
Vinnie Colaiuta

Vinnie Colaiuta is considered by many in the international drumming community as one of the most accomplished drummers of all time. In his early years, however, after arriving in Los Angeles from the East Coast, there was surprisingly a bit of a struggle breaking into the studio scene. “When I …

Legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix passed away fifty years ago. This seems unimaginable, as his music, message, and influence are just as powerful and relevant today as they were during his few short years leading a musical revolution for freedom of expression for a young baby boomer generation. The Jimi Hendrix …

It’s that time of year again, when the drummers of the world show love for the most compelling players of the past twelve months. Find out how your favorites did.

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

Armand Zildjian starts a lot of his sentences the same way: “I’ve got a cymbal that . . . ,” after which he describes the attributes of a particular cymbal in his private collection. His enthusiasm is evident as he expounds on whatever it is that makes the cymbal special …

Following on the heels of his Grammy-nominated drums-meets-electronics tour de force, Bad Hombre, the amazing Antonio Sanchez takes a left turn into a big band setting. Early in his career, Sanchez toured with Dizzy Gillespie’s United Nations Orchestra, and always hoped to further explore that format. On this thrilling double …

For a long time, a shroud of mystery covered the fact that our favorite groups on vinyl were not always the same individuals we saw in concert. Certainly the records never revealed anything to the contrary. But as the facts began to unravel, a new hero emerged: the studio drummer.

For a long time, a shroud of mystery covered the fact that our favorite groups on vinyl were not always the same individuals we saw in concert. Certainly the records never revealed anything to the contrary. But as the facts began to unravel, a new hero emerged: the studio drummer.

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

We are excited to present the Modern Drummer 2018 Readers Poll winners!

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

Heroes are hard to find. And they’re often tougher to pin down. Vinnie Colaiuta, for one, refuses to bend to expectations—and he doesn’t think you should either.

A producer once told Vinnie Colaiuta that if you threw Tony Williams and Steve Gadd into a blender, Vinnie would be the tasteful concoction. He laughs modestly while he shrugs off the compliment, but it is probably an accurate description. Justifiably, he is the talk of the town and drummers …
What exactly is a “percussionist” anyway? It sounds rather imposing. To a lot of people, a percussionist is someone who plays in a symphony orchestra.

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

Earl Palmer, Ronnie Vannucci, Josh Freese, Vinnie Colaiuta, Franscisco Mela, Sean Reinert, Marco Minnemann, Jay Bellerose, Russ Kunkel, Jimmy DeGrasso, Benny Greb, Mickey Hart

Vinnie Colaiuta, Abe Cunningham, Nigel Olsson, John Mahon, Dave Buckner, Dominic Howard, Jim Brock, Steve Asheim, Raymond Pounds, Nate Morton, Marcus Randolph, Tim Alexander, Jack Irons, John Blackwell, Danny Carey, Louie Bellson

Terry Bozzio, Riley Breckenridge, Daniel Erlandsson, Alan Evans, Michael White, Raymond Herrera, Jim Bonfanti, Butch Miles, Frank Vincent, Ignacio Berroa, Vinnie Colaiuta, George Schwindt, Paul Doucette

John Blackwell, Prince, Jason Bittner, Vinnie Colaiuta, Gregg Bissonette, Glenn Kotche, Shelly Mane, Steve Barney, Jack Irons, Brooks Wackerman, Gregg Bendian, Michael Brueggen, Oliver Charles, Benjamin Weikel, Dennis Chambers, Adrian Erlandsson

Spüg, Carlos Vega, Rodney Green, Daniel Freedman, Karriem Riggins, Ali Jackson, Carter Beauford, Tico Torres, Patty Schemel, Derek Roddy, Tris Imboden, Darren Lyons, J.D. Blair, Vinnie Colaiuta, Virgil Donati, Scott Rockenfield

Danny Carey, sPaG, Grady Tate, James Bradley Jr., Mario Rubalcaba, Pierre Favre, Fredy Studer, Jeff Kathan, Oscar Seaton, Allison Miller, Michael McDonald, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tré Cool, Steve Gadd

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

Will Kennedy, Stefanie Eulinberg, Paul Doucette, Jeff Hamilton, Al 3, Dave Buckner, Richie Hayward, Tony Fagenson, Vinnie Amico, Cody Dickinson, Vinnie Colaiuta, Akira Jimbo, Ian Paice, Butch Trucks, Andrew Barr, Eric Kalb, Michael Travis, Joe Russo

