Archived News Items

Spring '03 - More Rock on the Web

There are a couple new interviews with Bobby on the web right now, both of which are entertaining and informative. Click the icons below to see them. (And, as usual, you can always visit the links section of the site for Internet updates, as well):

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Spring 03 - Bobby featured on upcoming Kiss tribute record/DVD

It was just like old times when Bobby joined producer Bob Kulick and engineer Bruce Boulliett in the studio to lay down drum tracks on the classic Kiss anthem "Strutter," for an upcoming tribute compilation record. Guns and Roses axeman Gilby Clark and Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson are featured on the track along with Bobby, with the vocal chores still TBA.

The tribute package will also include a "Making of" DVD that features in-studio recording and interview footage of all of the participants who, along with Bobby and co. is scheduled to include Mark Slaughter, Gregg Bissonnette, C.C. DeVille, Tommy Shaw, John Tempesta, Carmine Appice and others.

The project is slated for a 2003 release. We'll keep you posted with updates right here in the news section.

Spring '03 - Bobby's Paranormal Records expands with more titles

Bobby and partners at Paranormal Records are pleased to announce a couple of new titles to the Paranormal catalog. One is the LA-based power trio Mojo's debut, entitled "Tapestry." This record features Kofi Baker (son of drumming legend, Ginger Baker) on drums, Bobby's long-time cohort Brett Garsed (Garsed & Helmerich, John Farnham, and Planet X ) on guitar and Ricc Fierabracci (Frank Gambale, Steve Smith, Andy Summers and Yanni) on bass. "Tapestry" combines well crafted original songs with spirited improvisation and interplay captured in a "live in the studio" context.

The second of the recent additions is "Big Sky," the long-awaited solo debut from Brett Garsed, which is easily some of the guitar phenom's best work to date. "Big Sky" also features Fierabracci on bass, along with veteran LA drummer, Toss Panos.

For general or ordering info on these new titles, check out the official Paranormal Records web site at: http://www.paranormalrecords.com

Spring 03 - New Gary Hoey record "in the can"

"We got it!" This was the feeling that Bobby conveyed upon listening to playbacks from his recent foray into the studio with Gary Hoey and bassist Jamie Carter. After well over a year of on-again/off-again pre-production, as well as testing out new material live, the boys finally made it into the studio this month to lay it all down.

Bobby explains: "What a great way to do a record...just like the old days: everyone going to tape at the same time! This is obviously very different than how most records are done these days, especially considering that we hit the 2" tape. But considering that the whole spirit and direction of our evolution as a trio over the past few years has been in the strength of the band as a live entity that feeds off of itself, this was the only way to go. In fact, some of our pre-production recordings turned out so good with their interplay and spontaneity, we were thinking, 'Damn, I hope we can capture this vibe in the studio.' I think we did."

The sessions also brought about another infamous Gary Hoey remake, this one firmly in the vein of some of his other chart-topping covers through the years like "Hocus Pocus" and "Low Rider." And although all in the Hoey camp are keeping the tune under wraps for now, this one will be quite familiar to Bobby's audience. It's even looking like this particular track will wind up as the first single.

The new record is scheduled for a Fall 2003 release.

Fall '02 - The Zen of Drumming Tour in full force!

From Salt Lake City to Portland, Maine, Bobby and the gang have been tearing up the road and racking up the miles on the most recent leg of the Zen of Drumming Tour. "We've been drawing really good crowds and Bobby's been playing his ass off every night out here so, life is good!" says tour manager/sound man Big Lou Brazier about road life with Bobby and long-time drum tech, Newly Newell.

The tour is also set to include stops at two of the country's most prestigious music conservatories: The Berklee College of Music in Boston (which is actually Bobby's alma mater) and The Musician's Institute in Hollywood. Dates are booked into November at the moment, with more shows planned in 2003.

Fall '02 - Hardline 2 record released and burning up the international charts!

The highly-anticipated follow up to Hardline's "Double Eclipse" debut is here! Simply entitled "Hardline 2," Bobby joins founding members Johnny and Joey Gioeli in a return to that classic heavy-edged melodic rock sound that Hardline is known for. Also featured are Josh Ramos on guitar, Michael T. Ross on keys and Christopher Maloney on bass. The record was produced by Bob Burch and released through Frontier records, with priority in Europe and Japan. Initial response has been great, as is evidenced by Hardline's #1 slot on several international sales charts.

