S
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March 2007
Dear Todd -
Hello again! As always, its an amazing pleasure to write in to my favorite drummer EVER! First off, the Quakecam is by far the best thing ever! Unfortunately it was only for the Medley (I know...you give them something and they always want more :-) But yeah, its my new study course for drumming! Anyways my two questions today...I’ve come to, more or less, a barrier in developing my ability with my hands. I feel like I should bedeveloping more speed and endurance. Now granted I do work and don’t have as much time as id like to work on things. Do you have any exercises or suggestions for getting my hands to be faster, and not tire out as soon. I watch the clinic videos of you playing, and you seem to be able to fly in and out of double strokes, single strokes, and then various fills. Now having said that...I have recently been working on finger control technique. Great exercises in Gary Chaffees book on that. As well as seeing some demonstrations of that technique through Marco Minneman, Johnny Rabb etc. But the technique im having trouble with now is the Moeller tech. I think I understand it correctly...you have to use the whipping tech. as well as letting the stick rebound freely. Then practice using doubles, then triplets. But how in the world do you get speed with that technique? I try to speed up the technique without compromising (or doing it sloppy) but the stick doesnt seem to want to rebound fast enough. Anyways...I may be going to far in to detail about all of this....before I got into these techniques I manually forced out every stroke. But I found that when doing that, the faster you want to go the more tense my hands and wrist would get (which is not good). So thats where I stand at this point. How do I get "Todd Hands"?
My second question is a "fun" question of curiosity. If Pearl asked you to make a signature snare drum, to go along with the many others they offer, what would you have them build?
Thanks again Todd, wish you guys could get over to Pensacola again one day!
Take Care and God Bless!
Eddie
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Hi Eddie,
Yours is a tough question and it's different for everyone regarding their hands. There is no "right way" to do everything but there are many variables at play here. Fingers, hands wrists, arms.....they must me developed to perform different tasks and to work together as a unit. There is no substitute for time on the instrument and time working on your hands. I tell younger drummers to work now (while they're young) because time is at a premium when you get older. When you play faster you should be loose---although that's difficult at triple forte. However, you have to learn the balance of "muscling it out" and controlling rebound. I'm not sure how to help you without seeing you. I just watched how my hero's hands worked (Vinnie, Buddy, Smith) and tried to emulate their strokes when I was younger. I wish I could give more concrete advise but you have to spend TIME and be patient. It's like working out in a way. You have to work through your barriers. Go see a teacher, check out DVDs, etc.
As far as a signature snare drum goes......hmmmmmm. Gold plated brass shell engraved like the old (and rare) 1920s Ludwig Triumphal. Or a sterling silver engraved shell. But there isn't much call for $3000 signature snare drums so I doubt my ideas will ever materialize!
Thanks for your questions and I wish you luck with your playing!
Todd
Greetings Todd,
Man! You make playing the drums look so easy.............how'd you do that?!! I'd like to bombard you with a series of questions if that's allright. How high is your snare drum and do you find it necessary to angle it forward like Steve Smith or Buddy Rich? How high do you set your throne. On technique: How do you make the Moeller stroke work being that far back on the stick? Three more: How do you remain so RELAXED while playing?!! Any chance of talking you into making an instructional video?
Please?
You're my new favorite guy and I'm still shaking my head in disbelief.
Alex
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Hi Alex,
Thanks for your kind words! My snare is angled ever so slightly away from me. This has simply developed over time and feels right to me. My seat comes up to the top of my knees when I'm standing next to it. My snare doesn't seem that high, but it's higher than what your average matched grip player would have it---being that I play mostly traditional. I don't find it necessary to set up the way I do but it's comfortable and it works for me. I've always played somewhat far back on the sticks so it doesn't seem like any incredible feat to play the way I do, Moeller or whatever, that way. Again, it feels natural to me! And----I'll be filming a DVD later in the year. I guess I'm announcing that now!
Thanks for your interest, questions, compliments, and I wish you fun and luck with your playing.
