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Vic Firth

Vic Firth






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Note: Some MD articles are only available in pdf format. Those articles do not appear in this list. Subscribers to Digital and All-Access can view every Modern Drummer issue in their available formats. Browse all MD issues from our archive here.
June 2022:
Vic Firth Introduces new stick and Rute Models

Nate Smith Signature Stick Nate Smith is renowned globally by drummers for his unique pocket, versatility, musicality, and infectious energy he brings to the drum set wherever he goes. His new signature series drumstick from Vic Firth feels like an extension of himself in that way, bringing the same qualities …


May 2022:
Vic Firth Bluetooth Isolation Headphones

Like many of you reading this, I have been using the Vic Firth Stereo Isolation Headphones for years now, and my ears have been thanking me. With the success of the original design, it was a logical next step for Vic Firth to introduce a Bluetooth version of the popular …


March 2022:
NEW and NOTABLE

VIC FIRTH ANNOUNCES SEVERAL NEW PRODUCTS Rute-X Rods Vic Firth understands that the familiar feel of drumsticks is missing from traditional rod designs. The new RUTE-X rods offer the comfort, response, and balance of standard drumsticks while further improving on the volume control, versatility, and alternative sounds players look for …


September 2021:
NEW GEAR

64 Audio U6t Universal In-Ear Monitor Drummers who are done with that wedge blasting away at them a few feet from their drum throne, but don’t want to expend the time and expense to order custom in-ear monitors, should look into these universal IEMs by 64 Audio. The U6t offers …


June 2021:
Modern Drummer June 2021 Cover
ProMark, Low Boy Custom Beaters and Vic Firth

ProMark Carter McLean Signature Drumsticks This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is June2021_Gear_NewGear_ProMark-181×1024.jpg The Carter McLean signature stick is made from hickory with a custom wood tip. It measures .571” in diameter and 16 1/8” in length with a lacquered finish. The custom tip shape provides …


December 2020:
December 2020 Vol 44 No 12
Vic Firth Re-Mix Brushes
Vic Firth

Vic Firth recently expanded its catalog with four pairs of uniquely designed Re-Mix brushes/rods made from different types of organic material, ranging from soft and subtle broomcorn to a combo of stiff yet flexible birch and rattan. These models are all 14.125″ long and feature rubber-coated, rectangular handles, which allow …


July 2020:
JULY-2020-cover
July Edition
TRX Cymbals CRX Rock II Series

TRX Cymbals CRX Rock II Series This new series includes a full range of medium-weight rides, hi-hats, crashes, crash-rides, and effects cymbals with a brilliant finish. They are available individually or in a box set composed of 14″ hi-hats, a 20″ ride, 16″ and 18″ crashes, and a cymbal bag.trxcymbals.com …


March 2019:
March 19 Cover
Vic Firth — PureGrit and DoubleGlaze Drumsticks and VicWax Stick Wax
Vic Firth Stick Wax

For extreme enhancement, the company introduced the antislip Vic Grip for a number of its most popular models.


December 2018:
New gear from TAMA, Zildjian, and Vic Firth!

New gear from TAMA, Zildjian, and Vic Firth!


May 2018:
New Drum Gear from Tama, Remo, Rogers, Etymotic Research, Vic Firth and Ahead!

Tama Superstar Hyper-Drive Duo Drumkit Tama’s new Superstar Hyper-Drive Duo features maple shells with black nickel hardware, die-cast hoops, and the aluminum Star-Cast mounting system. The 10×14 Duo snare drum doubles as a floor tom and an extra-deep snare. The drumkit is available in two configurations and in Flat Black, …


June 1982:
Vic Firth: Beyond The Classical Stereotype

Musicians are often thought to have the same characteristics as the music they play.


October 2017:
John Blackwell Jr., Kim Plainfield, Sweetwater Gearfest, Vic Firth and more!

Dweezil Zappa performs at the close of day one in the Sweetwater pavilion. Sweetwater GearFest 2017 Draws Record Crowds and Sales The 2017 edition of music retailer Sweetwater’s GearFest trade show and festival was held this past June at the company’s corporate headquarters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The event broke …


August 2017:
New Gear from Zildjian, Auralex, RBH Drums, Agazarian, Sonor, Aquarian, and Vic Firth!

Check out the latest gear from Zildjian, Auralex, RBH Drums, Agazarian, Sonor, Aquarian, and Vic Firth. Includes low volume add-ons, acoustic panels, anniversary snares and more!


July 2017:
Spaun 20th Anniversary Kit, PDP Daru Jones New Yorker Kit, TRX Cymbals and More!

Spaun 20th Anniversary Kit, PDP Daru Jones New Yorker Kit, TRX Cymbals and More!


June 2017:
Vic Firth – Modern Jazz Collection

The Modern Jazz Collection is another collaborative effort, but this time the company forwent signatures for simple monikers (MJC1, MJC2, MJC3, MJC4, and MJC5) to increase appeal among all drummers. Let’s check them out!


April 2017:
Dave Matthews Band's Carter Beauford

“I tried to assemble a kit that would fit with what we were doing musically,” says Carter Beauford. “Everyone in the Dave Matthews Band comes from a different musical background, and we were [representing] all those different backgrounds through the music. I’m psyched that the new Recording Custom has come …


May 2004:
May 2004 – Volume 28 • Number 5

Greg Upchurch, Airto Moreira, Poogie Bell, Wuv, Ari Hoenig, Paul Allen, Herb Shucher, Ray Luzier, Kenny Kramme, Jerry Mercer, Clem Burke, Don Lamond, Roy Hanes, Jeremy Hummel, Vic Firth, Scott Williamson


October 1997:
October 1997 – Volume 21 • Number 10

Chad Sexton, Don Lombardi, Herb Brochstein, Roy Burns, Vic Firth, Ron Spagnardi, Virgil Donati, John Tempesta, Charlie Benante, Steve Gadd, Giovanni Hidalgo, Bill Stewart, Tony Royster Jr. , Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Paul Wertico, Jack DeJohnette, Steve Ferrone, Papa Jo Jones, Chad Smith, Mario Calire, Jeff Porcaro, Jason Bonham, Bun …


June 1982:
June 1982 – Volume 6 • Number 4

Max Roach, Keith Moon, Vic Firth, Joe Vitale, Chris Parker, Sonny Greer, Mickey Curry, Butch Ballard, Billy Hart, Hal Blaine, Buddy Rich, Rick Marotta, Elvin Jones



Posted: March 17, 2022

Category: News
Amarin Percussion

Amarin Percussion brings exceptional drummers to Los Angeles for in-person, personalized drummasterclasses and clinics. Started at the end of 2021, Esodic drummer Zed Amarin and Sarah Dunn opened AmarinPercussion to make exclusive drummers more accessible to the Los Angeles drumming community.Through in-person masterclasses, clinics, and individual lessons, Amarin Percussion has …


Posted: April 6, 2021

Category: News
Yoyoka Soma – Hit Like A Girl Spotlight – HLAG 2018 Contestant & 2021 Jr Global Ambassador – 4/4/21

  Yoyoka Soma is an 11 year old powerhouse of a drummer from Japan. She started playing drums at the age of two, played live at four, and formed her family band “Kaneaiyoyoka” at five. At 6 years old, she even released her first CD while in kindergarten. In addition …


Posted: March 30, 2021

Category: News
Domino Santantonio – Hit Like A Girl Spotlight – HLAG 2015 Contestant & 2021 Finals Judge – 3/30/21

Domino Santantonio is a 29 yr old drummer and social media sensation from Montreal, Canada. Domino comes from a family of musicians, her father is also a drummer and she started playing drums seriously at age 16. Domino enjoys playing all different types of genres of music but her forte …


Posted: August 19, 2020

Austin Blau
Category: News
Austin Blau on Binary Code’s Memento Mori

This past May saw the release of New Jersey–based progressive metal band Binary Code’s sophomore album, Memento Mori, their first featuring drummer Austin Blau. The album was inspired by the suicide of founder/guitarist Jesse Zuretti’s girlfriend; all proceeds from sales of the album will be donated to suicide prevention causes. …


Posted: August 6, 2020

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

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


Posted: July 9, 2020

Category: News
Nick D’Virgilio Play-Through #5–9

In this post we present five videos that Nick D’Virgilio and Sweetwater have produced, highlighting tracks from Nick’s new solo album, Invisible. (For the backstory, click here.) As in all of our previous posts, in each video D’Virgilio discusses the parts he played and the gear he chose, which was …


Posted: June 25, 2020

Category: News, News and Events, Uncategorized
Nick D’Virgilio Play-Through #4: “Where’s the Passion”

For “Where’s the Passion” D’Virgilio opted for a DW Santa Monica kit in birds-eye maple. If you’ve been following the series (and you should be), you already know that Nick D’Virgilio and Sweetwater produced a bounty of content around the recording of D’Virgilio’s Invisible album [Sweetwater Sound]. Throughout the video …


Posted: June 24, 2020

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

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


Posted: March 10, 2020

Category: On the Beat
Delta Rae's Mike McKee

Hello Modern Drummer! Mike McKee here and it’s an honor to be “On The Beat” for a second time.


Posted: March 5, 2020

Joey Cassata
Category: On the Beat
Joey Cassata of ZO2

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


Posted: February 6, 2020

Category: On the Beat
Max Silverstein of No1Cares

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


Posted: January 1, 2020

Category: News, News and Events
Want Free Drum Lessons?

Each month during the Percussion Marketing Council’s 25th Anniversary celebration, a randomly selected winner will receive 12 free drum lessons at their local drum shop or music store that offers private lessons.


Posted: November 21, 2019

Category: On the Beat
John Humphrey of Seether and the Nixons

I’ve been touring and recording with Seether for more than sixteen years now. The band has amassed twenty Top Five singles, three platinum records, and numerous gold albums.


Posted: October 8, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Mike Fasano of Tiger Army

Hi, Modern Drummer “On The Beat” readers. Mike Fasano here, checking in and giving you a heads up to what’s going on in my world.


Posted: October 1, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Pete Lockett: Shares “Indian Clave” Video

“Indian Clave” features Pete Lockett and Panos Vassilopoulos. The track was recorded and mixed by Angelos Politis at Oxeyed Studios, Athens, and produced by Lockett. Video edited by Panos Visual Media.


Posted: September 12, 2019

Category: On the Beat
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: August 29, 2019

Category: On the Beat
On The Beat With G Flip

My name is G Flip and I’m from Melbourne, Australia. Drums have always had a special place in my heart.


