On the Bus with Professor Satchafunkilus

Q&A with Joe Satriani

Last summer I was lucky enough to go on tour for a week with the rock "super group," Chickenfoot, which consists of Sammy Hagar and Mike Anthony of Van Halen fame, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer and all around great guy, Chad Smith, and one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Joe Satriani (known to his many fans as "Professor Satchafunkilus"). I was allowed to ride on Joe Satriani's tour bus while he traveled from Cleveland to New York City between gigs. Joe is one of the nicest people you could ever meet, but I am still in awe of him and even though I was bursting with questions I wanted to ask him, it just didn't seem like the right time. After all, Joe had just played a blistering set with "the Foot" at a free concert for fans at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and now it was the wee hours of the morning. The time just wasn't right to ask for an interview, though we did chat a bit about Joe about being in Chickenfoot, his playing, and life on the road. Mostly I just sat quietly with Joe and his manager, Mick Brigden, and watched a DVD of The Who's "Amazing Journey," thinking that it was a pretty amazing journey I was on myself. Months later, Joe was kind enough to let me email him the questions I'd been wanting to ask. Here are the questions he answered in that Q&A:

NICK ARNOLD : When you were recording Chickenfoot's debut release in 2009, you used a prototype of your current "JS2400", 24 fret guitar, and utilized all the extra frets at the end of the neck. How did you compensate for the lack of extra playing range when you toured live for the album with your regular, 22 fret guitars?

JOE SATRIANI : The use of artificial harmonics helped out quite a bit. This is a technique where I use my right hands thumb to lightly touch the string I’m picking in a particular spot to get a harmonic note of my choice. In this case a note beyond the 22nd fret.

NA: As one of the most versatile, skilled, and influential rock guitarists of all time, you've been able to work and play alongside many other great musicians, like Deep Purple, the afore-mentioned Chickenfoot, and Mick Jagger. Are there any musicians you've never been able to work with that you would like to play alongside? Or maybe a better question would be: If you could put any musicians (living or deceased) in a group together, who would you pick and why?

JS: Jimi Hendrix! Since that will never happen, let’s focus on the first question. You never know who might call, or, walk into your musical life. I don’t dream about playing with other musicians as much as I prepare for the random chance that I will be surprised by a situation to arise, just like Chickenfoot. I didn’t see that coming, but I’m so glad it happened!

NA: It has been several years since you have organized another G3 tour, which has showcased the greatest guitarists, including you, Steve Vai, Eric Johnson, John Petrucci, and Yngwie Malmsteen. Will there be another G3 tour sometime in the future? Are there any guitarists who have not been included on the tour who you would like to have join?

JS: G3 is alive and well, just looking for the right three-some. I would love to get Jeff Beck, Eddie Van Halen, Billy Gibbons, etc… to join us. Getting the right mix is tricky, and the logistics take time and care to manage. But, I’m confident we will get another G3 going soon.

NA: As a huge name in the instrumental-rock world, how do you choose which brands and equipment to play and endorse, and why do you use the gear you play?

JS: I only endorse brands that I play everyday. The gear has to help me make music; it’s that simple.

NA: For many years you have toured as a solo artist, but lately you've been playing a lot with groups like Chickenfoot and Living Colour (on the Experience Hendrix tour). How has your work as a guitarist been influenced by your recent group projects?

JS: Every musical situation leaves you enriched and enhanced in some way. Playing with other musicians broadens your playing abilities. Your playing improves and your writing ideas expand. I highly recommend mixing it up with other musicians when ever you can.

NA: I've heard that Jimi Hendrix is one of your greatest influences on your playing. What is it like to play on the Experience Hendrix tour with so many amazing musicians and getting to pay homage to your hero?

JS: Each night is enlightening. Hearing great players interpret Jimi’s music each night is an awesome experience in itself. Getting to jam with these guys using Hendrix music as a focal point is even better. The vibe on tour is so cool; everybody is open to exchange and experimentation.

NA: In the past, you've taught students who have gone on to become successful guitarists (Steve Vai, Kirk Hammett, Alex Skolnick, Larry LaLonde), were there any that stood out while you were mentoring them that you thought would go on to become great guitarists? Have you been able to keep in touch with some of your students?

