The Highlights

There were 8 professional drummers on stage to show off their talents. I was particularly looking forward to seeing Steve White (PaulWeller, Oasis) and as usual he didn’t disappoint.

But the unexpected highlight for me was when Steve Smith (Journey, Vital information) took to the stage.  This guy is just amazing!  He has such economy of movement, but is the master of speed, dynamics and musicality.

The Drummers

Other drummers to get behind the skins included Steve Barney (Annie Lennox), Pete Ray Biggin (Level 42, Incognito), Darrin Mooney (Primal Scream), Jake Brown (star of ITV’s Born to Shine), Ian Palmer (Georgie Fame, The Ghosts) and leader of the big band Pete Cater.

Although the audience was full of drummers, it was a night that anybody could enjoy. I took my wife and she loved it. She is to thank for the great photos that you can see on this page.

Unlike some drum clinics, you actually got to hear how these guys could play with the backing of a professional big band.  And what a band! Boasting two members from Buddy Rich’s band, the Pete Cater Big Band were the ultimate in professional musicians.

Background to the Night

The night was tribute to the style and inspiration of the great drummers such as Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Joe Morello and Gene Krupa. It is said that Buddy Rich was introduced at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club as ‘the World’s Greatest Drummer’, and that has given the event its name.

As well as being great fun it also raised money for two charities, the Teenage Cancer Trust and Dyslexia Action.

If you get a chance to see it next year, I would thoroughly recommend the ‘World’s Greatest Drummer’ event.