S
Want
to send Todd a letter? You can write him here Send
Todd a Question and
his response will be posted along with your question. Please
do not request backstage passes, ask to meet the band, request
autographed items, ask for rides to the airport, free stuff,
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with Styx will not be met with any response. Please
keep your questions to a musical/drumming nature. Thank you!
February 2008
Todd,
Thanks for the drum room details on your website. I'm just about to start my own drum room project in my detached garage and have a somewhat technical question for you.
Regarding the AC split duct system you are using, does this provide for return air? I'm wondering how air gets in and out of this totally sealed space if the AC unit is not on. I wouldn't want to pass out (or worse) do to lack of oxygen while ripping it up some night out in the drum room!
Any insight into this is greatly appreciated.
By the way, I recently rented a Styx Live DVD and totally dug how you've interpreted some of the old Styx classics into your own more 'modern', aggressive style. Great stuff. Thanks for the drumming inspiration!
Chris in Pasadena, CA
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Hi Chris,
I was once involved in a conversation with someone who was saying that no fresh air gets in with the split duct. My question is, then why is there a fan apparatus outside the structure with a hose going through the wall to the cooling apparatus inside? My logic tells me the whole outside part would be unnecessary if it just circulated the "stale" air. Regardless, I've spent many hours in my room and I've never passed out or felt light headed!
Thanks for the compliments and I hope I've helped. I bought both my AC rigs at GenieAC.com. They might be able to fully answer your question.
Cheers-
Todd
Todd
I've been immersing myself lately in Neil Peart books and dvd's, all courtesy of my local county library system. Neil mentions quite frequently the influence of Freddie Gruber on his drumming, and that Steve Smith was the one who clued him in about Freddie. I can definitely notice the difference in Neil's drumming since he took lessons from Freddie. I know that Steve Smith is one of your personal favorites, and I am wondering if you ever took lessons from Gruber.. I have noticed a kind of similarity in style. Also, Neil said that Gruber taught him to push his drums away and up, especially the snare. I was able to see you from the 7th row at the Ste Michelle Winery in Woodinville, WA. I noticed that your kit was pretty "up and far". When
you did an encore bow with the band, you were not the tallest guy in the band. I thought, "jeez, double-bass, all those mounted toms, cymbals up, must be tiring!" I learned years ago to pull my snare, ride, bass, and hi-hat in close. All other cymbals and toms were secondary to my primary job. I never got comfortable with 2 bass drums, but could handle a double pedal pretty well. It will be a total re-adjustment to me if I ever adopt all of Gruber's program, (the circular motion of drumming, drums up and back, etc) Been setting up like a 4-piece for years. I have seen you setting "up and back" by necessity.. Still wondering if any of it had to do with Freddie Gruber.
Jim
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Hi Jim,
My set up has come from what's comfortable for me physically--and what feels natural. That's been my only criteria and no outside influences have had an effect on that, really. I've never had any lessons with Freddie---aside from just chatting with him at a party one time. I'm not all that familiar with his ideas outside of what I've heard Smith or Weckl speak about. I think he has a lot of natural ideas that align with physics making drumming easier and getting more with less in a way.
It's important to be comfortable on the drums. One might have set ups that make playing more challenging than it should, but there's no magic set up that'll make you play better....ease and comfort are paramount to being relaxed. All my stuff is in tight like the cockpit of an airplane. It might look big from the front but it's remarkably compact from behind.
Thanks for your question and I wish you luck with your playing!
Todd
Hi Todd,
I have to say it's been a pleasure watching you play all these years. It's hard to imagine it's been over 10!!! Time sure does fly! I have a question that I think only a drummer can answer. It is about John Panozzo, but a technical one. Not, did you ever meet him, etc…..
I'm a bassist. And I played in high school with our Marching, Concert, and Jazz bands. As I was watching Styx: 20th Century Master DVD the other day, I remembered a question I've always wanted to ask, but kept forgetting. (Forgive me, this is being asked from a bassist point of view. I don't have the drummer lingo). Most drummers use their wrists as "focal points" when playing. It allows for better precession and much less stress and fatigue on the drummer, does it not?? As I was watching the performance videos, and some other live JP performances I have on tape, I noticed that JP almost always held his drum sticks as if he were holding a baseball bat. And he appears to use his upper arms a lot, and not letting the drum stick do the work for him. Wouldn't that have tired him (or any other drummer) out very quickly?? He's the only one I've ever seen play with that style. Is that a style that is taught, or just his own that worked for him.
