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,
stock tips, drumheads, secret recipes, bail bonds, etc. as
Todd is unable to fulfill them. Any
request asking for special favors, autographs, meet and greets
with Styx will not be met with any response. Please
keep your questions to a musical/drumming nature. Thank you!
September 2007
Hi Todd,
This is Tina that went to the West Palm Beach Show with you and your friend when you first joined the group. Remember the car trouble deal? That's me. I'm in Atlanta now with two kids and a wonderful husband. Wish I could have got together with you while you were in town. I took my stepson to the show and it totally rocked.
I read about your wife. She is beautiful. Congratulations! Looks like all is going great for you.
Tina
------------
Hi Tina,
I'm having trouble with the memory---were you with my buddy Andy back in '96? Anyway, thanks for the note and congrats to you too! Glad you made it to the show and that you guys had a good time.
Take care, Tina!
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Sucherman,
I got to see your clinic at La Crosse, WI. Your solo was amazing. I took a lot away from it. From different patterns you were playing and even hand techniques. But mostly it got me off the couch learning stuff and annoying neighbors. Which is why I started playing drums in the first place. But it formed a question, how much would you say music school contributed to your drumming? I've always had mixed feeling about music school.
Anyway I dig your sticks! I was using Travis Barker's stick before, it's a fine stick. But I got tired of it's heaviness and the white speckles it left behind on my cymbals. I'm not going to cry over a little white paint but after a while it became a lot of white paint. So I tried out your stick and it suited me well. So I guess I should thank you for this but the vast amounts of money you will make off me will say it just fine. Just joking. Sort of.
I was going through your drum room photos and I must say you have a beautiful office. I'm buying a house soon and have plans much the same as you had. But going through the photos I saw your practice kit and was wondering what's up with the third bass drum? Is it tuned different? Do you have a third leg? This would make the most sense. Anyway thats a lot of snare drums. In case no one else has told you that today it's a lot. You may have a problem.
Thanks again for reading this and hopefully responding.
AS
---------------------
Hi AS,
Thanks for coming out to the clinic in LaCrosse and I'm glad something out of it and it made you go out and make some noise yourself. It's hard to say what impact Berklee had on me other than it was a great experience and I still have dear friends from those days. I had a lot of things together when I went but I did have a few special teachers (including Gary Chaffee outside of school at the same time) so I suppose I got a lot of information quickly. There were some jive things with the school but overall I had a blast and learned a lot. Berklee was also like a microcosm of the music business from a player's standpoint. You had to play with people, schmooze, and it was like a little networking place. I think you get out of it what you put into it. I think schools differ as well. Hard question, really, but for me I have nothing but fond memories of that time in my life.
The third bass drum is a 20" (smaller than the two 22"s) and there's a slave pedal hooked up to it. It's really just for messing around and having fun. I'm not implementing that into my normal set up. And I hope you dig the sticks and that they work for you. I love them! And I do have a snare problem but I've chilled out the last year or so.
OK, man. Thanks for your note and I wish you luck with your playing.
Take care,
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd,
I'm Matt Meyer, a 21 year old senior drumset major at the University of Miami in Florida. We have a great drumset program with awesome teachers, and I've been doing that for four years, besides playing since 8th grade. School is nice, but I'm a lover of hard rock, and I'm shifting my focus to the "real world" and becoming established. I'm in an original and a cover band, and have enjoyed success with them, but the music scene in Miami is not really rocking right now.
I would love to move back to Chicago, since that's where I'm originally from, and I LOVE the music scene there. My question is: in this day and age, how would you recommend about becoming established in the studio/live scene? I believe I have the tools for any challenge, and I'm ready to go to the next level--any input you could give would be awesome! By the way, your drumming on the Styx DVD w/ the youth orchestra was GREAT--KILLER Todd camera option! Thanks again!