Todd
Todd,
I am wondering what your thoughts are on the upcoming tour with Foreigner and Asia, working along side Jason Bonham and the legendary Carl Palmer? It sounds like a great bill, I am looking forward to the tour. Also, I came across a strange Styx video, from a TV show called "Children's Network TV" from June 1999. It looks like one of the last performances with Dennis DeYoung. You are using a 6 piece Sonor kit and were playing great! Do you have any memories of that show?
Thanks,
Robert
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Hi Robert,
I think we're only doing 2 or 3 dates with Asia, and we've done a bunch with Foreigner before, so it's just sort of business as usual for me. I always have fun no matter who's on the bill. Frankly, I have a lot to do before summer and I really haven't given it a thought at all.
I have plenty of memories from the CMN gig and they're all terrible. The vibe was just awful and uncomfortable within the band. Weird, strained, and plain crappy. To boot---UPS lost half of the kit Sonor (my drum company at that time) sent me to use. The stuff was GONE without a trace. So that was a rental kit I used that had too few drums, wrong sizes and from a budget line I wouldn't normally be caught dead playing. 30 seconds before we were to start the set my in ear monitors went dead. And I mean dead, broken, never to work again. This was simply terrifying. What else could go wrong? So I did eight songs hears absolutely NOTHING but my own drums. Not one sound, not one guitar, vocal-----NOTHING. It was if I was playing by myself in a basement somewhere and I played the songs from memory. I was reacting with and to nothing. The whole thing was a horrible experience that makes my skin crawl whenever I think of it! (Sorry-- not trying to make you feel bad, but you asked and I'm being honest.) Nonetheless, I'm glad you enjoyed my playing that night!
Thanks for your questions, Robert.
Take care,
Todd
Dear Todd -
I have been playing drums for longer than I care to admit now, I have NEVER had a drummer move me the way you did since I first watched Simon Phillips and John Bonham!!!! I will attend your clinic in Kansas City, I was wondering what type of heads you use on your drums. What batter head and what bottom head please. Thank you in advance.
Joe Brugnoni
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Hi Joe,
First off, I must tell you that the Kansas City clinic was in April '06. Sorry, as I haven't been keeping tabs on the front page and sorry for the confusion--and thanks for making me aware that a whole year has flown by!
Secondly, thanks for your compliments and I'm flattered that you hold my playing in high regard. Thank you.
As for heads I use Remo clear Ambassadors tops and bottoms for all toms. Bass drum batter is a clear Remo Powerstroke 3, snare is a coated Remo ambassador on top with a hazy ambassador snare side.
Thanks again for writing!
Todd
Dear Todd,
Hi I am Jared Robinson from MA! I am a huge fan of Styx and it's weird because I'm only thirteen and I am almost the only fan of Styx in my school. I was just wondering do you know if Styx are going to do a concert in like Boston or Providence or in that area. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Jared Robinson
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Hi Jared,
Thanks for your note and I'm happy that you enjoy the band so much. Thanks! Well, we'll probably make it to your neck of the woods as part of a triple bill this summer. But hopefully we'll come back when it's just us so we can play a longer show. Hope you're able to make it out when we come to your area.
Take care, Jared!
Todd
Hi Todd,
A few questions, but a quick background on our slight life and times connection. I met you backstage at the Ames, IA show in 1996, my daughter Tiffany was Chuck's #1 fan. I asked you that night if you ver sit back and think "Man, I'm playing w/ STYX!!!" Your reply was: "every night". I'm a year older than you, but we both started with a similar Styx experience in our lives attending the Chicago shows as fans during the Paradise Theatre Tour in 81, but we went different directions from there. You went on to music performance, Berklee, and eventually the star status w/ Styx and I am back in my hometown and have been a music educator for 16 years. I still play, but I'm a keyboard, guitar, bassist and not a drummer and I don't have famous band I tour with.
