Showing posts with label Drummer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Drummer. Show all posts

10.01.2018

DRUM LEGEND NEIL SMITH: NEW GREATEST HITS RELEASE KILLSMITH: HALLOWEEN!


This year marks the 10th anniversary of legendary Alice Cooper drummer & RnR Hall of Fame Inductee Neal Smith's first “KillSmith” solo CD. To celebrate, Neal has created a new 12 song compilation CD called “Neal Smith-KillSmith Halloween,” the best of KillSmith. It has 11 previously released KillSmith songs and features one brand new song called “Strychnine.”


2018 not only marks the golden 50th anniversary of the original Alice Cooper Group, but it also marks the 10th anniversary of my “KillSmith” solo project. Since my last solo album “KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire,” I have been wanting to put together a compilation CD of my scariest and best “KillSmith” songs.

I have chosen 11 of my songs plus a brand new bonus track called "Strychnine,” it's a killer! Get your downloads or CD's today! Happy Halloween to all of my sick things around the world! Play my “KillSmith Halloween” loud and let it scare the “HELL” out of you! - Neal Smith


Neal Smith is best known worldwide for his innovative drumming and outrageous stage antics with the original Alice Cooper Group. His solid drumming is the hallmark sound behind such classic 1970's Alice Cooper hits as “School's Out,” “I'm Eighteen,” “Billion Dollar Babies” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” Neal is also a prolific songwriter, who helped pen many of the group's best known songs.

Alice Cooper was the first band to introduce theatrics to the rock and roll stage, the group has sold over 25 million records worldwide. Neal has six gold and five platinum records to his credit and has performed before millions on extensive grand world tours from the late 1970's to the present.

Smith's trademark drum style can be heard on additional albums, including the Billion Dollar Babies Band “Battle Axe,” The Plasmatics “Beyond The Valley Of 1984,” Buck Dharma “Flat Out,” Deadringer “Electrocution Of The Heart,” Bouchard, Dunaway and Smith “Back From Hell” and “BDS Live In Paris,” Cinematik “Cinematik” and “One Full Moon Away.”

And Neal's most recent critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith. Neal's KillSmith CD's “Sexual Savior,” “KillSmith Two” and “KillSmith & The Greenfire Empire,” garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide.


KillSmith Halloween” Track List

EVIL VOODOO MOON
DEATH BY THE NUMBERS
HOW DO YOU BLEED
CEMETERY OF THE DAMNED
SQUEEZE LIKE A PYTHON
THE KILLSMITH OVERTURE
THRILL THRILL THRILL SHOOT TO KILL
DIE FOR THE NIGHT
PANDEMONIUM
STRYCHNINE
DYNASTY OF DARKNESS
MONSTERS IN THE ATTIC

www.nealsmithrocks.com
https://www.facebook.com/NealsmithRocks

1.31.2018

DETROIT DRUMMER MIKKI STEVENS HAS DIED

Mikki Stevens Rikki St James Sirius Trixon Glenn Dean and Jim Jam photo: S. Rynski

MIKKI STEVENS: R.I.P.

Detroit rock drummer Mikki Stevens (Michael J. Gerbino) passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, January 25, 2018, at the age of 64 while undergoing treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.

Mikki and Rikki rip (photo: retrokimmer.com 2013)

Mikki Stevens was the former drummer for the legendary Detroit rock band Sirius Trixon & The Motor City Bad Boys, he replaced Dennis "Machinegun" Thompson of the MC5. He also played drums with Johnny Angelos & The Reputations, Moose & Da Sharks, The Motor City Rockers and The Randy Volin Blues Band.


photo: S. Rynski

Mikki Stevens will be sadly missed by his friends in the Detroit music community and those who shared his passion for restoring vintage cars.

