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Steve Moore, aka the Mad Drummer

After Woodstick I flew to Belgium to perform at the Adams Drummers Festival. There I performed with Benny Greb, Mark Schulman, and Keith Carlock, and suffered the incredible disposition of following Thomas Lang! Very few drummers could follow a monster like Thomas and claim victory, and I’m certainly no exception. However, I did manage to regain a little steam when Mike Portnoy decided to jump onstage with me to help close the show. Closing a show of that magnitude, alongside a legend like Mike Portnoy, is not something I’ll soon forget!

When I stepped off the plane there was a driver waiting to take me to the hotel. I arrived at 1:00 a.m. and went straight to bed, as I had to be on the set at 7:30 a.m. Once on the set, they shuttled me back and forth from wardrobe to makeup while introducing me to people along the way. Every person I encountered seemed to be in a great mood and happy to see me. That made all the difference, as I was obviously out of my element and a nervous wreck!

Next they took me to the warehouse, where a drum battle between me and Brian Baumgartner, who plays the role of Kevin Malone, would be filmed. Waiting for me was a beautiful red sparkle Ludwig drumset fitted with Sabian cymbals. I was then introduced to my drum tech for the day, Gordon Peeke, as well as to Brian and to Paul Lieberstein, who, in additon to being a writer/executive producer on the series, plays the character of Toby Flenderson. After making a few adjustments to the drums, we started working out ideas for the drum battle. Everyone was open to ideas and extremely patient and kind-hearted.

After lunch we went back the warehouse and began rehearsing the other songs for the show. The band had already worked out the arrangements the day before, so it was very easy for me to slide right in. A few minutes later I met the writers and the rest of the cast. Interestingly, the actors were very similar to the characters they play on the show. They were all very lighthearted and a lot of fun to be around.

As I turned around, James Spader, who plays the roll of company CEO Robert California, suddenly greeted me. He was very polite yet very inquisitive about the “Drummer at the Wrong Gig” video. He immediately began asking me questions about my background and the way I perform. At first I was extremely intimidated by him, because James carries a “presence,” much like Jack Nicholson or Al Pacino. He takes his job very seriously, and knows exactly what he wants. However, after the initial shock wore off, I really enjoyed talking with him. He’s a huge jazz and big band swing fan. In the end, he was a very charming fellow with a real appreciation of music history, as well as being a phenomenal actor.

While sitting on the plane headed toward Indiana, I couldn’t help but feel a little sad. The day had gone by at such a fast pace that I hadn’t really taken it all in. I felt like a little kid on the last day of summer camp. I had made a lot of new friends and shared some terrific moments…but it was time to go.

For more on Steve Moore, go to www.themaddrummer.com . 

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An interview with Steve Moore, the Mad Drummer

By Kiko Martinez on Sun, Jun 6, 2010 at 6:09 pm

San Antonio Current contributing writer

[email protected]

Drummer Steve Moore had no idea a show he performed at an amusement park in Elysburg, PA would resurface online two years later making him a viral video sensation. Since it was first posted on June 1, 2010, the video titled “ This Drummer is at the Wrong Gig ” has received nearly 1.6 million views (as of June 6) .

Moore, who calls himself the Mad Drummer ( www.maddrummerinc.com ), is featured on the video with his band Rick K and the Allnighters covering the ZZ Top song “Sharp Dressed Man.” Dressed themselves in glittery, mustard-colored tuxedos, the group doesn't look much different than any other variety show band you would see performing in a bowling alley lounge or at a wedding in the 80s. Even for the first few seconds of the song, the Allnighters sound like a typical cover band channeling Billy Gibbons and his crew. Then something happens: Moore simply goes mad.

Flailing his drumsticks around like a windmill on acid, Moore slams on his drum set without missing a beat. All attention is quickly diverted past his more traditional band mates and onto Moore who admits that long ago he “decided against the cookie cutter approach and tried to be as over the top as possible.”

During an interview with me, Moore, who has been playing with Rick K and the Allnighters since 1997, talked about his style of playing, where he pulls all the energy for his performances, and what he thinks about the online consensus that says he should find another band that matches his skill level.

When did you realize this video was online and that it had blown into such an online phenomenon?

About a week ago people began sending me emails telling me they saw the video. I didn't think much about it at first. I just assumed it was mostly drummers passing it along to other drummers. Then more and more people started passing it around and it just went nuts.

