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
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
Former Scorpions and Kingdom Come drummer, James Kottak dies aged 61
By Stuart Williams published
The often-outspoken drummer became the first American to join the Schenker brothers’ band
Rage Against The Machine will not be touring or playing live again: “I don’t want to string people or myself along any further” says drummer, Brad Wilk
By Stuart Williams published
The announcement comes 16 months after RATM’s last live performance
5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
By Stuart Williams published
Best of 2023: Tracks from the session drumming ace that might surprise you
Watch: Mike Portnoy breaks down his drum part from Dream Theater’s Pull Me Under, then plays it in full
By Stuart Williams published
The prog-igal son returns with a full play-through of one of Dream Theater's best-loved songs
Dave Grohl has sketched instructions for building a beer bong and how to smuggle hash in a cassette tape, and now they’re being auctioned for charity
By Stuart Williams published
Grohl's drawings show you how to party like it's 1989
The 2023 Drumeo Awards are now live: here’s how you can cast your vote
By Stuart Williams published
Have your say and you'll be in with a chance of winning a Yamaha Tour Custom drum kit
Sleep Token speaks! Drummer ‘II’ gives first ever recorded interview: here’s what we’ve learned
By Stuart Williams published
The elusive masked metaller breaks cover for an in-depth Drumeo session
Melodics launches Acoustic Drums program
By Stuart Williams published
The popular interactive drum lesson software just went unplugged
Ex-Slipknot drummer, Jay Weinberg makes first live appearance since split, sitting-in with The Bouncing Souls
By Stuart Williams published
Watch Weinberg play drums on The Bouncing Souls' True Believers
Sepultura announce split, so does this mean Eloy Casagrande is going to be the new drummer in Slipknot?
By Stuart Williams published
The Brazilian metallers are bidding farewell, so we're playing Metal Drummer Chess
Watch Dave Grohl unleash a 36-minute live version of his Play instrumental
By Stuart Williams published
The performance was captured as part of Warren Haynes' 20th Annual Christmas Jam in 2018
Gretsch Drums launches new beginner-friendly Renegade Series drum kits
By Stuart Williams published
These all-inclusive, affordable Gretsch kits come with everything you need to start playing
DW unveils limited edition 14”x5” DW MFG True-Cast Snare
By Stuart Williams published
It’s bell bronze, it’s cast, and it's been co-designed with drummer Dave Elitch. Plus DW has sampled it for its new Soundworks software
How to create drumless jam tracks or isolated drum tracks of your favourite songs for free
By Stuart Williams published
Remove instruments for jamming, or listen to your favourite parts in detail…and it doesn't need to cost you a penny
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