JS: Steve Vai, being just 12 years old when I met him, already showed signs of greatness. It was very exciting to teach him. We stay in touch and tour together to this day!

NA: Thinking back, can you remember any times from when you were learning new techniques on the guitar that frustrated you to the point of considering giving up the instrument? How and why did you continue playing?

JS: Frustration is part of the learning process, but giving up is not. You just have to learn to keep learning, evolving and changing along with life around you.

And with those words of wisdom from Professor Satchafunkilus, the interview was over. I know I'm not the only one who is watching to see what's next for this gracious, talented man.

The World Famous Chad Smith

(This article was originally written for Grammy.com and is being reproduced with permission of the Grammy Foundation.)

International Rock Superstar Chad Smith

Last year I auditioned for a program called "Grammy Camp", where high school students from all over America try out to be included in a one week course on their division of interest in the music field. I was accepted as a music journalist, but there were also guitarists, drummers, producers, and even concert promoters! After I attended the camp, the Grammy Foundation asked me to be their high school correspondent at the events during Grammy Week 2010, leading up to the Grammy Awards. One of those events was the prestigious "MusiCares Person of the Year" dinner and concert honoring Neil Young.

During the evening I had the great privilege of going backstage and meeting several of the performers. It was a really star-heavy line up, which included Neil's bandmates from CSNY, Elton John, Ben Harper, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, Keith Urban, Lucinda Williams, Emmy Lou Harris, Ozomatli, The Red Hot Chili Peppers and many, many more. Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith was kind enough let me ask him some questions for Grammy.com. I'm an aspiring drummer myself, and Chad is one of my heroes, so it was a big thrill. He is known not only for his superior drum skills, but his wild sense of humor, which made for a great interview.

Nick Arnold: I'm here with the world-famous Chad Smith.

Chad Smith: World famous, world famous!

Nick Arnold: Known everywhere!

Chad Smith: I'm an international rock superstar!

NA: Exactly! So, Chad, while the Chili Peppers were taking a break, you recently finished work on a "side project" that turned out to be rather successful, a little band with a self-titled album called "Chickenfoot". [A so-called Super Group consisting of Chad, Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen, and guitar great Joe Satriani]. Could you give us kind of an overview of what that was like for you?

CS: Oh, Nick, it was a blast! It's the best reason to do music or start a band. We were just friends who ended up having a great time, and really the music was almost secondary to us just hanging out! We were just having a good time playing music that we loved and grew up playing. I've known Sam for, gosh (pauses to think), you know, six years, going on seven years now. We always talked about playing music together. Then we got a chance to do it, and you know, Mike is great. Through Sam I met Mike. It just built and built, and then we got Joe, and it started to be a real band. And we had such a fun time, you know.

NA: Who better to play with than your friends?

CS: Yeah! And it started out as a fun thing, and then it stayed a fun thing. Sometimes, you know, it starts out as fun, and then it gets kinda serious, and you make a record, then other elements come into play, you gotta travel, this and that. We just enjoyed making music, and we traveled around and had a great time.

NA: That's great! You're no stranger to playing on successful records. You've had a couple big ones back at your day job (with the Red Hot Chili Peppers), but this record was not with a group you'd played with before, so were you surprised when it did so well?

CS: Well, you try not to have expectations, because lots of times you can be let down, you know? But I thought that it'd be special. After the songs, and the recording of it, and hearing how good it sounded and turned out, I thought, "You know, someone is gonna dig this. There's people who are really gonna like it because it's real, and it's honest." It wasn't just some "super group" put together for a certain reason. It was really something very organic, and I hope people really picked up on that. I thought it would do well, but I didn't think it was gonna be as successful as it was [the album entered the charts at #4 nationally for its first week in release] and become a gold album. It was great seeing people coming out and enjoying themselves as much as they did at the concerts. So I was actually pleasantly surprised.

NA: Cool!

CS: Yeah

NA: At the end, you kinda hit a fork in the road and you guys had to go your separate ways for a while. Was it kind of a sad moment when you had to return to the [Red Hot] Chili Peppers?

