The Rich Redmond Show

Rich Redmond
  • 5.0 (164)
  • Music Interviews
  • Updated Biweekly

Rich Redmond, Veteran musician and longtime drummer with Jason Aldean, hosts “The Rich Redmond Show”, a show highlighting all things music, motivation, and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them.

  1. 6d ago

    The Unwritten Rules of Being a Professional Drummer | Jarred Pope

    On this episode of The Rich Redmond Show, Rich and Jim welcome Nashville-based drummer Jarred Pope for a wide-ranging conversation about life on the road, finding his place in the music business, and keeping rock and roll alive. Jarred shares stories from his work with Tom Keifer, Brother Kane, Gene Simmons, and other artists, and talks about the value of reading charts, learning by watching great players, and building a distinctive sound behind the kit. Some records Jarred has done:-Mother Funk Conspiracy-Crosby Loggins  and the Light “We All Go Home” great album, but hard to find-Damon Johnson “Echo” Ep, “Birmingham Tonight Live” live album, Memoirs of an uprising Damon Johnson and the Get Ready “Battle Lessons” my favorite DJ record by far…Of course, The Brother Cane “Magnolia Medicine” and Tom Keifer Band “Rise” Timed Highlights:00:00 — Introducing Jarred Pope and his move to Nashville05:00 — ’70s rock, touring, and life on the road11:00 — Reading charts and learning songs17:00 — Vinnie Colaiuta, drumming influences, and gear23:00 — Nashville’s Rock and Roll Residency and the Gene Simmons band30:00 — Touring with Tom Keifer and band chemistry37:00 — California roots, early gigs, and musical influences44:00 — Family, touring life, and Jarred’s grandson’s onstage debut51:00 — Brother Kane, recording sessions, and favorite projects58:00 — Rush, making music your own, and drummer influences1:06:00 — Dream tribute bands and final thoughts1:18:00 — Wrap-up and closing remarks Links:Jarred’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jarredwpope/?hl=enPodcast Production: https://itsyourshow.coRich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.comThe Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

    The Unwritten Rules of Being a Professional Drummer | Jarred Pope

  2. Sep 25

    Peter Keys on What It Takes to Play With Lynyrd Skynyrd

    Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist Peter Keys joins Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy to talk about his wild journey from George Clinton and P-Funk to auditioning for, and ultimately joining, one of rock’s most legendary bands. Peter shares how he prepped for the Skynyrd audition in just days, why learning every part of a song changes your musicianship, and how his Stoner Creek Studio and label are shaping his next creative chapter. Perfect for musicians, rock fans, and anyone obsessed with the craft and career of making music for a living. 00:00 – Intro: Show production tag & Rich’s gym accident (seven staples, hat talk) 02:20 – Hat fashion, personal branding & “on‑brand” looks 05:05 – Introducing Peter Keys: Lynyrd Skynyrd keyboardist & resume overview 08:10 – Musical philosophy: “12 notes,” learning every part of the song 12:30 – Drummers as “New York City traffic cops” & live arrangement triage 16:00 – Peter’s geographic journey: East Coast, NorCal, Atlanta, Detroit, Nashville 20:15 – San Francisco in the ’80s: club scene, name‑drops & musical influences 24:10 – George Clinton & P‑Funk era, alumni, “on the one,” funk talk 28:30 – Stoner Creek Studio: post‑COVID build, gear, coffee priorities 31:40 – Touring with Skynyrd: buses, routing, crews & road life realities 35:20 – Dad rock, “Drummer Dad” concept & social media content ideas 39:00 – Kids, marriages, blended family & starting Stoner Creek Records 42:10 – Peter’s kids as musicians, YouTube University & discouraging music careers 45:00 – AI & music (Suno, demos, soul vs. algorithms, using AI as a sketch pad) 49:00 – Nashville growth, Lower Broadway grind & musician survival odds 52:00 – Keyboard competition in Nashville & working live vs. studio 54:40 – Social media flyers, AI graphics & authenticity in visual art 57:10 – Zappa, Wackerman brothers, influences & mind‑bending arrangements 1:00:40 – How Peter joined Lynyrd Skynyrd: the full audition and “nerf piano” story 1:05:10 – Defining himself inside Skynyrd, Billy Powell’s parts & performance philosophy 1:07:30 – Plugs: Stoner Creek Studio/Records, All Time Low Stars, socials & show wrap Links. Peter’s Website: https://peterkeys.com Peter’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/PeterKeys Podcast Production: https://itsyourshow.co Rich’s drum intensive: https://drumtensive.com The Rich Redmond Show: https://richredmond.com/podcasts

