Billy Ward here!

[billy ward]

Hey Bernhard - I've finally joined up! :D Nice joint you've got here!
Kind of makes my little forum feel so small... (but we like it that way)

Just wanted to say hello - I'll be checking in (probably pretty regularly) to see what's going on. Until next time...
Billy W

Billy Ward page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Billy_Ward.html)

[NUTHA JASON]

this billy ward?

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum34/billywardfrank.jpg

seriously? cool... another pro is amongst us. welcome then billy.

j

[drummerboy]

Hi Billy...welcome to the forum....

[finnhiggins]

Phenomenal!

Billy, I'm a huge fan of your approach. I'm currently trying to wrangle a copy of your DVD in exchange for services to a drum magazine here in New Zealand, so hopefully that will pan out and I'll get to have a better look what what you've done there other than the short clips here on Drummerworld.

Thanks heaps for all the excellent articles and performances you've dished out over the years, and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next...

[Dr Drums]

This is real cool :)

Hi billy, just wanted 2 say ur a genius..

[Bernhard]

Yes that's Billy! Thanks for joining - as promised.

Billy runs a great forum at his website billyward.com. There are great posts and sometimes deep discussions - and Billy is of course posting there regularly.

I met Billy in Frankfurt and we also discussed the way to make a good forum. He gave me good advise - for web and for drumming.

His DVD helped me a lot - to get rid of nervousity in studio-situations - more than all other DVD's!!!!

We will meet this autumn in Germany I suppose.

Billy is such a nice guy - no idea how he finds time for playing, giving lessons and also running a forum. They don't come nicer....

Bernhard

[jamsjr44]

Billy glad to have you aboard!..I really like your playing very creative.

[Jaymasta]

aw man that's so cool billy I'm a big fan maybe you can teach us some stuff and help us out with some stuff :-)

[darkcherryfade]

The forum just got 10000 times better. Welcome, Billy!

[billy ward]

Well, jeez, I'm just one out of our family of drummers. Thanks for such a great welcome!
Bernhard - I hope you know how much fun it was to meet you at Musikmesse- and inspiring as well (esp. to hear about your drum kit and it's date of manufacture). And yes - I think i will see you again next year - plus hopefully do some clinics in Europe!

I purposely spend time on the internet - not only with my site but visiting all the other drummer sites.

I remember going to Yugoslavia in '86 (when it WAS Yugoslavia) and playing at a music festival with saxaphonist Bill Evans SuperGroup. I moved to LA and Dennis replaced me... bummer :(
(he IS pretty good though, huh? :D)

Some of the drummers there had never even seen a picture of Buddy Rich - let alone heard many drummers in person! Yet they were asking me about Buddy and others...
I remember giving all my sticks and extras away to drummers who were playing taped together stickes that I would've thrown out ages ago. My point is - the internet has provided us all with information and the world is changing. Sometimes I am afraid of where we are going in our wacky world - but I KNOW I can always count on ourselves, (us drummers) to get along and grow together. I think it's up to us how we use the internet - but it is a potentially wonderful thing! Bernhard has given us the biggest and best and fastest conduit around! Thanks Mr. B!

So here we go!... Let's share more info. I am happy to give my 2 cents-answer to any question. Feel free to dish away. If I have strayed away - come over to my site and reel me in! You know, answering questions (or teaching) only firms up one's self-beliefs! So I gain from this as well. And with that - I'll say - THANKS!

[aahznightsky]

hey billy its great to have you on the forum! There's lots of great discussions going on in technique and gear and all the forums here really ... There's probably even one about you to check out! :D hehe.

I'm a dw drummer like yourself, and there's some pics of my kit under the YOUR PLACE section, i think you'd find the configuration really interesting. You can check out a lot of people's kits there its lots of fun. You could post pics of your own kit there, everyone would go crazy! I would love it!

great to see you on the site!

[drumzalicious]

wow this is pretty cool. a pro drummer on our site.


nice.

[insane drummer]

Welcome, welcome. Great to see ya, should be fun having another pro around here (we have others on here right?).

This is a little funny though. I was just about to ask a gear question on here about your kit. I see your double bass pedal is on the outside of the hat, do you use a 2 legged stand, or what 3 legged stand? I cannot seem to get mine set up that way without putting both the pedal and stand into odd places.

[drummerboy]

Well, jeez, I'm just one out of our family of drummers. Thanks for such a great welcome!
Bernhard - I hope you know how much fun it was to meet you at Musikmesse- and inspiring as well (esp. to hear about your drum kit and it's date of manufacture). And yes - I think i will see you again next year - plus hopefully do some clinics in Europe!

I purposely spend time on the internet - not only with my site but visiting all the other drummer sites.

I remember going to Yugoslavia in '86 (when it WAS Yugoslavia) and playing at a music festival with saxaphonist Bill Evans SuperGroup. I moved to LA and Dennis replaced me... bummer :(
(he IS pretty good though, huh? :D)

Some of the drummers there had never even seen a picture of Buddy Rich - let alone heard many drummers in person! Yet they were asking me about Buddy and others...
I remember giving all my sticks and extras away to drummers who were playing taped together stickes that I would've thrown out ages ago. My point is - the internet has provided us all with information and the world is changing. Sometimes I am afraid of where we are going in our wacky world - but I KNOW I can always count on ourselves, (us drummers) to get along and grow together. I think it's up to us how we use the internet - but it is a potentially wonderful thing! Bernhard has given us the biggest and best and fastest conduit around! Thanks Mr. B!

So here we go!... Let's share more info. I am happy to give my 2 cents-answer to any question. Feel free to dish away. If I have strayed away - come over to my site and reel me in! You know, answering questions (or teaching) only firms up one's self-beliefs! So I gain from this as well. And with that - I'll say - THANKS!

Billy would you mind looking at my webiste while your looking at drumming sites?....It's www.tylerhough.com ..... this is so cool to be able to chat with you...thanks to Bernard and his awesome forum!....Thanks Bernard!

[Sticksman]

Wow, Billy Ward himself on drummerworld. I like it!

I've always been a fan of your playing and approach, and I love your work with Joan Osbourne. Really solid playing!

I've been thinking of buying your Big Time DVD, and I think this is a sign that I should! Keep up all the fantastic drumming man, cause we're watching! ;)

Edit: the clips on DW of you are pretty good, though you've probably already checked them out!

[jamndrummer]

Welcome Billy Ward,

You have inspired many drummers on this forum. I am sure so much knowledge will be passed from you to us and from us to you as well..

I would like to give a round of applause to all the drummers on this site for not only welcoming newcomers but also because many of you referred to this is OUR site. It is true that all the people make up the site and lets not forget that as we post and reply to this forum keeping it the best on the market and to make Bernard proud. As he is the forerunner of the forum.

Thank you Bernard and I hope you are richly blessed by your hard work.

[illy]

wow. welcome mr. billy ward!

[billy ward]

yeah - Bernhard is the MAN. Insane - I prefer three legged stands because with wacky platforms a two legged stand is still wobbly sometimes. With DW - you can twist them so it works with the second pedal.
later cats -
thanks!

[Anduin]

I purposely spend time on the internet - not only with my site but visiting all the other drummer sites.
...
My point is - the internet has provided us all with information and the world is changing. ... I KNOW I can always count on ourselves, (us drummers) to get along and grow together. I think it's up to us how we use the internet - but it is a potentially wonderful thing!

Yeah, 15 years ago pretty much all we had was books and maybe a few drummer friends and acquaintances. Now, with so many talented people on the 'net, I'm floored by how much we can learn off each other so easily (duh, stating the obvious).

One of the highlights of the web experience, for me anyway, is places like this (big thumbs up to Bernhard). Where else could focused interest groups like us drummers get together so easily and so often? Hanging with like-minded peeps just makes drumming even better. I learn stuff on here by osmosis without even trying!

[Colin]

Hey Billy! Nice of you to stop in! it's not often a seasoned pro will stop by unexpectedley! You're a fantastic drummer— cheers!

[somedrummer]

Welcome...

Im not gonna lie, I don't know much of what you've done. However, being able to ask questions of someone who has been featured in MD is a great priviledge.

Perhaps you could inform me of your work.. or maybe I'll just check out your site.

Again, Welcome,

ROb

[Bernhard]

Welcome...

Perhaps you could inform me of your work.. or maybe I'll just check out your site.


ROb

Yes, check out his side and forum:

http://p205.ezboard.com/bbillyward

Check out his site on Drummerworld - with helpful Videos:

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Billy_Ward.html

see also the thread about the placement of the DoubleBass Pedal outside the Hi-Hat:
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163&highlight=BILLY+WARD

Bernhard

[Freddie Freeloader]

Welcome Billy!
wow this is awesome! yet another pro on these forums.
i don't know what to say, except that i really enjoy listening to you playing.
hope to see you post here often.

[illy]

dang, what made you opt for such small hi-hats? those things are PUNY.

[dimosthenis]

Welcome Billy!

I read your articles on MD. Your style of writing is very nice (easy, fluent and humorous) and the info on the articles themselves has come in very useful many a times. Most inspiring!

Glad to have you here and I'm quite stoked myself to be here.

Dimosthenis

[glynes]

Billy????
Fancy running into you here!!!!
8-)
Welcome!!!!
You'll dig this place ... and we'll definitely benefit from your participation.
speaking for myself, aside from the technical and business stuff I've learned from you, your sprit and enthusiasm continues to keep me excited about being a drummer!!

[devilfish]

Welcome Billy! It's great to see those that we discuss often participate on the forum.

Cheers!

[japalm]

Billy, greetings from Cincinnati. I admire your work and I always look forward to your articles in MD. I'll have a cheese coney in honor of your presence here on DW. ;)

[Dr. Neaux]

Howdy from Texas Billy!!

Good to have you with us. I have your Big Time DVD and I love it! Great stuff and your approach to playing drums is just fantastic. I love the newspaper exercise you put those guys through, that was great!

If anyone has not seen this DVD, go get it! Hope to see more from you in the future.