Posted: July 30, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Carl Canedy of The Rods

Hi MD Readers! I’ve never been much of a self-promoter, as it’s always felt a bit self-serving. Having said that, I’m so thrilled to be doing this for MD (my favorite magazine for decades), so I’m going to make the exception and offer up some of my credits.


Posted: July 11, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Pete Biggiani of Kodiak

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


Posted: June 25, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Lee Finkelstein of the Blues Brothers and Funk Filharmonik

After I subbed for the inimitable David Garibaldi with Tower of Power in 2004, it was great to be acknowledged in MD. Getting to do that was a bucket list and dream gig that changed my career forever.


Posted: June 20, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Dan Wojciechowski of Peter Frampton Band

Peter Frampton Band’s latest album All Blues is a collection of Frampton’s favorite blues classics and was recorded with his longtime touring band, made up of Adam Lester (guitar/vocals), Rob Arthur (keyboards/guitar/vocals) and Dan Wojciechowski (drums).


Posted: June 11, 2019

Category: On the Beat
Third Richardson of Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers

It’s quite possible that many of you, like myself, have memories of running to the local music store to grab the latest monthly issue of Modern Drummer. I am a huge fan, so I’d like to start by saying what an honor it is to be a part of “On …


Posted: May 31, 2019

Category: News
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 23, 2019

Tony Lewis
Category: On the Beat
Bronx/New York Session Drummer Tony Lewis

Greetings MD people! My name Tony Lewis and I’ve been fortunate enough to play with artists who perform different styles, such as jazz (Dizzy Gillespie), rock (Sting) and roll (Little Richard), soul (Sam Moore), and hip-hop (Rakim, MC Lyte).


Posted: April 25, 2019

Bernard Fowler
Category: On the Beat
Bernard Fowler of the Rolling Stones

Talking About New Album, Percussionists/Drummers, and Gear Hello everyone in Modern Drummer land! Inside Out is the name of my new LP and it’s a reinterpretation of songs written by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger for the Rolling Stones. As I was finishing up my last LP, The Bura, I …


Posted: April 11, 2019

Ray Marté
Category: On the Beat
Ray Marté of Moon Tooth

Hi everyone! I play in the band Moon Tooth and we just finished a tour with Mark Morton’s project Anesthetic and Light The Torch. We also just released our second full-length album, Crux.


Posted: March 28, 2019

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

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


Posted: March 26, 2019

Chuck Tilley
Category: On the Beat
Chuck Tilley of Sixwire

I’m a great example of “be careful what you wish for.” After spending the last seven years drumming for the iconic country band Alabama playing more than three hundred and fifty shows, it was time to focus on my own band Sixwire.


Posted: March 21, 2019

Peter Szendofi
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer, Clinician, Composer Peter Szendofi in On The Beat

Talking About Tours, Clinics, And Gear Hello everyone! Peter Szendofi from Hungary here “On The Beat!” I would like to share some news from 2019. I’ve played on more than two hundred albums of all kinds of music since 1992. I’ve been so lucky and honored to have performed with …


Posted: March 12, 2019

Joey Cassata
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Joey Cassata from ZO2 and Eric Martin in On The Beat

Hey, Modern Drummer readers! It’s Joey Cassata from ZO2 and the TV show Z Rock.


Posted: February 26, 2019

Ian Casselman
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ian Casselman of Marianas Trench in On The Beat

I am Ian Casselman with the band Marianas Trench. We’re a harmony-oriented band and our fifth studio album, Phantoms, will be out March 1st.


Posted: February 19, 2019

Gayelynn McKinney
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gayelynn McKinney of Aretha Franklin in On The Beat

Hey, hey MD readers! Let me introduce myself. My name is Gayelynn McKinney. I recorded with a ground breaking, all-female jazz group called Straight Ahead for Atlantic Records. While touring with that group, I had the opportunity to be featured in Modern Drummer’s Bonzo Twentieth Anniversary edition. (January, 1996).


Posted: February 12, 2019

Joey Armstrong
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
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: January 17, 2019

Lenny "The Ox" Reece
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Lenny “The Ox” Reece of The Lesson GK in On The Beat

When I was old enough to go to the music store, I would sit at the drums and teach myself for as long as they would let me.


Posted: January 10, 2019

Darren Beckett
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Darren Beckett of Brandon Flowers in On The Beat

Hello Modern Drummer readers, I’m honored to be featured in my first “On The Beat!”


Posted: December 6, 2018

Andrew Campanelli
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Andrew Campanelli of the Revivalists in On The Beat

Hello MD, Andrew here! Playing with another drummer is a great way to improve your vocabulary on the kit but it’s rare to get that opportunity within a touring band.


Posted: November 29, 2018

Jay Clancy
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jay Clancy of Sloucher in On The Beat

Hello Modern Drummer readers! My name is Jay Clancy and my band Sloucher is from Seattle, Washington. Our debut LP Be True was released on November 16 on Swoon Records. In the past you could find me drumming for bands like Cayucas, Hibou, or Oberhofer.


Posted: November 13, 2018

Spider
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Spider of Wank in On The Beat

Hey guys and girls, it’s Spider from Wank. My group has been a part of the Orange County music scene for more than twenty-two years now.


Posted: October 16, 2018

Ryan Harding
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ryan Harding of Local H: Talks New Single, Touring, and Influences

Hello, fellow Modern Drummers! I began playing drums fresh out of high school at eighteen years of age, playing in bands in the local Minneapolis scene.


Posted: October 11, 2018

Brandon Mullen
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Brandon Mullen of Common and Freddie Jackson

Hello MD readers! My name is Brandon Mullen, and I am currently the touring drummer for hip-hop artist Common and the legendary R&B artist Freddie Jackson.


Posted: October 9, 2018

Elaine Bradley
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Elaine Bradley of Noble Bodies and Neon Trees: Talks New Video, Playing Live, and Gear

Greetings, Modern Drummer readers! I’m Elaine Bradley. I drum and sing (and occasionally play guitar) in Noble Bodies. You might also know me from my drumming and occasional singing in the band Neon Trees. I obviously like to stay busy! Noble Bodies just released a video for our song “Take …


Posted: August 28, 2018

Leroy Clouden
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Leroy Clouden: Spreading the Music

Hey MD readers, this is Leroy Clouden! I’ve been fortunate to play drums and record with Steely Dan, B52s, Blind Boys of Alabama, Soul Stirrers, Lenny Pickett, and many more during my career. I also teach at the Collective in New York City.


Posted: August 23, 2018

Lou Vecchio
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Lou Vecchio of New Politics: Talks Upcoming Tour and Gear

What’s up MD friends! It’s always an honor to be a part of the Modern Drummer family, thank you all for that!


Posted: August 16, 2018

Alex Ballew
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Alex Ballew of Erra and Ghost Atlas: Talks New Album and Gear

What’s up Modern Drummer! My name is Alex Ballew and I write, record, and perform in Erra and Ghost Atlas based out of Birmingham, AL.


Posted: August 14, 2018

Mike Reid
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Mike Reid of Janet Jackson: Talks Motivation and Inspiration

Hello everyone! I would like to start off by giving a huge thanks to Modern Drummer for allowing me to share my experiences as a professional drummer.


Posted: June 28, 2018

Sean Gannon
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Sean Gannon of the Magic Numbers: The Song is King

Hello MD! Wanting to do something is the first step to actually doing it. When I was fourteen, I wanted to play the drums; I let everybody know that. The next thing I knew, I was on stage in front of 500 people playing (very badly) an instrument I’d never …


Posted: June 21, 2018

Ron Totman
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ron Totman of the Parallel: Talks Influences, Writing Process, and Gear

Firstly, a huge thanks to Modern Drummer for featuring me here “On The Beat.” This magazine has been a leviathan source of inspiration and musical growth to me for as long as I can remember, and it’s incredibly humbling to be speaking here to you all.


Posted: May 29, 2018

Joseph Arrington
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Joseph Arrington of Royal Coda: Keeping it Organic

Thank you Modern Drummer for being naive enough to trust me with my second “On The Beat.” Just kidding. I have such a profound love and appreciation for this magazine that I will most certainly rewrite this one hundred times before it is published.


Posted: May 24, 2018

Stephen Kluesener
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Stephen Kluesener of Wage War: Talks Gear and Tours

Hello Modern Drummer readers! Thanks for checking out my “On The Beat.” My name is Stephen Kluesener, and I drum for a band called Wage War. I’ve been drumming for fourteen years now, mainly self-taught. I joined Wage War in the middle of 2012, after my high school band split …


Posted: May 17, 2018

Dan Needham
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Dan Needham of Michael McDonald: Talks Making Yourself Valuable

Hello fellow MD drummers! We recently returned from an amazing two-month American/European tour with the great Michael McDonald and I’m excited to be home with my family again.


Posted: April 24, 2018

Doug Cosmo Clifford
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Doug “Cosmo” Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revisited: Talks Influences, Honors, and Fitness

Hello! I’m a big Modern Drummer fan and I’m glad to share this with you all here “On The Beat.” I met my partner in crime Stu Cook (Creedence bassist) the first day of junior high school and we hit it off immediately based on common musical interests including Fats …


Posted: April 19, 2018

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

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


Posted: April 12, 2018

Pat Gerasia
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Pat Gerasia of Red Sun Rising: Talks New Album Thread and Favorite Gear

Hey MD readers! Pat Gerasia here, drummer for Red Sun Rising. We couldn’t have been more excited to release our sophomore album Thread this past March 30.


Posted: March 8, 2018

Category: Multimedia, News, News and Events, Videos, Web Exclusive
Exclusive Video! Son Lux/Landlady Drummer Ian Chang Solo Release Show

Check out this footage from the release show for Ian Chang’s debut EP, Spiritual Leader, held at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, New York. “I’m controlling all the sounds and lights using Sunhouse’s Sensory Percussion on a mesh-head kit,” Chang explains. “It’s an elaborate puppet show where drumming pulls the …


Posted: February 20, 2018

Ken Taylor
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ken Taylor of Seaway: Talks Role Reversal and Gear

Hello fellow drummers! Thrilled to be here for this edition of “On The Beat.” I’m Ken Taylor and I play drums in Seaway, a band outside of Toronto, ON. We’ve been out doing some press and live sessions to promote our latest record Vacation.


Posted: February 15, 2018

Robert Ortiz
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Robert Ortiz of Escape The Fate: Finding the Connection

Hello, Modern Drummer readers! My name is Robert Ortiz and I’m out of my mind. I can’t necessarily blame drumming directly for my lunacy but it certainly carved a path towards it.


Posted: February 8, 2018

Steve Murphy
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Steve Murphy of the Hit Men: Talks Projects and Tours

Hey MD peeps! This is a great honor for me to be able to tell some of my story. Like most of you, I first subscribed to MD at an early age (back in the mid-’80s, yikes!) when I was busy trying to be what I eventually became―a pro drummer.