In your biography online you mention a theory you have that audiences tend to “hear with their eyes.” Can you explain that to me a bit more and how you use that in your performances?

You just said it: “In your performance.” People tend to forget that you are performing! Take Elvis for example. Don't misunderstand me, Elvis was a fine singer, but he was a great performer! Do you honestly think he would have enjoyed that kind of success had he just sat there on a chair? People want to see something at a show. If that were not the case, national artists would save millions on staging, lights, pyro, props, fog machines...all of which, have nothing to do with “music.” However, it has everything to do with a “show.”

Your style of drumming isn't usually associated with a variety show band like Rick K and the Allnighters. After 13 years with them, do you still feel like you “fit in” with the group?

I'm very grateful the video has gone viral, and I'm equally happy that so many people are getting a kick out of it. However, it was designed to be that way. It's no secret that I don't really play like a normal drummer. (Laughs) So Rick was open enough to showcase what I have to bring the table. If he wanted a “normal” drummer, he would simply hire one! He loves all that stuff.

The video that is circulating is being called “this drummer is at the wrong gig.” How does it make you feel that people out there are saying you are a mismatch with your band and that you are more talented than your band mates?

Well, you have to remember, they're judging a 90 minute show, on one song. Like any show, it has peeks and valleys, up tempo stuff and ballads. It's not really fair to crucify the other guys for giving me the chance to shine a little. Keep in mind, I'm a drummer! Drummers are generally told to just sit there and be quiet. You also have to remember the band performs 200 shows a year. That's not an easy thing to make happen without some talent.

Playing these 200 shows a year the way you do with your machine-like precision, how do you keep gigs fresh for yourself?

Again, props to the other guys in the band, because I'm hell to play with. Do you have any idea how many times they've gotten blasted in the back of the head with a runaway drumstick? (Laughs) Some of that stuff is choreographed, but a lot of it just comes out on the fly. So I'm always trying new stuff, just to amuse myself. Fortunately, it seems to have amused about a million other people as well. (Laughs) How many people get that opportunity in life? I had a part in helping a million people get away from their troubles for a few minutes. How could I possibly take something that wonderful for granted? It's the greatest thing that ever happened to me!

What is the craziest thing that has happened since this video has surfaced on the internet?

For me, it was hearing that Mike Portnoy (drummer for Dream Theatre) enjoyed my playing. Portnoy is the best progressive drummer alive today. I own everything he's ever recorded. It's not easy to grab the attention of a high-profile player like that. As it turns out, he's not just a monster player, but a very nice guy as well. Too many times your heroes disappoint you. I don't care how long I've been playing drums, it's still hard not to geek out a little over Mike Portnoy! (Laughs)

Watching you play “Sharp Dressed Man” tired me out! Where do you pull all that energy from for each song?

I'm basically the poster child on what not to eat. I toss down Reese Cups like they're breath mints then wash it all down with a few gallons of chocolate milk. I'm horrible dude, just horrible! (Laughs) I'm like a “walking emergency.” Then I just go onstage and try to work it off. (Laughs)

Do you still have aspirations to be the next Neil Peart or Dave Lombardo? Is that childhood dream something that will never fade?

That childhood dream will never fade, and I'll tell you exactly why. My dream is to be able to do for younger players, what Mike Portnoy did for me...period! When you give it away, it comes back every time!

What do Rick K and the rest of the Allnighters feel about your showmanship? Some people might think what you do on stage takes away from the overall performance because all eyes are on you. Has your band ever voiced any concerns like that?

No, they've never said anything like that. They're my biggest supporters. They even call me their “spectacle.” (Laughs) I'm sort of like a blind discus thrower at the Olympics. I may not win any awards, but I'll sure keep the crowd alert.

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The drummer at the right gig.

It has been over a year since Steve Moore became an overnight internet sensation on YouTube. The video of his wild drumming style (see below) has been watched over 12million (and counting) times up to now.

Steve’s talent is far from overnight and the result of years of practice. Now with an army of fans, he’s earned the respect of his fellow drummers (not to mention providing a few laughs) along the way. We caught up with him on a break from his hectic schedule.

I played my first drum festival in Seattle at Woodstick. Then later flew toBelgium to headline the Belgium Drummers Festival. A few months ago, the Biography Channel flew me to LA for an interview, for a possible documentary, where I also performed at The School of Rock.

