Gregg Bissonette

[WIllY]

Hi every one!! I just wanted to say that Gregg Bissonette its an awesome drummer, but I also want to say that he is an Incredibly humble guy that plays drums very very good... I went last friday to one of his clinics and I have the oportunity to meet him, I told my drum teacher if I could meet him!! he said yes so I met Gregg and concluded that he is very good in playing and most important he has a humble attitude!!..

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Gregg_Bissonette.html
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[Drummer_Boy]

Gregg Bissonette is a really good drummer. I think he's self-taught also, but don't remember. Also, I know he played with David Lee Roth which was good, and I think he played with Steve Vai.

[Rick Wilkinson]

I got his "Musical Drumming in different styles" DVD and I got’a say it was very, very impressive. It’s a 2 Disc set that last’s 4 hours for under $50 and it’s packed with great info for making music a business to playing great chops. Not just a bunch of "see me play" stuff.
I would recommend it to any serious drummer.
He’s played on the Santana "Supernatural" album and toured with Spinal Tap (British heavy metal) and site reads music very well (he was a trumpet player in school) He has an incredible playing tallent as well as a talent for teaching. IMO.

[fusssion]

Gregg Bissonette is probably one of the MOST under-rated drummers there is!

He was Maynard Ferguson's drummer for years! This guy can do it ALL..and do it well!

If you want a great piece of what he can do, .....pick up Brandon Fields "The Other Side of the Story" and listen to "The Brain Dance" !! What a great "play over" solo!!!

Also, his second album "Submarine" is great as well.........

He's one of my favorites because of his versatility ...and ...because he seems like the guy next door. One of those guys you'd run into in the airport and he'd chat with you no problem!

AND btw.......hasn't he studied w/ Freddie Gruber ?!

[Spliff Burton]

I wish I could see him do a clinic, I'll check and see if there's anything going on. He's intense....from the videos I've seen of him playing.

[Scatman]

I hear the new Gregg Bissonette DVD is awesome

[Thinshells]

I liked Gregs work on the Buddy Rich tributes, and his absolutely CRUSHING drum sound on Joe Satriani's "Time machine" album.

I rmember he played a Slingerland "mint frost" kit for a while, but I think he is with DW now.

[devilfish]

Since everyone is mentioning his DVD's, his vid about playing music with a band is great! He walks you through how to make short tabs to get you through gigs and shows you a little bit about reading while playing. He breaks everything down and is very concerned with explaining everything so that no one gets lost. The title, now that I think about it, might actually be: Gregg Bissonette: Playing Music with a Band.

He is definitely one of my favorite drummers.

Cheers.

[cactusman]

no actually i think gregg is currently with mapex

[Thinshells]

no actually i think gregg is currently with mapex

Yep, you are right...Mapex. He has a bio there under "artists."

[mlehnertz]

Bisonette was actually "very taught" North Texas State (Berklee of the Midwest?) and was in their best big bands. Maynard Ferguson picked him up in the early 80s. I saw him in 1982 or 1983 and talked to him after the gig. He was playing a maple set of Yamaha recording series drums at the time. Great player and a very nice guy. We talked for at least 30 minutes while he packed up his own set.

Bisonette has played with lots of people. He was on Pat Boone's "In a Metal Mood:No More Mr Nice Guy". He was with David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani, Steve Vai - his most famous gigs.

Gregg Bissonette is a really good drummer. I think he's self-taught also, but don't remember. Also, I know he played with David Lee Roth which was good, and I think he played with Steve Vai.

[DottedQuarters]

You guys are right about him and Mapex...I saw him do a clinic here in town a few months back and he was playing one of the Saturn series. His clinic was amazing, he played with the "Thunder From Down Under" track (under 'grooves', the 3 over 2 stuff is even more amazing live!) and also covered a huge variety of grooves and fills, mainly Police, and talked about applying them to diff styles. Go see him if he's anywhere near by! Really a classy guy too.

[John Ruggiero]

I agree that Greg is a very underrated drummer To be a success with Maynard says it all

[YAHAHA]

I saw him in the early 80's with Maynard Ferguson. His style brought so much to the music without being either boring or overbearing. When he played a short solo, it brought the house down.

After the show, he talked with my friends and me (high school band punks) for a while and was totally cool. No attitude and actually seemed to enjoy talking with us kids. Overall, a really cool guy!

[aahznightsky]

I agree that Greg is a very underrated drummer To be a success with Maynard says it all



haha I'm not so sure. That's kindof like saying Buddy Rich was an underrated drummer. Bissonette is HUGE and has been regarded as one of the best in the business for years (decades I think but im only one and a half of those)

[TOMANO]

GREGG BISSONETTE is one of the greats. Groove, feel, dynamics, chops...he's got it all. One of my all-time faves. His solo albums with his bass playing bro, Matt, are excellent. I love to watch him play as much as I enjoy listening.

TOMANO

[brittc89]

guys, no joke, I totally met Gregg on an airplane, he was walking down the aisle and I totally started freaking out that it was Gregg Bissonette on the same plane as me. Well I caught him before he could get down to his seat andd he totally talked to me and my family for like 20 minutes. Then he hangs out with us at the baggage claim for like another half hour even after he got his bags. Just the nicest guy Ive ever met and a KILLER player. We watched him play some fusion/rock stuff at La Va Lee in LA and he was fantasitc! He then invited us to a clinic and I also got an hour lesson with him. An absolutely amazing experience and definitely the coolest pro-musician Ive ever even heard of.

