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.
Mike Marsh of Dashboard Confessional
“As a drummer, I truly feel that what you want to play and what you should play can be the same thing if the goal is right,” says Mike Marsh, drummer for emo rock trio Dashboard Confessional. Speaking about Dusk…
John Convertino of Calexico
“I was actually trying to channel Charlie Watts on this record,” laughs Calexico drummer John Convertino, explaining his M.O. while recording the critically acclaimed Tucson, Arizona band’s latest album, Garden Ruin. While summoning the percussive energy of the Rolling Stones…
Danny Gottlieb with The Pat Metheny Group
(Facebook) Averaging almost two hundred performances every year for the past thirty years, Danny Gottlieb–original drummer with The Pat Metheny Group–continues to be an in-demand jazz drummer both in the US and in Europe. Danny can be heard on Mark…
Aaron Harris of ISIS
A couple of years ago, legendary art-rock pioneers King Crimson were asked to share the bill with modern day prog-metal masters Tool. More recently, Tool invited young “art metal” explorers ISIS to tour with them. This speaks volumes of the…
Jason Bittner: Man or Machine?
by Ken Micallef In the wee morning hours of 2004, Jason Bittner put on his slippers, leashed the hounds, and left his Albany, New York home to pick up the latest issue of Modern Drummer. “The fans have spoken!” is…
Stanton Moore
When the hurricane arrived and the levees broke, Stanton Moore’s studio/rehearsal facility took the hit and was later declared structurally unsound. Still, Stanton headed back to town to record his solo release Stanton Moore III. It felt like the right…
Billy Brimblecom of Blackpool Lights
In early 2005, drummer Billy Brimblecom was excited about his new band, Blackpool Lights. The fledgling group he’d recently formed with ex–Get Up Kids singer Jim Suptic and two mutual friends was on the cusp of recording its debut album.…
Peter Wildoer of Darkane
When most folks think of extreme-metal drumming, they tend to picture a guy like Peter Wildoer, especially during his days with the progressive metal band Agretator in the early ’90s and during his stint with Arch Enemy in ’97–someone able…
Rich Beddoe of Finger Eleven
by Adam Budofsky Four years after their gold-selling, self-titled third album, Finger Eleven’s new one, Them Vs. You Vs. Me, finds dynamic lefty Rich Beddoe once again delivering the goods, with more multi-limb surprises and an even sharper ear for…
Neil Sanderson of Three Days Grace
Neil Sanderson is all about taking it in. “I’m a sponge on tour, hanging out with other drummers,” he says. “I look at the way they present themselves onstage as well as off.” Three Days Grace, Sanderson’s very hot band,…
Tyler Greenwell of Colonel Bruce Hampton & The Codetalkers
Tyler Greenwell was climbing onto a hot seat when he joined Colonel Bruce Hampton & The Codetalkers six years ago. “You’re haunted by the drum chair,” he says. “The ghosts of the guys who have been here include Sonny Emory,…
My Chemical Romance's Bob Bryar: The Long Road To Success
by Waleed Rashidi As the drummer for one of the hottest acts working today, you might think that Bob Bryar is a “flash in the pan” success story. But he’s had to go through a lot to get to where…
Carmine Appice: Power Drumming Forever!
by Robyn Flans With several projects coming to fruition, Carmine Appice seems poised to reclaim his throne as one of the baddest heavy rock drummers ever. Power, showmanship, and personality are what make Carmine Appice one of rock’s most notable…
Brooks Wackerman
“Without giving too much away, I’m actually playing the role of Colonel Sanders in the show,” confesses drummer Brooks Wackerman, speaking of his current gig on tour with the musical/comedy duo Tenacious D. Taking a break from his steady gig…
