And there should be a bit more than that! Well, that's all I remember now......
As for the two 8" toms, it came about when Pearl was unable to make a multi ply "6 with an Optimount for a 6".....so I went with the double 8"s. The 8x7 is tuned high, sort of "Phil Collins" style. It "barks". The second 8" (8x8) is more "meaty" with a richer fundamental tone. They sound worlds apart from each other but work well together at the same time.
OK. Thanks a lot and hope you dig the DVD!
Cheers--
Todd
Hi Todd,
I've become a huge fan in the past few years. To me, you seem like a combination of Simon, Buddy, Vinnie, and Dave. Your playing is elegant and powerful as well as exciting and musical. Perfect groove, perfect time. Just awesome! I've heard and read rumblings about your upcoming DVD but haven't seen a release date yet. Can you give details on when that might be? I also noticed that you swapped out the die-cast hoops on your reference kit for super hoops. Is this a tonal preference or a feel thing? Also, what portable device do you use to playback your backing tracks at clinics?
You are the best man!
Warmest Regards,
Norm
----------------------------------
Hi Norm,
Thanks for all your kind words----they are really appreciated! Obviously, the first answer (before your note) should answer a lot about the DVD. I know Guitar Center will have a DVD sampler/Pro Mark stick promotion about to launch any day now, so you can keep an eye out for that. You mention me in the same breath as four of my favorite drummers, and for that I'm flattered and humbled. Thank you.......
As for the die cast hoops, well, I've been using them most of my career. I had die casts from 2001 to maybe '05 or so. It became clear to me that I dug the open sound and feel of the triple flanged hops and that's "home" for me. I have a Masters kit at home that has die casts on 'em and they sound great. It's nice to change it up I suppose. By the way, I've never had a Reference kit---my main Pearl kits are from the Masterworks line. For backing tracks at clinics I've been using my iPod lately, but I always have CD backups with me. The iPod has never failed but sometimes engineers do!
OK, thanks a lot Norm!
Take care,
Todd
Hi Todd,
Just saw Styx in Tampa and I can honestly say you guys are sounding better than ever and I wanted to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer questions from your fans. I have 3 questions how often should you replace your bottom heads mine are about 2 years old and do you have any tricks when it comes to minimizing snare rattle when I hit my toms, it's usually the 12" tom that causes my problem, lastly when does your DVD come out? Thanks again, Doug
--------------------------------------------
Hi Doug,
Glad you enjoyed the show in Tampa---thanks!
Bottom heads get worn out too, so it depends on how much use they're getting. It also depends on if the drums are singing and giving you what you want to hear----so it's up to your ears as well. If you're gigging a lot and you've had your bottom heads on for 2 years, it's probably time for a change. You may be surprised the difference it can make. They'll be concave when you take them off even if there are no stick marks......they've been worn out just resonating! As far as tom/snare buzz goes, I don't mind it at all. They are drums---they are supposed to do that! Embrace it and realize that it's natural and will never go away.
The DVD should be out July 29th from Altitude Digital. (Altitudedigital.com)
Thanks a lot and I wish you luck with your playing--
Todd
Todd,
I think you are the greatest drummer in the world. But I can't find your sticks anywhere , so do you
know where i can find them? If you do please let me know. Oh and by the way you are my idol, i've
even learned to play the meadly from watching you andIi'd love to have a pair or 2 of your sticks
see ya ,
Ryan
----------------------
Hi Ryan,
I don't have a link handy, but go to Promark.com. Go to "drumset" and go to "autograph series". Find my name and model and there will be links to at least five stores where you can order them on line.
I hope this works out for you, and that the sticks work for you! Thanks for the kind words, good luck, and happy drumming to you--
Todd
Hey Todd,
I have been to 2 of your clinics the past year and a half or so, and each time you played Tears of Joy. I absolutely LOVE your performance on that and the song itself, being a Mahavishnu Orchestra fan, Jerry Goodman has always fascinated me. Do you know where I can get the song by any chance? Id love to own some of his work!
Thanks,
Kevin
-----------------
Hey Kevin,
Thank you so much for the kind words, man. Yeah, Jerry is a genius. He's just a beautiful and unique musician. I love Tears Of Joy and I'll keep playing it because I love the composition and Jerry as well. Anyway, that song appears on his live record from 1987 called "It's Alive". It's also on another record where the name escapes me at the moment---but they both might be out of print. You might have to scour the internet/Ebay/Amazon/foriegn folks to get a copy. His records are great and worth finding, especially the live one.