[Wegadrummer]

Hello, what do you think of gregg?
I think he is a great all-around drummer, i got his dvd for my 19 birthday and im impressed..
http://drummerworld.com/drummers/Gregg_Bissonette.html

[Bernhard]

Hello, what do you think of gregg?
I think he is a great all-around drummer, i got his dvd for my 19 birthday and im impressed..
http://drummerworld.com/drummers/Gregg_Bissonette.html

Sorry Wega - had to merge - thread already exists...

Bernhard

[Robin]

Thanks for creating this thread! Gregg Bissonette is one of my favorite drummers of all time! He truly has it all. Groove, big pocket, fastness & chops. And he's played so many styles that It's scary. Not many people know that he played with Toto in 1995 when Simon Phillips was really ill and couldn't play so Gregg filled for him during that tour!

[Wegadrummer]

Sorry Wega - had to merge - thread already exists...

Bernhard

its okai... no harm done..

[tambian89]

If you wanna see some great work by Greg, check out "Eat 'Em and Smile" by David Lee Roth. Roth recorded this album after he left Van Halen; many say this albums picks up where Van Halen leaves off. Greg does some great work; he is perfectly supported by bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. I really consider this to be a "supergroup", and the album is absolutely amazing.

- Marc

[mlehnertz]

Well, let me roll up on to the sidewalk and take a look. Whoa...

If you wanna see some great work by Greg, check out "Eat 'Em and Smile" by David Lee Roth. Roth recorded this album after he left Van Halen; many say this albums picks up where Van Halen leaves off. Greg does some great work; he is perfectly supported by bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. I really consider this to be a "supergroup", and the album is absolutely amazing.

- Marc

[tambian89]

Trust me, this album rules.

On the other hand, I really liked the "Texas Shuffle" that Greg played on the video on this site. 'Twas cool.

- Marc

[rhinohunter]

I can only concur what has been said about Greg .Again like alot of you i went to a clinic that he held here in NZ he was so humble.His clinic was the breakdown of the beatles music and he played right through the many styles they encroached on .............................it was to say one of the best clinics I have been to and then he took 45 minutes of questions and gave lots of advice and a couple of great stories.He had just come from working with Carlos Santana and was on fire.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I've actually only gotten into Gregg Bissonette recently. He is an excellent drummer and the video of him on this site playing tony williams is awesome! is that a 18 inch bass drum he's playing?

[mikeybbdrummin]

I am lucky enough to know Gregg for almost 17 years. He has been my biggest influence and favorite drummer for almost 20 years. About 9 months after I made the effort to meet him I got the oppourtunity to set up his drums (may-oct 1990,91&92) at local jazz clubs, studio sessions and other things in exchange for lessons. To me It could not get any better than that. Most of time I would sit 10 feet away and watch him all night. Usualy 9-1:30. When it came to lessons we did what I wanted at lessons but it was mostly about timing, beat dissplacement stuff and double bass feet and hand patterns. I also learned alot without extra lessons from watching him so much over the years. There are drummers that have faster feet and hands or that are in to crazy independence stuff but when it comes down to it he is one of the greatest ALL AROUND drummers there is. My favorite without question. I saw him two weeks ago and I am just as happy to see him now as I was 17 years ago. So if you have the oppourtunity to see him live..DO IT!! You wont be dissapointed. He is a nice guy, funny and very approachable. And if he has the time he will answer any questions you ask him.

[Stu_Strib]

Well, let me roll up on to the sidewalk and take a look. Whoa...

Are you talking about a Yankee Rose?

[mlehnertz]

And she looks wild...

Are you talking about a Yankee Rose?

[mlehnertz]

I first saw him in 1982 or 1983 when he was gigging with Maynard Ferguson. I got to catch him twice with Maynard. I then saw him with David Lee Roth. I'm trying to remember who was playing drums for Joe Satriani. More than likely it would have been Jonathan Mover.

Gregg Bissonette was the primary reason I bought Yamaha drums. He had that gorgeous natural wood set of Recording Customs with Ferguson.

I am lucky enough to know Gregg for almost 17 years. He has been my biggest influence and favorite drummer for almost 20 years. About 9 months after I made the effort to meet him I got the oppourtunity to set up his drums (may-oct 1990,91&92) at local jazz clubs, studio sessions and other things in exchange for lessons. To me It could not get any better than that. Most of time I would sit 10 feet away and watch him all night. Usualy 9-1:30. When it came to lessons we did what I wanted at lessons but it was mostly about timing, beat dissplacement stuff and double bass feet and hand patterns. I also learned alot without extra lessons from watching him so much over the years. There are drummers that have faster feet and hands or that are in to crazy independence stuff but when it comes down to it he is one of the greatest ALL AROUND drummers there is. My favorite without question. I saw him two weeks ago and I am just as happy to see him now as I was 17 years ago. So if you have the oppourtunity to see him live..DO IT!! You wont be dissapointed. He is a nice guy, funny and very approachable. And if he has the time he will answer any questions you ask him.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I first saw him in 1982 or 1983 when he was gigging with Maynard Ferguson. I got to catch him twice with Maynard. I then saw him with David Lee Roth. I'm trying to remember who was playing drums for Joe Satriani. More than likely it would have been Jonathan Mover.

Gregg Bissonette was the primary reason I bought Yamaha drums. He had that gorgeous natural wood set of Recording Customs with Ferguson.


