The Modern Drummer Podcast

John's guest is the great Jack Bruno! Jack is known for his always tasty playing and solid groove and in this episode, Jack talks about his Motown influences and “less is more” approach to playing a solid pocket. His early days in the Boston club scene, moving to Los Angeles in 1976 and his first major gig playing with Tina Turner, which would last over 30 years. He also discussed his long tenure playing with Joe Cocker, playing with Peter Frampton, Delbert McClinton and his current gig with Jim Messina of Loggins and Messina fame. Throughout, Jack offers great insight into supporting singers, and much more!

John's guest is percussionist Taku Hirano. In this episode Taku talks about attending Berklee College of Music, his classmates who have also gone on to be successful in the music industry and his first break in the business. John and Taku do a deep dive into Taku's extensive resume, including touring with Fleetwood Mac and working out percussion parts with Mick Fleetwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Bette Midler, Josh Groban, John Mayer and currently with LeAnn Rimes. Taku also shared some wonderful memories of the late Christine McVie and his friend and mentor, Ndugu Chancler. Please subscribe to John's YouTube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

John's guest is the great Chris Parker! In this episode, Chris talks about starting out on the drums at age three and playing professionally by 11. Chris and John do a deep dive into Chris' incredible and prolific career. Meeting Will Lee in 1972, moving from Woodstock to New York City and breaking into the New York recording scene in the early 1970s. Joining the band that would be known as “Stuff” and later playing double drums with Steve Gadd. Touring with the Brecker Brothers, Boz Scaggs, Bob Dylan, playing in the house band for Saturday Night Live for six years, and becoming a fixture in the New York music scene. Chris also discussed his latest Chris Parker Trio record, “Tell Me” which is available now, as well as his love of painting and his artwork. Please subscribe to John's YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Dave Weckl returns to "Live From My Drum Room" for an entire episode dedicated to questions and answers from his many fans. Dave answered questions for over an hour, on a variety of subjects, from listeners and fans around the world. This is a masterclass and a must watch episode! Subscribe to John's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom Podcast: https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

John's guest is legendary drummer and founding member of "Creedence Clearwater Revival," Doug “Cosmo” Clifford. John and Doug do a deep dive into CCR's incredible catalog, with Doug sharing his insights into CCR's history, song development, and his approach to creating his iconic drum parts. Doug talks about his association with Camco drums and Paiste in 1969, including his famous 18” hi hats, and gives a breakdown of the gear he used on those iconic CCR records, the Netflix documentary "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at Royal Albert Hall" from 1970, Doug's post CCR projects, and much more. Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

John's guest is the legendary and incomparable, Jim Keltner! John and Jim discuss Jim's incredible and prolific career starting with his first recording, Gary Lewis and the Playboys' “Just My Style.” Continuing with his work with Bob Dylan, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Gary Wright, Steely Dan, The Traveling Wilburys and much more! Jim opens up about his friends and drumming contemporaries Hal Blaine, Earl Palmer, Jim Gordon, Levon Helm, Jeff Porcaro, Rick Marotta, Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts. This episode is jam packed with stories and information from a true master of the instrument and National Treasure, but we barely scratched the surface so look for Part 2 in 2023! Please Subscribe to Live From My Drum Room on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom And Podcast! https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

John's guest this week is legendary studio drummer John JR Robinson. In this episode, JR talks about attending Berklee College in Boston in the early/mid 1970s where his classmates included Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Casey Scheuerell and Kenwood Dennard, and studying with Alan Dawson and Gary Chaffee. Going on the road with his show band and meeting and joining Rufus and Chaka Khan and moving to Los Angeles, which was a pivotal point in his career. After meeting Quincy Jones, JR became one of the busiest and most in-demand studio drummers in LA. John and JR do a deep dive into some of the biggest hits he recorded, and JR shares stories about working with Michael Jackson, Madonna, John Fogerty, Barbra Streisand, Steve Winwood, Lionel Richie, David Lee Roth, as well as his latest project “SRT,” who will be releasing their full record soon. This was only the tip of the iceberg so stay tuned for Part 2! Please subscribe to Live From My Drum Room: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

