Interview With A Drummer: Mickey Curry (Bryan Adams)

On Tuesday 5th March 2019, 'Bryan Adams' played at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff and we had the opportunity to go along to soundcheck, hang out and catch up with drumming legend Mickey Curry.
You can find out more about 'Mickey' here: www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Curry
Huge THANK YOU to Tony C., Jason A., and Gavin T. at Yamaha Drums (UK).
Interviewer: Brett Sawmy
Video Edit: Sam Picton.

[@martinel2450]

Mickey is one of my all time favorites.

[@pbaker7160]

Mickey's playing is deep pocketed...that's why he's played on so many studio sessions.

[@christianjensen5523]

This was fantastic. Mickey has been a huge influence on me since high school (along with Matt Frenette and Chris Layton to name a couple), particularly in his hi-hat sensitivity and the way he dances on them like Fred Astaire. Again, thank you for this.

[@stewieuk1276]

“Play the song!” No truer words spoken by a pro!

[@greghiggins9635]

I went to High School with Micky Cury in Guilford Ct. On the last day of HS we had an exam about logic and statistic's. The problem was the Soccer Coach was Was the Teacher. Micky and I both Declined to take the final test because most of the time was the Coach Teaching Soccer Plays. When He asked Micky why He wouldn't take the test. Micky said I'm gong to be a Drummer. The Coach said "About 1 in a Million Chance on That" and now "LOOK WHAT HAPPENED" HE DID IT !!

[@DrumDepot]

Ha ha ha ha... Love this!!!

[@CplCheeto]

I'm not sure if it's true or not but my mother says she's mickey's cousin. Diana L. Kent. lived in Gifford CT. until she moved to Florida in the early to mid 80's. Some of the Halls are her family too.

[@greghiggins9635]

He Had About 6 Other Brothers

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

What a lovely guy, and such an underrated drummer, seen this man with BA 23 times, That live Snare sound is simply stunning. What a fantastic career this man has and continues to have, Gentleman of the highest

[@DrumDepot]

martymcguinness Totally agree. An absolute gent. Thank you for commenting 😊

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

@@DrumDepot you're very welcome, you did such a great interview with him, loved the dynamic throughout and a great insight into his career as not many videos about on MC at all and especially none on him that have this level of info in a short space of time, awesome job bro ✌

[@DrumDepot]

@@theTruthLifeNWay Absolutely love this. Thank you very much :-) Tried not to get all 'fan boy' but when one of your drumming hero's is sat next to ya, what do ya do, lol. Thanks dude....

[@louiscarrillo5873]

Mickey has been a HUGE influence what a great person too!!!!!!!

[@DrumDepot]

Louis Carrillo Agreed 😊

[@4chords184]

In another interview Mickey says he is waiting to hear from Bryan, when to go the next tour. In an interview with Keith Scott, he says Mickey didn't want to go out again, so that is why Pat Stewart (tour drummer (and occasional studio drummer in 83-84 for Adams) from in 1984-1985) is playing live with them again.

[@NCSavageDrummer2112]

Grew up 3 houses away from Mickey's parents. Quickly became a family friend. Awesome to see this!

[@DrumDepot]

Gordie Howe That’s awesome. Thank you for watching 😊

[@bstringscom]

phenomenal guy. So down to earth! I personally feel he's underrated. God Bless you Mickey. Hope you grow even more and do more interviews like these. :)

[@DrumDepot]

Thank you for the positive comment 😊🤘👊❤️

[@blackman9707]

Thank you Mickey for your Fantastic job in Music world!! Mickey is Very Very Great drumer!

[@ReneShades]

Mickey is the man. Not only a good friend but the greatest drummer and nicest man. great you did this interview with him

[@DrumDepot]

Rene Shades Thank you. We had a blast and Mickey really looked after us 🤘

[@ReneShades]

@@DrumDepot worked with Mick and im happy to see him getting some exposure. the most talented and humble man. great work ... best Rene

[@DrumDepot]

Rene Shades Amazing 😊 And we agree, such a humble gentleman.

[@terryarnett442]

Mickey Curry is the real deal! So underrated! I've taken a lot from him for my playing. God bless him! Thanks Brett for doing this!

[@DrumDepot]

Terry Arnett Thank you dude. He’s such a legend 😊

[@Mr01Parrot]

Great stuff Drum Depot. A fantastic drummer and one of the nicest guys in the industry.

