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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.
What Do You Know About...? John Weathers
by Will Romano John Weathers is one of the unsung drumming heroes of the 1970s’ progressive rock era. Weathers’ ability to maintain a steady pulse as a dense, musical matrix unfolded around him helped ground the complex compositions…
Encore: Topper Headon on the Clash’s London Calling
by Jon Wurster Though their first two albums certainly made an impact in their native England and among some converts in the States, global domination seemed quite elusive for the Clash in 1979, especially considering their being widely hailed as…
Back Through the Stack: Harvey Mason
“I never really thought of being a professional musician,” says Harvey Mason. “Music is something I did for fun and enjoyment, and coming from a poor family, there was no way I was going to do anything that wouldn’t make…
RHCP's Chad Smith
by Adam Budofsky This summer MD got to hang out with Chad Smith at his apartment in NYC for a few hours, rapping about his recent Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chickenfoot, and Meatbats projects, all of which you can read…
311’s Chad Sexton
Interview by David Ciauro Photo (Top) by Jennifer Langman Summertime means one thing for good-time seeking concertgoers: the return of 311 headlining amphitheaters. Since the early 2000s, 311 has bucked the corporate structure of touring solely to support…
Brian Tichy: Bonzo Tribute
(June 2011 Issue) On September 25, 2010, the thirtieth anniversary of the passing of John Bonham, Whitesnake’s Brian Tichy assembled a cast of eighteen top-notch drummers at Hollywood’s Key Club to pay tribute to the legendary Led Zeppelin drummer. According…
Eric Singer: Just Being Himself
by Billy Amendola For eighteen years, Kiss’s drummer has helped his world-famous band stay in our hearts and on the radio by doing what he does best—being himself. In this special online extra from his May 2010 MD cover story,…
Paiste Cymbals: Inside Paiste
(March 2010 Issue) Paiste has more than a thousand artists who endorse the company’s products, ranging from industry icons to up-and-coming players. Here, a cool dozen give props to their cymbal maker of choice. Ndugu Chancler (George Duke, Santana, Patrice…
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More)
On Tour And On Stage: 9 Lives (+9, +9 More). MD's editors just can't keep a list of their favorite albums short--even in service of a can't-resist pun. Twenty-seven live albums you gotta have. The classic live album can cement…
Eric Harland: Always Ready To Receive The Muse
by Michael Parillo In our November feature, Harland enlightens us to all sorts of technical matters, including achieving precise strokes on drums and cymbals, conserving energy, and strengthening the weaker hand and foot. Here’s more of our conversation. We kick…
Brian Delaney: Guiding The New New York Dolls
by Billy Amendola As an addition to our November Portraits piece, MD continues our conversation with the New York Dolls' Brian Delaney with a fun question… MD: So, everybody wants to know: Would you have joined the band if you…
Municipal Waste and Burnt By The Sun Drummer Dave Witte: Exclusive In-The-Studio Performance
When photographer Scott Kincaid shot Municipal Waste drummer Dave Witte for the October issue of Modern Drummer, he brought along his video camera and filmed Dave playing along to two tracks. Here Dave gives us the rundown of his approach…
Branford Marsalis' Take On Jeff "Tain" Watts
Reflections From Jeff Watts’s Longtime Collaborator by Ken Micallef Since Jeff “Tain” Watts’s first recording with Wynton Marsalis in 1981, saxophonist Branford Marsalis has been at the drummer’s side, providing material, inspiration, and employment. Tain has appeared on practically all…
Dave McAfee with Toby Keith
Story and photos by Sayre Berman Things haven’t changed much for Dave McAfee. He played the drums as a kid, and he plays the drums as an adult. He moved around a lot as a kid, and he moves around…