I hope I've helped. Thanks for your interest and support, Kevin! I wish you luck and happy drumming--
Todd
Hi, Todd,
Thanks so much to you and all of the band for a fabulous show last night in Edmonton! It was amazing to see you (and your kit!) up close. Loved your solos!
I'm lucky enough to be going to Red Deer to see you again on Tuesday. I got my friend a ticket to celebrate her 50th birthday, so we are really looking forward to it. I hope the weather wasn't too cold for you--we had been having Spring until a few days ago!
With the little break between Edmonton and Red Deer, are you able to go to the mountains for a bit or how will you spend your days off (if you care to share, of course)?
Thanks again for the wonderful show!
Jo
--------------
Hi Jo,
Thanks, and I'm happy you had fun at the shows. I did make it to Lake Louise one day---it was beautiful.
OK. Thanks and take care--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
I am an original Styx fan from the early bar days in Chicago (72-73) to the latest installment.
The first time I saw you play, was on the Rockin The Paradise tour when it came through Dallas. And have seen you several times in Dallas since, and last night we drove up to Oklahoma to see the band at Windstar. Because there are no good-ol-boys connections with that particular location, and they are not as greedy as most promoters, they price is reasonable, and I got on the tickets as soon as the band was announced. This gave me an opportunity to be closer than I have ever sat before (8th Row), but I have always wanted to watch you work more closely than a festival setting.
You are now officially on my personal Mt Rushmore for drummers, next to Danny Seraphine (older Chicago) Carl Palmer (ELP), Steve Gadd and Mitch Mitchell (J.Hendrix)
I still love classic R&R, but age has mellowed me towards, the likes of Steve Cole, Rick Braun and Brian Culbertson (who I think is really black, he's so funky) I recently saw Stanley Clarke and he is touring with a new young guy that was so amazing, that Stanley would just stop and stare at him and smile, and in my world, if you can impress Stanley Clarke ----Wow.
Anyway, I enjoyed the Styx set (for the 18th time in 36 yrs) but watching you spark the background with your incredible timing, precession and flair made me think of 2 things.
1) The rest of the band is not going to get away with anything while playing their parts, and that you keep the drive--alive
2) I was lucky enough to talk with John Panozzo back in the early days, and I know he would be extremely happy and excited about what you have brought to his legacy, but YOU are just getting started, between all of your other adventures, and keeping the drive alive.
May The Music Force Be With You Always
Just don't let the party kill the playing ( sorry a personal plea)
Respectfully
CHRIS HUTTON
---------------------
Hi Chris,
Thanks for all your kind words and compliments. I'm glad you've gotten enjoyment out of my work and that you've made it to all those shows. Thanks! Funny---I've recorded and played many shows with Culbertson, Cole and Braun. I'm on two Steve Cole records and maybe four Culbertson records. Steve Cole has been a dear friend for many years and is a great player and a great guy. And the drummer you most likely saw with Stanley was Ronald Bruner Jr.
OK, man. Thanks for writing and take care!
Todd
Todd,
First of all, thank-you for the last 10+ years with the greatest band on the planet! Your playing is an inspiration, and I never get tired of watching you play. I have a set of drums in my garage that I play, and also play with our church band when I’m not singing. Let’s just say I’m a lot better singer than I am a drummer, but nothing gives me more pleasure than to pop in a Styx CD and try to keep up! I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting the band, but I have probably seen the band about 40 times since 1977. You probably won’t remember this but we saw Styx at the grove theater in Anaheim and I asked one of your road crew to take one of my cymbals back to you for an autograph. He came out later with a big grin and said I might not like what you wrote. It was signed “Todd Sucherman, Styx”, and then wrote “Sabian”. The cymbal I sent back was a Paiste 2002! Well, that’s what I play and I really appreciate you graciously taking the time to not only sign my cymbal, but to add a personal touch as well. It is one of my favorite possessions and I play that cymbal every chance I get. Would you ever be interested in selling some of your drums, or do you always keep your old sets when you receive a new one? I’m not sure what the rules are when you are being sponsored. Lastly, didn’t you play Ayotte drums at one time?
