Drummer Simon Phillips Talks About His Storied Career And Latest Live Project
Simon Phillips is a drumming legend who has played on literally hundreds of projects. His latest is a live show with keyboardist, Derek Sherinian, called Sherinian/Phillips Live. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal plays guitars on the album, with Ric Fierabracci on bass. It’s out now. You can order it here.
We discussed drumming and even programmed drums, which Simon isn’t crazy about. He said he’s recorded on as many as 600 albums, including the Sin After Sin album from Judas Priest. He talked about doing it live, and piecing it together. He hadn’t worked with the band up until that point. He told me how he got involved on that record.
He told me why we he never stuck with one band, but chose to work on many different projects. “What I loved about playing sessions, was everyday I’d be playing something new.” He said he got bored playing the same thing gig after gig. “I love the art of making records.”
Simon spoke to making this live album. They played two sets, and he picked what he thought was the best to create the record.
Bumblefoot gave me a question about paper vs. ceramic mugs for Simon’s coffee, which was pretty funny. Simon also speaks to how good Bumblefoot’s playing is.
Fun interview, another first time conversation for me.
The audio only interview is below…
-Meltdown-
It's National Drum Month and The Greatest Drummers of All Time
It’s National Drum Month and The Greatest Drummers of All Time
While everyone loves a strong voice and solid guitar work, an incredible drummer is a glue that cements the music of great bands. And according to National Today, May is National Drum Month! Have you ever been tapping your toes and fingers to a great beat? The drums are usually the beat causing that magical energy in your body.
Drumcenternh.com has a brief history of drums dating back to 5500 BC. The first drums, covered in alligator skin, originated in the Neolithic age. Drums spread to Europe in the 1200s and then to America in the 1500s.
The parts of the modern-day drum kit: snare, cymbals, bass, and other percussion instruments were originally played separately. In the late 19th century, Dee Dee Chandler created the first drum “kit”. Even though more parts were added to the drum kits of today, they were based on Dee Dee Chandler’s kit.
Few genres of music have utilized drums better than rock and we have some of the best classic rock drummers of all time!
Meltdown started on the mighty WRIF on the evening of Halloween, 1995. Technically, his first on-air shift was the morning of November 1st. Moving to the Motor City from Buffalo, N.Y., he has built a career and family. Over his almost three-decade stint at RIFF, he's had the privilege to work with some of the biggest personalities in Detroit radio history. He boasts of being just the second-afternoon drive jock in the station's illustrious 53-year history.
Along with his love for rock music and attending concerts, he's also an avid Harley-Davidson enthusiast and hockey player. He plays year-round and manages to squeeze in a few charity games throughout the year. Meltdown writes about the Detroit Red Wings, rock music, and Detroit concert venues.