Jon Fishman, Hal Blaine, Vinnie Paul, Paul Wertico, Tom Hambridge, Mike Joyce, Pat Torpey, Michael Cartellone, Bruce Guttridge, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jim Keltner, Adam Nussbaum

Jeff Ballard, Nana Vasconcelos, Mel Lewis, Ustad Allarakha, Peter Erskine, Ricky Lawson, Don Alias, Danny Reyes, Jeff Fowlkes, Tommy Perkins, Chris Pennie, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeremy Taggart, Mike Portnoy, Eddie Bayers, Roy Hanes

Jeff “Tain” Watts, Rodney Holmes, Brooks Wackerman, Art Blakey, Steve Ferrone, Jonathan Joseph, Ed Toth, Steven Drozd, Brett Chassen, Vinnie Colaiuta, Byron McMackin, Steve Smith, Graham Lear, Vinnie Paul, Ian Paice
In this Issue: Vinnie Colaiuta, Rob Affuso, Mickey Curry, Terry Bozzio, Louie Bellson, Dave Abbruzzese, Adam Nussbaum, Ginger Baker, Dennis Chambers
In this Issue: Vinnie Colaiuta, Jim Keltner, Jeff Porcaro, Harvey Mason, Mike Baird, Denny Fongheiser, Steve Schaeffer, Bobby Elliott

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

Vinnie Colaiuta, Stan Levey, Neil Peart, Buddy Rich, Eliot Zigmund, John F. Williams, Steve Smith, Phil Collins

Tony Thompson, Nicko McBrain, Paul Wertico, Peter Erskine, Odie Payne Jr., Casey Jones, Morris Jennings, Jimmy Tillman, Kevan McKenzie, Philly Joe Jones, Papa Jo Jones, Vinnie Colaiuta, Mel Lewis, Steve Smith

Rod Morgenstein, Kenny Malone, Tommy Campbell, Adam Woods, Phil Collins, Johnny Blowers, Ed Shaughnessy, Vinnie Colaiuta, Kelly Keagy

Alan Dawson, David Robinson, Steve Ferrone, D.J. Fontana, Barry Keane, Bev Bevan, Garry Peterson, Larrie Londin, Vinnie Colaiuta, Carmine Appice

Andy Newmark, Stan Lynch, Kenny Clarke, Carl Allen, Vinnie Colaiuta, Carl Palmer, Rick Marotta, Eric Carr, James Black

Alex Van Halen, Phillip Wilson, Frank Beard, Stomu Yamash’ta, Ronnie Verrell, Ivan Conti, Steve Negus, Aron Kaminski, Alex Riel, James Black, Vinnie Colaiuta, Bill Bruford, Paul Jamieson, Yogi Norton

Peter Erskine, Chester Thompson, Jim Gordon, Tony Williams, Dennis Elliot, Vic Mastrianni, Tommy Aldridge, Andy Newmark, Butch Miles, Chet McCracken, Ralph Cooper, Sue Hadjopoulos, Tris Imboden, Gene Dunlap, Mike Baird, Ed Tuduri, Bill Ward, Michael Botts, Vinnie Colaiuta, Jim Keltner, Emedin Rivera, Roland Vasquez, Don Murray, Mat Marucci, Don Moye, …

Elvin Jones, John Densmore, David Garibaldi, Neil Peart, Philly Joe Jones, Rod Morgenstein, David Samuels, Collin Walcott, Bobby Daniels, Roger Hawkins, Brent Brace, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Summer, Darrell Sweet, Michael Shrieve, Rick Marotta, Craig Krampf, Terry Bozzio, Tris Imboden, Kenney Jones, Don Baldwin, Aynsley Dunbar, John Panozzo, Stix Hooper, Bill …

Vinnie Colaiuta, Barry Altschul, Liberty DeVitto, William F. Ludwig Jr., Peter Erskine, Max Weinberg, Steve Jordan, Arthur Press, John Panozzo, Terry Bozzio, Robert Williams, Jim Keltner
Posted: October 13, 2020

Drummers on Record: Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Chamberlin, Phil Rudd
Brian Bromberg Bromberg Plays Hendrix (Vinnie Colaiuta) Jazz bassist Brian Bromberg’s Bromberg Plays Hendrix is a remixed and remastered tribute album in honor of the great guitarist Jimi Hendrix. The album, which was originally released in 2012, was reissued digitally this past September 18 via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group …
Posted: September 28, 2020

