News
Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more
Thank you to Far Out Magazine for Reminding us how brilliant Ringo Starr is. We Agree!
Credit: AlamyJack Whatley·February 5, 2021 5 isolated drum tracks to prove The Beatles’ Ringo Starr was a genius Too often has The Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr been the butt of some unkind jokes. Reportedly purported by his bandmate John…
Neil Peart - A Fan Remembers - 1/7/21
Photo by Craig M. Renwick We all have bad days. Some stick with us forever. Some bad days effect millions of people at the same time. When JFK, MLK, RFK, and John Lennon were taken, it was a series of collective…
Modern Drummer Pop-Up Podcast - Friday Jan 1st 2021 David Garfield
Welcome to 2021! Watch this MD “Pop Up Podcast” and start the new year with David Garfield, Gregg Bissonette, and a special surprise guest. David tells us about his version of The Beatle's “Strawberry Fields Forever,” along with his history…
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 14: David Frangioni & Billy Amendola with Mickey Curry
+ Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Steve Stecher & review on two Doc Sweeney snares. David Frangioni & Billy Amendola talk with Mickey Curry about his career & records, his way of playing the drums, and the set he uses.…
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 13: Narada Michael Walden & Carmine Appice.
+ Interview with Gary Ingraffia from ddrum. In this episode, Narada Michael Walden interviews drumming icon and author Carmine Appice. Carmine discusses the early days of Vanilla Fudge, piers that influenced him including Dino Danelli from the Rascals, Mitch Mitchell…
Modern Drummer Pop-Up Podcast with for KING & COUNTRY!
Billy Amendola & David Frangioni talk with them about their current drive-in tour which just wrapped up, their Little Drummer Boy worldwide sensation track and video, and the MD + for KING & COUNTRY Drum Contest that runs thru 12/31/20.…
The Modern Drummer Podcast Episode 12: Mike Dawson with Gavin Harrison
+ Dawson’s Shop Talk interview with Christoph Anlauf & review on two Solid Drums snares. In this episode, MD Managing Editor Mike Dawson interviews Gavin Harrison. Gavin discusses his improvisation practice routine process, recording ideas, micro-fills, integrating spontaneous rhythms into…
Chemical Reactions - Album by Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard - Review – 12/11/20
Review by Rob Coen Chemical Reactions - Album by Gavin Harrison & Antoine Fafard Chemical Reactions - Released on Dec 11, 2020 - The latest Prog-Fusion meets orchestral music collaboration between Antoine Fafard and Gavin Harrison, UK virtuoso musicians. Add…
MD Interview with Don Lombardi – Founder of Drum Channel & Drum Workshop - 12/10/20
Don Lombardi – Drum Workshop’s 2nd Product the DW 5000 Bass Drum Pedal Who did you study with and how did it affect your development as a drummer?DL: I started taking lessons at the age of 12 with Nat Leslie,…
Top Drummers Pay Tribute to Revolutionary War Soldiers
Almost as soon as the pandemic hit this past spring, Sean J. Kennedy had the idea of recording some rudimental classics with a bunch of friends, virtually. The initial group was composed of brass players and percussionists, which Kennedy called…
Pioneering Drummer Viola Smith Passes
Drummer Viola Smith, one of the first female drummers of note, has passed away. She was an astounding 107 years old. Modern Drummer profiled Smith in the April 2003 issue; we’re sharing that piece in honor of her remarkable career.…
Rajiv Jayaweera Draws From Sri Lankan Heritage on Debut Album, Pistils
It’s atypical for a drummer-led debut to open with a contemplative, rubato tune shaded by hushed, minimal brushwork. But jazz drummer/composer Rajiv Jayaweera favors attention to sound and ensemble voice over bluster. On Pistils (Outside in Music), Jayaweera’s superb touch…
Epica’s Ariën van Weesenbeek “Abyss of Time” Drum Playthrough
In advance of Epica’s upcoming album, Omega, which will be released next February 26, we’re presenting an exclusive drum playthrough of drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek performing the single “Abyss of Time.” Omega is the Dutch symphonic metal band’s eighth full-length,…
Influential Funk Drummer Harold Sargent Passes
Modern Drummer was saddened to hear of the passing of Harold Sargent. Sargent’s name might not be immediately recognizable to drum fans, but his influence was widely felt nonetheless, as a player, producer, mentor, and organizer of talent. As one…
