Drum Talk - Analysis of the Drum Kits Used By Danny Seraphine of Chicago with Tate Berkey

This episode is a labor of love. Danny Seraphine was my main drumming influence from age 15 - 22. For me this type of discussion happens about other drummers like John Bonham and Steve Gadd. I think this may be the first time anyone did a video about Danny’s drum kits.
Now the best part of this show is my discussion with Tate Berkey. It is interesting to meet a young person with this level of enthusiasm toward the music of Chicago.
We hope you enjoy this discussion of Danny’s drum kits.
Please check me out on Instagram @earldrum
Please check out my series on how to make a drum cover in this playlist • How I Make A Drum Cove...
PLease check out Tate Berkey at / @tate_berkey
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
No Copyright Infringement Intended. All copyrighted material remains the property of the respective copyright owner(s).

[@adrianlyord5300]

How could the “ guys” in Chicago talk about his drumming skills when he was the creator of the “ sound of the band “, and he’s a founding member too?! Much respect 🫡 ✊🏾 to Danny and thanks for sharing this video!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Adrian! I couldn’t agree more! The Chicago drama was stupid! Danny was the drum sound of the band! Thanks for watching my friend!

[@chgdeep]

Edgard Varèse, original name Edgar Varèse, (born Dec. 22, 1883, Paris, France-died Nov. 8, 1965, New York, N.Y., U.S.), French-born American composer and innovator in 20th-century techniques of sound production. Varèse spent his boyhood in Paris, Burgundy, and Turin, Italy.

[@Drumguy48]

Danny’s white Slingerland concert tom kit is my favourite of all Danny’s kits. I saw him playing it at Maple Leaf Gardens. Terry Kath was still alive at this concert. Still one of the best concerts I have ever seen.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching my friend! I saw him play that last tour with Terry too! Thanks for the feedback!

[@Drumguy48]

I asked Danny what happened to all his Slingerland kits at a drum clinic. He told me gave them all away.

[@SalMichael]

@@earldrum Wow , you saw Terry ,jeez. Yeh I met him here when he came with California transit. There were maybe 20 people there I got to talk w him , my fave is prob the Rogers white pearl kit . I never got into much past the first 7 records. Which later ones can you recommend?

[@earldrum]

@@SalMichael Chicago VIII, X, XI are all great albums … even hot streets, 13, XIV … from 16 on it gets more 80s ballad band in my book. But Danny is there until Twenty.

[@MichaelKPerry]

It’s an amazing thing when people examine all aspects of a persons drum set and life...I’ve never had the interest in venturing that deeply into the weeds but it’s cool for those that like to do that...maybe someday a person might examine your drums and life...you never know lol

[@earldrum]

Maybe? Lol this is my true fan of DANNY and his influence on my playing coming out! Thanks for watching Michael!

[@SONORSQ2guy]

Great video thanks for sharing 👍 I like Danny’s white Slingerland kit!

[@earldrum]

Greg that was the kit he played when I saw him in 1977! 🤘🏻👍🏻✌🏻

[@mikemaegly2521]

So, I have now watched the long version and the short version. HUGE Danny fan. Loved this!

[@earldrum]

Mike thanks for watching both! I felt the short version was needed to make it more of what we wanted. A lasting representation of Danny’s kits. We hope other DANNY fans will watch and add their knowledge of his playing a d drum kits! I appreciate your feedback! 🥁👍🏻🤘🏻🙏🏻

[@luytondriman6236]

Very comprehensive, well researched guys.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback and watching! 👍🏻🙏🏻🥁🤘🏻

[@adrianlyord5300]

Buddy Rich said that he was one of those drummers that “ He “ would listen to because all the others sounded so much alike!!!! The proof is in the pudding!!! 😊

[@earldrum]

Agree again! Danny was a favorite rock drummer of Buddy Rich! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🙏🏻😎🤘🏻🥁

[@TonySerioDrums]

Very interesting topic!! Danny was s big influence on me too!!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching and your feedback Tony! He was one of the greats of the 70s! It’s hard to grow up during that period and not be influenced a little bit! Thanks! 👍🏻😎🙏🏻

[@DiegoRamirez-zc7fs]

Great discussion! Very informative.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Diego! Thanks for watching!

