Big Drum Thump

Think you got what it takes to sit on Jimmy’s throne? Then sharpen your best pair of sticks and step on up: Billy Corgan is holding open auditions for a new Pumpkins drummer. Auditions will take place Friday, April 10, in Los Angeles. All requirements—including photograph/headshot, background info, and links to digital files—must be sent via e-mail to pumpkinsdrummer@gmail.com.

Soon you will call me master....

That’s what everyone wondered when it was announced last week that he was out of the band. Looking no doubt to quash all the sure-to-be-insane rumors, Jimmy himself answered the question on his site:

By now you have heard the news of my departure from the Smashing Pumpkins. I will say, without going into any unnecessary details that this represents a positive move forward for me. I can no longer commit all of my energy into something that I don’t fully possess. I won’t pretend I’m into something I’m not. I won’t do it to myself, you the fan, or my former partner. I can’t just, “Cash the check” so to speak. Music is my life. It is sacred. It deserves the highest commitment at every level and the Pumpkins are certainly no different. I’m sorry but it really IS that simple. There is no drama, bad blood, or anything else but a full commitment to music. My best goes out to Billy and I’m glad he has chosen to continue under the name. It is his right. I will continue to make music with the Jimmy Chamberlin Complex as well as pursuing other musical interests. I feel that I have a long way to go and a lot to give. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support through all of this. I am constantly humbled by all of you! It is an honor and a privilege to play music for a living and I don’t take it for granted not even for a second.

Stay tuned……. JC

Is Axl Rose really a crazy, ego-maniacal pain-in-the-rump? Not at all, at least according to drum-meister Josh Freese, who chats about his 2-year stint in Guns N’ Roses here.

Everyone always baits me to give them a crazy Axl story. I don’t really have any. I spent two years in a studio with him [and] I never saw any mood swings. He was never not cool to me. So, I am always quick to defend the guy, even though I know his reality is different than mine. Then again, everyone has a different reality.

Motown legend and Funk Brother Uriel Jones died today after suffering complications from a heart attack. The 74-year-old drummer had created the beats behind just about every classic tune you ever wished you could have played on, including “I Heard it Through the Grapevine,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.” Jones and the rest of the Funk Brothers were featured in the 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown. Head on over to YouTube to check out Jones in action.

[Press Release]

The Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP) is proud to announce a unique masterclass with drummer Carlos Hercules on Monday, April 20, 2009.

Arguably one of the best names in the business for more than 20 years, Carlos’s musical and personal skills have allowed him to work with some of the world’s most influential and iconic music legends, including Belinda Carlisle, reggae legend Jimmy Cliffe, the Eurythmics, Lulu, and George Michael. Carlos has also made significant contributions to some fantastic current acts such as Kelly Clarkson, Heather Small, Emma Bunton, Mel B, and Westlife. And as if that wasn’t enough, he has been Beverley Knight’s drummer of choice for 12 years.

Working with these iconic artists has led to his participation in some fantastic tours, allowing Carlos to share stages with rock legend Bryan Adams, Cher, Alicia Keys, and the fantastic Take That reunion tour. He has also played prestigious global events such as the American Music Awards and various charitable events for breast cancer and AIDS awareness. Carlos was also the first drummer to play at the new Wembley Stadium in London!

This masterclass presents a great opportunity to learn from one of the great drummers of our time and will be delivered at the ICMP’s facilities in Kilburn, London on Monday, April 20 from 7pm to 9pm. For further information, contact the ICMP.

…and he isn’t afraid to put ‘em on the table. First he called out Tony Blair, and now he’s publicly stated the obvious: U2 need to retire while they’re still on top (i.e., while they still don’t suck too much). Mullen said:

There will be a time when it’s like, “It’s time to go.” I would like that to be on a high when you’re still achieving as opposed to the curve down. That’ll be sad for me. I think it’ll be a more dignified time to go.

We might come back in five years’ time and may do something together for old times’ sake because we know we’ll want to. That’ll be a beautiful end to a long beautiful career. It can’t go on for ever. It just can’t.