Upcoming Oz Noy Album, Snapdragon, Will Feature Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers: Video
Guitarist Oz Noy’s upcoming album, Snapdragon, which comes out on November 6, will feature three of the greatest fusion drummers of all time: Dave Weckl, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Dennis Chambers. A slew of other recognizable names also appear: bassists John Patitucci, James Genus, and Will Lee; keyboardists Brian Charette, David …
Posted: September 1, 2020

Modern Drummer Festival 2020
Modern Drummer is rebooting its world-famous Drum Festival on September 12 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time with a live-streaming event honoring the late, great Rush drummer Neil Peart. Proceeds of ticket sales will benefit brain tumor research at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The event, which will be produced and distributed …
Posted: April 30, 2019

Producer Mark Hudson and Molly Tentarelli
The reason I’m here “On The Beat” is because I just finished producing a great singer/songwriter, Molly Tentarelli, and she has five of the greatest drummers in the biz on her record as well as one of the world’s best percussionists.
Posted: March 28, 2019

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: August 14, 2018

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: November 14, 2017

A Lot Like Birds’ Joseph Arrington: Exclusive Drum Play-Through, and Thoughts on “The Box” and Improvising on the Road
I want to thank Modern Drummer for having me. What a cool community. My name is Joseph Arrington, and I play for A Lot Like Birds, Sianvar, Alone, and So Much Light, and I’ve toured with acts such as Chiodos and We Came As Romans. As I spend twenty-three hours …
Posted: October 10, 2017

On The Beat with Grammy Winning Producer-Drummer-Guitarist-Songwriter Clif Magness
Hi MD. My love affair with drums began in my mother’s car. When I was around six years old, I was pounding away “Wipe Out” on the headrest when she decided then and there to rush me into drum lessons. A few years later, my parents bought me the Yamaha …
Posted: July 21, 2017