[@DrummerKeithScott]

You made a drum geeks dreams come true with this show. Great episode!

[@earldrum]

Thanks Keith! It was my ultimate geek show for sure! 😎👍🏻

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Earl, yesterday I pulled out an older Chicago cd of hits and tried to play along. That wasn’t a pretty affair. I had quite a few things going against me, number one being I am not that good, followed by not really knowing the songs that well, and as a topper, just listening to Danny play blew me away. Not wanting to just take it out and put it back on file I remembered that you did a bunch of Chicago covers, so I went to you page, found the Chicago playlist, and studied you. Hearing the drums pales to actually seeing what is going on. To use an over used phrase…wash, rinse, repeat. Again you are here for me, and I am so very grateful for that.

[@earldrum]

Greg, I’m glad I can inspire drummers to learn and grow … and enjoy all kinds of music! Thanks for your support my friend!

[@amystewart985]

His coolest kit was the Chicago 18 tour kit by Yamaha! Double bass acoustic and double bass electric kit!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Amy! That was a great kit! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊👍🏻🤘🏻

[@guscast1]

I asked Danny through facebook what set he used on the second album,and he simply answered "The White Marine Rogers"

[@earldrum]

You know Gus … it was recorded before his endorsement with Slingerland, so that makes sense to me!

[@ChuckThomas]

This is great -I was just wonderin' what kit he used in the late '60's---As I listened to first album back in '69 I was wondering back then too but we didn't have access to internet search back then! hah

[@earldrum]

I love Danny’s drum kits of the 60s, 70s and early 80s! Thanks for watching Chuck!

[@fredjeannieschultz1251]

Earl, that's a fun video. I'm also a drummer, and have been a Danny Seraphine fan since the early seventies. I was lucky enough to see him with the original line-up about 8-10 times between 1974 and 1978, and you're right, 3 hour concerts without an opening act. In reference to his black Slingerland kit with the 10" concert tom, if you look back through those old Slingerland catalogues from the 70's, the smallest diameter double headed tom produced was a 12". I would assume that he wanted the 10" tom, and that the concert tom was his only option. What I find amazing looking at these old pictures is how much better the hardware is these days. Man, that old stuff was light duty. As far as his sets go, even to this day my favorite is the white set with the 6" to 16" concert toms. I love all of the different tones. It's funny, over the years I've owned 3 different Slingerland kits, primarily because of Danny and Buddy. Thanks for the video.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Fred or Jeannie! That is so cool you got to see them that many times! I love the concert tom kit too! But I’m still looking for a 10x10 concert tom to match that setup! Thanks for watching!

[@tmaddrummer]

Fellas this was a treat! Peace and Blessings!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching my friend!

[@SalMichael]

Thanks for this Earl. Danny will always be my fave.I met him here in Philly. As far as Gretsch, the hardware has been amazing since the late 70s. (And crazy heavy) I really dig the channel good work.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Sal!

[@bentol86]

I like these new platform of your show.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Ben! 😁👍🏻

[@brianchisnell1548]

Wow. This was fun! Ahh the 70s. Started the drums in' 69. Lessons in 70. Concert toms were everywhere. Danny's playing spoke to me. It was rudimental style jazz/rock. Loved it. My second kit was a Slingerland Jupiter. 9 pc all CT except 18 floor and 22 bass drum. I believe single headed drums will come back! Hal Blaine on the Carpenters albums with those fiberglass monster concert toms is incredible. Cheers!

[@earldrum]

Thanks for the feedback Brian! I love Danny’s playing! He’s a huge inspiration to me!

[@brianchisnell1548]

@@earldrum Make me smile!!! The fills!! Big influence on me too!

[@toddmorrissey8372]

Good stuff! I've never been much of a fan of Danny -or Chicago for that matter- but found this super-interesting. I always appreciate geeking out over a player's history with gear. Well done.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching Todd! Geeking out is fun somedays!

[@glenduke7811]

Yep cliques and backing tracks nowadays. Not my cup of tea either. Great vid thx!

[@justdrums4459]

Great video! 👍

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching my friend! 😎

[@salthedrummer1]

31:43 looks like Ludwig kit with Rogers hardware...spurs and swivomatic tom mounts...