I also had the chance to attend NAMM in Anaheim CA, where I signed autographs beside drumming legends like Matt Sorum and Bun E Carlos , for Ludwig Drums . Meeting my drum heroes (and becoming good friends with many of them) has been amazing too.

I suppose the biggest “change” is finally having the credentials to get in touch with the people I want to get in touch with. A lot of people have no idea who I am…but a lot of people do. So if I send an email to someone I don’t know personally, they usually email me back right away, because they’ve seen the video. That would have NEVER happened without the video. As a result, I’ve met some fantastic people!

That’s really what it’s all about for me. I love meeting people, and getting to know them…

What are you up to at the moment? I actually have a lot going on right now, for starters, there’s a “Mad Drummer Show” in the works. That’s really exciting for me, because it will give me the chance to tour internationally. Plus, it’s going to be a very large band and I think people will love that.

I’m also going to be involved in a few other projects next year as well, playing music that’s a little heavier.

A lot of people have been waiting for that, so I’m trying my best to make it happen. It’s just very challenging, as my schedule is smashed!

Do you have a regular traveling band? Yes, I’m still touring with Rick K. & The Allnighters . Rick performs nearly 200 shows a year, so it keeps me pretty busy. Tour dates (as well as updates) can be found on my website: www.themaddrummer.com .

Do you ever wake up and think the last few years have been a dream? The wonderful thing is, just when I think it’s starting to die down, something else happens to shoot it right back to the top. Just a few days ago, Papa Roach tweeted about the video and had it on their website. So I dropped Tony Palermo (their drummer) an email to thank them for the kind words, and he emailed me back and said they (Papa Roach) are all fans of mine. So I’m driving up to meet them and hang out in just a few weeks. I’m really excited about it. Tony is a killer player. It just keeps getting better all the time!

I remember meeting Mike Portnoy for the first time. He invited me out to see Dream Theater , while they were on tour with Iron Maiden .

I was sitting in the audience texting him about 10 minutes before he went on and my buddy asked what I was doing. I said, “I’m just texting Mike to see where he wants to meet after the show.” That’s when it hit me: “I’M TEXTING MIKE PORTNOY DUDE!!!” LOL

Another really special one, was Shannon Larkin . I opened for Wrathchild (Shannon’s old band) when I was around 17 years old. I idolized everything he did! So he invited me to a Godsmack show a few weeks back, and we hung out backstage for about an hour. That’s kind of like your local pasture talking shop with Moses after Sunday-School.

You have to understand, it’s not just about meeting “rock-stars.” It’s about meeting YOUR rock-stars. The reason I breath, is because of people like Mike Portnoy, Shannon Larkin, Marco Minnemann, Johnny Rabb or Thomas Lang. I have all their CD’s, all their instructional tapes, and I’ve watched them over and over… These guys are everything to me. To gain their respect, is the greatest gift one could ever hand me.

How did you come to play drums in such a crazy way? I’ve always loved watching drummers that were different in some way. I mentioned Shannon from Godsmack, as he was a huge influence on me. But there were many other drummers as well. Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton, Louie Bellson, Keith Moon , and Tommy Lee , just to name a few. They all had an influence on my playing.

I also loved watching Ginger Baker . He didn’t really toss his sticks or twirl them, but he just looked very strange when he played. I thought Ginger was incredible, because you couldn’t really put a label on him. Was he a jazz drummer or a rock drummer? He was BOTH!

Carmine Appice was a very big influence as well. He was actually the godfather of most of that stuff. People just forget that…

Every band I’ve ever played in (with the exception of Rick K) was metal. So most of the crazy stuff developed in a very natural way. I didn’t spend hours in front of a mirror, or anything like that. I just play the way I “feel.” Some nights I might be a little more reserved, where other nights I may go completely bananas. It’s a very emotional thing for me. It’s not something I “try” to produce… It’s just what comes out when I play.

How often do you practice? Believe it or not I don’t get the chance to practice very much, as I’m on the road so much. However, I “live” drums 24/7. I’m always watching an instructional video, or someone on YouTube. If I’m not doing that, then I’m reading Modern Drummer or listening to my iPod… But I’m doing something “drum related” 24/7.

When I do get the opportunity to practice, I usually end up just working on my feel. When I was much younger, I spent HOURS working on my feet and endurance. But over the last few years I’ve been focusing more on ghost notes, odd phrasings, or simply working on my “touch.”

