Born to Drum: The Truth About the World's Greatest Drummers-from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Grohl

by Tony Barrell

Overview

“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.”—CLEM BURKE, Blondie

To have a great band you need a great drummer. For the first time, Tony Barrell shines a long-overdue spotlight on these musicians, offering an exciting look into their world, their art, and their personalities. In Born to Drum, he interviews some of the most famous, revered, and influential drummers of our time—including Chad Smith, Ginger Baker, Clem Burke, Sheila E., Phil Collins, Nick Mason, Patty Schemel, Butch Vig, and Omar Hakim—who share astonishing truths about their work and lives. He investigates the stories of late, great drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, analyzes many of the greatest drum tracks ever recorded, and introduces us to the world’s fastest and loudest drummers, as well as the first musician to pilot a “flying drum kit” onstage.

Filled with fascinating insights into the trade and little-known details about the greats, Born to Drum elevates drummers and their achievements to their rightful place in music lore and pop culture.

“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum.”—NICK MASON, Pink Floyd

“Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.”—Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062307873
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	11/21/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	830 KB

About the Author

Tony Barrell is a British journalist who has written frequently about pop music and popular culture for the Sunday Times (UK), among other publications. He lives in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Into the Asylum 1

2 Working-Class Heroes 33

3 Rock 'N' Roll Show-Offs 65

4 She Plays the Drums 105

5 Studio Madness 129

6 The Worst Job in the World 163

7 The Beginning of Time 207

8 Secret Drummers 233

9 Do You Think I'm Sexy? 255

10 The Final Countdown 271

Acknowledgments 299

Bibliography 301

Editorial Reviews

Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.

Joey Kramer

As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum . . . Good advice may be found within.

Nick Mason

An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.

Clem Burke

Interesting, entertaining, and insightful. Barrell finally gives drummers their due—it’s more than we’re all a little crazy and just want to make some noise.

Chad Smith

Interesting, entertaining, and insightful. Barrell finally gives drummers their due—it’s more than we’re all a little crazy and just want to make some noise.” — Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers

“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.” — Clem Burke, Blondie

“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum . . . Good advice may be found within.” — Nick Mason, Pink Floyd

“Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.” — Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

From the Publisher

03/15/2015
"What do you call the guy who hangs out with a group of musicians? The drummer." There are lots of jokes about drummers, but drummers are no joke. They are often the hardest-working members of a band, maintaining the fundamental rhythm upon which the rest of the music depends. They are the heart of a band. Barrell, a British journalist and non-drummer, set out to investigate these madmen and -women behind the kits. This book is not an investigation into drumming styles or techniques but rather the personalities of these artists. The author tries to find common traits these musicians may share, and how those characteristics influence other parts of their lives. While this proved elusive, the characters Barrell highlights are a captivating bunch. He speaks with such luminaries as Phil Collins, Ginger Baker, and Butch Vig and discusses at length legends such as John Bonham, Keith Moon, and Ringo Starr. VERDICT Drummers may cringe slightly at the conclusions Barrell reaches about their ilk, but any reader of pop music or culture in general will enjoy this title.—Brett Rohlwing, Milwaukee P.L.

Library Journal