Posted: February 6, 2018

Tyler Ritter
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Tyler Ritter of Moon Taxi: Talks New Album

What’s up everyone! Tyler Ritter here from the Nashville-based band Moon Taxi. I’m super pumped to be here discussing a few things for “On The Beat” and would like to deeply thank Modern Drummer for having me.


Posted: February 1, 2018

Gerry Polci
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Gerry Polci of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and the Hit Men: What’s Up After All These Years

Hello MD Drummers! My name is Gerry Polci. I have been playing professionally for more than fifty years, yes, fifty years, and I’m happy to say I still love what I do and love to share my acquired skills with the rest of the drumming world.


Posted: December 27, 2017

Ben Anderson
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ben Anderson of Nothing More: Talks New Record and Challenging Expectations

What’s up, Modern Drummer! It’s Ben Anderson from Nothing More here. I’ve been a part of various touring and non-touring groups over my eighteen years of drumming, but the last two years I’ve been with the NoMo family, which has taken me all over the world.


Posted: November 14, 2017

Danny Seraphine
Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Spirit Winter Percussion Presents Ninth Annual Day of Percussion

Join Spirit Winter Percussion for the Ninth Annual Day of Percussion, November 19, 9 am to 5 pm, at Somerset Berkley Regional High School.


Posted: November 7, 2017

Warren Benbow
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with NYC Drummer Warren Benbow: Once a Drummer, Always a Drummer

Hello MD fans! Warren Benbow coming at you courtesy of this “On The Beat!” Like most drummers, I started out early and by the time I was sixteen I was playing my first professional gigs. It seemed to me that I was born a drummer.


Posted: October 12, 2017

Dean Sabatino
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Dean Sabatino of the Dead Milkmen: Talks New Recordings and Gear

Hey Modern Drummer readers, I’m Dean “Clean” Sabatino, drummer for the Dead Milkmen. I’ve been playing with the group since 1983. Our first record came out in 1985 and produced the college radio hit song “Bitchin’ Camaro.”


Posted: October 5, 2017

Ruben Limas
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with Ruben Limas of Tetrarch: Metal and Memories of Venezuela

Hello everyone! My name is Ruben Limas and I play drums for the metal band Tetrarch. I am super excited to be writing this “On The Beat” for Modern Drummer as I am from Venezuela and this is something that most drummers from my country only dream of.


Posted: September 29, 2017

Blue Man Group Winner
Category: News, News and Events
Blue Man Group Crowns Winner of New York Drum-Off

Blue Man Group has crowned Kwesi Robinson of Lawrenceville, NJ as the winner of the first-ever New York Blue Man Drum-Off


Posted: September 28, 2017

John Mader
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On The Beat with John Mader of Hamilton: Talks Versatility and Getting the Gig

Hello Modern Drummers! John Mader here. I’m the drummer on the first national tour of Hamilton. I am thrilled to be speaking to you via MD, as I have been a reader for long time. I have been very fortunate to have been selected to audition, perform live, and/or record …


Posted: August 29, 2017

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

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


Posted: August 21, 2017

Blue Man Group
Category: News, News and Events
Blue Man Group Announces New York Drum-Off

Blue Man Group is teaming up with Astor Alive! Festival to host the first- ever Blue Man New York Drum-Off on Sunday, September 23.


Posted: July 21, 2017

David Stanoch
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with David Stanoch: Where Old School Meets New—The Timeless Rhythm of Clyde Stubblefield

On Saturday, February 18, 2007, we lost a singularly unique artist, Mr. Clyde Stubblefield, known to musicians worldwide as “The Funky Drummer.” Check out the August 2017 print and digital versions of Modern Drummer for a look at Clyde’s life, career, and insights from the man himself, as well as …


Posted: June 28, 2017

Vic Firth Make Music Day
Category: News, News and Events
Vic Firth Joins in Global Make Music Day Celebration

Spreading the message that to make music all you need is a beat in your heart and a pair of sticks, Vic Firth gave away hundreds of pairs of sticks and sponsored drumming workshops in plazas and parks nationwide in celebration of this year’s Make Music Day.


Posted: June 22, 2017

Steve Barnard
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with UK Drummer Steve “Smiley” Barnard of the Alarm and Archive: Talks Artists, Albums, and Tours

Hello, my name is Steve “Smiley” Barnard. I’m a UK-based drummer, and I am flattered to share some of my current movements and history with you lovely people at Modern Drummer.


Posted: June 8, 2017

Nathan Curran
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Nathan Curran aka Tugg of Basement Jaxx: Talks Session Work, Artists, and Tours

Hi Modern Drummer! My name is Nathan Curran, aka Tugg, and I’ve been drumming since I was ten. When I first picked up a pair of sticks, I knew that this is what I wanted to do with my life. With the support of my family I’ve made my dreams …


Posted: May 31, 2017

Gethin Davies
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
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: April 21, 2017

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

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


Posted: March 23, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Nick Hayes of the Eric Gales Band: Talks Upcoming Release, Current Tour, and Gear

Hello MD readers, I’m Nick Hayes from the Eric Gales Band and I hail from Greensboro, North Carolina. I’ve been the full-time drummer for world-renowned guitarist Eric Gales for the last five years.


Posted: January 10, 2017

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Session Drummer Jonathan Ulman: Shares 2016 Highlights and Talks New Year

Hey, Modern Drummer readers! My name is Jonathan Ulman, and I am a session drummer/percussionist from Boston, Massachusetts. First, I would like to take a minute to say how honored I am to talk a little bit about my career for “On the Beat!” This is truly a thrill and …


Posted: December 20, 2016

Joey Cassata
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Joey Cassata of ZO2 and the Musical "Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812": Talks Challenges of Broadway

Hey, Modern Drummer readers! It’s Joey Cassata, drummer for the new Broadway musical starring Josh Groban called “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”.


Posted: December 20, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat with Joey Cassata of ZO2 and the Musical “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”: Talks Challenges of Broadway

Hey, Modern Drummer readers! It’s Joey Cassata, drummer for the new Broadway musical starring Josh Groban called “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”.


Posted: December 1, 2016

Category: Drummers, Featured
Craig Macintyre of the Goo Goo Dolls: Reflects on 2016 and Talks Tours

Hello, MD readers, a lot has happened in 2016. I’ve been playing for the platinum pop rockers the Goo Goo Dolls and earlier in the year I recorded drums and percussion on their newest release Boxes. I also co-wrote the latest single “Over and Over.”


Posted: November 30, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured
Monte Yoho on the Outlaws’ Legacy Live

The Outlaws are one of the premier bands associated with the Southern-rock movement of the ’70s, and drummer Monte Yoho was with the group—dubbed Florida’s Guitar Army—at the very beginning. Early hits like the Yoho co-write “There Goes Another Love Song,” the classic update of the famous 1948 cowboy tale …


Posted: November 9, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
KOSA NY Percussion Day

KOSA NY Percussion Day, featuring clinics, workshops, and concerts, will offer free admission on Saturday, November 19, 12-5 pm at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Road, Bronx, 10468.


Posted: October 31, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured, Web Exclusive
Matt Mingus on Dance Gavin Dance’s Mothership

This past October 7, post-hardcore group Dance Gavin Dance released its seventh full-length studio album, “Mothership”. Throughout the record’s thirteen cuts, founding drummer Matt Mingus weaves a unique, genre-defying sense of feel between intricate breakdowns and pounding unison guitar riffs.


Posted: October 6, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With James Michael McLester: Help, Hope, Live: A New Lease on Life

My original project Supernova Remnant released our CD Rockets’ Red Glare in 2015. Rockets’ Red Glare enjoyed heavy rotation on FM and Internet radio stations across the globe. Their popularity has elevated since they performed at TBN television studios during our trip to NAMM in California.


Posted: October 4, 2016

Sammy Merendino
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Sammy Merendino: Talks Kinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper, and Tour

Hello everyone! I’m writing this on a tour bus on my way to Northern California. For the past three and a half years, I’ve spent most of my time on the fifth floor of the Al Hirschfeld Theater playing drums for the six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway show Kinky Boots, (book …


Posted: October 4, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Sammy Merendino: Talks Kinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper, and Tour

Hello everyone! I’m writing this on a tour bus on my way to Northern California. For the past three and a half years, I’ve spent most of my time on the fifth floor of the Al Hirschfeld Theater playing drums for the six-time Tony Award-winning Broadway show Kinky Boots, (book …


Posted: September 30, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Brian Delaney of Melissa Etheridge: Talks Tours, Spain, and David Bowie

Hey there, MD readers! I’m psyched to write an On the Beat entry for you. I was out this summer with the fabulous Melissa Etheridge. We went as a trio, with Melissa on guitar/vocals, David Santos (Billy Joel, John Fogerty, Crosby, Stills, and Nash) on bass, and myself.


Posted: September 30, 2016

Category: News, News and Events
Zildjian Promotes Neil Larrivee to Vice President

The Avedis Zildjian Company has announced that Neil Larrivee has been promoted to vice president of Education and Drumstick Product Development.


Posted: September 28, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Joe Fitzgerald of Pugwash: Talks Latest Release, Tours, and Favorite Drums

Hi, MD readers! My name is Joe Fitzgerald and I’ve been drumming with the Irish pop band Pugwash since 2010.


Posted: September 22, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Vinnie Appice Free Live Performance and Drum Event!

VINNY APPICE (BLACK SABBATH AND DIO) FREE LIVE PERFORMANCE AND DRUM EVENT! WATCH IN STORE OR ONLINE DURING THE LIVE STREAM. Vinny Appice is one of the most in demand drummers in the music industry. His unique, powerful drumming is marked not by his performances with a single group, but …


Posted: September 20, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
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: September 13, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Vinny Appice: Talks Bands, Tours, Projects, and More

Hi, everyone! For years I have been in a couple of very successful, famous bands and it has kept me busy with full schedules of endless touring and recordings. The music industry was in good shape back then, but times and the industry have changed and now many musicians are …


Posted: September 11, 2016

Category: Feature Stories, News, News and Events
Brendan Buckley on Tour With Tegan and Sara

Brendan Buckley, who initially grabbed the attention of many of us as the drummer with the international superstar Shakira, is seemingly in constant motion.


Posted: August 1, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Featured, Web Exclusive
Alex Shelnutt of A Day to Remember on Bad Vibrations

Metal and pop-punk mainstays A Day to Remember are getting set to release their sixth studio album, Bad Vibrations, in early September. MD Online asked drummer Alex Shelnutt, the band’s powerful backbone, about the influences and techniques he calls on to propel the band.