CS: *Sigh*, it was. It was kinda bittersweet, you know, because we knew we were gonna stop playing, mainly because I had to go write and rehearse with the Chili Peppers again. I was excited about that, but I was a little bit sad because whenever anything is fun you wanna keep doin' it, ya know? But to know that we're gonna have something in the future to do, and more stuff to make, more music to do, made me think, "oh, well it's not over. " We're just taking a break, so that's good.

NA: During the tour you got to cover some of your favorite classic songs, like "My Generation," and you played a little bit of "Immigrant Song."

CS: Yeah, and we also did a song by Deep Purple.

NA: Yeah, and I know you were no stranger to doing covers with the Chili Peppers, because you've covered some Ramones songs, and "They're Red Hot," which is actually a rather old tune. So what was it like to put your own spin on your favorite songs?

CS: Well, it's fun to pay homage to your musical heroes, and you know, we did a little snippet of "Purple Haze," a snippet of "Immigrant Song," and we did "Rock & Roll," and even to play "Highway Star," by Deep Purple, and we played one of Sam's old songs from Montrose,

NA: "Bad Motor Scooter!"

CS: Yeah, "Bad Motor Scooter," and I'm just a huge fan of that music and those songs. It was a lot of fun; you don't want cover them exactly, you wanna try and do it your own way, and I that we achieved that. It was in the right spirit, and that's always important, so you know, if you do "My Generation," you get inspired, and you channel Keith Moon. And sometimes the drums would actually somehow fall off the riser, it was kinda weird how that happened.

NA: Yeah, that was pretty crazy.

CS: I don't know how that would happen, but it usually just did!

NA: That's pretty strange, because you're usually such a gentle drummer [said jokingly, as Chad is known as one of the hardest hitters in the business].

CS: (Laughs), Yes I am!

NA: You recently participated in a Drum Channel event at the NAMM show, but you've actually been one of their most popular, recurring guests. Could you tell me a little bit about the Drum Channel and what it is?

CS: The Drum Channel is a website that was set up by Don Lombardi, who is the owner of DW Drums up in Oxnard.

NA: I am very familiar with their products (laughs).

CS: Yeah, and he has always been very passionate about education, and he's just really embracing the whole "internet" thing. So he set up a site called the "Drum Channel". http://www.drumchannel.com/! I knew him a little bit because I used to play their pedals, but I met him, and we just hit it off. So I really liked what he was doing, and he asked me to be a part of it. It's kinda me, and Terry Bozzio, and a couple of other guys, and we're kinda like part of the furniture of the Drum Channel. So Don gave me my own show, and he said "do whatever you want," so I get to talk to other drummers, we play, we jam, and it's really loose because on the internet you can do anything. I think it's a cool place for musicians to share ideas, and they just keep going, and keep doing more interesting stuff. I'm totally supportive of it and anything that will get people to play the drums or find out about music or start a band, I'm all for it.

NA: That's great! And while we're still talking about Drum Channel, you mentioned Terry Bozzio, and I'm sure you know he has a rather large kit, which makes Chad Smith's kit look fairly minimal. Would you ever consider expanding to such a large set?

CS: (Laughs) Terry's is like a small orchestra -- actually more like a LARGE orchestra

(Laughter)

CS: And you know what, he's taken the drum set into such an incredible place, I'm so in awe of him and what he's done for the instrument. He's just a great guy, and he's so smart and he's just classy. He's just a fantastic musician, composer, drummer, and everything else. I just wouldn't know what to do with all those drums!

(Laughter)

CS: I wouldn't know what to do with 'em! Ya know, I've got five right now, and if I get any better maybe I can add one or two, but right now it works for what I'm doing. (laughter)

NA: You can get better?

CS: Yes, I can get a lot better! So I gotta keep practicing!

(Laughter)

NA: You gotta keep up those chops!

CS: Can't slow down, can't let my chops slip.

NA: One last question before I let you go: With this new Chili Peppers record, are you guys taking a new direction, or will you be sticking with your more recent sound?