Please don't miss understand me. I mean John Panozzo no disrespect. Over 30 million albums sold. He did something right. It was just such an unusual style that I've never seen before or since. It just piqued my curiosity.
Again, it's been a pleasure watching you perform. With Styx and outside the band. JY is right, you are the best drummer in rock!!!
Thanks for indulging me.
Happy holidays.
My Best Regards,
Michael
Michael Wright
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Hi Michael,
Thanks for the kind words----I appreciated it!
John had a unique style musically and physically. I'm pretty certain that his grip and strokes evolved and were not a taught technique. It was simply just how he played. Everyone's physicality is different and that's how he did his thing. It's like how one brushes teeth/eats with a fork/dances/whatever. There's really nothing you can read into it. That being said, his technique was not "classical" or anything----and it really goes against the advanced concepts of rebound and aligning yourself with physics. So I wouldn't recommend those strokes or motions to anyone. Writs are only part of the equation along with fingers and arms. It depends on what and how you're playing that you utilize combinations of all three. John was very "army" when he played which I think is unhealthy the older you get--you're prone to injury or just to slow down with age. The wrists sort of pack more lightening than the arms do.
OK. Thanks for writing!
Todd
Hi Todd,
My name is Rudy, and I' ve just recently come to hear your playing and gone through your website. Thanks for all your inspirational style and grooves. Anyway, back to drumming....It seems your left hand never stops moving through a beat..it just adds so much more to the feel and fills in all the silent parts between notes. I hope you understand what i'm trying to say! I was wondering, what are some of your favorite strokes to practice with that may be able to help me acheive a little more of this....."feel".
P.S. Thanks so much for the tips on soundpoofing a room on your website. Please, keep up the good work! ....Rudy
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Hi Rudy,
Thanks for the compliments!
You're referring to what's commonly called Ghost Notes. They have a flow and fill out the time feel if the music calls for it. The key is to really pay attention to the volume levels in between the accent notes (say, like backbeats on 2&4) and the ghost notes (say, on E & before the 2, &A after the 2--and same with the 4.) Make sense? It's just one example out of a million, but you want to sculpt the sound levels between the ghosts and accents. Check out James Brown grooves all the way to fusion grooves. Ghost notes add a lot of personality, hipness, and motion to the grooves if executed well.
Good luck and have fun!
Todd
Hi Todd
Looking forward to the Styx show in Verona New York on January 26th 2008. I have great seats....YES. This will be the 12th time I have seen Styx perform live going way back to 1978. I caught one of your drum sticks in the Milwaukee show in 1996.
Well anyways. I'am always checking the STYX web site for tour dates. The big question is... WILL THERE BE A SUMMER TOUR 2008 ?
Also... I have seen photos of you guys bowling or inside bowling centers. I actually manage a near by bowling center so it caught my attention. Whats your average?
Happy Holidays
Dana Hollister
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Hi Dana,
Yes there will be a summer tour. Sorry to say I'm not a bowler. If you look--I'm never in those pictures of the few times they went out. Frankly, I feel that's not a good way to rest my arms (or arm) on a night off.
Cheers--
Todd
Hello Todd,
Hope all is well with you and yours. I am a 47 year old drummer who has been playing since the age of 10. I really love your work ethic and passion for the drums. I'm in Fort Worth, Texas and make your shows whenever you guys come thru Dallas. My question is, I recently have gone from over 350 pounds down to 230 pounds and work very hard on my diet and fitness level, which watching you play fires me up to try even harder. However, I have started having problems with fatigue in my shoulder area and have been to a physical therapist to see if I'm doing anything wrong mechanically. He assures me better warm ups would cure the problems. How long do you warm up before a performance and what exercises can you recommend. Also, what kind of diet do you maintain while on tour so as to not have any fatigue problems.
Thanks for taking the time!
