News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
2023 Readers Poll: Peter Erskine Wins "Jazz"
The winner of the “Jazz” category in Modern Drummer‘s 2023 Readers Poll is… Peter Erskine! Peter Erskine has continued his dominant streak as a jazz drummer, a clinician and educator, and an all-around great guy throughout the last year. Modern Drummer…
2023 Readers Poll: Gregg Bissonette Wins "All-Around"
The winner of the "All-Around" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... Gregg Bissonette! Bissonette has been a celebrated, active drummer across five decades, and has assumed his role as one of the most reliable, experienced musicians in the…
2023 Readers Poll: Jay Weinberg Wins "Metal" Category
The winner of the "Rock" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... Jay Weinberg! The Slipknot drummer, who also graces the cover of Modern Drummer's September 2023 issue alongside his father, Max Weinberg of the E-Street Band, has had another…
This Week in Drumming: September 8th
by Paolo Ragusa It's been another big week behind the kit for Modern Drummer and the drum community. Here's what to know for this week in drumming. Celebrating Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll Alongside Modern Drummer's September 2023 issue, the results of our…
Sabian Announces New Music Industry Mentorship Award
Sabian cymbals and the Sabian Education Network has announced the inaugural edition of the Don Famularo mentorship award. Named in honor of longtime Sabian ambassador Don Famularo, the program aims to elevate an early career drummer as they navigate the…
Pantera Rocks the West Coast: Photos and Recap
by Alex Kluft On August 26th, 2001, Pantera played their final show with members Dimebag Darrell, Vinnie Paul, Phil Anselmo, and Rex Brown at Beast Fest in Yokohama, Japan. 22 years a later, a reunited Pantetra would play the North…
2023 Readers Poll: Chad Smith Wins "Rock" Category
The winner of the "Rock" category in Modern Drummer's 2023 Readers Poll is... Chad Smith! The longtime Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer made yet another outstanding impact throughout the last year, complete with two Chili Peppers albums: Unlimited Love and Return of…
Modern Drummer's 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee: Alex Van Halen
The latest induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame is... Alex Van Halen! The original drummer and co-founder of Van Halen has left his mark on entire eras of rock music, from his scrappy early days in Mammoth to the…
This Week in Drumming: September 1st
by Paolo Ragusa September is here, and so is a new issue of Modern Drummer! Here's what to know for this week in drumming. Modern Drummer September 2023 Issue: Out Now! Our September 2023 issue of Modern Drummer is out today, and…
Metallica Brings 72 Seasons To The Stage: Photos + Recap
by Alex Kluft Over the last 40 years, Metallica have become one of the best selling metal bands in the world, garnering an impressive amount of ticket sales for each tour. With their 2023 album, 72 Seasons, the California group…
Next Jazz Legacy's Mentorship Program For Women and Non-Binary Musicians: Apply Now
Next Jazz Legacy, a program from New Music USA and The Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice, has opened applications for their third year of mentorship. The program pairs emerging women and non-binary musicians with established jazz mentors, all…
Chicago Rocks the Greek Theater in LA: Photos + Recap
by Alex Kluft Chicago returned to the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, California on Saturday, August 19th for the first time in four years. Over the last 50 years, Chicago has played the Greek over 30 times — making their…
This Week in Drumming: August 25th
by Paolo Ragusa We may be nearing the end of the season, but summer tours are still rolling around and great new music is in high supply. Here's your drumming breakdown for the week. New Q&A with Thomas Hedlund, Phoenix's…
Phoenix's Summer Odyssey Tour: See Photos and Read Q&A with Drummer Thomas Hedlund
By Alex Kluft Beck and Phoenix played the KIA Forum in Los Angeles, California August 7th for their co-headlining venture, the "Summer Odyssey" tour. Alongside Beck is drummer Joey Waronker (Roger Waters/ R.E.M.) who has been recording and playing with…
