollywood Stars
Hello MD readers! I’m the drummer for the reunited band Hollywood Stars. We are a Los Angeles band originally assembled in 1973 by legendary rock ’n’ roll artist/manager/songwriter Kim Fowley.
Posted: July 18, 2019

MD Subscriber and Ringo Starr Peace and Love Contest Winner Bryan Shadden Shares His Experience
This year, because of Ringo and the good people from Modern Drummer magazine, I got to share the experience with Sir Richard in person!
Posted: June 20, 2019

Peace And Love with Ringo On July 7, 2019 Entry Deadline is June 25th!
Here’s your cha-cha-cha-chance to celebrate with Ringo Starr on his birthday, July 7, in Los Angeles, California.
Posted: May 31, 2019

Modern Drummer Announces New Exclusive VIP Meet & Greets And Collaborations For The Modern Drummer Family
MD recently announced enhanced offerings to its family of subscribers including eligibility in unique one-off VIP experiences with drum legends and superstars such as Ringo Starr, Jon Bon Jovi & the Kings of Suburbia, and Maná.
Posted: May 14, 2019

Matt Tecu of Jakob and The Echo In The Canyon Band
I am the drummer on the movie and album Echo In The Canyon. It’s a documentary/concert film about the sixties Laurel Canyon music scene, featuring the music of such artists as the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, the Mamas and the Papas, and Brian Wilson.
Posted: April 30, 2019

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: April 25, 2019

BMG To Release Soundtrack To Acclaimed New Documentary Echo In The Canyon
Echo In The Canyon – the illuminating new documentary film directed by Andrew Slater that explores the beginnings of the Laurel Canyon music scene (1965 -1967) through the stories of those who lived it, and the artists who carry its influence to this day.
Posted: March 11, 2019

Backstage Auctions Presents the "All Access David Frangioni Collection"
Backstage Auctions, Inc presents the upcoming “All Access David Frangioni” auction event which will feature a host of impressive and historic rock and audio memorabilia including drums and drum kits, audio equipment, and more, from award-winning audio engineer, author, and collector David Frangioni.
Posted: February 12, 2019

Joey Armstrong of SWMRS in On The Beat
The son of Billie Joe Armstrong, the lead singer and guitarist of Green Day, checks in about his latest recording sessions.
Posted: December 3, 2018

Mike Portnoy's Percussive Nation 2019 Music Camp
Mike Portnoy’s Percussive Nation Music Camp 2019.
Posted: April 17, 2018

On The Beat with Danny Wagner of Greta Van Fleet: Talks Influences, Songwriting, and Music Muscle
Hello Modern Drummer readers! Danny Wagner here. I play drums for the band Greta Van Fleet and am a long-time reader of the magazine. I’m honored to write an “On The Beat,” especially as such a young musician.
Posted: March 22, 2018

On The Beat with NYC Session Drummer Alan Childs: Talks New Album and Making a Living as a Drummer
Hey MD Drummers, Alan Childs here. Some of you might know me as the drummer for David Bowie, John Waite, Julian Lennon, and too many others to list here. I was blessed to do many recording sessions, radio, and TV jingles as well.
Posted: November 28, 2017

On The Beat with Chris Camilleri of Liverpool and the Happy Together Tour: Talks Legends and Opportunities
Hello, MD “On The Beat” readers! Growing up in the ’60s, and learning my instrument as that amazing music was being produced, I never had any idea that I’d be playing it (and getting paid) five decades down the road. But here we are.
Posted: June 13, 2017

On the Beat with Percussionist Tyler West and Drummer Bryan Adkins of Super Doppler
Tyler West What’s up, Modern Drummer readers! My name is Tyler West, but most people call me Teeter, and I’ve been the percussionist in psychedelic rock ’n’ soul band Super Doppler since tenth grade. From banging on pots and pans in the kitchen as a youngster to getting my first …
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: Hal Blaine
The July 2017 Modern Drummer is a special theme issue about the birth of classic-rock drumming. In it we examine the work of some of the most famous and influential players of the time, including the Beatles’ Ringo Starr, the Doors’ John Densmore, and Vanilla Fudge’s Carmine Appice.
Posted: April 26, 2017
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: March 16, 2017

Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp featuring Heart's Nancy Wilson with Special Guests Steven Adler and Gregg Bissonette
Nancy Wilson of Heart with special guests Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses) and Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth Band)- headline the next Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp June 29-July 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, CA
Posted: March 16, 2017
Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp featuring Heart’s Nancy Wilson with Special Guests Steven Adler and Gregg Bissonette
Nancy Wilson of Heart with special guests Steven Adler (Guns N’ Roses) and Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth Band)- headline the next Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp June 29-July 2, 2017 in Los Angeles, CA
Posted: February 16, 2017
On the Beat with Session Great Fred Eltringham
Hey Modern Drummer readers, Fred Eltringham checking in to let you know what I’ve been getting into lately.
Posted: September 20, 2016
On the Beat With Robby Cosenza of Vandaveer: Talks Influences and Studio Sessions
Wow, MD—it’s an honor! I’m a touring musician (Vandaveer, Horse Feathers, and Small Batch, among others) and the session drummer at Shangri-la Productions with producer Duane Lundy in Lexington, Kentucky.
Posted: July 29, 2016
Backbeats – Woodstick Groove 2016
This past April, Groove Music for Youth and the Emerald Queen Casino held their annual nonprofit drumming charity event, Woodstick Groove, in Tacoma, Washington. Check out our highlight reel of the event below!
Posted: July 19, 2016
On the Beat With Marc LaFrance of the Randy Bachman Band: Singing Drummer
Hello, On the Beat readers! My name is Marc LaFrance and I am the drummer/singer for Randy Bachman (Guess Who/BTO) and Bachman and Turner. I’m also a producer, songwriter, and session singer. I have performed on many albums over the years with such acts as Mötley Crüe, Bon Jovi, the …
Posted: June 30, 2016

August 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg
(Available in print and digitally June 30, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg “They didn’t want a copycat, so I needed to play it in my own way. I can’t play it any other way.” Taking the place of …
Posted: June 30, 2016
August 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg
(Available in print and digitally June 30, 2016) Print Copy ○ iTunes ○ Amazon ○ GooglePlay ○ Subscribe On the Cover Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg “They didn’t want a copycat, so I needed to play it in my own way. I can’t play it any other way.” Taking the place of …
Posted: May 31, 2016
Brian Kantor of the Fruit Bats on Absolute Loser
Brian Kantor has worked with indie faves Vetiver, ex-Cardigans singer Nina Persson, and Shudder to Think guitarist Nathan Larson, has for the past five years has a member of the Fruit Bats, led by multi-instrumentalist Eric D. Johnson. In May the band released a brand-new album, Absolute Loser, which was …
Posted: February 26, 2016
John Andrews on Quilt’s Plaza
Modern Drummer editorial director Adam Budofsky recently caught up with multi-instrumentalist Andrews, who also plays in the well-regarded group Woods and his own one-man band, Yawns.
Posted: November 6, 2015
Roger Taylor Discusses Duran Duran’s Paper Gods Track by Track
Roger Taylor and the hit-making British “new romantic??? band Duran Duran are back on the road, promoting their fourteenth album, Paper Gods. Taylor, who originally joined Duran Duran in 1979—replacing a drum machine—takes us through the release track-by-track….
Posted: October 9, 2015
News: The Beatles Hits Come Together for the First Time
Showcasing the band’s filmed work to accompany its twenty-seven No.1s, UK and US singles, the Beatles 1 is newly restored and expanded in multiple configurations for global release on November 6 by Apple Corps Ltd/UMG….
Posted: September 20, 2015
News: Julien’s Auctions Announces Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach Property Auction
Julien’s Auctions is auctioning property from the collections of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach on December 4 and 5, 2015. The collection by Ringo and Barbara features items from their London estate and Beverly Hills and Monaco residences. Comprised of musical instruments including drums and guitars, career memorabilia from the …
Posted: September 15, 2015
Web Exclusive! Joe Walsh’s Joe Vitale: Practice Tips and Influences
Joe Vitale is currently touring with Joe Walsh as well as starring in the movie Ricki and the Flash, featuring Meryl Streep. We continue talking with Joe about a few practice tips as well as some of his influences….
Posted: May 14, 2015
Little Dreams Foundation Charity Brunch – May 17th
Music Technologist David Frangioni is set to perform during the Little Dreams Foundation brunch on May 17th. Scheduled to attend is Phil Collins, among other celebrities and musical personalities.
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: February 6, 2015
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: December 31, 2014
Drummer Blog: Patty Smyth/Keith Mack’s Eran Asias on Touring, New York, and Solo Projects
What’s up MD readers? It’s great to be a part of this blog. My name is Eran Asias. I’m a New York City indie drummer and also have been playing drums for Patty Smyth of the ’80s band Scandal for the past eight years….
Posted: December 10, 2014
News: Guitar Center’s 26th-Annual Drum-Off Finals Brings Together Legendary Drummers to Celebrate the Nation’s Best Undiscovered Talent
Five talented drummers from across the country have been chosen from over 5,000 drummers entered in more than 1,000 local competitions nationwide to compete as finalists in Guitar Center’s 26th Annual Drum-Off, the world’s premier drum competition….
Posted: December 5, 2014

