Terry Bozzio

[nickg]

i saw a bozzio clinic about 12 years ago. though his setup is bigger now, it was still huge even back then.

all in all, after hearing about his frikkin' "ostinatos" all frikkin' night i found his clinic full of "zzzzzzzzzs". great player, boring clinic.

[jim314]

So - we have many close minded people out there who throw around insults at Terry Bozzio?? What's up? You are missing the point. . . he is an artist who has something to say. For all the critical drummers on this post. Here is where you all need to go. . .

You need to go play thousands of professional performances and clinics worldwide with the top musicians in the world and gain endorsements from top manufacturers. And then, and only then have you even began to earn the right to say anything at all about Terry!!

Take a look at what you guys are saying. . . oh ya - I forgot you don't care!! So is the mentality today - what is that producing?? Nothing productive is my guess. . .

Rip on this..............

[dale w miller]

an individual indeed and i'm glad someone is out there pushing the envelope. i saw him do a clinic once, that was plenty for me. i LOVE his playing with Missing Persons.

[DogBreath]

Originally Posted by BrokenGlass

it's impressive, but my experience with him and from others is that he is a giant jerk.

That's really too bad. He may not come across as a type of guy that you'd like to have a drink and watch a game with (Bermuda, Dom Famularo, and Joel Rosenblatt immediately come to mind), but I found him to be extremely polite and professional, especially considering the circumstances.

I could have gotten in touch with his publicist and scheduled an interview, but instead I approached as just another fan during a break at a show. He had just finished the first half of a gig thirty seconds before and was walking towards the back door to take a much-needed breather. I asked him if maybe at some point that night he could take a moment for a quick chat, and he said, "Sure. How about right now."

He's been a highly successful musician for 35 years, and I'm sure he's had to endure this type of interaction thousands of times. I've been a fan of his music since I was a kid. This event cemented my admiration of him.

Back on subject, I have a huge amount of respect for drummers who have mastered the small kit but it's no secret that I love big kits and the musical and percussive opportunities that are unique to them. Terry's message is not the same as the message of small kit masters, and there's no reason that his mode of communication should be the same as theirs.

[NUTHA JASON]

great video of terry singing and drummer with zappa

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=gSUHGcVda0g

WARNING: adult lyrics

j

[druid]

Originally Posted by DogBreath

That's really too bad. He may not come across as a type of guy that you'd like to have a drink and watch a game with (Bermuda, Dom Famularo, and Joel Rosenblatt immediately come to mind), but I found him to be extremely polite and professional, especially considering the circumstances.

I could have gotten in touch with his publicist and scheduled an interview, but instead I approached as just another fan during a break at a show. He had just finished the first half of a gig thirty seconds before and was walking towards the back door to take a much-needed breather. I asked him if maybe at some point that night he could take a moment for a quick chat, and he said, "Sure. How about right now."

He's been a highly successful musician for 35 years, and I'm sure he's had to endure this type of interaction thousands of times. I've been a fan of his music since I was a kid. This event cemented my admiration of him.

Back on subject, I have a huge amount of respect for drummers who have mastered the small kit but it's no secret that I love big kits and the musical and percussive opportunities that are unique to them. Terry's message is not the same as the message of small kit masters, and there's no reason that his mode of communication should be the same as theirs.

The first time I met Terry Bozzio was at a PASIC convention in 1986 or so. I had written an “ask a Pro” question to Modern Drummer and figured if I had a chance to talk with him I’d let him know I sent it in. He had a great clinic this was when he was just starting to do this after Missing Persons breakup. After the clinic I went up to talk to him and asked if he would be willing to sign and autograph on the “Ask a Pro” section. He asked “are you the guy who sent this in? “ to which I said “yes”. He replied “thanks man! “ and shook my hand and signed it. I also got to talk with him about project ideas he was having at the time. He had been thinking about doing a Solo Album and he told me about various people he wanted on the album Adrian Belew, Patrick O’hearn were a couple he mentioned.

The second time I met him was after a Jeff Beck show on the Guitar Shop tour. A Friend and I were hired as ‘temp security’ for the show. Afterwards we snuck down a stairwell to see if there was anyone there to talk to or meet. When we got to the backstage area the Real security saw us…and so did Bozzio ..I had a Drum magazine with an article in my hand and when he saw that the guy was going to have us removed he “called off the dogs” and came over to talk with us for awhile. Again really friendly or cordial. He signed some stuff again. We also talked with Stevie Ray….it was a double header show.

