December 2025 – Volume 49 • Number 12
On 01st Dec 2025
Articles in December 2025
Master Studies II: Control Studies, Accents on the Last Note, and First and Middle Notes, of the Triplet
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
Thanks to Jack and Chick: One of the Best Days of My Life
In 2009, I interviewed Jack DeJohnette for the Percussive Notes and Modern Drummer. Jack and I met in the afternoon before a trio concert he was playing with Chick Corea and Bobby McFerrin. I arrived to find Jack’s black Sonor…
Words of Wisdom, Quotes of the Year
Modern Drummer is proud to be talking to all the notable drummers making a joyful noise in 2025. We are happy to put a spotlight on the drummers from Slipknot to Shakira, and from Neil Young to NOFX. It’s great…
A Year In Reviews
Surrounded by innovation (and more than a few cardboard boxes), I’m reminded of just how busy 2025 has been for drum gear. From tools that simplify, software that repairs, instruments that spark creativity, and accessories that have earned a permanent…
Best of the Best Recordings from 2025
Every year, Modern Drummer receives hundreds of new release recordings from drummers and musicians around the world. Many are good, some are great, and some are fantastic. We can’t review them all, but we make sure to include our favorites…
2025 Year in Drum Shows
In 2025, NAMM came back in full force, and there were amazing drum shows in Nashville and Chicago. Back in California, Drum Workshop and Guitar Center collaborated on a DW Factory Day complete with tours, clinics, and special Guitar Center…
2025: In Memoriam
The Drummers and Percussionists We Lost In 2025 The drumming community is a close one, our many shared experiences in drumming, our sacrifices for our artform, and our love of drumming establishes a bond that unites us all. When we…
Touring and Remembering Jack DeJohnette
Touring can be glamorous and exciting. It is also hard work. Taking a music show on the road is always a challenge and a chore. When one is fronting one’s own band, “the road” is especially daunting. How we respond…
The New Breed: Melodies to be played with the Systems
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
A Year in Concerts
Photos taken by Alex Kluft who photographed over 230 concerts in 2025. Thank you Alex! Chad Smith, Eddie Vedder’s Eartlings, Ohana, 9.26.25 Billy Cobham, Blue Note, 3.18.2 Jason Marsalis, N.O. Jazz Fest, 5.3.25 Zigaboo Modeliste-N.O. Jazz Fest-5.4.25 Adam Reed Ice…
Adam Reed’s Ice Nine Kills Touring Kit
Drums: SJC Custom Drums, Custom M5 Maple Shell with Custom Popcorn Butcher Hoops, 6.5 x14 Alpha Hammered Brass Snare, 9x12 Rack Tom, 16x16 Floor, 20x22 Kick. Cymbals: (Left to right) - 15” Meinl Pure Alloy Medium Hats, 10” Meinl Polyphonic…
The Best of the Best Drum Books from 2025
There are many drum books released every year. And one might think that by now, there isn’t many more ways, or many new things to teach regarding drums and drumming. And if you thought that, you would be wrong! There…
Steely Dan, “Josie,” from Aja, Jim Keltner drums
This month, Modern Drummer is proud to induct Jim Keltner into the Hall of Fame! When I heard the news, I jumped at the chance to transcribe Jim’s masterful performance on Steely Dan’s “Josie.” The groove he lays down on this…
A Year In Reviews
As the year 2025 begins to become just another memory, my mind reflects on all the really cool products that came across my desk for review. I’m often asked why I don’t do negative reviews. The answer is simple: I…
2025: A Year In Tour Kit Rundowns
ACDC / MATT LAUG SLIPKNOT / ELOY CASAGRANDE COLLECTIVE SOUL / JOHNNY RABB DEFTONES / ABE CUNNINGHAM JANET JACKSON / J ROD SULIVAN JOHN HOFFMAN / PRIMUS KING GIZZARD & THE LIZZARD WIZARD / MICKEY CAVS KOFI BAKER LIMP BIZKIT…
Out Now December 2025
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or musicians in the…
2025 Modern Drummer Hall of Fame Inductee: Jim Keltner
During this Christmas season, when you are being bombarded by Christmas music, listen for Michael Buble’s version of “All I Want for Christmas” and bask in the groove of Modern Drummer 2025 Hall of Fame inductee, Jim Keltner. That is…
A Year of Modern Drummer’s Metal Sticks Podcast
New in 2025, Modern Drummer debuted a new podcast called Metal Sticks, hosted by Modern Drummer Publisher and CEO David Frangioni and legendary drummer Nicko McBrain, who recently retired from 42 years with Iron Maiden. The idea for the podcast…
MODERN DRUMMER’S 2025 READERS POLL
Another exciting year of drumming has passed, and it’s time for the 2025 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you for your drumming and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Your recordings,…
