Drum heroes week: Brendan Canty

Washington DC hardcore legends Fugazi were formed in 1987 by Minor Threat's Ian MacKaye, bassist Joe Lally plus guitarist Guy Picciotto and drummer Brendan Canty from emo prototypes Rites Of Spring. Throughout the late '80s and '90s, Fugazi's DIY values shaped the temperament and tone of American hardcore. Self-managed and releasing all their records through their own label Dischord, the band maintains a policy of affordable access to all through low record and ticket prices and all-ages shows.

Brendan started drumming at 15 in a short-lived band called Deadline before joining Rites Of Spring. A multi-instrumentalist, he has also brought many key riffs to Fugazi's later songs. On the kit, Canty's measured rhythm changes, rim shots and explosive bursts of power glued their distinctive sounds together. Classic albums such as 13 Songs, Repeater, Steady Diet Of Nothingand In On The Kill Taker, Canty's interesting rhythms and beat placements lifted the music far above their hardcore contemporaries. And his set-up included a large ship's bell. How cool is that?

Check out:Fugazi: 'Burning Too'; 'Margin Walker, 'Bad Mouth'; 'Latin Roots', 'Waiting Room'; 'Repeater'; 'KYEO', 'Bed For The Scraping'; Rites Of Spring: 'Drink Deep
'; Bob Mould: 'Stupid Now'

For 100 more Drum Heroes, get yourself a copy of Rhythm Presents 100 Drum Heroes, available in the shops, onlineand on Newsstand foriPad, iPhone and iPod Touchright now! It's got loads of interviews and profiles with a ton of drummers, plus it's beautifully illustrated with classic and new photographs!