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What really happened when one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic drummers wasn’t on the guest list for his farewell gig? Legendary sticksman Tommy Aldridge recently opened up in a heartfelt video: “I wasn’t invited… and I’m not gonna crash someone else’s party.” No bitterness toward Ozzy, but plenty of questions from fans. We break down the “Back to the Beginning” event, why the focus stayed on Sabbath originals and later-era players like Tommy Clufetos, and the whispers about past tensions. Hear the full context of Aldridge’s words, revisit his killer work on Bark at the Moon and tours, and discuss if this was a missed opportunity for the ultimate Ozzy tribute. Heavy discussion for drummers and Sabbath/Ozzy diehards alike.

Alex Van Halen—the powerhouse drummer who anchored one of the most explosive bands in rock history while quietly shaping generations of players. Often overshadowed by his brother Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar wizardry, Alex Van Halen delivered a style that was equal parts raw power, impeccable groove, and musical intuition. Drawing from influences like John Bonham, Ginger Baker, and Buddy Rich, he blended big-band swing, behind-the-beat feel, and arena-rock bombast into something utterly unique. His playing didn’t just support the songs—it elevated them, turning Van Halen’s high-octane riffs into unstoppable anthems.

Dive into the century-long saga of one of America’s most iconic drum brands! What started as a Chicago banjo company—kicked off by founder H.H. Slingerland winning a music correspondence school in a legendary card game—exploded into the heartbeat of jazz, swing, and rock.

my take on drum why drum fills are so important.

This is how I teach the Purdy shuffle To my beginner to intermediate students. of course no one can teach it like the master: https://youtu.be/T1j1_aeK6WA

Snare sampling isn’t always the most popular choice these days, but I think it’s certainly a good choice for certain genres and songs. This is how I blended a snare sample on an R&B track.

One of the most influential Big Band / Jazz drummers, Gene Krupa played his last gig on this day in 1973 with the Benny Goodman Quartet. Reach me at [email protected]. https://youtu.be/Nu1teeixmpw https://youtu.be/j9J5Zt2Obko

All to often we work on the flash. We watch you tube and work on a fill or chop and forget about the song.

Make yourself valuable as a drummer. Keep those skills sharp. Do the 10x30 challenge. 10 minutes per day for 30 days. singles, doubles, paradiddles. Don’t get fired!

On this episode, I take you through the process of sampling Craig Parton's 7x14 maple Shelby edition snare.  I recorded it with low, medium, and high tuning.  Check it out on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8e3mJhnKic/ This snare is based on the 1960's Shelby Cobra by Ford.  Amazing Snare.

I found a drum track I recorded sometime back, and wanted to give the snare that classic 80's Gated Reverb effect.   This is about my process

1967 Ludwig supraphonic snare, and Yamaha tour custom maple snare.   I did not want to make this podcast a ( which is better) episode, but more of a comparison between two of the snares I use regularly.  In the end, it seems the Ludwig was a little more useful to me, but not by much. On this episode I have recordings (samples) of each direct and room.  I also added them in the context of a drum mix, and a mix with other instruments in a short song.   Mics used:  SM 57 -Direct Rhode NT 1- Room

Worked with a producer that wanted loops that sounded late 60’s funky. This is my ( on a budget) process

Drum stick Comparison.  Wood vs. Nylon Tip with examples.

In this Episode, we talk Ekits and Acoustic kits