No. 257, November 2017
Our Special Touring Issue helps you to prepare for drumming on the road! Anthrax’s Charlie Benante and Killswitch Engage drummer Justin Foley, two veteran road warriors, give us the lowdown about what it’s really like to travel from town to town, day after day, with their respective bands. AFI drummer Adam Carson opens up his tour diary in our pages so we can vicariously experience a week in his life on the tour bus, in the dressing room, and onstage, from Washington state all the way to Chicago and Toronto, amidst icy, snowy conditions. Drum’s onstage survival kit will remind you about vital supplies and accessories to pack for the road — items that can come in handy at the gig, should disaster strike at a moment’s notice. Our checklist of creature comforts for the road offers handy tips for making the best of your travels with your drums. Hop onto Otep’s tour bus with drummer Justin Kier for a behind-the-scenes look at the band’s home away from home. And, before you set off for your next round of road gigs, ask yourself and other interested parties 16 pertinent questions about the crucially important business arrangements that directly impact your plans. Plus, we catch up with Stone Temple Pilots’ Eric Kretz and Spoon’s Jim Eno, and consider whether bands even need record deals anymore.