I’m SOOO not into sitting at my drums and doing a 45 minute “drum solo.” Sometimes I’ll try and start that way…until I stumble onto a cool groove, then it’s all over. I’ll play that exact same groove for 30 minutes, just trying to make it feel as good as I can. Chops are great, but I want to hear the drums walk. You have to put something in there… It has to move you.

Interview: Steve Moore, the 'Drummer At The Wrong Gig' on YouTube fame

This time two years ago, most people hadn't heard of Rick K And The Allnighters ('America's most exciting show band'), much less their flamboyant drummer, Steve Moore. But in the late spring of 2010, a YouTube clip of the group performing a cover of ZZ Top 's Sharp Dressed Man became a viral sensation - all because of Moore's dazzling showmanship behind the kit.

The video, dubbed This Drummer Is At The Wrong Gig, has now racked up close to 16 million YouTube views, ensuring that the world - the drumming world, at least - will never be the same. Things have changed radically for Moore, too: He's been championed by superstar players like Mike Portnoy, he's endorsing companies and products galore, his handle 'The Mad Drummer' is trademarked, and he's even heeded the call of Hollywood, appearing on an episode of the US version of The Office.

YouTube fame is still a relatively new phenomenon, however, so we decided to check in with Moore to discuss how he's handling the various ins, outs and what-have-yous of viral celebritydom. As it turns out, quite well, indeed.

When the whole 'Drummer At The Wrong Gig' thing happened, it must have blown your mind.

"Oh, absolutely! [laughs] When it actually happened for real, of course. I should explain: The original video was called 'Rick K And The Allnighters At The Park' or something. A fan shot it and put it on YouTube, and there it sat there for two years. It got some hits, a few thousand, but nothing huge.

"Then, one day, when I was getting ready to go on a three-week tour with the band, I started to get some e-mails from name drummers. One was from John 'Bermuda' Schwartz, who's the drummer for 'Weird Al.' He was like, 'Hey man, I just saw your video. It was awesome!' That was nice, but I didn't put two and two together.

"Then, when I was literally sitting in the tour bus - we had just done an 18-hour drive - I got something like 2,000 e-mails. Somebody got hold of the video and sent it around, and it took off. It didn't hurt that Mike Portnoy Tweeted about me and put me on his Facebook. He's got a lot of fans, so people started taking notice. I think his involvement really drove the whole thing, and it gave me credibility, too.

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You and Mike have since become good friends.

"That's right, we have. And let me tell you, what an awesome guy! He's a brilliant musician, of course, but I'm stunned at how many fans he has. Drummers don't usually get recognized, but when walks around the mall, people come up to him: 'Hey, you're Mike Portnoy!' He's something - ridiculously famous but totally respected. He's definitely one of my idols."

The style that you developed to play with Rick K And The Allnighters - that's you doing a showbiz thing, right?

"Sure. We're a fun, theatrical cover band; we make it like a variety show. The flashy drumming goes with all of that. Before I joined up with Rick K, I was in real heavy bands, very much in the style of Dream Theater, Pantera, Slayer, Testament - that kind of thing.

"I've always been something of a showman; I like to give people something to watch, a little flair. Then, when I joined Rick K And The Allnighters, the whole approach just grew. Plus, you have to understand, I went from playing Anthrax-y kinds of songs to things like Runaround Sue and Your Mama Don't Dance. Doing the showboating thing was something I started to entertain myself as well as the people."

Moore with one of his idols, and now good friend, Mike Portnoy.

Did the band ever, at any time, ask you to tone it done?

"No. Never. Not one time. I give Rick a lot of credit, too. Most singers would be like, 'Hey, it's my band. Stop showing me up.' But that's never been an issue with Rick. In fact, he's always tried to highlight me. He's been my biggest supporter.

"And the band is doing better than ever. We do about 200 shows a year, and everything's been going great. The video certainly helped gain us exposure; lots of people know our name now because of it. So, all in all, it's been a total blessing."

When the video hit, did you get offers from other acts?

"I did get a few calls, yes. Nothing was a good fit, if you will. What I do it a bit…uh, different [laughs], so for me to jump on stage with Dwight Yoakum or Clint Black, it just wouldn't work. Not that they're not marvelous artists, because they are. But I'd have to play in a situation that was more unique. For me to play with Testament or Rob Zombie, that makes sense. Alice Cooper would make sense. An act would have to want to feature me and show off what I do. I don't think Alan Jackson would want to do that, you know?"