From that first show in May 1996 in Cedar Rapids, IA where I saw you play first all the way through that tough summer w/ John's death and into the next decade of different shows I've been impressed with your abilities and character. I played the RTP video for a drummer buddy of mine and his first comment was "that's not John Panozzo on drums is it? This guy is a great drummer." My buddy hardly ever says that, but has a lot of respect for professionals everywhere. I'm sure it was a thrill taking the spot of someone you admired growing up, but especially tough under the circumstances. Your character is clearly that of the type of person to be admired. From what I can tell you enjoy what you do and you give it your all and still understand that there is more to learn out there.
I pondered Berklee School of Music back in 1986, but didn't go for fear of a lot of things, but I had clearly not studied music enough to develop anything more than possibly the ability to write songs which I've never stopped doing. In my small home town, my friends all thought I was going to be famous one day with my songwriting
albility, but deep down I knew I didn't have "the voice" which is key to breaking through. My piano/guitar technique was never what I would call decent until after my college days and even then you as a person have to understand the difference between very good and what it takes to be a professional. So I never even applied to Berklee.
1. You attended Berklee for one year, was that a good experience and if you had to do it again, would you have done it? I ask this because I have a son, Tanner, who is twice++ the musician I was at his age. Guitarist and drummer and can play piano well and knows his chords better than most adults. He spends hours playing, writing, etc. but he's only 14 and just entering HS next year. Like I said before, the difference between very good and professional? I think he has the drive to want to be that good, but I want to steer him in the right direction since there are a lot of options out there.
2. I would consider John Panozzo a great drummer, but I also have a sense that after studying him that he was a little unorthodox with either his style or technique. I would say your training was more thorough and professional and John's was raw (for lack of a better term). I see you both as equals overall, but how would you describe
the differences in your playing and John's playing? I know you've probably had the Styx tunes down from childhood, but when you went on that first tour compared to now, have you changed to put more of Todd into the songs?
3. It must be something from our generation, but I really loved the medley of Styx songs you put together for that last tour. Growing up I used to put music collages together like that on tape and I always enjoyed music mixing like that... like "tonight's the night we'll make..." then I'd take Floyd's Money and put "bulls---" after it and run them together to create a storyline. OK, the question: Are you planning on doing another medley in the future tour and would you ever consider putting anything from Movement for the Common Man or some of the other Wooden Nickel stuff on there?
4. Your clinics and playing on your web-site are great. Have you ever considered doing clinics touring high schools or are you too busy or not interested in that sort of thing?
I appreciate your time and good luck with your bright future. As a lifetime Styx fan, I can't think of a more perfect person to be the drummer for Styx than you. Thanks for carrying on.
Craig McClenahan
Keota, IA
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Hi Craig,
Thanks for your compliments on my playing and my character. They are appreciated indeed. I will answer you questions honestly as I can, and maybe against my better judgment.
1. Berklee. I had a great time and a great experience. I ran into some bureaucratic stuff I didn't dig, but over all it was many great friends and a few special teachers that made it an amazing experience for me. It was expensive then and it's even more so now. But not to sound cliché’, but you get out of it what you put into it, you know? And yes, I'd do it over again. But I wouldn't go for 4 years. A degree is only good for teaching and it basically means nothing in the world of being a working musician.
2. I kinda hate the comparison thing. but I know it'll never go away. I'm a different person than John was and any drummer, no matter who, would bring their own thing to the table. I mean no disrespect to John when I say this, but he had very limited technique. He had a unique thing insofar as he was a very active drummer for one with limited technique and vocabulary. He served the music and that's what's important and it's what I try to do. If you care about the music at all, it's job #1. Though I was a fan of the band I wasn't necessarily influenced by John as a drummer. Again, no disrespect to John but when I was in grade school I was studying drummers who's technique, rhythms, phrasing, patterns, density and complexity far out weighed his. Players like Tony Williams, Lenny White, Billy Cobham, Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Simon Phillips, Vinnie Colaiuta. These guys were (and are) friggin' masters. So that's where my head was at and that's what I currently bring to the table in this band. And I'm mostly self taught although I could read music by age six and went through the school band program. I really have had one year at college for my "formal training." So in my opinion the "trained vs. raw" doesn't mean anything. You play how you play, period. I do my thing but it has to serve the music and the song. You have to be honest with the music, and if you are, your training or lack thereof are inconsequential.