I saw him 3 times w/DLR. E&S tour, Skyscraper tour and at a dress rehearsal w/about 50 people when A Little Aint Enough came out. And also a lot of jazz clubs.
As far as I know it was Mover. Gregg was the reason I bought my Pearl kit 10 years ago.
And because he plays Mapex I have looked in to them and like the features of the Pro M studio kit (especially the legless 16 in floortom) and thats what im going to get soon. Emerald Green.

[LinearDrummer]

Gregg Bissonette is a really good drummer. I think he's self-taught also, but don't remember. Also, I know he played with David Lee Roth which was good, and I think he played with Steve Vai.

Nah hes not self-taught he went to school in Texas and hes studied with Tony Williams....

Anyways I finally got his DVD and must say hes really gotten good...I had his old DCI video and the way hes progressed with his Latin playin is unbelievable....He doesn't sound like a rocker tryin to fake a Latin groove anymore - real authentic sounding....

He comes across as a real humble - comical guy and I really like the way he continually pays homage to Tony throughout the DVD....

[mikeybbdrummin]

Nah hes not self-taught he went to school in Texas and hes studied with Tony Williams....

Anyways I finally got his DVD and must say hes really gotten good...I had his old DCI video and the way hes progressed with his Latin playin is unbelievable....He doesn't sound like a rocker tryin to fake a Latin groove anymore - real authentic sounding....

He comes across as a real humble - comical guy and I really like the way he continually pays homage to Tony throughout the DVD....

His new DVD is very good. Covers alot of different styles.
I have seen Gregg many, many times. Mostly from 90-93 at both Baked Potato's, Lave Le, Cafe Cordiale, Le Cafe and other places with incredible musicians including percussionists and I have never heard anyone refer to him as a "Rock Drummer" fakeing a Latin Player. The musicians he played w/at that time 15 years ago I dont think would settle for a drummer that had to "Fake" their way through any part of the music.
I believe the DCI video your refering to came out in 1990. Right after I met him and saw him at all the places I mentioned.
Also he played the same stuff on the Buddy Rich Memorial in Oct. 89 in his solo .........................didnt look fake to me.
Just thought I would throw in my two cents.

[da cheese walks]

If you wanna see some great work by Greg, check out "Eat 'Em and Smile" by David Lee Roth. Roth recorded this album after he left Van Halen; many say this albums picks up where Van Halen leaves off. Greg does some great work; he is perfectly supported by bass virtuoso Billy Sheehan and guitar virtuoso Steve Vai. I really consider this to be a "supergroup", and the album is absolutely amazing.

- Marc

"Eat Em An Smile" is brilliant!!Ah my band do a cover of "Yankee Rose" and were learning "Shyboy"....the band have it down but the fact is i dont have a double bass pedal so i cant play it!!

brillinat album!brilliant band! Brilliant drummer!!

"Submarine" is also insane!!

[mikeybbdrummin]

"Eat Em An Smile" is brilliant!!Ah my band do a cover of "Yankee Rose" and were learning "Shyboy"....the band have it down but the fact is i dont have a double bass pedal so i cant play it!!

brillinat album!brilliant band! Brilliant drummer!!

"Submarine" is also insane!!

"Shyboy" is a fun song to play. If you dont have a double pedal another cool song to play off that album is "Bump & Grind" also "Ladies Night in Buffalo" w/a very cool guitar solo.

[lilblakdak]

My fave song to play by Gregg with DLR is Skyscraper. There is a fill after the 2nd bridge that is awesome.

"My Doctor says I need to take a LAXATIVE!"
"Not in my store you dont!"

[da cheese walks]

"Shyboy" is a fun song to play. If you dont have a double pedal another cool song to play off that album is "Bump & Grind" also "Ladies Night in Buffalo" w/a very cool guitar solo.

ah yes!!!the guitar solo is brilliant....good old Steve Vai....man i love that guy!!

Shyboy is great fun to play....my guitarist an bassist have the best crack ever doing it!!!yknow the whole guitar 6 finger tapping bit near the end?well my bassist does it with the guitarist an just everything about the song blows people away when we play it!!

[mikeybbdrummin]

ah yes!!!the guitar solo is brilliant....good old Steve Vai....man i love that guy!!

Shyboy is great fun to play....my guitarist an bassist have the best crack ever doing it!!!yknow the whole guitar 6 finger tapping bit near the end?well my bassist does it with the guitarist an just everything about the song blows people away when we play it!!

You should check out Whitesnakes "Slip of the tongue" CD. Vai on guitar and Tommy Aldridge on drums. I think its a good Cd.
You would probably like it................since you "love that guy".

[da cheese walks]

yeah man ive heard it....i like it...!haha!but im not so into whitesnake!!(in my opinion theyre a bit...eh i dunno...corny?!!!)but i do love Vai....my guitarist introduced me to Vai about 7 months ago....ive watched "live at the astoria" over 20 times now thorugh and through!!absolutley brilliant!!!

especially Virgil Donatis solo....awww lovely!!!Vai is an incredible guitar player, and hes worked with so many incredible musicians.....!I love pretty much everything hes on!!i mean his stuff with Zappa....!amazing!(Zappa is the greatest!!!!!!)

Sex & Religions a great album....i especially like "Pig" and "Survive"!brilliance!!

[Ekim]

"Hot Dog & A Shake" from DLR's "Skyscraper" album is a fun one to play along with too.

[mikeybbdrummin]

"Hot Dog & A Shake" from DLR's "Skyscraper" album is a fun one to play along with too.