[NUTHA JASON]

if you got the DVD then give us a review here:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=976

thanks.
j

ps: after what bernhard just wrote i have ordered it off amazon.com

[Bernhard]

ps: after what bernhard just wrote i have ordered it off amazon.com


Well Nutha - so it is: in my age, watchin all these Drummer-DVD's make me nervous, show me that I can nothing do well - should go practicing and and and....

...after watching something in the Billy Ward DVD i just feel great - everytime!!!! It's a happy DVD for me and give me motivation - even on my level.

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

i feel the same way. you must have seen the thomas lang DVD. i feel like a tortoise when i see that.

for me the inspiration DVD is my LED Zeppelin DVD. disk two the knebworth show. the last footage of John Bonham and he is absolutely rockin'. when i watch that i am ready to drum.

j

[Dill X]

Welcome Mr. Billy Ward!

You kick ass at the drums. I wish I could sound like you do.


Keep up the good work. It's good to have you hear.

[Dr. Neaux]

i feel the same way. you must have seen the thomas lang DVD. i feel like a tortoise when i see that.

for me the inspiration DVD is my LED Zeppelin DVD. disk two the knebworth show. the last footage of John Bonham and he is absolutely rockin'. when i watch that i am ready to drum.

j

Man, Thomas Lang ain't right!! I felt the same way you did after seeing some of that video. His drumming is pretty phenominal though. And as for Bonzo, I've seen some of the Zep DVD. My dad has it and played Moby Dick, which I believe is the same clip here on drummerworld, for me one day. The sound he had on his drums was so HUGE! Bonham was incredible. I haven't seen the Knebworth show though. I'm sure it's great.

[Bernhard]

Well this is a coincidence, that you're speaking about Billy and Thomas.

Just had the chance to meet them both ....same place - same time - nice and gentle guys and drum giants.

Yes it's true for me, that I can't and don't want learn the Thomas Lang stuff, but that will not mean, that young drummers should not know, what is possible..if you practice enough also.

But Billy is heavy grooving, demonstrated at the DW-Boot (not DrummerWorld sorry - DrumWorkshop) from scratch grooves from Ringo, Bernard Purdie and some more. His technique is more subtle and hidden, but believe me: phantastic Hi-Hat work, ghost notes...doublepedal syncopations, awesome fills --- just everything, and always grooving.

just if you wonder: in the picture is also Rob Wallis (Hudson Music)

[Anduin]

Well this is a coincidence, that you're speaking about Billy and Thomas.

Just had the chance to meet them both ....

Man, whatver you're doing, you're doing it right!

[Damon Dapper]

Love your science behind the hi-hats and your organic approach to percussion.........

You have a beautiful percussional Spirit.

Keep your shine, man!

Dap.

[billy ward]

Man, whatver you're doing, you're doing it right!


Bernhard is AT LEAST as "big" as anyone, thanks to his constant nurturing of this amazing website! He's the GREAND MASTER OF CEREMONIES!!! :D

And thanks to you folks! From all over the world, I'd guess. Feel free to visit my place. I recently eliminated the "snazzy home page" of my website because I felt it looked too vain - so when you go to billyward.com, you go straight to our small forum. We have around 2000 visitors each day and less than 500 members (quite small) but I'm proud of the quality of membership and posts that we encounter there. So if you are looking for a small "clubhouse" to hang out - maybe check us out there.
Feel free to ask away about anything. I'll check in to Drummerworld frequently.
gotta go now-
thanks agian
BW

[largo61]

Great drummer among us. But I would like to ask a question. What kind of hi-hat do you use? I think it is a 12''. Is it a mini hat or can I get a 14'' version? I love that clip of instructional video. It really helped me doing roles up and down the toms. And I discovered a problem in my technique while learning this. I am a lefty. But I do roles leading with my right hand. It complicates things a little.

[Rudy McRudster]

Wow, Billy Ward, nice. Big fan, I've learned a lot from "Big Time", a great dvd.
Glad to see another pro here on the boards, gives us all a nice glimpse into a musician's personality and life.

[billy ward]

Great drummer among us. But I would like to ask a question. What kind of hi-hat do you use? I think it is a 12''. Is it a mini hat or can I get a 14'' version? I love that clip of instructional video. It really helped me doing roles up and down the toms. And I discovered a problem in my technique while learning this. I am a lefty. But I do roles leading with my right hand. It complicates things a little.

Largo - that is wonderful! Some people need every little thing in a teaching instructional spelled out - which if you do, then others (like me) get bored.. So you can't win either way almost! :D But you GOT it - and even though I wasn't speaking directly about lefties, you put it together. Cheers!
I prefer smaller hats with pop music - I like the way "chirp" and yes, they are really quite a bit harder to control - especially in semi-open position. But I love them. Those are 10" recording series (since discontinued - story of my life!) in the DVD. There are a couple-places where I am mplaying 13" quickbeats too...
Lately I'm playing 11" prototypes (the best part of being an artist with a companyh is getting to play at their factory!:D) which are as loud as 14s, but still small and fast - very interesting combination.

To Rudy and all the others here who have said hello - THANKS!

[Mike St.Clair]

Great forum!! Billy, I bought your vid not long ago and must say thanks! Your set up theory has helped me out, still working on my 2nd floortom placement. Trying to play hihat with my right hand in front of my left instead of over it. Hard to break old habits!! Thanks for taking time out to speak on this board.

[billy ward]

Great forum!! Billy, I bought your vid not long ago and must say thanks! Your set up theory has helped me out, still working on my 2nd floortom placement. Trying to play hihat with my right hand in front of my left instead of over it. Hard to break old habits!! Thanks for taking time out to speak on this board.

Yeah Mike - hang in there. IT isn't easy, but it's gratifying when you realize you need your lucky underwear anymore to play well... :D

[Raymond Bloom]

Awsome, welcome to the forum, Billy!

[peoplecallmeandrew]

this may sound dumb and im sorry to waste your time but why does it say bw on the top right hand corner of your site???

[DogBreath]

Because those are his initials?

[Wegadrummer]

WoW! one of my favurite drummers in on this forum! *Screamming*
welcome billy ward!

keep drumming.. wega..

[Dyaxe]

hey billy!

nice to see you stop by on drummerworld! this forum has just gotten even better!

[RudimentalDrummer]

Hey I just read this thread ! ....... Welcome Billy and it's wonderful to have you here cheers !

[Mündo]

Billy!

Surprised and delited to see you here.

You have been one of my biggest influences in last year, as I've really begun to come into my own as a drummer. Your sense rhythmic style and creativity have been of great inspiration...

...yeah okay so ive lifted a couple ideas too...haha

Anyway...again, very nice to see you here...and if you ever have a few minutes spare time, send me a private message. It'd be great to have a conversation with you.

Gooday,
Bryson AKA Mündo

P.S.

Must give credit where credit is due. Bernhard, I'd never know who Billy was if it wasn't for this site...can't praise you enough. A king, nay, a saint among drummers.

[DR.WHOO]

Hi man welcome !!! Great dvd and great playing

AH very nice to meet u


T

[Roger-It]

a star among loads of normal people. Nice to meet you, Billy !!

[bohnamismygod]

hello, Mr Billy :)

nice to know that I could talk (at last read posts :p) of such a great drummer.

[Rick Wilkinson]

Hey Billy,

Did you get a chance to do any Fishing the last time you were in Utah?

Your DVD is next on my list. I love your style and the clips I've seen. I guess I should just get off this forum and go get it today.

[billy ward]

bonhamismygod - Actually I post just aabout everyday - usually several times a day at my site's forum - which is the front page of billyward.com, but I will check in here alot - it's a great site - Bernhard is one of my favorites! :D
and Rick - no.. I have yet to spend enough time in Utah to get to fishing!

[MunsieMan]

billy billy billy... you had some really nice grooves on your DVD one took me awhile to figure out but i think i got it, excellent information in the DVD i hope soon you'll come to Toronto to do a Drum Clinic

[NUTHA JASON]

as i am typing this you are telling me about setting up my drums. yes your DVD came in the mail today. already i can see it is going to be great. what a teacher.

j

[FatherTime]

Hi Billy,

I got your DVD from the store just the other day. Watched it about three times now and I have to say that your thinking about drumming was really nice to hear. I might be wrong here but what I got out of this DVD was to let our innerselves come through the drums, let the soul come out and play. ;) I've just gotten back into serious playing and you helped me get that back and since your DVD I've noticed a big time change (no pun intended, well maybe a tinny pun) in my playing and over all listening and thinking of music.

Thanks for the refreshing lesson. :)

[fourstringdrums]

Hey Billy! Great to see you here. I frequented your forum a few times. I have to say again how much I love your DVD and how inspiring it is. Even the jam sections inspire me as a bass player, so that's a double bonus :)

[gerry]

Hi Billy Gerry here.. your li'l Scottish Pal from billyward.com.. looks like I find myself here too..
still workin with those Soda Bottles.. the best filling for an interesting Shaker sound so far is believe it or not::: Spaghetti..snapped into little lengths.. sounds amazing!!!
Hope all well.. Gerry

[mediocrefunkybeat]

How insane; I just checked out those clips... (having just discovered this thread) and... well... that DVD is going on my Christmas list I think... the clip with the bass player is exactly where I want to be. Loving the small hats, I would love a set of those!

[billy ward]

thanks again folks. I just got home for a weekend in Colorado with Joan Osborne. Too much travel for two gigs IMO! :D Anyway, glad to be home - gotta mix a record I've produced this next ten days and I'm still re-wiring my studio! total pain in the butt!
Then I'm off to Drummer-Live for some masterclasses. If any of you are there, please say hello!

[finnhiggins]

Hi Billy Gerry here.. your li'l Scottish Pal from billyward.com.. looks like I find myself here too..
still workin with those Soda Bottles.. the best filling for an interesting Shaker sound so far is believe it or not::: Spaghetti..snapped into little lengths.. sounds amazing!!!
Hope all well.. Gerry

Pasta is awesome for improvised shakers. My brazillian flatmates in London used to make shakers with pasta and Pringles tubes.

