Drum Hustle – Details, episodes & analysis

What really happened when one of Ozzy Osbourne’s most iconic drummers wasn’t on the guest list for his farewell gig? Legendary sticksman Tommy Aldridge recently opened up in a heartfelt video: “I wasn’t invited… and I’m not gonna crash someone else’s party.” No bitterness toward Ozzy, but plenty of questions from fans. We break down the “Back to the Beginning” event, why the focus stayed on Sabbath originals and later-era players like Tommy Clufetos, and the whispers about past tensions. Hear the full context of Aldridge’s words, revisit his killer work on Bark at the Moon and tours, and discuss if this was a missed opportunity for the ultimate Ozzy tribute. Heavy discussion for drummers and Sabbath/Ozzy diehards alike.

Alex Van Halen—the powerhouse drummer who anchored one of the most explosive bands in rock history while quietly shaping generations of players.

Often overshadowed by his brother Eddie’s groundbreaking guitar wizardry, Alex Van Halen delivered a style that was equal parts raw power, impeccable groove, and musical intuition. Drawing from influences like John Bonham, Ginger Baker, and Buddy Rich, he blended big-band swing, behind-the-beat feel, and arena-rock bombast into something utterly unique. His playing didn’t just support the songs—it elevated them, turning Van Halen’s high-octane riffs into unstoppable anthems.

I found a drum track I recorded sometime back, and wanted to give the snare that classic 80's Gated Reverb effect.   This is about my process

1967 Ludwig supraphonic snare, and Yamaha tour custom maple snare. 

 I did not want to make this podcast a ( which is better) episode, but more of a comparison between two of the snares I use regularly.  In the end, it seems the Ludwig was a little more useful to me, but not by much.

On this episode I have recordings (samples) of each direct and room.  I also added them in the context of a drum mix, and a mix with other instruments in a short song.  

Mics used: 

SM 57 -Direct

Rhode NT 1- Room

Worked with a producer that wanted loops that sounded late 60’s funky. This is my ( on a budget) process

Drum stick Comparison.  Wood vs. Nylon Tip with examples.  

In this Episode, we talk Ekits and Acoustic kits

https://www.airgigs.com/https://www.facebook.com/AirGigs/https://www.instagram.com/airgigshq/?hl=enThis one is extra special to me because AirGigs.com had been very good to me over the years. Back in 2008 I decided to find multiple streams of income as a drummer.  I could see the music industry morphing into something I really did not like at the time, but looking back, we have to change with the times just as our predecessors did.  I’ve done:performingstudio session workteachingrecord productionfilm scoreThanks to AirGigs for making the transition possible.  I encourage every instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, mixer, master engineer, beat maker, and more to test the waters.  If you are in the Knoxville area, I will take the first 10 musicians and help build an audio profile ( record you ).

https://www.mikemichalkow.com/http://www.drumlessons.com/drummers/mike-michalkow/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Krnkf865SIABOUT MIKE MICHALKOWMike Michalkow has been performing, recording, and teaching drums for more than 20 years, with a storied career that has seen him brush shoulders with some of the most recognized drummers in the industry.As a firm believer in drum education, Mike has studied privately with Mitch Dorge (Crash Test Dummies), Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Chuck Silverman, John Fisher, Peter Magadini, and Virgil Donati - while also taking classes with the Drummers Collective in New York City, and graduating at the top of his program while majoring in Latin and Jazz under Brian Thurgood at Grant MacEwan College in Edmonton.His passion for drums and percussion has earned him a name in the business. This led him to be the Orchestra Drummer on a popular cruise line, heading up the drum department for the USA West Coast for the “National Guitar Workshop”. Mike has also performed and recorded with songwriters and bands with a range of styles including progressive rock, latin, jazz, blues, pop, funk, celtic, country, metal, and R&B.Mike has taught on various drum instructional DVDs including “Moeller Method Secrets”, “The Jazz Drumming System”, “The Latin Drumming System”, and the world-famous “Drumming System” which has sold nearly 20,000 copies. Mike is also an ongoing instructor for the online drum lessons community at www.Drumeo.com.Mike’s goal as an outgoing performer and enthusiastic teacher is to excite and motivate others about the drums and music.

http://jimrileymusic.com/  Jim is the drummer and bandleader for multi-platinum group, Rascal Flatts. Since moving to Nashville in 1997, Jim he has played over a thousand of sold out shows for millions of fans. His television credits include The Grammy Awards, The Tonight Show, The American Music Awards, The Voice, American Idol, Dancing with the stars, Oprah, and The Today Show. Jim’s recording credits include Rascal Flatts most recent album ‘Back to Us’ including the #1 hit single “Yours If You Want It”, ‘Me and My Gang (album)’, EA sports ‘MADDEN Football’, Brian McKnight’s album, ‘Ten’ as well as TV/movie soundtracks for “Heaven is Real”, ‘Hannah Montana: The Movie’ and The hit show, Nashville.Jim’s has been constantly recognized by his peers as being one of the best in the business. 2011-2015, 2017 Jim was voted “Best Country Drummer” by the readers of Modern Drummer Magazine as well as winning “Best Drum Clinician” in 2009. The readers of DRUM! Agree voting Jim “Country drummer of the year” 2008-2010, 2012-2013.2016In May of 2014 Jim was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer.Jim attended University of North Texas where he received his degree in Music Education. In addition to being one of Nashville’s elite touring drummers, Jim has become internationally recognized as a clinician and educator. His 2011 Clinic for Modern Drummer Fest was filmed and released on DVD in November of 2011. His teaching studio “The Drum Dojo,” opened up in 2007 and is a place where Jim can teach the great drummers of tomorrow. He is also a published composer, and a frequent educational columnist for Modern Drummer Magazine. Jim has been a member of both the Pro panel and educational panel for MD as well as a member of the PAS drum set committee. His first book, “Song Charting Made Easy: a play along guide to the Nashville number system” (Hal Leonard Publications) was released in June 2010 and is now in its 4th printing. Jim’s latest book, “Survival Guide for the Modern Drummer” (Alfred Publishing) is a documented #1 best seller on Amazon and was voted “Best drum book” of 2016 by the readers of DRUM! magazine. He is sponsored by Ludwig, Sabian, Remo, Gibraltar, Latin Percussion,Innovative Percussion, LP and Roland..