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Born to Drum: The Truth About the World's Greatest Drummers--from John Bonham and Keith Moon to Sheila E. and Dave Grohl Paperback – February 9, 2016

by Tony Barrell (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 312 ratings
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“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.”—CLEM BURKE, Blondie

To have a great band you need a great drummer. For the first time, Tony Barrell shines a long-overdue spotlight on these musicians, offering an exciting look into their world, their art, and their personalities. In Born to Drum, he interviews some of the most famous, revered, and influential drummers of our time—including Chad Smith, Ginger Baker, Clem Burke, Sheila E., Phil Collins, Nick Mason, Patty Schemel, Butch Vig, and Omar Hakim—who share astonishing truths about their work and lives. He investigates the stories of late, great drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, analyzes many of the greatest drum tracks ever recorded, and introduces us to the world’s fastest and loudest drummers, as well as the first musician to pilot a “flying drum kit” onstage.

Filled with fascinating insights into the trade and little-known details about the greats, Born to Drum elevates drummers and their achievements to their rightful place in music lore and pop culture.

“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum.”—NICK MASON, Pink Floyd

“Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.”—Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

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  1. Print length
    320 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Dey Street Books
  4. Publication date
    February 9, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5.31 x 0.8 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    006230786X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0062307866
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Interesting, entertaining, and insightful. Barrell finally gives drummers their due―it’s more than we’re all a little crazy and just want to make some noise.” — Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers

“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.” — Clem Burke, Blondie

“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum . . . Good advice may be found within.” — Nick Mason, Pink Floyd

“Everyone should read this book―especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.” — Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

From the Back Cover

“An engaging journey into the wild and wonderful world of drumming.”—CLEM BURKE, Blondie

To have a great band you need a great drummer. For the first time, Tony Barrell shines a long-overdue spotlight on these musicians, offering an exciting look into their world, their art, and their personalities. In Born to Drum, he interviews some of the most famous, revered, and influential drummers of our time—including Chad Smith, Ginger Baker, Clem Burke, Sheila E., Phil Collins, Nick Mason, Patty Schemel, Butch Vig, and Omar Hakim—who share astonishing truths about their work and lives. He investigates the stories of late, great drummers such as Keith Moon and John Bonham, analyzes many of the greatest drum tracks ever recorded, and introduces us to the world’s fastest and loudest drummers, as well as the first musician to pilot a “flying drum kit” onstage.

Filled with fascinating insights into the trade and little-known details about the greats, Born to Drum elevates drummers and their achievements to their rightful place in music lore and pop culture.

“As Born to Drum proves, there’s a lot more to be told about drums and drumming than the Rolls-Royce in the swimming pool and the pyro beneath the bass drum.”—NICK MASON, Pink Floyd

“Everyone should read this book—especially if you’re not a drummer. A great insight into a great sport.”—Joey Kramer, Aerosmith

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dey Street Books; Reprint edition (February 9, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 006230786X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062307866
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.8 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 312 ratings

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Tony Barrell

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
312 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Madman
5.0 out of 5 stars Rock Drumming
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
This was a good read and pretty much covered all aspects and genres of the rock drumming, enjoy.

It contained many references that you will want to notate to further enjoy the topic.
One person found this helpful
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Marty M.
4.0 out of 5 stars It was truly amazing to relate to 90% of what Tony had to ...
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2015
Verified Purchase
It was truly amazing to relate to 90% of what Tony had to tell. The other 10% was in a class WAY beyond my drumming life, the famous, the drugs and all of that. This is a very good read for drummers of all ages and continents. After each chapter I would reflect on my drumming world and it just clicked.."Yes I did that" ! Although some of the English drummers were unknown to me..the story is the same...no matter where you are from. My drumming world like most in this story began shortly after 1964 as well and it seemed that Tony was interviewing me as well.
6 people found this helpful
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David
5.0 out of 5 stars Delivered as promised
Reviewed in the United States on March 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
The book arrived in the condition it was listed in. The only suggestion I have would be to box books in very good to new condition, in order to better safeguard the corners.
One person found this helpful
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Sharon Mercer
5.0 out of 5 stars So much interesting info, gonna read it again
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
Even after reading several of the drummers memoirs mentioned in the book Tony Barrel dug up more interesting facts about some the worlds most influential drummers. As a beginning drummer I also pick up lots of ideas on improvement and growth.
3 people found this helpful
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BXC
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2019
Verified Purchase
Of course I'm enjoying it as I'm a drummer but it certainly won't win any writing awards.
3 people found this helpful
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Nonna C
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Received Gift
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book was part of a gift to our grandson, who also received a drum set from his parents for Christmas. He told us he is enjoying the book.
One person found this helpful
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BBmyself
4.0 out of 5 stars A fun and enjoyable read -- especially if you're a drummer
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2017
Verified Purchase
A fun and enjoyable read -- especially if you're a drummer. Yes, we come from all walks of life, but there are some definable characteristics that make drummers a unique and special group. This book combines stories about popular and successful drummers, but also tries to expose what traits might align to steer someone in the pursuit of hitting the skins. In the end, it's a gift.
4 people found this helpful
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N E Cutler
5.0 out of 5 stars good condition; new as advertised
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2019
Verified Purchase
arrived on time and in good condition; all is okay
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Top reviews from other countries

Grassious
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
Its a great book, not just for drummers but for all musicians (No jokes please i.e. how do you tell if the stage is level? The drummer dribbles from both sides of his mouth!)
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De b
5.0 out of 5 stars All you need to know.
Reviewed in France on April 26, 2021
Verified Purchase
Most Drummers would recognize themselves and non drummers will learn many funny details about not 40 but hundred drummers!
Sort of encyclopedia as it is very compleete AND clever.
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Mads Iversen
5.0 out of 5 stars great read for drummers
Reviewed in Spain on December 11, 2018
Verified Purchase
great little funny storys from different drummers,as well as going throu the history of drums.recomended.!
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Ellefrankie
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great - thank you!
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Jim
4.0 out of 5 stars Looking for gift on Drummers
Reviewed in Canada on October 12, 2021
Verified Purchase
Bought as gift - Haven't read it!
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