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: March 31, 2017
Jeff Friedl On Tour With A Perfect Circle
Devo, Puscifer, and Ashes Divide drummer Jeff Friedl is backing the hard rock supergroup A Perfect Circle on its first U.S. tour in six years, with dates booked through early May.
Posted: February 21, 2017
Givin’ the Funky Drummer Some
Modern Drummer magazine’s September 1999 issue featured famed James Brown drummers Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jabo” Starks on the cover in a dual interview. We’ll be presenting Clyde’s half of the piece in an upcoming post; here we share quotes from three prominent drummers who went on record in that …
Posted: February 8, 2017
Legendary Bassist Nathan East on His New Album Reverence
On Nathan East’s second solo album, Reverence, he once again steps into the spotlight as bandleader. Produced by East and Yamaha Entertainment Group of America founder Chris Gero, it’s no surprise that shortly after its debut (less than one month ago), the album hit the number-one spot on both the …
Posted: July 1, 2016
Stephen Perkins on Jane’s Addiction’s Twenty-Fifth-Anniversary Ritual De Lo Habitual Shows
Modern Drummer Online caught up with Stephen Perkins while he was prepping for a clinic tour and some dates with Jane’s Addiction, commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the group’s watershed album Ritual De Lo Habitual.
Posted: February 4, 2016
Listen to the Drumming: Great Tracks From MD’s March 2016 Issue
Our latest Playlist includes tracks from cover artist Barry Kerch and Shinedown, Jellyfish, Spock’s Beard, Dixie Dregs, Aquarium Rescue Unit, Vinnie Colaiuta, Savages, Daughter, and more incredible artists featured throughout the pages of the March 2016 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. Listen below or in the Spotify app….
Posted: November 2, 2015
Dom Famularo’s Teachers List
Over the course of his forty-year career traveling the globe to teach, perform, and conduct clinics, Dom Famularo has interacted with some of the finest drummers and drum instructors in the world. The following list contains many of those names, organized by country/continent. If you’re looking for top-notch drum instruction, …
Posted: October 24, 2014
Dewa Budjana
Surya Namaskar
Get yourself some primo Vinnie Colaiuta right here, folks!
Posted: October 16, 2014
Drummer Blog: Cirque Du Soleil’s Amaluna’s Didi Negron on Living Your Dream
As a traveling musician in the traditional big top, I am able to implement my strong music theory background and improvisational skills while providing accompaniment and action on stage as my role of the “Goddess of Rhythm.???
Posted: October 14, 2014
The Essence of Progressive Drumming
What is the rhythmic essence of progressive music? What makes prog so different from other genres? Does it require a specific skill set on the drumkit, or does the nature of the music make it open to interpretation? MD posed these and other questions to the drummers in Spock’s Beard, …
Posted: September 8, 2014
Hena Habegger of Gotthard
After fifteen number-one albums in Switzerland, lots of chart successes, and releases in Europe, Russia, South America, and Asia, we are very proud to present to you our new album, Bang!
Posted: August 27, 2014
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: April 7, 2014
VIDEO! Jazz Drummer’s Workshop: Shifting Sands (From the May 2014 Issue)
Click here to check out a video on rhythmic transitions by Jazz Drummer’s Workshop columnist Steve Fidyk….
Posted: March 26, 2014
May 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring Jim Riley
See what’s in the May 2014 issue of Modern Drummer Magazine featuring drummer Jim Riley…
Posted: March 11, 2014
VIDEO! Rock & Jazz Clinic: Give the Audience Some! (From the March 2014 Issue)
Click here to check out a video lesson to accompany March 2014’s Rock & Jazz Clinic, “Give the Audience Some!???
Posted: October 1, 2013
Hidden Gems
Great Drum Performances Uncovered
The October 2013 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features an article in which seven MD Pro Panelists share some of their favorite “hidden gems.??? Here MD’s editorial staff weighs in on their personal favorites….
Posted: August 7, 2013
Luke Roberts of “Let It Be??? Beatles Tribute
My name is Luke Roberts, and I’m a drummer, vocalist, and composer based in London. My current drumming post is performing as Ringo in the Broadway and West End show Let It Be.
Posted: June 28, 2013
Modern Drummer’s 2013 Readers Poll Winners
The results are in for the longest-running, most prestigious drummer poll in the world. Without further ado, here are your winners for 2013….
Posted: June 11, 2013
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: April 30, 2013
Gerald Heyward at Guitar Center’s 2012 Drum-Off Grand Finals
Watch Gerald Heyward’s performance at the 2012 Guitar Center Drum-Off Grand Finals, which were held at Club Nokia in Los Angeles on January 19, 2013….
Posted: April 26, 2013
25 Timeless Drum Books
What makes a great drum book? There’s no single answer, as different books have been written to address a wide variety of styles and techniques. But judging by a recent poll in which Modern Drummer readers were asked to name their favorite volumes, a few characteristics stand out….
Posted: March 22, 2013
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Ergonomics
Click here to check out what the MD Education Team members have to say about setting up your drumset for maximum results….
Posted: March 6, 2013
Jonathan Joseph of Jeff Beck Band
It’s been quite some time since I posted anything here at MD, but I am very pleased to report on my new gig with guitar guru Jeff Beck.
Posted: February 27, 2013
Paiste Artist Vinnie Colaiuta Discusses the Formula 602 Modern Essentials Series
Check out this video featuring an in-depth interview with drumming legend Vinnie Colaiuta. Vinnie discusses how the new Formula 602 Modern Essentials line of cymbals came to be, and he demos each cymbal.
Posted: January 28, 2013
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 3, 2013
Mark Egan On…
The star bassist reflects on 15 world-class drummers
The February 2013 issue of Modern Drummer magazine features renowned bassist Mark Egan sharing some of the lessons he’s learned from working with drumming royalty. Here he focuses the discussion on the unique qualities and skills each of these players brings to the table….
Posted: December 19, 2012
Keith Harrison of the Pineapple Thief
Question: What do you call a guy who hangs out with musicians? Answer: A drummer! With the prospect of being the butt of such drummer jokes, I have to ask myself the question, “Why did I choose to play drums????
Posted: December 17, 2012

