Billy Ward here!

[Alakabone]

wow this is really cool, i love your playing when u came to montreal drumfest a few years ago.

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by Alakabone

wow this is really cool, i love your playing when u came to montreal drumfest a few years ago.

Thanks!!! that was a fun show for me... I remember it started with the wing nut on the hats coming off and as it rolled off of my lteeny 10" hi hats, I caught it / screwed it back onto the clutch and kept playing as best I could.. then, looking up - I saw that many in the audience were applauding my daredevel act! :D That kind of stuff happens to everybody!!!

[Audun_D]

Hello Mr. Ward! I've seen recently that you are doing some clinics in England. I was just wondering if you are planning to visit Norway? I really want to go to one of your clinics, but I cant affort a plane ticket to England... I really hope you come to Bergen, Norway!!

Best regards, Audun!

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by Audun_D

Hello Mr. Ward! I've seen recently that you are doing some clinics in England. I was just wondering if you are planning to visit Norway? I really want to go to one of your clinics, but I cant affort a plane ticket to England... I really hope you come to Bergen, Norway!!

Best regards, Audun!

I would love to visit Norway again. It's been about fifteen years since I've been to Norway - I was playing with Chris Whitley and we played a show in Oslo along with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. I must confess though, right now, there isn't much happeneing to get me there. If you have a DW dealer, you could try to bother them into having me come for a clinic! In a way, this is how it actually happens. The demand has to happen first! Either way, thanks for the kindness.

I am finally home in New York City again after the Mike Dolbear UK clinic tour and about two weeks in Ireland (on Holiday!). I will be doing a clinic tour in the US this summer and will post the cities and dates as soon as I have them.

Best wishes to you all!
Billy

[Audun_D]

Originally Posted by billy ward

I would love to visit Norway again. It's been about fifteen years since I've been to Norway - I was playing with Chris Whitley and we played a show in Oslo along with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. I must confess though, right now, there isn't much happeneing to get me there. If you have a DW dealer, you could try to bother them into having me come for a clinic! In a way, this is how it actually happens. The demand has to happen first! Either way, thanks for the kindness.

I am finally home in New York City again after the Mike Dolbear UK clinic tour and about two weeks in Ireland (on Holiday!). I will be doing a clinic tour in the US this summer and will post the cities and dates as soon as I have them.

Best wishes to you all!
Billy

Thanx for answering man! Enjoy your vecation!

[CASP3Rdrummer]

Originally Posted by 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!

wow . you remember my country . im from yugoslavia ! welcome !

[drumbig]

Looking forward to your clinic in Columbus.

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by CASP3Rdrummer

wow . you remember my country . im from yugoslavia ! welcome !

Casp3 - wow. Words cannot express what I feel for what you have and are going through.
I hope you and your family are safe and OK! How are you? Where are you?



and drumbig - thanks. Columbus is the first gig of the tour - so it will be special. I also absolutely LOVE Jim Rupp and the cats there at Columbus pro percussion -
Great store - great staff... gonna be a fun hit!!!

[CASP3Rdrummer]

Originally Posted by billy ward

Casp3 - wow. Words cannot express what I feel for what you have and are going through.
I hope you and your family are safe and OK! How are you? Where are you?



and drumbig - thanks. Columbus is the first gig of the tour - so it will be special. I also absolutely LOVE Jim Rupp and the cats there at Columbus pro percussion -
Great store - great staff... gonna be a fun hit!!!

thank you for your worrying . i was borned in 1991 and i was very small when the war began . when nato bombarded us in 1998 we left and now we live in greece since then .

you know whats funny . my old drum teacher here in greece was in yugoslavia on the music festival that you played and he remembered it .

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by CASP3Rdrummer

thank you for your worrying . i was borned in 1991 and i was very small when the war began . when nato bombarded us in 1998 we left and now we live in greece since then .

you know whats funny . my old drum teacher here in greece was in yugoslavia on the music festival that you played and he remembered it .

that's grea Casp! Greece is nice (I hear! - haven't been there yet)
Amazing that your old teacher remembers that! Though we probably did stick out a bit with our American confidence of that time. I remember hanging out alot with Jim Beard and Joe Zawinul more than anything about that - that is... that's what I remember besides the social aspects of being in Yugo then. It was weird there - obviously about to explode. Lots of tension - lots of nervous citizens... most unfortunate.
Glad you are doing well now - at least you aren't at risk.

[n2xlr8n]

Mr. Ward, I used you in a recent example teaching my GF's son that it's great to excel at something, i.e., Michael Jordan, Nolan Ryan....just don't forget to learn to be a good human being. Thanks for the class ; )

Steve Jordan the Amateur, lol.

[BrynnerAgassi]

Billy your a great drummer!

