Percussion Discussion Podcast (Matty Roberts - Percussion Discussion)

Percussion Discussion - Episode 74 John JR Robinson.

Firmly back in the legends lounge today!

Joining me is session legend and one of the most recorded drummers in history John JR Robinson.

Non drummers may not be too familiar with his name BUT, you will have heard his beautiful drumming on so many hit songs that you will hear everytime you switch your radio on - Higher Love - Steve Winwood, Give me the Night - George Benson, Rock With You - Michael Jackson, Aint Nobody - Rufus & Chaka Khan, All Night Long - Lionel Richie, the list goes on and on....

 Join JR and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far, including how he likes to record at his own studio facility, this of course has been incredibly useful over the last two 'Covid" years!

 We chat about his long time friendship with legendary musician, composer, song writer and producer David Foster, of course we had to touch on his musical relationship with the iconic Quincy Jones, Jones openly states that JR is his favourite drummer, some accolade!

 Jr Talks about some of his current projects including The JR Robinson Experience - a star studded band performing some of the many hits that JR has played on or been involved with. 

Also JR's Hands for Drummers Foundation that is doing great work helping underprivileged musicians create music.

Many thanks to JR for giving his time so generously to talk to me, it was an absoloute thrill!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 75 - Sarah Thawer

Joining me today is the wonderful Sarah Thawer

Sarah has played with some incredible artists such as Steve Vai, Sheila E., Jacob Collier George Watsky and many more!

Join Sarah and i as we talk about her incredible career so far, including her recent move to LA from her native Toronto, she tells us how she has been playing since the age of 2, we talk about how Indian and Western music influenced her to become the remarkable drummer she is today.

 We also chat about about her stunning performance at Zildjian Live and her presence on Social Media and how she cleverly used this to get her name and talent out around the world in the early part of her career.

 i dont think there is a drummer on the planet who hasnt seen one of her fabulous online videos. 

It was a real thrill chatting to Sarah and i thank her for giving up her time so generously.
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Percussion Discussion - Episode 67 - Max Beesley

Joining me today is super talented Actor & Musician Max Beesley.

You may have seen Max acting in many programmes such as Suits, Bodies, Mad Dogs, Homeland ,The History of Tom Jones and many many more.....However, we are here to talk about Max' remarkable talent as a Percussionist, Drummer, Pianist, Song Writer, Producer etc....Max has played for the likes of Incognito, TheBrand NewHeavies, Take That, Paul Weller, Omar, Robbie Williams and many more!

Join Max and myself as we talk about Max's incredible career so far, from his early days attending the prestigious Cheethams School of music as a Chorister, onto getting the gig with Paul Weller on Keyboards & Percussion after a chance meeting with Paul's drummer Steve White.

 We also chat about Max's latest solo album featuring a heavyweight rhythm section featuring 2 former Percussion Discussion guests Dr. Steve Gadd and Luis Conte on Drums and Percussion respectively. As well as Max on Vibraphone.

 We had a fantastic conversation that is full of little gems, including a very late, and very last minute jam session with Omar and Stevie Wonder no less!

 I hope you enjoy this chat as much as i enjoyed doing it!

Max, i cant thank you enough for giving up your valuable time so generously!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 77 - Dom Famularo

Joining me today is the wonderful Dom Famularo.

 Dom is a fantastic Drummer, Educator, Author and Motivational speaker.

If you are looking for motivation and inspiration then this is the one for you to watch / listen to. 

 Join Dom and myself as we talk about his remarkable and lengthy career, life as a youngster in the Famularo household when on one cold Sunday evening on February 9th in 1964 Dom witnessed the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, this was the key moment for Dom when he knew that the drums were going to be the instrument for him!

 Dom talks about the remarkable drummers he has been lucky enough to study with along his journey including Papa Jo Jones, Joe Morello, Jim Chapin, Shelly Manne and Louis Bellson to name but a few.

 We also chat about The Sessions Panel, where Dom comprehensively interviews the finest musicians in the world, passing on knowledge to a new generation of musicians. There is also a really interesting story of how this materialised.

 This was a wonderful conversation to be part of, Dom tells some very funny and some equally poignant stories throughout our chat, i hope you enjoy it as much as did.

Dom - Thank you for giving me the time from your incredibly hectic schedule!

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 78 - Roman Roth

Joining me today is the wonderful Swiss drummer Roman Roth.

For pretty much the last decade Roman has been playing for Mick Hucknall as a solo artist and for the mangnificent Simply Red

Join Roman and myself as we chat about his career so far, from the beginning of his musical path which started out with the violin, how he switched to drums aged 9 after hearing Art Blakey being played by his music loving father. 

 We talk about his incredible journey from studying drums at universtity in Zurich through to getting the Simply Red gig, and how the gig requires competence in so many diverse styles to get through it!

Roman really is all about the groove and the feel, he has some lovely organic drum sounds both live and on recordings, this is of course made easier by having some top quality equipment, we talk about Paiste Cymbals(also Swiss of course)and Gretsch Drums.

 Roman, many thanks for giving up your time so generously. its much appreciated!

 Special thanks to our mutual friend and top class UK touring/session drummer Steve Barney - Drummer for putting us in touch!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 79 - Guy Pratt

Something a little different today, the first non drummer ever to appear on Percussion Discussion, but.... he is a monster musician, the wonderful bass player Guy Pratt

 Guy is one of the most respected and revered bass players on the planet, having carved out an incredible career beginning with the Australian band Ice House, Robert Palmer, Womack & Womack, Bryan Ferry, The Smiths, Pink Floyd, David Gilmour, Saucerful Of Secrets to name but a few!

 I feel very Privileged to have guy along to chat about his experiences playing with some of the finest drummers in existence today!

 Of course we had to start off with Pink Floyd drummer and founder member Nick Mason (Official) whom Guy has been performing with since the mid 80's and continues to do so with the Saucerful of secrets.

 We talk about the wonderful drummer and percussionist and mutual friend of both Guy and myself Ged Lynch, Guy and Ged were both involved with a recent recording project with legendary The Who guitarist Pete Townshend.

Other notable names mentioned in our chat are Jeff Porcaro - Ginger Baker - Jerry Marotta - Andy Newmark - Vinnie Colaiuta - Jonathon 'Sugarfoot' Moffett and many more!

 We had to chat about the incredible No1 ranked podcast hosted by Guy & Gary kemp ,

Percussion Discussion - Episode 80 - Lloyd Ryan

Joining me today is Lloyd Ryan

 Lloyd is a british drummer and drum teacher, he has an incredible career behind him having played for some of the biggest names in British showbusiness.

 Join Lloyd and myself as we chat about his beginnings as a young drummer, throught to working his way up to work with such iconic names from the 70's and 80's , such as Matt Monro, Tony Christie, The Brotherhood of man, Gene Vincent and PJ Proby. 

 also joining this impressive list are 3 great British Comedians, Tommy Cooper, Bob Monkhouse and Bobby Davro.

 We also touch on the remarkable list of Lloyd's former drum students, including Phil Collins, Ralph Salmins, Graham Broad, Derrick Mckenzie & John Coghlan!!! Lloyd obviously has the midas touch when it comes to teaching!

 Many thanks to lloyd for inviting me around to his teaching studio - it was a total pleasure to sit and chat for the best part of an hour.

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 82 - Mark Price .

Joining me today is Mark Price. Mark's name may not be too well known these days amongst the drummers of the world, but....... trust me, he has done so much!!

Join Mark and myself as we talk about his remarkable career from starting out as a youngter in Lancashire through to getting the touring drummer chair for the musical genius that is  @Nik Kershaw we talk in depth about his time with Nik and of course that Live Aid Performance in 1985 - including how he was picked up from his bed sit by a stretch limousine to be taken to Wembley and a host of technical issues while on stage! 

We also talk about his very succesful time with All About Eve and then onto taking over from Ash Soan with the fabulous scottish band Del Amitri. 

This ws a really interesting conversation, one i enjoyed a lot. id like to thank Mark for giving up his time so generously, thanks also to our pal and UK touring Drummer Steve Barney for connecting us up.

Percussion Discussion Episode 82 - John 'JD' Douglas.

Joining me today is a guy with one of the most interesting stories you will ever hear - John 'JD ' Douglas.

 John has one of the most remarkable and succesful careers in music that i have ever heard of!

 He is a phenomenal artist, a highly skilled drummer and one of the most respected and trusted drum tech's in Rock n Roll!

 Currently on tour teching for Bon Jovi's Tico Torres, John kindly found some time to talk about his amazing career so far.....

 John Started out by customizing his own drum kits by painting them, he got spotted in his native Texas while gigging with his band by Frank Beard of ZZ Top who asked John to paint some of his drums, this led to him customizing drums for so many incredible bands including ZZ Top, Van Halen, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Aerosmith, Pantera, Lynryd Skynyrd, Slash, Bon Jovi and many more!

 This led to teching for many of the bands in that list including ZZ Top whom he had 2 cover 3 gigs for for the injured Frank Beard, Teching for Slash where he had to cover the drum chair for Brent Fitz who stepped in on bass for 2 gigs with no notice for 2 gigs, as if thats not enough he has covered the last 35 shows and will continue to do so for immediate future for Joey Kramer with Aerosmith!!

 Join John and myself as we talk about his incredible and varied career so far including all of the above plus so much more, including how the experience of working for one of my drumming heroes was - 

Percussion Discussion - Episode 83 - Nigel Glockler

Joining me today is Nigel Glockler

Nigel is best known for powering British NWOBHM Legends Saxon since 1981. Join Nigel and myself as we talk about his incredible career from his beginnings with early influences taken from both the drummers with The Shadows - Tony Meehan and Brian Bennett and American drummer Sandy Nelson.

 Nigel also talks about his time with Toyah in the very early 80's and the recording of her seminal album "Anthem"

 We also talk about Nigel's time as an endorsee with Premier Drums and of course his more recent relationship with Stockport based British Drum Co.

 We talk about the new Saxon album "Carpe Diem" and its incredible Songs, Musicianship and production plus we chat briefly about the 2021 album "Inspirations" an album made of cover versions including the Toto classic "Hold the Line" this version got a big thumbs up from Steve Lukather

 What a joy chatting to Nigel, one of the friendliest and nicest guys in the business! Nigel - Thank you for giving up your time so generously!

 Many thanks to our mutual friend (and Nigels former drum tech) Paul Copeland - Watts for connecting us both.

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 Percussion Discussion - Episode 84 - Ian Haugland

Joining me today is Ian Haugland

Since 1984 Ian has been the drummer with Swedish rockers Europe

Join Ian and myself as we chat about his amazing career from his early influence by Cozy Powell after attending a Rainbow gig with Powell on drums in 1976, then onto almost blowing up a gig venue with some home made pyrotechincs at a very early gig with one of his first bands!

 Ian also reminisces about an "interesting" audition with a young Swedish guitar god - Yngwie J Malmsteen!!

 Then of course onto getting the gig with Europe and the recording of Ian's first album with them in 1986 (the bands 3rd) The now iconic - The Final Countdown.

 We talk at length about the Final Countdown and where the instantly catchy keyboard hook originated from and of course THAT fill into the gutar solo!! in my mind that is one of the most iconic drum fills of the 1980's!

 What a thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable hour spent in the company of Ian Haugland, Thank you so much for giving up your time so generously.

Many thanks also to Adam Parsons of Siren Artist Management Inc for putting us in touch! Much appreciated.

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 85 - Gary Astridge

Joining me today is Historian and Curator of every Drum Kit used by Ringo Starr throughout his career with The Beatles - Gary Astridge

 Today is all about Ringo, when i ask the many drummers i speak too, a few names constantly appear, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd and yes.... Ringo Starr!

 Im very grateful that today i get to chat to not only a personal friend of the man himself, but an absoloute authority on Ringo and all of the equipment that he has used over the years, from his early days with Premier Drums through to the brand that his name has become synonymous with Ludwig Drums.

 We chat for a full hour about all things Ringo and the Beatles, pop the kettle on, sit back, relax and enjoy.

 Many thanks to Gary for giving up his time so Generously, its much appreciated!

 - Please check out Gary's website www.ringosbeatlekits.com

 Also many thanks to our mutual friend Terry McCusker for connecting Gary and myself.

Please check out Terry's website for the book i featured in our conversation.

www.ringostarrandthebeatlesbeat.co.uk

Percussion Discussion - Episode 86 - John Macaluso

Joining me today is John Macaluso

Originally a New Yorker, John now resides in Italy, John has played on around 200 albums so far in his incredible career as well as touring the world with many incredible artists and bands.

Join John and myself as we chat about some of key moments from his quite remarkable career, including his early days taking lessons from the likes of Rod Morgenstein, Tommy Aldridge, Dom Famularo and the great Joe Franco who reccomended John for Norweigan rockers TNT.