MD Pro Panelist Gerald Heyward on Vinnie Colaiuta
Hi MD readers! I’m excited about the latest issue, and I want to let you know that Vinnie Colaiuta is one of my top-five favorite drummers!
Posted: December 17, 2012
MD Pro Panelist Gerald Heyward on Vinnie Colaiuta
Hi MD readers! I’m excited about the latest issue, and I want to let you know that Vinnie Colaiuta is one of my top-five favorite drummers!
Posted: December 4, 2012
Dave King of the Bad Plus: Web-Exclusive Interview
An exclusive web-interview with Dave King of the Bad Plus.
Posted: December 3, 2012
Drum Doctors’ Ross Garfield
Hi MD readers! This is my first ever blog, and I wanted to tell you how I got to work on the upcoming Superman soundtrack.
Posted: November 19, 2012
Brit Turner of Blackberry Smoke
My name is Brit Turner, and I live in Atlanta, Georgia, with my wife, daughter, dog, two cats, one fish, and a snail. Great things have been happening for me lately.
Posted: September 21, 2012
MD Education Team Weighs In On: Traditional Grip
Is traditional grip a useful technique that drum students should learn? We asked the members of the MD Education Team if they think traditional grip is relevant in today’s teachings. Here’s what they had to say.
Posted: July 23, 2012
20 CLASSIC PROG ALBUMS
Odd times, intergalactic themes, and more tom-toms. Rock drumming gets interesting….
Posted: May 21, 2012
Vinnie Colaiuta Officially Joins Ludwig
The Ludwig Drum Company has announced the addition of Vinnie Colaiuta to its family of drum and hardware endorsers. (continue reading)
Posted: May 8, 2012
D’Arcus Curry, Angieszka Matusczak, and Karmi Santiago Announced as Winners of Hit Like A Girl 2012
The sponsors and supporters of “Hit Like A Girl 2012??? are proud to announce the winners of the first ever drumming contest for girls and women. (read more)
Posted: April 13, 2012
Vinnie Colaiuta joins Paiste
Paiste has announced their endorsement of Vinnie Colaiut. Vinnie began officially playing Paiste on a recent tour with Sting, with a set of cymbals consisting mostly of Formula 602 models. Watch Vinnie give his official statement in this video.
Posted: February 22, 2012
Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert
The Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert takes place for the first time in the UK at the London Palladium on 2nd April 2012. The lineup is confirmed as Dave Weckl, John Blackwell and Gregg Potter from the USA and Ian Paice, Ginger Baker, Gavin Harrison and Elliott Henshaw from the UK. Singing supremo Tony Christie will also appear. One of Buddy Rich’s …
Posted: February 22, 2012
Feb Web Update News
Vinnie Colaiuta, Jeff Hamilton, and Karriem Riggins are on Paul McCartney’s latest, Kisses on the Bottom. Riggins performed with the former Beatle at the Grammys, as did McCartney regular Abe Laboriel. For more, visit www.paulmccartney.com. Speaking of the Grammys, Low Millions drummer/producer Erik Eldenius was in the house band again …
Posted: January 26, 2012
Josh Freese: How to Promote Yourself, and Other Insights
This article originally ran in the December 2009 issue of Modern Drummer magazine. 1. Think marketing. I made my latest record [Since 1972] on my own dime. So I thought, How can I do something cool and interesting to make people aware of it? My last record sold so …
Posted: January 23, 2012
Jan Web Update News
Ringo Starr’s seventeenth solo studio record, Ringo 2012, will be released on January 31 in the United States and January 30 internationally. The album, which was produced by Starr, was recorded in L.A. and mixed in England by Ringo and Bruce Sugar. For more, visit www.ringostarr.com. Kenny Aronoff is still …
Posted: January 17, 2012
Back Through The Stack
Teddy Campbell
This article originally ran in the September 2005 issue of Modern Drummer magazine.
Posted: December 19, 2011
Queen Extravaganza Finalist Zach Mullings
Hey, everyone! My name is Zach Mullings, and I’m from Miramar, Florida. I’m one of the four drummers who were picked to audition for the Queen Extravaganza in L.A. First off, let me say how thrilled I am to be featured on Modern Drummer’s website. I have been a big …
Posted: November 22, 2011
November Web Update News
Drumming news for the month of November complied in one place.
Posted: August 3, 2011
Web Update News 8/11
Find out what your favorite drummer is up to now (Web Update News 7/21/11).
Posted: July 1, 2011
MD Readers Poll 2011 Results
Welcome once again to the MD Readers Poll, where the greatest drummers on the planet are honored by the most educated drum fans around. Let’s get right to it: the envelope, please….
Posted: June 29, 2011
Daniel Bédard of Sharcüt
Hi, drummers! My name is Daniel Bédard, and I’m a drummer from Montreal. I’ve been drumming now for around sixteen years, and I’ve played with a lot of different artists here in Québec. I’m writing to talk to you about my band Sharcüt, a trio composed of guitar, bass, and …
Posted: May 27, 2011
Remembering “The Chapin Magic”
Modern Drummer’s 2011 Readers Poll Hall of Fame inductee is the late drummer/educator Jim Chapin, who passed away in 2009.
Posted: February 16, 2011
Chris Coleman: Amazing Journey
More with the phenomenal drummer/educator, who was featured in the January 2011 issue of MD. His is one of the most closely observed careers in R&B, fusion, gospel, and pop drumming, with acts like Israel Houghton & New Breed, Chaka Khan, Christina Aguilera, Babyface, Patti LaBelle, Randy Brecker, and New …
Posted: February 16, 2011