Drummer Blog: Echosmith’s Graham Sierota Talks The Tonight Show, “You Ought to Know??? Concert, and HALO Awards
Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….
Posted: December 5, 2014
Drummer Blog: Echosmith’s Graham Sierota Talks The Tonight Show, “You Ought to Know??? Concert, and HALO Awards
Hello! I recently had the craziest week yet. All my friends were in a classroom while I was in New York City during the craziest time of our band’s life….
Posted: December 2, 2014
What You Need to Know About…Bearing Edges
Many drummers don’t think about the edges of drum shells in terms of their impact on sound, but they can actually change the timbre quite dramatically. Therefore it’s a good idea to have a handle on different bearing-edge options and how they’ll affect the sound, in order to choose the …
Posted: November 11, 2014

Drummer Blog: The Lawsuits' Josh Friedman on Keeping Things Fresh and Exciting
I’ve been playing with the Lawsuits out of Philadelphia since 2009, and I can confidently say I’ve grown the most as a musician while playing with this group. Early on, I always thought I had to play with a certain level of technicality and intricacy to make a song sound …
Posted: November 11, 2014
Drummer Blog: The Lawsuits’ Josh Friedman on Keeping Things Fresh and Exciting
I’ve been playing with the Lawsuits out of Philadelphia since 2009, and I can confidently say I’ve grown the most as a musician while playing with this group. Early on, I always thought I had to play with a certain level of technicality and intricacy to make a song sound …
Posted: November 5, 2014
Gregg Bissonette “After All??? Chart and Drum Groove Video
Earlier this year Gregg invited MD to film him during rehearsals with Ringo, and here we share a clip of him playing a favorite groove, which he elaborates on below. But first let’s hear what he has to say about creating drum charts such as the one below, for the …
Posted: October 31, 2014
Percussive Arts Society to Raffle a Signed Ringo Starr Print During PASIC 2014
The Percussive Arts Society and Gary Astridge, noted Beatles drum gear historian, are raffling a rare Ringo Starr signed print, entitled “The World’s Most Famous Snare Drum,??? in support of Ringo and Barbara Starkey’s Lotus Foundation charity and the Percussive Arts Society….
Posted: October 28, 2014
December 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Gregg Bissonette
See what’s in the pages of the December 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Gregg Bissonette!
Posted: October 27, 2014
Drummer Blog: David Frangioni
Hello Fellow Drummers, my name is David Frangioni and I started playing the drums at age two. I lost one eye to cancer shortly thereafter and realized music is my passion. After years of my childhood playing, practicing, studying with Alan Dawson and Joe Morello, along with a drive to …
Posted: October 14, 2014
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: October 10, 2014
Dixon Drums and Gregg Bissonette Northern California Clinic Tour Wrap-up
For students and enthusiasts of any instrument, there are few moments as valuable as an in-depth and intimate session with a professional. Drummers in Northern California were given that opportunity when Ringo Starr’s Gregg Bissonette and Dixon put on clinics in five venues, from September 10 to the 14….
Posted: September 22, 2014
Drummer Blog: Kix’s Jimmy Chalfant on His Early Influences and Approach
Hey there, modern drummers! My name is Jimmy Chalfant, and I play drums for the Baltimore hard-rock band Kix. We released our latest studio CD, Rock Your Face Off, after almost twenty years since our last studio release….
Posted: September 11, 2014
#PEACEROCKS On International Day of Peace
JOHN VARVATOS INVITES YOU TO JOIN RINGO AND AN ALL STARR BAND AT THIS SPECIAL PERFORMANCE IN LOS ANGELES The John Varvatos Fall 2014 Campaign Features Ringo Starr #PEACEROCKS Charitable Initiative Benefitting The David Lynch Foundation via the Ringo Starr Peace & Love Fund John Varvatos and Ringo Starr continue …
Posted: September 3, 2014
Dixon Presents California 2014 Clinic Tour with Gregg Bissonette
Gregg Bissonette signed with Dixon drums this past April just in time for the Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band’s North American tour. While on break between legs, Bissonette will present his first US clinic tour as a Dixon artist in Northern California…
Posted: August 25, 2014
Jimmi Kane of Tempt
We’re coming up to the one-year anniversary of the band Tempt, and I thought that in my blog it would be interesting to give you the drummer’s perspective on trying to make it in the music business….
Posted: July 24, 2014
VIDEO! A Ringo Tribute: With a Little Help From Our Friends
In this video few fellow drummers recently stopped by to say “thank you??? to Ringo Starr for all the years of brilliant drumming….
Posted: July 22, 2014
Video! Drumming Great Jim Keltner Q&A Session at the Modern Drummer/Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp
In this video Modern Drummer’s Billy Amendola sat down with legendary drummer Jim Keltner at the Modern Drummer/Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp, which took place in November of 2013, to have a conversation about Ringo Starr, the Traveling Wiiburys, recording with George Harrison, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, his unique drumming …
Posted: July 10, 2014
VIDEO! Former Wings Drummer Steve Holley and the Smithereens’ Dennis Diken Pay Tribute to Ringo Starr
In our sixth tribute video to Ringo Star, filmed during the Fest for Beatles Fans Symposium, former Wings drummer Steve Holley discusses meeting Paul McCartney in 1977, through his neighbor Denny Laine, and joining the band a year later. Holley talks about Ringo’s sound and the Beatles drummer’s influence on …
Posted: July 3, 2014
Ringo Tribute With Spin Doctors Drummer Aaron Comess
In MD’s fifth Ringo Starr tribute segment, the Spin Doctors’ Aaron Comess shares his memories of discovering the Beatles and the impact Ringo had on him as a drummer playing in a band and for the song. He tells us his go-to Ringo tips in the studio, talks about Starr’s …
Posted: June 27, 2014
Ringo Video Tribute With Drummer Liberty DeVitto and Photographer Rob Shanahan (from the Fest For Beatles Fans 2014 )
We kick off video segment four starting Sunday’s Fest For Beatles Fans celebration with the Fest’s host Michelle Joni Lapidos welcoming back from Saturday, former Billy Joel and Slim King, BJ Kramer drummer Liberty Devitto. Lib continues his passion for Ringo’s drumming and demonstrates two songs that Starr and the …
Posted: June 19, 2014
Mark Hudson Ringo Tribute Video
