The Life of a Drumming Legend - The Bill Bruford Interview

[@tamagbi4206]

Who's got their meet and greet tickets for the TAMA 50th Anniversary Event to meet the man himself? Bill will be involved in the meet and greet and will also be MC'ing the event! claphamgrand.com/event/tama-live-uk/

[@KhalDrogo76]

All I can say about Mr Bruford is any human who encapsulates such creativity, humbleness and class in one package deserves everyone's respect.

[@ajones957]

Bill opened up here in ways he hasn't with other interviews. Very relaxed. Speaks to how he feels about you. Great insights from Bill here.

[@tamagbi4206]

Thanks! Ive known him a long time, and comfort when doing interviews like this is key I think. Glad you enjoyed it, there will be more interviews like this with other artists coming soon.

[@Atekneci]

I agree, great interview. Thank you 🤗

[@drumsticksusa]

I think the only “session” drummer who ever sat in for Ringo was Allan White on love me do. After which, George Martin had no qualms about using for Ringo for everything. You are correct its few drummers could have responded as well as Ringo did to the range of material that John, Paul and George wrote. I think you missed Mike Gibbins of Badfinger, who responded to a range of material from Pete ham, Tommy Evans, and Joey Molland, and played perfect fills in songs like baby blue, day after day, and come and get it. He was a true left-hander, and even played traditional grip with the right hand holding the stick under the thumb, not matched grip. Mike also wrote a couple of songs, in particular a nice one that appears on the album Wish you were here.

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

Finally, an interview where the drummer doesn't mind going into detail about the technical aspects of the drums, hardware and cymbals. Bravo.

[@jonathanedwards8696]

Yet he didn't talk about the set he used with his fusion group. I would have liked for him to comment on it. He had three Remo Roto Toms mounted on top of his bass drum. I refashioned my Sonor tom holder and I now have a 12 and a 14 inch Roto Tom mounted on my bass drum. There's no gap between my snare and my toms!

[@RemoWilliams-jg4yb]

@@jonathanedwards8696 I have not played in decades, but I would love to put together a similar kit. I love the roto tom tone.

[@aakkoin]

The guy is an actual academic, meaning he thinks and writes for a living (after banging drums for a living), I love listening to Dr. Bruford talking. This doesn't sound like a lecture, sounds more like him just talking, he has his own, uh... aura.

[@OldTooly]

I knew of Bill's drumming with the early YES stuff and loved it but it didn't jump up and slap me upside the head until I saw him live in 1972 with King Crimson at the New York Academy of Music, midnight show. Then at the other end of the same tour, same venue. Just a thrill. His choice of drum tunings, choice of beats and precision in everything fed the unusual music Crimson was putting out so complimentary. His tour with Alan Holdsworth and Jeff Berlin was extraordinary and I had the pleasure of sitting just a few rows back from the stage ands soaked up their performance like a sponge. But the real shocker and delight was attending t5he first Genesis show, without Peter Gabriel, and lo and behold, there was Bill playing the drums. No internet back then so details often fell through the cracks about current events. What a thrill. Phil and Bill played an amazing drum duet of sorts which was thunderous and melodic at the same time. My 2 dearest friends and I were avid Bruford fans, and now I am alone with our shared memories . Thank good ness that his wonderful catalog of works will carry on long beyond we little mortals memories. Thank You Bill, for all your contributions to our musical lives.

[@Atekneci]

Bill is an Artist. One of a kind.

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

My drumming hero for over 50 years. Great interview.

[@loucontino4804]

Bill is a drumming innovator. He was a favorite of mine from The Yes Album and I followed him though every band and musician he played with til he retired. I've been playing drums for 53 years and Bill is always right there at the top of my list as influencers. A real thinking man.

[@JamieAllan]

I saw Bill with Yes, King Crimson several times, UK, Genesis and his own Jazz band. I met him when he was out with his Jazz band. He was a lovely guy who was happy to talk extensively with me in a small venue in eastern England. It wasn't a disappointment to meet one of my musical heroes.

[@RobertGraziose]

Luck!! I missed him by a few months. I saw Yes in 73 at the Tales tour. Allen White was there. He did Bills parts and all, but I wanted to see Bill.

[@frankhoulihanfh4972]

Unsure I’ve ever enjoyed a drummer’s playing more than Bill Bruford’s. So unique.