I tried unsuccessfully to try to talk with him at a recent ZpZ show last November but he had family visiting him. No luck this time… I figured I would say something about winning the contest and thank him talks drums etc etc…the stage manager people were kind of rude about things…

Anyway I guess my point is in the times I actually did get a chance to talk with him and not stage handlers….he has been pretty cool.

I suppose anyone can have bad days though and not want to talk. I met Buddy a couple times and he was …let’s just say a little rough and dismissive at the time.

[DogBreath]

Originally Posted by druid

Anyway I guess my point is in the times I actually did get a chance to talk with him and not stage handlers….he has been pretty cool.

I suppose anyone can have bad days though and not want to talk. I met Buddy a couple times and he was …let’s just say a little rough and dismissive at the time.

Great post, thanks. And seriously, if we use Buddy as the "Gold Standard" of a warm and fuzzy guy then pretty much every other drummer is cool to his fans by comparison. Some guys are just not interested in being nice to fans, but of the many pro drummers that I've met most are nice guys who occasionally have bad days, just like the rest of us. I judge them first and foremost by their drumming, and Terry is a flat out phenomenon behind the kit, and he also happens to be a pretty cool dude.

[druid]

Originally Posted by DogBreath

Great post, thanks. And seriously, if we use Buddy as the "Gold Standard" of a warm and fuzzy guy then pretty much every other drummer is cool to his fans by comparison. Some guys are just not interested in being nice to fans, but of the many pro drummers that I've met most are nice guys who occasionally have bad days, just like the rest of us. I judge them first and foremost by their drumming, and Terry is a flat out phenomenon behind the kit, and he also happens to be a pretty cool dude.

Agreed many other players I have met have been really cool as well. Vinnie was busy but still took time for a autograph and was cool. Gregg Bissonette was really nice. Art Blakey was a cool guy...Louie Bellson was a realy nice guy who spent time talking with me. Billy Cobham...the same. I guess if Bozzio were such a jerk as some say I doubt he would have called off security on us ...he would have let them throw us out that time.

[intooder]

I guess there is doubt in many people's minds about his ability on a standard kit. I say, how does it matter? He's definitely innovative and impressive on his kit (however massive), for which reason alone I'd rather keep him on our side than give him up to the xylophone or piano team.

[slingerland755]

I have had the good fortune to see TB play with Missing Person's twice. Once on the Spring Session M tour (Phew!) and then the Rhyme & Reason tour in 1984. They played at Six Flags where we were the house band, so I got to help load in and sit behind his electric "tube" kit. Tiny little pads all over the place, but you could most of his body through the custome design. I noticed and pointed out a tiny set list posted in one of the tubes and remarked to my bass player that I would surely screw up the set if mine was that small. Well, a few bars in the second or third tune, Missing Persons had to stop and Terry apologized to the crowd for starting the wrong song.

I also got to see him in clinic with Sonny Emory. That was one for the books. They had a little drum battle and once Sonny started with the stick tricks, Terry said "uncle"( I highly doubt it, but he's a true gentleman).

[Derek]

I saw Bozzio play live in Long Beach in 1979. He was in the band U.K. ( he replaced Bruford in that band ). U.K. was the opening act for Jethro Tull , and in my opinion blew them off the stage.

Terry was playing his Remo kit ; roto toms over a Slingerland bass drum. Man, he was amazing ! ( and Brufords are no small shoes for anyone to fill )

I've been a fan of Bozzio ever since.

[slingerland755]

"Time to Kill" (live version) was the time I heard Terry play with UK. Just like you said...I was hooked! What a groove.

[slingerland755]

Originally Posted by Derek

I saw Bozzio play live in Long Beach in 1979. He was in the band U.K. ( he replaced Bruford in that band ). U.K. was the opening act for Jethro Tull , and in my opinion blew them off the stage.

Terry was playing his Remo kit ; roto toms over a Slingerland bass drum. Man, he was amazing ! ( and Brufords are no small shoes for anyone to fill )

I've been a fan of Bozzio ever since.

Welcome to our little community. I think you'll like it here.

[Derek]

Thanks Slingerland755. I think I'll like it here , too. By the way , speaking of his performance with U>K> - how did you like his playing on " In the Dead of Night " ?

I didn't want the song to end.