Memorial Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons funeral home, 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile Road), Sterling Heights, Michigan on Saturday, February 3rd at 7:30pm. Visitation from 3-5pm and 7-9pm

6.17.2017

DRUM LEGEND CORKY LAING PLAYS MOUNTAIN AT THE TOKEN LOUNGE!


Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce and Laing is performing the music of Mountain at the Token Lounge in Westland on July 7, 2017!

Corky Laing, the powerhouse drummer of the legendary bands Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing is taking Mountain’s music back on the road. Since 2015 Corky has infrequently played in Europe and the US as Corky Laing plays Mountain. The audiences’ response to Corky’s passion, energy and respect for the music has been enthusiastic and a momentum has been building. Spring and summer of 2017 see Corky embark on a World tour.

“… ‘Mississippi Queen’ was, of course, a highlight, but seldom have I seen a drummer dominate a set with such panache, and such deft use of the high hat and cowbell. There’s just not enough in rock these days. A true ‘giant of rock’.”


Corky Laing Plays Mountain Spring and Summer 2017 World Tour!

05/10 - Blue Notez, Dortmund, Germany
05/11 - De Pul, Uden, Netherlands
05/12 - KultBahnhof, Gifhorn, Germany
05/13 - Maria’s Ballroom, Hamburg, Germany
05/15 - Meisenfrei, Bremen, Germany
05/17 - Yard Club, Köln, Germany
05/18 - Beavers, Miltenberg, Germany
05/19 - Blues Club Chiemgau, Rimsting, Germany
05/20 - Rockjungfer, Arnstadt, Germany
06/02 - Beverly (N. Boston), MA - 9 Wallis
06/03 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
06/05 - Raleigh, NC - Kings
06/06 - Wilmington, NC - Reggies
06/08 - Atlanta, GA - Southern Comfort
06/09 - Hattiesburgh, MS - Thirsty Hippo
06/10 - New Orleans, LA - Siberia
06/11 - Houston, TX - White Oak
06/13 - San Antonio, TX - Sam’s Burger Joint
06/14 - Austin, TX - Barracuda
06/16 - Denver, CO - Electric Funeral Fest
06/17 - Santa Fe, NM - Boxcar
06/18 - Phoenix, AZ - Club Red
06/20 - San Diego, CA - Brick By Brick
06/21 - Los Angeles, CA - Regent
06/23 - San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside
06/24 - Sacramento, CA - Starlite
06/26 - Portland, OR - Dante’s
06/27 - Seattle, WA - El Corazon
07/01 - Calgary, AB - Palomino
07/04 - Madison, WI - High Noon
07/05 - Chicago, IL - Reggies
07/06 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
07/07 - Detroit, MI - Token Lounge
07/08 - Toronto, ON - Garrison
07/09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Cattivo
8/11/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
8/12/2017 Underground, Stockholm, Sweden
(More dates to be announced.)

More on Corky
www.corkylaingworks.com
Corky on Facebook
www.facebook.com/corkylaing

4.22.2015

SCOOTA WARNER NEW RELEASE: VIGNETTES

Skoota Warner


Skoota Warner To Release New Album 'Vignettes' June 23rd 2015

Featuring DJ Logic, C-Rayz Walz, David Fuiczynski, Hot Tuna and More

April 22nd, 2015 - New York, NY Skoota Warner has been called "The Drummer's Drummer" due to his ability to play anything from ballads to rock, funk to R&B, pop to hip-hop, jazz to blues and everything in-between. All of these influences, and the help of a few good friends, created his new solo album 'Vignettes.' 

The musicians who collaborated in the process are as diverse as one could expect from DJ Logic to Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna who said “Skoota Warner is one of the very best rock drummers I have ever worked with, and I’ve worked with plenty over the last 50 years. Whether Skoota is behind the kit or in front of the band… quite simply, he gets it done… every time!  That’s right… every time! It was an honor for him to ask me to play on his session. I’ll do it again any time!"
Recorded at OWG Studio and Home Studios in New York City ,  ‘Vignettes’ is a collection of songs that Skoota describes as an eclectic mix of rhythms and genres of music that have greatly influenced him:  “It’s a labor of love composed of snippets of everything I love.”  A truly collaborative effort with a diverse group of guests, the album was created both via file sharing and live in the studio.

