Preface to question #1....I suppose we can all read somewhere about how you switched to DW and what kind of drumheads and sticks and all that stuff...but...since there are already other interviews and sources that answer those types of questions, let's take this time to really get into some real world musical/drumming shyte, shall we? That would be my vote, anyway. No offense intended, but I can read Modern Drummer as well as the next guy. DW drums are "good". Okay. Whatever. Believe me, the cats on the drum forum world already know all about every technical aspect of how drums are made and bearing edges and ALL that. Let's forget about all the hype and industry shlock for this thing. Pleease?

#1. It is well-known that Gene Krupa liked to smoke weed. It’s common knowledge that John Bonham drank a lot of booze. I’m sure there are many similar stories throughout the music business over the years. It would seem that some of the most memorable music was made by musicians who were under the influence of some kind of chemical. Jaco Pastorius, a musician you worked with, was a phenomenal player and a well-known alcoholic around certain areas of South Florida. Generally speaking, the message we send out is that nothing good can come of drug use, but there are so many contrary examples of this –all the heroin of the 50’s and 60’s and the great jazz players who were also junkies….the 70’s, Hendrix and LSD…The Beatles and LSD…all the coke that was around in the 80’s and 90’s…Do you see any kind of correlation between the drugs of a given era and the musical style of that era? Were you ever around Jaco when he was out of control? What was that like?

PLEASE, MATT! Would you (or someone here) be so kind as to pass on my other Q's from the Forum Announcements section? Thanks!

Thanks! Thanks! Thanks, Peter for all the great drumming and music! I LOVE your playing! You are a hero! Take care!

Please email me at olugs@lycos.com to remenisce about 1983's Steps Ahead gig!!! HA!

hi.

Ok, so given that many of us have not yet tapped into meditation as path to egoless and effortless connection to the instrument...any tips on how to get there?  I mean...it must go beyond technical proficiency, although I'm sure that it helps.

Is there anything that you've practiced during play or practice that allows you to find that internal space?

Someone said the other night that there are no "good" drummers (or...was it no-good drummers?) who were also composers. I named you as an example to the contrary. I think you write some great tunes and you obviously know how to pick piano players and bassists who give you the right voicings to swim inside and shape rhythmically....like John Taylor. Who are some other pianists and bass players who inspire your drumming? -Anyone you haven't worked with whom you would like to work with? -plan to work with?

What's the most fun you ever had on a gig?

hi.