[BrynnerAgassi]

Terry's playing is not like a normal drummers playing. From his setup to his style, nothing is, he is a mad man behind the kit, and does it well!
His playing has influenced a lot of people, and his work on Korn definitly shows a side to his playing that everyone who think he "cant" be a normal drummer, can.
He plays the songs great and gives the songs a lot of feel. I wish Korn would take him on tour with them.

[slingerland755]

Originally Posted by Derek

Thanks Slingerland755. I think I'll like it here , too. By the way , speaking of his performance with U>K> - how did you like his playing on " In the Dead of Night " ?

I didn't want the song to end.

Hey Derek,
I almost used that tune as an example. Awesome! It's amazing to think how good he was back then. I have that record (which is now warped), so I need to get a copy somewhere.

[slingerland755]

Forgive me if this has been posted, but I thought Bozzio fans will appreciate this semi- new video on YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqLss...elated&search=

[Beginer]

His kit is in a higher level.. Its like guitar, violin, keybords or other music instrument.. It has a continuity between every each sound it can make.. That why like his kit Bozzio himself, even if I'm not a fan of big kits.. You know, its just how he's using it.. I thonk He's one of the best..

[jeo]

Terry Bozzio is amazing i'm a huge Zappa fan and all of his drummers have been amazing from vinnie to chad wackerman to aynsley dunbar to chester thompson but Bozzio is definitely one of the most recognisable Zappa players. Just watch Baby Snakes and it's absolutely mind blowing. I think it's great how he's gone from that to doing so many different projects and it takes a lot of guts do play solo drum shows it's great to see someone be totally innovative throughout his whole career (from home made electric kits to monster pitch tuned kits)

[Mikecore]

Originally Posted by TheGroceryman

What are the two little cymbals to the right and left of his snare? Are they splashes?

They are 6" and 7" closed hi-hats with flat bells for bottom cymbals.

[Skulmoski]

Originally Posted by Jason Dorn

I find that his melodic playing while amazing is a bit of an aquired taste if you would like to hear more conventional drumming from him check out his work with Zappa or Bozzio Levin Stevens great stuff.

Terry Bozzio was an immense inspiration for me in the 1970's (especially his work on Zoot Allures). His percussion style of drumming is technically way out there; he has risen the bar. Given these two types of drumming styles, I prefer his work with Frankie.

GJS

[Lovecraftx]

Hey Guys,

I think Terry Bozzio is really awesome. Wanna see how his enormous drumkit is being set up? Check out this video, it shows a cool time lapse. I uploaded the video for a Sabian contest on hitittube.com. Cheers!

http://www.hitittube.com/video/764/s...t-being-set-up

[Pollyanna]

YouTube just recommended this video to me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRqy34qjcv0

Always remember the first time I saw Terry play when Uncle Frank toured Aust - I think it was 1975. He stunned me then with his technique, but since I've warmed more to his fluid feel and choices of sound. I'd say Zappa's I Promise Not to Come is my favourite Terry performance. Really lush drumming that works perfectly with the fabulous bass, guitar and keys.

[Alex Jadi]

I really love his performance on the Steve Vai's album called "Sex and Religion"...a classic masterpiece IMO.

[8Mile]

Terry is currently conducting a clinic tour of the midwest sponsored by Tom Shelly's Universal Percussion. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend their Michigan appearance last night, hosted by my local drum shop.

It was a phenomenal evening. Tom warmed up the crowd playing percussion. He played along with recordings of some popular tunes and even brought drummers up from the audience to join in on percussion. He had a cool light show going as well and everyone dug it.

Then, Terry came out and played some ridiculous stuff. He really does think orchestrally. He didn't have the monster kit, but he had enough pieces to make some really musical statements. His creativity seems boundless, like he never runs out of ideas or repeats himself.

Terry talked a little about odd time signatures and then proceeded to play a couple more monster solos. At the end, Tom came out and joined him for some duets.

At the end of the night, Terry's wife was available to sell some of Terry's autographed drum heads.

I've always respected Terry, but you really have to see him live to appreciate how good he is. For all the melodic stuff he's become known for, he can also lay down a deep groove. He hits the drums HARD, and with total conviction. It's easy to understand why people want to play with him.

All in all, a great night. Thanks, Terry and Tom!

[drstrangefunk]

Frank Zappa _ T.Bozzio EPIC performance _
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTSBR7eHL_I
Shut Up And Play Yer Drums