Also on the record is David Fiuczynski of Screaming Headless Torsos:  “Working with Skoota is an absolute blast!  He plays with this infectious joy and has the greasiest, most beautiful pocket in the business!  As far as I’m concerned, Skoota is the Cadillac of drummers!!!”
Click here to play Man Of Value (Cleared for posting):



After high school Skoota moved to New York City to chase his drumming dreams. He started out as a street musician playing for tips in front of The Plaza Hotel.  Here, he caught the attention of Pepeu Gomes and Baby Consuelo, Brazil’s top pop artists.  At only 18, Skoota left for Brazil where he played gigs with Pepeu and recorded several albums.  

After two years, he returned to New York, sharp from his South American experiences, landing him gigs with blues musicians Johnny Copeland and Johnny Johnson as well as joining the house band for the famed Apollo Theater’s Amateur Night; backing up R & B, Funk, and Hip-Hop talents such as Keith SweatBig Daddy KaneBiz MarkieDoug E. Fresh, and Special Ed.  Skoota became known for his impromptu breakbeat rhythms on stage.

In 1989, Omar Hakim, New York’s premier session drummer chose Skoota to be the drummer for hisRhythm Deep Project. “Skoota nails it,” said Hakim. “He’s a Drummer’s Drummer!”

In 1996 Skoota released his first solo record 'NGA Style' on Popular/Radikal Records which charted on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles.  The same year, he and three other friends formed the band Ra, an alternative metal band that saw success with the release of their first EP after WAAF in Boston championed the band by putting their track Do You Call My Name into heavy rotation. This led to their debut album for Univeral Records 'From One' getting to #14 on the Billboard 200 in 2003. 

Since the nineties, Skoota has played for some of the hottest artists of all time - SantanaThe B’52's,Lionel RichieCyndi LauperMary J. BligePatrick Stump, the Brecker BrothersMatisyahu,Yerba Buena and Philippe Saisse. He was also a member of Dave Koz & The Kozmos, the house band for The Emeril Lagasse Show. In 2009, he began touring with Jefferson Airplane founding members, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bassist Jack Casady of Hot Tuna fame and also currently plays in Cyndi Lauper's band.

Why such a long wait to make another solo album? Skoota explains: "I write music all the time and really missed recording and producing my own songs. I’ve experienced a lot personally and musically over the past twenty years and felt the time was right to put out another CD.  Getting to work with my very talented friends was fantastic and made the project come to life."



 Vignettes Tracklisting:

1. Odyssey 

2.  Man of Value (Feat. C-Rayz Walz and Sahaj Ticotin)

3.  Still in Love (Feat. C-Rayz Walz and Kelli Sae)

4. Deserving Heart (Feat. Kelli Sae)

5. MoBo (Feat. David Fiuczynski, DJ Logic and Kelli Sae)

6. Al and Oscar

7.  U Oughta Know (Feat. Donna Angelle)

8.  U Oughta Jam

9.  Ensemble of ArtJah (Feat. DJ Logic)

10.  B.I.G. C-Rayz (Feat. C-Rayz Walz and DJ Logic)

11. Before I Let Go My Zydeco (Feat. Donna Angelle and Sara Devine)

12.  About This Love (Feat. Kelli Sae)

13.  Changes (Feat. Karen Bernod and Kelli Sae)

14.  Quimfuze (Feat. David Fiuczynski, DJ Logic)

15.  Without a Melody

16.  Nothing Left  (Feat. DJ Logic, C-Rayz Walz and Kelli Sae )

17.  Mo' MoBo (Feat. Hot Tuna)


1.30.2015

CARMINE AND VINNY APPICE: DRUM WARS LIVE!


