Shannon Larkin - Godsmack - Tour Kit Rundown

Shannon Larkin, the powerhouse drummer for Godsmack, gives us an in-depth tour of his custom Yamaha Acrylic drums that were made specifically for the Lighting up the Sky" Tour. Shannon shares his journey with Godsmack, revealing some stories about his time with the band and friendship with frontman Sully Erna. Watch as Shannon and Sully take the stage for an electrifying drum solo.
Shannon was on the cover of Modern Drummer's August 2023 issue. Check it out at www.moderndrummer.com/article...
Purchase the printed version here:
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Produced by: Jason Mehler & Felipe Laverde
Photo: Alex Kluft
Modern Drummer is the world's #1 publication on drums and drumming. Loud and proud - and representing all styles and skill levels - since 1977. Subscribe to our digital monthly magazine at: Https://www.moderndrummer.com/subscribe
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[@MauricioMagaldi]

The passion with which Shannon talks about drumming and drums is infectious

[@wesblanford3024]

Shannon is so damn crisp, fluid, and precise and you can tell he just loves playing and has a blast out there.

[@drumkat7]

Super nice to see a rig rundown where the drummer actually hits the gear they hype for the entire video so that we can enjoy the sounds too!

[@VileSinner666]

Shannon is a MONSTER on the drum. Bro uses two single pedals, love that. 🤘🏻

[@rad7595]

Shannon wins coolest drummer of the year award.

[@marksalsbery9826]

Love listening to Shannon talk drums! The youthful excitement just makes me smile. Drummers can talk for hours about anything drums, love it!

[@fdapro1975]

Watching Shannon live is like watching Animal from the muppets. His arms and crossovers are insane. Legendary!

[@Cassie_Banaszek]

Had the privilege of meeting Shannon during The Vibez tour. Can confirm - he is the most chill, mellow, and soft spoken dude when he's offstage. Let's also agree that he doesn't just play, he FEELS. It's so evident when you watch him in action.

[@TheHammersmashdave]

Shannon has always been the absolute best thing about Godsmack. Great drummer, and seems like a chill down to earth dude.

[@davidhuckstep9703]

This is one of the best videos I think I have ever seen

[@revsharp777]

Been a fan of Shannon since Wrathchild America. Phenomenal drummer.

[@BobbyButterfield]

This man is passionate about his craft. I love the way he speaks about his drums.

[@patrosas6092]

Best rig run down ever! Thank you Shannon !

[@dandillon3517]

What a fabulous Interview!!! Not knowing too much about Shannon, within 38 minutes of this video, I've become a huge fan. Not only of his drumming but him as a person.. I really appreciate all the stories and his perspective on his gear. It's awesome to hear Pro's that are gear guys just like us! Shannon is truly a Rockstar!!! Thank you!!

[@j.a.6866]

The thing that makes GS so good, is that it’s basically a drummer’s band. Two drummers OWN this band.

[@Daniel-me2vu]

Especially the early days

[@courtbeall7768]

I'm a lifelong drummer from Wheeling,WV and I always thought I heard some WV in your speech.Not Hillbilly just our region.Proud of you dude.I loved this interview.

[@zigwil153]

I also live in Wheeling... been playing off and on for forty years... small world

[@sonicmayhym]

my all time favorite drummer..coolest dude ever..got to meet him when godsmack came to anchorage.and actualy the whole dam band are the coolest dudes..cant say enough about him..he is legend!!!

[@buickcityfilms]

I’m 40 this year and Shannon has inspired me since I was a kid.. he’s one of the best playing today (Tommy Aldridge and Shannon are my favorites)

[@jasonstarnes3838]

Shannon is the man. Love to see him learn a song on drumeo to see his take on something new.

[@caseyznamenacek6444]

I know! I’m shocked he hasn’t!

[@donniedollarhidejr.2766]

This guy is pure groove

[@robingordon6354]

Shannon needs his own channel. Could listen to him for days.

[@millerbeer01]

He's severely underrepresented in KZbin.

[@kylevonruden9555]

Haven't been a big Godsmack fan their last few albums but Shannon will always be a favorite.

