Drummers
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.
Slightly Offbeat: Buddy Rich, Meet Eric Fischer
In the April 2010 issue of Modern Drummer the latest installment of our Slightly Offbeat column features Michigan drummer Eric Fischer, who’s found a creative, entertaining, and educational way to pay tribute to the incredible Buddy Rich. Using video of…
Social Code's Ben Shillabeer
Hey there, everybody, this is Ben Shillabeer from the band Social Code, and I’m writing this blog, coincidentally enough, on the twentieth anniversary of getting my first drumkit! During the last twenty years, I’ve learned so much about music, drumming,…
Steve Smith: The Ultimate Multi-Dimensional Drummer
Over the past thirty years, Steve Smith has scaled the heights of pop-rock success with Journey, has been widely acknowledged as a true master of the instrument, and has performed with the greatest jazz artists of his generation—including in his…
Steven Drozd: Songwriting From A Drummer’s Perspective
by Michael Dawson Even though Steven Drozd originally joined the Flaming Lips in 1991 strictly to man the skins, it wasn’t long before the multi-talented musician’s “try anything” twist on songwriting and arranging became as crucial to the band’s successes…
The Greats: Paul Bostaph
Slayer, Testament, Exodus, Systematic, Forbidden: Over the past couple of decades, drummer Paul Bostaph’s résumé reads like a “wish list” of heavy rock, metal, and thrash acts. But it’s really no surprise that this Bay Area–based one-man demolition crew has…
The Naked Heroes' Merica Lee
Oh, hey ya’ll, it’s Merica Lee from the Naked Heroes—a foot-stompin’, ass-shakin’, rawkus rock ’n’ roll band from Brooklyn, New York. We recorded our album 99 Diamond at Deadverse Studios in Union City, New Jersey, and it was produced…
Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy is considered one of the finest prog-rock drummers in the history of the genre, much of it due to his ground-breaking work in Dream Theater. “I couldn’t have dreamt of a better scenario for the path that we…
Destrophy's Joe Fox Blog
What’s up, Modern Drummer readers! I want to start off by saying what an honor and privilege it is to be able to share some details with all of you about myself and my band Destrophy. First off I have…
Dave Abbruzzese: Pearl Jam And More
Pearl Jam was months into their first U.S. tour, their second name, and their third drummer before most people had even heard of them. Their debut album, Ten, rested idle on retail shelves for nearly a year until songs such…
Charlie Watts: The Stones’ Rock-Solid Survivor
Charlie Watts was born on June 2, 1941, in Islington, London, England. In 1960, he was playing with a local band when he met blues musician Alexis Korner, who convinced him to join his band, Blues Incorporated. Later that same year,…
Chad Smith: The Hub Of The Chili Peppers’ Ever-Spinning Wheel
“I have so much invested in this band, and I’m proud of it. It’s part of my identity. That’s not to say I couldn’t do other things, but I live the Red Hot Chili Peppers.” When Chad Smith said these…
Jason "Malletman" Taylor Blog
Hello, MD readers! My name is Jason “Malletman” Taylor. I’m a vibraphonist and protégé of the late, legendary Lionel Hampton. “Hamp” taught me how to swing my thing on vibes! As we begin 2010, I’m feeling reflective and want to…
Jason "Malletman" Taylor Blog
Hello, MD readers! My name is Jason “Malletman” Taylor. I’m a vibraphonist and protégé of the late, legendary Lionel Hampton. “Hamp” taught me how to swing my thing on vibes! As we begin 2010, I’m feeling reflective and want to…
The Greats: Carmine Appice
Power, showmanship, and personality are what make Carmine Appice one of rock’s most notable players. His aggressive, double-bass, hard-hitting style was unquestionably unique when he emerged in the mid-1960s with Vanilla Fudge. With the Fudge’s trippy treatments of well-known pop…