Reyes Sanchez
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Hey Reyes,
Congratulations on dropping the weight and getting your health together. That's obviously going to help with your playing and I'm sorry to hear of your problems. For me, I usually warm up and stretch starting at about an hour before the show. I feel it's important, being that we start out with both barrels blasting, to be warm and loose at downbeat. I usually have just a little sweat worked up so I don't blow myself out on the first tune. I can't really recommend specific exercises. I just play on the pad and work the feet as well. In my DVD that will come out later in the year there's a section on what I do to get ready fro a gig so maybe that will help. Stretch the fingers, wrists, arms, shoulders and back. Your therapist should have some pointers for you. As far as diet goes, I have to learn to be better. I've been better---but I need to be WAY better. I feel I'm in no position to give diet advise to anyone!
Thanks for your kind words and I wish you continued success and health!
Todd
Hey Todd-
This is not a Styx related question or comment, although I've always been a huge Styx fan. I just wanted to stay that the best time of summer as I was growing up was going to Barefoot Bay. We started going when I was really young, I'm 36 now, when it was Schwartzes and Paul was playing keyboard. We spent 1 week every summer. There was always a big group of us, all relatives. We continued going for over 10 years. Waiting for the nightclub doors to open so we could grab front row seats to see you, Joel, and Paul was the best. Anyway, so this email for you so thought I'd share a past memory of mine, and maybe yours too. I have some pictures of you too. I'm glad to see you're doing well and I hope the same for Paul and Joel.
Take care,
Tracy Gerber
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Hi Tracy,
Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts with me. Your note made me pause and remember many great times I had there playing with my brothers. I think I was there for 6 summers---wow. Those were great times and also a great training ground for musicians---playing so many different styles of music and playing with the last of the old time comedians, magicians, singing acts. It was quite an education all around!
Thank you for your note---I really appreciate it. Health and happiness to you,
Todd
Hey Todd,
Took my family to see you play with Styxx in Marrillville, IN. just after Christmas. My son and I are huge fans. Thanks for giving us great show and lots to talk about. We think you are the greatest drummer in the world.
God Bless you and your family man.
Glen
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Thanks, Glen! Glad you all had fun--
Todd
Hey Todd,
I attended the Styx concerts last night at Red Bank, NJ and had a great time, as usual. Being a drummer myself since the age of 5, I truly enjoyed watching the master at work. Just wanted to say "THANK YOU" for throwing a stick my way. I felt like I was 5 again as I caught it.
Again, thanks for the stick and making it a night I will never forget.
Joe
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Hey Joe,
I'm happy you enjoyed yourself at the gig--
Thanks and take care!
Todd
Hello Todd,
Sorry for my poor English, I am from Spain.
I am big fan of AOR music and 80s melodic hard rock, and Survivor is my favorite band.
Ok, Why I contact to you?. As I told you I am a big Survivor fan, I am doing a extensive biography about the band and the bandmembers, their side projects, etc. It's just for fun and for my personal use only.
I know you work with Survivor, I think it was 1993/94 I am not sure. Could you give me more information about that? Did you work with them at studio or live??
Sorry if I disturb you with these questions,
Many thanks,
Manny
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Hi Manny,
I did many recording sessions with Jim Peterik in the early 90's. Through him I worked with artists such as John Wetton, Kane Robberts, Joe Lynn Turner, Jon Lind, and a few others whose names escape me at the moment. The one thing I did with Survivor was the song "Velocotize" in the studio back in '92. I'm not sure if that song ever made it onto a CD or not, or if it was me on the track. But that's about all the info I remember. I just remember it took a long, long time to get the drum sound Sullivan was happy with. Maybe the longest "getting sounds" afternoons I've ever spent in my entire career.
I hope I've helped you in some way--
Cheers!
Todd
Is anyone updating your site....being a drummer myself,...I'd like to know more about you.
Thanks,
Ty Stixx - Calabasas, Ca
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Hey Ty,
Well, there's a lot of info on the site I think.....but I'm hoping to do a whole reworking when my DVD is released later in the year. That will be packed with a lot of information!
Thanks a lot for your interest.
