Percussion Discussion Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Joining me today is Ed "Roddy" Richardson

. Ed is a graduate of The Royal Academy Of Music, he has already had an incredible career, equally at home as adrummer for TV and Film Sessions, Orchestras, West End Shows and with amazing artists such as Taylor Swift, RAYE, Noel Gallagher, Van Morrisson, John Wilson, Pixie Lott, Mica Paris, Clare Teal, Gregory Porter, Seal and many more. 

Late last year following the late great former Squeeze & Jools Holland drummer Gilson Lavis' retirement from playing, Ed got the nod to join The Jools Holland Orchestra with a glowing endorsment from Gilson himself. Ed tells us all about this prestigious gig from getting the call to touring with the band and of course performing at the event synonymous with New Years Eve, the annual Hootenany! 

To cap off an incredible year Ed signed with Slingerland Drums and performed a quite phenomenal debut clinic at the UK Drum Show in October 25 Huge tanks to Ed for this hugely interesting chat!

Joining me today is Emanuel Harrold, Educator, entrepreneur, producer, master drummer, two-time Grammy Award-winning musician, Harrold continues to raise the bar with collaborations and touring with the likes of Damon Alburn, Gregory Porter, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, De La Soul and Roy Hargrove.

 When you think of four words, Emanuel Harrold name comes to mind: Fashion, community, music and love. Emanuels music legacy stands three generations. If you enjoy artists such as Gregory Porter, Robert Glasper, Max Roach, Miles Davis, Gospel, Classical, Jazz, Electro and any music that moves you, Harrold likes it too. Born into the artistry of music by way of St. Louis, MO, USA, Harrold is a multiple Grammy-nominated and winning musician. Emanuel's father being a pastor whilst growing up, the appetite for singing and playing instruments grew. There were many musical outlets, those being his grandfather's Memorial Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps, church gatherings and family reunions. Harrold did not seriously pursue his current instrument until after high school. In St. Louis, Emanuel was involved with Off-Broadway musicals with The Black Repertory Theater, traditional jazz and local gospel scenes.

 Harrold is a self-taught musician and inspired by many great people on his musical journey to date. He has performed or recorded in no specific order with: Wynton Marsalis, Roy Hargrove, Robert Glasper, Ronnie Mathews, Keyon Harrold, Damon Auburn, John Hicks, James Spaulding, Shedrick Mitchell, Marcus Strickland, Stevie Wonder, Kidz in The Hall, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, Ben La Uncle Soul, Gregory Porter, Ambrose Akinmusire, Revive The Live Big Band, Jonathan Batiste, Keyon Harrold, Laura Mvula, and too many other great amazing musicians to name in this short bio.

 I truly Love Emanuels, stylish, dynamic and subtle drumming and im very grateful that he was kind enough to give up an hour from his busy schedule.

 www.emanuelharrold.com 

Huge thanks to The UK Drum Show for sponsoring this episode 

www.theukdrumshow.com 2026 drum show dates - October 24th & 25th 2026 ACC Liverpool

Percussion Discussion Podcast - Episode 164 - Dave Mattacks. 

Joining me today is the wonderful Dave Mattacks. Dave is a british drummer ( now living in Boston ) with a quite remarkable career under his belt - he is known as the Folk Drummer (much to his occasional chargrin) Having played for Fairport Convention for a long time, however he has a lot more up his sleeve, check this out for a recording and live CV.......... Paul McCartney, Elton John, XTC, George Harrison, Chris Rea, Jethro Tull, The Proclaimers, Joan Armatrading, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Richard Thompson, Steeleye Span and many many more!

 We had the most wonderful conversation about his career including the moment he went from trying to impress, with flashy, busy drum parts to stripping it back and playing for the song, something that is now synonymous with Dave's name. 

