Gregg's a total class act! I attended a drum clinic of his around 20 years ago and was one of the first to get there. So I'm just sitting there admiring Gregg's kit on the stage and out of nowhere he comes up to me and says "Hi, I'm Gregg!!!" with his hand out wanting to shake mine. I couldn't believe it. I was sort of tongue tied and we had a short exchange and I appreciated his enthusiasm, kindness, and warmth. Definitely an unforgettable moment for me.
Wish it would've been longer, I'm honored to study with Gregg every month. We laugh,learn from each other, & talk life. During this period it has been unique doing it 2.513 miles apart. I crave each session.
I love these guys and the way they are. With respect to the wonderful GB, I have to share my Dom story here. In the summer of 1991, my band The Cheeters had a gig at Excalibur in downtown Chicago, my hometown. It was packed (including over 50 family and friends, and Scottie Freaking Pippen! "Doing a great job up there man!", wow thank you Pip!). Easily one of the coolest nights of my career. We finished our gig, and drove back to the band's HQ in Madison, Wisconsin. I got home at 8am, slept for what felt like 10 minutes, and I woke up around noon knowing Mr. Famularo was doing a clinic at a local music store. I threw on some ripped jeans, my Zildjian t-shirt, and a white leather jacket and made my way to the clinic. Arrived Early. First row seat. This is going to be great! Halfway thru, Dom looks at me, still buzzing from the electric gig in the big city and my eyes are barely half open. I could've been blinded with dental floss. "You awake?" says the Maestro from the raised stage. I might've pee'd a little in my pants, I don't remember. But I mumbled a "Yes, we played in Chicago last night but I'm here!" Dom says "Good, I need your help. Hold this practice pad....above your head...a little higher...good, right there. Try not to move!" He proceeds to demonstrate single strokes to the rest of the room. Hard. And if he misses the center of the 6" pad, I'm losing a finger. Then he switches to doubles. @#%! I'm trying to see what he's doing but I can only see the pad shaking, and then my arms start to get tired. Really tired. His playing is so powerful I can feel it in my soul. After what seems like an hour, he takes the pad back and tells everyone to give me hand for my assistance. I'm sweating now and thinking I'm never going to hear the end of this. The Mad City had a fantastic music scene back then, and everybody knew everybody. At the end I waited until everyone left to see Dom. I introduced myself, and he said, "Ahhh, I knew you were a paisan, that's why I picked on you!" He then wrote me an entire paragraph about the pad incident and signed his name. Such a wonderful memory of this cat and if you don't know his name, do yourself a favor and google him. He is our Master Ambassador, an incredible musician and an amazing positive human being on planet earth.
Steven, great memories...thanks! Your comments made me smile of the days when clinics were the thing to attend! Fun days! Thanks for helping out at the event! Stay safe!
Gregg has been a huge influence on my drumming since 1986. I first heard him with David Lee Roth. Then i did some research and found his Modern Drummer sound supplement. From then, i bought the Maynard Ferguson live in San Francisco cd. I absolutely love his style of drumming and his attitude. I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Gregg when he did the Buddy Rich Memorial concert at Berklee College of Music in 1993. I was helping to set up his brand new Pearl Masters Custom drumkit that Pearl had just sent to Berklee for Gregg to use. Gregg couldn't of been nicer to me. He was very patient with all my questions and he ended up giving me a pair of his used sticks, his drum key and his phone number. Gregg continues to inspire me musically and personally!
I’m so lucky to have been able to see both Gregg and Dom in clinics over the years. They really are two of the nicest and down to earth guys you’d ever want to meet.
Making good music is important. But the most important aspect of the music business is building positive relationships not only with fellow musicians and professional personnel, but positive relationships with fans of music. These are the elements that will bring peace and love into everyone's life. Give it your all, you have a blessed life to share with others and when you do, the results are incredible. Gregg hit the nail on the head in this area. Thanks to Gregg and you too Dom for what you do!
Met him when I was in Jr. High school at one of his clinics during the David Lee Roth Days - I was just some kid. He was INCREDIBLY kind. Decades later, I'm still a fan of Greg.
one of the most underrated drummer out there ,saw him with DLR ..and bought all his instructional video's ,saw him at local drum seminar for Mapex just amazing was looking for the other guy behind the curtain his playing is huge .Latin stuff is over the top..and he's just as happy playing 2 and 4 ..and nice nice guy..if ever he stops drumming he could be one of the best stand up comics out there ..just so funny and great public speaker ..and yes a real genuine person not a drop of EGO..
When I listen to Gregg describe his repertoire of necessary musical knowledge to be available to play, I always looked up to guys like him because he is a "Journeyman" who served his apprenticeship in old school fashion. And Dom is just as awesome.