For more info on Hardline and this new release, or to hear some MP3s, check out: http://www.doubleeclipse.com/

Summer '02 - Bobby prepares for his 2002-2003 Zen of Drumming Tour

With the release of his incredible Zen of Drumming video (which is now coming out on DVD), we knew it would only be a matter of time before the "Rock Man" returned home to the road. "It's been an especially busy time for me here in LA with all of the project juggling that's been going on," Bobby explains. "But now it's time to head out and do some playing in the solo drumming capacity. This is home to me..."

You can expect all of the usual bells and whistles of a BR solo drumming extravaganza, which continues to set the watermark in the industry in terms of size and scope. Bobby will be performing on his now infamous 21-piece "Chameleon" drum kit (customized with automotive paint that changes colors, depending on the angle that it's viewed), and traveling from city-to-city with a two-man crew in a big Winnebago pulling a custom trailer full of gear, which also includes a sizable monitor system. The show will be based on many of "The Zen of Drumming" themes and concepts...and then some. "You do this long enough and you just can't help but to keep improving, right?" Bobby jokes.

You won't want to miss this one. The tour kicks off around Salt Lake City on October 1st and is expected to continue intermittently through the Spring. Keep checking back for regular updates in the tour dates section.

Summer '02 - The Zen of Drumming hits DVD!

Finally...we are pleased to present Bobby's incredible new video - The Zen of Drumming - in DVD format! Now you can enjoy the whole three-hour production from start to finish, or navigate your way around to any section you like for easy reference. The DVD package features a full 30 minutes of additional bonus footage (including Bobby's Quick & Easy workout routine and some exclusive live solo footage) along with a secret Zen of Drumming hyperlink. Click here to order, or here for more info.

Summer '02 - "Snap, Crackle and Pop...Live!" is back in stock and shipping immediately!

After selling out of two separate pressings of this intense, two-CD set, we are happy to announce that we've recently taken shipment on a third. Documenting the marathon 1997 tour of Bobby and cohorts Neil Zaza and Bill "The Buddha" Dickens, "Snap" remains one of our top-selling discs, as it features some of the absolutely most over-the-top solo performances you will hear out of a drummer, bassist or guitarist. Click here to order now or here for more info.

Summer '02 - Bobby featured in new Killer Grooves book

Killer Grooves is the name of the book and, as described in a press release from the publisher (Carl Fischer - New York), it's "a practical encyclopedia of contemporary drumming styles. A fan's book, a drummer's book and a coffee table book you can play, Killer Grooves promises to be the hippest new drum book in years."

The release goes on to explain that "over thirty drummers from the jazz, pop and rock worlds have contributed their favorite drum grooves to this unique compilation. Each artist is represented by a two-page spread that includes photographs, a brief biography, a personal quote which is often an insightful look at the player's 'philosophy,' a list of products the artist endorses and a page that contains the performer's favorite and most characteristic grooves..." Drummers represented range across the spectrum of contemporary music and, along with Bobby, include Gerry Brown, Clayton Cameron, Ndugu Chancler, Jack DeJohnette, Peter Erskine, David Garibaldi, Manu Katche, Rod Morgenstein, John "J.R." Robinson, Steve Smith and Dave Weckl.

Ask for it at your favorite music store or drum shop, or check back here for updates on the book's availability in our merchandise section.

Summer '02 - Bobby to perform at special concert in Boston this Fall

Bobby is scheduled to perform at the Ed Kaspik Memorial Concert on September 25, at the Berklee Performance Center in Boston. The event is being organized through the faculty of the Berklee College of Music (where Kaspik taught for nearly 25 years) and is expected to feature a number of great drummers, including Gary Chaffee, Kenwood Dennard, Casey Scheuerell and Bobby (who studied with Ed while he was a student at Berklee). This event will likely be scheduled around other solo drumming performances that Bobby will be doing this fall. Check out the tour dates section for updates.

Summer '02 - Hypothetical Erotica cable pilot still in process...

It looks like Bobby's long-awaited multimedia theater extravaganza (based on his book, Hypothetical Erotica) has morphed into production for a cable TV pilot. Bobby has teamed up with renown director/editor Clark Graph and the two have been working on the concept, script and even some initial filming for the project since last fall.