Huge thanks to our mutual pal Nigel Constable for connecting us up! Many thanks of course for giving up his valuable time to do this! 

www.davemattacks.com

This is the first Episode in a new series featuring independant local drum shops from across the UK. 
I have always admired anyone who has the nerve and business acumen to create a succesful drum shop, so ive made the decision to speak to some of the people behind these independant drum stores and hopefully generate a little more business for them.

 Episode 1 features Leigh Smith from Cariad Drum Shop, based in Bridgend in South Wales. Join Leigh and myself as we talk aboiut his drumming career, the motivation behind setting up Cariad and all of the services that the shop has to offer, including Drum Lessons, Practice Rooms, Leigh's remarkable talent for spraying and customising individual drums and whole kits, plus of course a well stocked showroom! 

Please checkout the website for Cariad Drums www.cariaddrumshop.com

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 87 - Chris Whitten

Joining me today is the wonderful British Drummer Chris Whitten 

Since the early 80's Chris has made his mark as one of the finest session and touring drummers in the UK.

Join Chris and myself as we talk about his amazing career from starting out as a youngster playing mainly orchestral percussion (rather than drum kit) including some time playing with the Welsh National Youth Orchestra, through to his time studying at Leeds college of music.

 Chris chats openly about his time with The Waterboys and of course his wonderful playing on the smash hit song "The Whole Of The Moon"

 We talk about how a session with Jerry Marotta sharing some of the drumming duties on an album recording really helped Chris develop the incredible drum sounds he is known for across the globe.

 We had to touch on the iconic Paul McCartney album Flowers in the dirt album that Chris Played on with a whole host of incredible Producers, Musicians and Co Writers, and of course the huge tour that followed the release of the aformentioned album.

 Closely following Chris' time with Paul McCartney, he tells us about his time on the road with Dire Straits after the hugely succesful On Every Street album had been released and getting to recreate the intricate and stunning drum tracks that been recorded by late great Jeff Porcaro.

 Chatting with Chris was really fascinating, he has played on so many remarkable albums and songs and continues to do so! Chris, Thanks so musch for giving up your precious time to talk to me.

Please check out Chris's website www.chriswhitten.com

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 86 - John Macaluso

Joining me today is John Macaluso

Originally a New Yorker, John now resides in Italy, John has played on around 200 albums so far in his incredible career as well as touring the world with many incredible artists and bands.

Join John and myself as we chat about some of key moments from his quite remarkable career, including his early days taking lessons from the likes of Rod Morgenstein, Tommy Aldridge, Dom Famularo and the great Joe Franco who reccomended John for Norweigan rockers TNT.

   We also chat about ARK the incredible progressive hard rock band, John was one of the fouding members along with guitarist Tore Østby and how they achieved their first record deal from a visit to a record store!

   John goes into detail about the audition process and life on the road for Swedish guitar god Yngwie Malmsteen and how this included being driven to a bar in Malmsteens Ferarri, drinking for hours and then being asked to perform a drum solo!!

   I couldnt let this conversation go by without mentioning John's incredible drumming  on Michael Romeo's 2 most recent albums - War Of the Worlds PT 1 from 2018 and this years War Of The Worlds PT 2.

This was a hugely fun conversation, John is a real treat to talk to, a very funny guy with an incredible talent! i hope you enjoy it as much as did!

John - Thank you for giving up your time so generously!

Huge thanks to Alexander Ford at World Entertainment Inc. for connecting me with John.

Percussion Discussion - Episode 85 - Gary Astridge

Joining me today is Historian and Curator of every Drum Kit used by Ringo Starr throughout his career with The Beatles - Gary Astridge

 Today is all about Ringo, when i ask the many drummers i speak too, a few names constantly appear, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd and yes.... Ringo Starr!

 Im very grateful that today i get to chat to not only a personal friend of the man himself, but an absoloute authority on Ringo and all of the equipment that he has used over the years, from his early days with Premier Drums through to the brand that his name has become synonymous with Ludwig Drums.