    Peter Keys on What It Takes to Play With Lynyrd Skynyrd

  3. Sep 18

    What It Really Takes to Survive Nashville’s Music Business | Erik Halbig

    Guitarist, songwriter, producer, and real‑estate investor Erik Halbig joins Rich and Jim to talk Nashville showcase days, early Jason Aldean moments, writing number ones with the Wolfe Brothers, using AI tools like Suno, developing young artists, and building real passive income with rental properties. If you’re a working musician who cares about songs and your financial future, this one’s for you. Timed Highlights:00:00:00 – Cold open: low‑cash demos, $40 a song, and early Nashville hustle00:06:10 – What Erik looks for in drummers: alpha energy, loud count‑offs, strong transients00:15:30 – 90s/00s Nashville: 12th & Porter, Third & Lindsley, showcases, and Jason Aldean’s big break00:27:45 – Writing wins: Wolfe Brothers number ones and why helping others pays off00:39:20 – Side hustles: teaching for decades, guitar books, and “rock and roll real estate”00:50:05 – AI and Suno: how AI demos are killing old‑school demos but creating new studio work01:01:40 – Producing new artists: getting a “second meeting” and building a brand, not just tracks01:11:10 – Real estate playbook: condos, tax hikes, equity, and planning a musician’s retirement Links & Socials Mentioned   Erik’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@erikhalbig   The Rich Redmond Show: https://therichredmondshow.transistor.fm/   Podcast production studio: https://itsyourshow.co   Drum intensive with Rich Redmond: https://drumtensive.com

    What It Really Takes to Survive Nashville’s Music Business | Erik Halbig

  4. Sep 11

    What It Takes to Play Drums for Ozzy Osbourne | Tommy Clufetos

    Rock drumming powerhouse Tommy Clufetos sits down with Rich Redmond and Jim McCarthy to talk about the reality of life at the top of rock, why every gig matters, and how “playing at” rock is killing the feel in modern music. Tommy goes deep on growing up in Detroit hauling gear for his dad’s band at age seven, earning gigs with Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper the hard way, and spending 15 years on the road with Ozzy and Black Sabbath. He breaks down drum solos as part of the show, his love/hate relationship with click tracks, and why he’d rather drive 16 hours to a gig and crush it than complain about the grind. If you care about groove, conviction, and the craft of being a pro drummer, this one’s a masterclass in attitude and work ethic. Timed Highlights: 00:00 Cold open: “Pound Town” drum container practice idea03:45 Looking like a musician: leather jackets, visual brand, and “leather and latte season”08:10 Old‑school parenting: no phone, no TV, and raising a kid on ’50s/’60s/blues12:30 Meeting his wife on a Rob Zombie–directed CSI episode and reconnecting in Vegas16:55 Leaving L.A. for Nashville and why he loves the South’s “old‑school” feel21:40 Detroit roots: hauling gear for his dad’s band at age seven and baptism by fire27:05 First time sitting in: Moni Moni, kids going wild, and learning patience for the gig31:30 Playing for Mitch Ryder, Alto Reed, and getting in front of Ted Nugent36:15 The Ted Nugent test: three rounds of 20 songs, winter drives, and 4 a.m. wake‑ups42:40 Ozzy years: respect, leadership, and why Tommy won’t casually say “best friend”48:20 Black Sabbath dynamics: serving Ozzy, Tony, and Geezer all at once53:10 Planes, not buses: the grind of top‑level international touring57:45 Clicks vs feel: why real rock needs to breathe and follow the crowd1:03:20 Using a flashing light only as a tempo reference in Sabbath, then turning it off1:07:40 Instagram drumming, overplaying, and why younger players “play at” music1:12:55 Holiday Inn lesson: playing full‑tilt even when nobody is in the room1:18:10 Tommy’s Rock Trip: original hard rock, young bandmates, and building work ethic1:24:00 Money and integrity: walking out of a session at 16 when the pay was cut in half1:29:10 Bob Seger, Alto Reed, and practicing to Seger records then and now1:34:30 Drum solos as part of the show: structuring the solo so it lifts the entire set1:39:00 Final advice: know what you’re getting into, focus on the music, and leave no regrets Links: The Rich Redmond Show: www.therichredmondshow.transistor.fm Podcast production studio: https://itsyourshow.co Drum intensive with Rich Redmond: https://drumtensive.com Tommy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialtommyclufetos/?hl=en