The video resulted in your getting a call from Hollywood. You appeared in an episode of The Office.

"Yes, I did. Man, what a blast! [laughs] I got an e-mail from the producers of the show, asking if I'd want to make an appearance, do a cameo and all. Of course, I said yes! [laughs] They flew me out to Hollywood, and in one day we taped the segment. It was over pretty fast - you fly out, do your thing and fly back. Not a lot of time to think.

"In the show, there's a character named Kevin Malone [played by Brian Baumgartner], and we get into a drum battle. It was really fun to do. I'm doing my moves, and he's basically trying to keep up with me. Everybody on the show was incredible, and they treated me beautifully."

Have things changed for you on an equipment level?

"Oh, yeah! [laughs] I'm pretty much set right now. I endorse Ludwig drums, but then I endorsed them prior to the video. Same with Pro-Mark sticks - I endorsed them beforehand. I now endorse Evans drum heads, and the company has been great to me. I've tried all of their heads, but I always go back to the coated G2s.

"I also endorse Audix Microphones - that one happened just this year. And then Mike Portnoy was kind enough to hook me up with [artist relations rep] Chris Stankee at Sabian, so of course I'm a Sabian endorser, as well."

Musically, what else is happening with you right now?

"The biggest thing is, I'm developing a Mad Drummer Show, and I'm going to use Rick, the singer from Rick K. It's going to be something of a Martin & Lewis vibe, very Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett…ritzy, big band…"

Kind of a Rat Pack scene?

"Very much so, only elegant - and then I come out and I wreck the whole thing. [laughs] So that's it in 30 seconds. Envision Keith Moon backing up Tony Bennett, and that's what you got. It's going to be really funny, and it'll be a nice change, as well. I've never played with a big band before.

"I've also been working with Jeff Martin from Racer X and Rev Jones, the bassist for Michael Schenker and Leslie West. We're hoping to get a project up. I'm trying to kind of do what Mike Portnoy does. He's got a lot of things out there, and that's what I'd like to do."

Before your YouTube fame, you were still a successful working drummer. What kind of advice would you have for players out there as far as making a living from music?

"The number one thing, as far as I'm concerned, is networking. You've got to get yourself out there. I can't stress that enough. That said, you've still got to be a decent player. You can be friends with everybody in the world, but if you suck, you're not going to keep a job. You have to be good at your craft.

"So it all goes hand in hand. People like to play with their friends; they like to play with people who they can get along with. If you're a cool person, people will recommend you for gigs. If you're hard to deal with, they won't.

"Again, network. Get yourself out there. Have business cards printed up. Have a website, Facebook, do anything you can. I'm not saying prostitute yourself, but at the end of the day, you could be the greatest drummer going, but if nobody knows you… well, nobody's going to know you!"

Joe is a freelance journalist who has, over the past few decades, interviewed hundreds of guitarists for  Guitar World ,  Guitar Player ,  MusicRadar  and  Classic Rock . He is also a former editor of  Guitar World , contributing writer for  Guitar Aficionado  and VP of A&R for Island Records. He’s an enthusiastic guitarist, but he’s nowhere near the likes of the people he interviews. Surprisingly, his skills are more suited to the drums. If you need a drummer for your Beatles tribute band, look him up.

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Sammy Hagar Reveals Why Jason Bonham Had to Leave The Best of All Worlds Tour; Praises Fill-In Drummer Kenny Aronoff

Matt Friedlander

Updated: 

Sammy Hagar wrapped up the North American leg of his The Best of All Worlds Tour with an August 31 concert in the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights, Missouri. For the last four shows of the trek, acclaimed drummer Kenny Aronoff filled in for Jason Bonham , who had to leave the tour because he had a family emergency back home in the U.K.

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In an interview with St. Louis-area radio station KSHE before the August 31 gig, Hagar revealed why Bonham was forced to exit the tour.

“Jason’s [family emergency] was a sudden thing,” he told KSHE DJ Favazz. “His mother had a stroke and went into a coma, and it’s serious. So [his] whole family went over there [to the U.K.] And he held out for two or three days, and he says, ‘I gotta go. I gotta go.’ I said, ‘You go. Go.’”

Hagar also spoke glowingly of Aronoff, whom the Red Rocker noted has been his backup drummer for a long time.