In this video, drummer, producer/singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Mark Hudson shares stories of producing Ringo and discusses how much Ringo’s drumming was an influence on him. Hudson recalls how excited he was to play the original Abbey Road/Let It Be Ludwig maple kit and to sing and perform with Ringo, Brian …
Posted: June 13, 2014
Limited Edition Prints Support Ringo Starr’s Lotus Foundation
Ringo Starr and Gary Astridge present a limited edition print entitled “The World’s Most Famous Snare Drum??? to promote the first in a series of Beatles’ drum related prints, all in support of Ringo and Barbara Starkey’s Lotus Foundation charity….
Posted: June 12, 2014
Ringo Tribute with Danny Seraphine, Liberty DeVitto, and Carmine Appice Video!
In our second tribute segment to Ringo Starr, we feature Chicago/CTA’s Danny Seraphine, Billy Joel/Slim Kings’ Liberty Devitto, and Vanilla Fudge/Cactus/Rod Stewart’s Carmine Appice….
Posted: June 6, 2014
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: April 17, 2014
Gregg Bissonette Joins Dixon Drums
Dixon Drums and Hardware has announced the addition of Los Angeles–based, Grammy-winning recording and touring drummer Gregg Bissonette to its artist program. According to Dixon, Bissonette’s choice of Dixon comes from their synergetic vision to advance the art of drumming through quality craftsmanship, innovation, and education. Gregg will be involved …
Posted: March 3, 2014
VIDEO – Trey Anastasio Band Drummer Russ Lawton
Check out this video clip of the band Soule Monde, featuring drummer Russ Lawton and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski, both members of the solo group led by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio. The clip was filmed in July 2013 at the Slide Brook Lodge & Tavern in Warren, Vermont, a favorite haunt …
Posted: February 7, 2014
Ringo Starr Meets the Beatles
We travel back to the December 1981/January 1982 issue of Modern Drummer, which featured a cover story with former Beatle Ringo Starr. In the piece, Ringo talked extensively about growing up in England, sharing the most remarkable ride in pop history with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, and …
Posted: October 30, 2013
Matt Starr
As of late, I’ve been in the studio with Ace Frehley (Kiss). As for the in-between-time, I toured Europe with Steamroller, which is a band with Doug Aldrich and Michael Devin of Whitesnake….
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: August 7, 2013
Luke Roberts of “Let It Be??? Beatles Tribute
My name is Luke Roberts, and I’m a drummer, vocalist, and composer based in London. My current drumming post is performing as Ringo in the Broadway and West End show Let It Be.
Posted: July 18, 2013
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: July 1, 2013
Seeing Sounds, Part 2: The Deep, Fat “Thud??? (UPDATED)
Click here to check out part two of our Seeing Sounds series, which covers the deep, fat “thud” tones heard often in indie rock, pop, and R&B.
Posted: May 31, 2013
Photograph, A New Book and Ebook by Ringo Starr
Genesis Publications and Ringo Starr are set to release Photograph, a collection of never-before-seen material, including photos taken by Ringo, as well as exclusive images from his own personal archives….
Posted: April 29, 2013
Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band Announce Latin American Tour Dates
Ringo has been having so much fun with this incarnation of the All Starr band, with whom he just wrapped up a tour in the Pacific Rim including dates in New Zealand, Australia and Japan, that he has announced another leg of tour dates.
Posted: March 25, 2013
Rock Photographer Rob Shanahan Book Signing
On April 9, between 7 pm and 10 pm, the Cutting Room and Modern Drummer will present “An Evening With Rock Photographer Rob Shanahan,??? which will include a gallery show of Shanahan’s work and a book signing. Modern Drummer associate editor Billy Amendola will also premier the video for the …
Posted: March 19, 2013
39th Annual New York Metro Fest for Beatles Fans
April 5, 6, and 7 at the Empire Meadowlands Hotel in Secaucus, NJ Special guests and performers include Billy J. Kramer (featuring Liberty DeVitto on drums), legendary sax player Tom Scott, Beatles engineer Ken Scott, Beatles tribute band Liverpool (featuring Chris Camilleri on drums), Ringo Starr photographer Rob Shanahan, Herman’s Hermits’ Peter Noone, …
Posted: March 13, 2013
Frank Zummo of Street Drum Corps and thenewno2
This year kicked off with Street Drum Corps debuting our new show “Lost Vegas??? at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas….
Posted: March 6, 2013
Ringo Starr Show Marks First Major Exhibit Dedicated to a Drummer
The GRAMMY Museum, in cooperation with Ringo Starr, will debut a major new exhibition, Ringo: Peace & Love opening on June 12, 2013. This one-of-a-kind, limited-run exhibit will offer visitors an unprecedented in-depth look at all aspects of Starr’s musical and creative life – as a musician, artist, actor, and …
Posted: February 21, 2013
Ringo at the Ryman
A DVD of Ringo and his All Starr’s performance at Nashville’s historic Ryman, is being released March 19, 2013….
Posted: December 28, 2012
Gregg Bissonette Hosts First-Ever Drum Groove Camp March 15th – 17th in Thousand Oaks, California
regg Bissonette will host the Gregg Bissonette Groove Camp on March 15th -17th in scenic Thousand Oaks, California…
Posted: December 14, 2012
Supla Suplicy from Brothers of Brazil
When my brother Joao and I decided to play together about five years ago, I knew that I had to reinvent myself.
Posted: November 15, 2012
Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ TV Series
The Minneapolis-based music video network MetalKast has announced a new Internet radio and video streaming show, Rög’s Talkin’ DrumZ. Production for the first season is underway, with a few episodes complete. A Kickstarter fundraiser campaign was started on November 5 to help complete production for the first season. The campaign …
Posted: October 18, 2012
Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band To Tour The Pacific Rim In 2013
Ringo Starr announced that his All Starr Band will tour the Pacific Rim this winter with select dates in New Zealand, Australia and Japan. The band has the same line up which just completed a North American tour this past summer….
Posted: September 21, 2012
Russell Simins of the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
Hey, all, Russell Simins from the one and only Blues Explosion here. I play drums and write music with bandmates Jon Spencer and Judah Bauer, two of the greatest guitarists I know, and I know a lot of them.
Posted: September 4, 2012
Rock Your Business