CS: It is a new direction because we've got a new guitar player, Josh Klinghoffer, and he's an amazing musician, so it's obviously gonna change. But it's also gonna change because we've got a new guy in the group, and he's very talented, very musical. It's fresh, it's fun, everyone is in a good mood, everyone is coming up with lots of good ideas, and I just look forward to what the future is gonna bring. I know it's gonna be different and exciting. It just makes me really happy to get up everyday and go to rehearsals, because I know something new and cool is gonna happen, and so I'm looking for it; it's awesome.

NA: Sounds very cool! And I think that since we're here, I should ask you about tonight. What does the song you’re playing tonight mean to you? Would you say you've been influenced by Neil Young?

CS: Yeah, of course! We're huge Neil Young fans, all of us. We've played his show he puts on every year in San Francisco, called the "Bridge School Benefit," we've done that a couple times. He's fantastic! We love him, and we were just honored to be part of this. We're playing a song called "A Man Needs A Maid," and we're doing our own take on it, and I hope he likes it.

(Laughter)

CS: So it's the first time we've played out with Josh, just the four of us, so it'll be an exciting night for him.

NA: It's almost like a reunion, or a re-debut for you guys, because you've been on a break for a while.

CS: Yep, so we're taking it slow. One song at a time.

NA: Riding your way up the charts and airwaves like a new group.

CS: (Laughs) Yeah, that's right, that's what we are.

NA: Thank you very much, world-famous, Chad Smith.

CS: No problem, brother!

Here are a few pictures of me with Richard Cole.
The first one is Richard with Lulu (my dog), and myself at my house around 3 years ago.Then there is one of Richard with my family and me when we visited him a few years ago in jolly old England. The final One is of Richard, my mother and me back in around 1995.

Me with Kenny Aronoff

This is Kenny Aronoff putting me in a headlock backstage at a show at the county fair about 4 years ago. He is one of the nicest musicians I've ever met.

Richard Cole Interview

KING OF THE ROAD

By, Nick Arnold

In the interest of full disclosure and total honesty, I have to admit that the subject of this interview is not a stranger to me. Richard Cole, the infamous, legendary road manager for Led Zeppelin, has known me my entire life. He came to see me at Cedars Sinai in L.A. when I was born. He and my Mom have been close for 23 years (she calls him “Old King Cole”). He met my dad through my mom 16 years ago and now they are good friends, too.

Both my family and Richard moved away from L.A. years ago. He went back to his hometown of London; my family transferred to Minneapolis and then back to the San Diego area… but over the years he has stayed in close touch. I have been privileged to visit him in London a couple of times, including in December, 2007, for the Led Zeppelin reunion concert. He’s also come to see my family numerous times. I asked Richard if he would allow me ask him a few questions about his life and career, and he was kind enough to agree. The following interview was conducted by email and phone calls between California and London in March, 2009.

Nick Arnold: Richard, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview… I know you don’t like people wasting your time, so I will get right to it. I’m 15, live in the San Diego area, and live for rock music… all of these details might remind you of someone with the same background who came on the road with Zeppelin - Cameron Crowe. What do you remember about Cameron back then? Did you recognize yourself in ALMOST FAMOUS?

Richard Cole: Did I recognize myself? No not really. I was not so tame as the film portrayed! Cameron was a very knowledgeable young man then, and the band and I liked him… so he got to see a little more than other journalists. He was very bright and knew his music.


NA: Like me?

RC: (Laughing) That remains to be seen, young man! But yes, I would say you have that same passion for music. But I doubt your mother would let you go on the road! Certainly not with anyone the likes of me and Zeppelin!

NA: You’re right about that – my Mom would NOT let me do what Cameron did. But at least my parents did let me go with them to see the Zeppelin reunion at the O2 Arena in London in December, 2007. One of the greatest nights of my life. Of course you were there, too… After that concert, you jokingly said that you finally “got what all the fuss was about!” That was the FIRST time ever you were able to experience a concert from the audience and see what the crowd saw. How many shows did you work with Zeppelin?