[@9194rage]

Bruford has a unique sense of rhythm and style. NO ONE sounds and plays like him. A master

[@superfuzzymomma]

The snare shot heard round the world. Legend!

[@oggeeboggee]

I love Sir Bill Bruford’s sense of rhythm. King Crimson with him on drums is the best of their periods.

[@cactusland88]

What an English gentleman! I love hearing him talk about his experiences over the years. I also was born in 1949, but my skills and talents don't begin to compare to Mr. Bruford's. To this day, I'm still trying to motivate myself to practice.

[@Phlakaton88]

Top 3 drummer all time for me. He stands in his own space. So unique and recognizable. Was in about every band I loved too. Cheers, Bill!

[@rickharris9487]

I saw Yes open for Jethro Tull at their first ever US show in Seattle in 1970. They had played the previous night in Vancouver, BC. My group of musician friends were about 20 feet back from the stage on the floor. Yes came out and opened with Starship Trooper and we were mesmerized. Being a drummer, I was totally enamoured in particular with this phenomenal and unique drummer on a four piece kit. The rest is history. Fan for life.

[@themoose70]

And now BB is playing live again! Granted locally & small venues in a jazz trio.

[@danielduesentriebjunior]

"Feels good to me" was a favorite of mine for some years.

[@styrmugnsell4560]

LOVE his drumming on the 70's King Crimson-albums. And I LOVE the sound of his set back then. Larks, Starless, Red...

[@randlerobbertson8792]

Loved Bills drumming from the very first hearing of the Yes album around 1971.

[@normandaubry]

Bill is the musician I like to listen to the most. He is absolutely fascinating, and everytime I listen to him I learn something.

[@redryder8622]

Brilliant. Just love Bruford.

[@gustavosalense]

Best drum player in History.Creative,free,no ego,only play and fun.

[@robinwatson4282]

Bill, no ego - yeah, riiight.

[@Rondo2ooo]

Lot of ego, but creative and great indeed.

[@robinwatson4282]

@@Rondo2ooo oh, sure

[@chrisrickert8638]

Lol oh, Bill has an ego the size of the Milky Way. I’ve met him several days, for 5 days in a row in 1989. I agree, he’s one of the best; most recognizable player in drumming. However, he also suffers from a colossal ego; same with Carl Palmer.

[@robinwatson4282]

@@chrisrickert8638 Loves the sound of himself - drum and voice. Interesting guy though.

[@PeterSokol-bl5vz]

A absolutely stunning Musician…Composer…Teacher…Man….Human Being.

[@DavidRead-b4m]

I have one of Bill's drumsticks! I was at a Yes show at Barnstaple, Devon back, in '72 or '73 it was Rick Wakeman's first live show with the band as they toured to promote 'Fragile'. Great show and great solo by Bill. At the end of the show me and a mate finagled our way backstage and next thing we are helping the roadies pack away the drumkit. The roadie gave us one of his drumsticks as a souvenir. I've had it for 50 years. I'll take special care of it now after Bill's anecdote...

[@IAmInfinitus208]

Lucky!

[@breakcharge7593]

I've got one from his time with The Double Trio version of KC...1995. 😊

[@DavidRead-b4m]

@@breakcharge7593 We should team up!

[@tomtrana3449]

Pretty cool story

[@northdevonwildlifewithandy788]

I was at that gig in Barnstaple. Fantastic

[@ranjitverdi5702]

Incredible drummer and all-round interesting, likable guy.

[@jrgmmg5659]

I had the great pleasure of meeting Bill one afternoon. He was resting on a wall at the water's edge at Penns Landing in Philadelphia PA. It was 1978. He was there to perform a free open air concert with U.K. and he was just relaxing before the sound check. One of the greatest shows I ever seen. There was about 3 or 4 of us there talking with him. Bill seemed genuinely surprised when we started to talk about his drumming on the lps Larks Tounges and Starless. He actually said "You guys really listen t them?" He may have been joking with us but it funny. Bill was one of my all time favorite musicians and seen him perform countless times with Crimson, Genesis, U.K., Earthworks, AWBH and his solo bands. Shame he retired.

[@dougmphilly]

great concert, wasn't it?

[@stillphil]

Bill! Glad to see this man sharp as ever relaxing talking drums and music.

