News

Keep up to date with the drum world via news items, interviews, lists, and more

Chad Smith/Will Ferrell Drum-Off

As reported by pearldrum.com, among other outlets, after months of speculation, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and comedian Will Ferrell will face off in person to resolve an ongoing “argument” over who is the better drummer. The event…

Modern Drummer
May 19, 2014

Meinl Cymbals Partners with Bandhappy as an Official Sponsor of the 2014 Vans Warped Tour

Meinl Cymbals has announced that it is partnering with Bandhappy as an official sponsor of the 2014 Vans Warped Tour. Founded by the drummer of prog-metal band Periphery, Matt Halpern, Bandhappy is an online resource that connects teachers and students in a one-of-a-kind…

Modern Drummer
May 16, 2014

Drumerica National Competition for Young Drummers Kicks Off July 1

To celebrate the current crop of talented, young, American drummers, leading drum, accessory, and media companies have joined together to announce the first annual Drumerica online video contest for teen drummers. Drumerica is set to take place over the upcoming…

Modern Drummer
May 15, 2014

Bonzo Bash Hits the East Coast

Brian Tichy brings Bonzo Bash back to Bergen PAC in New Jersey on May 31 to celebrate the legendary drumming of Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. Drummers scheduled to perform include Zach Alford (David Bowie/B-52s/Bruce Springsteen), Will Calhoun (Living Colour), Joe…

Modern Drummer
May 15, 2014

Questlove and Bobby McFerrin to Perform Together 

Roots drummer and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon bandleader Questlove will be performing with legendary vocalist Bobby McFerrin on Friday, June 13, at Town Hall in New York City. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. The performance, titled Mumbo Jumbo: Bobby McFerrin & Questlove in…

Modern Drummer
May 15, 2014
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A Battle of the Bands to Benefit Little Kids Rock

"Big kids" will take the stage at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square and raise funds to help some little kids ROCK! The second annual Big Kids Rock! Battle of the Bands benefit event will feature performances by Little…

Modern Drummer
May 14, 2014

Chuck Silverman Memorial at Musicians Institute May 14, 2014

Latin-drumming ambassador, famed educator, and longtime Modern Drummer contributor Chuck Silverman passed away on May 1, 2014. Friends, fans, and colleagues of Chuck’s are invited to celebrate his life this Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at the Musicians Institute concert hall…

Modern Drummer
May 12, 2014

Nile Drummer George Kollias Announces Special Guest Tim Yeung at L.A. Drum Camp

Heavy metal drummer, educator, and instructional DVD creator George Kollias (Nile) debuts his first-ever drum camp this May 16– 18 at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles, located at 6360 Canoga Ave., Woodland Hills, California. Produced by MUSO Entertainment, Kollias’s three-day drum camp offers a limited…

Modern Drummer
May 12, 2014

Montréal Drum Fest 2014 

To the drum industry, manufacturers, distributors, drum shops and our audience: We regret to inform you that we have to cancel this year’s 22nd edition of the Montreal Drum Fest - October 25 & 26. Following consultation with the music…

Modern Drummer
May 9, 2014

Terry Bozzio and Universal Percussion’s Tom Shelley Tour the South

Terry Bozzio joined Universal Percussion president Tom Shelley this past February and March for their third joint clinic tour. After covering a good chunk of the Eastern US last fall, the duo performed at venues throughout the South. Their first…

Modern Drummer
May 8, 2014

Steve Weiss: 1943-2014

The entire percussion community suffered a loss this past April 21, when Steve Weiss, founder of the Pennsylvania-based percussion retail business that bore his name, lost his long battle with prostate cancer. In high school Weiss studied with Philadelphia Orchestra…

Modern Drummer
May 5, 2014

DRUMSTRONG Rhythm & Arts Festival 2014

May 16, 17, & 18, Misty Meadows Farm, Weddington, North Carolina. Benefiting DrumsForCures, a 501©(3) non-profit organization raising awareness and funds for cancer initiatives globally through family friendly rhythm gatherings. Scheduled to appear: Railroad Earth, The Felice Brothers, Kopecky Family Band, Chatham County Line, American…

Modern Drummer
May 2, 2014
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Bergen Performance Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey Presents Bonzo Bash

Bergen Performing Arts Center presents Bonzo Bash, an All Star tribute to Led Zeppelin's John Bonham featuring the top drummers in rock music today, Saturday, May 31st, 2014 at 7:30 PM. Bonzo Bash’s line-up includes: Brain Tichy of Whitesnake, Billy Idol,…

Modern Drummer
Apr 30, 2014

June 2014 Issue of Modern Drummer Featuring Nate Morton of The Voice

(Available digitally April 29, 2014; on newsstands May 6, 2014) On the Cover Nate Morton of The Voice Ever wonder what it’s like to play in the band on a high-stakes competitive TV show? Us too—so we asked! The heartbeat…

Modern Drummer
Apr 29, 2014