Great interview AGAIN! Gregg is one of the most down to earth guys you could ever meet...and he truly is the way you see him here. Wonderful insights....thank you, Dom.
Fantastic interview Dom! Love how down to earth Greg is, and a great player. Important lessons of playing different styles of music, playing what you love, and treating people like people with the golden rule. Excellent!
I saw Greg at a clinic in the 90's in Auckland, New Zealand with a trumpet player friend on stage. He had copies of his then album but I missed out. Mapex kit at the time I think.
I think this interview is one of the best interview that Mr. Dom ever did. This is not just a drum but this is about human relationship.. Mr.Greg quote is really good, "you have to treat people based on what you expect people treat on you". If you want people be nice with you, so you have to be nice with them, good quote
So true Jeff! Gregg's a great guy and does do voiceovers & even Winnie the Pooh! Check out this great interview www.moderndrummer.com/article/december-2014-gregg-bissonette/
Heck- musicians have been "paying to play" for decades. I've played professionally for over 40 years and they still treat "live" musicians at the bottom of the food chain. Sad. And don't get me started on all the royalties lost nowadays.
Gregg's a total class act! I attended a drum clinic of his around 20 years ago and was one of the first to get there. So I'm just sitting there admiring Gregg's kit on the stage and out of nowhere he comes up to me and says "Hi, I'm Gregg!!!" with his hand out wanting to shake mine. I couldn't believe it. I was sort of tongue tied and we had a short exchange and I appreciated his enthusiasm, kindness, and warmth. Definitely an unforgettable moment for me.
Wish it would've been longer, I'm honored to study with Gregg every month. We laugh,learn from each other, & talk life. During this period it has been unique doing it 2.513 miles apart. I crave each session.
LOVE these guys!!!!!!
Gregg is a first class guy!! A phenomenal drummer.
I love these guys and the way they are. With respect to the wonderful GB, I have to share my Dom story here. In the summer of 1991, my band The Cheeters had a gig at Excalibur in downtown Chicago, my hometown. It was packed (including over 50 family and friends, and Scottie Freaking Pippen! "Doing a great job up there man!", wow thank you Pip!). Easily one of the coolest nights of my career. We finished our gig, and drove back to the band's HQ in Madison, Wisconsin. I got home at 8am, slept for what felt like 10 minutes, and I woke up around noon knowing Mr. Famularo was doing a clinic at a local music store. I threw on some ripped jeans, my Zildjian t-shirt, and a white leather jacket and made my way to the clinic. Arrived Early. First row seat. This is going to be great! Halfway thru, Dom looks at me, still buzzing from the electric gig in the big city and my eyes are barely half open. I could've been blinded with dental floss. "You awake?" says the Maestro from the raised stage. I might've pee'd a little in my pants, I don't remember. But I mumbled a "Yes, we played in Chicago last night but I'm here!" Dom says "Good, I need your help. Hold this practice pad....above your head...a little higher...good, right there. Try not to move!" He proceeds to demonstrate single strokes to the rest of the room. Hard. And if he misses the center of the 6" pad, I'm losing a finger. Then he switches to doubles. @#%! I'm trying to see what he's doing but I can only see the pad shaking, and then my arms start to get tired. Really tired. His playing is so powerful I can feel it in my soul. After what seems like an hour, he takes the pad back and tells everyone to give me hand for my assistance. I'm sweating now and thinking I'm never going to hear the end of this. The Mad City had a fantastic music scene back then, and everybody knew everybody. At the end I waited until everyone left to see Dom. I introduced myself, and he said, "Ahhh, I knew you were a paisan, that's why I picked on you!" He then wrote me an entire paragraph about the pad incident and signed his name. Such a wonderful memory of this cat and if you don't know his name, do yourself a favor and google him. He is our Master Ambassador, an incredible musician and an amazing positive human being on planet earth.
Steven, great memories...thanks! Your comments made me smile of the days when clinics were the thing to attend! Fun days! Thanks for helping out at the event! Stay safe!
Thank you Mr Bissonette... you gave me a great lesson of life... Cheers from Switzerland...
So inspiring
Gregg has been a huge influence on my drumming since 1986. I first heard him with David Lee Roth. Then i did some research and found his Modern Drummer sound supplement. From then, i bought the Maynard Ferguson live in San Francisco cd. I absolutely love his style of drumming and his attitude. I had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with Gregg when he did the Buddy Rich Memorial concert at Berklee College of Music in 1993. I was helping to set up his brand new Pearl Masters Custom drumkit that Pearl had just sent to Berklee for Gregg to use. Gregg couldn't of been nicer to me. He was very patient with all my questions and he ended up giving me a pair of his used sticks, his drum key and his phone number. Gregg continues to inspire me musically and personally!