We don’t normally think of the music business as a source of entrepreneurial insight, but we should. The best bands have longevity, a depth of customer loyalty, and an enviable level of profitability….
Posted: August 27, 2012
2012 Regina Drum Festival
On the heels of a very successful first year, the Regina Drum Festival is gearing up for a return on September 14 and 15 at the Regina Performing Arts Centre in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada….
Posted: June 11, 2012
Ringo Starr Art Exhibits To Show At Select Cities On 13th All Starr Tour
Ringo Starr is hitting the road this summer with his 13th All Starr Band, including Steve Lukather (Toto), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Mark Rivera, Gregg Rolie (Santana), Todd Rundgren, and Gregg Bissonette.
Posted: May 31, 2012
Ringo Starr And Elton John With T. Rex (Video)
Check out this unusual clip from the Ringo Starr-directed 1972 film Born to Boogie. Primarily a T. Rex concert film, Born to Boogie also featured studio performances such as this one filmed at Apple Studios. Here Ringo and Elton John join T. Rex leader Marc Bolan, bassist Steve Currie, drummer …
Posted: March 23, 2012
Rich Pagano to Lead Six-Part Art of Recording Classic Drums Course
Rich Pagano to Lead Six-Part Art of Recording Classic Drums Course
Posted: March 12, 2012
Discovered: Ringo Starr’s Drum Case Used with the Beatles
Dig announced the discovery of a unique piece of Beatles Memorabilia: the drum case used by Ringo Starr to carry one of his drums on tour with the Beatles.
Posted: February 22, 2012
Feb Web Update News
Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Hamilton, and Karriem Riggins are on Paul McCartney’s latest, Kisses on the Bottom. Riggins performed with the former Beatle at the Grammys, as did McCartney regular Abe Laboriel. For more, visit www.paulmccartney.com. Speaking of the Grammys, Low Millions drummer/producer Erik Eldenius was in the house band again …
Posted: February 8, 2012
Announcing Ringo Starr & His 13th All Starr Band Featuring Steve Lukather (Toto), Gregg Rolie (Journey, Santana), Richard Page (Mr. Mister), Todd Rundgren, Mark Rivera and Gregg Bissonette
Ringo Starr announces his 13th All Starr Band, which will launch June 14, 2012 from Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario and conclude July 21, 2012 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California. New to the All Starrs are Steve Lukather (Toto) and Gregg Rolie (Santana & Journey) who …
Posted: January 31, 2012
Ringo Starr Ringo 2012
There’s something timeless about Ringo’s drumming. Though he’s not one to get with “the click-track way??? of making records, you simply can’t ignore his flawless time and backbeat, and he always makes the simplest drum parts…(more)
Posted: January 31, 2012
Ringo Starr
Ringo checks in on the occasion of the release of his brand-new album, Ringo 2012, in this exclusive Modern Drummer video.
Posted: January 27, 2012
Mind Matters: The Drummer as Performer/Entertainer
I’ve been drumming with a band for the past five months, and the bandleader recently said I wasn’t performing enough on stage. When I asked what she meant, she said my drumming was fine but I had no personality on stage…
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: January 20, 2012
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: October 11, 2011
Bid On a Remo Buffalo Drum Signed by Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr autographs Remo Buffalo Frame Drums to be auctioned, benefiting nonprofit Arts and Services for Disabled.
Posted: September 19, 2011
Keith Langford from the Gourds
Hello, MD! It’s Keith Langford here from the Gourds in Austin, Texas. I’m writing to tell about my recent experience recording at Levon Helm Studios in Woodstock, New York, a.k.a. the Barn.
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: July 20, 2011
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
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 2, 2011
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: January 10, 2011
Adventures Of Power’s Ari Gold
Go ahead, say it: “My name is ___ ____, and I am an air-drummer!” You know it’s true. Even Neil Peart pounded magazines on his bed long before he ever had a drumset. As for me, my name is Ari Gold—yes, real name—and at long last, my air-drum comedy Adventures …
Posted: November 29, 2010
Sarab Singh of Harper Blynn
Greetings, fellow MD readers! My name is Sarab Singh, and this is my first-ever blog post for MD. I am truly honored and grateful to be doing this! A bit about myself: I live in Brooklyn, New York, got my music degree from the University of Miami, and am a …
Posted: November 3, 2010
Jamie Miller of Night Horse
Hello, my name is Jamie Miller. Like the rest of the entries on the site, I will begin by saying I have been a huge fan of Modern Drummer magazine for a very long time and am pretty stoked to be writing this! With that said, I will give a …
Posted: October 26, 2010
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: 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: September 27, 2010
The Drummer: Classic Rock
An educated, entertaining, essential addition to every drummer’s library—and to the history of modern drumming—The Drummer: Classic Rock Collector’s Edition magazine builds on content from Modern Drummer’s Top-selling The Drummer book with expanded coverage of drumming royalty from the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll.
Posted: July 15, 2010
Jon Fishman: Phish Plays The Rolling Stones
by Michael Parillo n the cover story of the September issue of MD, out now, Phish drummer Jon Fishman holds court on topics ranging from the breakup and reunion of his band to how milking a cow can help you maintain your drumming chops. In this online exclusive interview, he …
Posted: April 20, 2010
Sheila E: Way Beyond Latin
Sheila E, daughter of veteran percussionist Pete Escovedo, developed her natural talent by watching family members and friends gather in her home. Sheila was only eighteen when she carved her spot in music history, playing the hippest of gigs, like sessions with George Duke and Herbie Hancock….
Posted: April 15, 2010
Ricc Sheridan of Earl Greyhound
Greetings, drummers and percussionists around the world! First I would like to send love and blessings to you all, wherever you may be. I am deeply honored to be writing this blog for Modern Drummer. My name is Ricc Sheridan, and I’m the drummer/percussionist for Earl Greyhound. We are about …
Posted: April 7, 2010
Bigger Lights’s Ryan Seaman
I started playing drums at the age of eight, when my father introduced me to the Beatles.
Posted: April 7, 2010