RC: It must have been in excess of 650 worldwide over 12 years. I went from driving a station wagon with one accompanying truck to a traveling circus, including a private airplane and many semis, limos, security detail. But we still only used a small on-stage road crew: 1 technician per musician.

NA: What was your experience of all those shows from your point of view backstage?

RC: It was a job you just did -- hectic, fun, but with precision: everything was calculated from arrival to departure back to our plane. In the early days we hung out and enjoyed ourselves then went back to our hotel, or clubs. In a way it was more fun before it all got very big and the eyes of the world were on the band.

NA: Are there any specific concerts that really stand out in your memory?



RC: Perhaps Atlanta stands out because of the size of the Braves’ stadium. Also the Bath Festival in 1970 because of the sheer numbers of people present, and of course Boston Tea Party club the first tour. That’s when it became clear the band were going to be enormous.

NA: You have said before that you didn’t get into the music business for the music, but for the girls who were always around and the other “goodies”… but I think you like music more than you admit. Don’t you have a favorite Led Zeppelin song?

RC: Honestly, not really. It all depends on my mood. When I am thinking of the past, different tunes provide my background.

NA: So back to the O2 Arena reunion concert. What did it mean to you?

RC: For me I was able to see what everyone else had been seeing for years: a really spectacular band, perfect music played to the highest standards… quite overwhelming from the front of stage. I was quite proud of my small contribution I made in those twelve years on the road.

NA: OK, well you are being modest there because I know you made more than a small contribution.

RC: No comment. I have learned to be a humble man. I’m just lucky to be alive. (Chuckles).

NA: You went to see Robert’s concert with Alison Krauss in London last year when they toured in support of their “Raising Sand” album. What was your reaction?


RC: I like bluegrass/country so it was a pleasant experience. Robert seemed very comfortable with what he was doing, and it sounded great to me.

NA: Who are some of the other artists you have worked with that you really like or admire?

RC: Ozzy, Black Sabbath, Quireboys, The Who, The Yardbirds. In fact they all had their place in my life at different times. I was pretty happy just being on the road all those years. It was a heady life for a working class kid. I found something I was good at and got to live very well for a long time because of it.

NA: Things have changed a lot since you entered the music business in the 1960s. Any advice for a young person trying to break into the business today?

RC: Don't do it my way! It wouldn’t be tolerated today, all that excess and mayhem! The sixties and early seventies were the wild west days of music. Things certainly did not have the corporate atmosphere of today. Everybody now lives by their laptops and blackberries. I don’t know if there are any more visionaries like Ahmet Ertegun today. I don’t think so. I was lucky to live (and survive!!!) through the truly golden age of rock. It was a great ride and I’m happy just to still be around!

###

Kenny Aronoff Interview

THE UPBEAT WARRIOR

By, Nick Arnold

If you happened to catch the pre-inaugural concert for Barack Obama on television, you saw the many stars who gathered to perform for the momentous occasion, coming and going as they performed their songs and speeches on-stage. One man, however, was anchored just below the lip of the stage, in the makeshift orchestra pit, keeping it all flowing: counting off the intros, playing accurately and passionately with a seemingly endless parade of performers. Many viewers probably recognized the smiling man with the shaved head and the rock star sunglasses, perched behind the drum kit, bobbing his head from side to side. Some probably mistook him for David Letterman’s band leader, Paul Shaffer. Others probably knew the face, but could not put a name to it. True fans of rock music placed the face immediately: Kenny Aronoff. He is one of the most renowned percussion players in the industry, a drummer’s drummer, in constant demand as a session player and as a member of countless touring bands.

That freezing day in January at the Lincoln Memorial, Mr. Aronoff was in many ways the real man running the show: keeping the beat and counting off specific timings for between-song set changes. You couldn't miss his face on the TV screen. He was on camera almost as many times as Barack Obama and his family. Pretty exciting stuff, even for a veteran rocker. I recently had the good fortune to be invited to delve into the mind of this man who lives for music and loves his job. I found out that he’s not only always on the beat, but constantly upbeat, as well:

Nick Arnold: I only have an electronic drum kit and I constantly try to get my parents to let me have a real kit. I can’t be in a band without real drums! So far, they’ve refused. They think the neighbors would flip out at the noise. How did you talk your parents into getting you drums? Didn’t they or the neighbors complain about the noise? Where did you find room for your drums?

