Rock drummers are a unique animal.

I’m not a drummer and don’t relate.

Always hungry for rock music knowledge, at the recommendation of a friend (thanks Bone) I watched the new Netflix documentary “Count Me In” on drummers, and found myself on the outside looking in. Like Bull Durham sharing the real scoop of baseball players, “Count Me In” provides insight to the worlds most famous drummers. 

These guys (and gals) are a breed of their own… they fly as a lone flock. The phrase, dances to a different drummer is very appropriate. Drummers dance to their own tune fur sure. They drive the beat, and get the right to be weird. I now understand my old drummer John Shanley (click here for his interview on the Music People Project) much better now. Godspeed brotha.

Like many aspiring teenage rock and rollers in the 80s, my favorite drummer growing up was The Police’s Stewart Copeland. Copeland’s interviews in this documovie offer great insight. I love his banter about being so excited explaining to his mom what drum techniques they heard on their transistor radio every time a new song came on. Very heartfelt.

As an adult, Matt Abts of Government Mule (see below) became one of my “favorite” drummers. He kicks ass and throws a “heavy” fastball. Underrated. Any man that can keep up with Warren for so many years deserves respect. Stanton Moore of Galactic and Wilco’s Glenn Kotche also stand out for me.

My favorite segment of the film is from Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain describing the greatness of Rolling Stones skinman Charlie Watts.  Nicko explains that Watts was the “first” to regularly skip a beat and use silence to add a funkiness to a song.  Here is a piece I did on Watts when he passed September 2021. RIP Charlie.

The film does a nice job giving each early great rock drummer his due without rolling out the whole ten hour Ken Burns-like tribute… Watts, Ringo Starr, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Ginger Baker all unique and equally important. (Note, I would have included Doors’ John Densmore in the piece.)

Hearing interviews from recently deceased Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins and celebrated Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith talk passionately was cool and timely.  Chad will be filling in for Taylor Hawkins as the weekend one Jazz Fest headlining act. I will be there and let you know how it all goes down.

In the meantime, let the drummers “Count” us in.

Peace and love… keep on keepin’ on!