Simon Phillips - Official Website

Masterclass - Miscellaneous questions

Last update: October 14th, 2007

Question:	Simon, I'm a long time fan. I was wondering if you had any published (or otherwise) lead sheets available. I am particularly interested in Cosmos. I would like to do an arrangement(s) for a few ensembles. Thanks for all the great playing. Keep it up. -steve
Simon:	Ha ha - as far as I know it's not published in sheet music form. However it has given me an idea to ask the guys at Alfred Publishing if they would want to do that for me. Keep a look out for them. Cosmos is certainly a good one to sight read for everyone but the drummer - ha ha ha!!!

Question:	Hi Simon, is there a special reason why there are no drum patterns/chords/notes of your own or TOTO songs on your website or the TOTO Website? Would it be possible to put them online for the many musicians out there? Thanks a lot
Simon:	I have to admit it's all down to time - available time - of which I have very little. I would prefer to use any spare time I have to create new music or produce other artists or record different music. This is more in the educational department and that's not really my thing - as of yet anyway!

=========== End of last update October 14th, 2007 ==============

Question:	Hello, I met you briefly in Las Vegas, but didnt get the chance to ask you if you have computer samples of your drumkit. You have the best sounding kit I have found and would like to recreate the drum sounds in my little home studio. Is there software I can purchase somewhere? I didnt notice any on your website. Forgive me if it is there and I did not spot it.
Simon:	There are some samples recorded at a beautiful studio in Belgium that are available on Best Service - they are based in Munich. I think the software is called Artist Drums. Dennis Chambers, Kenny Aranoff and Mel Gaynor also have samples available in that series.

Question:

Hey Simon,
I have 2 short questions.
Will Toto ever do a live dvd with a full orchestra? This band is a perfect fit for one in my opinion? Will you ever do a drum clinic in the new jersey, new york city area, or plan on making a new instructional dvd in the near future?
I would appreciate you getting back to me when you can.
Kind Regards,
Vinnie, from Cranford, New Jersey

Simon:

We have looked into some orchestral shows - and have played the "Night Of The Proms" a couple of times also in Europe - so if we did do this it would only be logical to record and shoot one of these shows. As for clinics - quite likely and maybe even this year. Toto's schedule has been so full of late that I have only had the chance to play the occassional clinics in the US. And regarding a DVD - I am jsut about to re-release my 2 DCI videos on DVD through Alfred Publishing. I have re-mixed the 6 songs in surround and there is some "B-Roll" on there too. I would like to make another DVD but there is nothing planned yet.

Question:

Hello all...
Any possibilty of (wait for it...) some of the tracks from Falling In Between (or any othre album) being available to download as the multitracked Pro Tools sessions?! I only ask because Peter Gabriel put Shock The Monkey on his Realworld Remixed site a while back as a remix competition... and it was awesome! Pretty sure some other artists have done it, too... Nine Inch Nails for instance. Would love to have a play with the soundscaping...
Cheers!
Mark

Simon:

We have no plans to do that and we would all have to agree as a band whether to do that. Also we would have to mix stems otherwise the PT sessions would be huge. However - we are looking at all these avenues. Keep tuned to our website toto99.com!

Question:

Hi Simon,
firstly thank you for sharing many years of your music with us........ My question is : as drummers (with technique taken into consideration), the physical effects from ageing is inevitable...(well for some of us 50yo's). I wonder if you too feel the soreness and rigors of intense continuous playing, and what do you do to stay fit and combat muscle and joint fatigue?
cheers Laurie

Simon:

Definately the years take their toll and that is why it is so important to iron out any bad habits early on in your career. I have, so far, been very lucky with my body standing up to the rigors of playing a 2+ hour show - a large kit - and the way I play. But I use a finger technique which developed purely by accident. I do get stiff - back and legs sometimes - especially if I play a lot of double kick - and very occassionally I feel a slight pain in my arm or wrist but I just lighten up and change the positioning of my hands. I recommend stretches before you play a gig and a warm up beforehand too. It is also important to rest too - too much practise can wear you out and put strain on the ligaments. It's a hard balance but just try to feel and understand what your body is telling you.