Posted: July 13, 2016

Brian Dunne of Hall and Oates
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Brian Dunne of Hall and Oates: Live From Daryl’s House

Hey, MD! My name is Brian Dunne and I’ve been playing drums for Daryl Hall and John Oates for the past seven years, as well as being the drummer for the TV show Live From Daryl’s House, where artists come to Daryl Hall’s place and perform their music with Daryl …


Posted: July 13, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Brian Dunne of Hall and Oates: Live From Daryl’s House

Hey, MD! My name is Brian Dunne and I’ve been playing drums for Daryl Hall and John Oates for the past seven years, as well as being the drummer for the TV show Live From Daryl’s House, where artists come to Daryl Hall’s place and perform their music with Daryl …


Posted: July 5, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Lynn Coulter of Rita Coolidge: On the Road With the Delta Lady

Hello “On the Beat??? readers, Lynn Coulter here. I just got back from two weeks out with the fabulous Rita Coolidge doing dates in the New England area. Rita just released her memoir, Delta Lady.


Posted: July 1, 2016

Category: Drummers, Featured, Web Exclusive
Dan Pawlovich on Touring With Panic! at the Disco

Dan Pawlovich is currently on the road with pop-rock group Panic! at the Disco in support of its latest album, Death of a Bachelor. Here Modern Drummer Online asks Pawlovich about backing a band that seamlessly sifts through multiple sonic landscapes while still staying on top.


Posted: June 27, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Cole Marcus

Hey Modern Drummer readers, this is Cole Marcus. I’m a seventeen-year-old drummer with a thirteen-year long professional career. I started playing at ten months old, and landed my first artist endorsements at age four with Mapex, Zildjian, and Vic Firth, with more added after that (Evans, Yamaha DTX, Cympad, GoPro, …


Posted: June 16, 2016

Category: News, News and Events
Blue Man Group Boston Hosting Third Annual Drum-Off Competition

Blue Man Group Boston is hosting their third annual drum-off competition to find the most creative, talented drummers in the greater Boston area. This year’s finals will be held July 16 at 1 pm on the main stage as part of the Outside the Box Festival on Boston Common.


Posted: June 3, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Charlie Z: Drumageddon Cyborg Drummer/DJ

Hello! It is my honor to be a part of the Modern Drummer “On the Beat??? section. Being a young drummer, Modern Drummer was actually how I got the idea to become the successful NYC session drummer, producer, and music director that I am today.


Posted: May 13, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Mike Calabrese of Lake Street Dive: Keeping It Simple, the Way It Used to Be

Hi, I’m in my early thirties now and have been touring full time with my band Lake Street Dive for the past three years. The title of this post, kept intentionally vague, addresses an overarching ethos of my career that has been more and more important to hold on to …


Posted: May 5, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
WhackBamThudd Presents Reel Rhythm Percussion Event

The 2016 WhackBamThudd drumset/Latin Reel Rhythm percussion event will take place at the Broadway Theatre, Saskatoon, Sask Canada…


Posted: April 25, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Jim Chambers’ Music Box Presents Sam Ash Drum Bash V.9.0 in Tampa

Following up on Drum Bash V.8.0, held in October of 2015, local music educator and owner of Jim Chambers’ Music Box, Jim Chambers, will once again team with Sam Ash Music to present Drum Bash V.9.0 on Saturday, April 30 from 5 to 8 pm at the Sam Ash Music …


Posted: April 25, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
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 1, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Women in Percussion Theme Rocks the Big Apple at NYU/KoSA/Hit Like a Girl Event

The NYU Steinhardt Percussion Studies Program (Jonathan Haas, director) hosted its first-ever collaboration with KoSA (Aldo Mazza, director) and Hit Like a Girl (David Levine, director) on February 13. This year’s event, Celebrating Women in Percussion, included a variety of clinics and master classes with artists from around the world, …


Posted: February 29, 2016

Category: News, News and Events
News: Vic Firth Inducted Into Guitar Center RockWalk

The Guitar Center RockWalk recently welcomed Everett “Vic??? Firth, world famous timpanist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra and founder of the Vic Firth Company, to its ranks of music pioneers and performing legends….


Posted: February 16, 2016

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Drum Ambition Offers Video Lessons for Beginners

Launched in January 2016, Drum Ambition is a website that provides video lessons for beginner drummers. Founded and presented by Simon DasGupta, Drum Ambition is ideal for students who are working with a teacher and would like to utilize a low-cost supplement to lessons….


Posted: January 29, 2016

March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Barry Kerch
Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Barry Kerch

See what’s in the March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Barry Kerch.


Posted: January 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Daughter’s Remi Aguilella

Daughter’s sophomore effort, Not to Disappear, came out this January, and we got a chance to shoot Aguilella some questions as he was getting ready for a tour-filled 2016….


Posted: January 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Pete Lockett: The “Long-Term Student??? Clears Pathways to a Credible East-West Percussive Combination

Pete Lockett By Claudia Hansen   by Mike Haid   From Britain to Bombay, Pete Lockett is recognized as an international ambassador of world percussion. Lockett’s mastery of North and South Indian styles has earned him accolades and respect from the Indian masters of rhythm, and he’s collaborated with many …


Posted: January 29, 2016

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Barry Kerch

See what’s in the March 2016 Issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Barry Kerch.


Posted: January 11, 2016

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Paul Wandtke of Trivium: Working on the Same Wavelength

Hello Modern Drummer readers! I’m Paul Wandtke and I just landed a new “drumming home??? with the Orlando based heavy metal titans Trivium. I just made my live debut at Knotfest in Mexico by performing in front of over 40,000 people on the main stage. Performing the show was so …


Posted: December 10, 2015

Category: 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, Feature Stories, Lists
Ten Great Drum Accessories for Under $100

Check out this list of Ten Great Drum Accessories for Under $100!


Posted: December 5, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Galactic Drummer, Stanton Moore, Announces Third-Annual SONO Drum Camp

Students at Stanton Moore’s Third Annual Spirit of New Orleans (SONO) Drum Camp will enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sit in and jam with Grammy Award-winning essential funk band, Galactic….


Posted: December 1, 2015

Category: 2015 Holiday Gift Guide, Feature Stories, Lists
Twenty Drum Gifts for Under $20

With the holiday season upon us, there’s no better time to step back and look at all the different gift options that are available. In this first installment of our 2015 holiday buyer’s guide, we specifically want to focus on drummer gifts that are under $20. These items are perfect …


Posted: November 2, 2015

Category: Feature Stories
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List

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


Posted: October 26, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: Stanton Moore Third-Annual “Spirit of New Orleans??? Drum Camp Announced

Grammy award-winning drumming superstar, author, and instructional DVD creator Stanton Moore (Galactic) hosts his Third Annual “Spirit of New Orleans??? Drum Camp…


Posted: October 10, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Shaun Foist of Breaking Benjamin: Failure Was Never an Option

Prior to joining the revamped lineup of the hit alternative metal band Breaking Benjamin, Shaun Foist spent thirteen years immersing himself in all things drumming, including playing with Picture Me Broken, a band fronted by Gregg Allman’s daughter, Brooklyn Allman. Over the years Foist enjoyed a few “wow??? moments, including …


Posted: September 17, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Thaddeus Dixon of Meghan Trainor: Drummer Versus Producer

Hi, my name is Thaddeus Dixon and I’m the drummer for (“All About That Bass???) Meghan Trainor. I’ve been playing drums for Meghan since January 2015 and it has been an absolute pleasure and an amazing year. Not only have I been playing drums for her but also I’ve been …


Posted: August 21, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Wayne Proctor of King King: Touring and Recording

Hey MD readers, it’s great to be back. It’s been a few years since my last update with Modern Drummer and a lot has been happening. Right now I’m getting a break before the madness starts again, and I find myself back in planes, trains, and automobiles across mainland Europe …


Posted: August 3, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Andrew “Stix??? Cotterell of Feed Her to the Sharks: Rockstar Mayhem Festival Spotlight

G’day Modern Drummer readers. My name is Andrew “Stix” Cotterell, and I play for the Australian band Feed Her to the Sharks. We are a metalcore/deathcore band that incorporates an array of shredding guitar, driving drums, and catchy melodies, and we recently released our first album with Victory Records called …


Posted: July 28, 2015

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
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: July 15, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Nick Baverman of Brent James and the Vintage Youth: New Record and Summer Touring

My name is Nick Baverman. I play drums for Brent James and the Vintage Youth out of Cincinnati, Ohio. We’ve got kind of a southern, country-ish hard rock thing goin’ on. I love playing in this band….


Posted: July 10, 2015

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, On the Beat, Videos
On the Beat With Robert Garza of Shattered Sun: Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival Spotlight

My name is Robert Garza, and I play drums for a band called Shattered Sun out of Texas. We are a melodic metal band with thrash influences, as well as uplifting chorus, riffy guitars, and heavy drums….


Posted: June 12, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: Slammin’ Simon’s Guide to Mastering Your First Rock & Roll Drum Beats Now Available!

To teach young aspiring rock stars all the rudiments, grooves, and fills they need to get drumming in no time, educator Mark Powers has launched a series of kid-friendly drum guides. Students are led through the fun, focused books (available in both Kindle and paperback formats) by cartoon character Slammin’ …


Posted: June 11, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: World’s Fastest Drummer Contest Returns to NAMM

The contest, which consists of two categories, Fastest Hands and Fastest Feet, will be held each day on the World’s Fastest Drummer Lobby Stage at the Music City Center starting at 11:00am Thursday, July 9th.


Posted: June 10, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
On the Beat With Rob Thomas’ Abe Fogle: Checking In From Tour Rehearsals

Hi, MD readers! Well, it looks like things are coming together, and I am getting ready to go on tour again with Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas. I am extremely excited about the tour, the gear that I have, the people with whom I will be touring, and of course, my …


Posted: June 8, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
News: Internationally Recognized Drummer/Educator Vince Ector to be Honored at Arts For Kids “Not Just Jazz and BBQ Fundraiser???

Arts For Kids, Inc. is planning an afternoon of music, dance, visual art, and barbecue to celebrate Arts For Kids and to honor executive director Vincent Ector for fifteen years of service and dedication to providing meaningful arts opportunities to underserved communities in the NY tri-state area….


Posted: June 8, 2015

Category: News, News and Events, Past Contests
Win a SensiTone Beaded Brass Snare Drum from Darkest Hour’s Travis Orbin and Pearl! (Updated)

Travis Orbin is currently on tour with Darkest Hour, marking the band’s twentieth anniversary by performing the Undoing Ruin album in its entirety. To celebrate this milestone, Pearl and Orbin have joined up to give away the Pearl snare drum he uses—the 6.5×14 SensiTone Beaded Brass. Enter now!