[Paul Quin]

Billy:

I just finished your article in August's MD. It inspires a lot of thought. Thanks for having the courage to talk so openly about problems inherent in the development of the music business. I am not sure I share your optimism but thanks for putting yourself and your opinion out there and for having the courage to say what many of us have been thinking for some years.

Paul

[Thomas Braas]

You didn't had the time to fish in Utah...? dude.... I don't know how the fishing is in Utah, but fishing must be great, wherever you do it.... I don't like it, but Rick does, so maybe fishing is popular hobby... dude...

[Rick Wilkinson]

You didn't had the time to fish in Utah...? dude.... I don't know how the fishing is in Utah, but fishing must be great, wherever you do it.... I don't like it, but Rick does, so maybe fishing is popular hobby... dude...

Actually Rick hates to fish. I’m a Golfer not a fisherman

I just know people love the Fishing, Skiing, & golfing in Utah (sometimes all in the same day)

I saw a drumhead signed by Billy at Backbeats drum shop in Salt Lake City, it’s located kind-a by the mountain streams where the fish live. So I thought hum…. Looks like maybe Billy was here.

And I’ve seen this clip of Billy fishing

http://www.hudsonmusic.com/QuickTime/WARD/WARDMPG.html (http://www.hudsonmusic.com/QuickTime/WARD/WARDMPG.html)

So when everyone was welcoming him I thought I would ask if Billy’s been fishing in Utah.

Don’t ask me where the best fishing place is LOL, but if he wanted to go golfing that’s a different story

PO

[billy ward]

thanks for the continued welcome! This is a great forum. I actually don't fish. The way I'm "handling" the fishing gear i nthat scene of the DVD is actually pretty accurate to my fishing skills! :D It looks like it would hurt -and yeah, I know, It is inconsistent with my ordering fish at a restaurant!
Hope to see some of you at drummer live in the UK later this month!
Rick, I did a clinic for Backbeats a few years ago. Maybe it's time I get back there again? We'll see if they want me again.
thanks again!

[Rick Wilkinson]

Rick, I did a clinic for Backbeats a few years ago. Maybe it's time I get back there again? We'll see if they want me again.
thanks again!
I’m sure they would love to have you back who wouldn’t? (Besides maybe an X-Wife or ?? lol). I missed you at Backbeats cause I just started drumming again this year after a 10 year guitar break. But if you do come back I’ll be there. I do love you’re style and your willingness to chat with and help others. That’s cool. Have fun in the UK.

[Thomas Braas]

You don't like fishing... My whole world just collapsed man.... But Billy, if I may be so bold, or whatever the saying me be, do you handle fishing gear on your dvd....? I have to check then....

[billy ward]

thanks Rick - would love to go bakc there again.

and Thomas...
You don't like fishing... My whole world just collapsed man.... But Billy, if I may be so bold, or whatever the saying me be, do you handle fishing gear on your dvd....? I have to check then....
Check out the fishing "reel" at the beginning of the scene... that says it all and it wasn't scripted :D

[fourstringdrums]

thanks Rick - would love to go bakc there again.

and Thomas...

Check out the fishing "reel" at the beginning of the scene... that says it all and it wasn't scripted :D

You could've fooled me with your fishing skills, of course I don't fish so I don't know any better. I was just more impressed that your cell phone actually worked out on the lake :) My parents live on a lake and their cell phones don't work out there no matter what :D

[Laurent]

Mr. Ward,

Your articles in MD are very inspiring. Not only from a drumming point of view but in real life too. I can relate to a lot of things you said and apply them to my personal and/or professional life.

I first became aware of your playing through your work with Ace Frehley and particularly enjoy the stuff you did with Bruce Gaitsch.

You're definitively my kind of drummer, the one that serves the song and groove.

I wish you continuous success.

Best reagards
Laurent

[billy ward]

Hey - sorry about the last minute notice, but I am doing a chat at www.mikedolbear.com today at 3pm NYC time (8pm UK time)

Also, the BB king record has been released - I am playing on three songs with John Mayer, Hall and Oates and Gloria Estefan. It is titled "80".
A Joan Osborne Christmas record will be released in about a month or so as well.

-Billy

PS - I'm traveling overseas next week to perform master classes at Drummer Live. I'd be very happy to meet some drummerworld-ly folks there! Come up and say hi if you are there!
-Billy

[glynes]

Very cool chat ... great to see lots of us there. Bernhard, thanks for putting up the special notice ... for some unknown reason, I logged on just before going to lunch, and ended up eating my tuna sandwich at my desk, to take part. I'd have been really unhappy if I'd missed it!

[MECHT4NK]

I missed over 1 hour of the movie I was watching but it was definitely worth it.

[Bernhard]

My post amount is decreasing, what the hell is going on? Is somebody deleting my posts or something...?

Yes I'm deleting some threads....postcount is NOT important


...and here is the Billy Ward thread not the message board!!!!

Bernhard

[mediocrefunkybeat]

Lol Bernhard, you try telling that to me a year ago.

Thanks you very much Billy for the informative and genuinely fun webchat last night. I had a good time and it's good to know that a professional drummer such as yourself doesn't find it 'beneath' himself to chat to the likes of me.

Once again; thank you.

[NUTHA JASON]

i'll be seeing you at the wembly conference centre on the 24th billy. can't wait. i know you are going to blow us all away.

j

[Sticksman]

I really liked the webchat last night, and thanks for answering my question! I'll definately take that to heart!

[ThomasDee]

Billy, love your playing. I'm a big fan of your approach to time and your consideration to the music. I have worked on several projects with the WFD guys and it is no secret that on a couple different forums you are championed as the 'pro' anti WFD Guy.

Well, I just wanted your side of the story in your own words.

TD
ps really a fan.

[billy ward]

Billy, love your playing. I'm a big fan of your approach to time and your consideration to the music. I have worked on several projects with the WFD guys and it is no secret that on a couple different forums you are championed as the 'pro' anti WFD Guy.

Well, I just wanted your side of the story in your own words.

TD
ps really a fan.

Hey Thomas - I'm just back from DrummerLive (and totally jet-lagged...been up for more hours than I can count) but thought I'd try to respond. First of all, thanks!

About the WFD - I tried to get in there to post some comments (this was perhaps two years ago or more) to try to explain (defend) that i thought that Ron Spagnardi was being unfairly attacked. simple as that.
He was simply saying that music matters the most. He was a great guy. We drummers owe Ron Spagnardi alot because of his pursuit of having a durmmer's magazine - the very first magazine dedicated to drummers. This must not be under-appreciated!!! Mod. Drmr was the first!

AS far as the WFD goes... I think excellence in ANYTHING is worth noting / enjoying / complimenting. OK? I'm down with that. Many of the drummers who participate in the WFD are noted-great technicians, yet I personally have never heard most of them play in a band/play music - so I can't really comment on them as musicians. Have you heard them play in a band? Would you mind recommending a record to me of their playing? I'd enjoy listening to it.

My perspective is:
I am a drummer that is out there doing gigs mostly - recording/touring...
stuff like that. Lately, I admit to receiving great joy from my teaching - whether it is articles in MD mag, or clinics or masterclasses. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy to speak with you and others who look in on this discussion! My perspective on the speed thing is that it is good to go for speed - who could argue otherwise? But eventually, once some facility is achieved, tone and music will matter more. As for me, I am personally comfy with my speed. If I were to measure my single stroke roll solely for speed (which is something that I haven't practiced with a focus on speed for more than thirty years..I'm looking for tone when I play a single stroke roll) I'd guess that I can do somewhere around 800 strokes per minute - give or take a hun. That's a guess and frankly, I have no idea whether that would be considered good or bad by the WFD. But I'm very content with what I can do speed - wise. It works for me. Somedays, I hit an obstacle with speed and I THEN try to get faster with whatever I think I need.

HOw about this? Maybe it would be cool for the WFD to expand out of the single stroke roll and, for instance, see who can play the Long Roll while accenting the second note. Open to closed and back to open. Who would sound best doing that? In fact.. how about a contest where the long roll with the accented second note has to happen on a loosely tuned flappy floor tom instead of a tightly tuned snare drum? I mean, THAT takes chops!!!! Just a crazy thought...

I honestly think it is great that the WFD is helping to keep sticks in the hands of drummers that might not otherwise be too interested in spending the time it takes to have some chops. If striving for speed makes that happen, I think that is wonderful. Like I said before, excellence in anything is a great thing. I remember trying to get faster with my 26 rudiments when I was a kid. But, regarding speed or tempo, I'm glad that Led Zep/the Beatles/Creme/Jimi Hendrix/the Who/Radiohead/Miles Daivs/James Brown/Styevie Wonder and a million other musicians were not ENTIRELY concerned with speed. I love their chosen tempos on those songs!
So hopefully this is clear (which my not be the case because I am so tired now and sleep deprived)

This seems to me to be an over-discussed topic. Should we start a campaign against Jim Keltner because he doesn't fill enough? Speed is simply one isolated aspect of drumming - one isolated aspect of MUSIC. I have no idea what moves this WFD discussion forward. it makes me think of Monty Python's Life Of Brian - where some are following the sandal..others the gourd... I figure I'm definitely NOt making sense anymore - so I'll sign off. This is more than I typed on my OWN website tonight!!! :D
best wishes. (and going to bed now)
BW

[DrumNut]

Ron was a GREAT man, and contributed sooo much to the drumming industry.

I was a bit cyncial of WFD as musicians at first, but I know that the champs have played with some of the best musicians.

Mangini - Extreme/Stevie Vai, etc
Verdi - Jack Wilkins/Shirley Scott, etc
Jotan A. - Britney Spears/Rick Martin, etc
Johnny Rabb - Hank Williams III, Tanya Tucker

[billy ward]

Ron was a GREAT man, and contributed sooo much to the drumming industry.

I was a bit cyncial of WFD as musicians at first, but I know that the champs have played with some of the best musicians.

