Drummer’s Review interviewer Ollie Winiberg sits down with the legendary Gavin Harrison, known for his incredible drumming with Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief and King Crimson.
Ollie is welcomed into Gavin’s home for an in-depth conversation about his remarkable career, advice for aspiring drummers, and his plans for his appearance at The UK Drum Show 2025 on Saturday 18th October – be sure to grab your tickets now: www.theukdrumshow.com.
For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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As a member of Porcupine Tree since 2002, a member of King Crimson since 2008, and a member of The Pineapple Thief since 2016, Gavin has performed and recorded with many artists in his long professional career.
Including Level 42, Iggy Pop, Sam Brown, Paul Young, Lisa Stansfield. He was invited to play a drum solo on the David Letterman Show, he has been the featured cover story of Modern Drummer Magazine three times and awarded the Modern Drummer best Progressive Drummer of the Year six times.
He has won the Prog Magazine readers poll for Best Progressive Drummer nine times.
Here’s the latest video from the Drummer’s Review Live Room featuring a selection of 21″ Rides from Amedia Cymbals
Featuring…
21″ Vintage
21″ Oniks
21″ Farqin
21″ Hitites
21″ A Jazz
21″ Ahmet Legend
Filmed February 2025 at Paul Caboche Studios, Cornwall, UK. (scroll down for recording & equipment details)
Amedia Cymbals Say…“Turkey is famous for producing the best hand-hammered cymbals in the world. The knowledge of producing these superior instruments comes from traditions handed down for over hundreds of years; this process has created master cymbal smiths whose talent for cymbal making is proven by the unique musicality of each cymbal they create. Being in the best cymbal producers, Amedia brings to you 100% handmade cymbals, made by hammer smiths and lathe men who are truly masters in their field. Through continuing the traditions of past masters, they create the perfect cymbals for today’s drummer. Each cymbal is handcrafted, and is as individual as the master himself.Every cymbal has the master’s mark and a touch of his spirit. This is ‘…the spirit of Amedia…’“
Amedia 21″ Ride Cymbals:
All models (Except Hitites): £316.00,
Hitites 21″ Ride: £279.00
Pro’s:
Excellent value for money
Great individual sounds to cover most styles / settings
Kick Rear: Audix D6
Kick Front: Electrovoice RE27ND
Snare Top: Electrovoice PL80
Snare Bottom: Electrovoice PL80
Hi Hat: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Over Head wide: AKG C414B (pair)
Centre Over Heads: AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Front Centre Room : AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Wide Room Mic’s: sE2200T Tube Mic’s (pair)
Recording Process:
Microphone Pre amps: 16x Rupert Neve Designs 5052
Pre amp outs to Avid HD analog to digital converters connected to Avid HDX card
Recorded into Pro Tools Ultimate latest version running HDX cards mounted in an Apple Mac Pro 2019 16core.
Audio Template Details:
Basic EQ:
Basic EQ setting using the EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps. No post recoded EQ or processing applied.
A Note From Paul…
“The microphones were set up with the overheads and room mic’s measured to the centre of the snare drum to keep the phase of any stereo pair in phase. The AEA R88 MK2 mic’s being stereo mic’s had no issue with phase but the front centre room mic and centre overhead where aligned with each other to keep the same stereo image. The phase reverse switch on the front kick mic was used to correct the phase between the two bass drum mic’s. The phase reverse switch was engaged on the bottom snare mic to correct the phase between the two snare mic’s. Hi pass filters only used on the hi hat mic, Ride mic and overheads. The live room of the studio has been treated to provide a neutral sound close to the drums & cymbals with the room mic’s then giving a true representation of what the instruments sound like in the room. Using 16 identical Mic Pre amps also helps with electrical phase so there is no difference between tone and phase of the Mic Pre amps. The brief for the recoding was to give as true a representation as possible of what the instruments actually sound like.”
For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released. You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform be sure to listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
From the Royal Albert Hall to The UK Drum Show Main Stage, Naomi Forbes is absolutely smashing it!
Having played for the likes of Paloma Faith, Cat Burns, and Leigh-Anne from Little Mix, Naomi’s career has been nothing short of iconic—and she’s only just getting started.
She picked up the sticks at age 5, and by 16, she was already tearing it up at iconic venues around the world. Now, she’s bringing her powerhouse drumming to the main stage of The UK Drum Show, performing at 11:15am on Saturday 18th October…Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum weekend now: www.theukdrumshow.com
In this interview, Naomi shares her thoughts with Drummer’s Review interviewer Ollie Winiberg on the importance of networking, using social media as a tool for growth, overcoming hearing loss, and why preparation is everything.