Matt
--------------------
Hi Matt,
I'll get right into the bad news.....the recording/session scene in Chicago these days is a ghost town. I was lucky to catch the tail end of "the good old days" in the 90s, but my old cohorts from those days tell me it's grim. These are guys that were doing two to four sessions a day and they're just picking up things here and there when available. Most things seem to be done "in house" these days. But Chicago has a great music scene, or it did. Regarding that particular city--I don't know what going on there anymore. But it's like any city I suppose. You have to get out and meet people. As many as you can. That's really the answer. You know that already. Network! I have no secrets to getting work. But---always be early or at least on time and be prepared. Have a good attitude, read music well, play for the music, do your job quickly and correctly, don't be a downer. There you go---you're ready if you do those things!
OK, man. I wish you luck with everything! And thanks for the kind words---
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Todd:
My wife and I attended the STYX show last night in Charlotte, North Carolina where it was about 103 degreesJ We sat on the 2nd row and you were gracious enough to give me a pair of sticks. I was the tall bald guy on your right. I’ve been playing since the age of 9 and really enjoyed listening to you play last night. It was the first time hearing you live and you really sounded great. I’m sure you know that… but sometimes its good to hear from a 3rd party.
Thanks again for a great show!
Tim Nash
---------------------
Hi Tim,
Thanks very much for your kind words. They are appreciated! Glad you came out to see us and had a good time. Keep playing and thanks for the note--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hi Todd,
I finally got to see you guys in Montreal last week and you blew us all away! That is some of the most powerful drumming I've had the pleasure to experience live. I literally thought my chest was going to explode there for awhile. You definitely left us wanting more. With all due respect to Def Leppard whom we love as well, Styx, for many of us, was the highlight of the evening. Will you be touring again in the near future as the headliners? Because as amazing a show as it was, 1 hour was almost a tease (but one that we the fans appreciated beyond words.)
My last quick question is: what are your favorite songs, from a drumming perspective, to perform live? So much of the newer music that Styx has recorded really rocks in an arena and would be great to hear next time around.
Thanks again for an amazing show in Montreal. Please come back soon!!
Gary Raiche,
Montreal, Canada
-------------------
Hi Gary,
Thank you so much for all the compliments. I'm happy you enjoyed the show---as short as it was!
I love Montreal and I hope we're back soon. I had an amazing experience last year performing at the Montreal Drum Festival---not sure if you caught that one.
To answer your question, I have a soft spot for playing One With Everything and Fooling Yourself. I also love playing I Am The Walrus. I dig the whole show, really! OK. Hope to be back there soon and thanks again.
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd,
This is pat squidd in staten island, just saw your video with the orchestra you guys were great!!! the drums sound very punchy with lots of low end! and i love that finish! Your drumming is straight from the heart! tell the guys at pearl to make you a custom 6" tom with a custom gauger mount! but your 8's do sound sweet!
I currently own 13 kits but i love my masters customs in mahogany finish. look forward to seeing you on the road with styx!
pat squitieri
staten island, new york
--------------
Hey Pat,
Thanks, man! Hopefully you caught us when we were through your neck of the woods. Take care and keep playing!
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd:
Killer set in Columbus OH this year. It sucks that it was so short. I would have LOVED to hear One With Everything. In my opinion, the best Styx song recorded in years! And you’re drumming on it kills!
Anyway, I’m not sure where you’ll be playing next time you come to Columbus as the Germain(Polaris) Amphitheater is coming down. Apparently Rock and Roll takes a back seat to more office complexes! BS if you ask me. The Amphitheater holds a special place in my heart as I worked there for 3 years 99, 00, and 01. I had the great pleasure of working with your tour in 00 and 01. I remember picking you up from the hotel and passing by the Skyline Chilli right down the road from the Amphitheater. It killed you that we didn’t have time to stop but next time you’re in town and jonesin’ for a 5-way from Skyline, just give me a ring and it will be done. Ahh the best of times….
Thanks for doing what you do and keep rockin’… Can’t wait till you guys return..Don’t know where yet…I guess I’ll offer up my backyard if nowhere else…
Take care dude!