Mangini - Extreme/Stevie Vai, etc
Verdi - Jack Wilkins/Shirley Scott, etc
Jotan A. - Britney Spears/Rick Martin, etc
Johnny Rabb - Hank Williams III, Tanya Tucker


Absolutely! And I've met three of the four above (except for Jotan A.) and always enjoy their company. I am aware of their credits - just wish I could hear something. I'll ask them when I see them next.

[Rick Wilkinson]

I’m the kind of guy that likes a little "Space" between the notes. However it’s great to have gentlemen like competition like Jazz band, Marching band etc. And I guess it would be easier to judge or grade "speed" rather than to judge "playing talent", (two separate things in this case) so let them have their fun if their good at it. I’m sure they have spent allot of time working on it. And if they can really play, that’s all the better. It’s just not for me.

But I do think whatever gets you excited enough to pickup the sticks, is great.

[ThomasDee]

Hey Thomas - I'm just back from DrummerLive (and totally jet-lagged...been up for more hours than I can count) but thought I'd try to respond. First of all, thanks!

About the WFD - I tried to get in there to post some comments (this was perhaps two years ago or more) to try to explain (defend) that i thought that Ron Spagnardi was being unfairly attacked. simple as that.
He was simply saying that music matters the most. He was a great guy. We drummers owe Ron Spagnardi alot because of his pursuit of having a durmmer's magazine - the very first magazine dedicated to drummers. This must not be under-appreciated!!! Mod. Drmr was the first!

AS far as the WFD goes... I think excellence in ANYTHING is worth noting / enjoying / complimenting. OK? I'm down with that. Many of the drummers who participate in the WFD are noted-great technicians, yet I personally have never heard most of them play in a band/play music - so I can't really comment on them as musicians. Have you heard them play in a band? Would you mind recommending a record to me of their playing? I'd enjoy listening to it.

My perspective is:
I am a drummer that is out there doing gigs mostly - recording/touring...
stuff like that. Lately, I admit to receiving great joy from my teaching - whether it is articles in MD mag, or clinics or masterclasses. I'm feeling warm and fuzzy to speak with you and others who look in on this discussion! My perspective on the speed thing is that it is good to go for speed - who could argue otherwise? But eventually, once some facility is achieved, tone and music will matter more. As for me, I am personally comfy with my speed. If I were to measure my single stroke roll solely for speed (which is something that I haven't practiced with a focus on speed for more than thirty years..I'm looking for tone when I play a single stroke roll) I'd guess that I can do somewhere around 800 strokes per minute - give or take a hun. That's a guess and frankly, I have no idea whether that would be considered good or bad by the WFD. But I'm very content with what I can do speed - wise. It works for me. Somedays, I hit an obstacle with speed and I THEN try to get faster with whatever I think I need.

HOw about this? Maybe it would be cool for the WFD to expand out of the single stroke roll and, for instance, see who can play the Long Roll while accenting the second note. Open to closed and back to open. Who would sound best doing that? In fact.. how about a contest where the long roll with the accented second note has to happen on a loosely tuned flappy floor tom instead of a tightly tuned snare drum? I mean, THAT takes chops!!!! Just a crazy thought...

I honestly think it is great that the WFD is helping to keep sticks in the hands of drummers that might not otherwise be too interested in spending the time it takes to have some chops. If striving for speed makes that happen, I think that is wonderful. Like I said before, excellence in anything is a great thing. I remember trying to get faster with my 26 rudiments when I was a kid. But, regarding speed or tempo, I'm glad that Led Zep/the Beatles/Creme/Jimi Hendrix/the Who/Radiohead/Miles Daivs/James Brown/Styevie Wonder and a million other musicians were not ENTIRELY concerned with speed. I love their chosen tempos on those songs!
So hopefully this is clear (which my not be the case because I am so tired now and sleep deprived)

This seems to me to be an over-discussed topic. Should we start a campaign against Jim Keltner because he doesn't fill enough? Speed is simply one isolated aspect of drumming - one isolated aspect of MUSIC. I have no idea what moves this WFD discussion forward. it makes me think of Monty Python's Life Of Brian - where some are following the sandal..others the gourd... I figure I'm definitely NOt making sense anymore - so I'll sign off. This is more than I typed on my OWN website tonight!!! :D
best wishes. (and going to bed now)
BW
Billy thanks for the reply, especially as tired a you were. Hope you got some rest. I agree with you and was hoping that was kinda the way you thought about WFD. Most people seemed to have gotten hung up on the word Speed and forgot that it is really all about technique.

Did you read the latest (sept issue) issue of MD going inside the WFD article? If so what did you think of it? Did you think it explained WFD and possibly cleared some misunderstandings?

Who are you playing with now? Still doing some stuff with Joan Osborne? I love your work with her. So tasty.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and hope you're feeling better.

TD
ps. Also really enjoy your articles in MD.

[billy ward]

Hi Thomas - yeah (about the WFD article). i thought it was very well presented in MD - a good read.
As you probably know, I'm just back to NYC after being in the UK for DrummerLive. I am mixing an album by Jon Albrink that i am producing (you can hear a clip of one rough mix on my website under listening section - the song is titled "What Would You Give")/ I am playing on three songs (the New York sessions) of BB Kings latest album titled "80". This record was just released. I think it's a good album and BB IS 80 years old. What an incredible man!! I had a few gigs with Joan last month in Colorado at festivals - things will probably remain quiet with her now - though, a Christmas record that we did will be out shortly - it should be pretty cool for that kind of thing. I'm also recording some instrumental music - I guess you would call it jazz... with a guitarist and bass player that I used to play alot with when I lived in LA (13 years ago). That happens in six days late October. In less than a week, I'm traveling to Copenhagen to "beat up" a rhythm section as an artist in residence at the Rhythm University there. :D
November has me attending PASIC - just hanging out. Then (hopefully) I'll have some time off. I do have a Bill Champlin song sitting at my studio for more than 6 months now - I should get to that in November I hope! Also looking forward to some "down time" so that I can write some more... Thanks for asking!

[finnhiggins]

Hi Thomas - yeah (about the WFD article). i thought it was very well presented in MD - a good read.

Billy, I just caught up on this thread and your marathon WFD comments below. Thank you. That expressed all the things that impress and slightly worry me about WFD at at the same time, better than I ever could.

I'd also like to say thanks a heap for your educational ventures. If I'm going to read an article by a pro these days I think I'd look your way first. Your writing style is wonderfully clear, and you always have a whole bunch of great ideas that make me want to run off and practice! Keep up the amazing work...

[RudimentalDrummer]

Mr. Billy Ward:

So "Rythmn Tech" does works for you .... hehehehe !..you were on Page 85 of Drums Mgazine this months October 2005. .... it features the Rythmn Tech Hat Tricks available in Nickel or Polish Brass.....though of getting one of these ... looks nice - but I don't know how it works?..

[RudimentalDrummer]

In Gregg Bisonette Musical Drumming DVD ...Gregg said - Pss.sss Tell you all something ... a Secret..."Speed is not the most important aspect of Drumming .... Keeping Time and playing with the band is"

Luckily - Speed is not the most important. Gregg continue to say ... In ancient time, people dance to the Drums (very true) they don't dance to any other Musical Instruments right ? ... yes.... and so ... Making our Drums Groove is important ... make them bop their heads and wanna dance to your beat ... not speed.

PS: Not the speed is not important - just that it's not the most important aspect of drumming.

[Bernhard]

In Gregg Bisonette Musical Drumming DVD ...Gregg said - Pss.sss Tell you all something ... a Secret..."Speed is not the most important aspect of Drumming .... Keeping Time and playing with the band is"

Luckily - Speed is not the most important. Gregg continue to say ... In ancient time, people dance to the Drums (very true) they don't dance to any other Musical Instruments right ? ... yes.... and so ... Making our Drums Groove is important ... make them bop their heads and wanna dance to your beat ... not speed.

PS: Not the speed is not important - just that it's not the most important aspect of drumming.

For me there are two aspects in this:

a) To double-bass speed maniacs: did you ever see somebody dance to the sound of a lawn-mower???

b) To the lazy-ones: Oh speed is not important, great I don't have to practice regularly anymore, just keep the groove, yeah....

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

dancing to a lawn mower! ha ha ha . B you kill me. that is brilliant.


j

[mediocrefunkybeat]

For me there are two aspects in this:

a) To double-bass speed maniacs: did you ever see somebody dance to the sound of a lawn-mower???

b) To the lazy-ones: Oh speed is not important, great I don't have to practice regularly anymore, just keep the groove, yeah....

Bernhard

Bernhard... you know I'm a strange kid right?

Danced to a lawnmower...

[Bernhard]

Bernhard... you know I'm a strange kid right?

Danced to a lawnmower...

In another thread you just admitted, that you stopped double-bass?
I've got it now - makes sense - you switched to dancing. But season is over. In winter the lawn-mowers are sleeping.

Bernhard

[ClockworkOrange]

Hi Thomas - yeah (about the WFD article). i thought it was very well presented in MD - a good read.
!


I'd like to introduce you to your new diplomatic attache to the EU......


Mr Billy Ward!............:)

[mediocrefunkybeat]

In another thread you just admitted, that you stopped double-bass?
I've got it now - makes sense - you switched to dancing. But season is over. In winter the lawn-mowers are sleeping.

Bernhard

My feet will now lie dormant. I have danced to a lawnmower, I've danced WITH a lawnmower whilst using it. I have a retarded left foot; it's really THAT simple.

I can dream... dream of one day appearing on stage as a tap dancer.

[RudimentalDrummer]

b) To the lazy-ones: Oh speed is not important, great I don't have to practice regularly anymore, just keep the groove, yeah....

Bernhard

Don't misrepresent what I said ... I said Not that speed is not important ... BUT ... it's not the MOST important in drumming and that doesn't means that we don't need to practice speed ... but we don't need to be the fastest hand ... to be a very good drummer.