John's guest is legendary master percussionist, Luis Conte. Luis discusses moving from his native Santiago, Cuba to Los Angeles at age 15, and his first big break touring with "The Hues Corporation.” John and Luis do a deep dive into Luis' incredible and prolific career as a first call studio and touring percussionist with artists such as Madonna, Phil Collins and Jackson Browne, and some great stories including his audition for Madonna's band, playing drums with Phil Collins' big band and much more! Please subscribe to Live From My Drum Room! https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

John's guest this week is Joshua Simonds, Executive Director of PAS (Percussive Arts Society). In this episode, Joshua discusses his musical and business background, his role at PAS, the upcoming Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), November 9-12, in Indianapolis, IN and some of the artists appearing this year. Other topics include the PASIC artist application process, a preview of this year's PAS Hall of Fame Inductees and PAS Award Recipients, and much more! Please subscribe to Live From My Drum Room! https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

For the 100th episode of Live From My Drum Room, John's guest is the legendary Dave Weckl! In this episode, Dave talks about touring and his latest projects, his early drumming influences with great insights into Buddy Rich, his online drum school, his philosophy for achieving his live drum sound, his recording studio, engineering and much, much more! A must watch episode! Be sure to subscribe to Live From My Drum Room: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom https://linktr.ee/live_from_my_drum_room

In this week's episode, John talks with drummer, educator and product designer, Pat Petrillo. John and Pat do a deep dive into Pat's latest and critically acclaimed record, "The Power Station Sessions” which features Nile Rodgers, John Popper, Oz Noy, Lenny Pickett, Felecia Collins and Glen Burtnik. Pat takes us into the recording process, his instrument choices, and song material. Pat also talks about drummers that influenced him, his years in drum corps and developing technique, and much more! Pat will be featured in an upcoming issue of Modern Drummer! Please subscribe to: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

This week's episode is a rebroadcast of a show that originally aired live on October 17, 2020 with two of the greatest, most prolific drummers on the planet and two of John's best friends, legendary drummers Steve Gadd and Rick Marotta! Steve and Rick shared stories of their days coming up in New York as first call session players, how they met and became great friends, and lots of great stories and hilarious moments. With a surprise guest appearance by Will Lee! Buckle your seatbelt and enjoy the ride on this special episode! Please subscribe to Live From My Drum Room YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom and Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-my-drum-room-with-john-dechristopher/id1575100168

John's guest this week is the incredible Marco Minnemann! In this episode Marco talks about his recent tour with his band “The Aristocrats” and their process for writing and recording music. Marco also discusses his concept for independence and how he applies it to music, recording in his home studio and achieving his sound. John and Marco shared stories of their time together on the road on various clinic tours. Marco discussed the aspirational aspect of drumming and how hopes his playing inspires other drummers and much more! Check out John's other episodes and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom and Podcast! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-from-my-drum-room-with-john-dechristopher/id1575100168

In this episode, John's guest is the great Clem Burke. Clem talks about his formative years playing snare drum and later bass drum in The Bridgemen Drum & Bugle Corps, playing in rock bands as a teenager, the New York club scene in the 70s, and joining Blondie in 1975. Blondie's recent sold-out tour and newly released archival box set, “Against The Odds.” John and Clem do a deep dive into Clem's signature drum parts on several Blondie tracks, as well as Clem's style, technique, and influences. Clem also discusses receiving his Honorary Doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire, and his gigs with the Eurythmics, Romantics, the Ramones, Go-Go's, the Empty Hearts, and more.