Drum Legends Carmine & Vinny Appice Release New 'Drum Wars Live' Video - “Stand Up And Shout!”

Los Angeles, CA - Drummers and music fans worldwide are buzzing with excitement about the new live CD track and music video by drum legends, brothers, Carmine & Vinny Appice, titled “Stand Up And Shout!” Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell.

Check out the new video here: http://youtu.be/pVzzh4MDeok



Recently, these two drum virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars”, featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June 2014 at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records. Along with Carmine and Vinny, the 'Drum Wars Live' CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!

“After a bunch of friends and fans gave us a bunch of footage and photos from our 'Drum Wars' shows we decided to put together a video from our live CD. The 'Stand Up And Shout' video is a good representation of what 'Drum Wars' is – a kick-ass show!” - Carmine Appice

Here's what's being said about the new video:

“A full force drum battle complete with showmanship, sight gags, musicianship, power and sibling rivalry, captured on video.” - Radio Chick. Talk show host NYC

“STAND UP AND SHOUT. Powerful and relentlessly appealing! A Metal Anthem with overtones of DIO and Cactus from two of the most powerful drummers in the world.” - Allan Handelman, Show and Syndicated Show “Rock Talk”. www.ifitrocks.com

“Stand for Vinnie... Shout for Carmine... Drum Wars thunders with double the power and double the punch! Drum Wars battles through the legendary drumming brothers' catalog and rocks you with shock and awe!” - A.J. Fritz Host of Fritzrocks WLVR FM

“This percussive pair will pulverize you with their paradiddles during Drum Wars on stage and on CD. Experience it while you can!”

On The Air & In The Wind, Fingers

“Drum Wars is a quick, fun listen that freshens riffs and energizes lyrics while keeping the songs relevant and fast paced. It's an easy beginning to end listen.”
- Orlando Mornings 943 The Shark,
Brian Orlando, Morning Show Host 943 The Shark

For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/

“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice



“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice

More 'Drum Wars Live' tour dates are currently in the works for March and beyond. Also, coinciding with the 'Drum Wars Live' CD release was a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, and lots more!! For details, visit:
http://www.metalallstars.com/

This January, Vinny Appice will be embarking on the Extreme Guitar 2015 North American Tour featuring Uli Jon Roth, Vinnie Moore, Craig Goldy, Elliott Rubinson, Vinny Appice, Mark Boals!

Extreme Guitar 2015 North American Tour Dates
Jan 21 Ramona, CA
Jan 22 Anaheim, CA
Jan 23 Hollywood, CA
Jan 24 Las Vegas, NV
Jan 25 San Jose, CA
Jan 26 Portland, OR
Jan 27 Seattle, WA
Jan 29 Moorehead, MN
Jan 30 Spring Lake Park, MN
Jan 31 St Charles, IL
Feb 01 Chicago, IL
Feb 02 Detroit, MI
Feb 03 Toronto, ON
Feb 04 Cleveland, OH
Feb 05 Hartford, CT
Feb 06 Londonderry, NH
Feb 07 Pougkeepsie, NY
Feb 08 New York, NY
Feb 09 Springfield, VA

For more information:
www.vinnyappice.com
www.drumwars.com
www.carmineappice.com
www.cactusrocks.net
www.therodexperience.com

11.23.2014

CARMINE AND VINNY APPICE: DRUM WARS LIVE!

 

Drum Heroes Carmine & Vinny Appice Go Head-To-Head On The New Release Drum Wars Live!

Los Angeles, CA - Drumming demi-gods Carmine & Vinny Appice have both had extraordinary careers behind the drum kit, beginning with Carmine’s tenure in such legendary classic rock bands as Vanilla Fudge and Cactus as well as supporting stints with Rod Stewart and Ozzy Osbourne. Meanwhile, younger brother Vinny made his name as a metal drummer for monster acts such as Dio, Black Sabbath and Heaven & Hell. Recently, these two virtuosos have been wowing audiences with their own rock show called “Drum Wars,” featuring not only the hits of their associated bands but also a thrilling series of solos that pit them against each other like the Gene Krupa/Buddy Rich drum battles of yore. Fortunately for us mere mortals, this unique concert experience was recorded in June of this year at the Iridium in New York and is now available on CD courtesy of Deadline Music and Rocker Records.