3. On the medley, to be honest, I've never even heard any of the Wooden Nickel stuff! I know that may seem like sacrilege to some, but it's true. I also believe that maybe 1 in 300 people at a Styx gig would even have a clue about that music. So really, no....there are no plans for another medley I think the current one might be hung up for good pretty soon.
4. Clinics are a unique thing. First off, the event is put on by a music/drum shop and it's really to promote the drums/cymbals/sticks/heads. The education part comes 2nd. These events are costly as there is the artist fee, hotel, air fare, dinners, and companies donate swag and literature or things for raffle. There is a tremendous amount of planning involved from several companies. (Again, the drum, head, cymbal, stick companies all get involved.) So the notion of going around to schools is a little provincial. I wouldn't get the support, I don't have the time, it would cost me thousands personally, and frankly I'm not interested in it. I want to do clinics for drummers where we can engage in thoughtful discussions and I can truly be a help in someone's career. I enjoy advanced forums and (hopefully) providing inspiration to younger players. Going "this is called a snare drum" to a room of non musicians is not really for me.
OK. That was a lot of questions! Craig, I thank you again for your kind words and for your support of the band throughout the years. It's cool that you were at my first gig with them---May 21st 1996. I remember it like yesterday.
Take care and I wish you and your son happiness and peace through music--
Todd
Your kit sounded AND looked great at PASIC.
brad cerasani
p.s. check out www.purevolume.com/hoist or www.myspace.com/hoistmusic if you'd like- it's my band.. let me know what you think!
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Hey Brad,
Thanks man----and thanks for the pics as well! Keep it up with your band. Nice job, and remember to have fun!
Thanks again and take care,
Todd
Todd,
I have both STYX DVDs and just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with the band and your drumming. I tell friends to purchase that DVD and watch your specifically.
I first saw you a while ago when Styx was on the road with KANSAS. Growing up on the North side of Chicago I met Phil Ehart when I was 16 years of age at Slingerland drum company. Followed guys like Danny Seraphine, Buddy Rich, Stuart Copeland, Peter Erskine, and now I consider you in that category.
Never read your bio, are you from the Chicago area?
Hope to see you guys next time in Illinois.
Thank you,
Bill Kowalski
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for your kind words and high praise---I'm quite flattered. Yes, I'm from Chicago. North side and I grew up in Lincolnwood. It should be on my bio, which most likely needs an update.
Thanks again and I hope you can catch us next time we swing through town.
Todd
Dear Todd:
First allow me to say that you have been a tremendous source of inspiration for me over the last few years. You truly are in the same class as Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Greg Bissonette, Steve Smith and Simon Phillips, all of whom are also heroes of mine. You represent a positive future for the art of drumming and the endless potential for its progression. Even though I will never play at the skill level that you all possess I take comfort in knowing that for the rest of my life I'll never run out of ideas and concepts to pursue in the growth of my own playing. My congratulations to you sir for that you have accomplished and will accomplish.
My first question, what are some of your all time favorite recorded drum performances of your heroes as well as particular tracks that you've played which you feel really represent your the broadest spectrum of your playing?
Additionally, you made mention on this forum of your use of in-ear monitors on stage which I've never had the opportunity to use. Is it as controlled of a sound as say playing to a CD through headphones or does crowd noise and other acoustic factors end up mixed in the signal you receive? Do you find you are able to use a lower volume level overall because of the design of the in-ear monitors as opposed to traditional speaker style monitors?
Thank you very much in advance for your answers and of course all the inspiration that you provide me and the drumming community as a whole. I wish all the very best for your continued good fortune!!!
Respectfully,
Eric
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Eric,
Thanks for your incredibly kind words. Your heroes are mine as well, and I'm honored to be included in their company. Thanks a lot!