Jay Adkins
--------------------------------
Hi Jay,
Ahhhh, Skyline. I'm getting hungry now. Anyway, yeah--it's a shame about Polaris and there are a few other venues in other cities closing too. It's a bit sad. What can you do? But hopefully there will be some other venue in Columbus--or some nice theater or something. Time will tell.
Thanks for the kind words and I dig One With Everything too--one of my favorites! OK, man. Hope all's well with you and thanks for the note.
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd,
I am a huge Styx fan but haven't been able to catch a show lately. What is the band's schedule for oh say, around New Years 2006. Hope to catch you soon, possibly in the south...
Penny
------------------
Hi Penny,
Well, we've been through the south already--sorry you were unable to catch a show. At this time I haven't heard about a New Year's show but I know we'll be around Chicago before that. I have a feeling that NYE might be somewhere up north, and somewhere very cold!
Hope you can catch a show in early '08. Take care, Penny!
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd,
Tommy here, no not your bandmate the legend tommy shaw. Listen I was just wondering and I hope you are the one who could answer this. If I were to book you for say 8hrs and with a few intermissions in between would you guys do it? I know the cost would probably be extrordinary but hey you guys our worth it. So tell me could it be done?
---------------------------
Hi Tommy,
Hmmmm. 8 hours of high rock singing couldn't be done any easier than if I asked if you could eat cheeseburgers for 8 solid hours. (Breaks included.) It's a ridiculous notion that couldn't be accomplished at any price. And both feats should never be attempted. Even if it were to take place, it would cost seven figures because no one would be able to sing or talk for weeks.
There you go--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Mr. Sucherman,
I just wanted to write you a letter and tell you how thankful I am to you. I have been playing drums for about 19 years. I have played in a few bands, even did a brief tour, and taught for a while. The house where I live, the neighbors aren’t too kind to my drumming. I teach Culinary Arts and really don’t get any time to play. I have traveled the world and cooked for just about everybody in many countries. I cooked for a lot of bands and even more drummers when I was a Chef for Clear Channel. I have seen you play before, with Styx, Brian Wilson, and I even drove to Canada to see you at the Montreal drum fest. I recently went to see you and Styx with Def Leppard in NJ and I was BLOWN away with your drumming. While everyone else was singing along and waving their hands, I was locked into your playing. I was AMAZED! Styx songs are very intricate and at the same time they can be all over the place. Needless to say, you rejuvenated the drummer inside me. The next day, I dusted off my pad and began to play. (my neighbors can’t hear that) Your playing really brought a smile to my face and I wanted to say, THANK YOU. If you, or your family are ever in the NJ area again, I would love to cook for you.
Thank You,
Jeffrey D. Knerr CCC
-----------------
Hi Jeffrey,
Thanks! It's gratifying to get a note like yours. If I helped you dust off the pad and get back into playing---that's fantastic. Keep it up, man. Even if it's just for fun or therapy or whatever---it's a great thing to have in your life--just like delicious food.
I'm flattered that you enjoy my playing and that you made it to the Montreal Drum Fest. That was a very special day for me that I won't soon forget.
OK. Maybe I'll get to taste some of your culinary treats somewhere down the road. Until then, keep cooking and playing!
Thanks again—
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hey Todd -
How is the worlds greatest drummer? Considering the banality of some of the questions
posed on Dear Todd... here is your chance to ask your own question(s).
If you were a fan of Todd Sucherman, The Falling Wallendas, Brian Wilson and/ or that phenomenally
talented band STYX... what question(s) would you ask? What interesting insights would you like to share that
you haven't yet discussed on your site?
Keep up the AMAZING drumming.
John
-----------------
Hi John,
Well, I'm far from "the world's greatest" but I'll say thank you anyway. You pose a good question--and one I really have no answer for! Sorry. It's hard to separate myself from me, I suppose. I just enjoy discussing music, drums, drumming and all that goes along with it. It's nice to field questions and try to give the best answers I can---and I really enjoy doing that at drum clinics. It's easier for me to speak than type!
