At four years old, all I wanted was to be a drummer. I banged on every pot and pan in the house until my parents, finally fed up, got me my first drum set for Christmas. My biggest inspiration was my grandmother. She would play Buddy Rich records for me when I was just a toddler and jam out honky-tonk piano-those moments mesmerised me and hooked me for life. She truly rocked, and I loved her for that spark she gave me.
It wasn’t until I tried to emulate Buddy Rich that I realised how enormous his shoes were to fill. Rich, often called the greatest jazz drummer of all time, was renowned for his technical mastery, explosive energy, and the way he could drive a band with both power and finesse. His influence stretched far beyond jazz, shaping the sound of modern drumming and inspiring countless musicians, including rock legends like John Bonham. Rich’s unmatched speed, precision, and dynamic range set a standard that drummers still chase today.
But then came John Bonham, and he changed everything for me. Bonham’s powerful, hard-hitting style and deep groove redefined rock drumming. He brought a thunderous approach to Led Zeppelin’s music, blending brute strength with a subtle swing that made his playing instantly recognisable. Bonham was known for his adaptability-he could lay down a solid groove, unleash rapid-fire triplets, and always kept things fresh by taking risks behind the kit. His influence was so profound that after his untimely death, Led Zeppelin chose to disband, feeling his presence was irreplaceable.
Inspired by these weirdo's, I practised nearly every day for over four decades. Every time I sat behind my kit, I gave it everything I had. I’ve met and played with many incredible drummers-most with more skill than I could ever claim-but I was lucky enough to share the stage with them, and they never seemed to mind. I can’t say I was that good, but I always tried my best.
Looking back, maybe I should have taken a lesson or two-it might have made things easier. But like my journey with art, I learned by doing. I’ve played with some of the best musicians I could ever imagine, and I’m grateful for the friendships and recordings we made together. Some of those friends even saved me a time or two.
I’ve played drums in just about every dive bar and rat joint you could imagine, pouring my sweat and blood into every performance. I preferred a simple five-piece kit with a single pedal, which meant I had to work twice as hard to keep up, but I liked it that way. Despite the aches, pains, and future cramps (which are now my present), it was all worth it.
I never made money playing drums, and I don’t have many pictures to prove I did it. All I have are the recordings and the memories-which, honestly, are more than enough. I'm lucky like that. EK
WHAT IS NORMAL STARTER
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