[@DrumDepot]

Green Parrot 😊😊😊😊😊

[@whitecloud_94]

I just found out last week that he played drums on Fire woman by the Cult. That's my all time favorite drum beat, I use it all the time. I always thought it was Matt Sorum but it was Mickey.

[@pbaker7160]

He played on the entire Sonic Temple album. The drumming is great on that record.

[@sebastianorlando7275]

este baterista (sobre todo en el video de pleas forgive me) influyó en mi manera de tocar la batería....

[@GarrettMillerauthor]

Very well done, great interview. So refreshing to hear pros who are not full of themselves. Growing up in his small town it was always part of the tour to show my friends, "You see that house......" My favorite line was when he praised his wife and his marriage, a rare jewel in today's entertainment world. I like this guy even more. Thanks for sharing this.

[@DrumDepot]

Garrett Miller Thank you for watching. So glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@aprilschnoor7466]

So cool🙂🌷🌷🌷💓💓💓💓💓

[@rollacoastaride1937]

what an ace dude, seen Bryan Adams live twice, and they were both superb nights, the thing about Bryan Adams is they are a band, no musos, the real essence of a band perfectly demonstrated, great songs, great vibe, can't ask for more.

[@DrumDepot]

Rolla Coasta Ride Thanks for the comments 😊😊

[@aprilschnoor7466]

I probably shouldn’t say this I had a dream about Bryan Adams And the drummer was in my dream too I was allready missing them before they left I felt like don’t go💓💖💖💕⭐️⭐️💖💕🌻🌻

[@clouseau72]

He also played on Andy Taylor 's 'Thunder' didn't he?

[@ronniek7748]

What a great guy and totally soulful drummer.

[@MaachoMaan]

I love seeing so much support for Mickey! His playing is so "in-the-pocket!" ...my favorite player, and the nicest, most humble dude! MICKEY CURRY FANS, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN HIM PLAYING WITH HALL & OATES AT THE LIBERTY CONCERT BACK IN '85, CHECK IT OUT! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIO3hXiJaaeNZpY

[@wrhilinger39]

Great drummer. You dont get the Hall and Oates gig in the 80"s accidentally. He is playing on Fire woman by The Cult also.

[@flaneko869]

You are awesome!! The best drummer in the world!! I am so glad you are playing with Bryan for long time!!

[@ia5662]

love this interview, as a guitar player, I still very much appreciate drummers and I've loved so many Bryan Adams tracks. Mickey is a killer player - I love his performances especially in the Slane Castle DVD, but I had one gripe: on "Run To You" live at Slane there seems to be like a delay effect and/or major ghost notes that just really clutter the sound and take away the beauty of that lightning crack of the snare. I was always curious if that was a mixing issue or if Mickey was trying to fill sound since there was only 3 of them on stage (bravely!)? It just stands out so much because it sounds nothing like the recording and the playing on the other songs is masterful as always.

[@DrumDepot]

Thank you 👊

[@theticket8035]

Great interview with a great drummer. Still the same down to earth, nice guy he has always been.

[@DrumDepot]

The Ticket Thank you for watching 😊

[@jimmypaxson3980]

One of the most important drummers of all time. Total mf’r. My idol.

[@DrumDepot]

True story, awesome guy too :-)

[@flyingfarkster]

I went to high school with him, same class and roadied for the "Scratch Band" a few times with my van. Good old time rock and roll and lots of fun.

[@mkbearman]

Would love to see G.E.,Christine, and Micky to play together again ! Have 2 copies of the album that they made way back .

[@DrumDepot]

What an awesome story :-)

[@johnfearon6115]

Love Micky's drumming so much feel n groove always go to see him with Bryan Adams but loved his playing with Hall n Oates especially the album " live at the Apollo"

[@DrumDepot]

Agreed 🤘 Huge huge fans here 👊

[@RogerBergqvist]

I have met Swedish drummer Per Lindvall (A-ha, Abba and plenty more) also a down to earth person. Mickey seems to be a great dude and a really good drummer.

[@jasonfella265]

He's so awesome. Absolutely love him

[@DrumDepot]

We agree :-)

[@erick5150tube]

Great interview!! Awesome! I totally learned to play drums to his palying! Love the songs!!

[@DrumDepot]

Thank you :-)

[@gordonwoodbatteur]

Thank you very much for sharing this interview! Never met him in person but I am sure he is a true gentleman! I saw him playing live with Bryan Adams and Reckless is my favorite album of all time! Cheers!

[@DrumDepot]

Thank you for watching :-)

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

Wait...you interviewed THE Mickey Curry? He's so underrated and really good! He's one of the reasons why I got into drumming.