Tom
-------------------
Hi Tom,
Funny---I actually remember signing your Paiste cymbal. That's a trip! And it was a while ago......anyway, thank you for all your kind words. They are very appreciated indeed. As to your question, I rarely ever sell any of my gear. I'm somewhat of a collector I guess, so selling stuff is not really my thing. I also rarely "receive a new set" as I used the same Masterworks kit from 2001 until last October when I did get a new kit. My "old" kit is now in our "B" rig which is available incase we have shows back to back in far distances that the truck can't make---like Miami on Friday and Seattle on Saturday. I was briefly with Ayotte in '99 and 2000, but the whole thing with Ray Ayotte losing control of his company and their decision to sell on line only were my reasons for looking elsewhere.
OK. Thanks so much for your support over the years. Take care!
Todd
Hey Todd,...
I saw the show tonight (Fri. Mar. 21) in Vancouver. You guys were wicked. My boyfriend (of Trooper) loved it too and said you look like Keith Moon and play like Steve Smith. James looked like Will Farrell up there with his smiley face and big white teeth, Tommy Shaw is such a natural...a real shaker he was. Gowan,......everyone, they were all absolutely fantastic (I'm sorry I dunno all their names) I was totally starstruck at the end of the concert. My brother wanted to pick your brains and here some stories about the band. We have been listening to 'Styx' since our childhood. I'm 26 and he's 28;.....even the young ones you've made an impact on....keep up the good work.
Terena
------------
Hi Terena,
We had fun at the Vancouver shows---and thanks for coming out and I'm happy that you both had fun! Come see us next time we swing through your beautiful city.
Cheers!
Todd
Hello,
You, or your webmaster, really need to change the color of your text on your website.
The text now has a red color with a black background. This makes the text on the website very hard to read. ALL of the text should be white and not red.
This would also make your website look better and much easier to read.
Jane
---------------
Hi Jane,
Thanks for letting me know how you feel. We should be doing an entire revamp of the site soon.
Todd
I was at the Greenville, SC show last night and it looked as if you play traditional AND match grip. Why do you switch grips? Is it a comfort thing or a functional thing with your kit? Just curious.
GREAT SHOW!
Eric Mitchell
-----------------
Hi Eric,
I just switch to whatever feels comfortable. Certain songs, certain grooves, certain sections within a given song feel better to me one way or another. So I just sort of subconsciously go back and forth without really noticing. Thanks for coming to the show and I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Cheers--
Todd
Hi Todd,
I was lucky enough to run into you, and Ricky and another nice gentleman, who’s name I did not get, but I believe was running your sound equipment by the stage. And I wanted to thank you all for autographing a coaster for my good friend Pam who was celebrating her birthday at your show. Your incredible show was better than words can describe, and a memorable evening was had by all.
Most importantly, thank you for your kindness. It will always be appreciated and remembered.
Nancy Cochrane
--------------------
Hi Nancy,
It was my pleasure. And thanks for your kind note! I'm glad you all had a good time. Thanks for letting me know and hope you come see us next time.
Take care!
Todd
Todd-
Was performing with a classic rock rhythm and blues band last night in New Buffalo, MI. A half-soused young lady came up to me thinking I was you. I was told earlier that the lead vocalist for Styx was in the house, but could not figure out why the young lady was so interested and friendly. Finally it came down to the question of whether I was the drummer for Styx, to which I honestly replied I was not.
Please forgive me, Todd, because although I've heard your fine playing throughout the years I did not know your name. So I asked another drummer who happened to be present if he knew "who is the drummer for Styx." He said your name without hesitation. It sounded like he said "Sugarman."
Here's the kicker: This young lady went to our bass player and asked him the same question, whether I was the drummer for Styx. Unbeknownst to me, he said, "Yes, but don't tell anybody." The next thing I know she's calling BS on me and asking me to sign her ample bosom with a felt tip pen. Frankly this is not a position I've ever been in before. Maybe you face it all the time.
I tried to conduct myself as honorably as possible in the process, but I don't think I spelled your name right. It was dark enough, however, and the writing surface flexible enough, that I don't think it was legible. Actually, what I did was sign my alias "Boris Larue" on her left breast, and what I thought was your name on her right. Then our guitar player caught on and asked to draw a smiley face on her right nipple. Permission granted.
In all my days I would never think such a situation would ever come about, but there it is. Now that I think about it the day was altogether remarkable: awakened by an earthquake in the morning, then mildly aroused by signing someone else's name on a young lady's breast in the evening. Today I decided to learn more about the drummer for Styx and to see if he bears any resemblance to my own person. I don't know. You'd have to be pretty drunk to
mistake me for Todd Sucherman. You've got better looks, more class, and more talent.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your successful career as a musician. Having taken time to peruse your website this afternoon it has become apparent that you've exceeded at your craft while
keeping a good head on your shoulders. Truly a blessing, and not easy to accomplish.