[billy ward]

This is page seven on my Drummerworld thread as I type... and I'm in Nashville about to do clinic number seven tonight (out of 14 total) from my US clinic tour. Wish you all were here!!!! we'd have a nice time.
thanks
B

[onemat]

Originally Posted by billy ward

This is page seven on my Drummerworld thread as I type... and I'm in Nashville about to do clinic number seven tonight (out of 14 total) from my US clinic tour. Wish you all were here!!!! we'd have a nice time.
thanks
B

Hi Billy,

A bunch of us will be there! We're all psyched to hear you and soak up stuff at the clinic!
Matt

[billy ward]

I'm home now on a break - back out on the second leg in a week!
I remember meeting a Matt in Nashville - was this you?

[billy ward]

07 July - Drums 2 Go (Orlando, FL)
09 July - Ellis Drum Shop (St. Paul, MN)
11 July - Rupp's Drum Shop (Denver, CO)
13 July - Donn Bennett Drum Studio (Bellevue, WA)
15 July - Dale's Drum Shop (Harrisburg, PA)
17 July - Jersey Drum Center (Edison, NJ)

The clinic in Maine was cancelled 'cause they couldn't find a venue. If you are coming - show up around two hours before (if you like) and hang out while I soundcheck...

thanks
Billy

Also, there will be a masterclass at Donn Bennett's studio on july 12 at 2:30.

-thanks!

[d.c.drummer]

Big fan, keep inspiring

[Alakabone]

why arent you coming to canada?

[neilpscuz]

Welcome to the community Mr. Ward!New here myself,but folks are very nice!Loved your clinic in Columbus,Ohio a few weeks ago,very inspiring.Enjoy!

[Zildjian 242]

hey Billy I came to your clinic in Buffalo New York. Such a nice drum set and such a great player. Thanks for the tips to, you were great

[billy ward]

Thanks for the compliments and encouragement!!!

Alakabone:

Originally Posted by Alakabone

why arent you coming to canada?

I did a clinic in Toronto at Just drums and it was very successful and fun. Don't know why i don't get back up there more often... Maybe because you have so many great drummers that already live IN Canada!!! Or maybe it's that long - ago event where I dropped out of the Mounties??? :D

[mek55]

Looking forward to seeing you in Orlando tonight.

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by gusty

travis barker is cool

Hmmm... maybe I need to have a little more "what would Travis do" in my life???

LOL

Billy

[Paul Quin]

Billy:

good luck in Orlando tonight. I would be there but my 17 month old son has a virus (fever/not sleeping/fussy as hell) and I just can't justify to my wife driving in from Tampa. I find your playing and your writing inspirational in their honesty and I am dissapointed to not be there. I am sure, however, you understand those familial priorities!

I am sure you will have a great clinic - Drums2Go is a classy outfit and the staff are amazing. Please say hi to Michelle and to Billy Ashbaugh if he is there from me!

Paul

[classicrockDrummer]

is that july 12 thing for real?! two clinics in two days at donn bennetts place? that is SICK.

I only heard about the one on the thirteenth though. the masterclass is nowhere to be found on the donn bennett site.

[mek55]

WWTBD; Now that's classic, Can't wait to meet you!

[mek55]

Had a great time at the Orlando clinic tonite. My right leg is tired trying to keep up with some of them beats.

Keep up the great work!
Sorry about the crappy CIA camera. LOL

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by mek55

Had a great time at the Orlando clinic tonite. My right leg is tired trying to keep up with some of them beats.

Keep up the great work!
Sorry about the crappy CIA camera. LOL

HAHAHA!!!
It was great to meet you! Thanks for coming!

(please don't tap my phone!)

[brittc89]

I cant believe youre gonna be in Denver tomorrow and I CANT GO! Ahhhhhh! Im so super bummed! My mom is in Ohio for a funeral and I have no one to drive me! :-(

[drummerchick435]

Welcome to the forum ,man! It feels great to be able to talk to a pro!

[billy ward]

thanks d-chick435 - and mec - thanks for sharing those pics! We look like a couple - a bums! :D

Denver's clinic was a total BLAST!

Now I'm in Seattle. the hit is tomoorow night!

[TheAnalogKid]

Thanks for your great DVD and your intelligent insight into drumming. From "Turning your kit into your ally" to just "Tuning" and using a dang shaker on your hi hats, You have changed the way I see drums, drumming, and music in general.

[Bernhard]

Some Clinic pictures here:

http://jmdi.smugmug.com/gallery/1612234

and here:

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



Bernhard

[drummerchick435]

Originally Posted by billy ward

thanks d-chick435 - and mec - thanks for sharing those pics! We look like a couple - a bums! :D

Denver's clinic was a total BLAST!

Now I'm in Seattle. the hit is tomoorow night!

You're welcome! Why don't you come to the South (Alabama, Mississippii, Tennessee, or Georgia)? I can't afford to go up North. I'm an intermidiate and I would love to learn more about drums. My parents won't let me get drum lessons.