[Bernhard]

Don't misrepresent what I said ... I said Not that speed is not important ... BUT ... it's not the MOST important in drumming and that doesn't means that we don't need to practice speed ... but we don't need to be the fastest hand ... to be a very good drummer.

Of course Rud, I've got it....was just a joke with serious background.

By the way: when you want back the fun of drumming: Look at the Billy Ward DVD - and also the new old rebrushed clips of Bernard Purdie i will put p these next days

[RudimentalDrummer]

Of course Rud, I've got it....was just a joke with serious background.

By the way: when you want back the fun of drumming: Look at the Billy Ward DVD - and also the new old rebrushed clips of Bernard Purdie i will put p these next days

Yes ... sure will and thank you so much my dear Bernhard.

[NUTHA JASON]

A series of WFD arguement has been removed from this thread and posted in the WFD thread here. http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2992&page=3&pp=35
i have taken the billy bits out and put them back here:

dogbreath said...
So... back on subject! Thanks to Billy Ward I've really gotten into smaller sizes for hi hats. I haven't made the move to anything drastically small (although I was lucky enough to try out a set of 11-inch hats that Billy helped design), but I'm really loving my new 12-inch K Custom Dry hats. Any other fans of relatively small hats?

and i replied:
i played 13'' dark paiste hats at church and i must say they were far more controlled and, for want of a better description, had a silvery sound to them. very elegant. now for my rock playing they would probably not do so well, although i never got the chance to really bash them and see how they sing, but in church they fitted everything very well. i would say they were great for funk and jazz but not for punk. i would like a pair for studio work. and now i am intrigued about having a try on even small hats. Dogbreath, i suppose smaller hats would fit in your giant kit neater as well.

[billy ward]

Thanks Nutha - I realize it is very hard to maintain some logic within a free-for - all discussion forum!
The wfd doesn't disturb me at all though. Seem to be alot of good guys doing it.
I'd like to stress that rudiments should be learned and played Open to closed and then back to open. (Slow... then fast...then gradually and musically back out to slow)
This is the WAY to getting some hands! (along with the newspaper exercise that is in my DVD.

re: hats- I look forward to some of you hearing my 11" hats. It is possible that Zildjian will end up making these available to all! They are fast (obviously) but feel and play like normal sized hats - incredible.
thanks-

and Bernhard - you DO look alot like Steve Gadd!! :D

[Tim Waterson]

Hey Bernhard - I've finally joined up! :D Nice joint you've got here!
Kind of makes my little forum feel so small... (but we like it that way)

Just wanted to say hello - I'll be checking in (probably pretty regularly) to see what's going on. Until next time...
Billy W

Billy Ward page on DrummerWorld (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Billy_Ward.html)
Hey Billy Good to hear from you....Stick around there are a LOT of interesting drum topics going on.Hope to see you at NAMM take care and God Bless
Tim
www.timwaterson.com

[billy ward]

Hey Billy Good to hear from you....Stick around there are a LOT of interesting drum topics going on.Hope to see you at NAMM take care and God Bless
Tim
www.timwaterson.com

Hey there, Tim! yeah - so far I can get to NAMM, so hopefully I'll see you there! and I try to mosey around here when I have some time - take care
Enjoy the upcoming Holidays!
Billy

[MECHT4NK]

This is the WAY to getting some hands! (along with the newspaper exercise that is in my DVD.
the moment I started with this exercise the newspaper we get was sized down to half it's original size so now I'm still wondering if I could have better result if that didn't happen :D

[NUTHA JASON]

haha. another good hand/finger/wrist exercise that i use is this...

the gyro ball. mine is a neon one. they are amazing. i wont type much here about them. it is best if you check their website out. but it is used by all sorts og sportspeople )tennis and golf particularly).
http://www.powerballs.com/

http://www.powerballs.com/images/powerball_seg_aut/second_table/hand_base2.jpgi wonder if you've tried one of these out billy? anyone else?

[billy ward]

yeah Nutha - that's kinda cool, but it doesn't specifically strengthen the fingers (enabling better fingers on those sticks!) - does it? It seemed to me to be more of a wrist thing when I tried it -
Bw

[NUTHA JASON]

yes. i think for a clasping action you would be hard pressed to beat the newspaper exercise.

but what about this little device? CHOPSTICKS....
i saw it advertised in modern drummer a few years ago. i want to try it out but it is only available in the US. have you seen it tried it liked it? billy? anyone else? seems like a brilliant invention especially to use while watching tv as it is silent and wont drive my girl insane like a practice pad might?

http://www.ballisticdrums.com/images/iso-hands/Isotonic-picture-for-web.jpg
read more about it here:

http://www.ballisticdrums.com/special-reports/iso_for_hands.htm

[Womble]

"However, we warn drummers that because the Isotonik System For Your Hands is so effective you can gain too much speed too quickly. If that happens, you should stop doing the exercises and set the Chopstick aside for 2 or 3 days, so you can get used to your new speed."

[Henry II]

wow this is pretty cool. a pro drummer on our site.


nice.

I'm sure there are quite a few!

[Will-Myster]

Welcome to DrummerWorld Forum ;]

Will

[billy ward]

Hi again. -and thanks for all the good welcomes!

Nutha - I think we all wish for something easy that will solve things. But in reality, my opinion is that watching TV with a stick in your hand WILL do better than buying a gizmo like what is shown in your pic.

the exercise: (I think this is in my DVD - don't remember)
raise your wrist up and over towards your back so that your hand is just over your shoulder (next to your neck and upside down). then flex the fingers - doing single strokes in the air. This'll work! Makes no sound and works even with old re-run tv shows! :D

Hope you all will continue to do well. Peace,
Billy

[NUTHA JASON]

i got a question for you billy.
i don'y know how often a guy who is in the creative side of drumming does this, but you must have done it a lot when you were younger, cover other drummers. do you still do that?
As a cover band drummer primarily myself, my question is what element in a drum beat do you listen out for first? what part do you copy first to form the foundation on which the other parts can be built on? hihat? snare? bass drum? or do you listen to the bass guitarist first? for example what would be you approach to covering roseanna?
j

[Bernhard]

Hi Billy

the forum was down for some days - we did a major server upgrade, so all things should run now a bit smoother.....

Want to talk to you soon about M.C.......

Bernhard

[billy ward]

Hey Bernhard - please write me anytime! I'm always happy to talk with you. I am pretty much recovering from some recent heartbreaks, but all is well and looking up!

Nutha - good question. First of all, since almost all of Joan Osborne's recordings are NOT with her live band, in that sense it IS a cover song gig! :D
Her Christmas record is jsut out and we are on that one - available through Barnes and Noble - titled, "Christmas Means Love". It's very r & b flavored - kinda cool.

Being the drummer in a cover band that is covering songs by other bands can be really hard to do. Maybe I should write an article about this!

The main thing is to listen to the groove in general - you might be playing the exact drum part, but that doesn't ensure that the song will feel the same. For example, sometimes an acoustic guitar is playing 1/8th notes and, even though it is placed way back in the mix of the record, it is a crucial part to the rhythmic feel of the song. Yet maybe theree aren't enough bodies on stage to compensate for that.
So you, as the drummer, need to figure something out there - maybe shakers in your cymbal hand instead of sticks?.. Maybe recommend to your guitarist to TRY to cover both the acuostic and electric gtr parts? It is hard sometimes. It can be VERY creative and challenging to cover songs well and accurately. Just remember, it takes more than just the notes - it is how the band interacts - and, yet again.... it is ALL ABOUT YOUR EARS!!!

[NUTHA JASON]

i guess then it really does come down to the individual song. some demand listening to the hihat first and others bass drum comes prime. we are a fourpiece band and often i hear that missing guitar you are talking about, plus with studio overdubs sometimes what i am listening to is essentially is one and a half drummers. one thing i sometimes do is NOT listen to the original song. Jason at a practice will say, 'hey guys i want to cover this song...(eg: the clash: i fought the law), do you guys know it?' and i will say yes even though i have only heard it on the radio a couple of times in the last decade. then i play my own drums to his guitar and, although they are perhaps not anything like the original drumtrack they fit the guitar jason is playing and so the end result is an original sound version that, more importantly than anything else, grooves right. sometimes i play a song differently every night...like 'play that funky music' - james brown can be played so many different ways.
j
ps: good luck with JO's release this season. i'll look out for it.

pps: congrats on your cool interview in RHYTHM magazine this month. comes off really well.

ppps: if you have a mo please have a listen to my playing on this thread below. its a recent live recording of 'play that funky music'. i just love my cymbal sound in it and the snare is sweet.
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=49758#post49758 thanks.

[Lingenfelter Twin Turbo]

Hello Billy! Big fan.

[rock_drummer91]

Holy crap it's Billy Ward. I recently bought your DVD "Big Time". It's awesome. I'm a big fan. Keep postin'







Peace.Love.Drums

[billy ward]

thanks guys - Happy to be here!


hey Nutha!... I listened to your clip. you sound great. less mics is always cool and less risky (if you sound great on your own as you do)

That guitar player needs to get some time going though... whew!.. that's rough... I do understand that it is live though... and given the wrong tape at the wrong time... maybe it could be any of us! I hope he is aware of how lame his groove was there- if not.. you've got a rough road ahead of you!

Happy '06 everyone!

[Stu_Strib]

In Gregg Bisonette Musical Drumming DVD ...Gregg said - Pss.sss Tell you all something ... a Secret..."Speed is not the most important aspect of Drumming .... Keeping Time and playing with the band is"

Luckily - Speed is not the most important. Gregg continue to say ... In ancient time, people dance to the Drums (very true) they don't dance to any other Musical Instruments right ? ... yes.... and so ... Making our Drums Groove is important ... make them bop their heads and wanna dance to your beat ... not speed.

PS: Not the speed is not important - just that it's not the most important aspect of drumming.

A good analogy is auto racing. Straight away speed isn't what makes a fast lap time, because it is the corner preceeding the long straight that determines how fast you will be going on the straight part. Sometimes you have to "slow down" to go fast.

