Chad Smith

Chad Smith! A real Red Hot drummer! Chad is an real awesome drummer with his own rock-funky style, this ways he makes the best drum groove and drum rhythms for his band Red Hot Chilli Peppers! Back he is the drummer of the famous, ultimate style rock band, Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Chad was born 25th October, 1961 in Saint Paul, Minnesota thou he grew up in Minnesota where he attended Lahser High School but he didn't graduate. He worked in different odd places and done odd jobs, in the mean time he play in different slew bands as drummer. Those bands were not so famous and not so recognized. Then he met the BAND! He became the band drummer, because its former drummer left because of the distress and chaos over Hillel Slovak's death. After he moved to Los Angeles he became the drummer of Red Hot Chilli Pepper he started drumming extensively and soon de become a very talented drummer in the rock-funk field. He plays with the band since the beginning. The band first appeared in 1983. When Chad first appeared in the band he was asked to cut of his hair and shave too, to test Chad's devotion to the band, the next the day Chad came his hair still unshaved but he remained because of this great performance and drum technique. Chad Has 4 kids and has been married 3 times. He was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing the world's largest drum kit , on a 308 piece drum kit! Wow, that's awesome! So Chad Smith another awesome drummer on Today's Top Drummer Blog, take care and have a nice day!

Some links:
Red Hot Chilli Pepper's Official Website
Chad Smith at Drummer World
Chad Smith at Wikipedia

Travis Barker

Travis Barker! Yeah!!! Punk Rocks! Travis is the coolest and the best punk drummer in the world. He has skills, he has speed, he has the hole style for it, and that's what you need to been a top punk drummer of all time. Travis was born in Fontana, California and started playing drums when he was four years old, thanks to his mother. He got a new drum set on which he started playing, and played for long while when he was a teenager. In school he studied jazz and many he was involved in many style of music, through the year he joined the school marching band and he developed his skills there for year. In the mean time he played in local band, thou he loved hip-hop and rap and he wanted to exceed on that field he also played in rock bands. He played in many rock bands through the years, in 1998 he was touring with the band, The Aquabats, when he met Blink 182 when suddenly there drummer left and was asked to played on drums for Blink 182. Travis had to learn about 20 songs in 2 hour and performed that night, after that Travis efforts earned him appreciation, respect, and a full time offer to join Blink 182, which he accepted. He performed many albums, like "All The Small Thing", "What's My Age Again" which turned Platinum album an was sold over five million copies. Blink 182's song where on the major top for many months and his videoclip "All The Small Thing" earned the Best Punk-Rock Videoclip Of The Year. In 2005 February dissolved suddenly. Travis now plays in the band, Plus 44.

Some links:
Travis Barker at Drummer World
Travis Barker at Wikipedia

Pearl Drums

Today it's a really special day because and not going to write about a famous drummer, instead I'm going to introduce you the best, the famous and the most expensive drum brand that conquered the hole world. Pearl is quote expensive but its quality is the best. In the 1950s a Japanese Katsumi Yanagisawa founded the Pearl Corporation which produced percussion instruments. Katsumi wished to make his company world wile so he focused his company on drums and made 2 factories to met the demands and to make shipments to all around the world, on in Japan and one in Chine. The first series was the "President Series" which was made in 1966, in Japan. Katsumi's eldest son, Mitsuo joined the company and he set up a deparment which exported Pearl Drums all around the world. Mitsuo help Pearl Company to expand in many ways. Today Pearl Company has 5 factorys in Taiwan and makes the best quality drums in the world. Pearl Drums are made from Mahagony wood Pearl Company has nine series, for starting amateur set to professional: Target Series - for beginners. Forum Series. Export Series - most popular and best seld series. Session Series. Master Series - top quality Pearl drums, with the highest hardware and compression system. Pearl drums is the best choice that you can make, only problem is that it's little expensive. But if you patient enough, with time you can afford your own set.