Posted: May 4, 2015

Category: News, News and Events
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: April 30, 2015

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
June 2015 issue of Modern Drummer featuring Benny Greb

See what’s in the pages of the June 2015 issue of Modern Drummer magazine and find out where to pick it up.


Posted: March 27, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Dirty Heads’ Matt Ochoa on Playing Through the Drum

Hey, Modern Drummer! My name is Matt Ochoa, and I live in Huntington Beach, California. I play drums in a band called Dirty Heads. We’re an alternative group with influences of hip-hop and reggae. Our style can mix up acoustic guitars with fat drums over trap beats. I’ve been recording …


Posted: March 27, 2015

Category: Drummers, Past Contests
Win a pair of signed Vic Firth drumsticks from Dirty Heads drummer Matt Ochoa, plus a signed vinyl copy of the Sound of Change

Register now to win a pair of signed Vic Firth drumsticks from Dirty Heads drummer Matt Ochoa, plus a vinyl copy of the Sound of Change album signed by all of the band members!


Posted: March 26, 2015

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

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


Posted: March 11, 2015

Drummer Blog: Jerod Boyd of Miss May I
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Jerod Boyd of Miss May I

What’s up Modern Drummer readers? I’m Jerod Boyd and I play drums for a band called Miss May I. We are a metalcore band with quick riffs, heavenly harmonies, and heavy drumming…


Posted: March 11, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog:
Jerod Boyd of Miss May I

What’s up Modern Drummer readers? I’m Jerod Boyd and I play drums for a band called Miss May I. We are a metalcore band with quick riffs, heavenly harmonies, and heavy drumming…


Posted: March 6, 2015

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

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


Posted: February 19, 2015

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
News: 25th-Annual Chicago Drum Show to Take Place May 15–17, 2015

The 25th Annual Chicago Drum Show is shaping up to be another world-class percussion event. Organizer Rob Cook reports that every aspect of the show is on track to maintain the show’s status as a premier educational and entertainment event….


Posted: February 17, 2015

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

“Which one is the xylophone???? “How do I tell where the notes are???? “Are these the right mallets???? Those are just a few of the questions young drummers-turned-percussionists often end up asking their band directors when handed a glockenspiel or timpani part to play with their school concert band for …


Posted: February 11, 2015

Category: Drummers, News and Events, The Showroom
Showroom: Vic Firth Split Brush Retractable Wire Brush

Designed with German drummer Florian Alexandru-Zorn, the Split Brush represents a new design concept for a wire brush….


Posted: February 6, 2015

Category: Drummers, News and Events, The Showroom
Showroom: Vic Firth Steve Smith Tala Wand Slats

The Steve Smith Tala Wand Slats feature a foam center surrounded with four flat bamboo slats and wrapped in thin PVC and is said to provide a variety of unique sounds with ideal rebound and feel….


Posted: February 4, 2015

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Breaking Benjamin’s Shaun Foist Talks Touring and Presenting Your Best on YouTube

I won’t say that the BB gig fell in my lap—because it didn’t—but I will say that all the hard work I’ve been putting in for over ten years helped to get me noticed.,,,


Posted: January 30, 2015

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

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


Posted: December 15, 2014

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

As someone working in a drum shop or the drum department of a music store, your word is gold. Most of the time, you’re the only connection that drummers have to the manufacturers and their products, so your knowledge of drum gear can have a lasting effect on your customers. …


Posted: December 10, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
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: October 16, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Stanton Moore’s Second-Annual “Spirit of New Orleans??? Drum Camp Set for December 5–7

Grammy award–winning drummer Stanton Moore (Galactic) has announced that his second-annual “Spirit of New Orleans??? drum camp will take place December 5–7 at the historic Old US Mint in New Orleans’ legendary French Quarter. Produced by MUSO Entertainment, this three-day camp….


Posted: September 30, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Gabor “Gabs??? Dornyei on Touring and Being True to Yourself

Hi there, Modern Drummer readers, it’s Gabor ‘Gabs’ Dornyei here from London, UK, and it’s great to be given the opportunity by MD to share some insights of my career with you….


Posted: September 17, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Street Drum Corp’s Bobby Alt on Producing Teen Drummer John Tessin of Hero for Today

Hi, everyone! It’s a real privilege when I get to produce and record young drummers who are just coming into their own, and it’s a very special privilege when they’re great….


Posted: September 10, 2014

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

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


Posted: September 3, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
East Coast Drum Jam Set for September 21st

The East Coast Drum Jam will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom at US Hwy 1 South in Princeton, New Jersey….


Posted: September 1, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Edd Unwin of Empress AD

Playing in Empress AD has allowed me to explore a wider range of genres and hack into styles which I was not as accustomed to before….


Posted: August 29, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
Thomas Lang Drumming Boot Camp Dates Announced

Drummer/producer Thomas Lang (stOrk/Paul Gilbert/John Wetton) has announced a Thomas Lang Drumming Boot Camp (TLDBC) scheduled for November 14–16, 2014 at the Palm Garden Hotel located at 495 N. Ventu Park Road, Thousand Oaks, California. Reserve your spot before September 8 and get all equipment rentals for free….


Posted: August 27, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Karl Latham

Hello, Modern Drummer readers! It’s been a while since I last checked in from “the North Woods.??? I see all is great in drum land—so many amazing new talents every day!


Posted: August 14, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center’s 26th Annual Drum-Off Searches for the Nation’s Best Drummers

Guitar Center recently launched its 26th annual search for the next great drummer. Developed to inspire and support on-the-rise musicians, the Drum-Off has proven to be a launching pad for a flourishing professional career as a drummer. Past Drum-Off winners have gone on to play with Prince and Beyoncé (Cora …


Posted: August 13, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
James Michael McLester of SuperNova Remnant

2014 started out with an appearance on JUCE TV featuring an interview of my band SuperNova Remnant and the debut of our music video, produced by Jeff Hamm, for our new single “Miracle.”


Posted: July 30, 2014

Category: News, News and Events
World’s Fastest Drummer Contest Heats Up Summer NAMM Show

WFD-World’s Fastest Drummer, Extreme Sport Drumming events held its fifteenth annual competition at the past Summer NAMM Show in Nashville, Tennessee.


Posted: July 2, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Brandon Mullins of Beartooth

Hello, MD! Brandon Mullins from Beartooth here to share with you some of what goes on in my world as a drummer….


Posted: June 24, 2014

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
August 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring Shannon Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars

Check out what’s in the August 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Shannon Leto of 30 Seconds to Mars!


Posted: June 6, 2014

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

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


Posted: May 13, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jaye Moore of Dead Stars

My name is Jaye Moore, and I’m the drummer for the Brooklyn band Dead Stars. We are releasing our new album, Slumber, on June 17 on Old Flame Records, and then we’re hitting the road to support it all summer….


Posted: April 23, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Kevin Shane Cogen of Galvanized Souls

Hello there, Modern Drummers. My name is Kevin Shane Cogen, and I have been drumming for six years. Granted, most of you have never heard of me, but I think you’ll find I have a similar story to most drummers. Read on to learn about my band, my drumming, and …


Posted: April 23, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
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: March 13, 2014

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
Nile’s George Kollias to Conduct Drum Camp in Los Angeles

World-renowned heavy metal drummer, educator, and instructional DVD creator George Kollias (Nile) in conducting his first drum camp…


Posted: March 7, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Beau Kuther of Smallpools

Good day, fellow Modern Drummer fanatics. Most of you don’t know who I am, but if you skim your way through this brief and painless memoir of my drumming existence, you’ll probably end up knowing more about me than you bargained for….


Posted: March 6, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Johnny Richardson with Trace Adkins

Hello fellow drummers, music lovers, and MD readers! My name is Johnny Richardson and I live in Nashville, Tennessee and am beginning my third year as superstar country artist Trace Adkins’ drummer….


Posted: March 3, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
Stanton Moore Announces SONO Las Vegas Drum Camp in April

Grammy award-winning drummer, author, and educator Stanton Moore (Galactic) debuts his SONO Las Vegas Drum Camp, April 11–13 at the Alexis Park Hotel and Spa. Produced by MUSO Entertainment, this exclusive three-day music camp celebrates the legacy and rich musical tradition that is unique to New Orleans….


Posted: February 26, 2014

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Korn’s Ray Luzier and Special Guests Play “Sluggo’s Revenge??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Watch Korn drummer Ray Luzier’s exclusive performance of “Sluggo’s Revenge??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. Ray’s band featured Jeff Kollman on guitar, Billy Sheehan on bass, and DJ/producer Sluggo.


Posted: February 21, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats With Steve Lukather Play “We All Swing the Tuna??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Check out this video of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Chad Smith leading his band the Bombastic Meatbats at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, held this past January 18. The band, which also consists of guitarist Jeff Kollman, keyboard player Ed Roth, and bassist Kevin Chown, was joined onstage by …


Posted: February 20, 2014

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Multimedia, Videos
VIDEO – Steve Ferrone and Questlove Play “Pick Up the Pieces??? at Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals

Check out this video of longtime Tom Petty drummer Steve Ferrone and the Roots’ Questlove playing “Pick Up the Pieces,??? from Guitar Center’s 2014 Drum-Off Finals, which were held this past January 18. The song was the biggest hit for the Scottish funk group Average White Band, which Ferrone played …


Posted: February 14, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ben Barter of Lorde

I’ve been playing drums for Ella (Lorde) for almost one year now. It has been the fastest and most exciting year of my life. I’ve managed to tick many of my musical aspirations off in that year and have so many more exciting shows and travel ahead….


Posted: January 20, 2014

Drummer Danny Young of We Will Rock You Tour
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Danny Young of We Will Rock You Tour

Over the past few years, I’ve been playing on a lot of Broadway shows, including this current tour, but my career has actually been quite diverse.


Posted: January 20, 2014

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Danny Young of We Will Rock You Tour

Over the past few years, I’ve been playing on a lot of Broadway shows, including this current tour, but my career has actually been quite diverse.


Posted: January 6, 2014

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
Rock Drummer Vinny Appice to Conduct Online Master Class

Legendary rock drummer Vinny Appice will conduct an online master drum class at GoDpsMusic on Saturday, January 11, 2014, 1 to 3 pm (PST)….


Posted: December 20, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Celebrates 25 Years With An All-Star Line-Up

Five finalists have been selected to go on to battle it out for the title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion and a prize package valued at nearly $50,000.