Regards,
-DAS
David A. Seyboldt
---------------------
Hey David,
That's quite a story! I'm glad I could indirectly help you live out a rock star moment. And thanks for your very kind words at the end of your note---I really appreciate it!
Here's wishing you many more autographs in strange places.
Cheers!
Todd
Dear Todd,
I am thinking of having a smallish drum room built to solve noise disputes, my question is, can you remember, or tell me what the difference between internal and external dimensions allowing for the acoustic treatments that fill the gaps between should be.
Your answer would be really appreciated, and pretty much needed too!
Regards and respect,
Kevin Thompson NW7 U.K.
-----------------
Hi Kevin,
I think I used 6 inch air gaps and Auralex sheet block matting in-between layers of drywall. I recommend getting in touch with Jeff Hedback from Hedback designed acoustics. He's great at getting good results and working within your budget. (projects@HedbackDesignedAcoustics.com) Spend some money and do it right the first time is my best advice!
Good luck--
Cheers!
Todd
Dear Todd:
After watching Styx for the first time in 2001 and ever since, I was awestruck by your power and technique. There is just such a great maturity to your playing. I think if I had to name just a few elite drummers in rock, you would be one of them. My question is this: Was Alan White from the band YES ever an influence on your playing?
Stuart Chambers, Ottawa, Canada
------------------------
Hi Stuart,
Thanks for your compliments---I'm quite flattered! You know, I can't say that Alan was much of an influence. I was certainly aware of his playing before YES and during and I've always enjoyed hi work. But when you say "influence," I was much more moved by Tony Williams, Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Smith, Stewart Copeland, Simon Phillips, Mark Brzezicki, Manu Katche, Terry Bozzio---as far as my rock playing goes.
Thanks for your interest and support, Stuart.
Take care!
Todd
Hi Todd!
I'm not a drummer--just a chick fascinated with you and your band. I've been in love with STYX since my big hair days of the '80's. A buddy I work with is a drummer and as a side gig he plays with the Manitowoc Symphony in Wisconsin. We went out one night and I was telling him about you and your website--- and said that he should check it out. He and his buddies have put out a couple of CD's on their own as side projects. They're rather progressive sounding---with a little bit of a Beatles influence mixed in.
As we were jabbering one night he said that he knew your brother. Small world---especially since I was trying to sound like I knew what I was talking about as far as drumming goes.( I studied your "dear Todd" letters) There went my "trying to impress him" conversation! ha!!
I checked your touring schedule and I don't see any booking for Summerfest in Milwaukee? What's with that? They're fools if they didn't try and book you. EVERY year Styx has had the biggest crowd. Hmmm....???
All righty then....just wanted to tell blast you an e-mail. My "first" fan letter! OMG! I'm 43 years old---grow up, eh?
Real quick--funny story---
I have a picture or two of you and Mr. Shaw as my screen saver at work. Co-workers walk by and say: "Who are the hot guys on your computer?" I answer back: "ach...just some guys I know!" Suckers!! LOL I don't dare tell the truth or they'll be asking me if I subscribe to "Teen Beat" Magazine too?! HA!
Okay--i'm done. This was fun.
Take care. You're Living the Dream!!
Lisa from Wisconsin.
-----------------
Hi Lisa from Wisconsin,
Yes, most people in Wisconsin know my brother! Thanks for your support over the years. Take care!
Todd
Hi Todd,
How are you doin' right now? Here (in Holland) everything is just fine!
I saw you guys playing (for the first time in my life) on Aruba and that was really awesome, my girlfriend also liked this particular concert very much!! We have a (simple) question for you Todd, and it's about the setlist you've
played. Could you please email me the setlist of this particular concert on Aruba (october 6th 2006)? That would be great!!
Thanks a lot and we all hope to see you again soon some time in Europe (the
Netherlands)
Kind regards,
Arjan Mulder
------------------
Hi Arjan,
Thanks for your note, and it's cool that you caught the show in Aruba. I'm sorry to say that I have no idea what we played that night. I don't keep any records or archives of that sort of thing. I can only imagine we played a lot of the "usual suspects"---the hits!
I've only played in Holland once with the band (in 2005) and I hope we make it back to your beautiful country soon.
Take care!
Todd