[@earldrum]

Hi Sal, I’m not sure what you are referencing… but I’ll check it out if you figure it out!

[@johndorohovich3367]

hi Earl, I really enjoyed the video it was great thank you 😉😸👍🥁

[@earldrum]

John thank you for the feedback my friend!

[@ARDrummer]

Awesome info! Very nicely done Earl!

[@earldrum]

Thanks Adam! 🤘🏻👍🏻🙏🏻😎

[@MrJsfingers]

This is incredible. I’m a keyboardist and I’d love to know what keyboards/synths were used on Chicago’s 16-19. My bet is 16 and 17 Rhodes, Roland Jupiter, Oberheim, Yamaha CS80, Dx7 and Prophets and 19 had to be D-50.

[@earldrum]

Probably all you mentioned … but did Robert Lamm play any of them on the record? That’s the question!

[@MrJsfingers]

@@earldrum Chicago 16, no. Chicago 17…possible. Knowing Foster, probably not. Very meticulous

[@c.i.dangelo4515]

Perhaps coverage of his toupee styles over the years? Just kidding, man. I've been sub'd to your channel for quite awhile now.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching C.I.! Danny’s hair styles … that’s an interesting angle 😂😎👍🏻🤘🏻

[@jessicagreene1773]

Do you know what ride cymbal Danny was playing at that Tanglewood Concert? That thing is sweet!

[@earldrum]

I believe it was an A Zildjian 20” Medium Ride ... it seemed to be his ride of choice for years in the Zildjian catalog.

[@jessicagreene1773]

@@earldrum Thank you Earl!

[@filppocadeddu]

Likeee 3 for you my friend 🙌😎

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching my friend! 👍🏻

[@karensaldanha4760]

I attended a very intimate concert of Chicago Transit Authority after Covid, so this is from Danny's own mouth about his firing. I will try to recall as accurately as possible. He said he has to take a lot of the blame and has come to terms with that. He not only paid too much attention to the business, he also skipped a lot of rehearsals and messed up a lot of live stuff enough that it was throwing the band off; so much so, David Foster put him on click track live (he sounded pretty bitter about that) and replaced him entirely with a session drummer (although still credited him) on one whole album. Sorry to say, I don't remember which album. It was either 16 or 17. I know Robert Lamm (although credited) was absent on most of 16 due to rehab. Danny was upset with the persons he brought in the band wanted him out the most (David Foster, and Jason Scheff). Jason and Bill Champlin have apologized for voting him out and now they play together sometimes. Yes, it was a crappy documentary, but the Danny thing seems complicated. Anyhow, he played his ass off that night.

[@earldrum]

Karen, thanks for your perspective. Life is complicated, being in a band is complicated, being in Chicago has been complicated for many. I’m glad Danny came out in 2006 and started living again as a musician because he brought life to me as a kid playing drums, and he it’s apparent he got a raw deal from this “band of brothers.” Danny made peace with Jason and Bill … it’s unfortunate that the other remaining members never really made their peace publicly. But it is what is now. Chicago is a corporate entity now so my passion for the band is pretty low, but it was great to see Danny at the RRHOF play one more time. I’m glad I saw the band in 1977 with Terry Kath and Danny’s huge white Slingerland kit at MSG in NYC! I did experience the magic of that Band of Brothers once!

[@karensaldanha4760]

I saw Danny about 13 times with Chicago and that one time with California Transit Authority.

[@earldrum]

@@karensaldanha4760 I saw Chicago the many times after Terry died and even once with Tris. But I never saw the new CTA live. I’ve met Danny at a drum clinic and he is a wonderful human being! Danny was my main drumming influence as a teenager and he continues to be one of the greatest drummer innovators of my generation. Chicago would not have been what they are today without Danny Seraphine. No other drummer could play those hit songs like Danny. But music changes and Chicago was about staying relevant. Unfortunately, after they fired Danny they never had another hit record (except 25 the Christmas album). But they kept on playing concerts. Eventually the second band of brothers left one by one. I don’t think the Chicago management treat Bill Champlin properly either, but that’s his story to tell. Anyhow … thanks for watching!

[@bryandrums32]

Watched the entire video!!!!! Great stuff Earl

[@earldrum]

Thanks Bryan!