Take care--
Todd
Dear Todd,
First and foremost we are all sooo excited that Styx if finally coming back to Boise. It's been 2 and 1/2 yrs and we've missed you guys!!! We've been having withdrawals here. Secondly, we hope you are raised up so we can see your fantastic drumming abilities especially if we end up clear in the back. We also hope that the rumor that Styx is opening for REO and Def Lep is incorrect!!! That will be 3 times in a row y'all have opened and that just won't do!!! We need more!! One request is that you do that montage of Styx songs that you so superbly put together. It was incedible! Can't Wait for the show! You know the crazy girls with signs will do our best to make our way down front as always...Our best to all from the:
Boise Chix that Luv STYX
Jan, Tracy, Traci, Amber, Shannon and many many more!
--------------------------
Hi guys,
Well, I know we'll be "flip flopping" 1st and 2nd positions with REO on that run---not my favorite thing--but that's the way it'll be. I have no idea the order on that show, or any show as I write. Being that our stage time will be what it is---I wouldn't expect any medleys either. Just keeping it real over here, ladies.....
Hope you all have fun nonetheless!
Todd
Hi Todd,
After seeing some clips of you in clinic,I gotta say that you have one of the nastiest left hands I have ever seen.Chops as clean as you can get! I was curious to know what exercises you practice or have practiced to get your singles and doubles so fast and clean.I tried to pick up your finger technique,but it was too fast!
Wondering if you could pass along some practice tips for me to work on!
Thanks!
Mark Lucas
SC
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Hi Mark,
Thanks for the kind words!
I've worked very hard on my hands over the years and I really put my time in during my early teen years. There's no short cut to developing speed, control, or ease. It's time spent paying close attention to strokes and remembering how it feels to play certain things---internalizing the muscle memory as well. I went through all the rudiments and different hybrid rudiments, and I still do. Practice in front of a mirror. Watch clips of drummers you admire and slow down the DVD and study the motions and strokes. I watched Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaiuta and Buddy Rich---and tried my best to understand and internalize (the best I could) of what they were doing. Jojo Mayer has an incredible DVD out that's all about hands. I also have my own DVD coming out later in the year that I hope will help many drummers as well.
I hope I've helped......just put your time in and be honest with yourself about your progress!
Good luck and have fun--
Todd
Hey Todd,
My name is Randy Lefkowitz. I actually live in Lincolnwood across the street from your old house and I go to Niles West. I was amazed when my mom (Pam Derdiger) told me that she used to babysit you. But anyways, I'm a beginning drummer, and I was wondering if you had any tips for me to get me started. I can already do basic rock drum beats, but thats about it. What should I try to learn next? What are some tips you have that will help me with problems that most people have? I don't know where to go from here and I'd really like your input. I look forward to seeing you perform this December at the Genesee Theater.
Thanks, Randy
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Hi Randy,
Small world indeed. Hope you enjoyed the show at the Genesee last December........
My advice would this: If you were really serious about playing, I'd find one or more teachers to check out. Having new challenges put in front of you is a great way to learn. These days there are so many good books and DVDs to get (including my own DVD which will hopefully be out by late summer) as well as various online forums. Check out Drummerworld.com--they have an amazing video library. You can spend hours checking out hundreds of drummers. Listen to LOTS of music and learn to love jazz. (Tony Williams playing with Miles Davis is just about as high as our art gets.) Listen to more things than "the 3 or 4 bands you always listen to" so that you can be on your way to being more well rounded than "just a rock drummer." Enjoy discovering new things and have fun with your journey. Be patient too! Practice things slowly so you can internalize them and have your ideas in your arsenal ready to go--at all tempos and at all different volume levels!
Please give my regards to your mom---and I wish you luck with your playing! If I were you, I'd order a Lou Malnati's deep dish spinach/sausage with buttercrust......then spend some time practicing!
Todd
Hi Todd,
itz Ross again from England (still smarting after our failure to qualify for the 2008 euro football championships)
So what I am going to have to look forward to next year? Well.......................last April was awesome when a party of us came to see you and the guys at cardiff and wembley with Deep Purple. Fighting the styx cause as i always do, and logging onto purple websites to discuss the gigs, the general consensus was one of "and styx were a pleasant surprise, I'd go see them again!" I think that means you guys got the job well and truly done!
I know from my last reply from you that you were keen to come back to the UK asap. I also know you are not privy to some of the plans, but my bro Jamie is already talking about "next april when styx come back..." like it's a done deal
Any news on next years plans yet? We need our Styx Fix!
Happy holidays to you and all the guys, and best wishes for 2008!
