Originally Published 6 months ago — by Rolling Stone
Matt Cameron, who played drums for Pearl Jam since 1998, has announced his departure after nearly 27 years, marking the first member change since 1998. The article reviews all the drummers who have played with Pearl Jam, including Dave Krusen, Dave Abbruzzese, Jack Irons, and Matt Cameron, highlighting their contributions and reasons for leaving. Cameron's exit raises questions about the band's future lineup and dynamics.
Two former drummers of the Bee Gees, Geoff Bridgford and Dennis Bryon, have passed away within days of each other. Bridgford, who played with the band in the early 1970s, and Bryon, who joined later in the decade, were both integral to the group's sound during their respective tenures. Their deaths mark a significant loss for the music community and fans of the iconic band.
Teresa Taylor, former drummer of Butthole Surfers, has passed away after battling lung disease. She played with the band from 1983 to 1989 and briefly rejoined in 2008. Taylor also appeared in Richard Linklater's film, Slacker. She announced her diagnosis of end-stage lung disease in November 2021.
Blackie Onassis, the drummer for the 90s Chicago band Urge Overkill, has passed away at the age of 57. The cause of death has not been revealed. Onassis joined the band in 1991 and was part of their major-label debut on Geffen Records. Urge Overkill was known for their postmodern take on 70s funk and metal and had a hit with their cover of Neil Diamond's "Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon" featured on the "Pulp Fiction" soundtrack.
John Rowan, the drummer for '90s Chicago rock band Urge Overkill who performed under the name Blackie Onassis, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 57. Onassis anchored Urge Overkill during their time in the alternative-rock spotlight in the 1990s, playing on the band’s version of Neil Diamond’s “Girl, You’ll Be a Woman Soon,” which was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” in 1994, and staying with them through their final major-label album, 1995’s “Exit the Dragon.”
The Foo Fighters have introduced Josh Freese as their new drummer ahead of their upcoming tour and album release, the first since the death of their previous drummer, Taylor Hawkins, last year. Freese, a veteran musician who has played with bands like Nine Inch Nails and Weezer, was featured in an hourlong streamed rehearsal that included surprise cameos by other drummers and a new song, "Rescued." The Foo Fighters were devastated by Hawkins's death, and the streamed event appeared to reflect their lingering grief.
Foo Fighters have announced that Josh Freese will be joining the band as their new drummer, replacing Taylor Hawkins who passed away in June 2022. Freese, who has previously played with bands such as Guns N' Roses and Nine Inch Nails, will make his debut with the band on May 24 as they kick off their world tour.
Dave Lombardo, the drummer of Slayer, shares his top five non-metal drummers who influenced his style and direction. Lombardo's love for Latin Jazz and Afro Cuban music was established by his childhood memories. His top five picks include Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Chano Pozo, the drummers and percussionists of Irakere, and Buddy Rich.