    What It Takes to Play Drums for Ozzy Osbourne | Tommy Clufetos

  5. Sep 4

    Carlos Guevara - A Drummer Built To Overcome :: Ep 253

    Freelance Nashville drummer Carlos Guevara joins Rich and Jim to share his incredible journey from growing up in Venezuela under political and economic crisis to rebuilding his life and career in the U.S. Despite being born with arthrogryposis, Carlos became a first-call Broadway drummer, a devoted family man, and a model of resilience and positivity. They dig into his escape from Venezuela, learning English through drum magazines, adapting his technique around physical limitations, grinding for gigs on Lower Broadway, and balancing music, Uber, and fatherhood. The guys also geek out on Stewart Copeland, Journey, Yamaha’s EAD-10, and the culture of world futbol vs. American sports. Perfect for drummers, creatives, and anyone who needs a shot of perspective, gratitude, and hustle. Timed Highlights:0:00 Show open, Drummer Dad idea, and Yamaha EAD talk3:30 Stewart Copeland stories and guys’ night at the Ryman7:20 Meet Carlos Guevara: from Caracas to Nashville via Anaheim11:00 Falling in love with country music and surviving Broadway15:10 Family, teenagers, and fútbol culture (football is life)20:00 Learning English from records, Drum Magazine, and method books23:40 El Sistema explained: Venezuela’s free orchestral training27:10 Life under Chavez and the decision to leave Venezuela31:00 Colombia stopover and finally landing in Los Angeles with almost nothing35:10 Driving Uber in the U.S. and wild passenger stories39:00 Moving to Nashville, discovering Broadway, and first gigs at Mellow Mushroom43:30 Breaking into the scene, networking, and always showing up at clinics47:30 Arthrogryposis: Carlos’s condition and how he adapted his technique51:00 Ergonomics hacks: extra hi-hat, jam block, and left-foot workarounds54:10 Yamaha EAD-10 vs EAD-50 and why every drummer should consider one57:00 Immigrant mindset, AI/apps, and Jam Juice shaking up Broadway bookings1:01:30 Carlos’s goals: more tours, family balance, and motivational speaking1:04:30 Venezuelan arepas, keeping traditions alive, and where to find Carlos online1:06:40 Closing gratitude and episode wrap Links:Carlos Guevara Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlosdrums86 Podcast website: https://therichredmondshow.transistor.fmRich’s DrumTensive: https://drumtensive.com Production studio: https://itsyourshow.co Rich Redmond: https://richredmond.com