   We also chat about ARK the incredible progressive hard rock band, John was one of the fouding members along with guitarist Tore Østby and how they achieved their first record deal from a visit to a record store!

   John goes into detail about the audition process and life on the road for Swedish guitar god Yngwie Malmsteen and how this included being driven to a bar in Malmsteens Ferarri, drinking for hours and then being asked to perform a drum solo!!

   I couldnt let this conversation go by without mentioning John's incredible drumming  on Michael Romeo's 2 most recent albums - War Of the Worlds PT 1 from 2018 and this years War Of The Worlds PT 2.

This was a hugely fun conversation, John is a real treat to talk to, a very funny guy with an incredible talent! i hope you enjoy it as much as did!

John - Thank you for giving up your time so generously!

Huge thanks to Alexander Ford at World Entertainment Inc. for connecting me with John.

Percussion Discussion - Episode 87 - Chris Whitten

Joining me today is the wonderful British Drummer Chris Whitten 

Since the early 80's Chris has made his mark as one of the finest session and touring drummers in the UK.

Join Chris and myself as we talk about his amazing career from starting out as a youngster playing mainly orchestral percussion (rather than drum kit) including some time playing with the Welsh National Youth Orchestra, through to his time studying at Leeds college of music.

 Chris chats openly about his time with The Waterboys and of course his wonderful playing on the smash hit song "The Whole Of The Moon"

 We talk about how a session with Jerry Marotta sharing some of the drumming duties on an album recording really helped Chris develop the incredible drum sounds he is known for across the globe.

 We had to touch on the iconic Paul McCartney album Flowers in the dirt album that Chris Played on with a whole host of incredible Producers, Musicians and Co Writers, and of course the huge tour that followed the release of the aformentioned album.

 Closely following Chris' time with Paul McCartney, he tells us about his time on the road with Dire Straits after the hugely succesful On Every Street album had been released and getting to recreate the intricate and stunning drum tracks that been recorded by late great Jeff Porcaro.

 Chatting with Chris was really fascinating, he has played on so many remarkable albums and songs and continues to do so! Chris, Thanks so musch for giving up your precious time to talk to me.

Please check out Chris's website www.chriswhitten.com

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This is the first Episode in a new series featuring independant local drum shops from across the UK. 
I have always admired anyone who has the nerve and business acumen to create a succesful drum shop, so ive made the decision to speak to some of the people behind these independant drum stores and hopefully generate a little more business for them.

 Episode 1 features Leigh Smith from Cariad Drum Shop, based in Bridgend in South Wales. Join Leigh and myself as we talk aboiut his drumming career, the motivation behind setting up Cariad and all of the services that the shop has to offer, including Drum Lessons, Practice Rooms, Leigh's remarkable talent for spraying and customising individual drums and whole kits, plus of course a well stocked showroom! 

Please checkout the website for Cariad Drums www.cariaddrumshop.com

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Percusson Discussion - Episode 88 - Brian Bennett

We are firmly back in the legends lounge for this episode.

Joining me today is Drummer, Composer, Arranger, Pianist, three times winner of the Ivor Novello award, Brian Bennett, OBE.

Join Brian and myself as we celebrate some of the highlights of his remarkable career.

Brian shares with us at the age of 82 years old he still writes and records every day in his studio, this just proves that age is merely a number!

We talk about Brian's early years and how after a year of violin lessons he realised it wasnt for him, on to the gig as house drummer (shared with his life long pal and another remarkable UK drummer Clem Cattini) at the legendary 2i"s coffee bar in Old Compton Street, Soho, said to be the the birthplace of British Rock n Roll, a small cramped venue that hosted some of the biggest stars of the day, Brian explains it was this showcase that got him most of his work at that time including the gig with the hugely popular Oh Boy a BBC Music show featuring many huge stars.

 Of course we had to talk about The Shadows and how Brian didn't initially want to join after 10 years of solid touring, however he did and the remarkable results are there for all to see!

 I ask Brian a couple of questions from a previous guest on the show and another legendary british drummer, founder member of both Free & Bad Company Simon Kirke for whom Brian was a huge influence when beginning his musical path.

 It was an absoloute pleasure chtting to Brian, i really appreciate him finding time in his incredibly packed schedule!

 I also have to thank our mutual friend and wonderful drummer Ian Palmer for putting us in contact initially.

Percussion Discussion Episode 89 - Dave Hassell

Joining me today is drummer / percussionist / author and one of the finest drum and percussion educators in the UK Dave Hassell.

Dave has played for so many incredible solo artistes, bands, orchestra's, sessions etc.... it would take forever to list them all, here is a little taster for you... Dr John, Karl Jenkins, Apitos, Jim Mullen, Lisa Stansfield, Dusty Springfield, BBC Radio Big Band, and The Halle Orchestra to name but a few!

Join Dave and myself as we talk about his early days including lessons from some remarkable teachers including Geoff Riley, Max Abrams and Jim Blackley.

 Dave has a fearsome reputation as a teacher, with a no nonsense approach, he talks at length about this, putting to bed all the myths about him being a monster! sharing his amazing insights into teaching and what he expects from his students.

We also talk at length about the books that he has written including the fabulous Graded Course For Drum Kit and the story behind the title of the book! ( you will have to listen to find out! )

This conversation is a must for any drummer or teacher, it is full of little golden nuggets of information for any drummer, i really hope you enjoy it as much as i did!

Dave, thank you so much for giving up your time - please check out Dave's website www.davehassell.co.uk

Percussion Discussion - Episode 90 - Mark Brzezicki

 Joining me today is a british drummer with an instantly recognisable sound and style, the fabulous Mark Brzezicki!

 Mark has played for the likes of Nik Kershaw, Pete Townshend, The Cult, Fish, Ultravox but is best known for his magnificent playing with Big Country.

 Join Mark and myself as we celebrate his incredible career so far, he tells us how excited he was seeing a drum kit in the flesh for the first time as a child, through to practicing in the back of his van!! 

Drawing from his early influences such as Phil Collins with Brand X, Steve Gadd, Billy Cobham, Harvey Mason & Rod Moregenstein its quite easy to understand how Mark developed his very poished and musical drumming style. 

Of course we talk about Big Country and the incredible success that the band have had over the years. 

Mark goes into real detail about his input to The Cult's 1985 masterpiece Love including some incredible insights in to how he got some of the sounds on the album using some very interesting items! (you will have to listen to find out what!)

 We also talk about Pete Townshend, Fish and Nik Kershaw whom Mark has done so much with over the years. Chatting to Mark was a total privilege, he shares so many incredible nuggets of information with us all! Thank you Mark!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 91 - Stuart Elliott

Joining me today is British Drummer Stuart Elliott

Stuart has had an incredible career so far having started his career with Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel playing on 3 top 10 albums and of course the Number 1 single Make Me Smile.... Come Up and See Me.

Stuart has also toured with and played on a staggering 10 The Alan Parsons Project Albums!!

Stuart is perhaps best known for his work with the remarkable Kate Bush having played on the likes of Babooshka, Wuthering Heights, Breathing and of course Running Up That Hill!

If thats not enough, then he has also worked with Al Stewart(Having payed on the Year of the Cat) Kenny Rogers, Chris Rea, B.A. Robertson, Toyah and many more.

Join Stuart and myself as we chat about his remarkable career from the beginning of his musical career right through to the incredible success of the Kate Bush Song - Running Up That Hill, recently featured in the Netflix Sci Fi Horror Drama - Stranger Things, it has now become a Global Number 1 hit (This means a number 1 hit in most countries worldwide) 

We Talk all things Cockney Rebel, Alan Parsons and of course Kate Bush!

Stuart, thank you for giving your time up so generously to chat and celebtrate your incredible career so far, its was totally fascinating!!!

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 92 - Math Priest

Joining me for todays conversation is Math Priest.

Math is a founder member, song writer and drummer for UK Pop/Rock band Dodgy producing such incredible songs as Good Enough, Staying out for the summer and Grassman as well as many studio and live albums.

 Aswell as playing for Dodgy, Math has also played fo the likes of The Lightening Seeds, The Electric Soft Parade, The yellow Moon Band and Ian McNabb in The Icicle Works plus many more.

Join us as we talk about Math's career from his early days with his first thrown together drum kit and how he is a completley self taught drummer and the problems this created onto searching for a vintage drum sound for an album and buying a used Gretsch Roundbadge Drum Kit from Steven White, through to playing the Pyramid stage at the mighty Glastonbury Festival!

 We also talk about his drumming work with other bands such as the Lightening Seeds and The Icicle works.

 Math is a really great chap, and a very funny guy to boot, this was such a fun experience to spend an hour in his company, Yes, there is some swearing and yes there is a section where Math gets a beer from the fridge and isnt wearing trousers! (it was a very warm day!) i dare you not to enjoy this!!

Math, thanks so much mate, it was a total pleasure, many thanks also to our mutual friend Chris Hawkins for connecting us!

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Welcome to Episode 2 of Percusion Discussion - Shop Talk.

 Today i chat to the the wonderful chap that is Graham Russell, the owner of arguably the biggest drum shop in the UK Graham Russell Drums. 

Join Graham and myself as we delve into his beginnings as a drummer and how how after gigging across Europe and the USA with various bands he got into buying and selling a few drums as a hobby from his spare room at home, Graham explains how his business grew and grew and is now a million miles away from that bedroom with 5500 square feet of show room crammed with over 70 drum kits, 140 snare drums and hundreds of cymbals from every household drum and cymbal manafacturer you could ever think of with a team of 7 experienced staff members. 

We talk about many things, including the expense involved with owning a drum shop of this size and how they manged to survive the pandemic, Grahams love of Yamaha Recording Custom Drums and how he couldnt live without his Porter & Davies Tactile Monitoring BC2 system. 

Many thanks to Graham for giving us this fascinating insight into Graham Russell Drums, i really hope you enjoy it, and if you are in the area why not pop in, one things for sure, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and a cuppa, whats not to like? 

Graham Russel Drums
 Unit 5 
Axis Park 
Newgate Lane
 Fareham 
PO14 1FD 
Tel - 01329 834012
 www.grahamrusselldrums.com

Percussion Discussion Episode 93 - Pete Marshall

Joining me today is Pete Marshall.

Manchester born and bred Pete has an icredible wealth of experience as a session drummer having played for Liam Frost, Stephen Fretwell, The Courteeners, Karima Francis and Lucy and the Caterpillar. For the last 9 years Pete has held the coveted drum stool with one of the finest singer /song writers in the UK Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott

 Join Pete and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far, from starting off his musical life playing Violin (He still does) and switching to drums and percussion very last minute for a school concert and how this changed his career path!

 We of course talk about his gig with Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott, how he got the gig ( and how he keeps the gig!) Pete explains how there are no click tracks and even no In ear monitoring is used on those shows and how this allows the songs to breath and move in a live situation.

 We briefly talk gear, Pete is an endorser for the fabulous and very local (Stockport based) British Drum Co and Amedia Cymbals.

This was a lot of fun to do, Pete, thanks so much for sparing me the time during a manic fetival season!

Thanks to Mathew Priest from Dodgy and our mutual pal Richard Charles for putting myself and Pete in touch!

Percussion Discsussion - Episode 94 - Joel Barford.

Joining me today is without doubt one of the most talented young drummers in the UK today, Joel Barford.

At the tender age of 25 Joel has already secured endorsments with industry giants such as Gretsch Drums, Zildjian Company cymbals and Vic Firth drum sticks, as well as playing with some remarkable musicians!

 Join Joel and myself as we talk about his career so far, including how his presence on social media helped him get some high profile notice, including a message from the remarkable Benny Greb when Joel was just 19 years old asking if he could have a lesson with him when he was in the country!!!!

 We also talk about his musical education (another drummer starting out on violin!) and how he progressed to where he is at the moment playing with some incredible bands, The Nigel Price Organ Trio and UK Trumpet Virtuoso Louis Dowdeswell big band to name but two!

 We also talk about Joel's first major drum clinic performance on the mikedolbear.com Stage at the The UK Drum Show in April 2022!

 one or two of you may not be too familiar with Joel's name yet, but trust me YOU WILL! Joel is a remarkable young drummer with a very wise head screwed on his shoulders, i am in no doubt that he is going to be a megastar of the drum world!

 Joel, it was a pleasure talking to you, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously!

www.joelbarford.com

Percussion Discussion - Episode 95 - Moritz Mueller.

 Joining me today is the incredible talented German drummer, Moritz Mueller. 

Moritz is founding member and drummer with The Intersphere, described as German progressive alternative groundbreakers, this easy to understand with just a few listens to this band packed with incredible talent! 