Kenny Aronoff: If you are in a band I personally think real drums are the way to go. If noise is a factor, electronic drums will make noise also, because you will have to amplify them. Nothing sounds and feels like a real drum kit. Electronic drums are just trying to imitate real drums, but they are great for the noise factor.

I grew up in western Massachusetts, and we had a building on the property we called “the playhouse.” When it was warm I had my drums in the playhouse. I grew up in the country so I could play twenty-four hours a day. My brother and I always had rock bands and we rehearsed in this playhouse. During the winter I set my drums up in the living room, which was far away from the family room. I had to practice before everyone went to bed at night, but they were cool enough to let me do that. I even had band rehearsals in that room. That was wicked loud and everyone just dealt with it. (Smiles) I was very fortunate.

In doing research for this interview, I read that you actually studied classical music and were thinking of playing in orchestras. I never would’ve guessed!

Yes, I did five years of very intense classical training: one year at University of Massachusetts, four years at Indiana University (top three classical schools in the U.S.). I studied one summer at the Aspen Music School and one summer at Tanglewood, where the Boston Symphony Orchestra plays in the summer. I always studied privately on top of that. The summer after my senior year in high school, I was practicing mallets, timpani, snare drum and drum set nine hours a day, seven days a week. I played five nights a week in a jazz trio. I loved it!

What drummers inspired and influenced you most growing up?

The rock drummer who influenced me the most was Mitch Mitchell from the Jimi Hendrix band, because he was a jazz drummer playing rock. That's what I was! I grew up listening to a lot of jazz and playing jazz because that’s what my parents were listening to. Buddy Rich, Elvin Jones, Joe Morrello, Connie Kay, Louie Belson, Philly Joe Jones, etc., etc.

Did your parents support your desire to be a professional musician or did they want you to be doctor or a lawyer – to go into a more “secure” line of work?

My parents totally supported me and I am very grateful for that. Of course they were concerned, but I showed so much desire and determination, combined with a passion to do it. I started doing music for fun, and in my junior year in high school it escalated.

Did you ever consider any other career besides drums or music?

No. I never considered any other career. I am a warrior, workaholic, addicted to being a musician and drummer. This is what makes me happy and I enjoy my life. I am very fortunate to be able to support myself and the important people in my life by playing drums.. Wow! It makes me smile and get excited just to think I am still doing that. I have flown on private jets, been around the world, recorded on some very successful hit records, played for three Presidents, etc., etc., and I still will set my own drum kit up at a sleazy bar to play Led Zeppelin tunes every Friday night, which I do at the Cat Club on Sunset [in Hollywood]. I love it!


What did your parents say when you first started to have success as a drummer?

My parents were very excited.. They were starting to get concerned when I was living in Bloomington, Indiana, playing bars and living in a house with a bunch of wild rock musicians. (Laughs) But when I got into the John Cougar Mellencamp band and they saw me on TV, they were excited. They always supported me, regardless.

How did you first meet John Mellencamp?

I was about to leave Bloomington, Indiana and move to New York City. I was 27 and I was starting to feel like I was not part of the music scene. I was about to leave and someone told me that Johnny Cougar (that was his stage name then) had fired his drummer. I called the guitar player up, and three or four weeks later I got to audition.

I practiced six hours a day and memorized every note on the Johnny Cougar record. I was the first guy to audition out of fifty people and I won. After John heard me play with the band, he went upstairs in his house and called the guitar player to come up. Then the guitar player came down and shook my hand and said, ‘welcome to hell.’ Wow! I later found out what that was.

Speaking of that, anything you would like to say about working with a perfectionist like John Mellencamp?

John is very much an intense, hard worker and demands a lot from himself, and therefore, everyone... like a bad-ass football coach. It got real intense at times.

I was with John Mellencamp for seventeen years. I recorded and played live on all his records in that period. The year I left Mellencamp, I had already been on tour with Bob Seger for six and a half months, then I went on tour with Melissa Etheridge for three and a half months, and I also did twenty albums on my days off!

