Bruno Mars Plays Drums Behind Janelle Monae at The 53rd Annual Grammys

Just thought I would throw up a picture of Bruno Mars playing drums. He just played at The Grammys behind Janelle Monae. I’m pretty sure he wasn’t actually being heard, and that he was just playing the same stuff as his drummer (who was in the house speakers) but he sold it! It looked to me like he can actually hold it down though, so he gets my respect!

Aquarian’s Acoustic / Electronic Hybrid Head

I have noticed a common, and ever growing mission among drum companies in the last year or so, and that is to bridge the gap between electronic, and acoustic drums. Pearl made the most notable advance with their ePro Live kit, which made it’s debut at NAMM 2010. In case you are not familiar with the ePro Live kit, click HERE to view a previous post I did about the kit last year. Zildjian is also working on the cymbal side of things with their Gen 16 acoustic/electronic hybrid cymbal line.

The latest advance I’v caught wind of is in the realm of heads. Aquarian drum heads has partnered with MIDItronix to develop the inHEAD acoustic/electronic trigger head.

From what I gather, it works much like any midi trigger that pulls a sound out of your drum module, but the electronics that make it work are mounted in edge the of the head. It is a completely real head which does not sacrifice any feel, or size like a normal electronic pad. With this product, you can turn your existing acoustic kit into an electronic kit with no compromise!!

The head is coupled with the inBOX which plugs into your existing module. I’m not aware of all of the features of the box, but I’m excited to learn more about this potentially fantastic product! Click HERE to be taken to a product description on the Aquarian website.

Avenged Sevenfold A7X Announces New Drummer – Arin Ilejay

A7X has gone through quite a bit in the past 13 months. From the death of their drummer, Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, to releasing a #1 record, to touring with iconic, former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Many speculated that Mike would be inevitably asked to join the band after their tour, but A7X stuck to it’s original agreement with Mike, and sought out to find a permanent member. They have finally announced a drummer for their 2011 tour, and that drummer is Arin Ilejay.

Arin Ilejay’s most notable work was done with an LA based Metalcore band called Confide, with whom he recorded and toured from 2007 to 2009. Arin is about to embark on a major tour with Avenged Sevenfold, and the video below is of the song “Danger Line” from a show they did just a matter of days ago on January 20th with him. In my opinion, he sounds great! Click HERE to read the official statement released by the band announcing Arin’s involvement with A7X.

New Bass Drum Head From Remo – Powerstroke Pro

For quite some time, I struggled with my decision between Remo and Evans. Having used both of their heads extensively in both live, and recording situations, I ultimately decided that Remo gave me more of what I was looking for in terms of tone, dynamic response, and tune-ability. The Evans head that was by far the most difficult for me to switch from was the Emad bass drum batter head.

For this reason, I am stoked about Remo’s new bass drum batter, the Powerstroke Pro. It seems like their version of the Emad, and I can’t wait to hear how it sounds. Much like the Emad it has built in external dampening for sound control, and I anticipate good things. Check out the full specs on the head, plus a small video HERE.

Unfortunately the head won’t be available until March of this year. Can’t wait!!

My Favorite Drum Kits and New Products From the 2011 NAMM Show

I was lucky enough to get a pass for the NAMM show this year, and thought I would take some pictures of my favorite new products and kits from the show.

As you might know, NAMM is a trade show where all companies music come to display their latest and greatest products. Buyers come to check out these products, and potentially purchase them. Each company wants their booth to stand out, so drum companies usually have one huge, overly elaborate kit set up. I decided to take pics of my favorites so check them out!

The Kits

TAMA

This kit wrapped 360 degrees, and it was the largest kit at the show from what I saw

LUDWIG

Check out that suspended bass drum! It was hanging from wires attached to the ceiling.

DRUM WORKSHOP – DW

In case you didn’t know this is the latest Neil Peart kit. Keep in mind they endorse Terry Bozzio as well. How do they keep up!?

GRETCH

Speaking of Terry Bozzio, this is reminiscent of his cymbal set up. This rack was incredible.

PEARL

This kit was the hardest to capture in a picture. It was so tall I couldn’t seem to get it all in frame.

TRICK DRUMS

This kit was tiny but so cool! That metal wheel on the resonant bass drum head was slowly spinning, and their was smoke billowing from some of the metal tubing.

And now for my favorite new products from the show. Fyi I wanted to take more pictures but I ran out of room on my memory card! Its cool though, I still got some good ones.