Bigger Lights's Ryan Seaman
I started playing drums at the age of eight, when my father introduced me to the Beatles.
Posted: March 8, 2010
The Greats: Jim Keltner
Jim Keltner is inarguably a true studio drum god. Highly regarded for his session work on solo recordings by three of the Beatles, Jim could also be considered a close life-long friend of George Harrison, John Lennon, and Ringo Starr…
Posted: November 1, 2009
Catching Up With Gregg Bissonette
Have you seen the movie The 40-Year-Old Virgin? Or watched Spinal Tap perform on The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien? Or maybe caught a rerun of the ever-popular NBC sitcom Friends?
Posted: October 20, 2009
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: May 28, 2009

"TablaGirl" Tina Sugandh
I am a singer/songwriter, but I was given the name “TablaGirl.” My tabla skills actually just led me to Ringo Starr's house, where I had the absolute honor of singing and playing tabla on his album, as well as showing him a bit about the tabla.
Posted: May 28, 2009
“TablaGirl” Tina Sugandh
I am a singer/songwriter, but I was given the name “TablaGirl.” My tabla skills actually just led me to Ringo Starr's house, where I had the absolute honor of singing and playing tabla on his album, as well as showing him a bit about the tabla.
Posted: May 24, 2009
The Ryanist of Antennas Up
At a show in Lawrence, Kansas, Jordan, then drummer of Oliver Future, now drummer of the Relentless 7, gets to telling me about C&C drums. He says that they have finished drumkits for Ringo Starr, and that they’re just generally awesome folks to work with.
Posted: February 19, 2009
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
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: November 20, 2008
Andy Kravitz Blog
I'm a drummer/percussionist, producer, engineer, and writer. I've worked on over a thousand records since I started professionally at the age of fifteen
Posted: October 24, 2008
Vinnie Zummo
Hi, MD readers, Vinnie Zummo here. Though I'm best known for my years as a guitarist with Joe Jackson, I've played the drums for as long as I've played guitar.
Posted: October 20, 2008
John Fred Young
Black Stone Cherry drew on their Kentucky heritage for their second album, Folklore And Superstition…
Posted: October 14, 2008

