Percussion Discussion Podcast

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

if you are enjoying our conversations - please leave us a rating and a review - Thank You

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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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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 ,