1. what first inspired you to become a drummer?

Tommy Lee's drumming on Motley Crue's albums Theatre of Pain and Shout At The Devil were my first big inspiration. In general I loved the punchy sound rock drummers created, it sounded enormous to my young ears.

2. anything that you’ve learnt along the way that’s really helped you as a drummer?

Less is more. The longer I've been playing, the less complicated I've made my drumming. Simple fills. I've adopted the old funk rule too, always play the one. I love music that drills that one into you, from Pantera to Sepultura, Motley Crue to house/electro music.

3. who have you and/or who are you playing with at the moment and what are the bands movements

   Anything to plug?

I'm drumming with Dukes of Windsor. We're doing shows all over the country at the moment. We have an Album - The Others and an EP - Foxhunt. We're working on our second album at the moment. I also program/produce a horror electro band called The Director's Cult. Here's some links for both;

 
Dukes of Windsor
http://www.dukesofwindsor.com.au    http://www.myspace.com/dukesofwindsor
 
The Director's Cult
http://www.thedirectorscult.com         http://www.myspace.com/thedirectorscult

 
4. what gear are you using at present?

I play a Gretsch Vintage Glass four piece kit, Zildjian A Custom 16" crash, Zildjian New Beat hats and Sabian 20" ride. I play with Vater 2B nylon tip sticks.

 
5. what would be your dream gig?

 
The next woodstock would be nice. Can you organise it for us?

 
6. favourite drummers and/or bands and why?

 
Tommy Lee - Motley Crue. Dave Grohl - Nirvana/Foo Fighters.

I like them both because they play hard, and simple, but super tight. Kurt Cobain's guitar playing was sloppy, but along with Dave's drums it had a great sound. I don't care how flashy a drummer can play. I'm not interested. I want to hear great songs. Complex playing is to please musicians, and they're the last people I worry about pleasing with my music. It's all about the average punter!