Join Moritz and myself as we talk about his amzing career so far, including his early days in Bavaria, getting lucky finding a great American drum teacher who happened to be over in Germany with the forces, through to getting endorsements with industry giants Pearl & Sabian and supporting the legendary Dennis Chambers on a 2 week drum clinic tour!!! 

We also talk about some of the amazing artists that Moritz has played for including Midge Ure, and Toto band members (Past & Present) Vocalist Bobby Kimball & Guitar Virtuoso Steve Lukather and how its was following in the footsteps of the late great Jeff Porcaro and the incredible Simon Phillips.

 Many thanks to Moritz for giving up his time so generously. 

please check out the incredible band he plays for www.theintersphere.com 

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Joining me today is Craig Buckley & Nicko Mcbrain, both partners in Nicko McBrains Drum One in Manchester.

 I speak at length with Craig about how he started up the drum shop in 2016 and how Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain became involved and how it has transformed from an already great drumshop under previous owners Manchester Drum Centre, to something quite incredible under the Nicko's Drum One banner. Described as the most delectable drum emporium, filled with most incredible range of drums, cymbals, percussion & accesories that you could ever need!

 We also delve into Craigs background in the industry including a fascinating chat about a lengthy stint at Premier Drums where he met Nicko McBrain and a certain Keith Keogh - now of British Drum Co of course!

 Nicko makes a brief appearance in the last 10 minutes of this video talking about his involvment in the shop and how much he enjoys getting hands on, even serving behind the till! this was such a fascinating conversation, one i enjoyed very much! 

Thanks to Craig & Nicko for giving there time so generously! 

Astra Business Park 
Guiness Road 
Stretford 
Manchester 
M17 1SQ
 T - 0161 872 9777
 E - sales@drumone.co.uk
 W - www.drumone.co.uk

John Coghlan - Percussion Discussion - Episode 96.

Firmly back in the legends lounge today with one of the most requested interviews, the fabulous John Coghlan.

John played drums for Status Quo from 1962 - 1981 with the classic line up with Francis Rossi and the late Rick Parfitt & Alan Lancaster playing on the first 14 albums with countless gigs and tours to back the albums up! 

John set up John Coghlans Quo, playing all the classic Quo songs with an incredible band performing all over the world.

Join John and myself as we chat about his career, including his early days, including how he ended up playing in Staus Quo in the early 60's, through to the manic schedule of the 70's some years recording and releasing 2 albums in a year (unheard of these days) as well as lengthy tours to back them up!

 we had to talk about some of the amazing drums that John has used over his career including Ludwig Drums, Yamaha Drums and of course Premier Drums which John is very well known for playing! (it is a drumming podacast after all, what did you expect!)

 We also talk about the Classic Quo reuninon and Documentary Hello Quo and the tour that followed, alledgedly selling out in 20 minutes, how it felt to be back onstage with that classic line up and how much touring had changed (for the better in the last 20 years )

 It was a thrill to spend an hour chatting to John, he is genuinely a lovely guy with an obvious passion for music!

 John, thank you for giving up your time so generously, and thanks to his lovely wife Gillie for setting it up. Thank you both.

www.johncoghlan.com

Joining me today is Mark Jeffs, the main man behind one of the biggest Vintage drum shops in Europe - Rusty Drums. 

Join Mark and myself as we chat about the incredible Rusty Drums and how it has grown from a fairly small set up operating from his drum studio at his family home to the industrial unit that now is home to Rusty Drums stocking some 180 Vintage kits and countless snare drums!

 We talk about Mark's career in drums from starting out as a drummer in his local brass band through to studying jazz drumming at college, how he juggled working in Talkin Headz... a drum shop in Milton Keynes, with teaching and gigging. 

Mark tells us how he sources all of his drums from America, they are shipped to the UK in shipping containers (adding huge sums to the already significant cost with shipping charges and import duty) so 99% of Mark's stock is fresh in to the uk. 

This was a fascinating conversation - especially for a vintage drum geek like me, Mark has made an incredible success of Rusty Drums, he still teaches 3 days a week plus he is also a gigging drummer, i dont know how he fits it all in! 

Please remember if you want to visit Rusty Drums, it is by appointment only, dont just turn up, please contact Mark in advance or you will be dissapointed!

 www.rustydrums.co.uk
 Rusty Drums Ltd 
Barton Industrial estate 
Faldo Road 
Barton Le Clay 
Bedford MK454RP

 Email - rustydrums@hotmail.co.uk 
Opening - strictly by appointment.

 Thanks to Mark for giving up his valuable time for doing this.
Please leave a short review of you are enjoying these conversations - thank you.

Percussion Discussion - Episode 97 - Steve Williams.

 Joining me today is Steve Williams, from 1974 to 2010 (apart from one very short spell) Steve was the powerhouse drummer with Welsh hard rock/heavy metal legends Budgie. 

Join Steve and myself as we talk about his amazing career, from his early days as a young drummer ( and not particularly being a fan of Budgie!) through to getting the audition and recording Steve's debut album (and my personal favourite) with the band 1975's Bandolier. 

We talk about the wide ranging styles of music on this album and how Steve"s versatility as a drummer along with Burke Shelley"s genius helped facilitate this!

 Budgie played some incredible festivals and tours during their existence, Steve tells us about supporting Ozzy Ozbourne on the Blizzard of Oz tour and a particularly successful Reading festival appearance, both in 1980, He also talks about the 1982 headline slot at the same festival and how he thinks the band didnt have a big enough stage show to back this up!

 Many thanks to Steve for finding the time to talk to me, this was a fascinating conversation, one i hope you all enjoy. 

Please Leave a short review if you can find the time - Thanks

Joining me today is Tristan Head, the owner of Drumattic in Frome. 

Join Tristan and myself as we chat about all aspects of Drumattic, they have recently moved to a much bigger premises in Frome from Radstock and are still outting the finishing touches to what what will be a stunning space including Shop, Workshop and eventually a rehearsal space. 

We talk about Tristans love of vintage drums, how he buys, sells and repairs them, including re doing bearing edges, re wrapping, cutting down the shells and pretty much anything that needs doing! Tristan also tells us how he laps his own brand of calf skin heads (i own some and can vouch for the quality ) and how he perfected this age old technique.

 As well as selling drums and thousands of parts and spares for vintage drums of all brands, Tristan also has an enviable hire stock of vintage kits and snares that are regurlarly found in recording studios across the south west. 

Huge thanks to Tristan for giving up his time to do this.

 Drumattic
 Unit 7 
Vallis Mills Trading estate 
Frome
 Somerset, 
BA113DT 
T - 07421 327509
 E - enquiries@drum-attic.co.uk 
W - www.drum-attic.co.uk

If you are enjoying these podcasts, please share, subscribe and leave a short review if you can - thank you!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 98 - Joe Franco

We are firmly back in the legends lounge today with legendary New York drummer Joe Franco.

Join Joe and myself as we chat about the highlights of his remarkable career so far, from his early days with The Good Rats (if you havent heard this band, you must. check out Tasty and be prepared to be blown away!)

We had to talk about Joe's incredible Double Bass drumming book that is celebrating its 40th anniversary, Joe explains the concepts behind this book and talks about the accompanying & groundbreaking VHS that accompanied the book that i and im sure many other thousands of young drummers owned back in the 80's.

 Joe talks about his time with Twisted Sister having taken over the drum chair from AJ Pero and his dissapointment that the bands producer decided to use Joe's programmed drums on the album Love is for suckers... This was only intended for demo purposes, i think its testamant to Joe's talent as a drum programmer, to create such great sounding drum tracks with the limited resources available to him in the 80's.

 Anybody who knows me knows that i have a mild obsession with Premier Drums, Joe was the poster boy for Premier in the 80's and 90's along with Rod Morgenstein so we had to talk about Joe's incredible and long lasting relationship with Premier

What a way to spend 45 minutes, chatting to one of your drumming Hero's!

Joe, thank you so much - you are a gentleman.

please check out Joe's website www.beatstreetnyc.com

Many thanks also to our mutual pal John Macaluso for connecting me up with Joe

Percussion Discussion - Episode 99 - Joby Burgess.

 Joining me today is one of the UK's most diverse percussionists - Joby Burgess.

 Joby has played for the likes of Peter Gabriel at Red Rocks Ampitheatre and The Who at Wembley stadium but is equally at home as a studio musician performing on soundtracks such as Black Panther, Rocketman, Ad Astra, Mission: Impossible, The Darkest Hour, Dr Who and The Green Planet. 

Join Joby and myself as we chat about his remarkable career so far, from starting out as a drummer before switching to Percussion in his teens. we talk about the imminent release of his new solo album A Percussionists Songbook released on September 30th with a short concert tour of the UK starting on the same day! 

We chat about how and where it was recorded and the process of learning the material to perform it live on the tour. We also about his lockdown project involving a performance of Eric Whitacres "Sleep" with a virtual Marimba Choir, bringing together 227 percussionists from over 40 countries to perform this stunning work online, Joby tells us how this was achieved without using a click track!

 I really hope you enjoy this conversation with a quite remarkable musician, something a little different from the regular drummer interviews! 

many thanks to the wonderful percussionist Pete Lockett for suggesting Joby as a guest. 

please check out Joby's website - here you will find all of the information about the forthcoming album release and tour! www.jobyburgess.com

if you are enjoying these conversations, please leave a short review if you can find a spare minute.

Percussion Discussion - Episode 100 - Billy Cobham 

We are 100% firmly in the legends lounge for the 100th episode of Percussion Discussion - Billy Cobham.

 In 2001 Billy Cobham was named one of the 25 most influential Drummers by Modern Drummer Magazine, Billy is one of the very few who can truly be called a pivotal drummer in music history!

 Join Bill and myself as we chat about his remarkable career, from his teenage years cutting his teeth in Drum Corps, through to his time in the military and on to his early days in the Jazz world touring in the UK with Horace Silver and a whos who of jazz legends!

 We talk about drum / head selections for different gigs, the importance of good quality monitoring and the recording of Bitches Brew by Miles Davis! 

Of course we spend time chatting about Billy's Iconic release 1973's Spectrum, im not going to tell you what was said..... you need to listen, it is full of wonderful little nuggets of information!

 wow, what a remarkable hour chatting to one of the most iconic drummers of the last 60 years!
 Bill - thank you so much for your time! its truly appreciated! www.billycobham.com 

Many Thanks to our mutual pal Joey Smout for putting us intouch! 

Percussion Discussion - Episode 101 - Steve Grantley

 Joining me today is british drummer Steve Grantley. Steve has an enviable CV with names including Julian Lennon, The Alarm, Eight Wonder, Billy Duffy, Glen Matlock, Jake Burns and the Big Wheel, RT-ZED, but for the last 25 years he has been the driving force for Northern Irish Punk Rockers Stiff Little Fingers. 

Join Steve and myself as we chat about his amazing career from his teenage years depping on high profile , big band gigs for his teacher and then making the gigs his own, through to being a hairs breadth away from being the new drummer in The Clash after Terry Chimes departure at the tender age of 21! Steve Explains how he picked himself up again after the final audition didnt go his way and how he auditioned succesfully for Jake Burns and the Big Wheel, eventually joining the reformed Still Little Fingers. 

25 years later and Steve is still occupying and thoroughly enjoying the SLF drum stool but also is heavily involved in his other project RT-ZED, their latest album having been released the day before this interview!

 This was a fascinating conversation and it goes to prove if you want something badly enough you can get it! 

Thank to Steve for giving up his time so freely, also many thanks to our mutual friend Adam Parsons for connceting us up!

Kyle Stevenson - Percussion Discussion - Episode 102

Joining me today is Kyle Stevenson.

Kyle is best know for being the powerhouse drummer for the last 16 years for American alternative metal band Helmet 

Join Kyle and myself as we talk about his career from the very beginning of his music career from starting as a 14 year old with a rented Percussion Plus drum kit through to moving to LA in 95 to go to film school, this didnt last too long before Kyle joined a band called Flash Point and how they toured on Ozzfest in 1999 as an unsigned band with Black Sabbath, Slayer, Primus and more!!

 Kyle explains how how go the audition with Helmet in 2006 after the band parted company with John Stanier, he also tells us how his first gig with Helmet was opening for Guns n' Roses on a stadium tour and how the band were pelted with bottles and coins by the impatient Guns n' Roses fans!

 We also talk about Kyle's other band Attempt Survivors and the difficulties of writing and recording when the band members are spread across different states in the US and how hopefully the new album recorded this summer will be out soon!

 Kyle - Thank you for giving up your time so generously to do this!

Many thanks also to our mutual friend and former Helmet Drummer now of The cult John Tempesta for connecting us up!

Back in the legends lounge again today with Budgie.
 Peter Clarke, better known as Budgie is a wonderful English Drummer best known for his drumming with Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Creatures.

