Features
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.
Rumpus
Rumpus grew up on punk rock and carried that raw, restless energy straight into the DJ booth. With a drum kit wired into his sets, he’s turning dance floors upside down, proving that live drumming can hit just as hard…
Michael “Cavs” Cavanagh of King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
Every band needs a heartbeat. King Gizzard has “Cavs” pushing harder, louder, and bigger until the impossible feels normal. Recently there has been an orchestra at his back, a sold-out crowd in front of him, and nothing slowing him down.…
Raphaël Pannier: Breaking Down Borders
Last year, Raphaël Pannier released his recording Live in Saint Louis, Senegal. When I first listened to it, I liked it because it was something new, the combination of a jazz quartet and an African Sabar drumming group was something…
Tambour Major Khadim Niang: Sabar and Homage to Doudou N’Diaye Rose
As drummers we are always hearing about our connection to Africa, and how the roots of what we do as drummers ultimately leads back to Africa. The African connection to drumming has been emphasized by popular drummers from Art Blakey…
Josh Freese Gives Us, Just A Minute.
A few years ago, Josh Freese was thrown in the spotlight by joining the Foo Fighters. Then he got even more attention when he was let go by the Foo Fighters. But Josh Freese is so much more than that!…
THE 2025 NEIL PEART SPIRIT OF DRUMMING SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER: STEVEN MALEK
The Neil Peart Spirit of Drumming Scholarship, presented by Modern Drummer, is a tribute to the monumental legacy of Neil Peart, the legendary drummer of the iconic band Rush. Renowned for his technical precision, creative expression, profound lyrics, and long-lasting impact…
Bowling For Soup’s Gary Wiseman
After 30 years together, Bowling For Soup is going strong. Last year included an anniversary tour playing all the songs from A Hangover You Don’t Deserve and several appearances on the Warped Tour. This year includes a new tour with…
Allan Mednard: Always Looking Forward
Queens native Allan Mednard is one of a new breed of New York jazz drummers, but he talks and thinks like one of the old guard. He has studied, paid his dues, and is building a reputation of responsibility and…
John Otto: Feeling Comfortable Being Uncomfortable
There aren’t a lot of drummers who bring aspects of rap and hip hop, rock and metal, and strong doses of jazz and swing to their drumming, but John Otto does. His time feel is the special sauce that makes…
UNBREAKABLE RHYTHM: My Journey through Music, Wellness, & Mental Strength
Tommy Lee, drummer for Mötley Crüe and solo artist, says: “The older I get, the more I actually realize, feel, and (sort of) digest, my sense of legacy and inspiration. To have inspired somebody this much, to have them achieve…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