[RELATED: Sammy Hagar Thanks Fill-In Drummer Kenny Aronoff for “Sav[ing] the Day” After Jason Bonham Misses Show Due to Family Issue]

“[H]e’s the only guy that you can hand a set list of 24 songs and in 24 hours he can play ’em,” Sammy said.

Hagar pointed out that Aronoff “had about 24-hour notice” that he was need to fill in for Bonham.

“And he came in the first night. … He got there at six in the morning,” Sammy continued. “We played that night in Cincinnati, and he did a 90-percent perfect show. I swear to you, I make more mistakes every night than he did. So that’s big hats-off to this guy.”

More About Kenny Aronoff

As previously noted, Aronoff’s participation in The Best of All Worlds shows constituted a reunion of sorts of the Hagar-led supergroup Chickenfoot. Sammy’s group for his 2024 current trek included his ex- Van Halen bandmate Michael Anthony on bass and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. Anthony and Satriani also were members of Chickenfoot, along with Hagar and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.

When Chickenfoot toured in 2011 and 2012, however, Smith wasn’t able to participate in the trek because of his commitments to the Chili Peppers. Aronoff was hired to fill in for Smith on Chickenfoot’s tours during those years.

“I just love playing with [Kenny], ‘cause he’s so enthusiastic,” Hagar told Fazazz. “He’s the most enthusiastic guy.” Sammy then imitated Aronoff, manically saying, “Oh man, we’re gonna kill it! Oh, don’t worry about me.” He added, “He’s, like, foaming at the mouth. He’s crazy.”

Aronoff May Join Hagar for The Best of All Worlds Tour’s Japan Dates

Hagar also revealed that depending on what’s happening with Bonham’s family situation, Aronoff may continue to play with his band when The Best of All Worlds Tour heads to Japan for three shows later in September.

“[Jason has] got to be there [in the U.K.] till [his mother] either comes through or… whatever,” Sammy noted. “I shouldn’t be talking about his personal business, but he’s got a medical emergency with his mother. You don’t ignore that. So, we got Kenny, thank God. And if we have to go to Japan with him, we’ll go to Japan.”

Those shows are scheduled for September 20 in Nagoya, September 22 in Osaka, and September 23 in Tokyo.

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VIDEO Is ‘The Mad Drummer’ Steve Moore truly In The Wrong Gig?

Have you seen this video yet? You haven’t? You haven’t been on the internet today, have you? Well, click “play” on the link below and get those tissues ready. You’ll have about a minute to go grab that box of Kleenex, because it’s at the one minute mark when the tears will start flowing. And not because this is a mournful video full of tragedy and trauma. No, it’s a video that will remind you through tears of joy and laughter how wild, wacky and wonderful this world can be. And if you’re like me, these tears will not stop flowing until well after you’ve clicked “play” several more times!

There. Seen it now? It’s okay, you can go watch it again. It gets better. We’ll be waiting. (Just wipe the tears from your eyes so you can read…)

Okay, now for some commentary.

First brought to my attention by the fine folks at Wimp.com, who correctly note that perhaps this guy has the wrong gig, this drummer’s playing style is undeniably impressive in its over-the-topitude. Close your eyes and not a beat is missing from the band’s cover of ZZ Top’s “Sharp Dressed Man.” Yet it’s when you open your eyes that you can be assured that never again will you witness a more stunning array of physical histrionics that couldn’t be *more* irrelevant to actually providing that competent backbeat. First it’s the flailing shoulders and windmills on the high hat, replete with mugging like he’s putting on his “O” face. Then it’s the finger rolls with his sticks that must make Pam Anderson wonder what Tommy Lee’s been holding back all these years. Capping it off is the Devo-esque New Wave flourish at the 2:25 mark. This guy has a very deep bag of tricks to entertain you!

On the one hand, his antics have to be incredibly distracting for an audience, and potentially an annoyance for any band member who doesn’t want their performance upstaged by a Chris Farley impersonator playing behind them. On the other hand, separating yourself from the pack of oldies bands with similar playlists and tour itineraries is pretty hard, so giving your audience that little extra (okay, whole lotta extra!) may be the difference between working regularly on the road or staying home and playing for your beer buddies on your backyard deck.

So who is this guy?!?!

His name is Steve Moore , he goes by the nickname The Mad Drummer, and he’s the skinsman for the hard-touring party band, Rick K and the All-Nighters. One look at their tour itinerary and its clear these guys are working a very specialized circuit of casinos, American Legion halls, chili cook offs, banquet halls, and private parties – anywhere the sound of a band knocking back the familiar hits of the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and god knows what other decade is necessary for the beer to go down that much quicker, and the dancing in the crowd to be that much more inspired.