Along with Carmine and Vinny, the Drum Wars Live CD features Jim Crean, Ethan Brosh and James Caputo!

For those unsure of their ability to withstand the aural assault that the Appice brothers bring, a free downloadable track from the album has been made available on the Rocker Records website. Visit here: http://rockerrecords.bandcamp.com/

“When me and Vinny play together we push each other to our limits. Either while drum battling or playing great songs from our history on this CD, while backed up with a great band behind us!” - Carmine Appice

“A CD of great music and drums that punch with power and energy.” - Vinny Appice

Coinciding with this exciting release is a series of European shows featuring both Carmine & Vinny performing alongside a jaw-dropping list of metal vocalists and musicians. Dubbed the Metal All-Stars, this year’s crop includes Black Label Society’s Zakk Wylde, Anthrax’s Joey Belladonna, Geoff Tate formerly of Queensrÿche, Dave Ellefson of Megadeth, James LaBrie of Dream Theater, Testament’s Chuck Billy and lots more! For details, visit: http://www.metalallstars.com/

To order the CD on Amazon: http://geni.us/1HXY

Track List:
1. Intro
2. The Mob Rules
3. Drum Wars
4. Holy Diver
5. We Rock
6. The Flintstones
7. Carmine Solo
8. Bark At The Moon
9. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy
10. Drum Wars Part 2
11. Vinny Solo
12. Stand Up And Shout / Heaven And Hell
13. Crazy Train

10.07.2014

ALICE COOPER DRUMMER NEAL SMITH HAS A NEW RELEASE!

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith

Alice Cooper Drum Legend Neal Smith Releases 'KillSmith And The Greenfire Empire' - The Last Rock Opera

Westport, CT – From Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame drummer, song writer and founding Alice Cooper band member, comes his latest killer album. Neal’s most recent album, the third in his critically acclaimed solo project KillSmith series that has garnered praise from fans and critics worldwide.
 

And now, Neal takes his ferocious brand of rock and roll to another level! This time “KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire” weaves a tapestry of musical styles to tell the “GreenFire” story along with a little help from his friends.

Is this conceptual heavy metal adventure, being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie? The story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes “Diablos the Emerald King” the most ruthless, furious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins.
 
The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called “GreenFire.” As GreenFire’s deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called “Blue Soul Land.” The havoc it creates in “Blue Soul Land” and with grave consequences it unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero who’s nicknamed “KillSmith.” “GreenFire Born Of Poison” is the first single off of the album.

Says Neal, “My newest album/CD "KillSmith & The GreenFire empire" is my first concept album since the glory gory days of the band “Alice Cooper.” It’s a story of a poor boy who grows up in the jungles of South America, then becomes “Diablos the Emerald King” the most ruthless, ferocious and powerful drug lord in the world. As a young boy Diablos discovers an ancient secret that has been hidden for thousands of years in pre-Columbian jungle ruins.



The secret he discovers is an ancient sacrificial drug called “GreenFire.” As GreenFire’s deadly addiction spreads like wildfire around the globe, it reaches a country called “Blue Soul Land.” The havoc it creates in “Blue Soul Land” unleashes the rage of a retired Special Ops Military hero nicknamed “KillSmith” with grave consequences. Is "KillSmith & The GreenFire empire," the new heavy metal concept adventure CD being dubbed the last Rock Opera, destined to become a movie?”
 