For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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Here’s the latest video from the Drummer’s Review Live Room featuring a pair of bespoke snare drums from Bristol Drum Company.
Harlequin Model:
13″ x 6.5 Segmented wood shell constructed from Purpleheart, Ash, Oak, Black Walnut, Iroko, Wenge, Beech and Jutoba,
High gloss lacquer finish,
Chrome tube lugs,
S-hoops,
DW MAG Snare throw off & 3P butt plate,
Puresound Custom Pro 24-strand snare wires,
Evans Genera Dry batter heads over Hazy 300 snare side.
Iroko and Zebrano Model:
14″ x 6″, 8mm segmented shell that combines a predominantly Iroko Shell with two horizontal bands of Zebrano,
High gloss lacquer finish,
Chrome tube lugs,
S-hoops,
DW MAG Snare throw off & 3P butt plate,
Puresound Custom Pro 24-strand snare wires,
Evans Genera Dry batter heads over Hazy 300 snare side.
Filmed February 2025 at Paul Caboche Studios, Cornwall, UK. (scroll down for recording & equipment details).
Bristol Drum Co. Says…“Solid wooden snare drums. Real hand-crafted segmented shellsfrom a range of exotic and indigenous tone woods. A range of unique drums – each with the individual sound and appearance you can only find from an independent drum workshop.“
Drummer’s Review, based in North Devon, England would like to thank the www.theseagate.co.uk for the use of their hotel for this photo shoot in their stunning bar & garden. Photography by Guy Harrop on location at The Seagate Hotel, Appledore, Devon.
Recording Details:
Filmed at Paul Caboche Studios (Cornwall UK).
Microphone List:
Kick Rear: Audix D6
Kick Front: Electrovoice RE27ND
Snare Top: Electrovoice PL80
Snare Bottom: Electrovoice PL80
Hi Hat: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Over Head wide: AKG C414B (pair)
Centre Over Heads: AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Front Centre Room : AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Wide Room Mic’s: sE2200T Tube Mic’s (pair)
Recording Process:
Microphone Pre amps: 16x Rupert Neve Designs 5052
Pre amp outs to Avid HD analog to digital converters connected to Avid HDX card
Recorded into Pro Tools Ultimate latest version running HDX cards mounted in an Apple Mac Pro 2019 16core.
Audio Template Details:
Basic EQ:
Basic EQ setting using the EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps. No post recoded EQ or processing applied.
A Note From Paul…
“The microphones were set up with the overheads and room mic’s measured to the centre of the snare drum to keep the phase of any stereo pair in phase. The AEA R88 MK2 mic’s being stereo mic’s had no issue with phase but the front centre room mic and centre overhead where aligned with each other to keep the same stereo image. The phase reverse switch on the front kick mic was used to correct the phase between the two bass drum mic’s. The phase reverse switch was engaged on the bottom snare mic to correct the phase between the two snare mic’s. Hi pass filters only used on the hi hat mic, Ride mic and overheads. The live room of the studio has been treated to provide a neutral sound close to the drums & cymbals with the room mic’s then giving a true representation of what the instruments sound like in the room. Using 16 identical Mic Pre amps also helps with electrical phase so there is no difference between tone and phase of the Mic Pre amps. The brief for the recoding was to give as true a representation as possible of what the instruments actually sound like.”
For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released. You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform be sure to listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
Drummer’s Review interviewer Ollie Winiberg sits down with the rhythmic powerhouse that is Gabor Dornyei. From rock to jazz to music for Disney, Gabor’s drumming has taken him across genres, continents and some seriously cool gigs. We chat about his early days, the importance of networking, his new Sonor SQ2 kit and we get a look at his famous kit that he has been building since 1995…it’s big!
Be sure to catch Gabor when he performs at The UK Drum Show on Sunday 19th October at 11.15am…Grab your tickets for the UK’s hottest drum weekend now: www.theukdrumshow.com
For more interviews with the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
Stanley Jordan Quartet, tHUNder Duo, Session, Clinician & Head Of Drums at LCCM-London
Gabor Dornyei has been the touring and recording drummer for 4x Grammy Award nominated American “Jazz Guitar Genius” Stanley Jordan since 2016. They’ve recorded and toured the world multiple times over with great line ups, and presented headliner performances in North and South America, all over Europe, in the UK and even made it to Africa.