 Join Budgie and myself as we talk about his early days with a busy cabaret band gigging around the North West of England onto his remarkable career as a drummer with a brilliantly unique style, snubbing more traditional 4 on the floor grooves for brilliantly busy & syncopated driving rhythms around the drums! 

We talk about his early days in Merseyside playing with The Spitfires, then onto Big In Japan alongside Jayne Casey, Ian Broudie and Holly Johnson and how they actually ended up supporting Budgies soon to be new band Siouxsie & The Banshees.

 Budgie talks about the recording of the Seminal Slits Album - Cut, and where the vast amount of influences came from, Especially the heavily reggae influences.

 We of course talk about Siouxsie & The Banshees and how the gig came about, alongside the banshees came The Creatures, featuring Siouxsie on vocals and Budgie given an incredible and (almost) free roll on Drums and Percussion, including Marimba and Vibraphone! 

This was such a fun hour, one i enjoyed hugely! Budgie as well as being a terrific drummer is also a wonderful human who really likes to talk about his career, this is a joy as a podcaster! 
Budgie, thank you so much for giving up your valuable time to speak to me from a snowy & cold Berlin!

 Huge thanks must go to former guest on the show and Budgie's friend Steve Grantley for putting us both in touch!

Please subscribe and leave a review if you are enjoying these conversations.

Joining me today is american powerhouse drummer Mike Vanderhule. 

Since 2006 Mike has been the drummer with American hard rockers Y&T. 

Join Mike and myself as we chat about his career so far, of course we talk about his gig since 2006 with Y&T, Mike tells us how he respected the drum parts of the great drummers that previously held the drum stool with the band including the late Leonard Haze (and original Y&T drummer) - Jimmy DeGrasso and the legendary Steve Smith who recorded the majority of the songs on the 1990 album - Ten. 

Speaking of Steve Smith, Mike tells us how he had listens with Steve and how they became good friends. and still are today.

Mike has an really impressive CV of amazing artists that he has either recorded with or played live with including - Vince Neil, Steve Lukather, Eric Martin, John Denver, Neal Schon, Geoff Tate, Stu Hamm, Soul Motor and many more! 

i really enjoyed this conversation with Mike, he has so much to offer as a drummer and a teacher, i really hope you enjoyed this as much as i did. 

please check out Mike's website - www.mikevanderhule.com 

Many thanks to our mutual buddy and great drummer John Tempesta for putting us both in touch! its much appreciated!

If you are enjoying these conversations then please consider subscribing and leaving us a short review - thanks!

Here is a festive special featuring Don Powell of Slade fame talking to myself and my special guest Co-Host Steve White about the 1973 classic slade festive hit - Merry Xmas Everybody. 

This was taken from our chat with Don in the summer of 2020. 

Thank you to everyone who has watched, listened, shared, commented on or messaged me throughout 2022 - its appreciated! 

Merry Christmas & a very happy new year to you all!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 105 - Brass Band Percussion. 

In this episode of Percussion Discussion we are focusing on something very close to my heart, Brass Bands, and in particular the percussion section.

 This episode features 2 members of the percussion section from the #1 ranked brass band on the planet - The Cory Band, Steve Jones and Ali Woodman. 

Join Steve, Ali and myself as we talk about many of the aspects of playing percussion in a modern brass band setting. we talk about how they got into banding, the huge array of instruments thay have to play, the logistics of playing in a section with up to 6 percussionists and of course how rewarding it can be, especially playing at the very highest level as The Cory Band have done for many years. 

I was thrilled to be joined by the bands Musical director, Philip Harper to give his thoughts and opinions on percussion from both the perspective as a composer and a conductor, we also get to see & hear a snippet of the band in full flight performing a section of one of Philips very Challenging test pieces - Explorers On The Moon.

 Many thanks to Steve, Ali, Phil for giving up their time so generously. 

Many thanks to the Cory Band for granting permission to use the clip of Explorers on the moon.

 www.coryband.com 

i really hope you have enjoyed this episode, quite different to our usual interviews, i genuinely believe that brass bands provide an incredible grounding for a musician that wants make dums or percussion his or her career, there is usually one on yoy doorstep crying out for new members, do yourself a favour and try it!

Please rate and review this podcast - it really helps other drummers and percussionists find it. Thanks, Matty.

Roy Mayorga - Percussion Discussion - Episode 106

Joining me today is Roy Mayorga

Roy has had the most incredible career so far playing with bands at the heavier end of the musical spectrum from the late 80's with NY Hardcore band Nausea - NYC, Soulfly ( With Max Cavelera formerly of Sepultura) Stone Sour, Hellyeah and as well as Stonesour Roy is currently the drummer with industrial metal legends Ministry.

Join Roy and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far from his early days as a drummer being a huge KISS fan as a teenager, through to living in a squat while playing for NY Hardcore band Nausea, Roy also tells us how he worked as a soundman at legendary NY venues such as CBGB's & Wetlands inbetween gigs to keep the money coming in.

It was really interesting to hear Roy talk about when he was asked to play with Hellyeah to complete a tour filling in for his friend and lengendary metal drummer, the late great Vinnie Paul and how at first he turned the gig down. He talks about the difficulties of learning Vinnie's incredible and at times slightly unorthadox grooves.

This was a great interview for me to do, so incredibly interesting, i really hope you enjoy it.

Roy, Thank you for doing it! 

Hugh thanks to our buddy John Tempesta for hooking us up!

Please Rate & Review this podcast, it really helps other drummers find ( and hopefully ) Enjoy us!  thank you

Something different for this week, i thought i would share with you my Top 5 Drum related podcasts. 

I mainly listen to podcasts on my travels these days, these are the ones that i really enjoy, im sure there are many that i havent listened to, im not saying theyare the best, they are just my personal favourites. if you like a podcast that you think i may like please let me know and i will gladly listen to it!

 1 - www.drumhistorypodcast.com 
2 - www.youtube.com/c/johndechristopherlivefrommydrumroom
 3 - www.drumforthesong.com 
4 - www.patreon.com/drumwithmikeandeddy 
5 - https://drummersonly.co.uk/category/podcasts/

Please Rate and Review this podcast if you are enjoying it! thanks.

Greyson Nekrutman - Percussion Discussion - Episode 107

Joining me today is Greyson Nekrutman.

Greyson has set the internet on fire over the last few years with his remarkable drum videos showcasing his incredible talent, from playing note for note blistering Buddy Rich solos (alongside the original video footage) Through to playing Tool , Black Sabbath and Messhugah covers whilst wearing his trademark suit!

Join Greyson and myself as we pick through his remarkable musical journey so far!

At just twenty years old Greyson really has taken the world by storm, we talk about him recently winning the Drumeo Tony Williams award, how he prepares for the videos that he regurlarly posts , how his peers react to him when on drum shows with multiple drummers, his forthcoming appearance at the UK Drum Show in October 2023 and so much more.

This was a real treat to speak to this very humble young man, he really does have the whole world at his feet, you know you are doing well when non musicians recognise your work!

Greyson, thank you so much for taking the time from your very busy schedule to talk to me!

www.greysonnekrutman.com

Please rate & review this podcast if you are enjoying it.

Here is a short overview of the 30th RNCM Day of Percussion, i have been lucky enough to have attended most of these days, i have witnessed some remarkable performances over the years and made lots of great friends along the way.

 The video features clips of performances by Paul Patrick (principle percussionts with the BBC Philarmonic) Plus a segment featuring some incredible talented RNCM Students. Pipe Band legend Jim Kilpatrick - MBE alongside the fabulous Rachel Thom. Dave Hassel, Chris Manis & Saxophonist Andy Scott. The incomporable Ash Soan. it also features interviews with Jim Kilpatrick, Rachel Thom, Matt Nolan (Matt Nolan Cymbals) and Bruce Parry from Sabian Cymbals. 

I really want to spread awareness about this great day as it is remarkably good value for money at £26.00 for the whole day and the evening concert. it is usually on the first Sunday in February, please check the RNCM website though before making the journey

 www.rncm.ac.uk

This will make more sense on my Youtube channel.
the first clip is Paul Patrick and some RNCM students
next is Jim Kilpatrick and Rachel Thom
next two clips are Dave Hassell, Chris Manis and Andy Scott
the last 3 short clips are Ash Soan.

ris Gustofson (Trauma) - Percusssion Discussion - Episode 108

Joining me today is Kris Gustofson.

Kris has been the drummer since the early 80's with Bay Area Thrash Metal Titans - Trauma, in 1984 their debut album Scratch and Scream was released with great success, the band were keeping high profile company in the Bay area, gigging and recording alongside the likes of Exodus , Testament and of course the mighty Metallica. 

 The late and legendary bass player Cliff Burton famously left Trauma to Join Metallica before the release of Scratch and scream.

 Join Kris and myself as we talk about his career in drums including his many influences, suprisingly many of them jazz/big band drummers.

 Kris talks candidly about why Trauma split up in 1985 and how they ended up reforming in 2015 releasing the album Rapture and Wrath, then the follow up in 2018 As The World Dies and the stunning new album ( and arguably the heaviest album yet) Awakening.

Trauma are on tour very shortly supporting Queensrÿche on their US Tour, hope you manage to catch them live!

Thanks to Kris for giving up his time so generously and thanks to Chipster PR & Consulting for connecting us up.

here is a clip from my interview with the legendary Billy Cobham, Bill talks very candidly about the recording of the iconic Spectrum album. Including how quickly it was recorded and how the other incredible musicians were chosen!

Take 11 minutes out of your day to watch / listen to this - you wont regret it!

Joining me today is Jon Farriss.

 Since 1977 Jon has been the drummer with Austrailian rock/pop icons INXS, along with his brothers Andrew and Tim Farriss, Gary Garry Beers, Kirk Pengilly and of lead singer and main lyricist, the late great Michael Hutchence they created an incredible back catalogue of catchy funk tinged rock/pop songs with amazing hooks and bundles of energy, including songs such as Need You Tonight, Never Tear Us Apart, New Sensation, Mystify, Kick, Suicide Blonde and many more. 

Join Jon and myself for a very rare interview about his remarkable career, we talk about many things including how his signature drumming style and sound has influenced so many drummers around the world, Jon tells us how Mick Jagger actually told him that INXS had influenced the Rolling Stones for a track on the Steel Wheels album! 

We also talk about how Jon started using electronics alongside his traditional drum kit and how the band got slated by some music journalists for doing so! I dont want to give too much away, Jon and i had the most incredible and enjoyable chat, i hope you enjoy it as much as i did! 

Jon, thank you so much for taking the time from your busy schedule to talk to me! 

Many thanks to Paul Beard for introducing me to Jon, thanks to my good friend Steve Barney for introducing me to Paul and lastly, thank you to Richard Hughes from Keane for supplying me with a great question for Jon!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 110 - Peter "Dougal" Butler.

Joining me today is Peter "Dougal" Butler.

Peter was personal assistant to one of the most iconic, influential, famous and possibly infamous drummers of our time, the late great Keith Moon.

Join Peter and myself as we chat about this huge chunk of his life from the late 60's as he tells us how he joined The Who as a roadie (hugely exciting for a young Mod as Pete was) how the job eventually turned into being personal assistant for a young Keith Moon.

 i dont want to give to much away about our incredible conversation, but.... Pete does share some incredible stories about his time with Keith,including the time when Keith got onstage with Led Zeppelin to jam with John Bonham during his solo masterpiece Moby Dick at the Forum in Los Angeles, And how Keith NEVER Practiced and infact had little interest in drums unless he was playing them!

 Im not saying anymore as i would like you to listen to it!!

It was quite remarkable to chat to Peter and get this incredible information first hand, Pete, you are a gentleman and i cant thank you enough for giving up your time so generously and for sending me some of your photographs of your time with Keith.

Peter's remarkable book - Full Moon : The Amazing Rock and Roll Life of Keith Moon is available to buy in Paperback, Kindle and Audiobook versions from Amazon.

Many thanks also to our mutual pal Bill Sanders for connecting us up - much appreciated!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 111 - Nic Collins. 

Making a very welcome 3rd appearance is the fabulous Nic Collins. 

Join Nic and myself as we chat about what he has been upto recently including his remarkable apperance on Drumeo recreating the the grooves of Genesis and how that experience was, we also talk about the interview for Drumeo with Nic and his dad Phil in Switzerland with Brandon Toews. 

Of course Nic is kept busy with his own band Better Strangers and we had a good chat about what they have been up to and their recent single Raincheck. 

it will be great to welcome Nic back to the UK this April and May as drummer with Mike & The Mechanics for a lengthy UK Tour. 

It is always a total pleasure to speak to Nic, he is genuinely one of the nicest drummers in the business and always gives his time up so generously! Thank you Nic. please check out Better Strangers www.betterstrangers.net

Percussion Discussion - Episode 112 - Robin Guy. 

