Stuart Williams
I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.
Latest articles by Stuart Williams
Josh Freese confirms return to A Perfect Circle after 13 years: “APC has always been a very special band for me…”
By Stuart Williams published
The news follows a cryptic teaser posted by Freese earlier this week featuring a photo of his A Perfect Circle kit
Alesis Strata Prime: we’ve got our hands on Alesis’ brand-new, BFD-loaded electronic drum set - here are our first impressions
By Stuart Williams published
With the BFD sound engine built in, and a massive touchscreen to control it, here's what we love about the Alesis Strata Prime (and a couple of things we don't)
Alesis announces Strata Prime: its new flagship electronic drum set with a BFD 3 sound engine built into the module, and here's El Estepario Siberiano putting it through its paces
By Stuart Williams published
The 10-piece, all-mesh setup is built around the Prime module, complete with 40GB of samples, a 10.1-inch touch screen and more
“When he left Death Row, Dr Dre was going to do an all-black heavy metal band, and I auditioned for it”: Trevor Lawrence Jr and Lauten Audio on getting hip-hop drum sounds from an acoustic kit
By Stuart Williams published
Watch as Trevor Lawrence Jr turns his DW drums into a rare-groove machine with tuning, muffling and a guitar pedalboard
DrumCraft launches seven-strong Vanguard Snare Series, “Developed for drummers who work both live and in the studio.”
By Stuart Williams published
They're available in multiple size and shell options including aluminium, copper, birch and maple,with tube lugs and Remo heads, and prices start at £173!
Best drum mic kits 2024: Our pick of percussion-friendly microphones for every budget
By Stuart Williams last updated
Our guide to the finest do-it-all drum mic solutions will help you to find the perfect fit for your set-up
Does Slipknot’s broken drumstick photo confirm that Eloy Casagrande is their new drummer?
By Stuart Williams published
The snapped stick points heavily in the former Sepultura drummer's direction, all but confirming what fans think they already know
"I have no technical ability, and I know nothing about music": Yet here are 5 Rick Rubin-produced songs you need to hear
By Stuart Williams published
From hip-hop to rock and pop, Rubin has done it all...
"As a proof-of-concept, it’s hard to fault, even if we’d need to sell some organs to buy one": DWe review
By Stuart Williams published
Forget your drum module - DW’s jumping head-first towards the deep end of computer-based drum sounds, and its acoustic-electronic hardware is our life raft of familiarity. Let’s hope it’s not a washout…
“A rugged mic set that incorporates - and builds on - some of our favourite design points from popular drum mics, as well as bringing its own identity”: Lewitt Beat Kit Pro review
By Stuart Williams published
Capturing a drum kit? Lewitt’s Beat Kit Pro is designed to be a one-stop shop for your mic locker
Sepultura announces drummer Eloy Casagrande’s exit from the band, naming Greyson Nekrutman as his replacement, while Casagrande promises to “See you soon on the road!” as Slipknot rumours ramp up
By Stuart Williams published
“Maybe for the band’s fans it doesn’t make sense at this point, but decisions needed to be made thinking about new cycles that will come”, says Eloy Casagrande
Chester Thompson: 10 albums that define my career - "The funny part is, I actually taught Phil Collins the In The Air Tonight drum fill"
By Stuart Williams published
From Abe Laboriel to Zappa, Chester Thompson shares some of his career highlights following the release of his new solo album, Wake Up Call
Usher pays tribute to late drummer Aaron Spears during Super Bowl Halftime show
By Stuart Williams published
Spears' longtime position was filled by session drummer, Devon "Stixx" Taylor, who has frequently drummed with Usher before
“When it’s good, it’s very good indeed, and we have to remind ourselves that we’re playing on a sub-$/£400 kit”: Alesis Nitro Max review
By Stuart Williams published
With all-mesh heads, sounds from BFD and wireless connectivity, the Alesis Nitro Max looks set to take on the beginner e-kit market
NAMM 2024: Tama’s 50th anniversary releases include an acrylic Starclassic Mirage, marble-finished Iron Cobras and Mastercraft snares
By Stuart Williams published
Tama is hitting the half-century in style
NAMM 2024: Trivium’s Alex Bent announces signature Axis bass drum pedal, “I’m super-stoked to have my own pedal with Axis. I’ve got custom artwork on these from Half Sumo Collective… I hope you guys dig them as much as I do.”
By Stuart Williams published
NAMM 2024: "This new colour is a nod to the bold spirit of drummers who dare to break the mold" - Ludwig names 'Purple' its colour of 2024 as it unveils an all-new Vistalite finish
By Stuart Williams published
Plus there are new and limited edition options in the Classic Oak and Classic Maple line-ups
NAMM 2024: Yamaha adds five new finishes to its affordable Rydeen series drum sets, "Perfect for any beginner or intermediate player who is not willing to compromise on quality"
By Stuart Williams published
A quintet of glitter and solid options means the Rydeen now comes in eight finish options
NAMM 2024: "Imagine a hi-hat stand that not only meets your professional needs and expectations, but also provides you with a richer and crisper sound…" Yamaha unveils its flagship HHS9D Hi-hat stand
By Stuart Williams published
Yamaha is taking your hi-hats very seriously with a top-level hi-hat stand release
"The Gretsch Drums factory in Ridgeland will be taken over by GEWA Music USA”: GEWA Music acquires global license from DW to develop, manufacture and distribute Gretsch Drums
By Stuart Williams published
Gretsch Drums leaves the DW stable
“I always told myself and others that when it’s time to leave that I would know… My body told me. My body told me and I listened” - Drummer David Garibaldi announces he has left Tower of Power
By Stuart Williams published
But, the funk master assures us that while his time with the band has come to an end, the news by no means spells retirement
System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan tells Kanye West to “Show some class man” after the rapper posts revealing photos of his wife Bianca Censori to Instagram on her birthday
By Stuart Williams published
"Would you show pictures of your wife’s t*ts to your friends? Your parents?", Dolmayan argued with one commenter
NAMM 2024: “The purest snare sound ever achieved…” Tama’s 50th Anniversary Mastercraft Bell Brass puts the snare drum behind Metallica, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine and more back on the market
By Stuart Williams published
Watch Gojira’s Mario Duplantier put the Tama 50th Anniversary Mastercraft Bell Brass through its paces
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