Pearl Drum's Official Website

Vinnie Colaiuta

Vinnie Colaiuta! How could one world have so many excellent & talented artist who dedicates there life to make drumming and the hole music world more exciting and complex, with the new thing, new grooves, new ideas that they invent, the hole music world gets better and smother. So Vinnie, an excellent drummer who grew up Pennsylvania, playing pots and pans as a kid. He started playing in the school on paperheaded drum set. Through the year studied on practice rudiments on Remo's practice pad until his parents finally bought him a semiprofessional drums set. Vinnie was astonished, after that Vinnie was practicing all the time. He said "I couldn't get enough of it. I was real interested in music notation and rudiments and technique whereas a lot of guys didn't dig that stuff. I learned real fast because I was always practicing. I would go into English class and sit in the back of the room with a Remo practice pad and practice double-stroke rolls and get kicked out of class." After he finished high school he attempted Berklee College of Music in Boston for a year, then he moved to Los Angeles where his carrier begun. He started playing at club with different band and after a while the band dicovered that Vinnie was a real talent and he should play with big bands. So Vinnie an audition for Frank Zappa's was a success and he started touring and recording with Frank Zappa through many years. He played on most of Frank Zappa albums until Frank Zappa died instantly. They say Vinnie is a really great studio and live performer, drummer, one of the best! Now days he play in know jazz clubs in Los Angeles. Vinnie plays Gretsch drums and Zildjian Cymbals.

Some links:
Vinnie Colaiuta Official Website
Vinnie Colaiuta at Drummer World

Dave Weckl

Dave Weckl! Drumming has never been so cool and amazing with Dave Weckl's style and his own grooves! Dave Weckl is one of those drummers that had influenced the way of drumming, and he introduced new kind of grooves in jazz and funky style. In the 80, when drumming had begun to develop and reform in its way, to a new kind, Dave was there and his work is in it! So thank you Dave for helping us out and taking drumming to a new level, which now days is used like every day practice and training. Dave is one of today's most respected drummer, Dave has enter the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame and he is considered one of the 25 best drummer of all time. Dave was born in the 8th January, 1960 in St.Louis Missouri, his mother was an all time music lover and his father played piano as a hobby. Dave started playing drums when he was 8. He studied music in his school and played in the schools jazz band, and played in other local bands. He received many awards for his outstanding performance. When he turn 16 he started drumming professionally, and played in known bands, he received numerous awards for his great drumming. Then he moved to Connecticut to study music at the University of Bridgeport. In those day Dave received many accolades for his performance from many great musicians. He played in New York City in jazz band and after a years he and one of his friend made the first Elektric Akoustic Band called "Chick Corea". Through the years Dave recorded hundreds of song and played on many concerts with his old band " Chick Corea" and his new band Dave Weckl band. Now days Dave works as solo artist, producer and tours with his band. Dave published throuth the year many helpful Books and videos. Dave through his clinics Dave teaches new end new things that always help us to play our drums and keep up with the music. As Dave would say as an advice: "It is my goal to inspire as many young (and not-so-young) people as possible to want to play music, whether it be on drums or another instrument. With all the negatives in the world today, I feel this is my way of contributing a positive action toward spiritual happiness, which music can be a big part of, if you let it. So parents, if your child has a talent for music, please allow them the opportunity to develop that talent!"

Dave's new drumset: Pearl Drums, Zildjian Cymbals

Buddy Rich

Buddy Ruch! Arguably the greatest jazz drummer of all time, the legendary Buddy Rich exhibited his love for music through the dedication of his life to the art. His was a career that spanned seven decades, beginning when Rich was 18 months old and continuing until his death in 1987. Immensely gifted, Rich could played with remarkable speed and in the fact he never learned from lesson and didn't practice outside of his performances. He was born on September 30, 1917, the he was introduced to audiences at a very young age. By 1921, he was playing drums. With his sense of rhythm, Rich performed regularly on Broadway at the age of 4. At that time he was the second highest paid child in the world. Rich's jazz career began in 1937 when he began playing with Joe Marsala at New York's Hickory House. By 1939, he had joined Tommy Dorsey's band, and he later went on to play with jazz greats as Louis Armstrong and Gene Krupa. Rich was regularly featured in Jazz at the Philharmonic during the late 40s. Through the 1960s and 70s, Rich toured with his own bands and opened two nightclubs, Buddy's Place and Buddy's Place II. After opening Buddy's Place II, Rich introduced new tunes with elements of rock into his repertoire, demonstrating his ability to adapt to his audience's changing tastes and establishing himself as a great rock drummer. Known for his caustic humor, Rich was a favorite on several television talk shows. During these appearances, Rich entertained audiences through his constant sparring with the hosts and his slights of various pop singers. This famed musician received outstanding recognition throughout his career. The Downbeat Magazine Hall of Fame Award, the Modern Drummer Magazine Hall of Fame Award is just one of his numerous honors. During his lengthy career, Rich toured around the globe, performing for millions of fans and several world leaders. On April 2, 1987, Rich died of heart failure following surgery. He was good friend with Frank Sinatra. Today, Buddy Rich is remembered as one of history's greatest musicians. "The greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath."

