Few drummers carry the weight of experience and musicality quite like Rick Latham. Ahead of his appearance at The Europe Drum Show, Rick opened up about his philosophy: it’s never been about showing off, it’s about serving the music.
“I hope it’s going to be a more musical experience,” he said, ahead of his masterclass. “My thing is all about the groove.” In a landscape dominated by flashy solos and viral clips, Rick’s approach feels refreshingly grounded. While he appreciates technical brilliance, he emphasises feel, time and musicality above all.
Rick’s workshop won’t focus on chops or pyrotechnics, instead, he’s bringing bassist Tommy Muller from Munich to guide drummers through essential grooves and practical techniques. “All the drummers will get a lot of stuff they can take with them and practice,” he explains, with handouts and music notes ready for attendees.
His perspective has been shaped by decades of experience, from studio sessions to film soundtracks. Drawing on advice from the late Ed Shaughnessy, Rick recalls, “No bandleader ever hired me to play fast solos. They wanted me to play time. They wanted me to play a groove.” Even with impressive chops and influences like Buddy Rich, Rick prioritises musicality and feel.
He also highlights the power of the drumming community and digital platforms. “I love sharing,” he says. “Recording, teaching, posting online — it’s all about spreading knowledge. You learn every day.” Rick credits the internet for inspiring new generations of drummers, while recognising its challenges for retail and the traditional drum business.
For aspiring drummers, Rick’s advice is simple: “Practice as much as you can. Play along to records. Play with friends. Learn musical form, styles, and how to make music — not just solos. Big drum sets don’t always fit on stage, so sometimes keeping it simple is best.”
At the heart of it, Rick’s message is timeless: enjoy the groove, keep learning, and support each other. It’s a philosophy every drummer — beginner or seasoned — can take to heart.