John “JR” Robinson: Web Exclusive
Story by Billy AmendolaBetween his appearance on this year’s Grammys and his upcoming performance at the Oscars, JR continues his conversation with MD about what a typical day in the studio is like, his early influences, his upcoming DVD, drum solos, reading charts, and taking a break from the studio …
Posted: September 29, 2010
Narada Michael Walden: Web Exclusive
by Billy Amendola More—way more—with the fusion and pop maestro. In a continuation of our interview with Narada Michael Walden from the November 2010 issue of Modern Drummer, the fusion and pop drumming/producing maestro reflects on his early days, teaching, spirituality, playing in odd time signatures, and coming full circle …
Posted: August 24, 2010
Kevin Kane of Bad City
Hey, Modern Drummers! It’s a privilege to be asked to contribute to this website, as I’m a longtime subscriber—MD has afforded me a truly incalculable amount of inspiration. I still remember the issue where Joey Jordison said he ran like fifty miles every morning to get his calves in shape …
Posted: August 11, 2010
Bell Gardens’ Charlie Woodburn
Hello, Modern Drummer readers! I’m Charlie Woodburn, and I am a session drummer in Los Angeles, California. First, I would like to say thank you to Modern Drummer for letting me add to the blog because I have been reading the magazine since I was fifteen years old. MD has …
Posted: July 28, 2010
Kalle Mathiesen of Kalles World Tour
My name is Kalle Mathiesen, and I’m a Danish drummer. I have a one-man-show called Kalles World Tour. DPRP magazine wrote about my CD/DVD, ”Kalles World Tour comes across as a modern European version of Buddy Rich and Frank Zappa,” so I thought that my music could be of interest …
Posted: July 22, 2010
Vinnie Colaiuta: Unlike Anybody Else
Ask fifty drummers about Vinnie Colaiuta, and you’re likely to get the same answer: “There’s Vinnie, and then there’s everyone else.???
Posted: June 10, 2010
Keech Rainwater of Lonestar
Hey, everybody, my name is Keech Rainwater, and I’m from the country band Lonestar. I know, country music, right? Actually, we rock pretty hard and have been for the past eighteen years. I started out when I was about twelve years old and kind of already knew how to play …
Posted: May 26, 2010
The Drummers of Tortoise: John McEntire, John Herndon, Dan Bitney
Tortoise’s three drummers—John McEntire, John Herndon, and Dan Bitney—continue to push sonic boundaries and rhythmic inventiveness…
Posted: March 22, 2010
Eric Singer: Just Being Himself
For eighteen years, Kiss’s drummer has helped his world-famous band stay in our hearts and on the radio by doing what he does best—being himself. In this special online extra from his May 2010 MD cover story, we begin by asking Eric about…The Band’s Younger Fans. In 2004 we did …
Posted: March 15, 2010
The Greats: Hal Blaine
Blaine came to define the drum beat of Top-40 radio…
Posted: December 7, 2009
Influencer: Alan Dawson
Alan Dawson was an outstanding jazz drummer and a legendary teacher. Alan was known for his ingenious use of rudiments, his melodic approach to drumming, and an extremely advanced level of hand and foot coordination.
Posted: November 24, 2009
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More)
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More). MD’s editors just can’t keep a list of their favorite albums short–even in service of a can’t-resist pun. Twenty-seven live albums you gotta have.
Posted: October 20, 2009
Drumming On TV
In celebration of the great, sometimes groundbreaking drumming performances of TV’s golden age, we present to you highlights along the illustrious Drumming On TV timeline…
Posted: August 20, 2009
Remembering Jim Chapin
The venerable drum teacher passed away this July 4, leaving behind thousands of acolytes–and a million great stories. In this companion to the In Memoriam in the October issue of MD, we hear from some of Chapin’s many friends and drumming disciples.
Posted: July 7, 2009
Fall of Envy’s Brandt Frenchman
I am Brandt Frenchman, and I’ve been a drummer for most of my life. I love all types and styles of music, although I’ve always gravitated toward the heavier rock side of things.
Posted: June 18, 2009
Stephen Perkins: Jane’s Addiction
Talking with Perkins, you get the vibe that the L.A.–based rocker’s life is way more than hitting the skins for the duration of a show or recording session….
Posted: May 25, 2009
Steve Holmes: Angular House Of Drumming
Los Angeles–based drummer Steve Holmes started the Vinnie Colaiuta/Dave Weckl fan site HouseOfDrumming.com several years ago because, as he puts it, “They’ve shown me what it sounds like to obtain freedom on the instrument.”
Posted: April 26, 2009
Josh Trager of The Sam Roberts Band
I'm Josh Trager from Montreal, and I play drums in the Sam Roberts Band. We just came off a pretty solid eight months of touring our new record, “Love At The End Of The World.”
Posted: March 1, 2009
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: November 20, 2008
Gavin Harrison: The Rhythmic Illusionist Is Now Elevating Two Bands, Porcupine Tree And King Crimson
“I stopped focusing on the muscles in my arms and started focusing on the big fat muscle in my head. That’s where the good stuff comes from.???
Posted: September 27, 2008
Brian Frasier-Moore: Born to Play
Aaliyah, Ginuwine, Ciara, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Babyface, Justin Timberlake, Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Usher, and now Madonna–no doubt about it, Brian Frasier-Moore has carved out an amazing career…
