Max Weinberg - Bruce Springsteen - Tour Kit Rundown

Modern Drummer had the immense privilege of reuniting with the iconic Max Weinberg in February 2023 amid the Springsteen & E Street Band 2023 Tour. Max graciously provided us with an in-depth look at his tour kit, offering not only a glimpse into its components but also sharing historical anecdotes and valuable advice for drummers, both young and old.
Following Max's insightful presentation, drum tech Matt Payne continued to enlighten us by guiding us through the intricate gear and processes that are integral to supporting Max's stellar performance night after night.
Additionally, we had the pleasure of engaging in a conversation with Troy Milner, the band's trusted monitor engineer. Troy shared insights into the advanced equipment he utilizes to deliver the perfect monitor mix tailored to each band member's unique needs, ensuring a flawless experience for them during every performance.
Head on over to www.moderndrum... to view the September 2023 issue featuring Max & Jay Weinberg!!

[@Scopay73]

“Simple is not easy.” Truer words were never spoken.

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

Damn, man. The guy is aging well. You’d never guess he was 72. So much energy and charisma

[@daveedwards1257]

Drums can keep you young . Fascinating 😄I love behind the scenes vids ✌️😎🥁💕🎷🎶🎸💙🌎👍🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 Bongo Dave - Good Happens / Only Love Shall Prevail

[@3k3k3]

72! Get out .........

[@herbbartleby2817]

you haven’t seen me. 77, got it all, all but the drumming and the hair. 😢

[@officerlawnmower]

I had no idea what they were talking about and still couldn’t stop listening.

[@traviswoodall6547]

One of my all-time favorite musicians. This guy is an all-time legend in the jazz and rock drumming genres.

[@thegeorgeflores]

How do you not love Max Weinberg? He's just the best.

[@mattdelany6799]

Thomas Lang

[@mattdelany6799]

​@JustBeReal257thomas lang, tory slusher, hendrix, van halen....the king hath spoken

[@dylangatenby9928]

Max is honestly one of my favorite drummers he is so classy and is a superb musician and was a good comedian on Conan too

[@Bobspons3410]

This man is unbelievable. One of my biggest drum heroes. Saw him 3 times in total and he is just a beast. So happy he’s still drumming for Bruce at his age

[@crimsonpearl4686]

Liberty Devitto has MUCH more energy when drumming!

[@paulrevelli]

So appreciate Max Weinberg and the time he and his crew gave us for this. Makes you realize what a completely other level things are when you've done the work and earned it.

[@TerranceTT]

I’m a 16 year old drummer. I look up to Max, and saw him live on April 14, 2023 at Prudential Center. He was awesome. He’s quite one of the best drummers who don’t get enough recognition. Love this guy.

[@mattdelany6799]

Thomas Lang

[@TerranceTT]

@@jpineapple9495 yup!

[@JohnStonebraker]

Max is a drum legend and comedy legend. I spent so many nights laughing at him when he was in skits on Conan.

[@johannjohann6523]

Max and Kenny Aronoff - the two drummers/guys that never age! If you notice both of them always have a smile on their face or are laughing. I think we just found the fountain of youth: Playing drums, and Laughter :)

[@JohnStonebraker]

@@johannjohann6523 a movement I can get behind.

[@Topjunkie-r4s]

I love listening to Max talk about drums as much as I love hearing Max play drums.

[@HuckFinn212]

The best "busdriver" I know!!! LOVE his playing, great dynamics, superior technique, a true musician! Even when he was younger, his work in 'Bat out of Hell' just blew my mind! And his time keeping is just outstanding! The way he moves behind the set is so pragmatic and ergonomic, while looking so cool! The epidemy of a drummer!

[@gsmith207]

so much info that we all can learn from. I’m 56 and have been playing for 30+ years and this is invaluable. thank you modern drummer, and Max!

[@mikeyJstiffler]

I love how proud he is of Jay. Great drummer, even better dad lol

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Max is a legend.

[@brent3760]

Indeed he is!

[@gsmith207]

nuff said

[@thepriest98]

No argument here

[@hippydippy]

@@241156can I totally agree!!! Max is too ham fisted.

[@SirClerihew]

I assure you, he is real.

[@heliomg20]

I could spend a lifetime talking drums (and music) with Max. So much wisdom and knowledge.

[@mr.n_i_k_o]

Best rig rundown EVER!! Max is a legend, and 72,, sir looks like 50something and still killing it! Mad respect!!