KillSmith & The GreenFire Empire features: Neal Smith, lead vocals, backing vocals, drums, percussion, rhythm guitar and synthesizer. Peter Catucci, bass guitar, backing vocals and lead vocals on “Noelle No Wonder.” Very special guests performances by Lady Elizabeth Dellinger, backing vocals and intro lead vocals on “I Want Money.” Kevin Franklin, lead guitar. Pete “Keys” Hickey, synthesizer and keyboards.

The amazing Hubert Martin lead vocals on “Good Morning Blue Soul Land.” Joe Meo, saxophone. Rick Tedesco, lead guitar, rhythm guitar and backing vocals. Doug Wahlberg, lead guitar.


"In April of 2014 the documentary movie “Super Duper Alice Cooper” was premiered at the New York’s Tribeca Film Festival."



2014 has been a great year for the five members of the original Alice Cooper band. In February the Super Audio CD “SACD” was released for the bands “Billion Dollar Babies” album. The bands album that reached number one topping the record charts in April 1972 in Billboard, Record World and Cash Box magazines.



The film festival also premiered the movie “Super Minch.” The amazing story about the Alice Cooper bands illustrious manager and friend, Shep Gordon.


6.28.2014

BIG DRUM BONANZA DRUM CAMP LIVE JULY 2-6

 

Oxnard, CA - Six of the world’s top drummers will be featured on DrumChannel.com’s live, daily webcasts of Thomas Lang’s “Big Drum Bonanza” drum camp from July 2-6 at 5:30 PM (Pacific Time).

The free, hour-long shows— which can be accessed from computers and mobile devices virtually anywhere on the planet— will include appearances by Thomas Lang (stOrk), Chris Coleman (Prince), Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders), Aquiles Priester (Hangar), Derek Roddy (Hate Eternal) and Gergo Borlai (Tribal Tech) as well as special guest John Tempesta (The Cult). Each show will offer a wrap-up of the day’s educational activities as well as discussions and performances by the all-star faculty.

To celebrate the “Big Drum Bonanza”/Independence Day weekend, Drum Channel is also giving drummers a special, limited time opportunity to become members of the award-winning www.DrumChannel.com community. From July 1 through 7, unlimited access to hundreds of Drum Channel lessons and shows by drummers such as Thomas Lang, Gregg Bissonette, Terry Bozzio, Chad Smith, Stewart Copeland, Tony Royster, Jr., Peter Erskine, Dave Elitch, Luke Holland, Cobus Potgieter and many more is available for a full year at the reduced price of $49.90.

The special “Big Drum Bonanza” deal not only provides 2 months of membership at no charge, it also includes a free $25 gift card good for downloads at Drum Channel’s online store. The gift card can be used independently or to augment Drum Channel’s online lessons with downloads of popular DVD content by Daniel Glass, Danny Seraphine, Buddy Rich, JR Robinson, Tony Royster, Jr. and Neil Peart, to name just a few.

Learn from the best and improve your drumming over the Fourth Of July weekend by tuning in to “The Big Drum Bonanza Live” shows and signing up for unlimited Drum Channel membership at a great price at www.DrumChannel.com. For more information on the Big Drum Bonanza or to purchase Guest Passes for the Big Drum Bonanza Live! at Drum Channel studios, please visit www.muso-mart.com

Drum Channel is a state-of-the-art provider of a wide variety of interactive drum education content, including www.drumchannel.com which features 100’s of lessons, lesson plans and live events as well as Drum Channel’s traditional DVDs and Digital Video Downloads (available at http://www.drumchannel.com/store).

6.23.2014

MOUNTAIN DRUMMER CORKY LAING WINS BONZO BASH LEGEND AWARD


Drum Legend Corky Laing Is Presented The 'Bonzo Bash Legend Award' 
At John Bonham's Bonzo Bash By Kiss's Peter Criss!

“As the drummer for Mountain, Corky Laing shares the title as one of the best players of his genre. He's also the same good guy he used to be.” – Levon Helm

NYC - Much to the excitement of drummers worldwide, one of rock's icons, drum legend Corky Laing, recently received the prestigious 'Bonzo Bash Legend Award' at the Bergen PAC in New Jersey on May 31st. The award was presented by original Kiss drummer Peter Criss!

