Chris Barnes
I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.
Latest articles by Chris Barnes
Gallery: Behind-the-scenes on Taking Center Stage
By Chris Barnes last updated
Highlights from Taking Center Stage: A Lifetime Of Live Performance, starring Neil Peart.
VIDEO: Inside the National Drum Fair
By Chris Barnes last updated
In September Rhythm attended the ninth National Drum Fair in Birmingham. A treasure trove of vintage and custom drums, performances and bargains, the NDF is well worth checking out.
VIDEO: First look at Premier's Nicko McBrain Spirit Of Maiden kit
By Chris Barnes last updated
Get up close with Premier's new Eddir adorned shell pac
VIDEO: Clem Burke receives honorary doctorate from University of Gloucestershire
By Chris Barnes last updated
The recent Rhythmfest drum course kicked off with a very special event - the presentation of an honorary doctotorate to Blondie drummer Clem Burke at the University of Gloucestershire.
Video: Architects drummer Dan Searle gives Rhythm a kit tour
By Chris Barnes last updated
Searle shows us his SJC/Zildjian set-up
REVIEW: Yamaha Pocket Club clinic. Drumnutt Swansea, 05/09/11
By Chris Barnes last updated
Ash Soan and Neal Wilkinson join forces
REVIEW: Sabian Artisan clinic. Poole Percussion 09/09/11
By Chris Barnes last updated
Karl Brazil and Ralph Salmins bring musicality to the south
VIDEO: Ilan Rubin tells Rhythm about his drum inspirations
By Chris Barnes last updated
He's played with Lostprophets, Nine Inch Nails, and now fronts his own band The New Regime. We caught up with the young drum prodigy at a recent UK show to find out more about his main drum idols.
VIDEO: Tico Torres' drum tech walks you through the Bon Jovi man's kit
By Chris Barnes last updated
Join us for a close look at Tico Torres' black-on-black Pearl kit
Video: Ilan Rubin Paramore kit tour
By Chris Barnes last updated
Take a tour of Ilan Rubin's latest Q Drum Co. kit
9 of the best Tim Commerford basslines
By Chris Barnes, Bass Expo 2014 last updated
The finest fretwork from Rage Against The Machine's rhythmic lynchpin
Luke Holland's 5 steps to YouTube drumming stardom
By Chris Barnes last updated
Most drummers aspire to something.
Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls on confidence, computer composition, clicks and more
By Chris Barnes last updated
It's been seven years since Rhythm last spoke with Bring Me The Horizon drummer Matt Nicholls. The band's second album of energetic metalcore Suicide Season had just been released to mixed reviews.
Gil Sharone on drumming for Marilyn Manson
By Chris Barnes last updated
He's done math-rock, reggae, experimental rock; and now Gil Sharone is laying down the meaty backbeats for Marilyn Manson
Neil Peart and Rush set for 2011 UK return!
By Chris Barnes last updated
Yes, you read that right. Neil Peart, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson will be bringing their Time Machine Tour to the UK next year!
Drum Guru signs with Premier
By Chris Barnes last updated
Drumming clinician and educator Martin Ranscombe ('The Drum Guru') has signed an endorsement deal with Premier Music International and RWS Drums & Percussion.
A Drummer's Perpective book available to pre-order
By Chris Barnes last updated
Photographer Dave Phillips presents a stunning collection of live action drumming photos offering a rare insight into the lives of drummers.
Interview: Jason Bonham reports from the road
By Chris Barnes last updated
Bonzo Jr remembers his father on US Led Zep Experience tour
Memories: 25 years of Rhythm
By Chris Barnes last updated
Rhythm contributors remember the last 25 years
Drum Icon Interviews: Stewart Copeland
By Chris Barnes last updated
Stewart Copeland is at the top of many drummer's favourite lists, and rightly so. His drumming legacy speaks for itself but here he tells us why he doesn't consider himself an icon.
Drum Icon Interviews: Taylor Hawkins
By Chris Barnes last updated
A great deal of relection from the Foo Fighting stick-master
Drum Icon Interviews: Nick Mason
By Chris Barnes last updated
The Pink Floyd man talks drum lessons, moustaches and the forthcoming Pink Floyd Anthology
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.