The Drum Panel: Debby Boone Pat Pat
In this episode, The Drum Panel returns with ME (Ben Hilzinger), alongside my co-host Eric Urrea (Marina City), Gunnar Olsen (Puscifer, Bruce Springsteen, Mother Feather) for a roundtable discussion on all things drum.
Today we discuss:
How Gunnar personalizes drum parts for legacy bands like Eve 6 while still respecting the original recordings
The balance between improvisation and replication—what “respecting the instrument” really means
Dream gear: Lars Ulrich’s ...And Justice for All Tama kit and Herb Alexander’s wild setup from “My Name Is Mud”
Behind the scenes of the Primus / Puscifer / A Perfect Circle tour and being at the center of major drum world headlines
Josh Freese’s quiet exit from Foo Fighters mid-tour and what Gunnar learned from watching him handle it with grace and intensity
The surreal story of getting the call to play on a Bruce Springsteen record
How much creative freedom Gunnar gets with Puscifer and how each tour takes on its own sonic identity
Navigating feedback in the studio vs. live gigs—and why the context always matters
Gunnar’s candid reflection after a rough wedding gig and how it reignited his desire to practice
Blending live drums with electronic stems: what Gunnar calls the “hip-hop show” approach
The mysterious phenomenon of “next day clarity” when learning new songs and why the brain needs rest
Overcoming overthinking, performance anxiety, and “the yips”—and the importance of showing yourself grace
Why not playing for a while might be the best practice you didn’t know you needed
'My Name Is Mud' Video - DRUM PICS
---
Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!
🎯 Click here to order now!
Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok.
Drummers on Drumming
DRUMMERS ON DRUMMING goes beyond technique and gear, diving into the stories, influences, and perspectives that shape the world’s most compelling drummers. Hosted by Ben Hilzinger (Cannons, Eve 6) and powered by Big Fat Snare Drum, this podcast delivers honest conversations, deep insights, and unfiltered takes from the players who move music forward.
Each episode offers an authentic look at the drumming life—on and off the kit.
For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram.
- No. of episodes: 243
- Latest episode: 2025-07-09
- Music Music Commentary Music Interviews
Where can you listen?