Musically speaking, a little white space every now and then, mixed in with blasts of speed, make the speed seem faster than it really is! A constant barrage of blast beats stops sounding fast after about, oh, 4 bars.

With that said, you can see why Billy has a lucrative career telling people his opinion about music, and I don't ;-)

stu

[kzdruma]

I love inside out! It was one of the best books I have ever read. Do you have anymore? If so where can I buy them?

[billy ward]

thanks for the compliments!

kzdruma- Inside Out is the only book I've written (and may be the last!) :D

But I'm proud of it and grateful Modern Drummer wanted me to do it.

thanks


what's a Lingenfelter Twin Turbo? airplane engine???

[Thinshells]

thanks for the compliments!

kzdruma- Inside Out is the only book I've written (and may be the last!) :D

But I'm proud of it and grateful Modern Drummer wanted me to do it.

thanks


what's a Lingenfelter Twin Turbo? airplane engine???

haha... you'd think so. It's a Corvette engine. They used one to get a vette over 200mph.

[NUTHA JASON]

hey Nutha!... I listened to your clip. you sound great. less mics is always cool and less risky (if you sound great on your own as you do)

That guitar player needs to get some time going though... whew!.. that's rough... I do understand that it is live though... and given the wrong tape at the wrong time... maybe it could be any of us! I hope he is aware of how lame his groove was there- if not.. you've got a rough road ahead of you!


i think he's pretty good but then he is the singer as well so credit where it is due...we are looking for a good guitarist to fill out a bit more...preferably one that doesn't differentiate between lead and rhythm guitaring...maybe brian may isn't too busy. thanks very much for the review. i didn't know i was being recorded at the time. sometimes that's the best because i sometimes concentrate on the recording when i am being recorded instead of the drums and the audience (if that makes any sense?)

j

[BrokenGlass]

Hi Billy. I just had a quick question. BTW i've read many of your articles and find them very insightful. Also seeing you play is inspiring with the cool ideas you come up with..ie shakers in the feet.

Anyways, I've been playing around with the idea of putting together an actual solo. I've never done this before. I can play alot of different kind of fills. But my question is what is the best way to link them all together to make a powerful solo. I know there isnt a secret recipe, but in your experience what kind of solo do people like to hear that keeps them intereseted?

[ClockworkOrange]

Billy's got some great ideas for coming up with ideas on his new DVD -BIG TIME.

I would recommend it, for anybody wanting to take their playing to new and exciting levels!

[DR.WHOO]

Well Billy i've bought your DVD and i think it's great...
Good job...
I love your ideas of breathing and move ....


T

[Bernhard]

Yes Dr. Whoo - you not only bought the DVD - you really developped into Billy (like me with Steve...lol)

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

billy's long lost brother.
i ve been told i look like lee evans or ron welty (off spring's drummer) sheesh...lee evans?
j
ps: sorry to go a bit off topic here.
http://www.bstuck.com/jamie/drummers/ron/pics/ron3.jpg

[Rosco]

Hi Billy, just wanted to say hi and to let you know that I watched your DVD at the weekend (I've seen it before, but last night I watched it on my own in peace without my girlfriend or flat mate chatting and interfering!)
Just wanted to let you know that you've really inspired me to try a lot of things and have been like a breath of fresh air. My practice playing etc was getting a bit stagnant but the last few days I've been practicing like a man possessed, and more importantly, loving every minute of it.
So thanks!

I'm thinking of getting an x-hat and playing around with some ride cymbal/china combos too.. looking forward to it!

cheers!
Dan

[billy ward]

Hi Billy, just wanted to say hi and to let you know that I watched your DVD at the weekend (I've seen it before, but last night I watched it on my own in peace without my girlfriend or flat mate chatting and interfering!)
Just wanted to let you know that you've really inspired me to try a lot of things and have been like a breath of fresh air. My practice playing etc was getting a bit stagnant but the last few days I've been practicing like a man possessed, and more importantly, loving every minute of it.
So thanks!

I'm thinking of getting an x-hat and playing around with some ride cymbal/china combos too.. looking forward to it!

cheers!
Dan


COOL! THANKS! and for some reason I need twenty characters for this to post - so here goes......
That should be enough!
Billy

[rendezvous_drummer]

And why haven't i noticed that BILLY WARD! is here. Man it's awesome to see that there's pros here. Awesome stuff Mr. Ward.

[DR.WHOO]

Yes Dr. Whoo - you not only bought the DVD - you really developped into Billy (like me with Steve...lol)

Bernhard

Ah ah ah ah yes i loved it so much that i ask my mother to change my face.....

But as u know she didn't change my hands to......


T

[bouncingdude]

Billy,

Thank you for giving us some of your time. It is highly appreciated. I wanted to ask how important proper breathing is when playing drums? Athletes have certain breathing techniques and I believe that us drummers could benefit from that too. Would you have any insights on this?

Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and generousity to the art of drumming.

[billy ward]

Billy,

Thank you for giving us some of your time. It is highly appreciated. I wanted to ask how important proper breathing is when playing drums? Athletes have certain breathing techniques and I believe that us drummers could benefit from that too. Would you have any insights on this?

Thank you for all your hard work, dedication and generousity to the art of drumming.

Hi bouncing - thanks. breathing is obviously important- and is an obvious aid to the groove... or else it could be a sign that things aren't going too well!Q :D

i discuss this in my DVD, Big Time. I hope you get to see it!!

[BrokenGlass]

Hi Billy. I just had a quick question. BTW i've read many of your articles and find them very insightful. Also seeing you play is inspiring with the cool ideas you come up with..ie shakers in the feet.

Anyways, I've been playing around with the idea of putting together an actual solo. I've never done this before. I can play alot of different kind of fills. But my question is what is the best way to link them all together to make a powerful solo. I know there isnt a secret recipe, but in your experience what kind of solo do people like to hear that keeps them intereseted?


might not have seen my question just wanted to bring it to your attention.

[billy ward]

might not have seen my question just wanted to bring it to your attention.

Hiya BG -
I must've seen it and tried to act like I DIDN'T see it! :D
You see... I am really not very good at drum solos - I am (of course) fussy with myself - I mean, regarding judging my own playing - I am harsh. Drum solos are mostly not too interesting to me. Someday I hope to get some solos going. There is a Drum solo specialized issue coming out in Modern Drummer soon - maybe that will shed some light on the topic???

Until the time at which I can be interested long enough to keep playing by myself - - i will continue to lean into what the others are doing to inspire me.
Wish I could've helped you - my apologies,
Billy

[Lingenfelter Twin Turbo]

thanks for the compliments!

kzdruma- Inside Out is the only book I've written (and may be the last!) :D

But I'm proud of it and grateful Modern Drummer wanted me to do it.

thanks


what's a Lingenfelter Twin Turbo? airplane engine???

It is a Corvette that is twin turbocharged by Lingenfelter performance engineering of Decatur, Indiana! My 2 vices are drums and Corvettes! My LPE car is a 2000 Corvette Convertible-520hp! I really enjoy your articles in Modern Drummer. Keep up the great work.
Steve

[billy ward]

It is a Corvette that is twin turbocharged by Lingenfelter performance engineering of Decatur, Indiana! My 2 vices are drums and Corvettes! My LPE car is a 2000 Corvette Convertible-520hp! I really enjoy your articles in Modern Drummer. Keep up the great work.
Steve


Thanks Steve - Man, this Vette thing is almost a cul among somet! Actually makes sense.. the guitar player / composer of this trio jazzy record I just made (will be out in a few months) is a vette freakazoid!
gonna be a nice record BTW -

I wouldn't mind a day or two with a Vette - livin' large....
Mmmmmm

[Lingenfelter Twin Turbo]

Thanks Steve - Man, this Vette thing is almost a cul among somet! Actually makes sense.. the guitar player / composer of this trio jazzy record I just made (will be out in a few months) is a vette freakazoid!
gonna be a nice record BTW -

I wouldn't mind a day or two with a Vette - livin' large....
Mmmmmm

You are more than welcome to stay with my family ANYTIME in Birmingham, Alabama!
I will even let you drive the Corvette. But that will cost you a drum lesson. Let us know when the record comes out. I would love to pick up a copy.
Steve

[Robson]

Hi Billy,

I was wondering if we can be expecting you here in Iceland anytime soon? This year, next year or whatever.

[NUTHA JASON]

hey billy, i suggest you got there. i'd love to visit iceland one day...fire and ice and geysers and hot pools...very inspirational. lol.

j

[Robson]

Nutha, check out this article from the Mike Portnoy forum:
http://www.mikeportnoy.com/forum/tm.aspx?m=1041569&mpage=1&key=Iceland󾒡

-Edit-
I just realized that the pics don't work. Damn!

[NUTHA JASON]

darn. any way of reposting them? why not start a thread in general discussions and put them there.

j

[Robson]

I pm'd the guy, and maybe he will send them to me.

[razorbladereverse]

Hey, great to have you here, i'm a big fan of everything you've done for the drumming world!

keep it up.

RR

[heeeres_mikey]

Hey Billy,

I bet you're sick and tired of everyone saying "hello, you're great" by now, but i thought i would say hey and thanks for sharing your knowledge on drumming with us all. even though it's only over the internet i feel privileged to be typing to you. so thankyou once again I would love to ask you loads of questions about your career and drumming techniques, but I won't because i'm sure you are very busy.

Thanks again

Mikey Scott

[billy ward]

too funny!!!!

Hey Mr. B - I'm playing at Musikmesse. Will very much look forward to seeing ou again -

my playing schedule:
AGORA Stage
Wednesday - 29 March 2006
12:00 Billy Ward

Thursday - 30 March 2006
13:00 Billy Ward

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

haha. another good hand/finger/wrist exercise that i use is this...

the gyro ball. mine is a neon one. they are amazing. i wont type much here about them. it is best if you check their website out. but it is used by all sorts og sportspeople )tennis and golf particularly).
http://www.powerballs.com/

http://www.powerballs.com/images/powerball_seg_aut/second_table/hand_base2.jpgi wonder if you've tried one of these out billy? anyone else?

i got one of those for christmas. pretty neat. for me i don't know if it's exercising my

fingers, but they do get sore after a while from trying to hold onto the thing, and it

definitely works your wrist, and for me, my lower forearm.

but i don't know if the soreness in my fingers is a result from them being exercised, or just

fatigue from holding on to it.