[@OblivionAviator]

This is a terrrrrific interview/rundown. Thank you, MD!! Shannon is a beast drummer & one of the very best live performers you'll ever witness. SO much fun to watch & his playing is just unbelievable. Him & Sully together are the best drum duo that has ever been ...without one doubt.

[@akwz2448]

Fun fact: Shannon plays on the Stone Sour track “30/30-150” go back and check it out if you haven’t !

[@cfyves]

Been a fan of Shannon's playing since the Wrathchild America days! Love listening to him talk and play

[@jcdrums2798]

love drummers talking gear!...awesome drummer duet at last👍👍👍

[@blakegowan6623]

Phenomenal player.....and a natural in front of a camera.

[@thefilthygringo9228]

AWESOME! Shannon is an incredible drummer and a super cool dude. I love how passionate he is when talking about his kit. I’m a guitarist and this was so inspiring! I watched it twice!

[@doublea7054]

I really appreciated this tour kit rundown!

[@groovethump5319]

Shannon, Abe from Deftones and, Jimmy from Smashing Pumpkins all blow my mind. When I poorly attempt to play, those are the guys I wish I could create like.

[@thomassmith1584]

Thank you very much for sharing, Shannon. Been a fan for have to say, over 20 years. Your drum stick is still hanging on the wall in my room. Great detail and rundown. Appreciate it.

[@af7119]

This guy is a very good story teller.

[@jimmyroberts2051]

Love this!! Shannon really needs a channel!

[@theburningred01]

This was great.. Shannon is awesome ...hands down, one of the best live bands 💪🏻

[@Gasperracing]

He is the best underrated drummer of all time. Fucking legend.

[@YearleyDrummer93]

Because he has whack Technique

[@STEVYN_W-A-Y]

Amazing Job! Your kit sounds great I mean for real Grreat!! I can't stop looking at all the awesome decorations that is like my dream room you have totally sweet as hell!!! Oh love that AA Rug under the kit as well

[@castorandpolluxmusic]

grew up on the wrathchild records, shout outs shannon!

[@BigBlackTruckDave]

'Sous At Zero' album was my first hearing of Shannon back in the 90's. BLEW ME AWAY!! Tastey drumming like no one I had ever heard. Unique style and the timing changes and whoa, GO LISTEN to that Great Album. Just insane playing.

[@crosswalklarry]

Remember Souls At Zero. They changed their sound to fit in with the heavier scene. They had two albums and a EP.

[@BigBlackTruckDave]

@@crosswalklarry He only played on the first SAZ I believe.

[@Madman6505]

Wrathchild was my intro to Shannon. Climbin the Walls is still one of my favorite albums.

[@BigBlackTruckDave]

@@Madman6505 I gotta dig back further.

[@scottbyler2649]

You’re a living legend Shannon! Thanks for sharing your “JOY” and passion with all of us.

[@TheKranog]

Shannon is such a legend. Been a fan since he joined UKJ.

[@FreshCutFrenchFries]

One my favorite drummers! Just cool dude and super creative percussionist! Great rundown! Yeah acrylics are amazing these days! Whej tuned they have sucj a wide open free sound!

[@oldcarguy9827]

Shannon is one of the greatest drummers of all time. I was happier than a pig in chit to get to see them at Rock on the Range (now called Sonic Temple) years ago. By far my most favorite “solo” EVER.

[@thatswhatusdovesdo]

Definitely part of my fantasy band !

[@rickylee4228]

I turned a friend on to Godsmack. I’m a drummer, he’s a guitarist. He was amazed at Shannon Larkin’s playing. I forget what song we we watching, but Shannon ended the song by hitting a crash with is head! My buddy said, “dude, did he just head but a cymbal!?” Lol I said yep, welcome to Larkin’s world.

[@dalekay9ine]

Shannon, if you ever happen to see this. Long time fan! I absolutely LOVE those AMEN records, also your drumming on Glassjaw "worship & tribute" is some of my all time favorite drumming on any record! You're a killer player and seem like a very down to earth guy! All the best to ya brother!

[@tonedog999]

That was funny Sully looking back at the camera and smiling, loved the interview with Shannon, felt like we got to know him just a little bit personally. Thanks!

[@dlemus30]

The end of the drum solos was WAY COOL, oh boy, showmanship at its best!!!