The Products

Chad Smith’s Holy China: Sabian

This is Chad Smith’s signature china from Sabian. I haven’t tried it personally, but I definitely trust Chad Smith to put his name on great sounding stuff.

Corey Miller: Remo / Ludwig

As you may know, Corey Miller is first and foremost a tattoo artist. He does, however, play drums and designs killer artwork for them. Here is a picture of his signature snare drum through Ludwig, and his signature head by Remo.

Jarrah Snare Drums: Brady Drums / Chris Brady

“Triple Bass Pedal”: Dualist

The Vari-Tone and Qube Shakers: Latin Percussion – LP

Twenty Masters Series Cymbals: Paiste

I hope you enjoyed my NAMM show 2011 wrap up! As I said previously, I am going to try to post more as time goes on. Thanks for reading!

New Toys From A Few Of Our Favorite Drum and Cymbal Companies Making Their Debut at NAMM 2011

Well hey there! Before I get into all the 2011 NAMM fun, I must apologize for not posting in such a long time. I have been busy and distracted, but intend on posting more frequently from now on. Enough about that, let’s talk about all the new goodies our favorite drum/cymbal companies are rolling out for NAMM 2011!

Zildjian

Zildjian is rumored to debut a couple of additions to the Z3 series cymbals, more specifically to the China family. They will be adding 19″ and 21″ Ultra Hammered Chinas. Apparently Dave Matthews Band drummer Carter Beauford, Matt Nicholls of Bring Me The Horizon have been testing them on the road, and both have nothing but positive things to say about them. Click HERE to read their comments on DRUM! Magazine’s website. Many drummers are excited about Zildjian finally adding a 21″ China to their product list.

Yamaha

Yamaha has been offering their Gigmaker line of kits since Summer NAMM 2010, but they will definitely be pushing them in Anaheim at Winter NAMM as well. I’m not quite sure whether they will be making any new additions or alterations to the line for 2011, but it’s exciting nonetheless! These are great beginner kits and have some cool features including 5 unique glitter wrap finishes.

Brady

Chris Brady will be introducing many new one of a kind, limited edition block drums from hand selected timbers he has gathered in Western Australia on another one of his “Walkabout” adventures. All of his finds will appear at NAMM so I’ll attempt to get pics as soon as I can!

Mapex

Mapex has been offering its Falcon Series Bass Drum Pedals for quite some time now, but as of January the Falcon pedals are joining the direct drive family. Starting in 2011 the Falcon pedals will have interchangeable chain drive/direct drive properties. I don’t have many details about how it works yet, but will get them to you when I do.

There is also rumor of a new addition to the Black Panther series, and it’s not just another snare drum, but a whole kit! Below is a picture of Vera Figueiredo playing what appears to be the Black Panther kit at Pasic this year. Apparently Dom Famularo was playing one as well, and spectator comments seem to be nothing but positive from what I gather.

Those are the updates that have had the most buzz up to this point, and that I am personally the most excited about. I can’t wait to see what NAMM 2011 has in store for us!!

Ringo Starr Turns 70

On this day, July 7, 2010, Ringo Starr turned 70. I can’t imagine being a drummer and not knowing who Ringo is, but in case you aren’t familiar with him, he was the drummer for the Beatles. Ringo was, and is, a fantastic drummer. He has amazing creativity, and a great feel. He has composed some of the most signature and recognizable drum parts in existence today. He celebrated his birthday at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York at a “Peace and Love” movement.

I know I have not been updating at all lately, and for that I am sorry. I have grown increasingly busy in the last 6 months or so, and have been swamped with other commitments. I do intend to get back into posting regularly, and staying on top of the latest drum news, and general drumming awesomeness. As always I greatly appreciate you reading what I post, and I hope you will check back soon!

Slipknot’s “The Pig” Found dead in Iowa

Paul Gray, who was only 38 years of age, was found dead in his Iowa hotel early Monday morning. Gray was one of Slipknot’s 3 founding members along with Joey Jordison, and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and was one of the only members that remained in the band, and on the same instrument. He has been Slipknot’s bass player since the beginning, and has appeared on every record. Making this even more tragic is the fact that he and his wife were expecting a child. No cause of death has been announced. Click HERE to read a full article on the matter.

RIP Dio

Ronnie James Dio was one of metal’s all time great singers. Famous for his work with Black Sabbath, Rainbow, and his own band Dio among others, his career spanned decades. He died early Sunday morning at the age of 67 after battling stomach cancer for nearly a year. Read the full article HERE