Motivated by the current Bonham-inspired thread and a keen reader, I thought I ask you guys for tips on any good books about drummers that you might recommend. In the last year, I've read Hal Blaine's 'Wrecking Crew', 'Back Beat' by Earl Palmer, the Led Zep bio, 'Dear Boy', the biography of Keith Moon and currently reading Neil Peart's 'Ghost Rider'. I was a bit disappointed with Hal Blaine's book because it really read like a diary of his studio dates rather than getting into the technical nitty gritty of his drumming which he almost completely avoids talking about. Earl Palmer's book is more of a commentary on life on skid row in post-depression New Orleans but is fascinating. Neil is a great writer and quite the academic making his sometimes-acerbic observations on life, people and the world enlightening.
Books by drummers Last viewed: 14 minutes ago
1920s 14"x5" Ludwig Super Sensitive Dual Snare
1957 6 1/2" x15" Slingerland WMP Concert King
1938 8"x15" Leedy Broadway Standard
1947-53 14x6.5" NOB Ludwig & Ludwig Universal
...plus a bunch of mismatched Slingerlands that collectively make a pleasing noise.
Gerard, that's a good list of books you've read. I'm definitely going to read up on Zeppelin and particularly Bonzo after the latest discussions.
I see you're in New Zealand. It looks like Phil Rudd might have some time to write a new book, or what's the story with him and AC-DC?
Rudd has always had a great feel when he's played with AC-DC and I've come to appreciate that more over time.
Dave Grohls is a good read.
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Gerard, that's a good list of books you've read. I'm definitely going to read up on Zeppelin and particularly Bonzo after the latest discussions.I see you're in New Zealand. It looks like Phil Rudd might have some time to write a new book, or what's the story with him and AC-DC? Rudd has always had a great feel when he's played with AC-DC and I've come to appreciate that more over time.
The trouble with Phil Rudd is that he seems to have a bit of a self-destruct button that he presses from time to time. I too am a great fan of his - I saw AC/DC on the Highway to Hell tour in the late 70s and the guy is human metronome - never misses a beat.
He moved from Oz to Tauranga in NZ some years ago and set up a helicopter business and also a restaurant. I think he preferred the anonymity that life in NZ gave him. Kiwis aren't prone to being star-struck and tend to treat 'celebs' like anybody else.
This latest brush with the law may be the straw that breaks the camels back with the band. They've had troubles of their own with Angus Young's brother Malcolm being diagnosed with dementia and having to be replaced with Angus' nephew Stevie. Drumming duties for the forthcoming tour are to be taken up by Chris Slade who has filled the seat previously when Rudd was booted out of the band. It's all very sad because Rudd is a great drummer - same sort of issues that we discussed about Bonham! What is it the French say? 'Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose' (the more it changes, the more it stays the same).
1920s 14"x5" Ludwig Super Sensitive Dual Snare
1957 6 1/2" x15" Slingerland WMP Concert King
1938 8"x15" Leedy Broadway Standard
1947-53 14x6.5" NOB Ludwig & Ludwig Universal
...plus a bunch of mismatched Slingerlands that collectively make a pleasing noise.
Burt Korall's two books
Drummin Men: The Heart Beat of Jazz, the Swing Years
and
Drummin Men: The Heart Beat of Jazz, the BeBop Years
are both good reading. Lots of insights throughout.
I like your list. Might want to also consider Levon Helm's This Wheel's on Fire.
Here's a few more,"Traps the Drum Wonder, The Life of Buddy Rich," Mel Torme
"Rifftide, The Life and Opinions of Papa Joe Jones," as told to Albert Murray
"Jake hanna, The Rhythm and Wit of a Swinging Drummer," Maria s. Judge
"The View from the Back of the Band, The Life and Music of Mel Lewis," Chris Smith
"Drumming at the Edge of Magic," Mickey Hart
Wow. Thanks for the great suggestions. I confess there's a few names there I'm not familiar with but willing to give them a try.
1920s 14"x5" Ludwig Super Sensitive Dual Snare
1957 6 1/2" x15" Slingerland WMP Concert King
1938 8"x15" Leedy Broadway Standard
1947-53 14x6.5" NOB Ludwig & Ludwig Universal
...plus a bunch of mismatched Slingerlands that collectively make a pleasing noise.
THe Great Drummers of Funk, Soul and R&B by Jim Payne is highly recommended. He's a drummer so he asks all the right questions. Currently rereading Bernard Purdie's book but your thoughts on Hal Blaine's book are similar to mine on Purdie's. Star Sets by John Cohan is a good one about the drummers' choice of drums but I assume that one is popular around here.
I have LOTS of these books..if anyone is looking for some!>>Thanks
Max Weinberg and Philly Joe Jones had great books.
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