=========== End of last update April 14th, 2007 ==============

Question:

Simon
Sorry to take up your time asking this, I am sure you get loads of questions and I have scoured your FAQ's for the answer but cant find it. Have you got any plans to do a UK clinic tour? You are perhaps the most inspirational drummer on the planet, certainly I, and I am sure most of the British drumming public would love to see you here!
Many Thanks
Brian

Simon:

Thank you for asking - and I would love too. However, you may surprised to hear that I am not asked very often - and when I am, I am already busy on the road with Toto or doing something else.
It's down either to Tama UK or Zildjian International to organize these clinics. If they don't have a clinic budget, or they would prefer to have someone else then I guess there's your answer.
Maybe put a petition together and send it to Tama - ha ha ha.
Seriously I am hoping to come over either later this year or next year sometime - especially if I can dovetail it with one of our tours.

Question:	Over the years you´ve changed drumkits, cymbals, etc., where is all that stuff now? Do you have it?
Simon:	Technically endorsers do not own their kits - the company does. They are on permanent loan. But as storage is expensive once I am done with a kit I send it back to Tama and they either use it as rental equipment or more commonly we have a competition so someone ends up the proud owner.

Question:	Do you have any plans to make another instructionak video?
Simon:	Yes - definately. However I need to re-release my existing videos on DVD first.

Question:	Where can I find drum transcriptions of your drumming?
Simon:	The 2 videos I have are transcribed in books (Alfred Music - Publishers) and I would imagine Modern Drummer has a few transcriptions over the past 26 years.

=========== End of last update July 3rd, 2006 ==============

Question:	Hi Simon, Is it a coincidence that the same green/gold colors from your drumkit are used now on Steve's guitar, the Musicman Luke? I noticed the color on his guitar was called "Envy Green", it sounds like a practical joke Luke has pulled... Regards, Hilbert Kuipers
Simon:	Total coincidence. Not really the same color form what I can see.

Question:

Dear Simon,
I've been to the concert of Toto last Sunday in Zurich/Switzerland. It was really great. You are just an amazing drummer. Your life is music and i wonder if you have any time for friends and family. How can you regenerate from your business schedule? Do you feel everywhere at home or are you looking forward to coming back to LA again? You are the most charming guy of the band und I hope seening you in Switzerland again.
Cheers
Eveline

Simon:

Yes - of course once I get home I don't play so much. There is so much to do to catch up with "normal" life. And of course it has usually been a few weeks since I have seen my wife so there is lots to discuss and catch up with. I always look forward to going home but I still enjoy travelling and making the most of the wonderful chance we have to do our job. It does get tiring though and travelling these days by plane is really a drag - used to be so much fun! It takes quite a few days to get over the jetlag and to rest after the tour.

Question:	Hi Simon, I'm a young drummer from Germany and I wanted to know your drumming philosophie in a few sentence. By the way ... I was at the Toto concert in Frankfurt yesterday. And ... what should I say!? I'm fascinated by the groove of the whole band. How did you get this groove in you playing? Thanks for answering. Jakob!
Simon:	Really my philosophy with playing is playing for the song. It's the song that is important - not the playing. That is where you make all the decisions about how little, how much, etc etc. There are times where playing simply is all the song needs - and then there are times when lots of energy is needed. Music first, playing second.

Question:

Hi Simon! I know you are intrested in motorracing, so I´d like to ask you who you think will be the F1 champion this year? Also, are you still driving that Honda 2000?
Thank you for the music!! //Matti from Finland

Simon:

Ha ha ha - I couldn't tell you who the World Champ will be - but probably either Alonso or Kimi. They have the right package to be consistent. However we could be surprised by Jenson Button or Fisichella!
No - it was time to give up the S2000. I drive a Mercedes SLK 350 now. Quite sophisticated and hi - tech. I tend to prefer very hard ride, sporty 2 seaters where I can really feel the car and it's contact with the road surface. However the SLK's torchy little V6 is pretty sweet. There is a lot of electronic stuff going on when driving which I don't like so much - but it does ride well and is pretty quick. Much lower rev limit though!

Question:

Hi Simon,
I was curious how you go about preparing a drum track for a session with an artist ("Toss the Feathers" by the Corrs springs to mind). Is it a case of receiving a "rough demo" to familiarise yourself with the track first, and is your first meeting with the band / artist in the studio? Would you jam a couple of takes first? This maybe sounds a bit naive but it's something one doesn't get to hear about generally!
Many thanks for your time (and for the fantastic drum clinic you gave in 013, Tilburg, Oct. 04!).
All the best, Jed.