[@yoshipercussion5126]

When he touched on the current state of the music industry (making a living as a player), wow. So honest, yet so illuminating. Yes, it is so much harder than back in his day. What a character he is! Tells it how it is, so responsible and real yet also inspirational and advocating for creativity. Love and admire him forever! 🤘🏻 🥁🎶

[@conradfarrar477]

I met Bill at a drum clinic that Peter Erskine did many years ago on the South Bank in London. I cant remember which one of those brutal buildings it was. Maybe the Queen Elizabeth? I approached him and asked him if he was planning doing more music that he did with Bruford (with Jeff Berlin and Allan Holdsworth). He looked me in the eye and said 'No'. Keep moving forward and experiencing new musical avenues was his roundabout reply. He taught me a lesson. He also signed my Erskine program, which I still have. Lovely down to earth guy.

[@curiousnomad]

Great to hear about the jazz idols. Take note. Max, Art, Morello…

[@bigvrocks2480]

Bruf - ford! Fantastic interview. Bills a hoot! Love it!

[@whistleblower3516]

I just love this guy so much. Such a genius!

[@benbarletta2927]

SO glad I was able to see him play live! 1989 and 1991 With "Yes" (ABWH) and 1996 with King Crimson!! I'm still bummed that I wasn't able to attend a local clinic he did, but he will always be one of my favorite musicians!!! AWESOME interview, thanks!!!

[@daviddevilliers2828]

My number one drummer in my heart…. The man who inspired so much great drummers

[@VegasAlien1]

Thanks for sharing this wonderful conversation with Bill. He is my absolute favorite drummer, for so many reasons. A true gentleman and a pioneer in the world of drumming, Bill is a global treasure.

[@marsstubblefield]

Pure genius with odd time signatures.

[@rkaylor5769]

Creative, erudite, smart, one of the greats. Dr. Bruford

[@bobg4657]

Bruford caught my ear with Yes' Fragile & Close to the Edge albums. As a working drummer, I "borrowed" his hat-snare-bass triplet fills on many ocassions. Had the opportunity to see him with KC when they were touring Larks' Tongues. Bill's drums absolutley boomed through that set live.

[@Formula-602]

I saw that tour in Michigan….

[@bobg4657]

@@Formula-602 Toledo May '73

[@sobellfanatic]

Genius at work. So intelligent and such a tasteful player. His autobiography is GOLD for anyone interested in music, and how it works as a profession.

[@jackriddle1135]

Had the pleasure of seeing Bill perform with King Crimson twice...1984 in Princeton NJ ( Usa ) and in 1996 in Wilkes Barre Pa. Phenomenal....but Bill's performance in 1976 in Cleveland with Phil Collins is my favorite piece of Bill's history. If you search KZbin you can find the FM broadcast of those 2 nights of Genesis live where the band was out of this world.

[@latheofheaven1017]

Earthworks' 'All Heaven Broke Loose' is my favourite of Bruford's excursions into creating melodies on the drums. Absolutely gorgeous!

[@RobertGraziose]

A song everyone seems to miss is In The Court of The Crimson King. He is excellent on that tune.

[@Grankspoine]

That was Michael Giles. Bruford joined in the '70s.

[@tommyzcat]

His drumming on 'Asbury Park' (KC // "USA") still gives me goosebumps....he was practically a kid when that track was recorded! Keep on slinging the beats Bill. You are a treasure.

[@michaelshore2609]

ABSOLUTELY ONE OF HIS (MANY) GREATEST MOMENTS!

[@jonathanedwards8696]

I saw that Asbury Park show. I was 18.

[@michaelshore2609]

@@jonathanedwards8696 SO JEALOUS!!!

[@TsunamiBeefPies]

He's been at the top of my list for more than half a century now. It's fascinating to hear him go in depth about so many aspects of drumming and his career. No matter what sort of kit he was playing, no matter how busy or basic the drumming, Dr. Bruford always played for the purpose of serving the music.

