EXCLUSIVE Sneak Peak of Chad Smith's Drum Kit from the New Red Hot Chili Peppers Record

Chad Smith sent me this exclusive photo of his Pearl kit (with DW kick drum) straight from the L.A. studio where the Red Hot Chili Peppers are recording their next record. You saw it here first!

The Curse Of The Drummer 2009

2009 has been a rough year for a lot of drummers. Stephen Perkins, Chad Smith, Tommy Aldridge, and others have suffered injuries and illnesses on the road forcing shows to be cancelled and dates to be rescheduled. But it's not all bad news; a couple of drummers are reaching out and using their talents and visibility to help others. Here's a quick roundup of drummers in the news:

1) Stephen Perkins down but not out.

2) Chad Smith tears a muscle.

3) Tommy Aldridge breaks collarbone.


4) Foghat's Roger Earl makes a triumphant slow ride back from serious injuries.

5) Dananananaykroyd drummer injured in onstage accident.


6) New Orleans drummer Derrick Tabb gives back to the kids.


7) The Clash's Topper Headon helps the homeless.

Exclusive Pics of Chad Smith's Chickenfoot Drumset

Chad Smith and Chickenfoot (Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani) delivered a mighty sonic smackdown to a packed house at the 500 capacity Middle East club in Cambridge, MA on Tuesday. Chad and the boys are on a short "Road Test" tour hitting a handful of small clubs to promote their eponymous debut album to be released on June 5th. The 'Foot played a scorching two hour set featuring songs from the new record, as well as the Hagar-penned Montrose classic "Bad Motor Scooter" before closing with Deep Purple's "Highway Star".


Chad invited me to soundcheck to see his new Pearl Masterworks Series kit with a stunning custom paint job by Nub of Orange County Choppers fame. The drums (w/ a 14x5.5" Sensitone Elite SD) looked and sounded fantastic and I was again reminded of just what a great drummer Chad is while the band jammed on songs by Hendrix, Zeppelin, and Neil Young. Chad says the Chili Peppers are reconvening in October to work on new material after taking a well deserved break following extensive touring in support of Stadium Arcadium. Wished you guys could've been there so I took these pics and a video to give you an exclusive close-up look at the drums and the band. Don't say I never do anything for you. Enjoy...