Any musician who sees Steve Moore play will laugh extra-heartily for reasons that go beyond the laugh-til-you-cry spectacle. His animated style is so outlandish and so unnecessary to the basics of drumming, it makes you wonder how a specimen like him came to be. But he answers this on his MySpace profile: In a world of “cookie cutter” players, he adopted his over-the-top style to be noticed.

And now he’s going viral, which is funny to me: This guy’s been with this band for over ten years. They’re seemingly a very successful party band that plays all over the country, and in 13 years you gotta presume that he’s played for tens of thousands of people, minimum. (Especially when you consider he’s had other gigs, too.) Yet, we’re only now having his raison d’etre, his awesome spectacle, brought to our attention. How is that possible?

The only thing I can think is that all these years he’s been playing for countless people who simply don’t discuss music with anyone. Not hard to believe if he’s stuck in an oldies band, and perhaps is the best analysis for why he’s “got the wrong gig.”

Anyway, there’s more stuff to enjoy from The Mad Drummer. Here’s a crazed drum solo to the tune of the Beach Boy’s Wipeout:

And to anyone who sees him as one of Rick K’s All-Nighters and wonders, “Isn’t there a metal band this dude can hook up with?” Well, the answer is, “Why, yes there is!” Here’s the Mad Drummer backing DOFKA, a group he previously played with:

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Sammy hagar explains why jason bonham had to leave his tour.

Classic Rock

Sammy Hagar was on the road with the “Best of All Worlds tour”, which is focused on Van Halen material and his band is formed by Jason Bonham , Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani. However, Bonham recently had to leave the tour because of a medical emergency with his mother, that’s what Sammy revealed in an interview with KSHE 95 (Transcribed by Blabbermouth ). He was replaced by the drummer Kenny Aronoff, who had already played with many incredible artists.

“Well, I’ve known Kenny for a long time. Kenny has been my backup drummer for about — not just me. You talk to Billy Gibbons, you talk to anybody, they’re gonna tell you that he’s their backup drummer because he’s the only guy that you can hand a setlist of 24 songs and in 24 hours he can play ’em.”

“Jason’s (family emergency) was a sudden thing. His mother had a stroke and went into a coma and it’s serious. So (his) whole family went over there (to the UK). And he held out for two or three days, and he says, ‘I gotta go. I gotta go.’ I said, ‘You go. Go.’ So we told Kenny. He had about 24-hour notice. And he came in the first night. He got there at six in the morning. We played that night in Cincinnati. And he did a 90-percent perfect show. I swear to you, I make more mistakes every night than he did. So that’s big hats off to this guy.”

“The (U.S.) tour is over now, but we’re going to Japan. And if Jason is still with his mom, he’s gotta be there till she either comes through or… whatever. I shouldn’t be talking about his personal business, but he’s got a medical emergency with his mother. You don’t ignore that. We got Kenny, thank God. And if we have to go to Japan with him, we’ll go to Japan. I just love playing with him ’cause he’s so enthusiastic. He’s the most enthusiastic guy. ‘Oh man, we’re gonna kill it. Oh, don’t worry about me.’ He’s, like, foaming at the mouth. He’s crazy,” Sammy Hagar said.

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG

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Related tags, linkin park are back: here’s all you need to know about new frontwoman emily armstrong, new music, and upcoming tour.

“We feel really empowered with this new lineup… We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones,” comments Mike Shinoda.

Image credit: James Minchin III

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Linkin Park are making a comeback, and they’ve got a new vocalist and drummer in tow.

The rock outfit had been stringing us along for weeks – they first caused a stir by launching a mysterious countdown in August, which then frustratingly reset and began counting upwards as soon as it hit zero. Finally, the band hosted a livestream event on 5 September in which they confirmed their return, and two new members.

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Joining Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix (Dave Farrell), and Joe Hahn, are new co-vocalist Emily Armstrong of critically acclaimed band Dead Sara, and Colin Brittain as drummer, a songwriter/producer who’s worked with G Flip, Illenium, and One OK Rock. Longtime drummer Rob Bourdon will not be returning for this new era, according to reports.

Along with the news of their new members, the six-piece also shared their first brand new music in seven years during the livestream, ​with a taster of song The Emptiness Machine from a brand new album called From Zero , due for release on 15 November.