Sorry I have a lame answer. Nonetheless, thanks for your kind words and for dropping me a note.
Take care--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hi Todd,
I’ve been enjoying watching you on all the Styx DVD’s. I’m glad you seem to be so approachable to every drummer no matter the skill level. My question is what is the best way to store snare drums I’m not using? I have six snares and utilize two of them on my kit. Should I loosen the heads and snare wires on the ones I’m not using? Does it do any harm leaving them all tuned up if I’m not going to use them for a while?
Thanks again for all the inspiration and enjoyment watching you play.
Michael Hughes
www.myspace.com/pleahcim
p.s. I just bought the Pearl DR503 Icon rack with the extension bar like yours. I love the way it looks on your kit. I know my kit is no where near as cool as yours but I’m really happy with it.
-------------------------
Hi Michael,
As much as I might know about snare drums I'm not quite sure I have the best answer for you. I have all my drums tuned and ready to go. I have nothing loose as far as heads or snares go. There may be an expert somewhere that would advise as you suggest but I've never heard anything like that. So far I've had no problems with any of my drums.
Thanks, man--and hope you enjoy your rack!
Have fun and keep playing--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Heard about NC. I'm glad to hear that everyone survived. It was a great relief to hear that. I hope you have a great weekend!!
Amanda
----------------------------
Hi Amanda,
Thanks--everyone was safe and sound.
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Todd,
Thanks for all the detailed pictures of your drum room on your web site. They are very inspirational to me, I have wanted to build something like that for years. You have given me hope that it can be done! How sound proof is it, can any drums be heard from the outside? That is always my worry, that drums would leak out and disturb neighbors or put your equipment at risk for theft.
Thanks for the inspiration.
Robert
--------------------------
Hi Robert,
Thanks for your note and I'm glad I could provide some drum geek inspiration for you! I don't have any pics of my Austin room up on the site yet but it's bigger and nicer than my LA one. In both cases they're in the high 90 percentile of silence. Both locations I could blast full volume at 1am and not disturb a soul. The secret is to spend the money and do your project right THE FIRST TIME! If your serious about your room, contact Jeff Hedback at projects@HedbackDesignedAcoustics.com. He'll provide the plans and everything you need to get your dream room up and running. If you have good locks and an alarm, your gear is at no more risk than if they were in your house....or car.
OK. Good luck and thanks again--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hi Todd,
Do you know when you will be playing Poncho's in Manhattan beach,CA? We saw you last time you were there. To say the least we had a fantastic time watching you and the band. Hope to see you there soon. Take care Todd,
Kal Claver (Las Vegas, NV)
-----------
Hi Kal,
I'm sorry to say I don't know when I'll be back. December would be the earliest but I'm not sure at this point. I love playing there and I'm glad you enjoyed it when you were out there.
Take care and thanks for the note--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Todd,
I don't know if you remember me, but you and I were in the same dorm at Berklee our first semester there. (Leon Clark is my name)...
I was the guy who constantly picked your brain about how to play this and that (especially Steve Smith stuff...)
Anyway, I've looked for you off and on for years (since the Internet has become prevalent). I always knew that I would come across your webpage someday to see that you have had great success with the drums (the other day I was on Explorer's Percussion's webpage, saw a link to their MySpace page, and saw that you had left a comment, which lead me to your MySpace page and then your Webpage...). I think it's a wonderful thing that you've been able to parlay your exceptional talent into success.
I would like to thank you for being a selfless person. I remember asking you stuff all the time and you never hesitated to help me out. I attribute a lot of my abilities to you. The information you gave me, the influences you pointed me to, I think, have shaped a large portion of my playing style and ability (granted, I am not even in the same universe with you as far as technical ability...but I can hold my own! :-) ).