Joining me today is the wonderful Robin Guy. Robin is the powerhouse drummer best known for playing for Glam Rockers Rachel Stamp and legendary punk band Sham 69. Robin has also played for Tigertailz, Bruce Dickinson and many more..... 

Join Robin and myself as we talk about some of the aspects of his wonderful career so far, he starts by giving us the tour of his incredible rehearsal/recording space in his back garden, Robin tells us how he is about to dip his toe into remote recording and the pros and cons involved in this.

 We talk about the time Robin had to fill in for the mighty Jason Bonhham at a drum festival in Birmingham and how he was heavily involved in the 2 world record breaking attempts with Stick it to MS.

 It is no secret that Robin is going through regular and intense Chemotherapy sessions, he talks very openly about these treatment sessions and how hard it is to bounce back, not only to gig but to perform day to day tasks.

 We of course had to talk about his legendary performance filling in for Mike Bordin drummer for Faith No More on Top of the Pops and how it didnt go quite to plan...... 

Robin is a real force of nature, a lovely guy, a hell of a drummer and an inspiration to us all! Mate, Thank you so much for giving up your time so generously.

Joining me today are 2 wonderful gentlemen, Nigel Constable and Bob Henrit. 

Nigel is a wonderful drummmer and in the last few years along with Bob wrote the hugely succesful Hayman Drum Book. 

Bob of course needs no introduction, he has played for some huge British bands including Argent and The Kinks, has written many books over the last 30 years and is an absoloute authority on vintage drums. 

Together they have written Crash Bang, Wallop! The people and the products behind the beat from the 1950's to the millenium. 

This is an incredible read, one i highly reccomend. we have a great chat about the book, why it needed to be written and we get a few tasty little insights into the man that it is loosely centered on, Ivor Arbiter. 

Thanks so much to Nigel & Bob for finding time to chat with me about this remarkable book. 
You can find the book for sale here - www.libripublishing.co.uk/Products/ProdID=280 
Or here - https://amzn.eu/d/iqlPXNm

Percussion Discussion - Episode 114 - Ian Palmer.

Joining me today is my good Friend Ian Palmer.
Ian is a remarkable drummer that has played at the highest level from a very young age, he has gone on to play for the likes of Ray Russell Music, The Ghosts, Martin Taylor, Randy Brecker, Mark Egan, Mo Foster, Alan Price, Leo Sayer, Roy Wood, Jane McDonald and many more!

We talk about so much in this conversation including Ian's passion for constant learning from lessons with the legendary Joe Morello in New York through to lessons with Ian's friend and mentor Dom Famularo and funk drumming legend David garibaldi

Ian also tells us about a recent recording with American composer, arranger and guitarist Richard Niles, a band that was packed to the rafters with the most talented musicians you could ever wish to hear, the result is the album Niles Smiles, a beatifully crafted album that is now released and available for everyone to hear. This album showcases Ian's wonderful and tasteful drumming style perfectly.

As well as being a superb drummer, Ian has another side to his career, an airline pilot for Virgin Atlantic, this puts him in a pretty exclusive club of musicians that fly aeroplanes including Bruce Dickinson and former Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse.

This was a fantastic conversation (as i knew it would be) Ian, thanks so much for giving up your time to do it!

www.ianpalmer.com

Mark Pusey - Percussion Discussion - Episode 115

 Joining me today is Mark Pusey. 

Mark is a superb british session drummer, he has played for some amazing artists such as Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger, Leona Lewis, Olly Murs, Sarah Brightman and Pixie Lott and for the last 11 years has been the drummer for Ed Sheeran. 

Mark has also worked on many movie soundtracks including the 2019 Elton John Biopic Rocketman. 

Join Mark and myself as we talk about his recent feature in Modern Drummer Magazine and why this was so special to him! 

We also chat about the huge stadium tour that he is bang in the middle of with the mighty Ed Sheeran (Mark was actually talking from his hotel room in Atlanta, just a few hours before hitting the stage in front of 75,000 fans!) Mark talks to me about how the band are completly live with no click tracks at all and how Ed likes to change the setlist and how the songs are performed on the night! He also explains the changes he has to make to his own playing when going from a more intimate venue into a stadium. 

Mark has recently recorded some drums & percussion on some huge films that will be hitting the Silver Screen next year (2024) The film version of the west end & broadway smash Wicked, this will be featuring Jeff Goldblum & Ariana Grande. He also appears on Back to Black, the upcoming Amy Winehouse Biopic that will also be out next year. Mark talks to us about the different approaches that can be taken when recording soundtracks for movies, some having well written parts, some not so, but requiring a little bit of creativity to satisfy the directors needs.

It was a real pleaseure chaatting to Mark, i feel we only scratched the surface on his already incredible impressice career! 

Mark - Thank you so much!

Please rate & review this podcast if you are enjoying it!

Joining me today is Mikey Sorbello. 

Mikey is an Australian born  London based Drummer. Perhaps best known for being the percussive half of The Graveltones, Mikey has graced stages around the world and has played on countless albums. 

Here is a quote from UK Session Great Ash Soan about Mikey....

 "Mikey has a unique playing style which reflects his personality. I feel personality and individuality are very much needed in todays players. If you learn one thing from Mikey, it will be how to find your own personality and style" 

Join Mikey and myself as we chat about his career so far - We of course talk about The Graveltones, Mikey's love/obsession with Coffee, we share our mutual love of vintage drums and how sad it makes us when we see vintage drums that have been fitted with modern components, something that irks every vintage drum nuts! 

We also talk about his unique style, and how his instantly recognisable set mutated from a more regular set up. 

Mikey is an incredible drummer and a great human being to boot, check out his performance from the 2022 UK Drum Show on YouTube if you are in any doubt!

Mikey - Thank you for being a wonderful guest. 

Joining me today is Grammy winning drummer, producer and composer Trevor Lawrence Jr. 

Trevor has an impeccable career as drummer, composer and producer, his CV boasts names such as Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, LeAnn Rimes, Macy Gray, Eminem, DJ Khaled, Lizzo, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys...... the list goes on and on! 

Join Trevor and myself as we chat about his love of hip hop and how he thinks the genre is stagnating a little at the moment with no Number 1 album or single from this genre this year as yet. Trevor tells us about his incredible work ethic, being taken seriously as a producer, how he finds time to share between work, family, his love of firearms and spending time at the shooting range!

 As if thats not busy enough, we talk about his love of photography which is going to be another side to his business and the exclusve news that he has a new Podcast about to come out with Thomas Lang, you heard it here first!

 We also chat about the Clapstack, a cymbal he designed with Istanbul Agop to replicate the sound of an authentic hand clap, something he was keen to have without having to use, Pads, triggers and mountains of equipment. 

I had to ask Trevor about two huge musical events that he took part in - The half time show at the 2022 Superbowl with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre and of course playing Live 8 with Stevie Wonder in 2005 in Philadelphia. 

Thank you so much to Trevor for giving his valuable time up to speak to me, it was a conversation i thoroughly enjoyed!

 www.trevorlawrencejr.com

 www.trevorlawrencejrflix.com

Homer Steinweiss - Percussion Discussion - Episode 118 

Joining me today is Homer Steinweiss, Homer is a drummer, writer and producer from New York, he has an enviable CV of both live and recording credits including - Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Fleet Foxes, Lady Ga Ga, Bruno Mars, Texas, Amy Winehouse, St Vincent, Michael Buble, Charles Bradley, Sheryl Crow, Rufus Wainright, Daniel Merriweather and literally hundreds more! 

Join Homer and myself as we talk about his quite remarkable career so far - we talk about his work with late Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings and the effort that went in to making those beautifully crafted and incredibly authentic sounding albums, including the approach of the producer, recording equipment and of course the vintage drums themselves, something Homer is very passionate about (as am i) 

We also talk about his work with the late great Charles Bradley and how his soulful style was the perfect fit with Homers beautiful and equally soulfull touch on the drums. 

Homer speaks at length about how he thinks drummers should recieve a writing credit for coming up with a drum part for a song, he explains that had this happened many years ago then the likes of the late Clyde Stubblefield could have had a much more comfortable lifestyle later in life as the composer of one of the most sampled drum beats in history "The Funky Drummer" 

We also talk about the sessions with Mark Ronson about the Amy Winehouse Back to Black sessions of which Homer played on half of the tracks on this iconic album, he lso tells about how Valerie was recorded live in the studio with Amy Winehouse singing!

 This conversation was nothing short of remarkable, Homers name deserves far more recognition than it presently has, an incredible drummer, writer & producer plus with a great head for business too.

Homer kindly offered to let me use the beautiful playing that you hear over the titles totally free of charge, definitely more drummy and more in keeping with the nature of this podcast.

www.homersteinweiss.com

Please rate and review this podcast if you are enjoying it - Thanks!

Joining me today is Chris Jago.

 Chris originally hails from Toxteth in Liverpool however he has lived in Los Angeles for the last 20  years.

 Chris has a remarkable story in the world of drumming and music in general, he has played for the likes of the legendary Neil Diamond, Alan Cumming, Boy George, Barclay James Harvest and many more....... but wait there is more, Chris is hugely respected in the musical theatre / Broadway world with a whole other CV in his back pocket including Wicked, Rent (Live on Fox) We Will Rock You, Frozen the musical plus he has written the drum book for Paradise Square and his new musical Shucked. 

Join Chris and myself as we talk through his incredible career so far from his beginnings in Toxteth through to heading to London to hopefully take his career further and how he found himself in accidentally in a Musical thinking that the audition for a touring band!

 we talk about all the twists and turns that lead Chris to where he is now, an incredibly busy drummer with many plates to juggle including his own Shabby Road Studio where Chris is constantly recording drum parts for many clients around the world. 

We had such an enjoyable conversation it went on a bit longer than they usually do so i have decided to put this out as 2 parts, Part 2 contains the most incredible story about Chris's run up to actually playing with Neil Diamond.....DONT MISS IT!!

 Chris - Thanks so much for giving up your time, cant tell you how much i enjoyed it.

www.chrisjago.com

Joining me today is Chris Jago for the second part of our conversation.

 Chris originally hails from Toxteth in Liverpool however he has lived in Los Angeles for the last 20 years. Chris has a remarkable story in the world of drumming and music in general, he has played for the likes of the legendary Neil Diamond, Alan Cumming, Boy George, Barclay James Harvest and many more....... but wait there is more, Chris is hugely respected in the musical theatre / Broadway world with a whole other CV in his back pocket including Wicked, Rent (Live on Fox) We Will Rock You, Frozen the musical plus he has written the drum book for Paradise Square and his new musical Shucked. 

Join Chris and myself as we talk through his incredible career so far from his beginnings in Toxteth through to heading to London to hopefully take his career further and how he found himself in accidentally in a Musical thinking that the audition for a touring band!

 we talk about all the twists and turns that lead Chris to where he is now, an incredibly busy drummer with many plates to juggle including his own Shabby Road Studio where Chris is constantly recording drum parts for many clients around the world. 

Todays Episode includes the INCREDIBLE Neil Diamond story, you need to listen to it, im not giving it away! 

Chris - Thanks so much for giving up your time, cant tell you how much i enjoyed it. 

www.chrisjago.com

Robert Sput Searight - Percussion Discussion - Episode 120

 Joining me today is one of the best and funkiest drummers on the planet, Robert Sput Searight. 

Sput is a multi Grammy award winning and remarkable drummer / keyboard player / composer who has played for the likes of Erykah Badu, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Snarky Puppy, Ghost - Note and of course now Toto!

 Join Sput and myself as we talk through some of the elements of his stunning career so far from his beginnings and how church played a huge part of his musical education through to Ghost - Note. 

Sput also shares with us the really interesting story of how he ended up being endorsed by Meinl Cymbals.

 Of course we had to talk about his gig with Toto and how it felt to get the call from Steve Lukather asking him to join.

 There is so much more to this amazing conversation than i have put in this description as i really want you to listen to it!
 
 I am so grateful to Sput for giving up his time so generously. Hope you enjoy it.
 
www.ghost-note-official.com

 www.totoofficial.com

Todd Suchermann- Percussion Discussion - Episode 121 

Im thrilled to be joined for todays Percussion Discussion by the one and only Todd Sucherman!

 Todd is best known for playing drums for legendary American rockers Styx since 1995. Join Todd and myself for a thrilling conversation covering many areas of Todds remarkably busy life and career. 

We talk about the many drums in his stunning room and how he goes about choosing the right job for the right song. 

We also discuss Todd's approach to putting drums down remotely after getting a track with programmed drums or a guide track. 

