Sweetwater's resident drum expert Nick D'Virgilio interviews Heart's drummer Ben Smith. Ben talks about how he started playing with Heart, techniques he uses, his on-stage kit, Ben Smith Music Company, and much more!
I'm sitting in the back of the tour bus writing this as we roll to the hotel. Tomorrow I go home for three days (although two of them are gig days), and it'll be so great to experience the end of summer in my beautiful town, Seattle. This time of year is really special, partly because [...]
In my career as a musician I've been astounded by the many great bands and orchestras I've heard and loved, and by the amazing variety of styles of music with which they shout out their joy to the world! I love all kinds of music, and especially music with live musicians performing. I always smile [...]
(Read Full Article by Something Else) Since the 1975 release of their debut LP Steamboat Annie, Heart has forged their own path in rock history. Founders Ann and Nancy Wilson shattered gender stereotypes with their hard-charging style, earning the respect of the then male-dominated world of hard rock. More than 40 years later, they look back [...]
This last couple of years have been a blast! I have had the opportunity to make music happen with my friends all over the US, in Canada, the UK, New Zealand and Mexico. With all of the thousands of people who have been to our shows, I want to express my thanks, appreciation and gratitude! Because [...]
There's nothing like showing up at a world-famous recording studio and knowing that fun music will happen! One of the things that inspires me the most is working on good songs with talented writers, engineers, and performers. The thrill that comes from knowing that I get to do what I love is what motivates me [...]
https://bensmith-music.com/events/ben-smith-drum-clinic/
Photos by Monica Fraioli Cole
Today I had the opportunity to see lots of old friends from the road. The touring electricians and lighting people, the audio team, our backline techs, production and tour managers, musicians, truck and bus drivers, and local production and stage people here in Detroit. Our Rock Hall Free For All tour with Heart, Joan Jett [...]
The Rock Hall Three for All Tour featuring Heart, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Cheap Trick, kicks off July 14th in Clarkston, MI. Next stop St. Louis, MO 7/16, Noblesville, IN, 7/17, and Chicago, IL on 7/19. Check out the Calendar for complete tour dates, this is going to be a wild ride!