Posted: December 3, 2013

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
January 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring Abe Laboriel Jr.

See what’s in the January 2014 issue of Modern Drummer magazine featuring Paul McCartney’s drummer Abe Laboriel Jr…


Posted: November 27, 2013

Scott Reeder of Fu Manchu and Sun & Sail Club
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Scott Reeder of Fu Manchu and Sun & Sail Club

Hello, fellow bashers, my name is Scott Reeder. (No, not that Scott Reeder—more on that later.) I’ve been playing drums for, oh let’s see, forever, or at least as long as I can remember….


Posted: November 27, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Scott Reeder of Fu Manchu and Sun & Sail Club

Hello, fellow bashers, my name is Scott Reeder. (No, not that Scott Reeder—more on that later.) I’ve been playing drums for, oh let’s see, forever, or at least as long as I can remember….


Posted: October 4, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Thirteenth-Annual DrummerFest Taking Place October 19

Milwaukee music store Cascio Interstate Music, located at 13819 W. National Ave. in the Milwaukee suburb of New Berlin, will hold its thirteenth annual DrummerFest on Saturday, October 19, starting at 10 am and ending at 6 pm. This free event is open to the public….


Posted: October 3, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
Stanton Moore to Host Spirit of New Orleans Drum Camp This December 13–15

Drummer/author/educator Stanton Moore, who’s most known for his playing with the funk group Galactic, is debuting the Spirit of New Orleans Drum Camp on December 13–15 at the Old U.S. Mint in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter….


Posted: September 18, 2013

Category: News, News and Events
Nashville Drummers Jam 3: Tribute to Jeff Porcaro

The Nashville Drummers Jam, along with promotional partner, Tom Hurst Presents Loud Jamz, and venue partner, Douglas Corner Café, involves bringing top Nashville drummers together to perform their favorite songs from a selected theme while raising money for worthy causes. The Nashville Drummers Jam 3, which took place on September …


Posted: August 12, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, Drummers, News, News and Events
World’s Fastest Drummer Competition Heats Up Nashville

Tom Grosset of Toronto became the second person in history to break 1,200 single strokes (hits) in sixty seconds, at this year’s WFD World’s Fastest Drummer Extreme Sport drumming event held during the Summer NAMM Show in Nashville this past July. Grosset, who played 1,208 single strokes, broke the previous …


Posted: August 1, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center Launches Its 25th Annual Drum-Off Competition

Guitar Center’s Drum-Off launches its 25th annual search for the next great undiscovered drummer.


Posted: June 24, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Corky Gainsford of Otherwise

I play drums for the band Otherwise, who is on Century Media Records. Our debut album, True Love Never Dies, was released in 2012 and landed at number two on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart….


Posted: June 11, 2013

Category: News, News and Events
Vic Firth Welcomes Vinnie Colaiuta

Drum stick company Vic Firth Welcomes Vinnie Colaiuta to their rosterVic Firth Company is proud to announce the signing of Vinnie Colaiuta to its family of artists….


Posted: June 3, 2013

Category: Drummers, Issues, News, News and Events
July 2013 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Carter Beauford

See what’s in the July 2013 Issue of Modern Drummer featuring Drummer Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band


Posted: May 31, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Vic Firth Inducted by Music for All into the Bands of America Hall of Fame

Vic Firth Company is pleased to announce that Vic Firth has been inducted into the Music for All 2013 Bands of America Hall of Fame. The Bands of America Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have greatly impacted the nation’s band activity, the Bands of America organization, and music education….


Posted: May 16, 2013

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Web Exclusive!
Mark Guiliana’s Beat Music

Mark Guiliana may be best known for his work as a sideman with jazz musicians such as Avishai Cohen and Brad Mehldau, but the drummer has been increasingly involved with his own solo project, Beat Music….


Posted: May 1, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Mat Marucci Trio Concert in Syracuse, NY on May 12

Modern Drummer columnist Mat Marucci will be appearing with his trio at Jazz Central, at 441 E. Washington Street, in Syracuse, New York, on Sunday, May 12. The concert will begin at 7 pm and will be recorded live by Cadence Jazz Records….


Posted: April 29, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Andrew Tkaczyk of the Ghost Inside

Hey, everyone! Andrew Tkaczyk from the Ghost Inside here. Just checking in after a long three-month tour through Europe and the U.S. Feels good to be home and relax for a while!


Posted: April 25, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Beats, Brews, & Banter with Allison Miller

Philly Drum Project’s monthly event, Beats, Brews, & Banter, will continue on Monday, May 6th at The R Bar (formerly Roosevelt’s Pub) at the corner of 23rd and Walnut in Philadelphia. The event will run from 7-9pm and feature Allison Miller….


Posted: March 11, 2013

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

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


Posted: March 11, 2013

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

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


Posted: February 25, 2013

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Paul Wandtke of Dead Original

The last time I wrote a blog here was in September of 2010, when I drummed for Kill Hannah during an intimate main support run with the Smashing Pumpkins. I feel honored and privileged to be able to share with fellow MD readers what I’ve been up to since.


Posted: January 28, 2013

Category: Feature Stories, News, News and Events, The Showroom
NAMM 2013 in Photos

It’s that time of year again, when the makers of dreams—or at least the equipment that helps them come true—show off the latest and greatest gear that will be available in the upcoming months. What’s the catch? Not everyone is invited! Never fear, the Modern Drummer editors have it covered. …


Posted: January 17, 2013

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Kevin Crabb Hosts Educational Jazz Improv Workshop

Kevin Crabb will be hosting an Educational Jazz Improv Workshop at Musicians Institute on Friday February 1st….


Posted: January 17, 2013

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
Pro-Mark Founder Herb Brochstein Passes

Drummer and Pro-Mark founder Herb Brochstein passed away this week. The multifaceted Brochstein played many roles in the music industry throughout his long career, recording and performing, teaching, owning a drum shop, and, in 1957, launching the Pro-Mark drumstick company….


Posted: December 21, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Erik Eldenius of Billy Idol

I’m back home to Los Angeles after working with Billy Idol for a few weeks. We’d been rehearsing quite a bit before we went to Moscow for a private gig and did a week of west-coast dates here in the U.S.


Posted: December 18, 2012

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Finals To Feature Live Performances By Gadd, Blackwell, Carlock, Heyward, King and More!

Guitar Center’s nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer has chosen the 2012 grand finalists.


Posted: December 4, 2012

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
Marvin McQuitty Limited Edition Commemorative Sticks

To commemorate the life and talent of beloved, world-renown drummer Marvin McQuitty, VIC FIRTH has printed a limited run of Uncle Marv’s favorite American Classic Extreme 5A sticks with his customized signature….


Posted: November 20, 2012

Category: Drummers, News, News and Events
Patrick Kennedy Named U.S. Champion at V-Drums World Championship

Held on the eve of the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), the U.S. finals for the 2012 Roland V-Drums World Championship exposed exceptional drumming talent….


Posted: November 14, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Justin Sherrell of Bezoar

Playing drums for me has been a constant game between what’s affordable and what really suits my needs sound-wise.


Posted: October 10, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Joseph Reilly of the Winter Sounds

As a kid I always envisioned myself as the guitarist in a hair metal band. But from the minute I first sat behind a drumset, I knew it was my place in a band.


Posted: August 7, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Charlie Woodburn

Being a session drummer is quite a challenge, but it’s one I love because I’m in a situation where I’m asked to play many styles….


Posted: June 18, 2012

Category: News, News and Events
Roland Announces V-Drums World Championship 2

The U.S. national competition gives drummers throughout the U.S. a chance to make history by competing nationwide with solo drum performances on the TD-30KV V-Drums V-Pro® Series and other Roland percussion products.


Posted: June 15, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Bruce Cox of Fred Wesley and the New JBs

This past winter has been a bit slow but productive. I’ve taken advantage of the calm pace to finally complete my latest CD, Status Cymbals.


Posted: June 12, 2012

Category: Drummers, Multimedia, Videos
Steve Smith Solo Dedicated to Vic Firth (Video)

Check out this recent solo by drumming great Steve Smith. “This solo is dedicated to Vic Firth, a master musician and an inspiration to me,??? says Steve. “I started with my timpani mallets, using motivic development, and I continued to follow the flow of ideas in a stream-of-consciousness improvisation.


Posted: June 8, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jake Garland of Memphis May Fire

My name is Jake Garland, I live in Florida, and I play drums for the band Memphis May Fire. I’m twenty-two years old, and I’ve been playing drums for eleven years. (continue reading)


Posted: May 25, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Andrew Nauss of Thieving Irons

My name is Andrew Nauss, and I play drums for the Brooklyn-based band Thieving Irons. Our album Behold, This Dreamer is due on June 5. (continue reading)


Posted: May 15, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jorma Vik of the Bronx

“As most people may not be familiar with the bands I play in, I’ll give you a brief history. The Bronx is an American rock/punk/hardcore band formed in 2002 in Los Angeles, California. We’re currently working on our fourth full-length record.” (continue reading)


Posted: May 3, 2012

Category: Feature Stories, News and Events
New Gear For 2012! Highlights From Winter NAMM (S–Z)

Here are some of the coolest new products coming down the pipeline for 2012, all of which were on display at the annual Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, this past January (Part 4).


Posted: April 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jason Heiser of Charm City Devils

Hello, Modern Drummer family! My name is Jason Heiser, and I’m the drummer for Charm City Devils. Recently I had the opportunity to record our second album, Sins, in an awesome studio in Nashville called Skidd Co. (continued)


Posted: April 25, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Dusty Saxton with Brandon Rhyder

My name is Dusty Saxton, and I’m a touring and session drummer from Austin, Texas, currently on the road with country artist Brandon Rhyder. (continued)


Posted: April 23, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Tim “Yogi??? Watts of Demon Hunter

Hi, everyone. I’m Tim “Yogi??? Watts, drummer for the metal band Demon Hunter. I want to approach metal drumming from a different perspective. I’m not really concerned with being showy; I’d rather have someone feel the flow of the section and how well my part fits within the song structure. …


Posted: March 30, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Will Noon of Fun SXSW Tour Blog

The sun sets over El Paso, and over Juarez as well—which is apparently the murder capital of the world. So I regretfully agree to enter round two in my search for decent Mexican food in El Paso. 0 for 2 this year.


Posted: March 5, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Shaun Foist

Hello, fellow drummers! My name is Shaun Foist, and I’ve been playing drums for nineteen years. I got started at around age ten, when my father showed me how to play…


Posted: February 23, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jeff Fabb with James Durbin

Hi, my name is Jeff Fabb and I was born and raised in the small town of Mattituck, Long Island, New York, and started shredding away at the age of eleven…


Posted: February 3, 2012

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Van

As I flailed away behind my drums that chilly London evening in the early spring of 1996, I tried to put the events of the previous month in perspective. The club was packed and the crowd was rocking; it was a nice way for Superchunk to end a grueling six-week …


Posted: February 3, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Vince Wilburn Jr.