Part 4 of John DeChristopher's series Remembering Charlie Watts. John's guests were Jim Keltner, Vinnie Colaiuta, Charley Drayton, Pete Thomas, Anton Fig and Aaron Comess. They shared some beautiful stories about Charlie and even turned to Ringo, as drummers often do. Hold on to your hats because this is one of the best. Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room" and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Part 3 of John DeChristopher's series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous discussion with drumming legends, Simon Kirke (Bad Company/Free) Steve Gorman (Black Crowes/Trigger Hippy), Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Starr All Star Band) and Don McAulay (Charlie's drum tech and currently Steve Jordan's drum tech). Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room With John DeChristopher!” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Recored October 11, 2021 Part 2 of my series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous and often hilarious discussion with Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Dave Mattacks, Chad Smith, Mickey Curry, Shawn Pelton, Clem Burke and Don McAulay. Please check out "Part 1" if you haven't already and stay tuned for "Part 3"! Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Recored October 11, 2021 Part 2 of my series Remembering Charlie Watts. A fabulous and often hilarious discussion with Steve Smith, Kenny Aronoff, Dave Mattacks, Chad Smith, Mickey Curry, Shawn Pelton, Clem Burke and Don McAulay. Please check out "Part 1" if you haven't already and stay tuned for "Part 3"! Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Recorded October 7, 2021. The first of a series of episodes devoted to Remembering Charlie Watts. A huge thanks to my friends Steve Gadd, Kenney Jones, Rick Marotta, Stan Lynch, Michael Shrieve, Andy Newmark, Steve Maxwell, John Ferraro and Yard Gavrilovic. The laughs and stories were non-stop! Check out Part 2! Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

Originally aired live on August 18, 2021. A very special and enjoyable chat with one of my drumming heroes, the legendary Joe Vitale! Joe and I discussed his incredible 50+ year career as the groove behind rock icons, Joe Walsh, Peter Frampton, CSNY and The Eagles, including stories behind making all those iconic records. We also discussed his excellent book, "Backstage Pass" with Joe sharing many funny stories. Check out John's other episodes of "Live From My Drum Room” and subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnDeChristopherLiveFromMyDrumRoom

In this episode, John remembers the great Jeff Porcaro whom we lost August 5, 1992. Joining John is a legendary group of Jeff's friends and contemporaries and a literal “who's who” of the drumming community, including Jim Keltner, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Robinson, Rick Marotta, Stan Lynch, Gregg Bissonette, Gary Mallaber, Jody Cortez, David Garfield, John Good, Rich Mangicaro, Robyn Flans, Harry McCarthy, Ross Garfield and Paul Jamieson. They discussed Jeff's incomparable body of work, his incredible time and feel, and the deep love and respect he had from everyone. John also read messages from Jeff's brother, Steve Porcaro, “Toto" keyboardist and co-founder, David Paich, and legendary session bassist, Bob Glaub. Some heartwarming and funny stories were shared by all, with the common thread being Jeff's sense of humor, and his incredible generosity, both as a musician, and as a person.

Originally aired live on March 16, 2021. John chats with two of his best pals and incredible drummers, Myron Grombacher and Gregg Bissonette! Myron talks about playing with Rick Derringer before joining the Pat Benatar Band, his iconic drum sets and the early days of MTV. Gregg and Myron shared some funny stories about their long friendship and the great Mark Craney. This one was extra special for me because I love these two guys so much!

John's guest is drummer, producer, songwriter, and original drummer for "Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers," Stan Lynch. Stan discussed reuniting with his longtime friend and Heartbreakers bandmate, guitarist extraordinaire Mike Campbell, and his recent tour with Mike's band, "The Dirty Knobs.” Stan shared some stories from the tour, and how it felt to be touring and playing with Mike again after 30 years. John and Stan did a deep dive into tempos, playing comfortably and the importance of songs having a natural pulse. Stan talked about joining Dixon Drums and using them on tour, about his other projects, “The Speaker Wars” and “The Chefs” and much more!

John's guest is the legendary Jeff Hamilton! In this episode Jeff talks about his early drumming influences, attending Indiana University and studying with the great John Von Ohlen, joining Woody Herman's band in 1977 at age 23, and being invited by Ray Brown to join The L.A. Four in 1978 and relocating to Los Angeles, where Jeff established himself as one of the most versatile and sought after drummers. Jeff shared insights on his ride cymbal beat, brush playing, his approach to achieving his organic drum sound, his equipment and developing the products he uses and endorses. John and Jeff also talked about their history going back over 30 years, with lots of great and funny stories.