"Bottom Line" off that album is also fun w/the extra long tom roll from floor to high tom.
Also the intro is cool.

[J Casey]

I wanted to let you guys know that Gregg's brother Matt is a buddy of mine. Last week I played on a session with Matt on bass. I have met Gregg and his father and mother also. The entire family are down to earth amazingly nice people. I am planning on taking a few lessons with Gregg soon. His playing is clean. Very controlled and in the pocket with unlimted versatility. As far as his brother Matt, working with him as a bass player reenergised my desire to work at my chops. The father is a gifted musician and is directly responsible for lighting the ignition under his son's formitable talent. Both Matt and Gregg are to be admired for their ability to create such sustained careers in music. Gregg has said that his brother is his best friend and when they play together as members of Ringo Starr's band it is the fulfillments of many of his childhood dreams. A great family! An underrated drummer for certain.

[rendezvous_drummer]

casey, you're very lucky man! I've been into Gregg's stuff so much lately, that's all im listening to now. i like the video for submarine on this site on his page. hell everything there is awesome.

[J Casey]

casey, you're very lucky man! I've been into Gregg's stuff so much lately, that's all im listening to now. i like the video for submarine on this site on his page. hell everything there is awesome.

Hey RD,

I have been blessed to work with great players like the Bissonettes. I completely agree! Matt is just as gifted as his brother Gregg. If you get a chance go to Matt's website and listen to his band "The Squirts". Matt and Gregg both are good singers as well. The Squirts are also the players in Rick Springfield's live band which is Matt's current road gig.

http://www.mattbissonette.com/buycds.htm

jc

[mikeybbdrummin]

yeah man ive heard it....i like it...!haha!but im not so into whitesnake!!(in my opinion theyre a bit...eh i dunno...corny?!!!)but i do love Vai....my guitarist introduced me to Vai about 7 months ago....ive watched "live at the astoria" over 20 times now thorugh and through!!absolutley brilliant!!!

especially Virgil Donatis solo....awww lovely!!!Vai is an incredible guitar player, and hes worked with so many incredible musicians.....!I love pretty much everything hes on!!i mean his stuff with Zappa....!amazing!(Zappa is the greatest!!!!!!)

Sex & Religions a great album....i especially like "Pig" and "Survive"!brilliance!!

Another realy good guitar player Gregg has done alot with is Steve Lukather.
You and your guitar player might check it out.

[da cheese walks]

man ill check him out....Im pretty sure my guitarists checked him out already tho!!hte guy has an extreme obsession and when were not over here practicing for our next gig, or in teh pub hes on teh internet learning more!!!haha!

you seem to have a pretty good taste in stuff!!haha!who else you into?

[mikeybbdrummin]

man ill check him out....Im pretty sure my guitarists checked him out already tho!!hte guy has an extreme obsession and when were not over here practicing for our next gig, or in teh pub hes on teh internet learning more!!!haha!

you seem to have a pretty good taste in stuff!!haha!who else you into?

Another guitarist is Marc Bonilla. Troy Luketta (Tesla late 80's) plays drums on all but one song. They play a really cool song in 9/8, and some different time changes in the other songs. The cd is called E Ticket. I really like his style of playing. And sound.
W/Gregg on drums there is always Satriani and Gary Hoey.
I also like the style and sound of Zack Wilde. From the 80's band White Lion ( maybe cheesy) I realy like the guitar player Vito Bratta. Another 80's guy is Reb Beach (Winger). I saw him do a guitar clinic w/a buddy and I thought he was great.

[DrumDemon25]

Hey Guys, I'm new to the forum. But all this talk about gregg made me want to post these pics up. I myself am a big fan of gregg. And about 3 years ago I got a chance to buy a one of a kind kit that gregg used. These are 2 pics of a four pcs of the kit.The kit is a 13 pcs, But I only set these up. They sound massive!! Some of you may have seen it before. He used it on the eat'em and smile tour with david lee roth!!!
Enjoy!! If any of you have myspace please feel free to add me! www.myspace.com/nixlordofillusions


http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/9145/687765648l8st.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/111/687754362l1yh.jpg



Thank You
DrumDemon

[mikeybbdrummin]

Nice kit. Im a big fan of the kit. You should set the whole thing up and take pictures. My guess is the kit is; 2 bass, 2 suspended gong toms, 1 snare, 6 rack toms and 2 floors. If I remember correctly that was the set up. I have never seen a more original kit than that. You lucky bastard.

[DrumDemon25]

Hey Mikey,


Yes you are correct!! It is a very big kit. One day soon I will set it up it would have to be out side there's no way it would fit on my room.


Nix

[mikeybbdrummin]

For those living is the San Fernando valley, Gregg will be playing at Cafe Cordiale with
David Garfield on Wednesday June 28. Approx. 9.00 pm.

[mikeybbdrummin]

yeah man ive heard it....i like it...!haha!but im not so into whitesnake!!(in my opinion theyre a bit...eh i dunno...corny?!!!)but i do love Vai....my guitarist introduced me to Vai about 7 months ago....ive watched "live at the astoria" over 20 times now thorugh and through!!absolutley brilliant!!!

especially Virgil Donatis solo....awww lovely!!!Vai is an incredible guitar player, and hes worked with so many incredible musicians.....!I love pretty much everything hes on!!i mean his stuff with Zappa....!amazing!(Zappa is the greatest!!!!!!)

Sex & Religions a great album....i especially like "Pig" and "Survive"!brilliance!!