[@HarryJoiner]

72 - Sounds great. Looks amazing. Drumming is strong as ever. What a stud. 💪🏼

[@trapnextone]

This brings me back to the summer I roadied for a cover band in Chicago. You can tell Max just loves talking about his stuff and is genuinely passionate about his stuff.

[@thepriest98]

There is some really fascinating information to how a Springsteen show works from Max's throne. Incredible! Max is a living legend.

[@drumdiscussion7776]

❤Thanks very much for this tour! Max and his crew are specific on what they do and why they do it. This is a fascinating discussion of everything envolved.❤

[@laquerhead024]

I can't believe he's going to be 72. They way everything is connected and the way they communicate is incredible.

[@Brandondrumkc]

I was lucky enough to meet Troy over a conversation about our pittbull pups. Such a cool dude! Glad to see he is still kicking ass!

[@JackTurleyDrums]

I can put down my early love of drums to Max. Grew up on Springsteen. Both legends.

[@earsonlyaudio887]

He's absolutely right about his support team. Playing for many years in small clubs, where everything in drum world was just me, from set up and break down, to running cables for mics on the kit, to hopping up to grab a tom mic that I knocked out of position, to now being blessed enough to have people help me with all that allowing me to focus more and more on playing the show exclusively has made me a such better drummer. Seriously, if you even have someone who helps you load in to the venue, please, do something nice for them on the regular. Difference makers these guys and ladies.

[@seanwebb605]

So you want to make this about you as if you're at the same level.

[@thejohnnydavidson]

What a LEGEND! Takes me back to staying up late on a School night just to watch Conan so I could catch a glimpse of Max playing the Drum "Set" ;-) Thanks Modern Drummer for doing this video...

[@jimlahey3552]

The intricacy of this stage setup is mind boggling.

[@franciscob.deoliveira8904]

That was the most informative tour experience ever from Max and his team. 🎉 Thanks for posting this video MD.

[@rayboreham2648]

Great drummer, great man, such an eloquent and engaging speaker. And look whose band he's in! What's not to love. Fabulous, educational video. Thanks, MD. Keep 'em coming.

[@deputyrock3489]

Pretty incredible that he's been using the same snare for 60 years. It's a testament to the quality of those old supras that he tours with it as his main snare!

[@markrushton1516]

Has used a DW Edge on a couple of tours and a Keplinger I think

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

Those snares are tanks. And you can modify them and get just about any sound you want out of them

[@beyer66]

But also, they ARENT really tanks.. I have a 64 Supra and can’t play it out because the hard hitting rattles the tone control and throwoff loose within a couple of songs. Max said here that they’ve “tricked” his out.. which I assume has to do with upgrades on those parts at least

[@dandavenport4565]

That, or he is just not open to experimentation,

[@FrankDag]

Having spent years studying with Dom Famularo, Max reminds me a lot of him: the ability to weave personal experience and lessons into a conversation without preaching, the method of talking in one long continuous story, the understanding of what a drummer's role is in regards to supporting the musicians. Maybe I'm projecting because we're all missing Dom and talking about him a lot this week, but this absolutely made me want to hear more from Max and seek out other interviews for more wisdom he may have imparted.

[@JackTurleyDrums]

Mate, i agree. 100%

[@hayatotheninja]

Love this guy! I love how approachable he seems! Super cool guy!

[@jonashellborg8320]

Nice insight into what Max and the team do at that show. On stage, there basically seems to be chaos, but thanks to all that communication the show flows smoothly.

[@lspalla65]

Great to see you Max, I've always enjoyed your drumming. Don't ever stop, just keep the beat going. Best wishes

[@thebossfanman4900]

Max is not only a legend. He's also a very kind-hearted Gentlman! I had a wonderful Experience meeting Max in 1980 at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby P.A. for a local radio station rock auction fund raiser & I won my bid on a Bruce signed River Tourbook & Max was at the auction & he offered me his autograph. Fast forward 40 years I met Max again at his Max Weinberg Jukebox show and took some photos with him. He's one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I've seen over a 150 Bruce Springsteen and the East Street Band shows, including 9 this year. I am looking forward to many more to come in 2024. It's a wonderful experience. watching Max & Bruce create the magic that is a Bruce Springsteen and The East street band concert. 🥁🎸🎷🎼

[@ezdave2929]

Max Weinberg is an absolute bad ass. Inspiring drummer, I always pay attention when Max is catching wreck bc mans will show you how its done. Interesting to see behind the scenes here! Thank you Max!