Ross
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Hi Ross,
I'm sorry to tell you that I've heard no plans about returning to the UK this year. I'm disappointed but I can't make the UK promoters offer us deals, or deals that are worth us making the trip! All we can do is hope something else comes along, perhaps in the fall, that will bring us there.
Thanks for the continued support and I wish you and Jamie the best! Hope to be back as soon as possible.....
Cheers--
Todd
Hello Todd,
I have been a Styx fan for a long long time. Since I was in high school, and trust me, that is years and years ago. I have to let you know that I have seen the current line-up in concert on two different occasions, and this is the BEST STYX BAND EVER!! Also, I break into a sweat every-time I watch "the quake cam" on the CYO video. Fantastic job. I was curious about one thing however. Do artist like yourself believe that the record companies are ruining music? I feel that a lot of great bands are not being heard due to record companies only being interested in the hit stuff, and not giving good bands a chance to be heard.
Thank You,
Doug Smith
Allentown, PA
----------------------
Hi Doug,
Thank you for all the compliments-----thanks!!
Well, I don't have time to go into all my thoughts. There are more problems than the record companies involved here. Yes, they cram crap down the throats of the public and they're not interested in (good) music, or developing and maintaining an artist. It's all about $$$. True. But people are not buying CDs anymore. What's the point in making a product no one buys? Well, I can argue that good music will find an audience but it's often a long road to hoe. The music biz is so far down the crapper, it's in the sewer. Things change by the week these days.....I can't even formulate opinions sometimes. I feel like a bewildered old guy sometimes.....I dunno. I'm just happy I can make a living playing the drums. But there are more to blame than just record companies. It's millions of people not paying for music--which IS a product and IS intellectual property. Those who think music "should be free" can come and mow my lawn, trim the trees, clean my pool, do handy man work around my house for free-----because "I think THAT should be free". Hey, someone has to pay for services, mortgages, insurance, utilities, etc. How do people think musicians pay for such things? I'm not getting free legal service....I'm not getting free electricity. I'm not getting free medical service. I'm not getting free phone and internet. (I can go on and on). So my services are free? Hmmm. There are many problems these days and it'll be interesting to see what happens over the next few years.
OK, Doug. Thanks for writing!
Todd
Hello,
Would like to say I saw the band at the HOB in Anaheim and I was totally blown away. I have been a Styx fan since the 70's. The best part was the enthusiasm the Band had and it felt you all wanted to be there. Your drumming ability goes with out words. I will be trying to share in words to my friends the experience I had seeing you all in concert and I know I will not be able to fully communicate the show that I saw. As I read this I am not communicating myself very well, so with that I will close with thank you for making me smile and for the memories I will share with others. And I will see another Styx show as soon as possible.
Beeg.
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Hey Beeg,
Thanks a lot! I'm happy that you had such a great time. We'll be back--so visit us again.
Until then, take care!
Todd
Todd,
1) you crush dude. you absolutely crush. seen you do your thing up close at the House of Blues Sunset 2 years in a row. Those shows just friggin LAY IT DOWN. Thanks man. y'all should play exactly with the line-up that you have but on like a Monday night at the Baked Potatoe in Studio City ... just kill it! Andy Summers used to jam open mic night b4 The Police came round again.
2) question ... the first chunk guitar outro to Suite Madame Blue ... pretty sure it's JY on barre chords ... kinda sounds like KISS ... then the dead-on Duane/Fillmore East Dual guitar ending. I so friggin dig it. Am I hearing things? Or can you maybe get JY or Tommy to talk about what vinyl they were spinning on their own players around those times.
3) Y'all come to my annual Boogie Nights party in North Hollywood next fall ... trashy and way fun.
c u on the road bro,
thanks,
www.JonathanWalkerSpencer.com
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Hey Jonathan,
Thanks for the enthusiastic kind words! Much appreciated.
Well, Tommy wasn't around when Equinox was recorded (neither was I, by the way) and I doubt that KISS was an influence if that track was recorded in late '74 or early 75. You know, there's only 12 notes in the Western scale, so certain things are bound to sound reminiscent to whomever is hearing any given piece of music. I for one, don't hear it---what you describe. That's me. (Beauty is in the ear of the beholder?) So, who knows?
Thanks again for writing, Jonathan!
Cheers--
Todd