[@tomtrana3449]

btw Bassist Tony Levin sings a pretty ode in a cappella style to all of his drummers he played with on KZbin. A very funny refrain is dedicated to Bill Bruford. Check: "Tony Levin - On the Drums (2024 Mix)"

[@davidfuzefiuczynski]

worked with him once, total class act!! great drummer and gentleman!!👍👍👍💚💙🤎

[@johngleason9407]

Although I’m a lifelong bassist, I still consider Bill the biggest influence on my playing and how I approach music. Talked several times with him and I’ve never met a more articulate, enthusiastic and funny artist. 🤪

[@michaelb5451]

Fantastic interview. I have been a fan since early my teens. I am a "bit" older now, and still love Bill. Thanks for this.

[@maxfreitas8982]

Great BB...thank you for your music.

[@martydotzone]

The live recording from Broadway Brudord mentions might be King Crimson’s Vroom Vroom, disc 1 is Mexico City and disc 2 is Broadway, incredible album!

[@GaborEID]

It's been a privilege to see him perform with King Crimson here in Budapest.

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

Thank you for this interview, Bill is my favorite drummer and he is unique in style and intelligence.

[@andyyouell5037]

A brilliant drummer and all-round amazing human being. Thank you Tama for producing this.

[@pierreherve8189]

Bill Bruford has always be one my favorites drummer (i play the guitar). You have to know is also a very good composer. If you like him you will discover that is a very good writer, his book is a treasure, humour and very articulate stories. Kind regards from France

[@Paul-f7q]

I saw Bill at the Cleveland Agora in 1981 or 2, "Bill Bruford Experience " I think it was called, bout 200people max. Never forget it. 😊✊️

[@martinlawrence8427]

What a treat. Bill is one of the GOAT’s for sure!

[@stevecoscia]

I was present at My Father's Place in Roslyn NY for the 1979 recording of the Bruford Tapes album. A terrific performance. I was a keyboardist back then and when I got home, fell asleep totally inspired. Awoke the next morning and started composing new music on the piano. What an inspiration!

[@robertschroder4797]

Hey Steve, I lived up the block from Mateo. I was at MFP the same night. I saw your comment after I watched the interview.

[@tommyrawlings3046]

The Best Rock/Jazz/Prog percussionist ever!

[@Roddy1965]

Saw Bill with Earthworks, once, and then with ABWH, then a few times with King Crimson. Every time I just sat or stood there mezmerised.

[@tylerthompson1842]

Bill’s an absolute legend. Love his dry humor throughout the Prog Brittania documentary, which I’ve watched more times than I care to admit lol.

[@jtfdrums]

I was at that King Crimson on Broadway show that he refers to. It was the Thrak tour at the Longacre Theatre. To this day, when people ask me what my favorite rock concert was that I’ve been to, my answer is that show. Both Bruford and Mastelloto sounded absolutely amazing that night! Thanks for the informative interview. Bill Bruford is a true ambassador to the drumming world and one of the all time greats.

[@jamiepastman5594]

Bill is a great interview. I do wish there could have been conversation about Bill’s time with Dave Stewart and Allan Holdsworth, two of the greatest musicians of all time. But thanks. I was at the Borslap (sp?) gig, it was incredible!

[@petermcintyreA1]

You just can't get tired of listening to him......

[@hrwildem4993]

Amazing. Thank you for the chat with Bill. My absolute favorite drummer.

[@richboshart1201]

Legend indeed. So well spoken. Brilliant mind.

[@tomquirin4231]

i love bill and his yes drumming , i am a oldschool 80's drummer here , the offtime drumming is simply amazing throughout the yes years , thanks n keep em coming > tom !

[@robertstrobel7237]

What a fantastic conversation. Thank you for doing that.

[@graemeyetts3465]

What a great guy and a brilliant interview. Bruford is unique and so bright, open, and down to earth here. No BS and a so clever.

[@ChrisMichaelsChicago]

Met him somewhere in SoCal in the 80's. I had my tongue in a knot, But I figured I had better say something fast or regret it. Turns out the subject I brought up was Rugby. He told me he played wing forward as a young lad, and his facial expressions told me he really had a good time chatting and enjoyed thinking about those years of his life. Quite a gentleman.

[@williamvantreeck4347]

Thank you for this interview. It was brilliant.