    Carlos Guevara - A Drummer Built To Overcome :: Ep 253

  6. Aug 28

    Jeff Brown - The Career He Never Expected :: Ep 252

    Rich and Jim sit down with Nashville drummer, producer, and drum tech Jeff Brown (Shrug Sound Studio) for a deep dive into a working musician’s reality: from opening for Rush and Van Halen to teching the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, tuning for stadiums, building a home studio career, and navigating divorce, burnout, and late-bloomer success. Jeff shares stories from early days in Anaheim clubs, cruise ship gigs at 18, Nashville’s legendary 12th & Porter era, and playing with artists like Phil Vassar, Thomas Rhett, Steel Magnolia, Tom Kiefer, and more. He also breaks down hybrid drumming on massive pop tours, practical tuning approaches, remote session workflows, and why drum techs are part mechanic, part therapist. Timed highlights:00:00 The porta-potty on stage, bar hangs, and touring creature comforts06:20 Foreigner at the Ryman: Kelly Hanson’s retirement and Luis stepping up to sing14:30 Meeting Jeff Brown: Anaheim roots, moving to Nashville in ’93, and the 12th & Porter scene21:40 Dreaming in English: publishing deals, opening for Rush, Weezer, and Van Halen30:10 Studio work and Shrug Sound Studio: home recording since 2010 and mic choices36:45 Simple drum recording setups and the Yamaha EAD10 for social content44:00 Cruise ship gigs at 18: long sets, bad charts, and learning to memorize51:30 From player to drum tech: Tom Kiefer, Kevin Murphy, and landing the Taylor Swift Eras Tour1:02:00 High-pressure teching: triggers, MainStage, redundancy, and that one snare mistake1:11:20 Tuning philosophy: coated vs clear heads, tom intervals, and consistency on tour1:19:00 Influences: Rush, Stewart Copeland, Herb Alexander, Jimmy Chamberlin1:27:10 Making people feel it: driving the band, backbeats, and keeping songs fresh1:36:30 Drum tech as psychologist: honest feedback, compliment sandwiches, and road life1:45:00 Managers, rates, and word-of-mouth: the business of remote sessions and mixing1:54:00 Mixing, producing, and Andrew Scheps: falling in love with the mix process2:01:30 AI, samples, and the future of music work2:08:00 Writing with his dad, getting humbled, and grieving the “band” dream2:15:30 Late bloomers, ergonomics, posture, and playing pain-free into your 50s2:23:00 Social media, tech tips, and why documenting the studio process matters2:30:00 New goals: sync music, instrumental releases, Shrug snare samples, and upcoming tours Links:The Rich Redmond Show:www.therichredmondshow.transistor.fm Podcast Filmed and Produced by:https://itsyourshow.co Rich’s intensive:https://drumtensive.com Jeff Brown – drums, studio, and merch:https://jeffbrowndrums.com Shrug Sound Studiohttps://shrugsoundstudio.com

    Jeff Brown - The Career He Never Expected :: Ep 252

  7. Aug 21

    Brandon Green - Why So Many Drummers Get Hurt :: Ep 251

    Rich sits down with drummer and biomechanics specialist Brandon Green of Drum Mechanics to unpack how drummers can play hard for life without breaking their bodies. They dig into pain‑free technique, throne and kit setup, strength training, cardio, nutrition, and longevity—plus stories about working with Thomas Lang, top touring drummers, and building a business around drummer health. Timed Highlights:00:00 – Cold open: Drumstick physics, carpal tunnel, and energy absorption02:10 – Rich opens the show and introduces Brandon Green of Drum Mechanics06:40 – Pain‑free drum set playing: Anatomy, physics, and setting up your kit to fit you14:20 – How bad setup and stick physics create injuries (and how to avoid them)19:30 – Why most drumming injuries are preventable with better ergonomics and strength23:55 – Cardio vs. resistance training for drummers and playing into your 60s and 70s30:05 – VO2 max, longevity, and why “drumming is athletic, but not always exercise”36:10 – Rich’s snare angle, neck issues, and what changed after working with Brandon44:00 – Throne height, leg angle, and why your lower back is begging you to fix your seat52:20 – Brandon’s education: From personal trainer to biomechanics specialist for drummers59:40 – Helping pro drummers: Thomas Lang, Art Cruz, Matt Billingslea,  and more1:07:10 – Diet for drummers: Protein, carbs around gigs, and simple food rules that work1:15:00 – Creatine, magnesium, fiber, and smart supplementation for performance and sleep1:23:15 – Sunday meal prep, busy schedules, and staying sharp on the road and at home1:30:40 – Drummechanics.com: Inside the membership, workouts, and live sessions1:38:00 – Studio makeover, family, kids on drums, and music education in Canada1:44:10 – Final thoughts: Drum forever, invest in your “fitness bank,” and where to find Brandon Links:The Rich Redmond Show site:therichredmondshow.com Rich Redmond:richredmond.com Podcast production:itsyourshow.co Drum-tensive study with Rich:drumtensive.com Brandon Green: drummechanics.com