As a recording artist and session drummer, Gabs played on gold and platinum selling pop-rock albums and recorded for Walt Disney Co. He’s been the “house/recording drummer” for top UK record producer Andy Whitmore for 15 years now, who’s produced, Elton John, Peter Andre, Atomic Kitten, Jason Donovan and many more.
Gabs released two CD-s and three DVD-s under his own name with 5 star reviews and critical acclaim, “tHUNder Duo with Dom Famularo” (Hudson Music) “Drums, Music and Friends” and “Rhythm Frontier”- a duo release with World Percussionist Pete Lockett (Hunnia Records).
As a touring drummer Gabs performed at Glastonbury, Sziget Festival, London Jazz Festival, Music China Festival-Shanghai, Ronnie Scott’s, Canary Wharf Jazz Festival, Cape Verde Jazz Festival etc, and countless international drum festivals around the world, on the line up with Billy Cobham, Ian Paice, Terry Bozzio, Steve Smith, Gavin Harrison, Dom Famularo and many more. Gabor is respected world wide as a drum clinician and educator, and successfully completed 10 extensive solo drum clinic tours over China.
Gabs been featured in every single international drumming publications – including Modern Drummer Magazine in the USA-and on global, market leading online channels such as DRUMEO in Vancouver, Canada and DRUM CHANNEL in Los Angeles, California.
Gabs has been appointed as “Head Of Drums” at the prestigious LCCM-London University in 2023.
On the top of his busy touring schedule he’s been teaching drums for 30 years privately and been educating in higher education in the UK for over 15 years and presented drum clinics and masterclasses at almost every notable higher education organisation in the UK/EU and at the remarkable Drummers Collective Institute (DCI) in New York, USA.
In the education field Gabs has achieved a Level 7 PGCert qualification and he’s a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. He manages his three private drum schools, currently Harrow, Pinner and Northwood Drum Schools.
Gabs has authored the American Detroit Institute of Music Education, USA (DIME)’s full drum curriculum and been the Head Of Drums for DIME-Online from 2014-2018.
He’s also running a successful private teaching business from his home studio, Gabbey Road Studio where he also records remote/online sessions and conducts online lessons for student from all around the world.
Gabs is global endorser of market leading companies, such as Sonor Drums (Germany), Zildjian Cymbals (USA), Remo Drumheads,(USA) Vic Firth (Signature) Sticks (USA), Tycoon Percussion (Thailand), Audix Microphones (USA), Hardcase (GB), SkyGel (Germany) & Cympad (USA).
In 2018 DRUMEO listed Gabor among their Top 10 Drummers in the World, together with his idols, Billy Cobham, Peter Erskine and Bernard Purdie.
The Europe Drum Show, which debuted in Friedrichshafen, Germany last month, has announced it will return in 2026 after a hugely successful year one.
On Another Level Ltd, the same company responsible for hosting The UK Drum Show, which takes place annually at the ACC Liverpool, are behind the planning and organising of this further annual consumer drum and percussion event in Germany, having now announced that April 11th & 12th 2026, will see The Europe Drum Show return to Messe Friedrichshafen following both visitor and exhibitor demand.
Main Stage packed out with performance from Rammstein’s Christoph Schneider
Visitor attendance saw 3115 guests visit The Europe Drum Show across the weekend, with the Saturday being the dominant day. This follows similar trends of the early UK Drum Show days, with guests putting their toe in the water on the Saturday, with weekend tickets becoming the majority ticket type purchased, as guests familiarise themselves with the event, the venue, and the variety of content available for guests to experience across both days, reports the organisers.
“In all honesty, The Europe Drum Show exceeded even our own expectations for a year one show,” stated Neil Golding, organiser and founder of both the UK and Europe drum shows. “Having run events for numerous years here in the UK, organising an event in another country, of course took some further considerations and remote planning, as well as several advance site visits with both venue and contractors ahead of the show, however, the response from exhibitors and visitors alike has been staggering for year one – so much positivity!.”
There were many signing sessions over the weekend – Mike Johnston meets drumming fan on Meinl booth
Golding continues, “conversations of a Europe drum show began several years ago, due to a real lack of a drum and percussion exhibition presence in Europe, with the common phrase being “since Musik Messe ceased in Frankfurt, there has really been nothing“. “Of course, since COVID in my opinion there has been a real shift to consumer experiences, with the other factor of course, being the decline of music retailers both here in the UK and in Germany. With The Europe Drum Show now having the biggest collection of acoustic drums, digital drums, cymbals, pedals, hardware and every accessory you can imagine under one roof, drummers come along and try gear they may not have been able to see or test before, as well as being inspired and motivated from the numerous main stage, clinics, education sessions and experiences on offer over the weekend.”