I had to ask Todd about his stunning version of the Foo Fighters Rope on Drumeo after one listen, Todd lets us into a little secret that he didnt want to do it and it took Jared Falk to offer Todd a beautiful (and rare) Jade Green Yamaha Recording Custom snare drum to twist his arm in to doing it!! 

This was a real pleasure to do, Todd is a wonderful guy and i thank him for giving up the time from his crazy busy schedule to talk to me! 

huge thanks must go to our mutual pal Peter 'Dougal' Butler for putting us in touch!

Rod Morgenstein - Percussion Discussion - Episode 122 

Firmly back in the legends lounge today with the remarkable Rod Morgenstein.

 Join Rod and myself as we talk about his remarkable career so far from his early days with Dixie Dregs through to the melodic hard rockers Winger. Rod gives us a fascinating insight to the recording of the Buddy Rich Tribute Album "Burning For Buddy" and the amount of work Rod put into learning a huge Buddy arrangement only for it not to be used!

 We also talk about Rod's latest project the Wing Thing, a really useful tool for loosening over tightened wing nuts www.morgensteintool.com! we talk about so much great stuff in this conversation, i dont want to spoil it by giving it away!

 Rod played a huge part of my youth playing drums and it was a total thrill chatting to him! Thanks so much for giving up your time! 

www.rodmorgenstein.com

Joining me today is Stumpy Monroe.
 Stumpy is best known for being the powerhouse drummer for Scottish Hard Rockers - The Almighty. Formed in the late 80's they took the 90's by storm creating so many great songs and albums and some incredibly memorable gigs along the way. 

Join Stumpy and myself as we chat about his career from the very beginning of his drumming journey, he had the ultimate start from the age of 13 playing in pipe band drumming competitions over many years competing against the best in the world on snare drum, Stumpy also competed in the solo snare drum championship and getting runner up at age 15 in the under 21's category!

 He tells us how his pipe band skills could be applied to the traditional drum kit opening up so many different fills and rhythms around the drums that somebody without that rudimental knowledge would struggle to do so.

As you may now The Almighty are reforming for 3 gigs in December 23, Stumpy tells us how much perdonal work he is putting into re learning the songs and finding the energy and stamina to get through the set. 

Stumpy talks about the legendary performance by The Almighty at Donnington on 22nd of August 1992 where the band opened the show with a short but blistering set winning over the whole enormous Donnington crowd!

 I cant tell you how much i enjoyed doing this, im a huge fan of Stumps playing and i genuinely regard him as one of the best Rock n Roll drummers in the business.

www.thealmightyofficial.com

 Stumpy - Thanks so much for doing this!

 Huge thanks to Adam Parsons for connecting us up for this chat.

 www.adamparsonsentertainment.com

Joining me today is Neil Golding. 

Neil is the organiser of the UK Drum Show. 

Join us a we talk about what goes in to organising arguably one of the biggest drum shows in the world. 

Neil has a background in music magazine publishing and went to organise the London Drum Show for many years after working on Drummer magazine. 

We talk about the monumental success that the UK Drums Show has become and how the input of both Mike Johnston and Mike Dolbear who both run their own rooms at the show is invaluable. 

The recent show featured a remarkable 48 Artists performing over 2 days, Not to mention the countless companies exhibiting. 

This is a fascinating insight in to the work that goes into organising this family run event! 

Many thanks to Neil for giving up his valuable time to do this interview, i really enjoyed chatting! 
The dates for next years show are 28th & 29th September 2024 

Tickets go on sale on 5/11/23

 www.theukdrumshow.com

Joining me today is UK Drummer Luke Bullen. 

Join Luke and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far, including a six year stint with the legendary Bryan Ferry, Luke tells us about some highlights of this period includinga gig at The Hollywood Bowl with the 10 piece band and a 60 piece orchestra, no pressure then.... 

We also chat about Luke's current gigs with British Rockers Reef and singer songwriter Rumer and the different challenges that both bring style and equipment wise. 

The film 3 drummers had to be mentioned, this is a lovely film tells the story amazing story of 3 drummers who lived 3 miles apart from eachother in their native Norfolk all went on to have remarkable careers as drummers playing for some of the best artists and bands in the world, Luke, Steve Barney and Nathan "Tugg" Curran are the aforementioned drummers and it is well worth a watch! Here is the link - 

http://www.lukebullen.co.uk/3-drummers-film 

This was a fabulous conversation, Luke, thank you so much for giving your time up so generously! Many thanks to our mutual pal and UK Session drummer Steve Barney for introducing us both!

Joining me today is Austrian drummer Philipp Groyssboeck better known as Phil G.

 Phil has lived in London for the last 20 years and has gained a quite remarakable CV of wonderful artists synonymous with the 1980'S including names such as Go West, Mike and The Mechanics, Roachford, T'pau, Taylor Dayne, Chris DeBurgh, Nik Kershaw, Paul Young and many others.

 Join Phil and myself as we pick through some of the highlights of his career so far from his childhood in Austria in his parents bakery, through to playing drums with the Austrian military band whilst on National Service, Being Terry Bozzio's Drum tech for 2 weeks to performing with Mike & The Mechanics at the Isle Of White Festival in 2016. 

Phil also tells about his drums of choice, hand made in Austria, these are called Alto Beat Drums, and if you have ever been lucky enough to hear Phil play, then you will know exactly how good they sound and look! 

Many thanks to Phil for giving up the time from his insane schedule! it was a lot of fun! 

www.philippg.com

 www.alto-beat.com

Alfie Boe - Percussion Discussion - Episode 127 

Joining me today is Global Singing Megastar Alfie Boe OBE.

 Alfie is of course known for being a singer, recording countless hit albums and selling out concert halls acrosss the world.....BUT.... you guessed it, he is also a drummer too and a very passionate one at that. 

Join Alfie and myself as we explore his passion for drums from where it began as an 8 year old in blackpool playing on cushions on his bed through to his parents suprising him with his first real drum set at the age of 12, Alfie tells us how he ended up in many of the local clubs in his native Blackpool playing along with the resident organists and providing backing for visiting cabaret acts. He also explains how an audition with an Indie band at the age 14 almost changed his career path for good... 

We chat about what he expects from the drummer in his own band and how he encourages them to really push their boundaries and not to pay too much attention to the charts provided.

 This was a really fascinating conversation, Alfie is genuinely one of the nicest guys you could wish to meet, and i appreciate him giving up his very precious time to chat to me. 

Many thanks also to Joel Barford, Joel is a former guest on the Podcast and he asked Alfie on my behalf to do this, thanks Joel! 

Lastly thanks to Lewis Shaw from LME worldwide for making all of the neccesary 

arrangements. www.alfie-boe.com

Joining me today is Tom Brechtlein. 

Tom is a hugely talented American drummer wh has played for the likes of Chick Corea, Robben Ford, Wayne Shorter, Frank Gambale, Don Grusin, Al Di Meola and many more.

 Join Tom and i as we pick through some of the highlights from his remarkable career so far. These include some remarkable stories about recording and touring with the late lengendary Chick Corea and ridiculously talented bluesman Robben Ford. 

We also talk about Toms time spent playing for the late great Natalie Cole and how the gig came about. 

Tom tells us about his busy recording schedule from his home studio and the pros and cons of remote recording. 

We also learn that Tom is able to produce the most incredible Scottish Accent!! its worth listening just for this! 

Thanks to Tom for giving up his time to do this.

 www.tomebrechtlein.com

Percussion Discussion - Episode 129 - Rob Brian

Joining me today is English drummer Rob Brian

Rob has carved out an incredible career for himself so far, having wonderful names on his CV such as Miles Kane, Siouxsie Sioux, Peter Gabriel, Hugh Cornwell, Simple Minds, Clara Ponty, Modern English and many more.

Join Rob and myself for a fascinating and free flowing chat about his amazing career, we talk about Robs obvious passion for education, he tells us how important it is to pass on and share information and that how the drumming community thankfully thrives on doing this.

Rob and I also talk in-depth about his gig with Siouxsie Sioux, a gig he has held since 2006, and the challenge of playing some of the unique and tricky parts of the original Banshees drummer and former guest on this podcast Budgie.

We had to chat about Rob’s involvement in the upcoming tour with Gary Astridge in February 2024 - The Legendary Drums and Drumming of a Starr, a tribute to the Genius of Ringo Starr, Gary Astridge (Ringo’s curator of all the Beatles era drum kits, historian and friend of Ringo) will be hosting the evening featuring some incredible Ringo facts, storied and a multimedia presentation along with Rob demonstrating some of Ringos grooves and rather unique traits behind a drum kit!

Thanks to Rob for a totally fascinating chat - checkout his website www.robertbrian.co.uk

This is a very special episode of Percussion Discussion Podcast - this celebrates 101 years of Premier Percussion, Join myself and a wealth of remarkable drummers and industry professionals as they share their memories and thoughts of the mighty Premier Percussion. 

Joining me in no particular order are - Joe Franco - Ged Lynch - Andie Laidlaw - Bob Henrit - Steve White - Adam Parsons - Tom Meyers - Luke Bullen - Mike Eliis - Todd Sucherman - Bob Richards - Colin Tennant - Rod Morgenstein - Stuart Graham - Ian Moseley. 

Huge thanks to everybody involved in the making of this film. 

The clips were recorded between September and November 2023. 

Huge thanks to Colin Tennant and all at Premier Percussion for allowing the use of the footage of Ged Lynch playing the Elite drums.

 Premier factory footage belongs to Adrian Schackmann.

 www.premier-percussion.com

Joining me today is Leon Cave. 

Since 2013 Leon has been the drummer with the mighty Status Quo. 

Join Leon and myself as we talk about his career so far, from his early days as a young heavy metal fan playing along to Iron Maiden songs through to studying with the renowned manchester based drummer and percussionist (and former guest) Dave Hassel.

 Leon tells us about his "sliding doors" moment, a turn of events that got him the Francis Rossi gig, and how things could have been very different if hadnt made a certain decision........ im not giving it away here!!

 We talk about what it takes to pull of the Quo songs especially some of the up tempo shuffles and how Leon does this and makes it look so easy! 

This was a fabulous conversation, its been a while in the making and im so glad we got it over the line!

 Leon, thanks so much for giving up your time from your manic schedule! 

www.statusquo.co.uk 

Socials@Leoncavenusic

Joining me today is Michel'le Baptiste.

 Michel'le has played for the likes of Beyonce, Lizzo and Fifth Harmony to name but a few!

 My first time seeing Michel'le play was at Glastonbury 2023 where she was the drummer with Lizzo's incredible all female band that totally blew my mind!

 Join myself and Michel'le, as we talk about her incredible journey so far from her beginnings in Houston TX starting out on her drummimg journey at 2 years old, through to studying at the revered Berklee College of Music, she tells us how she took every class available to her to help her gain knowledge of every aspect of the business. 

We talk about making the daunting move to Los Angeles once Michel'le had graduated with a Bachelors of Music, she tells us about the struggle of being an unknown musician in LA and how she had to do plenty of mundane jobs before getting her first break in the business......... 

Thanks to Michel'le for finding the time in her busy schedule to chat with me!

Percussion Discussion - Episode 132 - Mike Heaton.

 Joining me today is Mike Heaton.

 Since the 90’s Mike has been the drummer for Yorkshire indie rockers Embrace.

 Join Mike and myself as we chat about many aspects of his amazing career including his beautiful drumming and always serving the song, Mike explains how this wasn’t always the case and how he found it tricky to play in such a sparse and simple way after a producer asked for this.

 Mike is of course the main man behind Code drum heads, Mike tells us why he got into the drum head business and how it felt when Nicko McBrain from the mighty Iron Maiden came on board as an endorser of the heads with his own signature line of drum heads! 

Mike is great to chat to, the conversation is always easy and free flowing, I really hope you enjoy our conversation, I found it really fascinating! 

Mike, thank you for giving up your valuable time to chat to me. 

www.codedrumheads.co.uk

Joining me today is Nic Collins & Trev Lukather

 Trev Lukather and Nic Collins join me for a chat about their stunning new band The Effect, the band is completed by Steve Maggiora on Keys and the stunning vocals of Emmet Stang!

 Obvioulsy neither Nic or Trev need no introduction, Nic makes his 4th appearance on the Podcast while Trev has the honour of being the first guitarist to appear! 

Nic and Trev explain how the band came together and how the bands sound was acheived very organically with the influences of the four members just blending nicely. 


Obviously both Nic & Trev have incredibly talented and hugely successful fathers, Phil Collins and Steve Lukather respectively, they share with us what its like finding your way in the music business whilst having parents that are household names. 

Nic and Trev are both hugely talented and incredibly humble and i really enjoyed chatting with them - Gentlemen, thanks for giving up your valuable time to speak to me.

Percussion Discussion - Episode 134 - The history of Hayman Drums .

