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Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Returns on August 20 at the Iconic Fonda Theatre
Hosted by comedian Bill Burr and Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, the finale brings together drumming legends from Green Day, Maná, No Doubt, Slipknot, Rage Against the Machine and more. Guitar Center is announcing the full lineup and event details for its Drum-Off 2026 National Finale, taking place August…
The Big Apple
Recently, I had the opportunity to play in New York City at the famed Village Vanguard. It was my first time to play the club since late 1986, so the math adds up to nearly 40 years between gigs. The…
Mapex Count Rackula Kit
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month is a little different from previous months. William Hegdahl’s beautiful purple Mapex kit with gold hardware is very cool. But it was his hardware and the use of his rack that drew…
Modern Drummer Remembers: Buddy Rich, 40 Years Later
Welcome to Modern Drummer’s Tribute to Buddy Rich on what will soon be the forty-year anniversary his passing. Yes, it is nearly forty years after his last jaw dropping solo, and drummers are still talking about him, shaking their heads…
Ben Sharp’s Yungblud Touring Kit
Drums: Gretsch USA Custom – 9X13 RackTom, 16×16 Floor Tom, 16×18 Floor Tom, 16×22 Kick Drum. Snares: Gretsch 6.5×14 Bell Brass (A snare,)6.5×14 Phosphorus or Bronze (B snare and spare.) Heads: All Evans – Snare Batter Power Center Reverse Dot,Tom…
Out Now July 2026
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…
The Light Stuff
This month’s column will focus on practical playing devices that should serve you well when the music gets soft and simmering. A low dynamic “floor” invites the listeners in the audience to lean into the music. You might be surprised…
Kenn’s Custom Designs
This month’s Modern Drummer Kit of the Month comes to us from drummer Kenn Youngar. Kenn hand built his own drums. The custom drum riser and cymbal stands were created by a friend, and Kenn’s cymbals were made by Centent…
Drummers ARE Leading the Way!
It is difficult to lead a band from behind the set, and often behind the band, but drummers have always been very good leaders. The tradition goes back to Chick Webb and Roy Milton. Many drumming greats have led their…
Isaac Carpenter’s Guns N’ Roses Touring Kit (B-Rig)
Drums: DW Collector’s Series Pure Maple with Black Ice Finish: 18 x 24 Bass Drum, 9 x 12 Rack Tom, 10 x 13 Rack Tom, 16 x 16 Floor Tom, 16 x 18 Floor Tom, 6 x 14 Snare Drum. Cymbals: Zildjian: 14” K Light Hi-Hats, 20” A Ping Ride,17” K…
Aerosmith (Legendary Edition)
The Debut That Changed Everything, Finally Heard the Way It Was Meant to SoundBy David FrangioniCEO, Modern Drummer Artist: Aerosmith Album: Aerosmith (Legendary Edition) (Capitol Records/UMe, 2026)Format: 5LP Deluxe Box Set / 4LP Deluxe / 3CD Expanded / 1CD /…
Out Now June 2026
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…
Tower of Power’s “The Skunk, The Goose and The Fly,” from East Bay Grease. Drummer, David Garibaldi
This month, we travel back to 1970—the explosive dawn of funk music. At the time, James Brown ruled the genre, building its very foundation alongside legendary drummers Clyde Stubblefield and Jabo Starks. Concurrently, Sly and the Family Stone were riding…
YAMAHA YOUNG PERFORMING ARTISTS COMPETITION, MID ATLANTIC DRUM CAMP SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST WINNERS
Yamaha Honors Two University of North Texas Students in its 37th Annual Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition Elijah Marrewa and Alex Parker, students at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX, are among the thirteen winners of the 2026…