[@Simon-IFF]

Great interview/demo! Shannon Larkin is a great drummer and seems very down to Earth.

[@doranwisner497]

Excellent content and Shannon does a great break down of his gear and the rationale. Also, Venemans! Wow I forgot about that place. I was a Chuck Levin's guy but loved occasionally checking out Venemans in Rockville, MD.

[@joeycuriel]

Fun to watch! Thanks for this.

[@Pirelli913]

Seeing Batalla de los Tambores from a different angle than from the front (and in good quality) is really cool. EDIT: I saw Godsmack open for Metallica in 2004 and they blew me away so hard, the very next day, I went out and bought $800 of additional drum equipment to add to my kit.

[@ZachBratland]

Love the deep explanation 🧨🥁✅

[@Qwikbeat]

Thanks for sharing !!

[@frosty327]

Love how he always changes his set. Hell, he even changes to different heads

[@nickgironda8932]

Done ✅ 👍 I love Shannon as a drummer! He’s a super powerhouse player!

[@frequency_e34]

This Legend is the reason i play drums for the last 15 years....Thank you for inspiration Shannon. DA GOAT

[@SuperSerb07]

I once read somewhere that when God created drums, he made Shannon Larkin. One of my all time favorite drummers. So dynamic in his style of playing. I still remember when Godsmack opened for Metallica back around 2004 and I was completely captivated with how explosive he was.

[@dlemus30]

I love the Converse tennis shoes Shannon's wearin' at (8:36); cool man!!!

[@dano22874]

i remember seeing him w/ Wrathchild America on the Climbin’ the Walls tour at the Omni New Daisy in Memphis TN when i was about 15. I think Galactic Cowboys opened. Amazing show and memories 🤘👹🤘

[@lisaedgin-hall9496]

Nothing but the best ❤❤❤❤❤

[@coachsean9982]

Shannon was a beast with Wrathchild America and Souls at Zero. His best work

[@mikepennington2716]

Taste of the Perverse!!! Rokd on!!!

[@theawakenedarewatchingyou575]

I feel playing with my eyes closed as well, puts me into a better mindset to what I'm doing behind my kit. Every Peice has to be perfectly placed in order to play with your eyes closed... all drummers have to try it sometime... Brings everything to life...

[@Cosmic_Viking82]

That's a sharp kit and it sounds fantastic

[@AREA_RC-51]

Thanks for just letting him talk... the biggest thing I learn from these drummers is their philosophical approach... it showcases so much.

[@hammonds82]

I have listen to y’all drum solo battle a thousand times. It’s my favorite to listen to

[@TM_Stone]

I love how he goes into detail about many things. Fabulous drummer.

[@headwalkerranch1929]

Amazing drummer. First time seeing live was at JB’s theater Albany,NY in the 80s with Wrathchild.

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Good video!

[@indjov]

Shannon is such a lovely guy! One of the best drummers out there 🤘

[@TREYMcLAMB]

This was a treat. Shannon's an old friend of mine, our old bands used to play together back in the day. Kind of lost touch with him after he moved to CA but had some great times. If you read this Shannon, hit me up brother!

[@thecure1314]

Wow..your mom must be very proud 🥱

[@marcel281277]

Oh really? He was my schoolmate. I show him, how to play drums. But we lost touch too😢

[@jolemite2639]

Yall are some pricks.

[@ronmexico1975]

Haaaaaa, cool story bro! I helped Moses part the Red Sea, but lost touch after that. Hit me up if you read this Moses.

[@mikestein1024]

Cool I loved ugly kid Joe too I put some low budget drum covers up if anybody is bored I did some good gigs back in the day

[@matthewtorossi8909]

Great showcase. Thanks for sharing. Love your drumming!

[@darrynruzicka2883]

Well I don't know who wrote the drum parts for album, Awake, whether it was Erna or Tommy Stewart but that drumming was what hooked me on Godsmack 25 years ago. I had never heard someone as I saw it, lead so much with the kick drum, if that makes any sense! It was so powerful and drew me in. The musical feel of that in a hard rock band was just fucking moving! No gratuitous bullshit guitar solos just solid riffs and no drumming that is trying to prove he's faster than everyone else, just hard driving fucking rock! "Moon Baby", are you kidding me? Fucking genius! Still listen to that album today. Had so many good times while that was playing. Lot of girls...