Joining me today for this very special episode talking about the history of Hayman Drums is a star studded cast including Drummer and Hayman authority Nigel Constable, Nigel wrote the Hayman Drum Book along with Bob Henrit in 2016 so is the perfect person to guide us through the Hayman History. 

We are also joined by perhaps one of the most famous Hayman users, Simon Kirke, he famously used the gold ingot Hayman kit with Free in the early 70's. 

Another former Hayman player is none other than the incredible Simon Phillips, Simon had quite the history with Hayman drums as you will hear during the episode. 

Last, but by no means least is my good friend and incredible drummer Robb Reiner, Robb has been the powerhouse Canadian Heavy Metal Trio Anvil since 1978, Just about to release there 20th Studio album this summer the band are as active as they ever were, Robb is a fan of a certain Hayman snare drum........ 

I have to say a huge thank you to all of the guests that made this possible, Nigel, Simon Phillips, Robb Reiner and of course Simon Kirke. everyone gave there time up so generously to contribute and i am very grateful. Thank you gentlemen.

Joining me today is Lina Anderberg. 

Lina is currently on tour with Swedish singer and song writer, Zara Larsson. 

Lina (also from Sweden ) takes us through her career so far from her early days when her love of horses was the main competition to her drumming career! She tells us how she got the bug after just having a go on a kit at school, knowing nothing about the instrument, she just knew it was for her.....this led to her playing drums in a death metal band... (really badly, in Lina's own words!) of course she knuckled down, studied, practiced, never said no to a gig, learnt her craft well and here she is playing for one of the biggest stars in pop! 

We also talk about her upcoming at the UK Drum Show later this year in Liverpool.

 Lina, thanks so musch for chatting to me!

This was the end of another wonderful conversation with Simon Phillips that wasnt used in the recent Hayman episode, its way too interesting not to use. 

Simon tells us where his love of 24" bass drums came from, his first experience of using a boom cymbal stand that was brough back as a gift from New York and he tells us how cymbal stands affect the sound of cymbals!

 Simon as always has some fascinating insights in the drum world and this little nugget was way too good to waste, short but very sweet!

Joining me today is CEO and founder of Drumeo Jared Falk.

 Im quite certain that everyone watching or listening to this will know what Drumeo is and without doubt will have seen some of the remarkable content that they deliver time and time again, not just remarkable content, but filmed with the finest video and audio you could ever wish to see!

 Join Jared and myself as we chat all about Drumeo, from its humble beginnings from Jared's basement (this was pre Drumeo) through to the global success story that it is now, employing 150 staff from across the world! We chat about the behind the scenes work that goes into bringing these amazing lessons and features to life, we pick through some of Jared's favourite moments, there is a great story with Todd Sucherman and how he was "Persuaded" to do the first listen segment!! and of course we talked about the recent as yet unreleased Phil Collins interview in Switzerland with Brandon Toews!
 
This was so much fun to do! im a huge admirer of what Drumeo do for our community and it was a real pleasure to chat to Jared - Thanks for giving your time up so generously. 

www.drumeo.com

 www.musora.com

Firmly back in the Legends Lounge today with Vinny Appice! 

Vinny has played on some of the most iconic heavy rock albums of the 1980's with Black Sabbath and Dio. 

Join Vinny and myself as we talk about his incredibe career so far. 

We talk about his early days at home and how his older brother Carmine was a huge influence on his playing. 

We of course talk about when he joined Sabbath halfway through a tour to replace Bill Ward on very little rehearsal, well, not with the band anyway as it soundls like the spent most of it in the pub!

 Vinny tells us some great Black Sabbath stories of course including the late, great Ronnie James Dio! Do not miss this fabuolous episode, we covered so much ground in this episode and its incredibly interesting. 

Vinny, thanks so much for giving up your time so generously! 

www.vinnyappice.com

David Ruffy - Percussion Discussion - Episode 138 

Joining me today is founding member and drummer of The Ruts (knowun as Ruts DC these days.
 Join Ruffy and myself as we pick through his amazing career starting with all the bands in Pre Ruts, this explains why they werent your everyday Punk band. 

We also talk about his work with some of the biggest artists in the 80's and 90's including Prefab Sprout, The Waterboys, Aztec Camera, Karl Wallinger, Kirsty MacColl and Sinead O'connor to name but a few, quite the list im sure you will agree. 

Ruffy tells us how he is still practicing and studying new styles every day at 72 years old! His enthusiasm for drums and music is as strong as it ever was as he talks about a new Ruts DC acoustic album and Tour this July. 

What a wonderful chap, Ruffy, thanks so much for giving up your time so generously! please check out the Ruts DC website for the forthcoming tour dates 

www.rutsdc.com

Joining me today is Tony TC Coleman. 

Tony has had a remarkable career so far playing with some of the finest Blues artists on earth including Otis Clay, Bobby Blue Bland, Albert King, Etta James, Buddy and of course 25 years with the late and legendary BB King! 

Join TC and myself as we pick through his incredible career so far, from his very early start to drumming..... TC tells us he was not a fan of the Blues ironically! We talk about his beautiful playing style and how BB King moulded his playing to suit himself and the band, TC gives us a great insight into life with BB King, never playing less than 300 shows a year!! 

TC can really put over a story, he tells us about his short lived foray into being a percussionist with BB King after they toured with Santana......its worth listening just for this! 

TC is a wonderful charachter, humble, knowledgable, vastly experienced and speaks with huge passion about music and drumming. Thank you TC it was a pleasure. 

www.soulfulldrummer.com

Joining me today is Pat garvey. 

Pat is a hugely talented drummer and educator, he has a very impressive CV including Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix) Lonely Robot, Tim Booth, James and is a member of the instrumental (progressive tinged) Ozric Tentacles. 

Somehow, alongside his hectic playing schedule Pat has managed to fit in a whole other career as one of the finest educators in the UK. He is the Principal Lecturer at BIMM music institute in Brighton and has made 100 of contributions to drumming magazines from across the globe, including a regular contribution to the sorely missed Rhythm Magazine. 

Join Pat and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far, you wont be dissapointed! 

Pat, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously.

Joining me today is Steve "Smiley" Barnard.

 Steve is one of the most respected and liked guys in the business, he has an incredibly succesful career so far having toured and recorded with the likes of Robbie Williams, Joe Strummer and The Mescaleros, The Mock Turtles, Holy Holy, Hard Fi, Lily Allen, Billy Bragg, Newton Faulkner as well his regular gigs with Mike Peters and The Alarm and Archive.

 Join Steve and myself as we have a fascinating chat about his career, not so much focussing on the bands and artists that he has worked with but more the situations that can happen as a very busy working drummer! 

We also chat about his Sunshine Corner Studios and his love of the whole recording process and some of the more unusual approaches he can sometimes have when recording. 

This was such fun to do, chatting to Smiley is addictive, hopefully listening to him will have exactly the same effect! i know you will enjoy this!

 Smiley, you are a legend - Thanks so much!

Joining me today is the super talented Graham Hopkins. 

Graham has played for some remarkable bands and artistes throughout his amazing career so far including 6 years with Northern Irish alternative rockers Therapy? Tom Jones, The Frames, The Swell Season, Glen Hansard, Snow Patrol, Dolores O'Riordan and Rosanne Cash. 

Join us as we have a good old natter about Graham's career so far and day to day stuff. We talk about his passion for recording in his own studio with vintage audio equipment and equally vintage drums and cymbals! Graham tells us how after years of constant touring how he is more than happy to be spending time at home for a while with the freedom to do as much or as little recording as he likes allowing him to have important family time. 

We of course had to talk about his time in Therapy? and boy does he give us an amzing insight on what it was like to be in that hugely succesful band at that time!! 

Graham, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously, what a total pleasure, it almost felt like we were sat in the pub chatting (a virtual one anyway) i really hope you enjoy our conversation as much as i did having it! 

www.grahamhopkinsdrummer.com

Percussion Discussion Episode 143 - Karl Brazil

 Joining me today is Karl Brazil.

Karl is without doubt one of the leading drummers in the Uk, he has played for a hugely diverse list of bands and singers such as Feeder, Ed Sheeran,  Elton John, Jason Mraz, One Direction, Westlife, James Morrison, Leona Lewis and of course Karl has been with James Blunt from his very early days and has been Robbie Williams drummer and Musical Director for a long time! 

Join Karl and myself as we talk about his incredibly hectic work schedule that is literally cram packed with tours, one off gigs, recording and trying to fit valuable family time in to the mix! In fact one of the things we talk about is how he manages his insanely busy diary and what happens when dates don’t line up! 

We had to talk about James Blunt and his recent resurgence over the last few years culminating in the hugely entertaining ‘One Brit Wonder” documentary that recently aired on Netflix. Karl features heavily in this fabulous programme and tells us what it is like to have been in the hot seat since the very early days of James Blunt. 

As if he isn’t busy enough, Karl has recently put together the amazing King Herd, definitely at the heavier end of the musical spectrum, he tells us all about the band and what its like to be touring on a much smaller scale. 

For the last few years Karl has been best known for his role as drummer and musical director for the musical force that is Robbie Williams, with Robbie Karl has played to some of the biggest crowds on earth with incredible stage shows and a world class band, Karl explains what his role entails as MD for this huge show! 

This was a joy to do, its been quite a while in the making, when you want to speak to the best and the busiest then sometimes you have to wait until the time is right, I’m so glad we got it done, boy was it worth the wait!

 Karl, thank you so much for making it happen! 

www.karlbrazil.com

Kenny Aronoff - Percussion Discussion - Episode 144 

Firmly back in the legends lounge today with the legendary Kenny Aronoff! 

Kenny has the most incredible career under his belt having recorded and toured with some of the most remarkable bands and artistes on the planet, including - John Fogerty, The Smashing Pumpkins, Jon Bon Jovi, Meatloaf, Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Joe Cocker and so many more. 

Join Kenny and myself as we talk about so many amazing subjects, including his very recent and very last minute few gigs filling in for Jason Bonham with Sammy Hagar and a star studded band including Joe Satriani on Guitar and former Van Halen bassist Mike Anthony. Kenny explains his process in learning 20 or more songs with literally 24 hours notice, Kenny runs through his learning process how he transcribes it bar by bar giving a hugely detailed part that enables him to reproduce the parts incredibly accurately. 

With Kennys forthcoming appearance at the UK Drum show at the end of September, of curse we had to talk about it and so much more!

Kenny, thank you for making the time to do this, its trulay appreciated! 

www.kennyaronoff.com

Joining me today is legendary goalkeeper Petr Čech.

 Petr is arguably one of the finest if not the finest goal keeper in Premier Leaugue history. best know for his remarkable time at Chelsea FC from 2004 -- 2015, as well as stints with Sparta Prague, Arsenal, Rennes and of course his home country Czech Republic.

 Petr is also a huge fan of playing the drums, although he started a little later in life than some others he has really launched himself into it 100%. Petr explains how he found his way into drums by playing the Guitar Hero Drum Set with team mates, this soon developed into a total obsession with the instrument.

 He tells us how he never goes anywhere without Practice Pad, Sticks and a copy of Stick Control!

 Petr has his own YouTube channel with lots of drum cover versions - www.youtube.com/@petrcech4450

 Petr, thank you so much for giving up your valuable time to chat to me, its very much appreciated!

Percussion Discussion Episode 146 - Brian Tichy

 Joining me today is American hard rock drummer Btian Tichy. 

Brian has a glittering career so far having played for giants of the rock & metal world such as Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol, Foreigner and Sass Jordan. 

We talk through segments of his career including a large section on Pride & Glory, an incredible band that include Brian, Zakk Wylde and James Lomenzo, we talk about their iconic performance at Castle Donnington in 1994, this is the only time i have seen Brian play live! 

Brian gives us some amazing insights and advice throughout this interview as well as some incredible stories, including one about Ozzy Osbourne turning a fire hose on him mid gig!! 

Of course we had to talk about his current gig playing for KISS legend Gene Simmons in his solo band. 

Brian, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously!

Beyond thrilled to welcome an incredible musician and a good friend of mine to Percussion Discussion Podcast - Ged Lynch.

 Ged has a remarkable list of household names on his CV including the likes of Peter Gabriel, Black Grape, Clannad, Tom Jones, Hanson, Electronic, The Icicle Works, Michael Hutchence, Joe Strummer, David Silvian, Dr John, Natalie Imbruglia, Cat Stevens, Suggs, Birdy, Seth Lakeman, Chrissie Hynde......i mean, where do you start? 

At the beginning of course, in Geds native Blackburn, we talk about his early days of playing in working mens clubs (these were staple gigs in northern towns and cities) playing all manner of gigs including backing strippers...... as a 14 year old! 