Simon:

The session with The Corrs went like this. I was called by the session co-ordinator to see if was available. David Foster had asked specifically for me. I was available so I was booked and turned up to the Record Plant. I met the band - Bob Clearmountain was engineering so I knew him. We discussed microphones and then I went out to get a drum sound. I took a listen to the track - maybe I made a chart, can't remember, and then played it down a couple of times. I really don't remember how many takes it took or whether I did a couple of drops but I actually played 2 tracks that day. It was a really fun track to play and totally up my street.

=========== End of last update April 23rd, 2006 ==============

Question:

Hi Simon, I recently watched back the video tape called "The Making of Burning For Buddy". And you performed a song call Dancing men. Your performance on that song is really amazing. I have some questions on the song and hope you can still remember it.
1. You're wearing the headphones, was it use to monitor the whole band or use it for click track monitoring.
2. You played a vamp solo during the middle of the song, after 2/3 of your solo, you had a unison with the bass player, was the unison comes spontaneously or it was already written on the chart?
3. Before the cut, how many times you'd spend to rehearse with the band
4. Was it one take for the song or you'd tried few times?
Best regards,
Stiv Yau (Hong Kong)

Simon:

Ha ha - that's going to take some remembering!
1. Well - the headphones were to hear everyone in the studio - there was no click track.
2. It was all spontaneous - no plans!!
3. I think we ran it down a couple of times before taking it.
4. I believe it was done in one take - in other words no drop ins. Probably take 2 or 3.
It was so much fun playing with that band - I wished I had had more time to prepare for it though.

Question:

Hi Simon.
I'm a big fan of Your drumming. I've spent couple of hours reading Your answers and i hope You heaven't answerd this one before - i've been recently listening some latin jazz. Especially music of Michel Camilo blows me away, and of course tremendous playnig of Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez. My question is: do You like this kind of music? What is in Your cd player?And i'd like to know if You have the opportunity to listen some playing of El Negro? What are Your thoughts about him as a drummer? It's is interesting for me, because his style is so unique as Yours. Thanks alot, my best regards. Keep rockin' ! Wojtek, Poland

Simon:

Thanks for your interest. Horacio is an amazing player and I bumped into him recently at the NAMM show in Anaheim. We have played a couple of clinics together and just watching him does my head in. I love his playing and also Michel Camilo's music. It is amazing hearing Horacio's stories of growing up in Cuba and having to play only permitted music. I think he spent some time in prison for playing rock music!!

Question:

I was also wondering about your role with sequencing in TOTO. I was at a show in Hawaii where you played with the Hawaii Pops last summer and you guys opened with Girl Goodbye. I spoke to Dave later that night and he told me that you wrote that intro. I wanted to know how you go about putting those together. What software are you using, and are you approaching it from an electronic standpoint. point and click and it sounds good, or are using western theory to write those parts?

Simon:

Thank you for your interest in this subject. I approach it as a mixture of composition, arrangement and production - just like if I were producing a band or artist or writing for a movie. It all starts in your head - or mine!!! I use Pro Tools - for midi and audio. It's all about taking a part of the song and extemporising, modifying and creating a different approach to the same song. I am also using my engineering chops to make it all sound right for the purpose. Really hard to explain where it comes from because when I start I may not have much of an idea myself - it just kind of happens!!!

Question:

Dear Simon,
I hope this mail reaches you and hopefully you'll have time to answer it during your busy schedule.
I mailed Melvin Davis as I would like to know when the Doves Of Fire CD will be released. There was talk about this some years ago but it never happened. Melvin replied to my message saying that you have the masters and that there apparently still is talk about releasing the CD.
So do you know when this will happen?
Futhermore do you have any plans of making a new solo album? It's been a while since your last one.
Cheers
Morten

Simon:

I do have all the masters of Doves Of Fire recorded in Japan in 2002. However since then I have been so busy with Toto there just hasn't been enough time to mix. I did do quite a bit of listening and editing to the multitracks - quite a few shows to choose from - but then suddenly the Toto schedule got crazy. I have not abandonded the idea of making a live record but I would certainly need some time.
The same goes for my solo records although one of the reasons I haven't done anything is due to the lack of record company interest and the fact that Lipstick Records really dropped the ball. I now have acquired the rights to all my solo albums so it's a question of finding a label to re-release these albums and then making a new CD when time permits. I have some material written ready fro the next project.
I do have a DVD-A coming out of the Vantage Point band - straight ahead jazz project. Should be available very soon.

