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My old iPad2 (2011!) may have finally bit the dust. I really only use it anymore on tour to read PDF charts. Any recommendations for a simple, cheap unit with a decent sized screen (mine is a paltry 9.5" diag.) that's inexpensive and won't cost me an arm and a paw? I literally need it just to...

This is separate from being in a dysfunctional band situation... Did you ever play somewhere that you promised yourself you'd never play again, and why? And if you ever went back anyway, did you regret the decision, or had things changed? I've bailed on a few places for a few reasons. Some...

Lots of flack online about Kendrick Lamar's half-time show, both about him being chosen, and the show. Not looking for opinions about his show, but here's the question: who would you choose to do the half-time show? Before you answer, keep in mind that the NFL's (or TV network's?) choice of...

I think by now everyone knows the proper count of the guitar intro on Wild Cherry's "Play That Funky Music White Boy" (it starts on the 1, but sounds like it could be a pickup on the & of 4.) But for those who are still baffled, here's what it would sound like if the guitar actually did start...

I need a pop gun that will pop every time. I bought this from Steve Weiss Music, but it's useless. It makes a pop maybe every third or fourth time, which is obviously not suitable. The wooden toy ones don't make the right sound and I suspect aren't very road-worthy. Any other pop guns out...

A drum flipper turned me onto this shipping service with GREAT rates on shipping either UPS or USPS. Pirateship.com has an easy to use site, and you print your UPS or USPS prepaid label through them as you would the actual carriers' sites - it's the same label. Then you drop it off at UPS or the...

What living drummers have been working continuously with the same band (or artist) the longest? That is, no splitting up and then reuniting 25 years later - they have to be currently working with that band/artist. So, Joey Kramer doesn't count, and Charlie Watts is gone. :( And they don't have...

So, I just installed Microsoft's Copilot, and wanted to see how detailed (or generic) its responses are. Here's what I asked: How did Weird Al Yankovic meet his drummer, Jon Schwartz? Copilot: Weird Al Yankovic met his drummer, Jon "Bermuda" Schwartz, on September 14, 1980, during a recording...

New Weird Al recordings are few and far between since going independent in 2014, so on the 10-year anniversary of the last studio album, the "Polkamania!" single was issued this morning! Polka medleys have been a staple of Al's albums and this one makes up for lost time with songs from the last...

I just picked up a set of Shure SE215 earphones for a gig Friday. I didn't want to use my touring molds because I'd need to pull one out between songs to hear instructions from the leader, so I figured I'd get something a little more ear-friendly, maybe use them for other things as well. But...

I know that a 14x22" kick hasn't been a common size since the '70s, but I didn't think it had disappeared. I was looking for a kick bag and went into my local G.C. to check out their RoadRunner brand, which are pretty nice bags and not expensive. I can understand that the store might not stock...

Congrats on another trip around the sun! 🎂🥁

This coming Sunday April 21, I will be on an episode of Collector's Call on MeTV. It airs at 6:30PM (5:30 central) in the US and probably elsewhere. Kenneth Guinup is one of the eminent Weird Al collectors, and I appear as the "expert" on his collection. Here I am with host Lisa Whelchel...

We know that how a drummer strikes the drum has a lot to do with how a snare sounds, but what do you think it is about the drum itself that contributes most to its sound? Sure they all play a part, but which does the most? (choose up to 3)

Have you taken a picture with any of the drummers on Drummerworld's Top 500 list? I've met several and have pictures with some, but maybe the most notable pic is with Mitch Mitchell! (Summer NAMM, 1998)

Inspired by the Gibraltar Catapult pedal thread... What drum products (brands) initially got poor reviews, but later became more popular and enjoyed a long shelf-life? Do poor reviews affect your decision to try a product (or brand), or do you look past the objections and try it anyway?

I don't explore every gadget that claims to solve a non-existent problem. But I try to keep my eyes and mind open, and I'm pleasantly surprised when something comes along that actually makes things easier. Like most of us, I use a drum rug. It never occurred to me that there might be a...

I don't often post my drum-related videos, but I go into some good detail about what being Weird AL's drummer entails, with a good dose of tour talk, our covid experiences on the road, and my approach and feelings about programmed drums. There's some fun AL facts in case you're a fan. :) Not...

I thought it might be helpful to list/discuss exactly what is needed for specific Southern California venues that have an acoustic house kit. Obviously sticks are necessary, and always bring your own cymbals. Snares and pedals are optional unless indicated. When in doubt, bring them anyway. :)...

As a tangent of the YT drummers thread... Suppose you needed to hire a drummer sub or other player for your band. I know it's not always possible to hear/audition someone in person, but what is the minimum that you expect from someone's online video? Would you rely on a video of a solo...