Gigging tips, Josh Freese and our weekly roundup

Hello fellow drummers!

This week, on top of the usual roundup from around the web we have an article on gig preparation and execution. There’s more to it than you think, but we have loads of hints and tips to make sure your gigs are a success.

And with Josh Freese being announced as the new Foo Fighters sticksman, it seems like a great time to put some focus on him. Josh is an incredible drummer, so check out our “Spotlight On…” and related media.

The tricky topic of playing 16th notes on one hand is covered by Stanton Moore - in fact, these are “cheats” to create some great grooves that sound like 16ths.

If you are planning on going in to the studio, what should you take with you? Jake Reed provides some answers…

It can often be tricky for drummers to practice because of the noise produced by the instrument. Here’s a video from Adam Tuminaro that tests some low volume solutions to this problem.

Stephen Taylor reposted an interview he conducted with Ronnie Tutt. Some great anecdotes and insights into his work.

Stephen Clark responds to some of the comments on his recent YouTube videos.

This week we’re covering what it takes to play a gig. Surely, you just take your drums along and play, right? Wrong!

Click on our article below for tips on preparation, what to do at the venue and also post-gig to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.

…Josh Freese

Josh Freese - until recently when he was announced as the new Foo Fighters drummer, you may not have heard his name, but there's a good chance you've heard his work.

A chameleon of the drum world, Freese has lent his rhythmic prowess to a dizzying array of artists spanning the gamut of musical styles, making him one of the most in-demand session drummers of the past few decades.

Let’s take a look at some of his background, work and playing style.

Born on Christmas day in 1972, Freese grew up in a musical family. His father conducted the Disneyland Band, and Josh himself started playing drums at the age of 8. By 12, he was performing professionally with a Top 40 band at Disneyland. Let's face it - most of us were barely done with our first drum lesson at that age!

Freese's career really took off when he joined The Vandals, a punk rock band, in 1989. His propulsive and intricate drumming provided the backbone for the band's high-energy music. His stint with The Vandals launched him into the spotlight, showcasing not just his technical ability, but his knack for providing the right groove, the right energy - the right feel - for any song.

From here, Freese embarked on a successful career as a session and touring drummer, working with a staggering array of artists, including Devo, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N' Roses, Sting, and even pop stars like Avril Lavigne and Miley Cyrus. If there's a genre of music, chances are Freese has played it.

Josh Freese became involved with A Perfect Circle, an alternative rock supergroup, at its inception in 1999. He was introduced to the band's co-founders, guitarist Billy Howerdel and vocalist Maynard James Keenan (also known for being the lead singer of Tool), through mutual friends. Keenan and Howerdel were looking to form a complete band after having worked together on some of Howerdel's demos. Recognizing Freese's extraordinary drumming talent and versatility, they brought him into the fold.

The chemistry between the members was undeniable and thus, A Perfect Circle was born. With his powerful yet nuanced playing, Freese contributed heavily to the band's unique sound, which blends elements of alternative rock, art rock, and metal. His drumming can be heard on the band's critically acclaimed debut album, "Mer de Noms," and he continued to be an integral part of the band's sound on subsequent albums.

So, what makes Freese such a sought-after drummer? Let's delve into his musical style.

Freese possesses a Swiss Army knife-like versatility, effortlessly shifting gears from the heavy, industrial pounding of Nine Inch Nails to the polished pop beats for Katy Perry.

Freese's playing is noted for its combination of power and precision. Whether he's laying down thunderous rock beats or intricate, delicate patterns, his drumming is always characterized by a keen sense of musicality. He seems to understand, almost instinctively, what a song needs from the drums and delivers it, without fail.

Despite his impressive technical chops, it's not just about speed and complexity with Freese. Many drummers admire him for his ability to play exactly what's right for the song, often favoring simplicity and feel over flashy chops. It's a lesson in serving the music - sometimes, less really is more.

Josh Freese embodies the ultimate session drummer: technically proficient, wildly versatile, and always musical. His career serves as an inspiration for any drummer looking to make it in the industry - with hard work, dedication, and an unwavering focus on the music, the sky's the limit.

Josh was recently announced as the new drummer for Foo Fighters and joins up with them for their latest tour.

I stumbled across this facebook post about a new drum shop within an old church. I’ve got no affiliation, just thought it looks really cool!