John's guests are drummer Ed Toth, and percussionist Marc Quinones, of The Doobie Brothers. Ed recalled being invited to audition for the Doobie Brothers in 2005 after his band "Vertical Horizon" disbanded, to replace the late-great Keith Knudsen and be second drummer alongside Micheal Hossack. Marc recalled joining the Allman Brothers Band in 1991 at the invitation of the late-great Butch Trucks, where he was percussionist for 23 years alongside Butch and Jaimoe, until the band stopped in 2014. He then joined Greg Allman's band until Greg's passing, and joined the Doobie Brothers in 2018. Throughout the show, John, Ed and Marc talked about their long history together, with lots of great Doobie Brothers and Allman Brothers stories.

John's guest is the legendary Peter Erskine! Peter and John discussed Peter's MD Legends Series Book (available now!), and numerous other topics including vintage drums, selecting ride cymbals, home recording and much more. They also talked about Peter's upcoming induction into the PAS (Percussive Arts Society) Hall Of Fame in November of 2022. Both Peter and John shared some funny stories, and Peter offered some invaluable drumming insights as only a true Legend like he can.

John's guest is Chris Hart, Director of Artist Relations at Remo Inc. Chris has built relationships with the world's top drummers and percussionists and in this show, you'll see why he is one of the most loved and respected figures in the Drum Industry. John and Chris discussed their history going back to when they met in 1985 working for Simmons Electronic Drums in Los Angeles. Chris shared stories and insights from his 30 years working at Remo, including Remo Belli himself promoting him to Marketing Manager of Remo's World Percussion program, meeting the legendary Louie Bellson for the first time and his relationship with him, a great Paul McCartney story, and much more.

John's guest is Lorne Wheaton. Lorne is one of the most respected and sought after drum techs and stage managers in the business, and has worked for a who's who of drummers and bands, including Steve Smith/Journey & Vital Information, Alex Van Halen/Van Halen, Mickey Curry/Bryan Adams, Keith Carlock/Steely Dan, John Tempesta/The Cult, Eric Singer/Kiss and Neil Peart/Rush. He was Neil's tech from 2001 until his passing in 2020. Lorne recalls how he got his start at age 14 or 15, helping “Rush” with their equipment at high schools dances and how it evolved into a career spanning more than four decades, including coming full circle to work for Neil and Rush in 2001. Lorne also shared some great stories about Neil's incredible work ethic and dedication to his craft. And much more!

John's guest is Ronn Dunnett, CEO & President of Dunnett Classic Drums, The George Way Drum Company and Milestone Percussion. John and Ronn discussed Ronn's early years as a drummer playing throughout Canada, forming Dunnett Classic Drums 30 years ago, acquiring the George Way Drum Company and most recently his acquisition of Milestone Percussion. Ronn gives a great history lesson on George Way and his designs and innovations that are still being used today. Ronn shared insights on being an independent drum company, his strategy for building relationships with customers and dealers, and much more! Check out this episode with a Drum Industry insider!

John's guest was Mike Dolbear, well known drummer, teacher and Drum Industry figure. Mike talks about writing his book, “Rhythm and Fills,” launching www.mikedolbear.com, his love of teaching and some of his students who have gone on to being successful, as well as him studying with the great Kenny Clare. He also talks about his role in the global Drum Community organizing and promoting clinic tours, creating the "Young Drummer of the Year" competition, "The Ultimate Drum Experience” organizing 1,000 drummers for the opening ceremony of 2012 Summer Olympics in London, and much more!

John's guest was Donn Bennett, drummer, educator and founder of Donn Bennett's Drum Studio in Seattle, WA. Donn talks about how he went from a teaching studio to opening his retail store, how he got into collecting vintage drums, creating “Donn's Drum Vault” - his incredible collection of rare and vintage drums and his "Artist Collection" of celebrity gear. John and Donn also shared personal stories about Charlie Watts, Elvin Jones, Hal Blaine, Armand Zildjian, Ringo Starr and more!

John's guest this week is Matt Sorum, drummer for Guns N' Roses, The Cult, Velvet Revolver, Kings Of Chaos, as well as numerous side projects. Matt and John discussed Matt's long and successful career, with lots of great stories including his audition for David Lee Roth in 1985, and Matt's newly released autobiography, “Double Talkin' Jive” available now.