Off the top of my head, some of my favorites would be:
Tony Williams:
Believe It (Tony Williams Lifetime)
Four and More/My Funny Valentine-the complete concerts-Miles Davis
Steve Smith:
Captured (Journey)
Enigmatic Ocean (Jean-Luc Ponty)
Vital Information (Vital Information)
Global Beat (Vital Information)
Vinnie Colaiuta:
Secrets (Allan Holdsworth)
Images (Bill Meyers)
Thanks To Frank (Warren Cuccurillo)
Terry Bozzio:
Danger Money (UK)
Night After Night (UK)
I know there are tons more......but I have to check out of this hotel soon, so I'll stop for now. That's just off the top of my head.
You know, there isn't much documented on released recordings of my jazz or fusion work. I played that stuff for years in clubs with great musicians but it's pretty scarce on record. I'm also a "session guy" on a lot of records where I'm on one or two tracks....so I can't fully recommend them although there is a lot I'm proud of.
My wife's record will most likely come out in May. Taylor Mills.....and the name of the CD is Lullagoodbye. I'm really proud of my playing on that, so please keep an eye out for it. There are two records by my old band The Falling Wallendas that I still love. The first is self titled and the second one is called Belittle. If you can find them, snag them Ebay, on line hunts, etc. I'm happy with my playing on Styx's Cyclorama and Big Bang Theory as well. I'll be doing an instructional DVD later in the year and I have high hopes that more diversity will be displayed on that. I wish I had more info but I'm a little scatterbrained right now.
In ear monitors (if mixed correctly) should be just like a studio headphone mix. I don't have to blast my brains out, although I'm sure my volume is louder than it should be. It's really the way to go if you can afford it and have your own PA, sound system, mixer. I look at guys who play with monitors now and wonder how (and why) they do it. We have audience mics mixed in so we can hear the crowd, otherwise it would seem that we were playing to an empty room in our mix! But overall I thrilled. When I used monitors on the '96 tour, it was painfully loud and my ears were thrashed after every show. Nowadays I don't experience that same sensation anymore.
Ok, thanks again for your enthusiasm and support. Take care and I wish you luck with your playing!
Todd
For a lifelong Styx fan to have his favorite band arrive in my hometown is a wild concept. Todd, you rocked to show. I especially liked your fills and as usual I can always see your jazz influence in how you carry the rhythm for Styx. Rock on Todd!
Best Regards,
Adam Armbruster
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Hi Adam,
Thanks! I'm glad you came out and enjoyed the show. Hopefully we'll swing back there.
Take care and thanks again--
Todd
Hey Todd,
Hope you are doing fine. I use to play drums when I was a teenager but, I got into painting and airbrush art for a living. Through the years, I watched drummers in concert and only a few showed signs of being ambidextrous ( ability to work and use both hands equally). Are you able to switch drums from left to right and play. I could do this and I can also paint with both hands but I can't write or do airbrush with my left hand. It is an acquired talent I think and watching you play, you do show signs of this ability. Other drummers who are is Phil Ehart of Kansas and Mike Baird of Journey. But, I was just curious. Art is my skill now and have been airbrushing Concert banners for years, ( ask JY about the banner I gave him back in 1984, Overloaded with---) Looking forward to your concert here in Springfield, Mo this Friday. Look for my latest banners during your visit. rock on.
Todd C / Troid the Banner Master
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Hi Todd,
I hope you enjoyed the Springfield gig as it was only a few days ago as I write. As far as being truly ambidextrous on the drums, I would think that the true definition would be to lead with either hand or foot. And I mean not just for a moment---all drummers can do that. But to truly play a mirror image backwards......I've seen Simon Phillips, Mike Mangini, and Billy Cobham do that stuff. I've done over 100 shows with Kansas and I've never seen Phil be truly ambidextrous. No disrespect to my friend Phil! Also, I've never seen Mike Baird do that either....and I have to correct you on something. He was hired to do a 3 month tour with Journey as a side man, so I can't consider him "of Journey." There are certain things we drummers do that works both hands. There are certain grooves I can play "left handed" but I can't pull off the ultra complex things if I play that way. I'm really not that interested in doing so---I just want to play well the "regular" way. It's not how you play--it's WHAT you play that matters.
