220 – Todd Sucherman: Conquering Rock, one world tour at a time
It’s hard to categorize Todd Sucherman. Sure, he’s most notably known for being the drummer in Styx, but he’s also a clinician, writer, and educator who has released two DVDs and was named #1 Rock Drummer and #1 Clinician in the Modern Drummer and Drum Magazine Reader’s Polls. The Chicago native grew up under the influence of big band music and the sounds of Chicago (band) leading him to start gigging by the age of 9. Since then he has played with a list of artists, including: Sammy Davis, Jr, Peter Cetera, Brian Culbertson, Spinal Tap, Michael Bolton, The Falling Wallendas, Eric Marienthal, and Brian Wilson (including his 2003 release with Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton and Elton John.) and of course, Styx.
“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.” – Malcolm Forbes (Tweet this)
Todd Sucherman talks about:
- His early years in Chicago
- What it was like growing up in a musical family
- Starting to gig at a young age
- Getting the Styx gig
- The importance of learning the “business” of music
- Stories from the road
- The power of being a professional
- The importance of work ethic
- Having gratitude
- Much more
Resources / Links / People mentioned
- Contact Todd Sucherman: Website | Facebook
- Styx Website
- Chicago II
- Basie plays Hefti
- Phil Collins (Genesis)
- Sonny Payne
Todd Sucherman Plays:
- ProMark Sticks (signature model)
- Pearl Drums
- Sabian Cymbals
- Audix Microphones
- Weston Monitors
- Remo Heads
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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 and DWDrums.com.
Promark Drumsticks: Promark is Is now a sponsor of the podcast once again they were last year and now they are again. They just released the Mike Portnoy and Rich Redmond signature models with active grip. Activegrip Technology adjusts to your body temperature to give you the control you need so no matter how hard you play the active grip is going to help you handle it by getting tackier as it warms up. You can learn more about this great technology and the Mike Portnoy stick at Promark.com