Hey, what’s happening, MD! This is Vince Wilburn Jr., recently back from winter NAMM 2012, where I got to see a lot of my good friends, witness some great music, and check out new, innovative products. It’s one of my favorite times of the year….


Posted: January 25, 2012

Category: Drummers, Education Team Members
Bill Bachman

[MDEdTop]Bill Bachman is a world-renowned specialist in hand technique with a heavy background in rudimental drumming and its application to the drumset. Bachman is a regular contributing columnist for Modern Drummer magazine, author of the book Stick Technique: An Essential Guide for the Modern Drummer (Modern Drummer Publications) and the …


Posted: January 18, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Doug Yowell

I studied my heart out and began lessons with Peter Erskine when I was sixteen years old. He was as much a friend as a mentor. Peter not only taught me behind the kit but also took me to countless recording sessions to watch a true master working with all …


Posted: January 10, 2012

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chris DeRosa

I was asked by ShareTheMic and the U.S. Embassy in Cairo to go to Egypt with my band Monkfish as a Jazz Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. State Department. The group went over to perform jazz and other American styles of music for a series of concerts.


Posted: January 9, 2012

Category: Clinics and Events, News, News and Events
Mapex Drums’ Drummer of Tomorrow Contest US Final Round

Mapex Drums’ Drummer of Tomorrow contest is gearing up for the United States Final round, being held at the NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, this coming January 19. The performance is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. at the Anaheim Hilton in California, Pavilion C & D. Doors open at …


Posted: December 10, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jules Radino of Blue Oyster Cult

Hello, fellow drummers! With the fall classic as my backdrop, I wanted to share a piece of advice a great drummer once told me. He said, “You have to know when it’s October.” So right he is. For those who are not on the same page, you must be a …


Posted: December 8, 2011

Category: Drummers, The Greats
Tom Roady: Down Home Percussionist

An interview with the late, great Nashville percussionist, which originally appeared in the May 1996 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.


Posted: November 30, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Drum Roll Please…

The drummers of Sticks ‘n’ Skins are now among the honored innovators and artisans on display at The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC.


Posted: November 14, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Scott Underwood of Train

SELF-STYLED TRAIN DRUMMER SCOTT UNDERWOOD: AT HOME ON THE ROAD


Posted: October 11, 2011

Cortney DeAugustine
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Michael Lee Firkins' Touring Drummer Cortney DeAugustine

I’m Cortney DeAugustine, from California’s capital city, Sacramento. Like you, I LOVE DRUMS! I love to play them, fix them, build them, tune them, buy them, sell them, and most of all ROCK THEM!


Posted: October 11, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Michael Lee Firkins’ Touring Drummer Cortney DeAugustine

I’m Cortney DeAugustine, from California’s capital city, Sacramento. Like you, I LOVE DRUMS! I love to play them, fix them, build them, tune them, buy them, sell them, and most of all ROCK THEM!


Posted: September 22, 2011

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Back Through the Stack: Harvey Mason

The studio star had a decade’s worth of important work under his belt when MD spoke with him for this 1981 cover story.


Posted: September 22, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Matt Ochoa of the Dirty Heads

My name is Matt Ochoa, and I play drums for the Dirty Heads. For those who don’t know us, we’re a reggae-infused rock band with a solid hip-hop influence. I’ve been with the group since ’07, and we’re currently recording our second album and getting ready for a co-headlining tour …


Posted: September 1, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Felipe Torres 2011 Blog

Hello, Modern Drummers, and thanks again for checking out my blog! Felipe Torres here. It’s been a while since I checked in, and I wanted to share with you some of the fun and amazing things that I’ve experienced this year thanks to my drums…


Posted: August 19, 2011

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

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


Posted: August 1, 2011

Category: News, News and Events
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off, World’s Largest Drumming Competition, Kicks-Off

Guitar Center has announced the launch of the 23rd annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off the nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer.


Posted: July 13, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Marty Beller of They Might Be Giants

Hello, Modern Drummer readers. Marty Beller, drummer for They Might Be Giants, here. In 2000, I got a call from TMBG bassist Danny Weinkauf. We had met through guitarist Dan Miller, who I had toured with in my band Meow. He said they needed a drummer for a show on …


Posted: May 4, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ryan Shutler of Lazarus A.D.

Hey, MD readers, my name is Ryan Shutler, and I play drums for the metal act Lazarus A.D. I’ve spent the better part of this year touring in support of our new album, Black Rivers Flow.,,,


Posted: April 18, 2011

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Scott Borrero of Misery

To all fellow and lady Modern Drummer readers, this is Scott Borrero from Long Island, New York. I’ve been studying drums and percussion professionally and as a student for over twenty years. I will always be a student. I love learning new techniques to expand upon my drumming arsenal….


Posted: December 28, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Darren Lyons — Evil Genius

Hi, MD readers! I’m a drummer/percussionist/composer/producer based in New York City. Recently I released the Darren Lyons Group CD Evil Genius, which was produced by David Sancious (Sting, Eric Clapton, solo artist). Manolo Badrena (Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Ahmad Jamal) performs on four tracks. Manolo and I also have a …


Posted: December 28, 2010

Darren Lyons
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Darren Lyons — Evil Genius

Hi, MD readers! I’m a drummer/percussionist/composer/producer based in New York City. Recently I released the Darren Lyons Group CD Evil Genius, which was produced by David Sancious (Sting, Eric Clapton, solo artist). Manolo Badrena (Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Ahmad Jamal) performs on four tracks. Manolo and I also have a …


Posted: November 29, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
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 12, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
John Tempesta of The Cult

Greetings, Drum Nuts! I’m currently on tour with the Cult, and I’m really excited about the new songs we’ve been performing. I had a blast in the studio recording them and wanted to share the process and how the songs came together….


Posted: October 18, 2010

Category: Drummers, The Greats
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: October 1, 2010

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

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


Posted: September 14, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Wesley Moore of So Contagious

Hey, fellow MD fans! I’m Wesley Moore, and I play in the rock/pop-punk band So Contagious. We are all nineteen and twenty years old and reside in Atlanta, Georgia….


Posted: September 10, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jonathan Schmidt of Morningwood and AM To AM

What’s up, Modern Drummer readers? Jonathan Schmidt from the bands Morningwood and AM To AM here! I’m currently in upstate New York writing with the band. I’m pretty sure everything leading up to this point in my career has been series of educated whims, meeting a ton of amazing people, …


Posted: August 18, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Mike Justian of The Red Chord

Someone once told me that coffee is bad for your health. Well, that’s okay because it’s good for my peace of mind. It’s said that it makes you look older, but I think that I just look more refined. I’m also of the opinion that having a routine on tour …


Posted: August 6, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Justin Salinas of the Word Alive

Hey, MD readers, Justin Salinas from the Word Alive here! I’m currently secluded in my bunk in the back of our bus, writing up a blog while on one of the many long drives on the Vans Warped Tour….


Posted: August 3, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Mayhem Week! Art Cruz of Winds Of Plague

Week two of Mayhem is in the books. Last week we were on our way to Las Vegas, Nevada, to play an off-date show with our bus mates, Shadows Fall, when Jeff the bus driver had to pull over because our Star Trek doors stopped working and John from SF …


Posted: August 1, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Mayhem Week! Jeff Fabb of In This Moment

It’s fun being on a metal tour—most of the bands on Mayhem this year we’ve toured with in the past, and it’s great to see them again. The heat early in the tour was brutal—the sunscreen I put on my face was getting in my eyes and burning like I …


Posted: July 22, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Elaine Bradley of Neon Trees

I am elaine bradley (I don’t like capitalizing my name because I love lowercase e’s). I drum and sing backup vocals for Neon Trees, and we have been on tour with 30 Seconds To Mars and Mute Math. Basically, what that means is that I get to be around really, …


Posted: May 6, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jim Archer of The Art Of Shooting

Greetings, Modern Drummers! My New York City band the Art Of Shooting has recently released our first full-length album, Traveling Show, and we’re excited about hitting the road to play for a bunch of new faces. I’d like to tell you a little about myself, our album, and a few …


Posted: May 5, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Foxy Shazam’s Aaron McVeigh

Foxy Shazam’s Aaron McVeigh Interviewed By…Aaron McVeighI was able to watch Foxy Shazam from on stage at South By South West, and let me tell you, there’s no other band like them. The band played three shows in one day at the Austin, Texas music festival, as part of their …


Posted: April 20, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Lynn Williams of DICK50

Hey, all you MD readers, Lynn Williams here, drummer for DICK50. I’m always interested to know how bands get together, and just how the right group of people make it “a band.” It seems to me that you know you have the right group of people when you don’t have …


Posted: April 19, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Season After’s Tim Rails

I wanted to tell you guys a little about myself and where I come from musically.


Posted: April 19, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Season After's Tim Rails

I wanted to tell you guys a little about myself and where I come from musically.


Posted: March 30, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Steve Judd of Karnivool

G’day to all the MD online readers, it is a pleasure to be writing for you, and to be given the opportunity by MD in which to do so is very exciting. Allow me introduce myself; my name is Steve Judd, I am twenty-seven years old, and I’m the drummer …


Posted: March 26, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chad McKinsey of The Suicide Denial

Modern Drummer…here we are at last. You, and me…. My name is Chad McKinsey, and I’m the drummer for the band the Suicide Denial. This makes me go back and think of the very first time I received any sort of percussion instrument, which was a Yamaha DD-50 drum pad …


Posted: March 19, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Honor Society’s Alexander Noyes

My band Honor Society is headed back out on tour, which starts March 19 in Tampa, Florida…


Posted: March 19, 2010

Alexander Noyes
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Honor Society's Alexander Noyes

My band Honor Society is headed back out on tour, which starts March 19 in Tampa, Florida…


Posted: January 29, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Alesana’s Jeremy Bryan

I went on tour for the first time when I was sixteen, sometimes sneaking into clubs I wasn’t allowed into and spending all the money I’d saved up to get to the next city…


Posted: January 23, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Greg Kaufman of Dang We’re On Fire

My name is Greg Kaufman, and I play drums for Dang We’re On Fire from Sarasota, Florida…


Posted: January 20, 2010

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories, Update
Jason Gianni: Diversity And Dedication

A twisted path led Jason Gianni to be the player he is now—one of the more diversely talented and gifted drummer/tutors on the scene.