Posted: August 20, 2008
Styx’s Todd Sucherman
Modern Drummer interviews Todd Sucherman of Styx. “Anyone who has to honestly play Styx music will realize that there’s more here than meets the eye. I get to play a lot of drums in this band.??? (continue reading)
Posted: August 13, 2008
Nico Hartikainen of Danger Radio
I've been playing for about twelve years now. I started when I lived in Helsinki, Finland.
Posted: July 18, 2008
Thomas Pridgen: Turning Bedlam Into Beats
Twenty-four year old Thomas Pridgen unleashes the most rabid drumming in recent memory on The Mars Volta’s The Bedlam In Goliath. Of course, the band’s fans have come to expect madness and mastery from the innovative Long Beach, California group…
Posted: January 16, 2008
Best Of ’07
I’m convinced that, ten years from now, we’re going to look back at 2007 as an unusually fertile time in music and in drumming.
Posted: January 15, 2008
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: November 15, 2007
Jojo Mayer: Revealing the Secret
For years, Jojo Mayer has been regarded as a drumming shaman, a man of mystery, a technical guru existing on the outer reaches of traditional drumming logic….
Posted: September 25, 2007
Craig Macintyre
Drummer Craig Macintyre is in the middle of a two-year tour with Josh Groban, promoting the star vocalist’s latest album, ‘Awake’….
Posted: July 16, 2007
Josh Freese: Time Bandit
Time. Feel. Groove. Pulse. For many, these are illusive concepts with multiple meanings. Does a heavy metal drummer “feel??? the pulse in the same way as a pop drummer?…
Posted: April 17, 2007
Marco Minnemann: Beyond Chops
A new breed of drummer has emerged over the past decade. This elite group of international super-drummers has changed the face of drumming and raised the bar on speed, ambidextrous technique, soloing, stick tricks, multi-pedal coordination, and independence to levels that seem unimaginable to most drummers….
Posted: March 1, 2006
A Few Minutes With Rick Marotta
Rick Marotta is no stranger to MD readers. And he’s certainly familiar to anyone who’s had the pleasure to see him play or crack jokes while hosting Yamaha’s Groove All Star show….
Posted: July 20, 2005
Tony Thompson
Not many drummers dictated the sound of the 80’s like Tony Thompson. That big, huge drum sound was everywhere: on classic recordings like Power Station’s “Some Like It Hot,” David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin,” Robert Palmer’s “Addicted To Love,” the list goes on.
Posted: July 19, 2005
David Northrup
Growing up on a mix of R&B, pop, rock, and country, David Northrup, originally from Syracuse New York, moved south in the early ’90s playing sessions and gigging the Florida club scene. One of those gigs led him to meeting and working with ace session guitarist Les Dudek…
Posted: May 19, 2005
Billy Ashbaugh
‘N Sync, a pop band backed by live musicians, have gained a reputation of spectacle and not-to-be-missed precision. MD Online recently caught up with rising drum star Billy Ashbaugh, the man who keeps it all together….
Posted: May 19, 2005
Caroline Corr of The Corrs
MD Online caught up with drummer Caroline Corr while the band was in Dublin doing some pre-show promotion before heading out on tour. This time around, the road trip will be a completely different experience for Caroline, who will now be singing and playing percussion….
Posted: May 19, 2005
Daniel Reyes
In between those gigs he’ll squeeze in a performance with Ricky Martin, Stevie Nicks, or Jennifer Lopez, among other top acts. But Danny’s brain is always thinking: How do I make my playing better? Equally important to him these days: How do I make the instruments I play better? Enter …
Posted: May 12, 2004
In The Loop With The Pros
With all of the samplers, prerecorded loops, and programmers in the studio, how much of what we hear today from a drummer is actual acoustic drums or electronics? MD asked some of the best “hired guns” in the business to comment on their current role and gear requirements in the …
Posted: May 12, 2004
Prince’s John Blackwell: An Interview
John Blackwell always listened to his dad’s advice, and it’s paid off, big time. “Growing up, my dad used to tell me, ‘If you want to make any money in this business, play in the pocket.'”…
Posted: May 12, 2004
Josh Freese
Looking at Josh Freese across a Starbucks table, it’s hard to believe I’ve known him since he was eleven years old. Suddenly it struck me that he was then the same age that my son is now, and the comparison was mind-blowing. At eleven years old, Josh was already fiercely …
Posted: May 12, 2004
John Otto
Four years ago, when John Otto was first featured in Modern Drummer, the then twenty-three-year-old spoke with a wisdom and knowledge that belied his age….
Posted: May 12, 2004
Tommy Perkins: Charting His Past, Present, And Future
For more than fifty years, Tommy Perkins has devoted himself to performing as a full-time working drummer. At age fifteen he made his first recording as a Texas Playboy. That was the 1950 hit single “Faded Love” by Bob Wills.
Posted: December 1, 2002
Abe Laboriel, Jr.: Riding A Wave Of Success
When you meet with Abe Laboriel Jr., you can’t help but smile the entire time. It’s not just hearing about his success stories, it’s that his presence exudes a glow and inner kindness that is both spiritual and contagious…
Posted: November 10, 2022