=========== End of last update March 9th, 2006 ==============

Question:

Greetings Simon,

I have a quick studio question for you. I know that you have a studio and I love the drum sounds that you get. I am currently building a ProTools studio with an ICON console and am wondering if you have used the new Grace 802r's yet. I'm looking into putting in 16 channels of those and 16 channels of the ResoPre 873. Your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Paul Price

Simon:

I am a big fan of Grace Designs mic pres and I have an 801 in my studio. I use it for pretty much everything especially Vocals, Horns and Guitars. I am not so keen on it for Piano, Kick or Snare - I prefer a softer more colored sounding mic pre like a Neve or Focusrite. Grace state that the 802 has some upgrades to it - I am curious as to what they are. It looks like it will work nicely with HD. Sounds to me like a sound choice.

=========== End of last update September 17th, 2005 ==============

Question:	Hello Simon, Can't you arrange for release of "Out of the Blue" in the Canadian and U.S.markets someday? Right now we're at the mercy of scalpers...
Simon:	I have acquired all the rights to my catalogue so will be looking into re-releasing all my CDs soon. Maybe some surround versions too. Definately re-mastering.

Question:	Are you planning to do some new didactic DVD or maybe a DVD version of your old VHS? Waiting for your answer and for a lot of new videos... I send you my personal best regards.
Simon:	I have been talking to Warner Music Video about releasing my 2 videos on DVD and I hope that will happen soon. No plans yet for a new DVD - they take a lot of planning and a lot of work!

Question:	Hello Mr. Phillips, is it right, that, from your sunny yellow drumset you played at the symbiosis album, only two exists?? and that you selled the second a few years ago a member of the meinl-company named max in germany? thank you so much for an answer, your greatest fan, martin, germany. Tony
Simon:	From memory I had one in LA, one in Germany at Meinl and one in Japan. I believe the LA kit was shipped to Bensalem, PA for use in Tama's rental fleet. I don't know what Meinl did with the German kit - same with the Japanese kit. As technically I don't own any of my kits I can't sell them - only Hoshino or Meinl and other distributors can decide their ultimate fate.

=========== End of last update July 10th, 2004 ==============

Question:

Hi Simon,
I really enjoy your playing and have been both inspired and influenced by your work. My question is, have you ever been criticized because of your big drum set-up? You know sometimes other musicians can be quick to judge, at least I've experienced this, where people think that you're compensating some how or trying to steal the show if you show up on a gig with the "big set". This, I think is more prevalent these days. The small set-up is "in". I admire you for developing your concept and sticking with it through the years!
Tony

Simon:

Early on in my career I would have to say yes but once whoever it was with that concern heard me play then it was never a problem. I used to turn up with a Ludwig Octaplus to most sessions in 1977 onwards. It really depended on teh type of work I was doing. 1973 to 1976 a lot of sessions I was working on were 3 hour single session - and maybe 3 a day, so I had 2 small Ludwig kits I used to piggy back between studios. Later on I started to work on more album projects so the kit would stay set up for a few days - maybe weeks in those days. I still get comments but now people expect that of me and quite honestly, deep down, I think they would be dissapointed if I turned up without my usual set up!! Stick to what you believe in but also make sure the glove fits too ( a delicate balance). Sometimes it's better to turn up with a more conventional set up.

Question:

i Simon
I play drums a bit as a hobby. I feel that there are song compositions inside of me but I cant write/read music. People have said either sit down with someone who can write music and transcript a song or hum melody into a dictaphone. Your views on these ? Any other ideas ?
Many Thanks.

Simon:

Get a keyboard with an onboard sequencer and just start playing around yourself. Pick out your melody on the keyboard and then select a tempo, program a beat and slowly build up your composition. When you have all your ideas down and are at the limit of your musical theory then get someone to help take it to the next step. That way you will learn from them and end up doing a bit more each time you work on your own.

