Category Archives: Backgrounder Interviews

I did a number of backgrounder interviews in the early 1980s for a five-part feature series I wrote for Modern Drummer magazine called, “The History of Rock Drumming.” These interviews were never published until now. This blog category is set up so Life Beyond the Cymbals readers can have access to all the backgrounder interviews in one place.

Download Peart Original Manuscript-MD 10th Anniversary Interview

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Writers of Modern Drummer‘s 10th Anniversary Issue all agreed our interviews, in MD founder/publisher Ron Spagnardi’s words, “would be to assess the current state of the art by looking back at how it was arrived at, and then … Continue reading →

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SKF to Gruber – We Need Teachers Who Can Work With Kids

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: This is my letter, written the morning of July 13, 1983, to drummer/teacher Fred Gruber. This morning I am scanning a stack of papers. Interview transcripts, drum columns, old contracts, and letters. Letters to me from drummers. And … Continue reading →

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Michael Shrieve Part 2 of 2

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: At the time of this interview, Michael Shrieve was on a mission to make music that was both true to himself and appealing to the masses. Could a hit pop record do that? Shrieve believed the answer was … Continue reading →

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Michael Shrieve Pt 1 of 2

Posted on January 23, 2025 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: This interview starts with Michael Shrieve’s quick “no” response to my question, “Do you ever think about playing drums (or drum solos) with the fluidity of a saxophone player?” But then Shrieve tells us how he does approach … Continue reading →

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Why Drums? Weinberg, Fish Talk to Jaimo

Posted on May 23, 2024 by Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: This is part of a longer interview that took place on April 3, 1982 after an Elvin Jones drum clinic at Professional Percussion Center in New York City. Taking part in the interview were Max Weinberg, Jaimoe Johnson, … Continue reading →

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