[NUTHA JASON]

does yours have a read out? if so, what has been your top speed so far?

j

ps: i don't use mine so much anymore as i am playing drums so often now that any down time is precious for my muscles to repair and build.

[Sonorholic]

Billy, greetings from Cincinnati. I admire your work and I always look forward to your articles in MD. I'll have a cheese coney in honor of your presence here on DW. ;)

Makes me wish I was near a Skyline!! Hey Billy, another former Cincy guy here, just saying hello. I'll be in NYC soon, maybe we can hang? Glad to see you're here, I just joined up myself.

[billy ward]

Makes me wish I was near a Skyline!! Hey Billy, another former Cincy guy here, just saying hello. I'll be in NYC soon, maybe we can hang? Glad to see you're here, I just joined up myself.

Man.... yeah! Great to hear from you S-holic! Will enjoy seeing you whenever it happens!

I'm around NYC alot the next couple-a-months. But then Musickmesse (frankfurt) for a minute. and then a clinic tour in May. I don't think I'm allowed to announce it yet myself... :(

Will be great to see you whenever I can.
Hey - I just bought a bmw wagon. (i know you are into cars - you have an audi, right?) I hate the stigma here in the states about buying a decent car - but I'm non-repentant mostly.

GO DRUMMERWORLD!

[T-1000]

Hello Billy,

I'm sorry if this sounds really ignorant, but are you the same person as 'Bill Ward', who tours with Black Sabbath. This has been bugging me for some time now...

[Bernhard]

Hello Billy,

I'm sorry if this sounds really ignorant, but are you the same person as 'Bill Ward', who tours with Black Sabbath. This has been bugging me for some time now...

There are two drummers featured at Drummerworld

Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Bill_Ward.html

Billy Ward
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Billy_Ward.html

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

no relation
http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum22/billward.jpghttp://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum3/billyward.jpg

except that they are both exceptional drummers with great careers...

but also very different styles.
j

[Stu_Strib]

Not to mention, what, about 30 years age difference?

I saw Bill Ward in '04 with Sabbath and Ozzy..them old dudes still rock.

[billy ward]

Not to mention, what, about 30 years age difference?

I saw Bill Ward in '04 with Sabbath and Ozzy..them old dudes still rock.

Hey there! Stu - just saw this note of yours. Bernhard and some others probably saw this but didn't want to step in - because most folks are so sensitive about hiding their (old) age.
I think Bill (from sabbath) is only 6 years or so older than me. Maybe less - met him once when we were both Sabian artists. Nice guy!
I was born in 1952. It's amazing what all the surgery has done to keep me "fresh".. :D

Honestly - this is the truth. Others hide their age. I'm over it - LITERALLY. HA!
See?... I'm not that smart - just been around a bit.

Bw

[Guinness]

Hi Billy, I can still remember your interview in Modern Drummer in which you explained how to make cheat sheets for those last minute gigs. You charted out the bars and wrote like CRASH! or BOOM! overhead in various places. I thought it was such a good idea that I started experimenting with it and found it worked! Wow, that was a long time ago. Welcome....and I'm going to buy your DVD. Thanks for sharing that info with MD, it helped me a lot.

[billy ward]

Hi Billy, I can still remember your interview in Modern Drummer in which you explained how to make cheat sheets for those last minute gigs. You charted out the bars and wrote like CRASH! or BOOM! overhead in various places. I thought it was such a good idea that I started experimenting with it and found it worked! Wow, that was a long time ago. Welcome....and I'm going to buy your DVD. Thanks for sharing that info with MD, it helped me a lot.


Thanks Guiness! nice name you've got there! :D

That quickie chart system is in my book as the end as well. (Inside Out; the mental aspects of drumming - modern drummer publications)

That bit in the magazine was so small - i'm impressed you dug it out of there!
Bw

[NUTHA JASON]

hey billy, are you coming over to drummerlive in the uk again this year?

j

[TitanSound]

Maybe DrummerWorld should have a stand at the show?!

If not then we should all get together for that day anyway!!

[Bernhard]

I come over Saturday and Sunday September 23 & 24 - also to check out Nuthas new DrumStudio.

Nutha and I will have media press accreditation. At Frankfurt Musikmesse this month I will meet Ian Croft - the nice man running DrummersLive and DRUMMER magazine to fix the details.

So I heard that the program is very stuffed - and we come to watch - we have no time for a own booth. So I think Nutha will find a place Saturday afternoon/evening after the program for a beer hangout?

Bernhard

[NUTHA JASON]

a beer or three after the show....that sounds great.

lol - but i don't own a new studio...that design was for MY DREAM studio. i would hate to run a booth at drummerlive. wouldn't want to miss anything while i'm there.

j

[billy ward]

yeah - I'm playing drummerlive and looking forward to another INCREDIBLE drum/drummer hang!
Mr. Bernhard - I'll be seeing you in a couple - a - weeks at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt!
I love our little community!

[Bernhard]

Hi Billy - so great

(just at the moment I watched/listened "Above the Water" from the DVD....what a groovy song)

Yes, will be great to meet in Frankfurt and then also planning London ...and Austin perhabs?

Bernhard

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

does yours have a read out? if so, what has been your top speed so far?

j

ps: i don't use mine so much anymore as i am playing drums so often now that any down time is precious for my muscles to repair and build.

aw man, no mine doesn't have a read out, i didn't even know they made ones that did.

[theduke86]

Hey Billy,
I loved your article in the latest Modern Drummer concerning soloing- I thought it was interesting that you didn't like taking solos- you're such a good player! I think I speak for the majority of the drummer population when I say we'd love to hear your musical ideas.
Also, I thought it was funny that your dentist could sing the Inna-Gadda-Da-Vidda drum solo... Proof that non-musicians can both digest and enjoy a drum soloist! Cheers Billy, thanks for all the drumming and great writing over the years.

[billy ward]

thanks the duke86!

Having my dentist sing that solo to me (just the beginning part of course...) was amazing - and then the fact that it happened the very same week I needed to write something for that issue about solos totally blew my mind!
Life is really funny sometimes.
thanks for the encouragement!

[Nick5]

this billy ward?

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum34/billywardfrank.jpg

seriously? cool... another pro is amongst us. welcome then billy.

j
Billy. Are you a "Big Red Machine" fan or do you just like the shirt?

[billy ward]

Billy. Are you a "Big Red Machine" fan or do you just like the shirt?

huge reds fan. they are embarrasing of late - but I still root for them first and foremost!

[DR.WHOO]

Hey Billy are u coming to Italy somewhen???

let me know ...

T

[S2K]

Wow, Billy Ward, you have a really great and creative improvisation, by the way now that you're here, I just wanted to ask....in the solo that you have a small part here on your site of drummerworld, on the Modern Drummer Days festival, you use a technic that I just can't understand, when you make three or four single strokes hitteng the hit-hat under, it's a amazing speed, and you just rise your arm!!!!!!!....i just don't know what to do when I see it....I'd thank if you take the time to explain how do you do that, or what thecnic do you use......anyway, welcome, it's great to see a site where all the greatest are togheter

[drumbig]

Hey Billy, I recently watched your dvd Big Time just before leaving for a gig. I had to play 36 covers of wich I new about 10. I really felt comfortable and confident going into the set after watching it everything went fine. So thanks for getting me pumped up haha. I do have one question who makes your cymbal stands that you use for stacking w/ the hi hat like top? I looked on DW's sight and didn't see them.



P. S. The earlier post about your age really floored me I thought you were like 35. Maybe there is still hope for me yet!

[billy ward]

Thanks guys! S2K - I'm not understanding what your question is here. If you or anyone else can clarify, I'll be happy to try to answer. I don't recall EVER playing the hats with sticks from UNDERNEATH... so...huh?
but thanks for the comps!

and...
Hey Billy, I recently watched your dvd Big Time just before leaving for a gig. I had to play 36 covers of wich I new about 10. I really felt comfortable and confident going into the set after watching it everything went fine. So thanks for getting me pumped up haha. I do have one question who makes your cymbal stands that you use for stacking w/ the hi hat like top? I looked on DW's sight and didn't see them.



P. S. The earlier post about your age really floored me I thought you were like 35. Maybe there is still hope for me yet!


Thanks Drumbig - the part you are looking for is a DW part#9212. It is an arm that sits in a normal DW stand and you can mount two cymbals together like in x-hat configuration. Other companies make this kindo f thing as well, but NONE of them make it so that you can place very heavy 22" cymbal OVER a little 10 or 12 and still adjust the exact amount they are touching each other. Regarding those cover band gigs... I've dont that a ton in the past. This is why my book (modern Drummer publications) ends with my approach for what I call a "quickie chart system". You might enjoy seeing that sometime.
thanks agian-
Bw

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Hey Billy, just wanted to say I dug the egg shaker groove you came up with. I can't recall the DVD it was on, but it made me laugh with it's coolness. Dig your playing and attitude as well, postive approach always yields positive results ultimately. You're twenty times the player I'll ever be.

[billy ward]

Hey Billy, just wanted to say I dug the egg shaker groove you came up with. I can't recall the DVD it was on, but it made me laugh with it's coolness. Dig your playing and attitude as well, postive approach always yields positive results ultimately. You're twenty times the player I'll ever be.

thanks medfunbeat - (funny name) youm ight be right, but that doesn't mean you can't be a far better MUSICIAN! :D

Billy

[drumbig]

Thanks Drumbig - the part you are looking for is a DW part#9212. It is an arm that sits in a normal DW stand and you can mount two cymbals together like in x-hat configuration. Other companies make this kindo f thing as well, but NONE of them make it so that you can place very heavy 22" cymbal OVER a little 10 or 12 and still adjust the exact amount they are touching each other. Regarding those cover band gigs... I've dont that a ton in the past. This is why my book (modern Drummer publications) ends with my approach for what I call a "quickie chart system". You might enjoy seeing that sometime.
thanks agian-
Bw

Billy I really appreciate you taking the time to look that part up for me. I'm definately going to get your book. Thanks again.