We pick through some of the many career highlights including waiting by the radio on a Sunday evening to find out where Black Grapes debut album had charted (number 3, later number 1!) through to getting the gig with the legendary Peter Gabriel, and some of the many amazing adventures that took him on, including a co headline tour of the US with Sting with none other than Vinnie Colaiuta occupying stings drum chair! 

Ged gives so many beautiful little nuggets as we go through our conversation, i really hope you enjoy it as much as i did doing it! He is one of the nicest and most gentle souls on this earth and i was very grateful for this oppurtunity to grab a very very rare interview with him! Cheers Ged! 

www.gedlynch.com

Im Joined by John Macaluso to calebrate the launch of his brand new book with Hudson Music - Linear Rock Drumming - United Sounds Of Seperation https

://hudsonmusic.com/product/linear-rock-drumming/?wcacra=3123599

 John who has an incredible CV of names that he has played for including ARK, Yngwie Malmsteen, TNT, James Labrie, Symphony X and many more talks through the concepts in his newly released book, explaining how the chapters are acompanied by videos of the examples played by John! 

i hope you enjoy our conversation and buy the book and develop your linear drumming skills!

Joining me today is American drummer and producer Joey Waronker. 

Joey has played for some legendary names througout his career so far including Beck, R.E.M. Roger Waters, the supergroup Atoms For Peace featuring Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Thom Yorke from Radiohead. Paul McCartney, Norah Jones, Leonard Cohen and many more! 

Join us as we pick through Joeys' spectacular career so far including a large chunk about Roger Waters and a very long time on the road and how this affects family life with a wife and young son back at home. 

We talk about his recent performance with Beck and the Boston Pops Orchestra and how dynamics play a huge part in making this a success (in my opinion Joey is one of the most dynamic drummers around today).

 Joeys' British affiliation doesnt end with Roger Waters though, in late 23' he recorded an album with Liam Gallagher & John Squire that was released inMarch 24' to critical acclaim, he tells us about the experience of recording and touring with these two giants of the UK music scene. 

Huge thanks to Joey for taking the time to do this during a particularly crazy time! looking forward to part 2!

Joining me today is Scott Travis. 

Since 1989 Scott Travis has been the powerhouse drummer for British heavy metal legends - Judas Priest. 

Join Scott and myself as we have a brief chat about drums, Judas Priest and the current Invincible Shield Tour. Scott tells us as he is almost at the very end of an extensive US tour in support of the stunning new Priest album The Invincible Shield how the fatigue is setting in and how the band are looking forward to a few months off to recover after giving 110% night after night on a very long and gruelling world tour! 

We had to talk about Scotts introduction to Judas Priest and Metal fans in general with the now legendary drum intro to Painkiller. Scott tells us how he came up with this now iconic drum part! we also talk about another great drum intro from earlier in is career with Racer X on the song Scarified, an album i bought as a spotty long haired youth purely because it had a cool album cover! thankfully i instantly loved the content of the album too! 

Huge thanks to Scott for giving up his time so generously especially during a world tour! Massive thanks to my buddy Adam Parsons & Jayne Andrews for arranging this for me - hugely appreciated. www.judaspriest.com

Firmly back in the legends lounge for our landmark 150th Episode with none other than Bernard ' Pretty' Purdie.

 Bernard is without doubt one of the most legendary names in drumming! he has played on over 4000 album and worked with such incredible artists as Steely Dan, Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Miles davies, Hall & Oates, BB King, Cat Stevens, Tom Jones, The Rolling Stones and 100's more!

 Bernard joins me straight ater receiving his richly deserved lifetime achievment award at the UK Drum Show 2024.

We spend an hour talking about some of the many highlights from his illustrious career including the recording of the iconic Aretha Franklin track 'Rock Steady' and so much more!

Huge thanks to Anne McCoy and the wonderful gentlemen at Drum.Dog for giving me this wonderful opportunity!

More Huge thanks to our sponsor for this episode - Protection Racket
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Here we are with the final episode of 2024.

 Firstly, huge thanks to everybody that has watched, listened, shared, commented or contributed this far, i really appreciate the support. 

Todays episode focuses on drum education, there are quite a few options to choose from when thinking of either teaching or taking drum exams, my personal favourite and definetely one of the market leaders is Trinity Rock & Pop, i have been teaching this Syllabus for many years now and it is always met with enthusiasm from my students.

 I am thrilled to welcome Toby Davies - Trinity's National Advisor for Rock & Pop and JJ Wheeler - UK & Ireland Development Manager - Music to the podcast. Trinity are not known for appearing on podcasts so i am very grateful to them for this opportunity. 

We talk extensively about the Rock & Pop Course, what it entails, why you should do it, what it can do for you., other subjects include online exams versus in person, rudiments, repertoire and many other subjects. 

If you are a drummer thinking of taking exams, a drum teacher looking to teach a new syllabus or a drummer already teaching this syllabus but looking for some more information then this is the episode for you to listen to.

 Huge thanks to Toby & JJ for taking the time to do this - its hugely appreciated.

 if you would like more information on the Trinity Rock & Pop Syllabus please get in touch with JJ via email - Jonathon.Wheeler@trinitycollege.com

Joining me today is Andy Gangadeen.

 Andy Gangadeen is one of the original and leading Hybrid drummers in the world today, effortlessly fusing together acoustic and electronic drums creating grooves and sounds beyond the wildest dreams of your average drummer!

 Andy has honed both his immense drumming skills and technical knowledge since late 80's playing for the likes of Lisa Stansfield, Massive Attack, Duran Duran, The Spice Girls, Jeff Beck, The Bays and the huge English Drum & Bass duo Chase and Status.

 Join Andy and myself as we chat about his incredible career to date, from his early days with racks and racks of samplers and other equipment needed to recreate the electronic sounds that Andy wanted to achieve. We talk about how he goes about recreating the complex drum beats live that Chase & Staus use on their albums.

 The first time i became aware of Andy and his immense playing was with the house band on Jonathon Ross's Last Resort TV Show on Channel 4 along with band leader Steve Nieve, this was a wonderful band, Andy took over from Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello & The Attractions) he tells us all about this amazing gig backing artists of the highest calibre, James Brown to name just one! 

It was a real thrill to chat to Andy, I know you and going to enjoy this as much as i did doing it! Cheers Andy

Joining me today is Elliott Henshaw.

 Elliott is one of the most in demand drummers in the UK, he has performed with many household names such as Tony Christie, Leo Sayer, Tony Hadley and over 20 West End Shows.

 Join myself and Elliott as we pick through his amazing career so far, we of course talk about his early days through to his first big gig playing drums for Andy Prior's amazing big band, at this time Andy was a huge name in the UK eventually landing his own TV Show. 

We talk extensively about working as a pro reading drummer and having to work with Musical Directors and the many things to watch out for. 

Elliott shares with us the INCREDIBLE story of how he prepared to do a couple of shows as a dep on a major west end show and how he got to play for none other than Phil Collins on a TV show......No pressure eh? 

This was a fantastic and fascinating conversation to have, i really hope you enjoy it and i would like to thank Elliott for giving his time up so generously. 

www.elliotthenshaw.com

Percussion Discussion Podcast - Episode 154 - Donavan Hepburn. 

Joining me today is Drummer, Programmer, Musical Director and Tutor Donavan Hepburn. 

Donavan already has a glittering career under his belt having recorded or toured with the likes of Mis-Teeq, Lemar, Adele, Ms Dynamite and many more his current gigs are with Take That, Gary Barlow and Jeff Lynne's ELO! Huge gigs! 

Join Donavan and myself as we pick through some of his remarakable career so far, including how the Take That gig came about and what it entails to pull of this huge gig! 

We of course had to talk about his gig with Jeff Lynne's ELO and how Don worked really hard to replicate the sounds and wonderful drumming of former ELO Drummer Bev Bevan. 

We also talk about the different approaches to each different gig that are neccesary to be the first call session drummer that Donavan is! 

We had the most wonderful chat, Don is very easy to get on with and a remarkably humble gentleman - Thank you for giving up your valuable time so freely to talk to me!

Joining me today is Chris Maas.

 Chris was born and bred in Luxembourg, he came over to the UK in 2006 to continue his musical studies and to further his career, he has since played for/collabarated with The Pierces, Maggie Rodgers, Mumford and Sons and of course his current huge gig with Sting that has been touring around the globe for the last 18 months as Sting 3.0! 

Join Chris and i as we talk about his amazing career so far including his musical education in Luxembourg and how he found his way over to the UK in 2006 finding a college to continue his musical education, taking a year off to work and never acrtually returning. 

We of course talk about the Sting gig, including the pressure of the remarkable cast of drummers that have gone beore him! Chris shares a wonderful story of how Sting took him to lunch to discuss going out as a Trio, Chris had no idea he was goinig to ask him to be the drummer and was asking eagerly which drummer was going to get the gig! 

This was a mindblowing experience to chat to Chris and i would like to thank him or giving up his time so generously! im sure you will enjoy every second.

Joining me today is Spike T Smith. 

Originally from Holyhead in North Wales, Spike has a formidable CV with some of the biggest names from the Punk/Alternative genre appearing on including Morrissey, The Damned, The New York Dolls, Killing Joke, Sham 69, H.R. (Bad Brains) and many more. 

Join Spike and myself as we talk about his remarkable career so far, we find out why he moved from his native Holyhead to Peterborough where he know lives with his family. 

We chat about his early years in North Wales and the suprisingly vibrant punk scene that was happening in the area at the time that ignited his love of this genre of music. 

Spike tells us about joining Memoriam, a midlands based Death metal band and how it took quite a bit of thinking about before finally commiting to the band as this was a genre he had played very little of before.

 It was only right to talk about the late great Robin Guy, Robin was a great friend of Spikes and they used to cover eachothers gigs quite frequently. Robin was a great former guest on the podcast, a lovely man and a great drummer, if felt right to pay tribute to Robin with Spike. 

We had such an enjoyable chat, Spike is such a great and very popular guy, it was a pleasure to have such a great natter with him! 

Cheers spike. check out his website - www.spiketsmith.com

March 8th 2025 is international womens day, so i thought we should celebrate all the wonderful lady drummers and percussionists from around the globe with a fabulous conversation with Emma Taylor.

 You must have have been living under a rock for the last 5 years if you havent seen Emma on social media, Since Covid she has a huge presence on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.

 She delivers her short lessons in a wonderfully unique, quirky, funny and most importantly incredible effective way! Join Emma and myself as we chat about her remarkable success on social media in the last 5 years, we talk about the amount of work that goes into all the amazing content that she and her team produces, and how she handles the pressure of recording live content at such shows as the UK drum Show and NAMM. 

This was such a fun conversation, im a huge fan of all the content that Emma produces and long may it continue - Thanks to Emma and also thanks to our mutual friend Adam Parsons for introducing us!

Joining me today is Jay Weinberg.

 Jay is best know as the drummer in Slipknot from from 2014 to 2023 replacing the late great Joey Jordison, he also filled in for his father Max Weinberg for a tour with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band in 2009. Since Jay's departure from Slipknot he now plays for Suicidal Tendencies and Infectious Grooves.

 Join Jay and myself as we talk about his amazing career so far (he is still only 34 years old) we talk about his early days with his parents musical influences, through to sitting in with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band for the first time as a kid! no oressure eh? 

Jay tells us how he was taken along to the Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (Jays dad Max is the drummer on this show and has been for a long time) to see a new upcoming Nu Metal Band called Slipknot play, and how taken he was with them as a youngster, of course we all know this would eventually be his gig! 

i dont want to give too much away as Jay is a wonderful talker and quite happy to share his story with us, we had a good long chat. 

Jay, thank you so much for giving up your time so generously, especially on Superbowl Sunday!! its really appreciated. 

please enjoy this conversation, and do feel free to share it with your friends.

Joining me today is Brian Dunne.

 Brian is the current drummer for Hall & Oates, Daryl Hall and has toured the world with them for almost 8 years. Brian is also the drummer on Live from Daryls House where he has recorded shows with Billy Gibbons, Sammy Hagar, Jason Mraz, Rob Thomas, Kenny Loggins, Darius Rucker, Joe Walsh, The Ojays, Cee Lo Green, Ben Folds, Joe Walsh and many more! if you havent seen this then it is a must watch! 

Brian has also performed / recorded with the likes of Patti Austin, Chuck Loeb, Ariana Grande, Cory Glover, Chaka Khan, Flo Rida, Ashanti, Sharon Jones, En Vogue, Carly Rae Jepson and again many more! 

He also has his own Production Facility (Back of the Bus Productions) where brian can record drums for anyone requiring live drums for their project. Huge thanks to Brian for great conversation and for giving up his time so freely! 

please check out Brian's website - www.briandunnedrums.com

Join myself and former Prince Powerhouse drummer Michael Bland as we talk about his amazing career so far, including his seven years with Prince plus so much more!