[@earldrum]

It’s a labor of love ... talking about DANNY!

[@bryandrums32]

@@earldrum ❤️❤️❤️🙌🙌🙌🤘🤘🤘💯💯💯

[@metzilla]

That was super geeky cool! LOL. What 'documentary' on Chicago are you referring to?

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching our geeky show. There are a few Chicago documentaries. One was done in 2018 by CNN ... Tate mentions that one. Then there is the late 90s Vh1 Behind the Music, and the 1992 ABC In Concert with Chicago which I referenced that day as well and the CBS broadcast “Chicago in the Rockies” ... there is some Caribou Ranch recording footage from that one in the video.

[@michaelconti2498]

Does anyone know if Danny played double bass drums at Carnegie Hall in 71'?

[@earldrum]

Michael, from the photos of tours DANNY didn’t start playing double bass drums until around the time of Chicago 13, possibly during the end of the Hot Streets tour .. in 1978-79.

[@michaelconti2498]

@@earldrum Thanks !

[@mrtyreus0]

I appreciate his early contributions, but Pankow turned out to be the ass that turned Chicago into what we suffer with now.

[@earldrum]

Agree the entire horn section had a part in the Chicago since the 1990s! It’s never been Chicago since DANNY left to me!

[@drumbelly]

The Rogers bass drum can only be a 22” or larger diameter as there were 10 lugs present and not 8 that Rogers used on all of their 20” bass drums. Interesting there is barely the mention of the Rogers wooden Dynasonic snare drum that he definitely used on the first album and perhaps on some of Chicago 2. At 10:46 that is a white Rogers set and NOT a Leedy set! Facts.

[@earldrum]

Drum belly, you could be right … but many other company drum kits were outfitted with Rogers hardware during that time period. Rogers hardware was the standard, but good eye you are probably correct. Tate and I were just riffing through our limited knowledge of our favorite drummer’s kits! Thanks for watching!

[@drumbelly]

@@earldrum It’s all good brother. More people should talk about Danny and his legacy and I surely appreciate it. I think I saw the white Rogers in a magazine and it was maybe a back line set from a concert in Toronto in the early 70s. I’m an old head (62) so I did see Danny in Philly on the Chicago 7 tour (black Slingerland) and the Chicago 11 tour (white concert tom Slingerland). The 11 tour was in ‘77 and sadly the last one with Terry Kath. Cheers! Scott

[@earldrum]

@@drumbelly thanks for the feedback Scott! Danny has been a huge influence! 🙏🏻😎

[@drumbelly]

@@earldrum I did get to meet Danny when he first started his new band CTA. He had just done the Modern Drummer Festival and played the North Star in Philly right afterwards. There were maybe 45 people in attendance so he hung out with us a bit after the show. I asked him why he went to Slingerland from Rogers and he just said “Easy, Rogers wouldn’t give me an endorsement and Slingerland would”. I told him I loved his Rogers sound on the first Chicago record, he just nodded and smiled. He had a double bass DW set with 2 18” bass drums and Remo Fiberskyn tom batters. Cheers! Scott

[@earldrum]

@@drumbelly Scott I met Danny in 2011 at a drum clinic at Sam Ash in Miami! Beautiful man! He signed his book, took a photo with me and signed a 16” A Zildjian medium thin crash that I won for identifying the drum break to Make Me Smile!

[@mrtyreus0]

It's likely you know more about the history of Danny's kits more than Danny himself. It's almost like he really influenced the 70s push towards concert toms. I wonder if Phil Collins was inspired by Danny. I feel like they'd have a mutual respect for one another.

[@earldrum]

One of the things I have found out about old famous drummers is that most of them don’t know their drum gear as well as us fans! We fans obsess over which cymbal or snare they used, but most of them don’t! Thanks for watching!

[@krusher74]

I wish americans would just move to the logical way of saying the head size of the drum first, its just backward to be saying the depth of the drum first.

[@earldrum]

Thanks for watching! Sorry my friend feel the same way but in reverse about European drum sizes. So I feel your pain. 🙏🏻🥁👍🏻

[@dmmurray9422]

Get a life?

[@earldrum]

🤔Thanks for watching! 😎👍🏻