I just got Vai's "Live in Astoria" dvd. Great playing all around. Steve and Billy go together like peanut butter and jelly. There amazing together.
They played Shyboy and Virgil left out the intro that Gregg did. Dont know why but it was a loose intro anyway, being the first song. But then I dont know if Gregg played it like the original either.

[da cheese walks]

ahhhh the astoria DVD is wonderous....!!!!!


i love it!!


i especaially like incantation...not for teh solo...just for teh song!!!its incredible!!

shyboy is unreal!!

[mikeybbdrummin]

ahhhh the astoria DVD is wonderous....!!!!!


i love it!!


i especaially like incantation...not for teh solo...just for teh song!!!its incredible!!

shyboy is unreal!!

I thought it was great. I had only seen Virgil on this site. He was very good. Not over the top like I expected him to be.

I just picked up a Van Halen/DLR tribute cd. All 80's musicians. Gregg played drums on Hot for teacher, Panama and Dance the night away. The band Enuff znuff played Yankee Rose. Frankie Banali, Eric Singer and Vinnie Coliuta played drums also.
Every body put their own stuff into the songs. It was good though.

[k3ng]

I first got into gregg watching 'Bass Extremes Live' video he did with Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey. Go check this video out! IT's awesome!

And I have to say, gregg is becoming one of my fav drummers out there. I'd love to study under him. He knows his stuff and styles. And I have to learn his facial expressions.

BTW, anyone have any specs on greggs kit? I've been looking around to no avail. I love his tom sounds.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I first got into gregg watching 'Bass Extremes Live' video he did with Victor Wooten and Steve Bailey. Go check this video out! IT's awesome!

And I have to say, gregg is becoming one of my fav drummers out there. I'd love to study under him. He knows his stuff and styles. And I have to learn his facial expressions.

BTW, anyone have any specs on greggs kit? I've been looking around to no avail. I love his tom sounds.

Gregg is my favorite drummer and I was fortunate enough to do drum cartage for him and take lessons in the early 90's.
He uses a 22" kick, (used to be 24" w/his Pearls)10, 12, 14 toms and a 16" floor. He uses coated ambasadors on the toms (clears on bottoms) and a powerstroke3 on the bass. He is now using a coated w/white dot on top head for his snare. Back in the Pearl days he used a coated emperor on the snare. He has always used coated ambasadors on the toms though. Of course they are all Remo.
Keep in mind he plays a top of the line Mapex drum set.
Hope the info helps.
By the way, if you punch his name in Youtube there are a few things that I had never seen before. Either Gregg Bissonette or Bissonette.

[Mapex589]

Hey Guys, I'm new to the forum. But all this talk about gregg made me want to post these pics up. I myself am a big fan of gregg. And about 3 years ago I got a chance to buy a one of a kind kit that gregg used. These are 2 pics of a four pcs of the kit.The kit is a 13 pcs, But I only set these up. They sound massive!! Some of you may have seen it before. He used it on the eat'em and smile tour with david lee roth!!!
Enjoy!! If any of you have myspace please feel free to add me! www.myspace.com/nixlordofillusions


http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/9145/687765648l8st.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/111/687754362l1yh.jpg



Thank You
DrumDemonThat is so cool that you bought this kit!! I remember reading about this kit back in the DLR days. It was designed to look like it survived a nuclear war. I remember wanting that kit so bad, it was a monster. Anyway....good for you for owning that kit.
Greggs DVD is amazing. I was watching it this morning before I had to go to work. It is a must own for any serious player.

[mlehnertz]

Yamahas? When I saw DLR in concert Bissonette was using Pearls. I could have sworn it was the tour to support "Eat em and Smile". Perhaps it was Skyscraper. Now I'm going to have to search.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Yamahas? When I saw DLR in concert Bissonette was using Pearls. I could have sworn it was the tour to support "Eat em and Smile". Perhaps it was Skyscraper. Now I'm going to have to search.

W/DLR "Eat em and Smile" was Yamahas then "Skyscraper" and "A little aint Enough" was Pearl. Then he had a short stint w/Slingerland and now he has been w/Mapex for almost 10 years.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Those interested in hearing some of Gregg's work other then David Lee Roth or Joe Satriani should check out Guitar 9 Records. He has 4 clips to listen to w/Richie Kotzen from the album "Inter Galactic Fusion Experience". The first clip I can not find where 1 is for the life of me. Very cool stuff. Also w/Mark Motnik's "Bass Invaders". It has a cover of "YYZ". Or Deep Forrest (cd of the same name) is a Yngwesqe guitar duet. And Steve Fister "Shadow king". Instrumental rock.

He has also Jazz orienated work as well. Most can be heard at Amazon.com. Maynard Fergusons "Live from San Fransisco", Brandon Fields "The other side of the Story", Dan Ramsey "Gentle Giants", And David Benoit "Great composers of Jazz". Gregg was the only drummer on each project listed. Also on Bass Extremes (Steve Bailey/Victor Wooten) "Cookbook". There is other projects out there that Gregg has supplied the drums to as well as other drummers on the same project.
Being that Gregg has been my favorite drummer/influence for 20 years, I have always liked turning drummers on to Greggs other, less known work. Also another favorite, Rod Morgenstein, has work available from Guitar 9 Records.

[Flashman]

Listen to "Shy Boy" from Eat 'Em and Smile
Awesome double bass work and fills.

Another nice groove is on "Big Trouble" Simple to play, but it is a great groove.
I have spoken with people who have met him and concur that he is absolutely humble and nice.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Listen to "Shy Boy" from Eat 'Em and Smile
Awesome double bass work and fills.