Thanks for your question and I hope I helped with your question--
Take care,
Todd
I almost forgot to tell you that your "Chops" totally kick. Everyone in the Band has a role. But it always comes back to Drums & Bass. I so much look forward to seeing you every year that I can because "STYX" is the #1 Touring Band in the World. You are still by far the tightest & most consistent band. And yet you could see Styx 2 nights in a row & still have something fresh. Let's face it, name any other Band that all of the fans are singing every word to every song.
What would it take to get Styx for our Fair in Juneau County? 20 miles North of the Dells!!! We've never had a good band, ever that I can remember. The Crystal Grand is nice, but it sure is nicer to see you outdoors with 5 x's the amount of people for you to feed off of.
Take Care & Keep On Rocking!!! Bill D. Mauston, Wi
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Hi Bill,
Thanks for your kind words, enthusiasm and support. As far as a northern Wisconsin date goes, well, a promoter has to "buy" our show and bring us there. That's how it works. We don't sit around and go, "hey....let's put on a show in Door County" and then go do it. There's booking, contracts, riders, and all this is months in advance of the date.
Thanks and hope to be playing near you soon--
Todd
Dear Todd,
So...what'd you think of playing in a circus tent the other night in Sarasota? Surprisingly, the sound was good and I was really impressed by the excellent musicianship that is created when the five of you (six when Chuck joins in) play together. Someone told me that you got the Styx gig by having been a fan yourself as a kid. Is that true? Last time I saw the band was in Fort Myers a couple of years ago at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, and because I know the lighting vendor, I was backstage the entire time. The show definitely sounded better in the house.
Is the set you play each night when you tour similar to doing a play where people come to see you--and they expect a certain consistencyvand selection of music. Does it make playing the Styx catalogue more like a job? In other words as a musician, how do you feel doing the same stuff night after night? What do you like to listen to on your own, either in between shows or when you're at home or driving around your home city?
Also, does Chuck join you on every date of your tours, or just selected shows, like Florida?
Best Regards,
Mark
Sarasota, FL
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Hi Mark,
I'll try to answer your questions in order! The Sarasota gig was fun. It was cool to meet Brain Johnson from AC/DC backstage. He was a hilarious guy and that was a cool memory from that night.
Yes, I saw Styx a few times when I was a kid---and I grew up in Chicago so you couldn't get away from them. As far as the set goes, well, you always have certain songs that will always be in the set list until the end of time. That's what comes with having "hits." They'll always be in the set. We change things up from time to time, but some gigs have a set length set by the promoter. Obviously we have more we can do in a 2 hour plus show than a 90 minute set. Is it a job? Well, yes, but a good one. Anytime you do things over and over it can become dull but we're good enough musicians and "pros" that you over come those feelings. It's hard to describe but for me personally, there is so much freedom for me to play that it never gets boring. I do other projects and whatnot and that helps me to feel fresh musically. I listen to all kinds of music all the time, and mostly nothing "Styx like". And Chuck has been doing about 80% of our dates lately.
OK. Thanks for your note and I'm glad you came out and enjoyed the show.
Take care!
Todd
Hey Todd,
I have followed STYX from the humble beginnings, through good and bad, you guys haven't lost a step. Great job with the CYO, I bought 8 DVD's and used them as stocking stuffers. I hate the fact that STYX can't get a lot of play on any radio stations other than classic rock. "Just Be" and "Everything All the Time", should be huge hits!!! As well as, "These are the Times". What will it take to get STYX in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame? Keep rock'n, see you in Kansas City in May!!