Posted: January 14, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Cole Marcus: Blog

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


Posted: January 5, 2010

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
AM Taxi’s Chris Smith

I’m Christopher Smith, drummer/backup vocalist for Chicago punk/rock band AM Taxi…


Posted: December 14, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Honor Society’s Alex Noyes

Honor Society just completed the first leg of our tour in support of our debut album, Fashionably Late…


Posted: December 7, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Yael: DrumAddict

Hello, modern drum addicts! First off, it’s an honor to be asked to do a piece for Modern Drummer online, and I hope to get to the point where I will finally have my mug in the mag next to my own feature. Thank you, MD, for years of stories …


Posted: November 16, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Uncle Kracker’s Steve Stetson

This is Steve Stetson, drummer with Uncle Kracker. I am a longtime reader of the magazine, so I’m really excited that I’ve been asked to fill everyone in on what I’m up to. As of late…


Posted: November 5, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Gloria Gaynor’s Swiss Chris

I am currently doing dates with Gloria Gaynor. I’m also playing drums for Bajah & the Dry Eye Crew…


Posted: November 2, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jake Bundrick of Mayday Parade

It’s day four of the AP Fall Ball tour with the Academy Is…, Set Your Goals, the Secret Handshake, and You Me At Six. I couldn’t be more stoked to be out on the road with my friends and family again…


Posted: October 7, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Adam Romanowski of Gwynbleidd

Hi to all in MD world. This is my first blog ever, and what an honor to share it with my fellow drumheads on the Web page of the best drum magazine in the world.I have been a diehard fan of Modern Drummer magazine since I came to New York …


Posted: August 18, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Erik Eldenius

Hi, MD! Lately I have spread myself quite thin, a bit out of necessity, but mainly out of pure love. After so many years of touring I have tried to stay in town a lot more and focus on recording, and I’ve been super-lucky to work with Billy Idol, Jackson …


Posted: August 16, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jenny Olivia Johnson

Hello, Modern Drummer! My name is Jenny Olivia Johnson, and I’m a drummer, composer, and music scholar currently living in Brookline, MA. I spent the past thirteen years living in New York City, and I only just recently came to Beantown to start an exciting new job as a professor …


Posted: July 22, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Flynnville Train’s Tommy Bales

I can’t begin to tell you all what an honor it is to have been chosen in the 2009 MD Readers Poll in the Up & Coming category….


Posted: July 5, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
The Drum Lab’s Mike Johnston

I run an educational Web site as well as own and operate Sacramento’s first and only drum school, the Drum Lab.


Posted: June 24, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Toby Keith’s Dave McAfee

My name is Dave McAfee, and I have played drums for Toby Keith since 2000. I wanted to say hey and share what's been going on lately. We recently returned to the States from our eighth USO tour, this time including twelve stops in Afghanistan.


Posted: June 1, 2009

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

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


Posted: June 1, 2009

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

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


Posted: May 6, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Andy Horst of This Providence

I play drums for a band called This Providence. After taking nine months off the road to write and record a new album, I’m finally out touring again for the majority of the year to support it.


Posted: April 2, 2009

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Chris Infusino Blog

Hello, MD readers! As of late, I’ve made the move from Chicago to Nashville to continue my growth in the biz. Things have been moving at breakneck speed since then, which is so great to say given the economy that we’re in. I’ve been touring with rising Southern rock/country artist …


Posted: March 1, 2009

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

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


Posted: December 5, 2008

drummer Kodish of Pendulum
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Pendulum's Kodish

Yo, howzit goin’, USA? Kodish here, on the road in Europe with Pendulum.


Posted: December 5, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Pendulum’s Kodish

Yo, howzit goin’, USA? Kodish here, on the road in Europe with Pendulum.


Posted: November 8, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Pat McDonald of The Charlie Daniels Band

My name is Pat McDonald, and I’m currently touring the world with The Charlie Daniels Band. I’ve been with CDB for almost ten years now, and aside from touring with the band, I’m keeping busy with session work and local gigging in Nashville….


Posted: October 14, 2008

Oli Hecks : Modern Drummer
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Thenewno2's Oli Hecks

My name is Oli Hecks, from England, currently living in Los Angeles…


Posted: October 14, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Thenewno2’s Oli Hecks

My name is Oli Hecks, from England, currently living in Los Angeles…


Posted: October 1, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Lou Santiago Jr.

For those of you who aren't familiar with me, my name is Lou Santiago Jr., and I was the 2003 MD Undiscovered Drummer Contest winner in the over-eighteen category.


Posted: August 21, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Jay Nazz of Reckless Kelly

I'm Jay Nazz and I've been playing drums in Reckless Kelly for over twelve years. I'm fortunate enough to play with incredible musicians who I also love to hang out with.


Posted: August 20, 2008

Adam Barker of War Stories
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
War Stories' Adam Barker

My name is Adam Barker (no relation to Travis), and I've been drumming for about thirteen years now.


Posted: August 20, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
War Stories’ Adam Barker

My name is Adam Barker (no relation to Travis), and I've been drumming for about thirteen years now.


Posted: August 15, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Anthony Burulcich from The Bravery

Hey, everybody. This is Anthony from The Bravery. I’m enjoying a day off here in Charlotte, North Carolina, and I wanted to let you all know what’s been going down on Projekt Revolution 2008. We’re about a week into the tour, which kicked off in Boston on July 16 at …


Posted: August 13, 2008

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

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


Posted: August 12, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Brandon Saller of Atreyu

The arrival of this year's Projekt Revolution tour came two days early for us. We had the privilege of playing a one-off show with Linkin Park.


Posted: August 7, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Vince Ector

My name is Vince Ector, and I am a drummer/composer based out of the New York City….


Posted: August 4, 2008

Bobby Jarzombek
Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Sebastian Bach's Bobby Jarzombek

I'm writing this blog from the Sebastian Bach tour bus as we're making our way to the next show in Greensville, WI.


Posted: August 4, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Sebastian Bach’s Bobby Jarzombek

I'm writing this blog from the Sebastian Bach tour bus as we're making our way to the next show in Greensville, WI.


Posted: June 17, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Steve Bolognese with Into Eternity

Hey, everybody! My name is Steve Bolognese, and I play drums with Into Eternity….


Posted: June 13, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Ty Dennis

This past April I wrapped up another tour, this time through South America with Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and keyboard player Ray Manzarek….


Posted: June 12, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Matt Zebroski

Okay! So it’s about time to start promoting The Flail: Live At Smalls, our second live recording and third record overall.


Posted: May 29, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Seven Antonopoulos

We've been out with Filter and Ours for about four days now. It feels so good to be back out on the road again after almost two years off. (continue reading)


Posted: April 17, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Drummer Blog: Vinnie Amico

Hey, MD readers, Vinnie Amico from the band moe. here. I'm just getting ready to go on a tour of the South and Southeast….


Posted: April 8, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Michael Mignano of The Canon Logic

My name is Michael Mignano, and I play drums for the Brooklyn-based band The Canon Logic….


Posted: January 31, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Scotty Gee of LoveHateHero

As with most anything in life, music is something that has endless amounts of knowledge to be obtained. We as drummers, no matter how much we practice, study different styles of music, and take lessons with endless numbers of teachers, can always continue to learn more, and get better….


Posted: January 29, 2008

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Anthony Biuso Blog

Hey, MD, my name is Anthony Biuso from (hed) p.e. My friends, oddly enough, call me Tiny Bubz.


Posted: January 15, 2008

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Alex “El Animal??? González: A Passion For Drumming

Maná is a true rags-to-riches story. Fueled by an intense passion for music and a belief that music can transcend the boundaries of language, the Mexican rock band has sold more than twenty-two million records and collected eight Grammy Awards….


Posted: October 25, 2007

Category: Drummers, On the Beat
Russell Lee of Deepfield

I grew up listening to a lot of metal. My older brother was huge influence on what I listened too. So that's why I started learning to play drums to Master Of Puppets and Live After Death at the ripe old age of twelve….


Posted: August 15, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
Prog-Rock Master Drummer Pat Mastelotto On The Whats And Whys Of His Home Studio Arsenal

This month’s Modern Drummer features a Woodshed interview with drummer/“home recording enthusiast??? Pat Mastelotto, of King Crimson, KTU, Mastica, TU, Tuner– basically, an unending succession of fascinating musical projects. Here’s Pat’s first-person description of the gear he keeps in his big, bustling semi-attached wonderland of drumdom….


Posted: April 17, 2007

Category: Drummers, Feature Stories
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: May 12, 2004

DrumNation1
Category: Feature Stories, News, News and Events
Drum Nation: Top Drummers Unite On New Recording

You may have spotted the advertisement for a unique CD titled Drum Nation. It represents the music of drummers, created outside of the constraints of record labels. Terry Bozzio, Josh Freese, Bill Bruford, Steve Smith, and Stephen Perkins are just a few of the top players involved….



Posted: December 20, 2019

Modern Drummer Podcast
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Podcasts
MD Podcast Episode 222: More Listener Questions

Mike and Mike catch up while Johnston is on location in Los Angeles to film a ton of educational and promotional content for Gretsch and Vic Firth.


Posted: December 13, 2019

Modern Drummer Podcast
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
MD Podcast Episode 221: Listener Questions Galore

Mike and Mike catch up while Johnston is on location in Los Angeles to film a ton of educational and promotional content for Gretsch and Vic Firth.


Posted: July 28, 2017

The Modern Drummer Podcast with Mike and Mike
Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Mike and Mike Podcast Episode 103: Steve Smith, Samba Basics, Love Custom Snare Drums, and More

Mike and Mike discuss Modern Drummer September 2017 cover artist Steve Smith, who rejoined arena-rock greats Journey in 2016. The education section focuses on samba rhythms and how they can be applied to the drumset.


Posted: May 5, 2017

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 91: Michael Miley, Hi-Hat Splashes, Vic Firth MJC Sticks, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss Rival Sons’ Michael Miley. In the education segment, the hosts share some of their favorite ways to incorporate left-foot splashes on the hi-hat. Up for review are Vic Firth’s new Modern Jazz Collection sticks.


Posted: November 13, 2015

Category: Mike and Mike Podcast, Multimedia, Podcasts
Episode 16: Bass Drum Mic Positioning, Bill Bachman’s Quintuplets Article, Gerry Gibbs, Meinl’s Benny Greb signature Sand Ride, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss different ways to position a bass drum mic, and then they dig deeper into Bill Bachman’s article on quintuplets from the December 2015 issue of Modern Drummer. Next, they give some additional background on jazz drummer Gerry Gibbs, who’s featured in the December …