John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With JR Robinson
John’s guest this week is legendary studio drummer John JR Robinson. In this episode, JR talks about attending Berklee College in Boston in the early/mid 1970s where his classmates included Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Casey Scheuerell and Kenwood Dennard, and studying with Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. Going on the …
Posted: September 15, 2022

Episode 88: Live From My Drum Room Remembering Charlie Watts – Part 4
Part 4 of John DeChristopher’s series Remembering Charlie Watts. John’s guests were Jim Keltner, Vinnie Colaiuta, Charley Drayton, Pete Thomas, Anton Fig and Aaron Comess. They shared some beautiful stories about Charlie and even turned to Ringo, as drummers often do. Hold on to your hats because this is one …
Posted: August 11, 2022

Episode 83: Remembering Jeff Porcaro
In this episode, John remembers the great Jeff Porcaro whom we lost August 5, 1992. Joining John is a legendary group of Jeff’s friends and contemporaries and a literal “who’s who” of the drumming community, including Jim Keltner, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Robinson, Rick Marotta, Stan Lynch, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Mallaber, …
Posted: July 7, 2017

Episode 100: Giveaway Winners Announced, Listener Questions, Most Frequently Mentioned Drummers, and More
In this special 100th episode, Mike and Mike take a humorous look back at the twenty-plus most frequently mentioned drummers on the show.
Posted: March 4, 2016
Episode 31: Favorite Drum Albums, Cliff Almond, the Zildjian Low Volume LV380 Cymbal Pack, and More
In this episode, Mike and Mike field listener questions before geeking out on their favorite drum albums. The featured artist up for discussion is NYC-based drummer Cliff Almond, who’s featured in the April 2016 issue of Modern Drummer. In the gear review section, Dawson shares his experience with the new …