Question:	Simon I was wondering what your favorite type of music to play is? and why it is you favorite.
Simon:	I enjoy playing many styles of music - but I do get bored playing one type too much. I have to have variety. For example after a tour with Toto when I get home I might play a straight ahead jazz gig at a local club. Very different and one has to adapt one's playing. I use a different kit, different cymbals and even different stick model. It is always a challenge and that's what I enjoy!

=========== End of last update March 27th, 2004 ==============

Question:	Hi Simon Do you have plans to make another drumvideo or dvd?? yours truly Philip Adam
Simon:	Not yet. It took me 10 years to agree to do my last one with DCI - ha ha! However I am thinking maybe it's time. Just need a good concept to get going on it.

Question:	Will you do some studio sessions for other artists in the future?
Simon:	That depends upon Toto's schedule. I really hope that we can back off the touring this year, concentrate on our next CD and also be able to do other projects. It's good for the solo to get some input from other musicians and compositions.

Question:	Will you be on the next Frankfurter Musikmesse and doing some clinics? Thank you!
Simon:	Unfortunately not this year. However I might play some clinics later on in the year

=========== End of last update September 16th, 2003 ==============

Question:

I was just wondering if you're playing mostly open handed? I've always noticed that your ride is at your left, but recently I also noticed that your hi-hat is very low. It looks like it's so low that it (at least for me) would be hard to play accents cross handed. I also think I've read that you actually spent some time playing "links" (left handed) or at least did all your fills beginning with your left arm.

Simon:

I do play mostly open handed or left handed. I changed my playing style in 1975 in order to make it easier to play a large double kit. It was also quite fashionable then too. The hi-hat is very low and almost impossible to play right handed. However if I play a single kit, like with my Acoustic band, then I set up with the ride on the right and the hat a little higher. It seems to me a more "right handed" style.

Question:

Hi Simon, I really hope you can help me out on this one. Some 7 months ago, I experienced severe muscle tensions of "swollenness" in my lower right arm. The feeling I get when playing, is that I don´t have the control and power that I used to, and it has come to the point for me to decide what to do careerwise. I´m a longtime drummer (student), and have basically poured all my heart and soul inbecoming a pro-musician. So its not easy for me just to give up on everything and quit playing... My Q: Have you suffered from something similar? - heard of anyone? What have they done to get rid of theinjury? Basically I´ve tried everything. Acupuncture, massage, going to physio-therapists getting ultrasound-treatment, etc... At the moment I´m studying the AlexanderTechnique (which I can highly recommend) - a technique that teaches you to relax and stretch your body. Also I started studying the Art of Tai-Chi - which again deals with relaxation, stretching, but also allows you to get in contact with your "energy"... Hope that you with your experience can give me some advice.

Simon:

It sounds like you are doing all the right things to help your problem. I have not experienced any of these symptoms but occasionally I get a few aches and pains. Usually a sign of too much playing with not enough rest in between shows. One big problem is playing too hard. Make sure the sticks you use are not too heavy or too long. Tune the drum kit so you get the maximum out of it without having to knock the shit out of it to get a sound. Most people are surprised how light I hit - it looks and sounds hard but it's not really - I let the drum do the work. Concentrate on lifting the sticks off the head after striking the drum or cymbal. It's all in the fingers and the wrists - the arms should just guide where you are striking. I hope this is of some help - don't give up - just keep looking for a way around the problem!

Question:	When will YOU do your next clinic tour and come to Scandinavia as well? I know LOTS of drummers and musicians in general that would die to experience a clinic with you.
Simon:	I have never played a proper clinic in Scandinavia, as far as I remember, so it would be great to do so one day. I don't play many clinics these days as I am so busy touring or recording with Toto. When we take a break then maybe I will do some. It's really up to Tama or Zildjian to organize where I go though.

Question:	Hi Simon. Thanks for taking the time to answer my 1 simple question: When are you coming to South Africa again? We really miss out on so much of the music world and I'm sure that there will be a big enough audience to cover your costs. Thanks once again!
Simon:	We would love to come to South Africa again - we had so much fun last time. It's really down to the promoter and last time it was actually our Swedish promoter who brought us. We are awaiting an offer!