[@demonicsweaters]

I love these drum SET rundowns! Max is such a legend and awesome drummer. Next we need diet and exercise tips form Mr. Weinberg. I want to be in this kind of shape in my 70s.

[@alkinceratfafterthefly6284]

Man! drumming is like playing soccer or something. That's one reason why he's in such great shape.

[@seanriffle6324]

I've seen Bruce many times and can remember watching Max follow every move Bruce makes. He truly is the heart beat of the band.

[@Don19762]

Absolutely fascinating!!

[@pederlong1784]

Very good instruction. Thanks

[@johannjohann6523]

What an excellent video. The best wisdom from experience being shared by a man who is the "Premiere" example of a "Professional Drummer". Outlasting all the other guys. And No Charge either. Thanks Max and Modern Drummer! ( 7,000 seat venue is "small". tiny even. lol That says "you've made it" as an artist!) :)

[@lornestein7248]

Love "The Mighty" Max and his vintage style. I also use my Dad's '65 Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum with my modern kit. The legend continues.

[@cecilsmith33]

FINALLY! I’ve wondered for years if he actually played that crazy kick pattern in “Tunnel of Love” live. Got my answer. Now I don’t feel so damn inadequate in right foot! 😂

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

I absolutely love how “low rider” his cymbal setup is!

[@denjames]

Apart from the extreme and obvious professionalism, I was very moved by the respect shown by all. Respect for the colleagues supporting their musicians, who in turn support the boss to deliver the best possible performance.

[@dacethejackofhearts7209]

Max weinberg managed to evolve so much in his style that he is among the greatest ever and its a delight to see him still bang away never missing a beat

[@luvmedrums4057]

A living Legend.A true gift to the drumming community.When he chooses to speak,listen young drummers.

[@morbidmanmusic]

It's actually the old drummers who need to listen. Young drummers are doing fine. Clear to see on KZbin, even,

[@AmericanBarber82]

@@morbidmanmusiclol stfu young drummers are garbage.

[@elartaud]

@@morbidmanmusicyou mean bedroom musicians or heavy metal noise merchants???

[@3BoyShow]

Absolutely great video! Max is such a legend. Phenomenal drummer whose style influenced not me but many others. Especially his ability to play the biggest songs the most appropriate easiest way. Very cool tweaks around the kit too. Thanks for sharing the vid folks!

[@lemomekl3159]

Max Weinberg = Master of the groove!!! Regards from Bavaria Germany! 💃🥁🕺

[@wuffb]

SO PROFESSIONAL!!! I know it goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway . . . Just SO PROFESSIONAL!!!

[@christianholzel560]

Amazing, thank you so much for this one!

[@asarsalari]

I was glued to the entire thing.. What an absolute fountain of drumming knowledge

[@ethanpeed]

Max, Matt and Troy are all such cool people. It seems like a good group to be on a tour with.

[@Errcyco]

Max is the coolest, and trained his boy up good.

[@johnkracy9190]

Mr. Weinberg is an exceptional human as well as a drummers drummer.

[@gballmaier]

Great RunDown. LOVE THOSE VIDEO MONITORS/TABLETS, that pop up with the songs notations, and the one for the lyrics. Pretty sweet set up

[@tobiainvernizzimartini]

As a drummer, as a Max style's lover, as a guy who has a snare signed by Max when he was in Cortona (Italy), I really loved this in-depth overview with behind the scenes, technical stuff and the human side of the audio people of E-Street Band!

[@NorCalPhil]

It’s crazy to see all of the drummers that I’ve grown up with now have kids that are playing and touring like Max and his son and Phil Collins and Nic

[@Babe.Ruth.In.Beirut]

Loved the rapport he had with Conan. Had the ability to be very funny on command. Awesome drummer to boot.

[@ericmsandoval]

This was extremely informative and Max spits some serious facts.

[@dhonnar]

The first Modern Drummer issue I bought and still have is the one with him on the cover from 1999. He was the reason I bought. Really loved his playing on Late Night. Also loved the 13" tom and how he would do a lot with a trap set. Amazing player.

[@ChuckHipolitho]

The king of big beat. Such an inspiration.

[@trimley]

Max what a drummer - never realised how much tech support there is - saw him on the 2023 tour in Amsterdam & Birmingham ❤️

[@rich_in_paradise]

Oh man, Max Weinbrerg - what a pro! Looks amazing for 72 (in a few days :) too.