Linkin Park went on hiatus following the tragic passing of vocalist Chester Bennginton, who took his own life back in 2017. Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn quietly began meeting up again in recent years however, and rather than “trying to restart the band,” they simply spent more time together as friends.

During this period, they eventually invited various other pals to join them in the studio, which is when they found “a special kinship” with Armstong and Brittain. Armstrong certainly carries similar vast and chilling vocal abilities to Bennington, in addition to her own unique stylings, and joining a band in which there’s been a loss is never an easy thing to do.

Throughout their livestream event though, all members were captured beaming with joy, which for any Linkin Park fan is a welcomed sight after all this time. And Shinoda knows that Bennington’s shoes will never be filled – this is a new and unique chapter entirely for the band.

After introducing each member to the crowd gathered before them at the livestreamed LA show, Shinoda adds, “And in the role of Chester Bennington this afternoon, is each of you.”

Check out their huge new song below, and catch up on the livestream:

In a press release shared with Guitar.com , Shinoda further comments, “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created. We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energised new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”

In support of the album, they’ll also embark on a short world tour with six dates taking place across the globe this September, with one scheduled for November. These are:

• 11 September — Kia Forum — Los Angeles, CA
• 16 September — Barclays Center — New York, NY
• 22 September — Barclays Arena — Hamburg, Germany
• 24 September — The O2 – London, UK
• 28 September — INSPIRE Arena — Seoul, South Korea
• 11 November — Coliseo Medplus — Bogota, Colombia

Tickets go on sale Saturday 7 September. You can also pre-order the brand new album from Linkin Park now.

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Linkin Park address founding drummer Rob Bourdon’s departure

Bourdon is now replaced by Colin Brittain

Linkin Park have addressed the departure of founding member and drummer Rob Bourdon – see what they had to say below.

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Late last night (September 5), Linkin Park announced their comeback through a livestream event where they performed with two new members: vocalist Emily Armstrong and drummer Colin Brittain.

They also announced a new album ‘From Zero’, shared a new single ‘The Emptiness Machine’ and announced short world tour beginning this mont h. It marks their first new music since the death of Chester Bennington in 2017 .

In a chat with Billboard regarding their comeback, Mike Shinoda noted that Bourdon – who had founded the band with him and guitarist Brad Delson – had decided to depart the band.

Shinoda explained: “Rob had said to us at a point, I guess it was a few years ago now, that he wanted to put some distance between himself and the band. And we understood that — it was already apparent. He was starting to just show up less, be in less contact, and I know the fans noticed it too. The ‘Hybrid Theory’ re-release and ‘Papercuts’ release, he didn’t show up for anything. So for me, as a friend, that was sad, but at the same time, I want him to do whatever makes him happy, and obviously everybody wishes him the best.”

In his place on the drum throne now is acclaimed songwriter and musician Colin Brittain, who has in the park worked with the likes of G Flip, Illenium and One OK Rock. Shinoda said of Brittain: “He’s playing drums in the live show, and drums are his first instrument, but he plays guitar and bass and keyboard, and he produces and mixes. We have a similar way of looking at music, of starting from scratch, and I really enjoyed working with him and bouncing ideas back-and-forth.”

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“And then when Linkin Park started making stuff, for whatever we were going to do, it was just like, ‘Oh, Colin. We’re making stuff. You should come over,'” Shinoda added.

During their comeback livestream, the band announced a new album, ‘From Zero’. ‘From Zero’ is due to arrive on November 15, and is  available for pre-order now . The album is previewed by one single, ‘The Emptiness Machine’, which has now received a music video that can be seen below.

Linkin Park have also announced a short world tour that will consist of six arena shows across the world between September and November this year. The tour will kick off at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11. Other stops include New York, Germany, London, South Korea and Colombia.

Linkin Park’s LP Underground fan club pre-sales begin tomorrow September 6 and general tickets go live on September 7 via the  official Linkin Park website .

Linkin Park’s ‘From Zero’ 2024 tour dates are:

SEPTEMBER 11 – Kia Forum – Los Angeles, California 16 – Barclays Center – New York, New York 22 – Barclays Arena – Hamburg, Germany 24 – The O2 – London, UK 28 – INSPIRE Arena – Seoul, South Korea

NOVEMBER 11 – Coliseo Medplus – Bogota, Colombia

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• Linkin Park
• Mike Shinoda

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