Regio TV and other media outlets report of The Europe Drum Show:
Mikkey Dee interview at The Europe Drum Show from Regio TV
Since the dates were released for The Europe Drum Show 2026 (April 11th & 12th) guests have already begun to purchase tickets, along with exhibition and expansions rebooks, with artists being discussed for next year’s line up, state the organisers.
For tickets to The Europe Drum Show please visit here.
For companies wishing to exhibit at either The UK or Europe Drum Show, please contact the organiser at:
Filmed February 2025 at Paul Caboche Studios, Cornwall, UK. (scroll down for recording & equipment details).
Rogers Say…“Pop the cork! It’s time to celebrate the launch of Rogers’ stunning new PowerTone 4-piece kits in iconic Champagne Sparkle Lacquer. Our latest addition to the Signature Line, these long-sought-after beauties have been meticulously crafted to Rogers’ exacting standards, and signal a new milestone along the Rogers continuum: our first modern design, dual rack-tom configurations.“
Rogers PowerTone Series Shell Pack: UK RRP: £2928.00
Pro’s:
Lovely open, full tone from all drums
Excellent finish with eye-catching sparkle lacquer
Equally impressive shell interior featuring a classy-looking Fruitwood Stain
Con’s:
Slightly overpriced for a 4-piece shell pack
Loose bolts inside shell causing initial rattles while setting up
Kick Rear: Audix D6
Kick Front: Electrovoice RE27ND
Snare Top: Electrovoice PL80
Snare Bottom: Electrovoice PL80
Hi Hat: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Ride: Oktava MK-012-01 Cardio
Toms: AKG C414B
Over Head wide: AKG C414B (pair)
Centre Over Heads: AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Front Centre Room : AEA R88 MK2 Stereo Ribbon Mic
Wide Room Mic’s: sE2200T Tube Mic’s (pair)
Recording Process:
Microphone Pre amps: 16x Rupert Neve Designs 5052
Pre amp outs to Avid HD analog to digital converters connected to Avid HDX card
Recorded into Pro Tools Ultimate latest version running HDX cards mounted in an Apple Mac Pro 2019 16core.
Audio Template Details:
No EQ:
Direct microphone sound – no EQ either pre or post recording applied from the Neve 5052 Pre-Amps EQ section.
Basic EQ:
Basic EQ setting using the EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps. No post recoded EQ or processing applied.
Full Studio Mix:
Post EQ section of the Neve 5052 mic Pre-Amps plus post production EQ, gating, parallel compression and some reverb added to the snare and toms. There was also some room mic processing along with parallel drum bus adding compression and reverb to the overall sound.
A Note From Paul…
“The microphones were set up with the overheads and room mic’s measured to the centre of the snare drum to keep the phase of any stereo pair in phase. The AEA R88 MK2 mic’s being stereo mic’s had no issue with phase but the front centre room mic and centre overhead where aligned with each other to keep the same stereo image. The phase reverse switch on the front kick mic was used to correct the phase between the two bass drum mic’s. The phase reverse switch was engaged on the bottom snare mic to correct the phase between the two snare mic’s. Hi pass filters only used on the hi hat mic, Ride mic and overheads. The AKG C414B mic’s on the toms have very little proximity bass boost so can be considered a pretty flat representation of the toms. The same can be said for the Electrovoice PL80 mic’s on the snare drum. Every effort was made so that the NO EQ sound example audio on the video was as true a representation of what the drums sounded like in the live room. The live room of the studio has been treated to also provide a neutral sound close to the drums with the room mic’s then giving a true representation of what the drums sound like in the room. Using 16 identical Mic Pre amps also helps with electrical phase so there is no difference between tone and phase of the Mic Pre amps. The brief for recoding the drums was to give as true a representation as possible of what the drums actually sound like and to then give examples of what can be done to the sound of the drums.”
For more completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released. You can also follow Drummer’s Review on social media:
All of Drummer’s Review videos are recorded in a top quality studio with the finest equipment. To get the best from our reviews and really hear the instruments perform be sure to listen on good quality speakers or headphones!