MOE
Wichita, KS
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Hi Moe,
Thanks for your support of the band through the years. Radio is messed up, as is the whole biz in general. I'm just happy to be playing in a band that plays and sings as well as they do, and there will seemingly always be an audience for this music. I'm a working musician---it's all I've ever wanted to be and anything on top of that is icing on the cake. As far as the Hall of Fame goes? I don't know. Don't hold your breath. I really never think of that and it doesn't really matter to me. Most of my musical heroes will never get in, so what does that tell you?
Thanks again and take care,
Todd
Dear Todd,
I was just wondering how often I should change my drum heads, and I wanted to get advice from a professional instead of going to buy them when I might not need them. Do you have any advice? And I was also wondering how often most people replace their drumsticks. Thanks for the help!
-Anthony
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Hi Anthony,
There are a lot of variables in your question. How often are the drums played? How hard are they hit? What kind of heads are you using? Single ply? Double ply? What kind of music are you playing? You see what I mean?
You have to trust your ears. I know when to change my heads (with the home kits). They don't ring as much and might sound darker than fresh heads. With Styx I have fresh heads every night. The bottoms are changed every other week---as they wear out even though they are not struck. There's nothin' like fresh heads top and bottom. Budget can come into play as it's an expensive endeavor to change heads a lot, but that's what you have to do if your gigging or especially recording. Train your ears to tell the difference next time you change heads....and listen carefully. I use single ply heads (Remo Ambassadors) for toms and snare. But these wear out faster but sound the best to me. Some people like double ply heads (like Remo Emperors or Pinstripes) but they don't give me the brightness or sustain I like. To each their own.
I hope this helps you out. Good luck and have fun with your drumming!
Todd
Hello,
My name is Dustin. I had a few questions to ask. First, what key is "One with Everything" (the song) in? Also, I know there are a few different time signatures in it, but I just can't seem to get them. What are they? Oh, and in "Locomotive Breath" on the Big Bang Theory album, why didn't you guys keep that great bluesy piano/guitar duet introduction? I loved the song to death, but I was hoping to hear some good blues too. Thanks for taking the
time to read this. I hope to catch you up in South Bend when you get around here! Unfortunately, you guys aren't doing too many shows around southern Indiana. Have a great time touring.
Dustin
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Hi Dustin,
I wish I could tell you what key One With Everything is....but I couldn't with a gun to my head. You ask the drummer? Time signatures are a different story. The body of the song is in 4/4 then the first instrumental section is in 7/8. The second instrumental part is 5/8, back to 7/8, back to 5/8 then back to 4/4. Oddly enough I have no answer for you about Locomotive Breath. Honestly, I have never liked that song and I still don't. I think I listened to the original one time before recording the take that's on the record. JY was really into recording that one and, well, it's not my cup of tea. Sorry it didn't do it for you. Hopefully you can make it to the South Bend show. I love that cool little theater there!
Thanks for your note and for your support!
Todd
Hi Todd. Its Ross from England.
Looking forward to seeing you all in the UK in April/May. I've just booked my tickets for Wembley Arena and Cardiff. You are probably kept informed of such things as ticket sales but thought Id let you know that as of 12th March (Today) Bournemouth is sold out and there were only 50 seats left at Cardiff.
Hope Styx have been given 60/70 mins as you hinted at last year, and I know you have said you dont really enjoy the shorter shows, but I think it has been a wise move putting Styx back infront of big UK audiences by pairing them up with Deep Purple, so hopefully that will make up for the shorter slot.
Hope I'm lucky like 2 years ago and get to meet some of you guys, but regardless, have a great summer and best wishes to the rest of the band.
Ross
England
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Hi Ross,
Thanks for the note and nice to hear from you, man. Yeah, it'll be 60 minutes I'm told. However I'm not told about sales so thanks for that info! I'm looking forward to a fun stress free run in the UK very much. I wish it were longer, honestly. Hopefully we'll get back soon. We NEED to go to Europe in my opinion.
OK, Ross. Hope you have fun at the shows! I know I will.
Take care,
Todd