Gregg has a terrific attitude, style & all around great guy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts & our videos!
Love Gregg!! One of my favourite drummers ever and a top notch bloke too!! 👍🏻
I’m so lucky to have been able to see both Gregg and Dom in clinics over the years. They really are two of the nicest and down to earth guys you’d ever want to meet.
Among my favorite players ever. Such a great guy.
LOVE me some Gregg Bissonette !! He's a standard to live up to !!
Making good music is important. But the most important aspect of the music business is building positive relationships not only with fellow musicians and professional personnel, but positive relationships with fans of music. These are the elements that will bring peace and love into everyone's life. Give it your all, you have a blessed life to share with others and when you do, the results are incredible. Gregg hit the nail on the head in this area. Thanks to Gregg and you too Dom for what you do!
So so good!!🎯 this is pure gold👍🏾
Met him when I was in Jr. High school at one of his clinics during the David Lee Roth Days - I was just some kid. He was INCREDIBLY kind. Decades later, I'm still a fan of Greg.
Still kind, funny & a great guy!
Funny how often these super successful guys down to earth, humble, thoughtful people; hardly the stereotypical rock star party animal.
one of the most underrated drummer out there ,saw him with DLR ..and bought all his instructional video's ,saw him at local drum seminar for Mapex just amazing was looking for the other guy behind the curtain his playing is huge .Latin stuff is over the top..and he's just as happy playing 2 and 4 ..and nice nice guy..if ever he stops drumming he could be one of the best stand up comics out there ..just so funny and great public speaker ..and yes a real genuine person not a drop of EGO..
Yes...you nailed it Alan! Gregg has an incredible personality, persona & talent....love him!!
What a lovely guy; with an immense talent to boot!
The Sessions series is simply the motherload for insight, wisdom and creativity man. These guys are the classiest. So inspiring.
When I listen to Gregg describe his repertoire of necessary musical knowledge to be available to play, I always looked up to guys like him because he is a "Journeyman" who served his apprenticeship in old school fashion. And Dom is just as awesome.
Great interview AGAIN! Gregg is one of the most down to earth guys you could ever meet...and he truly is the way you see him here. Wonderful insights....thank you, Dom.
Gregg Bissonette, drummer of all styles! Great interview! Respect, Wow!!!
A Great guy and drummer!
What a wonderful interview. 2 great guys, doesnt get any better!! love them both!
What a gentleman and a great drummer..
No wonder RINGO keeps using him..
He really is a nice genuine dude, we had him over for a clinic years ago, and he is what you see here, no BS.
Fantastic interview Dom! Love how down to earth Greg is, and a great player. Important lessons of playing different styles of music, playing what you love, and treating people like people with the golden rule. Excellent!
you guys think and act the same way as me. love it!
Cool
This could be called “How to Win at Life”.
Greg & I share the same birthday June 9th 1959! 🥳
Very inspirational from two great musicians and human beings.......thank you!!!
He is such a nice guy and amazing musician!
Gregg is great!! And he will be a guest speaker with us at NAMM on 1/27....hope you can make it!
I saw Greg at a clinic in the 90's in Auckland, New Zealand with a trumpet player friend on stage. He had copies of his then album but I missed out. Mapex kit at the time I think.
Awesome guy....
I think this interview is one of the best interview that Mr. Dom ever did. This is not just a drum but this is about human relationship.. Mr.Greg quote is really good, "you have to treat people based on what you expect people treat on you".
If you want people be nice with you, so you have to be nice with them, good quote
Thank you....Gregg is very genuine & remarkable as a person and musician!
Two Class Acts!!!
Gregg is one of the most kind persons in the business
met him after a gig he did with Andy summers...totally cool fun guy
Wonderful!
that voice...needs to do voice acting! i think he did a commercial a few years ago as a voice over...nicest guys in the business...
So true Jeff! Gregg's a great guy and does do voiceovers & even Winnie the Pooh! Check out this great interview www.moderndrummer.com/article/december-2014-gregg-bissonette/
Beautiful!
Truth! If your serious about being in the music industry, watch this twice.
So true Jonathan!! Besides Gregg's talent, his attitude is a HUGE part of his success!! Thanks for your positive comments & sharing this info!!
fantastic
RESPECT!
Multiplayer!!
Have U seen him go to a German music store acting as a beginner wanting to learn a Robbie Williams song??? Classic
yah Gregg hi dom
Looks like he could be tre cools dad. :)
Heck- musicians have been "paying to play" for decades. I've played professionally for over 40 years and they still treat "live" musicians at the bottom of the food chain. Sad. And don't get me started on all the royalties lost nowadays.
Wow! Pay to Play ?😱 is this true ?