Feature Stories
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.
The Essence of Progressive Drumming
by Mike Haid What is the rhythmic essence of progressive music? What makes prog so different from other genres? Does it require a specific skill set on the drumkit, or does the nature of the music make it…
Brad Wilk Dashes Expectations With the Last Internationale
Recording with Black Sabbath was the first surprise. Now the ex-Rage/Audioslave drummer dashes expectations again with the Last Internationale. Interview by David Jarnstrom Photos by Paul La Raia Place yourself inside Brad Wilk’s Converse All-Stars for a moment.…
Influences: Bill Stevenson
by Stephen Bidwell Drummer Bill Stevenson is among the most influential musicians associated with West Coast punk rock, on any instrument. After making his name with seminal hard-core band Black Flag in the ’80s, Stevenson proceeded to set…
Encore: Adam Wade on Shudder to Think’s Pony Express Record
by David Jarnstrom Though Adam Wade cut his teeth with seminal ’90s noise rockers Jawbox, he didn’t truly come into his own until joining fellow Beltway-based post-hardcore pioneers Shudder to Think. Manning the drumkit on the latter’s prog-pop…
Influences: Harvey Mason
by Ken Micallef Harvey Mason’s classic 1970s-era session work comprises some of the most soulful jazz, pop, and R&B recordings ever cut to vinyl. Mason’s golden ’70s period includes Herbie Hancock’s Head Hunters, Donald Byrd’s Black Byrd, Seals…
A Tale of Two Tull Drummers: Doane Perry and Mark Craney
by Steve Melone Modern Drummer recently chatted with longtime Jethro Tull drummer Doane Perry while doing research for an article on drummer Dean Zimmer. Perry spoke at length about his relationship with Zimmer as well as his great…
Dean Zimmer: Drummer Still Wanted
by Steve Melone Dean Zimmer is no ordinary drummer. He was born with arthrogryposis, a birth defect that severely restricts joint movement. Though he’s confined to a wheelchair, Zimmer refuses to let his condition stop him from doing…
Influences: Blondie’s Clem Burke
Photo by Malkin by Patrick Berkery A band’s fortieth anniversary might find the members in victory-lap, let’s-slow-it-down-a-notch mode. Not so with Blondie. To mark the big four-oh, the group is touring extensively and has released a double-disc package…
VIDEO! A Ringo Tribute: With a Little Help From Our Friends
A few fellow drummers recently stopped by to say “thank you” to Ringo Starr for all the years of brilliant drumming. Be sure to check our complete tribute series at http://bit.ly/MDRingoTibute. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLt77KhYtALnxVBmGp_rj2jJAvQVVaOt7r
Video! Drumming Great Jim Keltner Q&A Session at the Modern Drummer/Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp
Modern Drummer's Billy Amendola sat down with legendary drummer Jim Keltner at the Modern Drummer/Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp, which took place in November of 2013, to have a conversation about Ringo Starr, the Traveling Wiiburys, recording with George Harrison,…
Anup Sastry Videos: “Ephemeral??? and “The Escape??? by Intervals
Intervals drummer Anup Sastry, who we profile in the July 2014 of Modern Drummer magazine—get it here—was kind enough to share two exclusive play-along tracks with us. “Writing drums for Intervals is a lot of fun,” says Anup. “Guitarist Aaron…
Ringo Video Tribute With Drummer Liberty DeVitto and Photographer Rob Shanahan (from the Fest For Beatles Fans 2014 )
Segment four of our tribute to Ringo Starr, shot during the Fest For Beatles Fans celebration, begins with host Michelle Joni Lapidos welcoming former Billy Joel/Slim King/BJ Kramer drummer Liberty DeVitto. DeVitto demonstrates two songs from the Joel album The…
VIDEO! Rhythmic Displacement Essentials: Milking the Most From the Money Beats (From the August 2014 Issue)
by Rich Redmond One of the frameworks of my drumming philosophy is mastering what I call the “money beats.” These are the five grooves that are used time and time again to make the world laugh, cry, and dance. They…
VIDEO! Health & Science: Improve Your Timing! Jump-Rope Exercises for Drummers (From the August 2014 Issue)
by Billy Cuthrell Long thought of as a training tool for boxers or a playground staple at most elementary schools, jumping rope can be used by anyone who wants a terrific cardio workout. Even when done at a moderate pace,…