Another nice groove is on "Big Trouble" Simple to play, but it is a great groove.
I have spoken with people who have met him and concur that he is absolutely humble and nice.

Big trouble is a cool song. Gregg actually showed me how to play the drums for the little drum break he did in the song.
I just picked up a cd called "In the eye of time" By Vox Tempus. Gregg played on the cd. Its very Dream Theateresque. It has some very good songs. Crazy time changes and grooves. I am very familiar w/Greggs work and I have to say this has to be w/out a doubt some of his best work. Specialy that he was a guest drummer and not a band member. Some songs are 7-8 minutes long. He definatly gives Portnoy a run for his money in the Prog Rock catagory.

[Anduin]

Gregg with Spinal Tap at Live Earth! (And he survives the gig.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXITnXfjUOo

[Skitch]

I agree that Greg is a very underrated drummer To be a success with Maynard says it all

I couldn't agree more; except to say that he is also very humble. Check out the Maynard Ferguson "Live from San Francisco" CD. Also, the work with David Lee Roth on the Eat 'em and Smile disc was (and still is) cutting edge - very influential. I reme,ber popping this disc for a cocky young guitar slinger and his bass playing buddy. They didn't think too much of Yankee Roase and were ready to yank the disc when Shyboy came on. Then the reverse scan button got a workout! Great playing on that album, peroid!


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[gretschgal1]

GREG B. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aqGWKVlFOx4)

...Sittin' in the Gap for Simon Phillips on a TOTO tour....covering a tune Jeff created.
"Jake to the Bone" is from the 1992 album "Kingdom of Desire" which was Jeff's last
with TOTO.

I LOVE what Greg brings to this tune.

Enjoy!
T

[mikeybbdrummin]

GREG B. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=aqGWKVlFOx4)

...Sittin' in the Gap for Simon Phillips on a TOTO tour....covering a tune Jeff created.
"Jake to the Bone" is from the 1992 album "Kingdom of Desire" which was Jeff's last
with TOTO.

I LOVE what Greg brings to this tune.

Enjoy!
T

Jeff was an incredible drummer that everone said was at the top when it came to groove and feel.
For 20 years Gregg has been my favorite and I think he also has great feel, groove and emotion. I have seen him over 100 times live and when I think I have seen it all, he pulls something out of his hat. At the moment I have 5 cd's in the player all w/Gregg.
None of his DLR stuff either. I like DLR, but its instrumental, progressive rock and jazz/swing stuff from different artists.
He is definatly my biggest influence.

[gretschgal1]

Greg's got great time, too.
I'm told that when called on to sit in for Simon on tour, Greg learned the set and just went out and did it. He stayed as true to Jeff's grooves as he could-outta respect for Jeff.
I've heard THREE different drummers play "Jake to the Bone". Jeff, Greg and Simon. Greg's version is, by far, the closer one to the original, but they each put their own stamp on that tune. I, being a beginner after so long of NOT playing, would fall apart on tha ttune.

ps: You don't back TOTO or gig with Maynard and NOT have your stuff together. Greg does! He's amazing. Somebody said they've seen him behind Pearls. Last I checked, he was playing MAPEX.



Jeff was an incredible drummer that everone said was at the top when it came to groove and feel.
For 20 years Gregg has been my favorite and I think he also has great feel, groove and emotion. I have seen him over 100 times live and when I think I have seen it all, he pulls something out of his hat. At the moment I have 5 cd's in the player all w/Gregg.
None of his DLR stuff either. I like DLR, but its instrumental, progressive rock and jazz/swing stuff from different artists.
He is definatly my biggest influence.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Greg's got great time, too.
I'm told that when called on to sit in for Simon on tour, Greg learned the set and just went out and did it. He stayed as true to Jeff's grooves as he could-outta respect for Jeff.
I've heard THREE different drummers play "Jake to the Bone". Jeff, Greg and Simon. Greg's version is, by far, the closer one to the original, but they each put their own stamp on that tune. I, being a beginner after so long of NOT playing, would fall apart on tha ttune.

ps: You don't back TOTO or gig with Maynard and NOT have your stuff together. Greg does! He's amazing. Somebody said they've seen him behind Pearls. Last I checked, he was playing MAPEX.

Gregg has always been into writing out little chart guides to get through a big group of songs. But at the same time I am sure he was very familiar w/Jeff's work already.
Plus Gregg has the feel need to be asked to play what Jeff did in the first place.

Gregg was w/Yamaha w/Maynard and the first DLR cd. He went to Pearl in 1987 till about 94. Then went to Slingerland for a short period and has been w/Mapex for 10-11 years.

[ULTIMATEDRUMMER]

yeah... I have the Submarine album.
he's is great I love his style and he can play anything pretty much from jazz to rock and some crazy Time Signatures as well.

[mikeybbdrummin]

yeah... I have the Submarine album.
he's is great I love his style and he can play anything pretty much from jazz to rock and some crazy Time Signatures as well.

Your right. Gregg can play a lot of different styles.

Check out "In The Eye Of Time" by Vox Tempus. Progressive rock, different time signatures, cool grooves and weird beat displacements. The band has a website that has video's of Gregg in the studio.
For jazz/swing check out "Gentle Giants" by Dan Ramsey. More great work by Gregg.
Both have a place in my cd player.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Hello...........................................In over a year, not one drummer here has anything good.............or bad (not likely though) for that matter to say about Gregg and his drumming?......................................... ..............Anybody???