[@DrumDepot]

Ha ha. Indeed we did and YES, he's awesome and a seriously cool guy :-)

[@vinniebargas]

Thank you Mickey ! great interview

[@DrumDepot]

Vinnie Bargas Thank YOU for watching 😊

[@danieljakubovic2294]

Hey man I remember being at your store about 8 years ago. Cool that you interviews that legend !

[@DrumDepot]

Daniel!! 🙌 We remember. You were trying out double pedals. On tour with a Green Day theatre production. Amazing!! Hope you’re well dude 👊

[@orthodrummer7945]

What a great interview, the best👌 He’s my number one influence in how I shaped the way I play and I stole heaps of his lucks from him as I learned and developed. After 40 years of playing the drums he’s still the best backbeat player I’ve heard ...full stop. 😎✌️

[@DrumDepot]

THANK YOU. It was an awesome night and Mickey really took good care of us, amazing guy 😊

[@carlosconesa]

One of my heroes!

[@DrumDepot]

And ours :-)

[@mcmac1272]

One of my favorite drummers!! 🤘

[@DrumDepot]

Agreed :-)

[@nicolep8598]

Thanks ! 👍🍃

[@MyTony40]

An amazing interview and an amazing drummer .

[@DrumDepot]

MyTony40 Thank you 🙏

[@nano1970]

Great interview!!

[@DrumDepot]

Thank you :-)

[@905Alive]

This misses a lot of info, edited I guess, I grew up with Mickey, not sure about the first kit thing, I bought his first and 3rd kit from him, the first was a Ringo knock off more of a green/blue and I sold it to a kid in Clinton Ct, Mickey and I grew up down the street in Guilford. Mickey was always a good solid drummer, my memories in school are a GFRR Into the Sun and JB Doctor My Eyes by that band that were amazing. It was about when he got out of HS that Mickey landed a gig with the Scratch Band, that was run out of Trod Nossel studios in North Haven Ct and run by Doc Cavalier, the band featured is wife Christine Ohlman on vocals, GE Smith on guitar and Paul Ossola bass and Robert Orsi guitar, v, harmonica. Some of those names should be familiar, this band rose out of Ct thanks to GE Smith. My recollection is that GE started getting quite a bit of major studio work in NY and he left first, then he remembered his bandmates and started getting them some work, Mickey I believe was first and that's how he got the studio work in NY and H&O, once the H&O was out others wanted that solid Bonham thing Mickey does. Later GE landed the SNL band leader gig and married Gilda Radner, he tapped Christine to be the SNL band vocalist which she still does, sadly you never see her. Google Scratch Band Ct, and Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez to learn and hear more from them. Mickey's 3rd kit he used in Scratch I bought from him when he moved to NY @80, it is a chrome fibes kit like the one Buddy Rich had made during the transition of fibes to CF Martin, I just restored it, nothing sounds like it, one of the best drums ever made as far as THUD goes.

[@ciaradonnelly4627]

Great player

[@DrumDepot]

Ciara Donnelly We agree ❤️

[@TMoody]

Maybe the most solid drummer in the world.

[@DrumDepot]

He’s awesome 👏

[@meravwilk5199]

He is funny.. 😃😃😃

[@pal4597]

Very early Christmas present!

[@DrumDepot]

Jo J 😊😊😊😊

[@pal4597]

How did you get that interview! Great Job man!

[@DrumDepot]

Ha ha, Thank you :-)

[@pal4597]

I'm boycotting Bryan Adams until he gets Mickey back. Lol I won't go see Bryan anymore. No disrespect to Pat Steward who is playing with Bryan now. (Pat played on several tunes on the Reckless album) Pat is solid, but Mickey's playing is special. I can't find any new information regarding Mickey in the last 1 1/2 to 2 years. Check out Mick's playing on these records... Tom Cochrane - Mad Mad World. Life is a Highway was the hit song. Awesome sounding record. Honeymoon Suite - The Big Prize (Bob Rock engineered this album before Bob became a famous producer. Colin James - Bad Habits Stripped down production, and can really hear Mickey groove hard with Hutch Hutchinson (bass) from Bonnie Raitt's band. These are a few lesser known albums Mickey has played on. One thing is consistent on his recordings, the drum sounds are awesome, and high in the mix. Really hope we see Mickey out again very soon. He needs to be heard, studio and live. Thanks for this interview! 😊

[@DrumDepot]

@pal4597 Thank you. We love Mickey. We spent ssssooo much time with him. An absolute gent. Such an amazing guy 🙏