Some links:
Buddy Rich's Official Website
Buddy Rich at Drummer World
Buddy Rich at Wikipedia

Jojo Mayer

Jojo Mayer! The faster hand from Europe! He was born 1963 January 1963 in Zurich, Switzerland. He was son of a musician, he spent his childhood on the road traveling in Europe and the Far East. At the age of 2 he got his first drum set, and his first public performance took place in Hong Kong when he was only 3 years old. Growing up in a musical environment Jojo is basically selftaught. At the age of 18 he joined Monty Alexander's group and toured extensively all over Europe, playing at all the major jazz festivals. Jojo performed and recorded with great artists covering a wide range of musical styles. Jojo has got himself a reputation as a skilled and creative solo performer and clinician. He appeared at most of the important Industrial Events and Drum Festivals like the Modern Drummer Festival in 1998 and 2005, the Buddy Rich Memorial Scholarship NYC in 95, the Montreal Drum-Fest in 1996, were he was featured amongst the greatest names in the drumming community today (Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers). Now he lives in New York City since 1991, Jojo played in numerous activities including Live and Studio work. His international touring has taken him all over Europe, the US, South America, The Far East and Africa. Besides his work as a drummer, he also is involved in projects as a writer and producer.

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Some links:
Jojo Mayer's Official Website
Jojo Mayer at Drummer World

Mike Portnoy

Mike Portnoy! Wow! Yeah! That's a Drummer! Mike Portnoy was born on the 20th of April, 1967 and raised in Long Beach, New York, where his interest in music started. He said, "My father was a rock n' roll disc jockey, so I was always surrounded by music constantly. I had this huge record collection when I was real young and loved the Beatles and then later on Kiss. It was inevitable that I'd become a musician." Although Mike taught himself how to play the drums, he did take some music lessons in high school. During that time he began playing in local bands and after a while they released their own album. Mike left the band after being awarded a scholarship to attend Berklee Music College in Boston. An avid collector of many things, Mike has a vast array of Dream Theater memorabilia including bootlegs, posters, clippings and everything else under the sun with the bands name on it. He is also responsible for capturing everything the band does on video tape and DAT. His huge video collection includes favorite films as 2001, A Clockwork Orange, Jacob's Ladder and The Wall along with episodes of The Simpsons and memorable boxing matches. Mike says his biggest influences are drummer Neil Peart and the late Frank Zappa. Other favorites include drummers Terry Bozzio, Vinnie Colaiuta, and bands such as The Beatles, Queen, Yes, Metallica, Iron Maidon, and U2. Mike and his wife Marlene live in Rockland, NY. Mike has the biggest and hugest drumset, that man has ever seen!!! Take a look at the photos!

Some pictures:

Some links:
Mike Portnoy's Official Website
Mike Portnoy at Drummer World
Mike Portnoy at Wikipedia

Some mp3 and videos:
Solo 1 (mp3)
Solo 1 (video)
Solo 2 (video)

Carter Beauford

Carter Beauford! He grew up in a household full of music. Everything from jazz, gospel to the Beatles was played. For Carter Beauford, it all started when he was 3 years old when his father was going to a Buddy Rich concert, his father had to take little Carter with him. From the moment Carter laid eyes and ears upon Buddy Rich, he was facinated with Rich. After the concert, the young Carter took up drums and wanted to emulate Buddy Rich. I guess you could call Buddy Rich was Carter's idol when he was a young. Upon hearing his son's playing, Carter's father was impressed and bought him a Roy Rogers drum kit made with paper heads and tin shells. This was all Carter needed. So thanks to Carter's father for bringing this cool and wonderful drummer into the world! During his young years, Carter's major influences were Tony Williams, Papa Jo Jones, and Buddy Rich.
Throughtout his career, Carter has played with many different bands with various musical styles. Carter feels it is important to have an open mind musically and to expose oneself to different forms of music. Yes, to been on top, you surelly have to like and know all kind of music form. One band, besides the Dave Matthews Band, that Carter is very proud of was called, Secrets. So Carter is know the drummer of the Dave Matthews Band, in 2005 they had a big success!