[LinearDrummer]

Hello...........................................In over a year, not one drummer here has anything good.............or bad (not likely though) for that matter to say about Gregg and his drumming?......................................... ..............Anybody???

LOL....yeah he's a beast!
Do you know if he still does those drum worshop days....I thought about doing it last summer...

[mikeybbdrummin]

LOL....yeah he's a beast!
Do you know if he still does those drum worshop days....I thought about doing it last summer...

I would guess he does it during the year when he has the time. Just tough finding out when. I spoke w/Gregg's sister not long ago and told her that he needs to update his website; gigs, clinics, lessons, CD's he's done and so on. She said she will mention it to him.
He also has a Myspace thats new to him and I didn't see much info on it. Hopefully he will get his site up to date.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Gregg has recently played on a cd called Instrumentality. Headed by guitar player Marco Cardona. It, hence the name, is all Instrumental. To me it is Vai, Satraini and Hoey all rolled in to one w/a small hint of Malmsteen. If its your cup of tea you can check it out at Amazon.
Gregg also played on another cd w/Marco where the band and cd are both called Deep Forest.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

I saw him with Ringo's All Starr band a few months ago and he had quite the presence.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I saw him with Ringo's All Starr band a few months ago and he had quite the presence.

He also did the ELO Zoom tour in 2001 and it was the same type of gig. All for the song. Dynamics, nothing over the top. Just holding it down like Gregg does so well.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Happy 50th B-day to Gregg!!!
When I met him he was 30 and I was 20.
Our b-day's our 2 days apart (6-7).
It's 20 years later and w/all the great drummers to show up on the scenes over the last 10 years Gregg is still holding his own and his career is at top of it's game.
20 years have past and he's still and will always be my #1 influence.
Happy B-day Gregg. May you be blessed w/50 more.

[Marco Cardona]

Happy 50th B-day to Gregg!!!
When I met him he was 30 and I was 20.
Our b-day's our 2 days apart (6-7).
It's 20 years later and w/all the great drummers to show up on the scenes over the last 10 years Gregg is still holding his own and his career is at top of it's game.
20 years have past and he's still and will always be my #1 influence.
Happy B-day Gregg. May you be blessed w/50 more.

Hi guys! Gregg is on my record, yes, if you wanna have a listen check out some of my videos on my channel: http://www.youtube.com/kikothecat
Here is Gregg playing some very nice groove...
Cheers!
Marco

[mikeybbdrummin]

[quote=Marco Cardona;597084]Hi guys! Gregg is on my record, yes, if you wanna have a listen check out some of my videos on my channel: http://www.youtube.com/kikothecat
Here is Gregg playing some very nice groove...
Cheers!
Marco[/quote

Welcome Marco!!!!
If you look a few post's up, I mentioned your Cd's that Gregg played on. You BOTH have great playing on the Cd's. I have sent the links to friends to check out as well. I look forward to your next adventure w/Gregg.
Mike.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Gregg has a few projects going on. Two available are Randy Jacobs-Return of Randy Dynamite (Funk) and Norm Stockton-Tea In The Typhoon. (Jazz-Jazz/Funk)
Two in the works are Eternal Descent. It's a comic book that will also have a Cd released.(Melodic Rock) And the other is Grand Illusion-Brand New World (Journey/B.English/Giant)

Gregg played a few different styles in these projects. I personally bought the Randy Jacobs CD at a Cd release "party" that Gregg played last week. It's some solid funky drumming by Gregg. With some of his signature licks. If you like Funky/Blues, check it out!!!

[Paul Quin]

Greg truly is one of the nicest guys in the business. He is playing on a track on the new John Blackwell CD (The John Blackwell Project) which will be available in the next few weeks. One track written by Paul Pesco just cried out for a drum cadence intro. We hired a couple of local guys to come in and play the cadence: Greg, Curt Bisquera and Terry Bozzio. I can't wait to share!!

Paul

[Zickosdrummer]

I just finished reading the whole thread about Greg Bissonette. The reason I did so is that he is doing a clinic here on Aug. 21 and I wanted more info about him. I am definately going, especially after reading all of this. The clinic starts at 5:00pm at the Norman Institute for the Performing Arts, 2795-B Broce Dr., Norman, Okla. There phone no. is 405/292-8400 for more details. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now. I hope it's OK for me to post this. If not, please just deleet it and chalk it up to my ignorance.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I just finished reading the whole thread about Greg Bissonette. The reason I did so is that he is doing a clinic here on Aug. 21 and I wanted more info about him. I am definately going, especially after reading all of this. The clinic starts at 5:00pm at the Norman Institute for the Performing Arts, 2795-B Broce Dr., Norman, Okla. There phone no. is 405/292-8400 for more details. Tickets are $10 and are on sale now. I hope it's OK for me to post this. If not, please just deleet it and chalk it up to my ignorance.

It was avery good in depth article. I have read every article I could about Gregg (favorite drummer/friend) and this was the best I have seen. It even went back to the DLR audition. I was lucky enough to have my girlfriend surprise me on my b-day two months by inviting Gregg to come for a BBQ the night before he left for Ringo auditions. I had my best friend and his son (drummer) out from Tenn. Gregg autographed his Mag and a drumhead and he wrote out the "Hot dog and a Shake" solo part on the drumhead. That was the tune Gregg learned for his DLR audition.....................anyway............ great guy, drummer and puts on a great clinic. Check out his wide variety of styles he has played w/different artists when you can.