Corky & Peter Criss

Corky says, “It was a tremendous honor and a total surprise when Peter Criss (from Kiss) presented the 'Legend Award' to me at the John Bonham 'Bonzo Bash'. And to receive the award in front of all these brilliant drummers was a real rush. There seems to be a kind of 'magical crazy glue' that keeps the drumming community tightly wrapped. It's not like the 'Super Bowl of drumming', there is no competition.

Every drummer has his/her own uniqueness. We aspire to reach out while digging deep with a passion to become the very best. I humbly believe in receiving this award I'm being recognized for doing just that. Every day for me is another downbeat, and what a joy it is to live and breath it. It may sound a bit out there, but that's exactly how I feel when I play. I am sincerely in love with my 'all consuming mistress', my beautiful drum kit!”



As well as Mountain, Laing has recorded with a long list of legendary artists including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Bo Diddley and Ozzy Osbourne. He has performed with Meat Loaf, Gov’t Mule, the Allman Brothers, Voivod, Teenage Head and dozens of others. And according to Modern Drummer magazine, Corky Laing “has done as much as anyone in Western culture to turn the cowbell into a rock ’n roll staple”.

This prolific artist is busier than ever. His latest project, 'Playing God', a rock opera created with Matti Häyry and Tuija Takala from Finland, premiered in Basel, Switzerland, and Paris, France in 2013. Recently, in the early spring of 2014, the rock opera was performed in Helsinki, Finland. Laing wrote the music for the album, and is the Musical Director in the stage performances where he also performs a key role, LUKE, who plays drums and sings. The 'Playing God' CD was released on GONZO Multimedia on July 15, 2013.


Check out Corky's upcoming appearance!

Corky Laing “Under The Rock”
Friday June 27 2014 at 8pm
Guild Hall- East Hampton, NY

Corky Laing flies solo… recounting his rock ’n roll life in words and music.

Montreal native Corky Laing, co-founder of iconic supergroups Mountain and West, Bruce & Laing, comes out from behind the drums and spills all about the Golden Age of Rock, which wasn’t always quite so golden… An era when rock stars were bigger than life, in spite of the fact that many of their lives spun out of control.



Laing, who wrote the platinum-selling rock anthem, “Mississippi Queen”, chronicles his life from his innocent early days on the Montreal sock-hop circuit (Bartholomew Plus 3 and Energy) to the pinnacle of rock 'n roll.

On June 27, 2014, Laing, whose skills on the skins are matched only by his wit and candour, will relate how he climbed up and fell down with some of the rock world's most prominent luminaries… but it's not all talk. Corky will show us exactly how and why he is one of the most acclaimed drummers in the music business. And he took it all in from UNDER THE ROCK!

When: June 27, 2014
Where: Guild Hall - East Hampton, NY (in The John Drew Theatre in the Dina Merrill Pavilion at Guild Hall)
158 Main Street
East Hampton, New York 11937
631-324-0806
Tickets online at GuildHall.org or at Box Office 631-324-4050; theatermania.com; or 866-811-4111

5.13.2014

SHEA SPENCE: POUNDING ROCK BEAT BEHIND MANY COLORED DEATH

 

Shea Spence is a drummer in a hard rock band.  Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and a desire to defy the stereotype of what a female in a modern rock band should look, act, and sound like.


Her nickname is “The Thundercat” and it’s a title she earned by turning heads across the Midwest as one third of the power trio, The Many Colored Death. It happens every show.


You see the skeptical glances and whispers as she sets up her kit. Then she plays a few measures during sound check and heads start to turn. When the band kicks into its opening number the jaws begin to drop. Like clockwork, they are all blown away and she has not just broken, but pulverized their collective preconceived notions about how a female drummer should play.... SEE EPK



2.07.2014

DETROIT'S TOP ROCK DRUMMERS!