[billy ward]

Originally Posted by drummerchick435

You're welcome! Why don't you come to the South (Alabama, Mississippii, Tennessee, or Georgia)? I can't afford to go up North. I'm an intermidiate and I would love to learn more about drums. My parents won't let me get drum lessons.

Tell your parents that music teaches ABSTRACT THOUGHT better than anything else in the world. With today's uncertain future, being able to adapt to new surroundings is essential. This is why, when computers first came out, they were hiring musicians to become computer programmers. We can jump all over abstract concepts - becasue that's what we do!

(maybe they will buy that nd get you a teacher!) :D
-good luck!
Bw

[drummerchick435]

Originally Posted by billy ward

Tell your parents that music teaches ABSTRACT THOUGHT better than anything else in the world. With today's uncertain future, being able to adapt to new surroundings is essential. This is why, when computers first came out, they were hiring musicians to become computer programmers. We can jump all over abstract concepts - becasue that's what we do!

(maybe they will buy that nd get you a teacher!) :D
-good luck!
Bw

I don't think I was very descriptive as to why my parents won't let me get lessons. My dad sometimes gets a lot of money and sometimes we get just enough to get by on. He's a self employed lawyer. This is one of his not so good years but things are looking up. My siblings have had music lessons and my parents both play guitar so they are in no way opposed to music. But thanks anyway...you learn something new everyday!

[Zildjian232]

drum lessons are great but there is so much information out there. having a drum teacher is probley the best thing. having someone with years and years of expericance help you is always a plus but,You can be a great drummer without lessons. john bonham and buddy rich were self taught. You can practice your rudiments, do coordination and speed exercises, go all over the internet and get information how to read and write, differnt beats, differnt styles. I did drumline for several years i can send you some things if you like. i think one of the things that probley help my progress is listeing to a loooooot of drummers and listening to a wide range of music. i study drummers such as danny carey, mike portnoy,thomas lang, and Billy ward :). When i study difernt drummers i really concentrate. i begin to notice fills they like to do, how they phrase there music, how they switch up beats, how they play in certain situations. when you have all your inflences figured out, then you can interpet your thoughts and ideas through the drumming. i take danny careys power and complexity, mike portnoys use of stack cymbals and sweet dbl kick fills, thomas langs intense coordination and speed, and billy wards ideas and ways of playing that i got from his dvd( not saying you dont have the above). yeah i knnow this is a long post but im stuck watching my sister for a couple hours, so theres my 2 cents

just message me and ill be glad to send you some exercises

[billy ward]

thanks Z 232!

But the clinic in Jersey city is cancelled.
I have spent the day flying from Seattle to Harrisburg PA. My mom just went into the hospital this morning. My dad is semi-on his own (with alzheimers) so I've gotta get to Cincinnati to try to take care of some things.
It looks serious -
I plan on making the clinic up at a future date and trying to do something extra special for the good folks at Jersey Drums and Percussion.

The Harrisburg clinic is gonna happen as scheduled tomorrow at 1pm.

Now I've gotta book my travel to cincy - will check back in as soon as possible
thanks
Billy

[drummerchick435]

Originally Posted by Zildjian232

drum lessons are great but there is so much information out there. having a drum teacher is probley the best thing. having someone with years and years of expericance help you is always a plus but,You can be a great drummer without lessons. john bonham and buddy rich were self taught. You can practice your rudiments, do coordination and speed exercises, go all over the internet and get information how to read and write, differnt beats, differnt styles. I did drumline for several years i can send you some things if you like. i think one of the things that probley help my progress is listeing to a loooooot of drummers and listening to a wide range of music. i study drummers such as danny carey, mike portnoy,thomas lang, and Billy ward :). When i study difernt drummers i really concentrate. i begin to notice fills they like to do, how they phrase there music, how they switch up beats, how they play in certain situations. when you have all your inflences figured out, then you can interpet your thoughts and ideas through the drumming. i take danny careys power and complexity, mike portnoys use of stack cymbals and sweet dbl kick fills, thomas langs intense coordination and speed, and billy wards ideas and ways of playing that i got from his dvd( not saying you dont have the above). yeah i knnow this is a long post but im stuck watching my sister for a couple hours, so theres my 2 cents

just message me and ill be glad to send you some exercises

Thanks! But this is going to be my last post/message because my mom found out that I was posting. She got crazy thinking her daughter's going to be raped or something like that. She said she'll take away the internet if I post again. Nice talking to all you DW folks!

[mek55]

Hey Drummerchick, Tell mom we're not as bad as we look. This is a free space for all things DRUMS.

Billy, I hope things work out with your family.

On a side note, a bass player I play with from Cincy wants to know if you know Gene Utz, He used to kick some jams with him some time ago.

Hope all goes well with you.