[Zickosdrummer]

Correction: Instead of Norman Institute for the Performing Arts, it's The Norman Music Institute - same address. Also, there will be door prizes given away. If anyone is going to attend, pm me and maybe we can get together beforehand.

[Meat the beat]

Listen to "Shy Boy" from Eat 'Em and Smile
Awesome double bass work and fills.

Another nice groove is on "Big Trouble" Simple to play, but it is a great groove.
I have spoken with people who have met him and concur that he is absolutely humble and nice.

Ive had the pleasure of bumping into Gregg a couple of times & have to say he's one of the nicest, genuinely humble guys in drumming.

[Zickosdrummer]

I don't mean to beat a dead horse, but the Greg Bissonette clinic in Norman, Okla. is this Saturday at 5:00pm and there are still tickets available as of yesterday (see post below).

[Zickosdrummer]

Well, the clinic was marvilous and he really is a nice guy. He's a great player and he was very forthcoming about his answers to questions. He had a lot of good Riingo stories, too. A good time was had by all.

He did let us in on the amazing secret of drumming. I'll tell you but you must keep a secret and tell no one. Are you ready? Well here it is.






Solos are not the most important part of drumming.
Isn't that amazing?

[jkrisner]

I want to thank Zickosdrummer for posting information about the Greg Bissonette clinic. I would have missed this if he hadn't. Greg came to Drum World in Tulsa a few years back but I was out of town and couldn't make it. It was a great clinic. Thanks again!

[krayziemex99]

My teacher recently turned me on the the Maynard Ferguson Live in San Francisco DVD and Gregg is AMAZING in that CD! He is definitely one of my drumming heroes, do you guys know he is having a drum camp sometime in March?

[mikeybbdrummin]

My teacher recently turned me on the the Maynard Ferguson Live in San Francisco DVD and Gregg is AMAZING in that CD! He is definitely one of my drumming heroes, do you guys know he is having a drum camp sometime in March?

Gregg is my favorite drummer and a friend............ I did his discography on wikipedia...............I got the tape back in 1987...............but i didnt know there was a whole DVD.............and i know A LOT of his work...........I have seen a few clips on y.t..........dont know if thats the same video.
Yes he's doing a Drum Camp in Thousand oaks.
What work of Gregg's do you have?

[krayziemex99]

Gregg is my favorite drummer and a friend............ I did his discography on wikipedia...............I got the tape back in 1987...............but i didnt know there was a whole DVD.............and i know A LOT of his work...........I have seen a few clips on y.t..........dont know if thats the same video.
Yes he's doing a Drum Camp in Thousand oaks.
What work of Gregg's do you have?

I have the Maynard Ferguson CD not DVD lol sorry about that. I recently have been getting into his solo albums and for years Supernatural by Santana was one of my favorite albums and had no idea he played on it! I also have his Musical Drumming DVD and have been watching it like crazy, just trying to soak up as much as humanly possible. I'm conteplating trying to make it to his Drum Camp (need the funds first). A little story on Gregg I randomly sent him a message on facebook telling him what a great drummer he is and how much I love the Ferguson live in San Fran album, he actually writes me back! That was an awesome moment; him (and my teacher) have inspired me to try learning different styles of drumming.

[britchops]

Indeed Gregg is a top bloke. I met him once at a PAS meeting when I was at the A.C.M in Guildford. Great guy and one seriously good drummer!!! .

Here's to you Gregg - shame all drummers aren't as nice as you mate!

TJ @ www.britchops.co.uk

[krayziemex99]

Here is the link to Greggs groove camp, I wish I could go!

http://www.muso-mart.com/Gregg-Bissonette-Groove-Camp--March-15th--17th-Thousand-Oaks-California-_p_42.html

[mikeybbdrummin]

I have the Maynard Ferguson CD not DVD lol sorry about that. I recently have been getting into his solo albums and for years Supernatural by Santana was one of my favorite albums and had no idea he played on it! I also have his Musical Drumming DVD and have been watching it like crazy, just trying to soak up as much as humanly possible. I'm conteplating trying to make it to his Drum Camp (need the funds first). A little story on Gregg I randomly sent him a message on facebook telling him what a great drummer he is and how much I love the Ferguson live in San Fran album, he actually writes me back! That was an awesome moment; him (and my teacher) have inspired me to try learning different styles of drumming.

I have all three of Greggs vhs/dvd.........The Drum Camp would be great.
Some of my favorite work Gregg has done.................Progressive rock:Shadrane;Temporal...........one of my favorite cd's ever... Gregg on 10 tunes, Virgil Donati on 3. Vox Tempus; In The Eye of Time
Fusion;Richie Kotzen;Inner Galactic Fusion Experience.............Jazz/Swing; Brandon Fields; The Other Side of The Story & Dan Ramsey; Gentle Giants.............Rock; Joe Satriani; The Extremist, Martin Mornik; Bass Invaders & Gary Hoey; Bug Alley.
Check em out at Spotify, itunes or Youtube.

[wy yung]

I am seeing Gregg next Thursday with Ringo. I am front row center. Awesome!

[lsits]

I am seeing Gregg next Thursday with Ringo. I am front row center. Awesome!

You're in for a treat. I saw them last September. The whole band is amazing. I especially liked Gregg on the Santana stuff. Steve Lukather is unbeleivable on guitar and Mark Rivera is excellent on saxophone/keyboards/percussion. Enjoy the show.