Some pictures:


Some links:
Carter Beauford at Drummer World
Carter Beauford at Wikipedia

Some mp3 and videos:
Solo 1 (mp3)
Solo 2 (mp3)
Solo 1 (video)
Solo 2 (video)

Steve Gadd

Steve Gadd! On of todays the most influental drummer of our time. Steve Gadd was born in New York, April 9, 1945. His uncle was a drummer in the army, who encouraged him to start drumming. His first drum lessons was at the age 7, until 11. Then he started Studied music at Eastman College, Rochester, playing in wind ensemble and concert band, and at nights in a club with Chick Corea, Chuck Mangione, Joe Romano and Frank Pullara. After college, gone palying in the army and spent three years in a military band. After the army, worked with a big band in Rochester. 1972, formed a trio with Tony Levin and Mike Holmes, going to New York with it. After a while Gadd began to work extensively as a studio musician. 1970's and 1980's, toured internationally, recorded with Paul Simon. By the end of the 1970's Gadd was the most probably the most imitated drummer in the world. Gadd was recently in the studio with Clapton and will be touring with the guitar legend shortly. In September 2003 Gadd was honored by Zildjian with an American Drummer Achievement Award.

Some pictures:


Some links where you can find more information:
Steve Gadd Official Site
Steve Gadd at Drummer World
Steve Gadd at Wikipedia

Some videos and mp3s:
Solo 1 (mp3)
Solo 2 (mp3)
Solo 1 (video)
Solo 2 (video)

Steve Smith

Steve Smith! One of todays most respected and most appreciated drummer, for his perfect, correct and awesome play! Steve started drumming after at the age of 9 he was stunt by hearing marching bands in parades as a child in his native Massachusetts. Smith performed in the usual school bands and garage bands, but he also began to broaden his performing experience by playing in professional concert bands and even the big band at the local college. After high school, Smith began studying music at the famed Berklee College of Music. In 1974 Smith's professional career began in full, at 19 years old, he recenly played in many different types mostly in jazz, as he was a member of free-jazz group The Fringe. Over the past 15 years, Smith has played on many hits with such diverse artists as Mariah Carey, Bryan Adams, Zucchero, Smap and Savage Garden. Steve Smith plays Sonor drums, Zildjian cymbals.

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Some links for more information:
Steve Smith Official Website
Steve Smith at Drummer World

Benny Greb

Benny Greb! Another big drummer from Germany, with his cool grooves he charms everyone around him. Benny started playing drums when he was 6 years old, in the meantime he learn trumpet and piano. Untill he turned 12 he learn drumming alone, then he started taking drum lessons. He was studiing in the High School of Music and Theater in Hamburg. After finishing he started playing and touring around Germany with many rock and jazz bands. In 2003 Benny released a highly acclaimed DVD titled "Vorschlag" in which Benny introduces new grooves that never been played ever! Now he is workin solo careere, he is touring around Europe and perfoms many drum clinics that noone should skip. Benny was invited to The World Drum Festival. In 2005 Benny released a CD called "Grebfruit", another big hit from him! Benny recently got spot in the artist library of "Famous Drummers of Rock Jazz" in the category "Modern Drums". Benny playes Sonor drums and Meinl cymbals, Meinl Byzance and Generation X. Now he is lecently works as a teacher in Hamburg, an working solo and Live and Studio drummer. He is one of the new next generation drummers who in the future will define and revolutionize drumming.

His Drumset:
A: 14" Byzance Dark Hihat
B: 18" Byzance Thin Crash
C: 20" Byzance Dark Ride
D: 16" Byzance Thin Crash
E: 8" Amun Splash (Top)
8" Classics Bell (Bottom)
F: 12" Generation X Safari Hihat (Top)
14" Generation X Filter China (Bottom)
G: 18" Byzance China

+ Generation X Drumbals

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Some links where you can find more info:
Benny Greb's Official Website
Benny Greb at Drummer World
Cool Videos YouTube