So clearly there was never a worry about your future once you left Mellencamp’s band!

On to the present... recently you have played the Kennedy Center Honors, where then-President George W. Bush was present, and then President Obama’s pre-inaugural concert. That’s pretty amazing! How was it to play for the incoming president at the Lincoln Memorial?

Dude! That was an intense and hard job being the drummer! Sixteen hour days, freezing cold... Work, work, work! Reading charts, rewriting, focusing hard and being able to give every artist what they needed. I had to be so spot on, counting off tunes, knowing who to count to, when to count and what the count of was. I ran the show. In TV, every second is valuable. It took a lot of focus in the cold, and a lot of focus to do my job with all the excitement and the meaning behind this event! I did get to meet the President. That was cool! (Big grin) The highlight for me was watching Obama give his speech with no teleprompter or notes! He is a bad-ass speaker. Wow!

As you’ve said, it was bitterly cold at that outdoor concert. How did that affect your playing? What does that kind of cold do to the drumheads and cymbals?

The cold made it really hard. I just had to do it. Like the Green Bay packers do in the play-offs in Green Bay! Focus, focus, focus! I had long underwear on and wore drum gloves. I had this tiny heater that could barely heat my fingernails! I was worried about the drum heads, but they obviously lasted!

You are one of the busiest session players in the business. Do you prefer working in the studio or touring on the road?

I like both, but I prefer to work in L.A. more now, with a mixture of studio and live playing. Then go out of town for big events. Live is great, but I love the studio, because that’s where you get to create the music.

You are just so passionate about playing music and it seems you’ll do anything to play as often as possible. You don’t appear to have an ego about whether a gig is with a major act or someone who is completely new to the music scene. What fuels your love and dedication to music?

That is correct! I am so in love with what I do and have so much passion for it. It's the way I enjoy my life every day. I didn't create me. I am me... and I don't understand why I am so passionate, but I am. I love it!

So tell me more about The Zep Set, this Zeppelin tribute act you’ve been playing with at clubs.

Besides playing the great Zeppelin tunes, we are really doing what Zeppelin did -- that is, improvising and jamming like them. The key is to listen to everyone 100% of the time. We play after midnight in this bar, the Cat Club. It’s great.


What’s next on your calendar?

I am finishing up a record with a Japanese artist, and then I play with Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates) on Thursday with two of the remaining musicians from The Doors. Then I am doing some jingles (ads) for American Idol on Friday. I will also be recording with a young bad-ass female guitar player named Orianthi, from Australia. I fly to Zurich and then Detroit to play with Joe Cocker and then back to L.A. I will go out with Joe Cocker again for a three week tour, and then in May I am out with John Fogerty for three weeks in Canada. In between I do sessions and some drum clinics.

Do you EVER sleep? Seriously, do you ever have any down-time? Do you take vacations?

I don’t take vacations or have any down-time. For example, I don’t take two days off unless it works out that way. I will work every day on something or I won’t feel good. I need to accomplish something every day - it could be with music or working out or business. The bottom line is, I feel good when I accomplish something. Every day I am working toward a goal!


I know it’s dangerous to ask about favorites – as in, who was your favorite artist or band to play with --but can you comment on some of your best experiences as a musician? What about the worst? You don’t have to name names, but maybe just say why and how a gig can turn sour?

Working with John Fogerty and Jon Bon Jovi are my favorites because they are perfectionists, work hard, demand a lot, but are nice about it. They are the best at what they do and I like being around that level of musicianship. I won't talk about the bad experiences. I enjoy almost everyone I play with, but some stand out.


You were named the number one studio drummer AND the number one pop/rock drummer five years running by Modern Drummer Magazine. You have played with so many great artists, and been on thirty Grammy-winning albums. Other musicians revere you as a drummer’s drummer. Is there anything you have not accomplished in your career? Anything you still dream of doing?


I would love to experience playing with The Who or Eric Clapton, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, or McCartney... for starters!


And with that, the hardest working drummer in show business is off to his next recording session...

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