"It all started with me consulting Clark about some of the multimedia technology we were interested in bringing to a theater show. Then, before I knew it, we were resurrecting the cable TV pilot concept that I had kind of put on the back burner. We have a chance to reach a lot more people this way, and this format will really allow for a heightened experience of what the book is all about."

It's all only a matter of time now...when these two guys can find the time to finish this thing! "With Clark working on Matrix 2 & 3 for weeks at a time in Australia lately, and all that I have going on, it's been slow going. We basically hook up when we can. But we're looking to have this thing done sometime this fall."

Spring '02 - The "Rock Man" to play Godsfest 2002 in England with Hardline

It's been touted as one of the world's largest melodic rock festivals, and this year Hardline has been selected to headline the show! Also on the bill are Mr. Big's Eric Martin, Honeymoon Suite, Jeff Scott Soto and a handful of other well-known acts from the genre. The date is June 2 in Manchester, England. Go to www.melodicrock.com for more info.

Spring '02 - Tracking complete for new Bill "The Buddha" Dickens/Bobby Rock book for Warner Brothers, Funk Bass and Beyond!

(L-R: Bobby with the Buddha and engineer Tom Sweeney.)

It's been "the project that will not end" as Bobby has described it, but now Bobby and The Buddha are one step closer to completion. Based off of the acclaimed Dickens' bass video of the same name that Bobby produced, Funk Bass and Beyond promises to be the definitive book on funk bass guitar playing.

The book will include a CD which features Dickens playing many key examples from the book, as well as a music-minus-one section where the student can play along with any of the six tracks (as the disc features both a with-bass and without-bass version of each track). Tracking has just been completed for the CD and features, along with the Buddha on bass and Bobby on drums, Gary Hoey on guitars and Armen Chakmakian (Shadowfax, solo artist) on keyboards.

"With me being either on the road or here in LA and the Buddha still living in Chicago, it's been a difficult collaboration logistically," Bobby explains. "But, the manuscript is strong and the music is diverse and funky, so it will definitely be worth the wait...that is if Warner Brothers doesn't hire a couple of hit men to finish us off for taking so long on this thing before we have a chance to turn it in!"

Funk Bass and Beyond should hit the racks sometime in 2003.

Spring '02 - On the radar...a new Gary Hoey record with Bobby on drums

(Bobby with the Gary Hoey Band at a recent sold-out show at the Coach House.)

After over two years of working with guitar great Gary Hoey (with Jamie Carter on bass), it looks like Bobby and co. are studio-bound for a new Gary Hoey release. The boys have been in pre-production on and off for several months, taking their time with new material and even trying it out on their select live dates this year.

"This is a great way to do a record," Bobby explains. "We're getting the best of both worlds; sitting in a rehearsal room together and jamming through these new tunes, then taking them to the stage for the final, acid test. Seldom do we have the luxury of testing material live before recording it. This time we do and, as a result, I think we'll be bringing tighter arrangements and a greater sense of familiarity to the material in the studio."

Describing the music as "more vocal-oriented with a sort of modern day, Hendrix/Band of Gypsies vibe," Bobby thinks the record will find its audience. "Gary, Jamie and I all come from that school where guys in the mainstream arena rock world could really play...back in the days where you actually heard that live feel, that interplay between the members and those heavy grooves on the records! This direction is a logical extension for this band and I think a lot of people will dig this stuff."

Tracking should commence in the summer, in and around tour dates.

Winter '02 - Bobby's latest health tips...it's all about Peak Performance!

Check out the 2002 edition of Sabian's NewsBeat magazine for a feature on Bobby and his 3-2-1 guide to fitness. Bobby offers a quick overview to superior health through nutrition, working out and the mind/body connection. Great stuff..

Fall '01 - Bobby featured in new Killer Grooves book

Be on the lookout in 2002 for an exciting new book that features Bobby, along with 34 other top drummers, offering up some of their favorite grooves. The book is being produced by the New York-based publisher Carl Fischer. Check back for updates on the book's availability.

Fall '01 - The return of legendary hard rockers, Hardline....with BR on drums!