Thenewno2's Oli Hecks
My name is Oli Hecks, from England, currently living in Los Angeles…
Posted: October 14, 2008
Thenewno2’s Oli Hecks
My name is Oli Hecks, from England, currently living in Los Angeles…
Posted: April 1, 2008
Randy Cooke
By Billy Amendola Photos by Rob Shanahan Randy Cooke was born in Toronto, Canada, and has been playing drums since he was a kid. Influenced by his dad, a snare drummer for The Toronto Scottish Pipe & Drum Band, Randy began learning drums in the military drum corps known as …
Posted: March 19, 2008
Stan Lynch
When Tom Petty was asked to describe original Heartbreakers drummer Stan Lynch in the 2005 book Conversations With Tom Petty, the bandleader responded with, “Stan. Now there’s a book in itself.???
Posted: December 5, 2007
Dee Pop of The Bush Tetras
As with most people around my age, my heroes were Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa (who both seemed to turn up regularly on variety television shows), Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts, Mitch Mitchell…
Posted: December 1, 2007
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
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: August 16, 2007
Bill Bruford: Our Prog Forefather
Progressive rock’s evolution from its nascent days in London’s university halls and local clubs to stadium-filling global phenomenon has its roots in the tumultuous melting pot of 1960s rock and psychedelia.
Posted: April 17, 2007
Brian Young of Founatins Of Wayne
If at any point in 2003 you were situated near an FM radio or MTV-equipped television, chances are you heard Brian Young’s drumming. That’s because the mega-hit song “Stacy’s Mom,??? from power-pop rockers Fountains Of Wayne grasped the airwaves with infectious hooks and sing-along melodies that were seemingly unavoidable….
Posted: November 16, 2006
The Who’s Zak Starkey: Channeling Keith-And More
As the forty-year-old son of Ringo Starr, most would think that Zak Starkey had been handed stardom on a silver platter. He plays drums with two of the most popular bands in the world, names the late, great Keith Moon as one of his best childhood friends, and is so …
Posted: October 1, 2006
Harry Judd of McFly Interview
Drummer Harry Judd of McFly shares a few moments with MD for a Q&A.
Posted: August 1, 2006
Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp 2006
I’ll start by saying, What an amazing five days I recently had—Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp promoter David Fishof is a genius! This past August 13–17, I was invited to the sixth Camp in New York City; my second as a guest and my first as a Battle Of The …
Posted: October 19, 2005
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: September 19, 2005
Mark Hudson
Mark Hudson has the coolest job in the world right now, because he gets to be in a band with a Beatle. The reason Mark became a musician [he started on drums] was because he wanted to be like his hero, Ringo Starr.
Posted: July 19, 2005
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
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 24, 2005
An Interview with Jim Keltner
Jim Keltner needs no introduction to Modern Drummer readers. Jim has played with just about everyone in music royalty, and it’s no mystery why: Everyone wants Jim’s feel-good vibe on their recordings. And if you ever met the man, you would know instantly that it’s not only great playing he …
Posted: May 19, 2005
Chris Cester of Jet
The band Jet has released what many consider to be one of the best rock records of the year, Get Born, which features the hit single (and Apple iPod anthem) “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” MD Online recently had the opportunity to speak with drummer Chris Cester on one …
Posted: May 12, 2004
Dave Grohl: Returning To His Roots With Probot
Many drummers have hit it big since the post-metal resurgence of the early ’90s. But no one has had the impact and influence of Dave Grohl. With the full-body flam and bass drum contortions of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Grohl forever changed drumming.
Posted: May 12, 2004
Tommy Lee: Bigger Than Ever
Tommy Lee rushes into the rehearsal hall where Motley Crue is preparing for their year-long reunion tour, which begins in February, to support their new best-of album, Red, White & Crue.
Posted: February 16, 2023