[@JustaJuboi]

I worked at the Savoy NYC when KC played 3 nights in a row. The stage crew let me get on Bills drums and play his Yellow Simmons kit. Bill is a complete one off genius 🙏

[@davidstewart9982]

Inspiring to hear Bill. I feel illuminated, since I don’t understand myself very well, but I do a little more after this insight. Thanks Bill! It would be cool to meet you one day, but little chance really I think… that’s how it goes

[@SuperQdaddy]

Bill is great cause he knows music especially jazz...he created arrangements with hand picked players..to create art..and developed a character style in his playing ..bravo approach ..thanks Bill ..more drummers should apply themselves creatively

[@hanhijzelendoorn9782]

What an interesting and warm conversation, I’ve enjoyed every second of it! Many thanks to both of you!

[@stevesmith3990]

Superb interview, many thanks.

[@jeffdawson2786]

Amazing career, inspiring generations.

[@Bronco541]

Brilliant interview. Never realizrd how theres hardly amy hi hat on disicpline before! 15+ years ive been listening to that album and still learning new things about it!!

[@donaldfraser1555]

Love bill's playing had the great privilege of seeing him a few times live pure dead brilliant cheers don 😊

[@vintagemxer9165]

Thanks to Bill I got into Roto Toms. Some of my favorite years. We had the chrome ones of course. Thankfully Bozzio used them as well.

[@gregdietz5183]

Saw him with Earthworks at a small club in Hollywood back in the early 2000’s. In hindsight it was the best musical experience of my life. We had the table literally right in front of the drum kit.

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

missed him in yes. alan white had just taken over. did catch him doing "larks" with crimson. they came on just after dark. two mellowtrons howling into the desert sky, memorable. great, unexpected percussion, violin. very intense at times.

[@braziliantvhd2768]

Bill Bruford, Neil Peart and Stewart Copeland will always be my big 3

[@terrat3048]

I bought his autobiography. Very interesting read for those of us who grew up looking up to the likes of Bill Bruford.

[@simonwithers4941]

A wonderful interview. I only met Bill on one occasion (following a Earthworks gig in Leicester)...he had so much time for me, to ask him questions and what I remember more than anything was his openness to talk with me as to how he was personally...I don't think it was much longer before Bill decided to retire. I will add one more thing and that is I think I have seen Earthworks more times than any other band...the first time (I think) was at The Commodore International in Nottingham.

[@rembeadgc]

I met him during rehearsals for the 80's KC tour. He was just like you described. Sat down across from me and answered questions I wasn't qualified to ask. Very much a gentleman.

[@graemeyetts3465]

Excellent and stylish drummist who changed what I thought I understood about the art as a young Yes freak. He certainty didn't go to Crimson for the money, which gets my respect.

[@doritrommari]

Thanks Ian for the terriffic interview. I totally enjoyed it! 😊

[@brianpalmer2613]

happy days - drum hero since 1971

[@intelligencesofanultradime1947]

Thank you! "Bill" for your great "musical service"!

[@MrAdvance2go]

Like him or not , he has the most unique style, and probably most quickly recognized.

[@marcracicot-s7g]

Mon batteur favori

[@rickjensen2833]

UK, "In the dead of night," albumn is the shit.

[@TheLegendaryFlowerPunk]

Thanks a lot for this interview Ian and Bill! I am the guitar player and Bill has always been my all time favourite drummer! His heritage is pure gold. And what a humble being.

[@davidwatkinson1226]

Excellent relaxed and informative chat. I'm looking forward to a few small intimate gigs soon in the UK.

[@derekmillar8032]

Favourite part of the interview - when Bill says "I'm playing a Star Classic now"...would love to see him play in person again!

[@christheghostwriter]

I was a rock drummer who started getting into the underground rave scene in the early 90s. It was when I saw Bruford on Yes's Union tour that I realized I could mix my rock kit and electronic percussion together and take it into these warehouse parties and electronic music festivals.

[@ibleebinU]

"Let's play this thing by Vanilla Fudge, a band I'm sure you don't know" Reminds me of just how old I am! 😂. Excellent interview!

[@dinsy512]

Great interview! Now I feel the need to listen to Asbury Park for the umpteenth time 😂🤣😂

[@user-dk3ps1hv8c]

Yeah great! Hendrix or Coltrane - why separate those two artists - both are great 👍 No seriously that's what you call an open mind and that's my favorite kind of musicians. Bruford is one of those drummers who have a signature sound/style - great musician!

[@billyskinner9382]

Love it. One of my favorites. No epic crimson without that guy. Although about half way thru it turns into a Tama commercial 😂 i get it tho. Drummer. Drum info right