    Brandon Green - Why So Many Drummers Get Hurt :: Ep 251

  8. Aug 14

    John Wackerman - The Wackerman Dynasty :: Ep 250 The Rich Redmond Show

    In this episode, Rich and Jim sit down with drummer, composer, and educator John Wackerman to talk about the Wackerman dynasty, from their band-director dad Chuck to brothers Chad, Bob, Brooks, and John’s own genre-hopping career. John shares stories from the road and studio with Frank Zappa, Maynard Ferguson, Alan Holdsworth, Family Matters, Vegas headliners, and more. He breaks down his all-star drum duets project with Steve Gadd, Alex Acuña, Ronnie Tutt, Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Taylor Hawkins, and others, plus the origin story of DW Drums, a private masterclass with Stuart Copeland, and why discipline and reading still matter in a click-track world. Timed Highlights0:00 Show and sponsor intro1:00 Jim on his son’s musical talent and parenting a creative kid2:12 Rich on being an “overeducated rock drummer” and closet rocker5:18 Mapping the Wackerman dynasty: Chuck, Chad, Bob, Brooks, and John7:56 How the drum duets project was born and why Alex Acuña went first12:12 The real DW Drums origin story: Drum Workshop, Camco, and the double pedal16:00 Vegas era: Mandalay Bay, Zumanity, and drummer coffee hangs21:12 Moving from L.A. to Vegas to Nashville and lifestyle tradeoffs26:01 A half-day film-scoring masterclass at Stuart Copeland’s house33:30 Recording Steve Gadd in Rochester when the SSL console dies40:48 Maynard Ferguson’s band: 300 dates a year, buses, clinics, and survival48:02 Growing up in a house full of drums, vibes, and serious practice54:20 Their dad’s pioneering jazz program and what “passion” meant at home1:03:00 Brooks’s journey from Bad For Good to Bad Religion to Avenged Sevenfold1:10:20 Charts vs memory: how different drummers approach complex gigs1:18:30 Drummers and cars: classic 911s, Audis, and gearhead confessions1:32:40 John’s vegetarian routine, health, and daily fuel1:40:52 Letting go of CDs and DVDs and living in a streaming world1:49:05 John Wackerman Drum Academy plans and Rich’s clinic/tour schedule1:52:10 Closing plugs, mugs, and where to find John online Links:The Rich Redmond Show site:therichredmanshow.com Rich Redmond:richredmond.com Podcast production:itsyourshow.co Drum-tensive study with Rich:drumtensive.com Guest: johnwackerman.com

    John Wackerman - The Wackerman Dynasty :: Ep 250 The Rich Redmond Show
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About

Rich Redmond, Veteran musician and longtime drummer with Jason Aldean, hosts “The Rich Redmond Show”, a show highlighting all things music, motivation, and success. Candid conversations with musicians, actors, comedians, authors and thought leaders about their lives and the stories that shaped them.

Information

  • Creator
    Rich Redmond
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    258
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Rich Redmond Show

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