John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With David Fishof
John’s guest is former sports agent turned concert promoter, manager, and Founder/CEO of Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, David Fishof. David shares stories of his illustrious career in the music business, including reuniting the Monkees in 1986 for their 20th Anniversary Tour, one of the highest grossing tours that year. …
Posted: November 17, 2022

John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Jim Keltner
John’s guest is the legendary and incomparable, Jim Keltner! John and Jim discuss Jim’s incredible and prolific career starting with his first recording, Gary Lewis and the Playboys’ “Just My Style.” Continuing with his work with Bob Dylan, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright, …
Posted: September 8, 2022

Episode 87: Live From My Drum Room Remembering Charlie Watts – Part 3
Part 3 of John DeChristopher’s series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous discussion with drumming legends, Simon Kirke (Bad Company/Free) Steve Gorman (Black Crowes/Trigger Hippy), Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr All Star Band) and Don McAulay (Charlie’s drum tech and currently Steve Jordan’s drum tech). Check out John’s other episodes of “Live …
Posted: June 2, 2022

Episode 73: John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Donn Bennett
John’s guest was Donn Bennett, drummer, educator and founder of Donn Bennett’s Drum Studio in Seattle, WA. Donn talks about how he went from a teaching studio to opening his retail store, how he got into collecting vintage drums, creating “Donn’s Drum Vault” – his incredible collection of rare and …
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: September 23, 2021

Beautiful Day’s Elizabeth Freund curated this week’s MD Podcast with Ringo Starr on a private Zoom press conference to announce Ringo Starr Change The World, a new EP to be released on September 24, 2021. The 4 tracks were all recorded at Starr’s Roccabella West studio and features frequent and new collaborators. Ringo …
Posted: July 8, 2021

Hello everyone! Yesterday July 7th, was Ringo Starr’s 81st Birthday! As a #ThrowBackThursday, Modern Drummer would like to repeat our press “pop up podcast” we recently attended/posted with Sir Richard. MD sends Peace & Love in honor of what most call “the most influential drummer of all time.” Happy Birthday, Ringo …
Posted: March 19, 2021

Let’s kick off the weekend with this fly-on-the-wall “Pop Up Podcast” featuring a private filmed, streaming, virtual “ZOOM IN” press conference with Elizabeth Freund, Ringo, Modern Drummer, and a few select friends. Thank you, Beautiful Media and Ringo, for allowing us to post! Today March 19, 2021, Ringo releases his …
Posted: January 28, 2021

Episode 18: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Simon Kirke + Shop Talk featuring the Doc Sweeney Pure Series Ash Snare. Join us this week on the Modern Drummer Podcast as David Frangioni and Billy Amendola chat with Free/Bad Company’s Simon Kirke. Simon reflects on his sixty years …
Posted: December 31, 2020

Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola feature interview with Mickey Curry + Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Steve Stecher & review on two Doc Sweeney snares. David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talk with Mickey Curry about his career & records, his way of playing the drums, and the set …
Posted: November 26, 2020

The Modern Drummer Podcast – Narada Michael Walden’s UPBEAT: Billy Cobham, Bill Ludwig III from WFL III Drums & Noble & Cooley Metal Snare Drum product review & more. In this episode Narada Michael Walden talks with Billy Cobham, fusion master drummer who worked with Miles Davis about his early …
Posted: November 12, 2020

The Modern Drummer Podcast – Narada Michael Walden’s UPBEAT: Gregg Bissonette, Roland TD 27 KV product review & more. In this episode Narada Michael Walden talks with Gregg Bissonette. They discuss how Gregg started playing drums, memorable recording sessions, the artists who have influenced him over the years, and of …