Yes, it's true! The European-based label, Frontiers records, has signed Hardline to a new deal and Bobby has just completed the drum tracks. Hardline, originally based around Journey axe-man Neil Schon and the Gioeli brothers, has continued to enjoy an almost cult-like following through the years just off of their impressive '92 debut, Double Eclipse. The Hardline sound and tradition continues with a revised line-up and a new slew of tunes.

"This is fun stuff to play, let me tell you," says Bobby. "I've been friends with the Gioeli's for years and I loved that first Hardline record, so this was a natural for me."

Look for a September 2002 release of the record.

Fall '01 - Rock on the Web: an interview, a cool review, an article and your chance to win Bobby's latest video!

An interesting new site with a BR interview: www.metalmedicine.com. Designed for medical students!

A lengthy review on The Zen of Drumming. Scope it out at About.com.

A drum lesson/article with "The Man" at www.learn2drum.com. And don't forget to enter your name in the "Zen of Drumming" contest by 8-12-01 for your chance to win an autographed copy of Bobby's latest video!

And, as always, you can check in with the Links section of this site from time to time for continually updated listings of BR web links.

Spring '01 - Just in: Bobby wins Drum magazine's Reader's Poll for Clinician of the Year...again!

For the second time in three years, the readers of Drum magazine have voted Bobby "best clinician" in their annual reader's poll. This comes after another hard year of touring the clinic circuit for Rock and crew.

Bobby's comments: "Too cool! Ya know, when you're out there on the road, in a different town every night, you're kind of in a bubble...to some degree out of touch with how or if you're getting across to the drumming community at large. So, artistically, as well as personally, something like this is very validating. And I'm honored to be acknowledged in such great company, as well. Thank you, Drum magazine!" (And a hearty congratulations from all of us at BR.com goes out to that "great company," the runners up: Terry Bozzio, Kenny Aronoff and Virgil Donati.)

Results will be posted in the upcoming June/July issue...

Summer '01 - Warner Brothers to distribute The Zen of Drumming

It's official: Warner Brothers, Bobby's longtime distributor/publisher, will be handling retail distribution for The Zen of Drumming. They're expected to be fulfilling orders as early as mid-May, so ZOD will soon be available at fine music stores everywhere. (If you find that your favorite store is out of stock, simply ask them to order from their Warner Bros rep or video distributor.) Online orders will, of course, continue right here with the new "official" double-vid sleeve design, as all Limited First Edition copies have sold out.

Spring '01 - The Zen of Drumming has arrived!

It's here! The Zen of Drumming - all three hours of it - is a reality. The Limited First Edition version (which includes a slightly different cover design and a hard-shell case) is available pretty much exclusively through this site until a distribution deal is announced later this month. The response so far has been incredible. Click here for The Zen of Drumming section of this site where you can find out all about this three-hour/two-volume masterwork, check out some of the initial media/consumer reviews, visit the official ZOD photo gallery, and then grab your own copy of the vid.

Winter '01 - Bobby signs on with Diggit

The Rock man has signed on to endorse Diggit Stickweights, which are a revolutionary new technique-building/warm-up tool for drummers. Bobby explains: "These Stickweights work much like traditional ankle or wrist weights, in that you Velcro them onto your drum sticks and they essentially double the weight of each stick. It's actually a pretty ingenious idea and makes for a seriously accelerated way of building your chops. They've become an ongoing part of my practice pad work and the results have been dramatic. I love these things..."

You can see Bobby demonstrating the Stickweights several times in his new video, The Zen of Drumming. (For more information, check out the official Diggit web site.)

Winter '01 - Surprise! Bobby has a new two-volume drumming video! The Zen of Drumming is (almost) here...

Bobby's long-awaited follow-up to his best-selling instructional video, Metalmorphosis, ships March 1. The Zen of Drumming is the culmination of 11 years and over 700 workshops and masterclasses. Although this video has indirectly been in the making for years, the window of opportunity to finally do it opened just before Christmas when schedules cleared for Bobby and co-producer, the director/editor extraordinaire, Robb Cloepfil. "How I spent my Christmas vacation!" Bobby jokes. "Seriously, it all just kind of fell together and we knew if we waited until after the first of the year, we would both be tied up with other projects. So...we went for it, braving subzero temperatures in the Midwest to get this thing done. It was definitely worth it, though. This video has it all..."