A band's only as good as its drummer..some of the very best in the world are from Detroit...Not in any particular order..

Please do post your favorite Detroit drummer videos in the comment section below....


PART TWO will feature the younger drummers and up and coming as well...


12.19.2013

THE ROCKETS FILLMORE SHOW DEC 28

The Rockets Photo:Marty Rickard

 L to R Johnny "Bee" Badanjek, Mike Marshall, Joey Gaydos, Jim Edwards, Danny Taylor, Phil "Greasy" Carlisi 

The legions of Detroit rock fans are overjoyed that The Rockets will be playing 4 new tunes, live at the Fillmore on December 28.

Yes.. there have been some changes in the lineup.  

So what? This will no doubt prove to be a stellar show with Jim Edwards out front giving it everything he's got and that's plenty.  The new team have played a huge part in the Detroit rock scene forever. (read more below)

The Rocket's playlist contains a ton of tunes written by Johnny Bee Badanjek..his beat continues to astound us no matter what band he is in or what their NAME is...It doesn't matter...the fans will continue to support Detroit's hard working, hard rocking and bad ass musicians...(RK)



Live Nation presents The Rockets at The Filmore on Saturday Night December 28th. We haven't taken any promo shots yet because we've been so busy in the studio. This is the cover of our new four song EP Greetings From Detroit which will be put up on I-Tunes and Amazon and many other Internet sites with a week or so... stay tuned..

The band will be recording more songs and adding onto the tracks we already have. It's some smokin' hot Detroit Shimmy. Live Nation will announce opening bands in the days to come.

Johnny “Bee” Badanjek, along with Jim Edwards (lead vocals), and Danny Taylor (keyboards) are thrilled to announce new band members;

Mike Marshall (bass). Mike Marshall (bass) has lent his musical virtuosity to hundreds of recording sessions and toured with The Motor City Mutants, Torpedoes, Rob Tyner (MC5), Catfish Hodge, Johnny Bassett. Joe Weaver, Alberta Adams, and many other Detroit acts.

Phil “Greasy” Carlisi (guitar) Sirius Trixon & The Motor City Bad Boys, legendary Stooges' members Ron and Scott Asheton (Destroy All Monsters) and toured extensively in the States and abroad with rock-a-billy musician, Robert Gordon, and British guitarist, Chris Spedding. Carlisi has been a mainstay player in the Detroit music scene for over 35 years.

Joey Gaydos (lead guitar), also a Detroit music veteran, has played with rock heavies Rob Tyner (MC5), Cub Koda and the Points (Brownsville Station). Gaydos built a loyal Detroit fan base with his bands, Mugsy, and Weapons and has a reputation for his showmanship and incendiary lead guitar prowess in the Midwest.

12.18.2013

DETROIT DRUMMER RICKY LAWSON PASSED AWAY TODAY


Sadly..Ricky Lawson passed away today Dec. 18th 2013 from a stroke ...

The Yellow Jackets

Today the music community lost a great soul in the form of Ricky Lawson. A native Detroiter, Ricky Lawson was an extraordinary drummer, always on the cutting edge, Ricky's performances were always mesmerizing. His list of who he has performed with reads, like a who's who of greatest music artists. I met Ricky while he was playing with Whitney Houston.



I had heard of him through the normal channels, all of us Detroit musicians are sorta privy to when one of us leave Detroit to wander the world. He was a founding member of The Yellowjackets, I was blessed to play with him on one of The Winans' tours.

He has toured with Michael Jackson, Genesis,Steely Dan and countless others. I'm surely going to miss this young man as a dear friend and brother, and the world will miss the rhythm of his presence.

Farewell my friend, David Winans II


David Winans II is the eldest son of the famed Gospel group the Winans family. David is a well respected guitarist, composer, producer and was a close friend of Ricky Lawson.
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