 We chat for a full hour about all things Ringo and the Beatles, pop the kettle on, sit back, relax and enjoy.

 Many thanks to Gary for giving up his time so Generously, its much appreciated!

 - Please check out Gary's website www.ringosbeatlekits.com

 Also many thanks to our mutual friend Terry McCusker for connecting Gary and myself.

Please check out Terry's website for the book i featured in our conversation.

www.ringostarrandthebeatlesbeat.co.uk

 Percussion Discussion - Episode 84 - Ian Haugland

Joining me today is Ian Haugland

Since 1984 Ian has been the drummer with Swedish rockers Europe

Join Ian and myself as we chat about his amazing career from his early influence by Cozy Powell after attending a Rainbow gig with Powell on drums in 1976, then onto almost blowing up a gig venue with some home made pyrotechincs at a very early gig with one of his first bands!

 Ian also reminisces about an "interesting" audition with a young Swedish guitar god - Yngwie J Malmsteen!!

 Then of course onto getting the gig with Europe and the recording of Ian's first album with them in 1986 (the bands 3rd) The now iconic - The Final Countdown.

 We talk at length about the Final Countdown and where the instantly catchy keyboard hook originated from and of course THAT fill into the gutar solo!! in my mind that is one of the most iconic drum fills of the 1980's!

 What a thoroughly fascinating and enjoyable hour spent in the company of Ian Haugland, Thank you so much for giving up your time so generously.

Many thanks also to Adam Parsons of Siren Artist Management Inc for putting us in touch! Much appreciated.

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Percussion Discussion - Episode 83 - Nigel Glockler

Joining me today is Nigel Glockler

Nigel is best known for powering British NWOBHM Legends Saxon since 1981. Join Nigel and myself as we talk about his incredible career from his beginnings with early influences taken from both the drummers with The Shadows - Tony Meehan and Brian Bennett and American drummer Sandy Nelson.

 Nigel also talks about his time with Toyah in the very early 80's and the recording of her seminal album "Anthem"

 We also talk about Nigel's time as an endorsee with Premier Drums and of course his more recent relationship with Stockport based British Drum Co.

 We talk about the new Saxon album "Carpe Diem" and its incredible Songs, Musicianship and production plus we chat briefly about the 2021 album "Inspirations" an album made of cover versions including the Toto classic "Hold the Line" this version got a big thumbs up from Steve Lukather

 What a joy chatting to Nigel, one of the friendliest and nicest guys in the business! Nigel - Thank you for giving up your time so generously!

 Many thanks to our mutual friend (and Nigels former drum tech) Paul Copeland - Watts for connecting us both.

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Percussion Discussion Episode 82 - John 'JD' Douglas.

Joining me today is a guy with one of the most interesting stories you will ever hear - John 'JD ' Douglas.

 John has one of the most remarkable and succesful careers in music that i have ever heard of!

 He is a phenomenal artist, a highly skilled drummer and one of the most respected and trusted drum tech's in Rock n Roll!

 Currently on tour teching for Bon Jovi's Tico Torres, John kindly found some time to talk about his amazing career so far.....

 John Started out by customizing his own drum kits by painting them, he got spotted in his native Texas while gigging with his band by Frank Beard of ZZ Top who asked John to paint some of his drums, this led to him customizing drums for so many incredible bands including ZZ Top, Van Halen, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Aerosmith, Pantera, Lynryd Skynyrd, Slash, Bon Jovi and many more!

 This led to teching for many of the bands in that list including ZZ Top whom he had 2 cover 3 gigs for for the injured Frank Beard, Teching for Slash where he had to cover the drum chair for Brent Fitz who stepped in on bass for 2 gigs with no notice for 2 gigs, as if thats not enough he has covered the last 35 shows and will continue to do so for immediate future for Joey Kramer with Aerosmith!!

 Join John and myself as we talk about his incredible and varied career so far including all of the above plus so much more, including how the experience of working for one of my drumming heroes was -