261 - Steve Ferrone: Making a name for himself - Drummer's Resource: Conversations with the world's greatest drummers and music industry pros.
April 17, 2017

261 – Steve Ferrone: Making a name for himself

Steve Ferrone has been the drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers since 1994 after replacing their original drummer, Stan Lynch. While most people recognize him as the drummer for the heartbreakers, few people know about his long resume of other acts, including: Average White Band, Bee Gees, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Rick James, Whitney Houston and many others. Steve’s Journey has been a windy road of discovery and adventure filled with pocket and groove.

If you don’t write your own script, someone else will write it for you. – Chase Jarvis (Tweet this)

Steve Ferrone Talks about:

  • Discovering his real name
  • Getting his first gig
  • His stint in Italy
  • How one gig has always lead to another
  • His approach to groove
  • Why everyone should have the chance to play in a band like the Heartbreakers
  • Playing with Prince
  • Much more

Resources / People / Links mentioned:

Steve Ferrone Plays:

  • Gretsch Drums
  • DW Hardware
  • Promark Drumsticks
  • Sabian Cymbals
  • Remo Heads

Drummer’s Resource Podcast is free thanks to support from:

DW Drums: I’ve been playing DW for years…not only because they make high-quality, handcrafted drums but because they support and foster drumming initiatives all over the wold, much like this podcast. I’m thrilled to announce that DW has signed on to support Drummer’s Reosource for 2016! Be sure to check them out today at DWDrums.com.

Dream Cymbals: Dream Cymbals are a different kind of cymbal company because they keep it simple. Their approach is simple: Make high-quality, handcrafted cymbals and gongs and sell them for a reasonable price. Their new Ignition Series cymbals are hand hammered from cast bronze discs making for professional quality cymbals at entry-level prices. The 3 piece pack includes 14” Hi-Hats, 16” Crash, 20” Ride PLUS a 22” bag to help protect them. Check them out at DreamCymbals.com

Musicians Institute: While not all successful drummers read music, today’s drummer needs every edge he or she can get to surpass the competition. Whether you need to start from the beginning with basic rhythms and notation, need to improve your chart reading and interpretation skills, or want to challenge yourself with sight reading, The Drum Reading courses offered by The Drum Program at Musicians Institute can help you become an expert reading drummer. Learn more at MI.edu

Evans Drumheads: Drummers can’t agree on much, but they do agree on UV1. With its patented UV-cured coating, it lasts longer and holds stronger than traditionally coated heads. UV1’s single-ply of unique 10mil film is more resistant to stretching and denting.  These two features combined make it the first choice for drummers who’ve grown tired of heads that flake, chip, and wear out before their time. Learn more at EvansDrumheads.com