I still play pretty much everyday. I play in a classic rock cover band on the weekends (we are one of the busier cover bands in the Topeka area) (I moved to Topeka, Kansas from Kentucky in '93...). We did 96 gigs last year; and should beat that this year...
I've been through periods where I didn't have a place to set my kit up and couldn't play for a year or so but for the most part I've stuck with it (bought a house about 5 years ago...finally I don't have to worry about not having a place to set my drums up). I've not yet experienced any great success with my drums, but I still love to play... (and, if you are okay with it, I might still pick your brain a little... :-) )
How do your signature sticks compare in size to the Pro-Mark 5A or the 5AL (Ringo signature)? I play the 5A and 5AL (love them) and if yours aren't too much bigger (or smaller) I will have to pick up a brick and try them out...
Anyway, I'll close this for now. I don't want to be too long here and bore the snot out of you...lol.
I hope to hear from you. It was fantastic reading through your Webpage and seeing what all you've done over the years. You are a very blessed man!
Hope to talk to you soon,
Leon
------------------
Hey Leon,
Of course I remember you! Man, great to hear from you and I'm glad you sound happy and are busy. 96 gigs is nothing to sneeze at my man, and that should have your skills quite sharpened. Thanks for your kind words----they mean a lot. I'm happy if I left a positive impression on you and I'm flattered to hear your sentiments. It was always my pleasure to pass on any help or information to you and others as well. That's what we have to do, you know? Share information and pass knowledge on to others--especially the next generation.
As far as the sticks go, they are a little thicker than what you're used to but being that they're maple (and not hickory) the weight will be similar to your 5As I think. Try a few out and let me know if they work for you. There's something silky and organic about the maple that just feels "right" to me. I hope you'll agree.
Thanks for finding me and dropping me a note after all these years. I hope you're happy and healthy---and I wish all good things come your way. Thanks again, Leon!
Keep playing, brother--
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hello Todd,
My wife and I attended the Virginia Beach show last night, and WOW did you guy's sound terrific. I drum too, so I paid particular attention to you and Jason. Your Pearl's sounded wonderful, your tech must really like you. Well, i'll get to the point. Is there a schematic of your kit online anywhere? I would be really interested in seeing your cymbal set up, and do a little reading about your kit. I'm a Tama / Sabian AAX guy, but again, those Pearls sounded REALLY GOOD so loyalty only goes Ear deep for me. Thanks for your hard work. Again the show was great, we had a terrific time.
Thanks,
Russ Peterson
---------------------
Hi Russ,
Thanks a lot! I'm glad you dug the show---and I'm glad the drums were singin' that night. My tech likes me indeed and I love him! You can see a chart of my kit in the September 2003 issue of Modern Drummer. I know they sell back issues and this issue has Keith Moon on the cover.
I wish you luck with your playing and I appreciate your note---and happy you came out to the show and had fun.
Take care!
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Hello again Todd and thanks for answering my previous questions. I found out that I too feel more comfortable playing back on the sticks a bit more. During band practice last week, I stopped fighting myself and it just happened. Happy accidents. I felt I had no other choice but to order a few pairs of your Pro-Mark Todd Sucherman Signature Sticks (which from what I've read, were designed to be held down by the end of the butt). Poor me,right? Can't wait to get 'em!
Not sure if you touched on this subject, but what are/were your favorite books on jazz and hand technique? Also, I understand you started at a very young age having been influenced by your father, who was also a drummer. What did he teach you? I know he played with some of the great artists of his era and by trade was a physician: Who did he play with and how did he manage to split his time between a demanding career and music (the other demanding career)? As far as your career, did he give you any advice?
I'm looking forward to your instructional video and I'm sure it'll be just as fun and informative to watch as JoJo Mayer's new video. It'll definitely make my top three. I'll be one of the first in line to pick it up. Any clinics lined up soon?
Alex
------------------
Hi Alex,
Thanks for your note. I hope the sticks work out for you! They just have a great feel, for me at least, and I've been really happy with the feedback I've received from fellow drummers. Just find the balance point where it's natural and you're not thinking so much--and just letting go and playing--that's the key. When you find a stick that you play, rather than the stick playing you, it's an amazing thing and I hope you find your "home" with the sticks. Also know that the people at Pro Mark are some of the nicest, genuine folks I've ever met. I'm fortunate to consider them friends and I can't stress enough how lucky I am to be on board with them.
I never really worked out of books for hand technique or even jazz really. I suppose I spent a little time with the Ted Reed Syncopation book as I know that's a classic. But this is a good segue into your questions about my father. He was a strong swingin' time keeper without much frills although he had the sweetest buzz roll I've ever heard---even to this day. He instilled a strong sense of time and support for the music. He taught me how to read first from the Haskell Harr book and then we moved on to other books. I remember a book on playing shows as well. Regarding playing shows (Broadway, variety, pit band, etc.) he always said you have to keep one eye on the conductor, one eye on the music, and one eye on the stage. He taught me how to pencil in notes in the music to make it an easier job reading the shows. He gave me all the building blocks for a foundation and it was really up to me to take it from there. I'm not sure how he balanced life in his bachelor years but I know he lived on little sleep for a few decades! He was one of the house drummers at the famous Chez Paree in Chicago where he played in dance bands, bands for radio broadcasts, and any and every act that came through. Countless comedians, jugglers, dance acts, animal acts, magicians and the like. As well he played behind Sammy Davis Jr., Sophie Tucker, Lena Horne, Liberace, Joe E. Lewis and many more names that escape me at the moment. He was an active player from the 1930s through the early '70s. That's a lot of gigs!
As far as DVD's go, the Jojo Mayer one is probably the definitive work on hand technique ever made. It's really detailed and his hands are tremendous. I'll have some hand stuff on mine of course but I won't spend 3 hours on it like Jojo did! I have a lot I want to cover and the pace will be brisk. Thanks for your support of the project in advance. I'll hopefully have some clinics lined up for November so just keep checking the site for information as it comes in.
Thanks again for writing and I wish you luck with your playing!
Take care,
Todd
_____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Todd,
My name is Rick Shandling. Your Dad was my drum teacher in Lincolnwood. I studied with Doc from 1969 thru 1973. I’m glad for your success, impressed by your accomplishments, and I am always very happy to see you acknowledge your Dad in interviews. He was a swinging drummer who played with authority and a fantastic teacher who made things fun. Doc was focused in teaching the practical side of drumming. He prepped me in being able to read, to play in many styles, in following a conductor, interpreting drum charts, playing a show, and provided pointers to musical playing. I was 15 years old when I started with him.
Doc was extremely generous with me. After studying with him for two or three years, he offered me an apprentice type of job. It ranged from carrying and setting up his drums to bringing my drums and playing the gig. I watched him like a hawk, was able to sit in with pros and learned a lot. Through this, I was able to meet players and start jobbing around town. He was very proud when you started playing. I was able to meet him years later and thank him for what he did for me. He played me a tape of you playing with a group called “Adventures in Dining” which sounded awesome. He was really proud.
When I think of it now, his generosity was astounding. He was my mentor and hero. When I’m playing, I often remember his advice. Currently, I play at the Green Mill Jazz Club with the Green Mill Quartet which hosts the late-night jam session every Fri. I also play every Wed. in Evanston at Bill’s Blues with Mike Finnerty and Heat Merchants from 7 – 10. It’s also a jam session and you are welcome to sit in at either place when you come in town.
Wishing you continued success,
Rick Shandling
------------------------
Dear Rick,
As you know I've responded personally to you, but wanted to post your sentiments as I think it's a beautiful tribute to my father. He was always proud of you and I know some of his swing lives on through you. Your words have touched me deeply and I thank you for sharing your thoughts and getting in touch with me. Hope to see you soon!
Todd
