Big Drum Thump

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.

[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.

Billy Corgan made the announcement today that drummer Jimmy Chamberlin has left the band. We don’t know any of the details yet (i.e., whether the split was mutual or forced, amicable or hostile), but we do know that the drumming-verse is a less perfect place tonight. May we see Chamberlin again very, very soon.

[via Hard to Explain]

Tama has released a video of Kenny Aronoff chatting about and demonstrating his signature line of Track Master snares. Three sizes are available (14″ x 6.5″, 14″ x 5″, and 15″ x 4″), and the shell of each is made of nickel-plated brass, which Kenny describes as sounding both aggressive and warm.

Prices? We don’t know yet, but here’s hoping that Tama also throws in a pair of flippin’-sweet Kenny Aronoff signature sunglasses with each drum.

We shit you not. And though “supergroup” may be an overly generous and optimistic description of Bun E.’s new band, Tinted Windows, we can totally dig such unabashedly cheesmo pop. It takes either a complete lack of musical integrity or enormous hairy testicles to play music like this. For now, we’ll give Bun a check mark in the big balls box. Check out the promo vid below.