[@Monsterdrumma]

I got to meet Max at Manny’s in New York right when Conan was about to move to LA and just like he is here he was a really nice friendly guy!

[@McAppleJuice]

Simply love this, loved watching him play every night when I was younger

[@artursandwich1974]

First time I saw Mr Weinberg was on the Conan O'Brien show. It was love at the first sight of his playing. One of my top five favorite drummers among whom I cannot choose the One. Perfect technique, amazing feeling for the music, and those tiny little gems that he does like a perfect fill in for a song (unlike the introductory feeling for "Downbound train", or or what happens against the words "wild wind blowing" in "Cover me"). Plus they reserved smugness (IN the most positive sense of the word) and coolness with which he does all those things. Mr Weinberg, being an amateur drummer myself · I love your playing and the positivity you lose while drumming. ♥️🤩♥️👍👍👍👍🇵🇱🥁

[@redcpt3791]

This man has been a constant source of inspiration. A pure drummer.

[@paulmietty7643]

Thanks Max.

[@AmandaRogersarock1988]

What a cool guy. Thanks for the rig rundown. His energy is infectious, and his snare has always sounded unreal. No shock it's a Ludwig!

[@max21ization]

I've always loved your style Max❤ One of the greats👍

[@jeffisdrums]

Troy is a gem to the industry. A legend like Max deserves only the best! ❤

[@tishw4576]

Ok. I was listening to the song Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young. I love love love the drums on this song. Did some research and he was involved in the creation of the drums in this song. I fell a little bit more in love.

[@Carpediemdeluxe]

Max&Bruce, best combo ever!❤

[@progression_decibel]

I met Max at our college way back in the day, what a great guy. Love the rundown here I always wondered what he used the pads and the LCD monitors for!

[@Cmart50]

50yo playing for 42years and i just revamped my cymbal setup this year, all Ks including a 16 Sweet and 15 Fat hats, great cymbals.

[@waynewatchorn2734]

Simple, elegant, precise, yet thunderous and rausious.

[@backdoorman1971]

My god. Max is a legend. What a joy to watch this ❤

[@MrDaytripper22]

A setup you'd think is simple that is really so complex. I love it!

[@mrmisfit635]

72? The boy still looks 56!

[@yonickyg9719]

simple is Not easy Max... Truth.

[@jimkoblick1776]

Wow ! Right On Max !! Rock and Roll !!

[@SteveWilliamsworld]

This is a vid all musicians need to hear.

[@12345682900]

"Song appropriate" is great advice. I've seen many drummers who show off (or try to show off). Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.

[@MonsieurElBandidos]

In the beginning of the video… I heard the sound of a father incredibly proud of his son. 😊

[@nested_King]

Masterclass!

[@edmonguy]

To me, Max is the greatest drummer that's ever lived. I can't imagine there will ever be anyone better. I've always been amazed how much he does with so little kit. This is a great video taking a deep dive with him.

[@tim_odonovan]

Fascinating stuff, thank you 🙏

[@admarhermans1]

He’s the bassplayers’ dream!! 🙏

[@TomDrums]

So much insight. What a great video! Thank you for this.

[@XmikeromoshX]

One of the best drummers!!!

[@ModernDrummerOfficial]

For those questioning the DW Classic badges on the drums, Max’s drum tech @mattpayne1610 confirmed that Max requested DW Collector series drums with Classic badges because he liked the old school look. DW made an exception for Max.

[@yerfdogjohnny]

That caught my eye. Thanks for clarifying.

[@buddmcgee7231]

Thanks for this amazing vid - no visible mic on the kick - do they just run a cable through the shell to the inside?

[@oakeidissiczeppic974]

Love getting inside knowledge on how Max reads Bruce’s cues. As much as I admire Bruce as a performer, as a drummer I can’t get over how fluid Max is with every song change.

[@Ireland1922]

Fave drummer of all time by a country mile

[@MrLudvigsen]

Thank you for sharing...🎶🤗

[@Darrylizer1]

Max really knows what he's talking about, lots of knowledge here. I too used to use cymbals a lot, and not so much any more. They can muddy up the sound or if overused they lose their "meaning".

[@tylerjablonski2491]

I was in Syracuse some years ago seeing Lotus and Max sat in for a bit. It was super cool!

[@snarecat3441]

Congratulations Max ! ❤🥁😎

[@ArgonautDrums]

Love Max, such a cool video!

[@troad99]

Mighty Max! You are amazing