Focusing on Bobby's Mind/Body/Spirit approach to drumming, this two-volume set definitely pushes the envelope in contemporary music/instructional video as it has all of the soloing, performance, demonstration footage you could imagine, plus a lot of philosophical insights and mental oriented concepts that haven't really been broached before. "Simply put, we wanted to try and create the ultimate drum video - production-wise, performance-wise, information-wise, and so forth," Bobby explains. "I think we accomplished that..." Click here for more info.

Winter '01 - Bobby is "Groovin' In Tongues." EP re-release to ship early Feb.

For those who have enjoyed Bobby's debut EP in its original, "underground" cassette format through the years, and for those interested in a must-have BR collector's item - Groovin' In Tongues is here! The entire EP (plus a special bonus track) has finally been remastered and repackaged to CD. "I must say, even seven years later, the record really holds up. I'm glad that we're able to offer it on CD and with some hip packaging. I've gotten a lot of great feedback on the EP through the years..." Bobby says. The package also includes a retrospective overview on the making of Groovin', and "Just Visiting," a fascinating memoir detailing Bobby's experiences in Houston's violent Fifth Ward, which proved to be a catalyst for this debut solo effort. Order here. Available early February.

Fall '00 - Bobby records/gigs with Gary Hoey in November

Following the success of three "Ho, Ho, Hoey" rock and roll Christmas CDs, Gary Hoey returned to the studio this month to record a new single...this time with Bobby on drums. It's a rap/rock adaptation of "T'was The Night Before Christmas"that features Bobby's powerhouse pocket, Hoey's crushing guitar tones (tuned down to "B" for this track!), and rapper, "The Unknown." Sounding like (according to Bobby) "Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock and Snoop Dogg, together in the studio...on hallucinogens!" the track is already being added to the playlist of a number of stations around the country. (Click here for an initial listing of some of these stations.) Bobby also did a couple of west coast dates with Hoey this month right after his solo drumming tour. Check out the Fall Tour Scrapbook for photos and more info.

Fall '00 - Bobby gears up for Fall tour

After a busy year of touring, Bobby will return to the road mid-October for another solo drumming extravaganza. Back in the trenches with his 31-foot Winnebago, customized Nascar-style trailer, a complete monitor system, two-man crew and his ever-expanding 21-piece drum kit he calls the "Chameleon," Bobby's road show remains among the most elaborate of its kind. "I just keep going back for more," Bobby says, referring to his voracious appetite for touring. "And it's always a challenge to try to take things up another notch each time. But that's what makes it fun and interesting and keeps people coming back." Keep a close eye on the Itinerary section of this site for continuous updates.

Fall '00 - October chat session scheduled with Bobby on Drum-Talk

Chat with Bobby live on the Internet on Thursday, October 5th, at 8:00 P.M. (Eastern time). The session is hosted by the drumming web site Drum Talk at http://www.drum-talk.com. Don't miss this rare live chat session with Bobby.

Summer/Fall '00- Rock on the Web

Here are a couple of fun links to some Bobby Rock interviews on the web:

This first one has been out for a while and we've been meaning to offer a link to it for quite some time. It remains one of the most in depth interviews Bobby's ever done. There's lots of detailed Vinnie Vincent and Nelson stuff, as well as questions regarding most every major project Bobby's been involved with, both old and new. Prepare to spend some time at the screen - these folks left no stone unturned. The Guitarmageddon Site:

Here's a newer (and considerably shorter!) one. U.P. Rock City:

(For more, continually updated listings of BR links around the web, check out the Links section of this site.)

Summer '00 - Bobby plays FoxxFest

August 6 marked the date of FoxxFest, the long-awaited Eric Carr tribute at the Hemmens Auditorium near Chicago. Carr, the longtime drummer for Kiss, passed away in '91 after a long bout with cancer, and this event was set up as a benefit for the Children's Memorial Hospital. Bobby was in fine form as he delivered a memorable solo drumming performance that included several Carr signature drumming references, in addition to his own vast arsenal of blazing rock, funk and Latin solo riffs. Other celebrity guests included Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick and Playboy playmates Carrie Stevens and Layla Roberts. Check out the official FoxxFest site for the review and more info on the show: