Todd's Take on Things... 1999

We were lucky enough to catch up with Todd during Styx's 1999 Brave New World Tour and ask him a few questions.

Who are your favorite drummers?
There are so many- Steve Smith, Vinnie Colaivta, Stewart Copeland, Mann Katche’,  Mark Brzezicki, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Keith Moon, Simon Phillips, Buddy Rich, Dennis Chambers, Steve Gadd, Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, Jerry Marotta, Gary Novak, Phil Gould, Phil Collins, John Bonham, Ringo - the list is endless.

What are your favorite bands/groups to listen to?
Once again, an endless list.  There are so many.  There are really only two kinds of music - good and bad.

What 5 cd’s are you currently playing in your cd player?
Well when we were in NY, I picked up a handfull of bootleg CD’s.  So I guess I’ve been checking out- “RadioHead”-Live  NY ‘97,  “Journey”- Live Tokyo ’79, “Counting Crows”- Live Hamburg ’94, “The Who”- Live Swanson ’76, as well as Brian Wilson/Beach  Boys “Pet Sounds Sessions” Box set.

Do you air-drum when you listen to music in your car or at home?
I suppose I do, but in short spurts!

Were you in the high school band?
Yeah- the whole program.  Sympyhonic Band, Jazz Band, Pit Band, Marching Band, Drum line, Percussion Ensemble, etc.

What kind of training do you have, was it all just learned or did you study under anyone or at a school?
My father was a drummer in The Big Band Era.  He saw I had a love affair with the drums even as an infant.  He began to teach me at age 2.  I could read  music and play music with others at age 5.  My first paying gig was when I was 6.  Until I went to Berklee College of Music for 1 year, I was sort of self taught.  I kept my reading in shape through all the school programs, but I listened & studied by myself.

Do you play everyday?  What is the longest you have ever gone without playing on a drum kit?
When I’m home I try to play every day, but that doesn’t always happen.  On the road, days off are very welcomed, because I need time to heal!  It’s kinda like weight lifting doing a 2 ½ hour rock show.

Have you ever thought about giving drumming up for a living?
Not for a second.

Why the change from Sonor to Ayotte?  Didn’t your cymbal brands change too?
Leaving Sonor was a hard thing because I’ve played them since I was 10 years old.  I have a collection of exotic wood Sonor kits.  There was a lot of time and money invested over the years.  Historically, they’ve been difficult service wise.  They discontinued so much of their best stuff.  I’d wait months for gear.  Twice I was left in jams that were professionally uncomfortable.  There were several factors.  I had developed a relationship with the folks over at Ayotte drums, because I had purchased a couple snare drums from them.  I used the same Ayotte 14x4 snare drum during the ’96 & ’97 Styx tours.

I’d  see the Ayotte guys at the NAMM show and they were all really cool people.  They put a lot of love in their drums.  They are genuinely excited & proud of their drums.  The drums are so amazing- The people are great - that’s why the change.

The folks at Sabian Cymbals are the same way.  They’re a pleasure.  These are the kind of people I want to surround myself with.  Great gear, great people.

What happened to your old kit?
Both sets (’96 Sonor Designer Seriers) & (’97 Sonor Signature Special Edition) are stacked up at home.

How does having a double bass set-up help your performance?  And is this the first time you have used 2 bass drums in your set-up?
This is the first time I’ve ever used 2 Bass Drums.  It doesn’t really help anything.  With the single bass kits, I’ve always used a double pedal (getting roughly the same results.)  Basically, I wanted to experience the “Big Rock Double Bass” set up.  You know, In the drum world Two Bass drums got the “Heavy Metal/Hair Band” Reputation.  Everyone had them in that genre.  Last winter I was checking out a lot of Keith Moon/The Who footage.  What a look.  I dug the traditional Tom Sizes with 2 Bass drums.  That was the inspiration for that.

What is your hardest STYX song to play on… you know the one that really wipes you out and is the most challenging?
Well, Challenging Physically & Musically are very different things.  Stamina wise, I’d say  “Everything is Cool”, “Rockin the Paradise”, & “Renegade”.

List 5 Styx-related moments over the past few years that have stood out in your memory (ie… concerts, studio, fan stuff, etc..)
There are so many - I really don’t know what to say!  I had a blast making the Brave New World CD.  I was back in Chicago and it was Winter and the Vibes were cool.  Gigs?  The show in Chicago (’96 - Return to Paradise), Quebec ’96, Radio City Music Hall ’97, LA Universal Shows ’97, Surf Ballroom ’99, Vegas ’99.  You know, I remember just about every gig.  JY is unbelievable.  He remembers everything!  The fans are loyal and great.  This whole thing is a gift ya know?  I’m enjoying the ride.  Life is Good.

What have you done with all those videos of the audiences that you took on your camcorder in 1996?
They’re all in my Video Cabinet at home.  I’ve never edited them together or anything.  Some footage appears on the STYX Return to Paradise DVD.

So far, out of all of the venues you have played, which has been your favorite and why?
You know, it’s the simple things in life.  My favorite venues have clean bathrooms & comfortable dressing rooms!

In VEGAS, the show had a ton of energy both nights, but the first night you were almost pulled into the audience by a fan.  What was going through your head at that moment?
Well, two girls had my feet off the stage and Lawrence was behind me holding me up.  It was a touch freaky.  Two crew guys came to my rescue.  As I was being pulled back, one of the girls grabbed the cord to my in-ear monitors.  It was almost the loss or breakage of a very expensive monitor system!

After the show, it became quite apparent that you didn’t want to come close to the end of the stage, do you feel a little more comfortable now or still cautious?
No, I was only cautious at that venue, because the stage was so low in ratio to the first row.  I didn’t want anything to happen to my in-ear monitors!

You had the opportunity to work with Brian Wilson last year.  Were you a fan of his to begin with and how different was it working with him as compared to working with STYX?
I wasn’t the fan I am now.  I knew a lot of Beach Boys stuff - who doesn’t ?  But I was unprepared for the depth and truth to Brian Wilson’s Compositions.  I knew that the “Pet Sounds” record heavily inspired the Beatles to record “Sergeant Peppers”.  “Pet Sounds”, to those who are unfamiliar, is not surf like Beach music most associated with the Beach Boys.  This Record reveals itself through repeated listenings.  “God Only Knows”…. Come On!  Divine.  Spiritual.  The end section vocal rounds are like Bach.

So when I had down time with STYX, I recorded two tunes on the “Imagination” (Brian Wilson) record.  And did Brian’s first ever solo tour in March ’99 and June ’99.

The tours were wonderful.  You ask of the differences of Tours.  STYX is more physically demanding.  There is more “Drum Activity” and room for musical liberties.  The focus of STYX is that it’s a band.  Five bad-asses Rockin’ out.  With Brian, Brian is the focus.  I’m one of a 13 piece backing band.

I’m lucky to experience this balance.  During Brian’s shows, I would just look at him and marvel at the songs he wrote.  I felt I was in the presence of Greatness.  Plus, My Significant other, Taylor sings Backup Vocals with Brian.  It was special to tour and perform with my girl!

Apparently you have been named the video coordinator for the baby bus this tour.  What is everyone watching this tour (’99)?
Well, Tommy, Jeanne and Glen have all made contributions.  My secret weapons are my “Mr. Show” tapes (from HBO), “Tenacious D” videos & “Larry Sanders” videos.  Also check out the “Celebrities at their Worst” CD’s volume 1 & 2.

When you hit a new town, what do you like to do?  Do you go site see or tend to hang out at the hotel?
It depends on how I feel or how much time I have.  I love to go out and check out the town.  But often there is not enough time.  I try to listen to my body - if I’m worn out, I’ll hang at the hotel.

What happened on Tommy’s 7DZ tour that caused you to miss touring with him?
I had committed to do Brian Wilson’s 1st Tour.  Tommy asked me to do the tour and I was heart sick not to do it.  I honored my commitment with Brian and Tommy got Michael Cartellone to play drums.  Then, Brian’s Tour got pushed back a few months.  I was left with Too Much Time on My Hands!

Is it hard for you to switch musical modes, from the jazz you have done with Steve Cole and Brian Culbertson to the rock with STYX and then the music you did with Brian Wilson?  Can you play one type of music one day and then the next day do the other kind of music?
The Switch is the most enjoyable Part!  That’s when it feels so fresh.  It’s not hard at all.

Do you prefer Rock over Jazz or Jazz over Rock or is there another type of music that you prefer to play, but you just aren’t right now?
There are different musical “Highs”.  It’s like different foods.  For me, I don’t want to eat steak every day.  Variety is the spice of Life.  I dig it all.
 

If Styx hadn’t come along when it did, what direction do you think you would have gone musicwise?
HMMM.  West?  I don’t know.  I couldn’t have possibly imagined the last five years.  I’m sure I’ll feel the same way after the next five.

If for some reason you had to give up drumming, what would be the next profession you would choose?
I never gave that a moments thought.  I would have to be living a hell on earth nightmare to truly confront the possibility of not being able to play.

Why did you decide to move out to LA?  What has life been like in Los Angeles?  Do you feel like it is “home” yet?
I moved out in October ’97.  Yes it feels like home.  As I always say - home is where your stuff is.  Since Taylor moved in, it is even more homier w/ The Women’s Touch.

Are there any other current projects that are not STYX related that you are working on?
There is no time.  When I’m home I might pick up some sessions, but that’s it.

Who would you like to work with in the music industry that you have not worked with yet?
I enjoy working with new people - different musicians, different situations etc. It’s fresh and it keeps me on my toes.  So really the idea here is to explore, experience and enjoy.  I get that feeling from recording sessions.  It’s a different “high” then that of playing live with STYX.  Both “highs” are incredible.  That being said, (I don’t know what I’m Saying)  There are a million artists I would love to work with.  Paul McCartney & Peter Gabriel are two that come to mind that would give me a thrill.

And finally, if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be?  <just kidding>

HA HA !