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

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

Zultan launches Heritage Flat Ride cymbals in two sizes
By Stuart Williams published
Slaved by the bell? These rides promise warm, traditional stick definition

Take a tour of Tool drummer Danny Carey’s Sonor kit
By Stuart Williams published
Danny’s drum tech, Joe Slaby, shows us around

Watch legendary funk drummer James Gadson demonstrate some of his most famous grooves using Ludwig Acrolite, Supraphonic and Pearl Jupiter snares
By Stuart Williams published
The latest instalment of Lauten Audio’s Snare series focusses on one of the greatest feels of all time

Stewart Copeland names Joey Jordison as one of the best drummers he’s ever seen play live, shares his opinion on Ringo Starr
By Stuart Williams published
The Police drummer also chooses his most difficult Police song, offers tuning advice and explains why he plays traditional grip

I review guitars for a living – these are the 7 Harley Benton deals you need to grab in Thomann's massive Cyberweek sale
By Stuart Williams published
Step this way for savings of up to 60% on Thomann's formidable budget guitar gear brand

Full metal racket on a budget: DrumCraft launches Series 3 Double Bass drum kit
By Stuart Williams published
It's a 7-piece, metal-friendly drum kit including hardware for under £800

Zultan Cymbals sets its sights on metal with its “loud, aggressive and biting” F5 18” Mega Bell Ride
By Stuart Williams published
Get heavy for less with this bargain-priced metal ride cymbal

Here’s your chance to get your hands on one of two Zildjian 400th Anniversary Vault cymbals, and it’ll only cost you £2
By Stuart Williams published
Proceeds from Zildjian's draw will be donated to Metal For Good, and it closes on the 25 December

Own a Silver Sky for way less ahead of Black Friday with these huge discounts on John Mayer’s signature PRS
By Stuart Williams published
Wait until tomorrow? We think you'd better snap these up now while there's still stock

Give your home studio a €14,000 makeover for just €349 with this bonkers IK Multimedia Total Studio 4 Max deal
By Stuart Williams published
From vintage synths to mastering processors, IK Multimedia has you covered with all of its big-name titles in one suite

"Now it's like one big giant robot made of everybody": Queens of the Stone Age's Jon Theodore on adapting to QOTSA's drumming alumni, a decade in the band and In Times New Roman…
By Stuart Williams published
The QOTSA drummer talks In Times New Roman…rediscovering wood drums and firing Dave Grohl's Song For The Dead drum intro into space

Former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg speaks out on his dismissal: “I was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call”
By Stuart Williams published
Jay Weinberg opens up about his shock exit from Slipknot

Zultan cymbals unveils revamped website with new Cymbal Finder functionality
By Stuart Williams published
Choosing your Zultan cymbals just got easier

"If you could just bear with us, we’re going to go and revive our drummer by punching him in the stomach. He’s out cold...": 5 crazy Keith Moon moments
By Stuart Williams published
They didn’t call The Who’s drummer Moon The Loon for nothing…

Slipknot announces drummer Jay Weinberg’s departure from the band
By Stuart Williams published
“Slipknot is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay”

DW's DWe electronic drums and Soundworks software have launched! Here’s everything you need to know about DW Electrified
By Stuart Williams published
The most anticipated electronic drum launch of the year is finally here

Ariana Grande joins drum community in paying tribute to Aaron Spears, who has died aged 47
By Stuart Williams published
Musicians worldwide are taking to social media to pay their respects to the late drummer

Renowned session drummer Aaron Spears has died, aged 47
By Stuart Williams published
The news of Aaron's passing was broken by his wife Jessica earlier today

Dream Theater have a new drummer and his name is Mike Portnoy
By Stuart Williams published
Mike Mangini has left the band, Portnoy is back in, and we won't have to wait long for a new album…

Outraged Tony Visconti walks out of Rolling Stones gig before the band plays, and it’s partly thanks to Questlove's DJ set
By Stuart Williams published
“I saw the Stones so many times back in the day with a better line up, even one gig with Brian Jones and Bill Wyman”, Visconti told his fans on social media

Watch Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande’s killer breakdown of Roots Bloody Roots
By Stuart Williams published
Eloy tips his hat to Igor Cavalera’s drumming on the Brazilian nu-metal masterpiece

AC/DC make live return with Matt Laug in place of Phil Rudd on drums
By Stuart Williams published
The session drummer took the place of Phil Rudd for AC/DC's set at Power Trip festival this weekend
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