[ewanlaing]

well i'm coming up on going to my first drum clinic (god knows why i left it so long) and it's seeing mr Billy Ward in scotland! i greatly look forward to it, as i really enjoyed the clips i saw here and you rhythm interview was interesting too. and, it'll take my mind off exams, which start 3 days later (grr!).

[NUTHA JASON]

Hi billy.
here is a photo of me at my smallest gig (just me and a guitarist/singer). we play on a stage that is 1.5 metres wide so i play a 2 piece drumset and and forced to use small cymbals.
the reason i put it in your thread is that my hihat (2 splashes) is 10''.
works very well.
i have to play very softly but still do nirvana, greenday and blink 182...go figure. its a good exercise in restraint tho.
ever do stuff like this in your past?
j


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/CNV00014.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/?)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/nuthajasonhorslerasd.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/?)

[aahznightsky]

Hey btw Billy, great articles in MD these past few issues! Definitely great advice for people putting together a studio for the first time.

Have you ever tried out the Earthworks drum mics? I know you said youre into pure overhead sound, and I have these mics and they as accurate as I've ever heard a mic. And the snare sounds amazing without a snare mic! Just the set of three and a room mic has gotten me amazing recordings ...

oh yeah and just a note ... I used to tune my snare super high ... and then decided to tune it down for this song I did, kindof like that article you have on how you tune your snares ... and it sounded amazing. So, thanks for that great tip!

[billy ward]

wow - some more posts lately! Thanks to those of you who are coming to my UK clinics! Be sure and come up and say hello!
Nutha - yeah, that's familiar alright! Just keep doing what feels good. Do you know that i offer a different way (than yours) to place the hat compared to the snare in my DVD? You might want to check that part out again and try it for a while... or not :D

And yeah, Azzz - I like Earthorks mics. They work really well - and also the omni patterns forgive "iffy " placement - so they are great for starters or seasoned veteran engineers.
If you play well - your drums will sound good! So you must be pretty good!!! :D

thanks again folks-
Billy

[NUTHA JASON]

yeah. but on that particular stage (which was actually the darts piste) i could only set up my kit one way. heck my feet were almost tucked under the snare drum. the hihat tripod was getting in the way of the snare and i couldn't even use my bass drum spurs (i had to tuck two jackets under each side of the drum to stop it rolling).

funnily enough it was because of these weird limitations that i came up with totally fresh ideas. my art teacher used to make limitation rules that would encourage us to think outside the box...like we had to draw a portrait but the rule was that it had to be done with a ballpoint pen and that once the pen was down we couldn't pick it up (so the whole drawing was one continuous line); the results were surprising. to draw the portrait effectively we were then forced to consider how to make the pen lighter or darker and how to inbed its movement into the texture when we had to move it to another part of the page and how to work any errors into the final product so they appeared to be deliberate creative actions.

...sometimes i feel a lot of my drumming is exactly like this. lol

j

[p-mack]

I hope someone here can help me with my question.
What's the total length of Billy Ward's DVD? How long?

Thanks!
I watched Billy Ward's Moderndrummer.com videos and they are addicting...
=)

[billy ward]

I hope someone here can help me with my question.
What's the total length of Billy Ward's DVD? How long?

Thanks!
I watched Billy Ward's Moderndrummer.com videos and they are addicting...
=)


Hi - I'LL answer! It is one minute longer than 3 hours - the main "movie part is one and a half hours long - then there are extras that equal another hour and a half (+commentary, which is important - further explanations- in this case)

Also....Hi Bernhard! Thanks for the note - I am starting to feel better!

[Bernhard]

Great to hear Billy...and again....all the best....

(Poor Billy Ward has an Ear Infection)

Billy Ward Forum:

http://p205.ezboard.com/fbillywardfrm1

Bernhard

[Bernhard]

UK Clinic Tour 2006
May 9th - May 14th

Check it out:

http://www.mikedolbear.com/

http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum46/billywarduktour.jpg


I put it also into the forum calendar....

Bernhard

[billy ward]

thanks Bernhard! It starts next week and it's going to be grueling! ....3 Masterclasses and 6 Clinics in 6 days - in 6 different cities!!!
Looking forward to it - Hopefully, some of the Drummerworld gang can come out!

[ewanlaing]

i'm looking forward to it.
by the way, reading your interview with rhythm i was suprised how few sticks you (and steve gadd) go through. is it anything to do with your relaxed style, or is it more a case of you knowing where to hit the cymbal?

[billy ward]

i'm looking forward to it.
by the way, reading your interview with rhythm i was suprised how few sticks you (and steve gadd) go through. is it anything to do with your relaxed style, or is it more a case of you knowing where to hit the cymbal?


Hmmm - my guess is that it is knowing where to place the cymbals and drums for your touch - (and having a consistent touch!) and having a touch that doesn't choke the stick or, more importantly sonically, the object being played.

[rendezvous_drummer]

hey billy. one question about the DW stands you use and endorse. I saw an ad with you and the stands in DRUM or MD, can't remember which one, but the stands don't look too sturdy. How do you think they compare to other stands. They look lightweight.

[ernehudspe]

Hi Billy, glad your here. Also thanks Bernhard for this great site.
Buddy H.

[danielheier]

Hey Billy,

I just wanted to say hi and thanks for the drumming. Your approach to drumming is unique and inspiring. I love your articles in Modern Drummer. I also wanted to say that I have lately become a huge fan of Mark Craney, I am from the same city he grew up and some of his buddies in town have turned me on to him, I am very glad they did! Since you were part of the drum club with Craney, I was wondering if you can share some stories or just what you found really cool about Mark Craney, or perhaps a favorite recording or anything you have in mind. I am just trying to learn as much as I can about Mark and his style of drumming. I have the Gino Vannelli "brother to brother" album which is just fantastic. The album has great groove and musicianship. Thanks for the drumming Billy!

[billy ward]

hey billy. one question about the DW stands you use and endorse. I saw an ad with you and the stands in DRUM or MD, can't remember which one, but the stands don't look too sturdy. How do you think they compare to other stands. They look lightweight.

Hi! I use all the DW stands - the ad you are mentioning is their LIGHTWEIGHT series - so yeah, they ARE lightweight. But they are also very sturdy - if you are a true basher, I would avoid. Otherwise, that 6000 series is a great deal - and it's what I'm using if I'm doing the lifting! :D

Also - yeah, Mark Craney. I'm honestly still speechless - I hope you saw the Modern Drummer magazine feature about him. It has two wonderful articles - one by Robyn Flans with quotes from many drummers who knew Mark - and the other by Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) who was very close to Mark and it is a WONDERFUL read. I saw Mark play with Jean Luc Ponty and Gino Vanelli 9this was before I knew him) and he totally killed me. I learned a ton just by watching him. (Hi Mark - you are missed)

[drumbig]

Hi! I use all the DW stands - the ad you are mentioning is their LIGHTWEIGHT series - so yeah, they ARE lightweight. But they are also very sturdy - if you are a true basher, I would avoid. Otherwise, that 6000 series is a great deal - and it's what I'm using if I'm doing the lifting! :D

Also - yeah, Mark Craney. I'm honestly still speechless - I hope you saw the Modern Drummer magazine feature about him. It has two wonderful articles - one by Robyn Flans with quotes from many drummers who knew Mark - and the other by Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) who was very close to Mark and it is a WONDERFUL read. I saw Mark play with Jean Luc Ponty and Gino Vanelli 9this was before I knew him) and he totally killed me. I learned a ton just by watching him. (Hi Mark - you are missed)


Until the recent MD issue I have never heard of Mark Craney. I understand now how well respected and what a monster player he must of been and look forward to listening to him w/Jean Luc Ponty and Gino Vanelli when I find those cd's. He must be one of '' the underrated drummers of all time' to have slipped by me all these years. God bless.

[billy ward]

Until the recent MD issue I have never heard of Mark Craney. I understand now how well respected and what a monster player he must of been and look forward to listening to him w/Jean Luc Ponty and Gino Vanelli when I find those cd's. He must be one of '' the underrated drummers of all time' to have slipped by me all these years. God bless.

He would so NOT care about whatever attention has happened to him recently (except to joke/brag about it to his friends:D) but I am glad to hear about more people getting aware of him. thanks!
B

[Sonorholic]

Hey Billy, I hope your health is up to the flight! Safe travels and have a great tour! There are some forum friends of mine who might show up in Scotland.. I'm not sure how far the trip is for them though. Hopefully I'll see you when you get back. Take care....

[ewanlaing]

the clinic was fantastic! billy your style is so unique and you were so creative (hats off to the guitar lead idea). i had an excellent view. i was the guy in the foo fighters t-shirt standing in everyones way, who gave you the kinda lame thumbs up on the way out. i was really glad that it wasn't just a big drum solo, but instead a lesson on how best to compliment a song.
if anyone else has a chance to see billy, take it. it's well worth it.

[ewanlaing]

P.S. billy is taller in real life than i expected. don't ask me why.

[DanielSk]

Hi Billy, i will hear if you ever will come to Denmark, and if you do, would it be possible to get a 1 hour lesson with you ?

Best Regards Daniel Sidelmann

[TopCat]

Hey there....Absolutely gutted i couldnt make the clinic last sunday. Ah well..i'll have to catch you next tour /sigh

[danielheier]

Also - yeah, Mark Craney. I'm honestly still speechless - I hope you saw the Modern Drummer magazine feature about him. It has two wonderful articles - one by Robyn Flans with quotes from many drummers who knew Mark - and the other by Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) who was very close to Mark and it is a WONDERFUL read. I saw Mark play with Jean Luc Ponty and Gino Vanelli 9this was before I knew him) and he