John's guest is Aaron Comess, drummer and founding member of the "Spin Doctors.” In this episode Aaron talks about growing up in Dallas, his early influences, his teachers, attending North Texas State, then Berklee College in Boston for a year, and eventually moving to New York and forming the Spin Doctors. John and Aaron discussed Aaron's drum sound and the recording process for "Pocket Full of Kryptonite” their hugely successful breakthrough record, and much more!

John's guest is the legendary David Garibaldi! David and John discussed his incredible career with Tower of Power, and his concept for creating some of the most iconic and timeless drum beats in history, including his signature groove for TOP's timeless classic, “What Is Hip.” David talks about his influences for creating his own unique style as one of the preeminent funk drummers and one of the most important drummers of our time. David also discusses about his new book, “DG's Notebook My Path To The Groove - Ideas From A Beat Collector” his first drum set he used on the early TOP records, his drum sound and much more!

In this episode, Steve Smith and John DeChristopher do a deep dive into Steve's Modern Drummer Legend Series Book available now as a digital download and as a print book on May 20, 2022. All of Steve's Modern Drummer Cover/Feature interviews are included in his Legend Series Book, starting in 1981, to a recent in-depth interview with MD's Mark Griffith. It's the most comprehensive book on Steve Smith ever, from growing up in Whitman, Massachusetts, to attending Berklee College, to his first major tour with "John-Luc Ponty" in 1976, joining “Journey" in 1978, forming "Vital Information" and firmly establishing his place in history as one of the greatest drummers of all time. Other topics in the book include all of Steve's drum sets throughout the years, an in-depth look at all his gear and the companies he endorses, many for 45 years. Steve and John also discussed his Drum Solo Record, “Fabric Of Rhythm” a bonus download in the book, Steve's upcoming Vital Information 4-CD release “The Complete Columbia Collection” and much more!

John's guest this week is the one and only Keith Carlock! In this episode, Keith and John recall their first meeting in 1997 at the beginning of Keith's career. Keith talks about playing the 55 Bar in New York with guitarist Wayne Krantz, where he caught the attention of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker, ultimately leading to him landing the drum chair for "Steely Dan," which he's held for almost 20 years. Keith also talks about working with Sting, John Mayer, James Taylor, Toto, and much more!

In this episode, John caught up with his old friend Chris Layton and talked about his early drumming influences, moving from his home town of Corpus Christi to Austin, TX at age 20. Becoming entrenched in Austin's music scene, which led to meeting legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan and forming, “Double Trouble.” Chris talked about developing his style for playing his signature Texas Shuffle, his critically acclaimed group “Arc Angels” and his long association with guitar great, Kenny Wayne Shepherd. John and Chris also remembered their mutual friend, the late great Mitch Mitchell.

In this episode, Chad talks about moving to Los Angeles in 1988 to attend music school and joining the "Red Hot Chili Peppers”, the new RHCP record and upcoming tour, the supergroup “Chickenfoot” and other projects, and his MD Legends Book which is now available. Chad and John shared some stories about their friends Hal Blaine and Charlie Watts, and much more!

In this episode, John caught up with his longtime friend Tommy Igoe, where they discussed Tommy's incredible career, including writing the drum set book for the Lion King, residencies with his bands "The Birdland Big Band" and "The Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy," Endorsements, Education and his hugely successful Groove Essentials series, some funny stories and lots more!

John DeChristopher has had a fun and informative discussion with his old friend Russ Miller. They talked about how Russ got his start in Miami, how they met in 1990, and his move to Los Angeles, where after paying his dues, he established himself as a top session musician. They also talked about his company Gruv-X, his product designs for Mapex Drums and Zildjian, and his latest project, HITKOR.

In this episode John DeChristopher and David Frangioni, CEO & Publisher of Modern Drummer discussed their recent collaboration of "Live From My Drum Room" becoming the Modern Drummer Podcast, their 40 year history, what inspires them as drummers, their experiences working in the Drum Industry and much more!

John DeChristopher Live From My Drum Room With Joe Franco! talked about Joe's long and successful career including The Good Rats, Chilliwack, Twisted Sister, Widowmaker, Jack Bruce and creating his home studio, “Beat Street." they also discussed his legendary book, "Double Bass Drumming," the definitive book for double bass drum playing.