Back in April 2025, Drummer’s Review host Ollie Winiberg had the pleasure of sitting down backstage at Southend’s iconic Cliffs Pavilion with Nic Collins—yes, thatNic Collins. As the crew buzzed around preparing for the evening’s show, we found a quiet spot behind the scenes to talk drums, dreams, and some deeply personal moments from Nic’s journey.
The setting was great and Nic was relaxed, in his element, and completely candid as we dug into a range of topics—starting with his dream band line-up. He laid out a fantasy ensemble that would have any music fan salivating, blending styles and legends in a way that reflects just how wide-ranging his influences are. Trust me, the choices might surprise you…
From there, we explored something every musician eventually faces: legacy. Nic opened up about the shadow of his surname, the expectations that come with it, and the space he’s carved out to be recognised on his own terms. His answer was humble, thoughtful, and full of clarity—a young drummer with an old soul, focused on staying true to himself.
We talked about what first turned him on to the drums, and of course, there’s a family thread there. But Nic’s passion is unmistakably his own. He lit up as he talked about rhythm, expression, and the way the drums became his voice long before words ever could.
Then came one of the most powerful moments: Nic’s biggest challenge. You might expect something about pressure, comparison, or technical hurdles—but what he shared was more human, more vulnerable. It’s the kind of thing that connects all of us, drummers or not.
This interview wasn’t just another chat—it was a backstage moment of honesty, energy, and insight with one of the most exciting drummers of his generation.
For more interviews with some of the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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Sterry Drums was born from a simple idea, and a deep love for drumming. Founder Matt Sterry had spent years collecting cymbals, each with its own history: cracked crashes from unforgettable gigs, signed pieces from admired artists, and spares that were too meaningful to toss but too worn to keep in rotation. Yet, unlike guitarists or bassists, drummers had no real way to display their instruments.
“Other musicians hang their instruments like art, so why can’t drummers do the same? Guitarists have wall hangers that keep their gear safe, accessible, and on display. We wanted to create something just as functional but tailored specifically to the drummer’s world.”
That question led to the creation of CymWall – a sleek, secure, and adjustable cymbal wall mount designed specifically for drummers. Whether you are showcasing a signed collectible, a beloved old crash, or simply looking for a better way to store your spares, CymWall turns your cymbals into a visual centrepiece.
Built with the same mounting method as a cymbal stand – complete with sleeve, felt, and wingnut – CymWalls hold your cymbals with the same level of safety and stability you’d expect from your kit. They’re not just practical; they’re built by drummers, for drummers, with attention to detail and a deep respect for the craft.
Instead of letting your cymbals collect dust in a corner or clutter up your practice space, why not tell your story through your wall? Each cymbal marks a chapter in your journey – from your first drum set to your latest live show. CymWalls help you bring those moments out of storage and into the spotlight.
Today, Sterry Drums focuses solely on CymWalls, but the vision doesn’t stop there. We are constantly exploring new ways to support drummers, whether through innovative products of our own or by collaborating with trusted brands in the industry.
If you’re ready to turn your cymbals into something more – something personal, meaningful, and proudly on display – come check us out. Your wall is waiting.
See Sterry Drums and the CymWalls at The UK Drum Show 2025 – October 18th & 19th at the ACC Liverpool. Tickets on sale now here.
In this exclusive interview, Rammstein drummer Christoph Schneider sits down with Drummer’s Review interviewer Ollie Winiberg ahead of his performance on the main stage at The Europe Drum Show.
Christoph will be headlining the show on Saturday 29th March, and in this chat, he opens up about his career and the future of drumming Christoph also takes part in our infamous “This or That” game, where he has to pick between two options. He discusses the impact of the internet on the music industry, how it’s provided a more level playing field for aspiring musicians, and shares insights on his career and legacy.
For more interviews with the biggest names in drumming along with completely impartial, HD video reviews, please subscribe to Drummer’s Review on YouTube: www.youtube.com/drummersreview and click on the bell icon to be notified as soon as each new video is released.
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Christoph Schneider is best known as the drummer for the German act Rammstein, one of the most successful and influential rock-bands in the world. Between 2019 and 2024, the band embarked on a worldwide stadium tour, performing 135 shows to over 6 million fans, cementing their status as a global phenomenon.
Schneider was born in East Berlin and grew up in a musical family—his mother worked as a music teacher, his father was an opera-director and music professor. His first instrument was the trumpet, which he learned as a child. During his time in an orchestra, he had his first contact with percussionists, which sparked his fascination with and passion for drumming.