[@jonmc07]

Those RCI Starlite shells are the best - I grabbed an extra 16x18 FT to add to my Luddy Vistalites

[@MultiMikey81]

Love that kit ❤ send it me when u finished with it 😂

[@orest8369]

I remember seeing „straight out of line” video for the first time. Lord knows it changed my drumming life.

[@raydevlle7680]

So cool

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Wrathchild America and Amen were both sick 🤘

[@alextucciorealtor]

The Sabian HH Power bell is my favorite cymbal and my signature sound!

[@thepluggy1]

Even to this day, Americas least wanted is still one of my favourite albums to play drums to

[@IraSiegel]

Saw him with UKJ back in ‘95 and loved Wrathchild America and Souls at Zero. Killer drummer and glad he finally ended up with Godsmack. Oddly enough I met Tommy Stewart back in ‘99 when I was in the biz.

[@joelmartin3213]

Why did Tommy leave anyway he was pretty decent

[@AndrewGrey22]

One of my favorite drummers.

[@timbrown6629]

I loved Venemann music. They had the best music catalog for years.

[@prongATO]

Some amazing tips for drummers here!

[@adriane7841]

I love how every album he has a completely different drum setup, but sounds very similar

[@JoseMTamez]

Dude, those drums sound really good for acrylic. I've never liked acrylic but Yamaha must have done something different in making those drums. Also, that is an awesome rundown on your kit. And boy does one inch matter, just ask my wife...lol Ok bad humor, but I have to agree whole heartedly that you couldn't be more right about that. Especially if you're closing your eyes like a lot of us. That kit rocks and I can't wait to them on tour with the lights and hear your rocking. Of course Sully being a drummer he's going to pick the best suited for the band and when I saw you on Leno more than 20 years ago, not only did you look cool but the drumming was on poiint and I became an instant fan. Most definitely a drummers drummer. Thanks for sharing.

[@MirkkoDeMaio]

He's great, and Sully Erna is another great one! One of the best drums duets in my world

[@Sjwolosz321]

Ha.. I remember this dude playing The Capricon in Baltimore MD . maybe 1984 with Wrathchild. small club , dude had one side of his head blonde and the other side jet black . Glad he made it

[@Wheelgauge-bt7ox]

Beyond cool!!!

[@vincegedeon6583]

Amazing drummer and band!💯

[@neilolson7851]

That drum off was off the hook crazy good you two are together

[@NoOne-gc3vw]

Just an Absolute AMAZING interview!!!!

[@AdamTurnerDrumming]

Legend! My favourite is still his work on Ugly Kid Joe’s Menace to Sobriety.

[@scottbyler2649]

The Nicklaus Cage of drummers!! Love it!!

[@williamboyle8918]

He's feeling good here.

[@TheCOZ]

Are you trying to say Nicolas?

[@bennorrell6411]

So much fun to watch, limbs flying in every direction 😂 🔥

[@cerebra2122]

WHRATCHILD AMERICA Fan here: SHANNON´s amazing drumming there was ahead of his times 🤘🤘

[@eh3253]

No nonsense rock. Haven’t heard the new record yet. All great players. I’m a fan.

[@jonnychrist69]

I love Godsmack I've loved them since I was a kid I followed them my entire life. They were my first real die hard fan band. But i understand that their music is very formulaic but I never understood why they never did a few double bass songs the traditional way Shannon is an absolute Beast of a drummer there's no question he could do some heavier metal songs it's not like they had to change their style completely just throw a couple fast double bass parts in a few of their songs. But no harm no foul I still love Godsmack!

[@mojorisin7317]

Shannon Fucking Larkin is a true road warrior and master musician and definitely deserves all the Respect due 🤙🏼🤘🏼♥️

[@paulchristie4904]

You definitely get your moneys worth anytime you see Godsmack live!

[@Ironworker69]

I remember meeting Shannon in Fredrick ,Md at the Rabbits Foot club, 1985 when he was with WrathChild ( Later calling it WrathChild America)