Question:	Greetings frome Belgium to Simon and everybody who helps him updating the site ! My question to Mr. Phillips is: What kind of carreer would you have lead if it had to be something else than a musical (or artistical) one ? Hoping this beautiful question hasn't been asked yet ! Thank you all so much.
Simon:	I would have liked to haved raced cars professionally but I would have had to start much earlier than I did so I guess that's out of the question. You know - as I started playing so young I really don't know what else I would have done but I guess I would have become a sound engineer as I was into that from an early age too

Question:

Hi Simon, I was lucky enough to catch three of your Doves of Fire shows and they were all awesome. When will the live Doves of Fire CD be coming out. Any live Doves of Fire videos in the future? Also, I was wondering if Doves might someday play Tommy Bolin's Homeward Strut or Lee Ritenour's Captain Fingers. Everytime I hear these two songs I always picture you guys playing a much better version. Are there any new Doves tunes in the works? Thanks

Simon:

The Doves Live CD has been put on hold as I have been too busy with Toto. As for the new tunes, I will have a listen to those 2 songs you mention - I used to love Captain Fingers. Essentially it's more about Mahavishnu music and there are still many I would love the band to play - it's a question of time though. We haven't played since last year at the Baked Potato so hopefully we can get together in August for a show.

=========== End of last update June 21st, 2003 ==============

Question:

I read that you`re interested in motor-racing, and as I´m pretty interested myself I would like to ask you what kind of car (cars) do you own?? Any fast race-car in Mr. Phillips`s garage??

Simon:

Yes I am very interested in motor racing. I used to race in Formula Ford 1600 when I lived in the UK. I owned a Van Dieman RF89 which I ran in 1990 and 1991 in the Champion of Snetterton. I was run by David Sears Motorsport who now runs two F3000 teams in the European Championship as Team Super Nova and Team Petrobras. Unfortunately I have not driven since moving to the USA in 1992. I have done a little karting in and around LA but not much. One day I would like to get back into a car but I think I would be very sedate these days - however people seem to have fun when they come driving with me in my Honda S2000.
I will be following this years Formula One Championship very carefully - should be an interesting one!!

Question:

Do you still have stagefright after all these years before a concert? If it is so, what feelings do you have and how do you cope with it? Do you have special sporting excercises (apart from playing the drums) or a recipe to keep fit?

Simon:

I never have stage fright and am lucky to have never suffered from that. I occasionally get nervous, as I am sure most performers do, and usually on the first gig of a tour or a new performance or a special gig - in front of a home crowd where one has many friends. No real "keep fit" regime. On the road it is not a problem as we are playing most nights. At home I take a good aerobic walk in the morning with my girlfriend - well not every morning - and occassionally a game of tennis - and more recently I have been getting into Yoga - but that's about it.

=========== End of last update February 16th, 2003 ==============

Question:

I have read your "faq" part many times now but there is one question I have never seen (I think), and that's the life of a musician. I wonder because I would like to work as a musician myself. How is it really to be a studio musician and band member? Is it always great and fun? Being on tour... here the audience scream, being away from home and the family. Is it worth it.

Simon:

No it is not always fun but on the whole it is a pretty damn good life. However you have to be prepared to work very hard, to travel a lot and to be away from your home and family. It is not something that you can try out for a short time - it is a life commitment. First of all you have to study your instrument, then work your way up to playing with a band that would even go on the road. You probably wouldn't make any money to start with also. As for studio - well there are not so many sessions around and you need to be very experienced. You would have needed to have done all that touring in the first place anyway. Is it worth it - for me I don't know anything else and I think it is - but as I said it is a life commitment!

Question:

Are you still doing any auto racing? What's that like?

Simon:

Unfortunately no. Kind of harder to do living in LA. However I still follow the sport avidly, getting my copy of Autosport delivered from England, and I am still in contact with my old team manager who is now running 2 Formula 3000 teams and managing some great drivers. What's is like? Frightening at times but there's a lot to think of so it keeps your mind off the speed at which some corners are taken!

Question:	There is a clip of Simon playing a song called "Outback" on one of my DCI drum videos. Can you tell me what album this appeared on? I'd really like to buy it.
Simon:	There is only a live version of "Outback" which is on "Force Majeure" - a live album recorded at the Zelt Festival in Freiburg. The album is available by ordering from your local CD store.

=========== End of last update December 22nd, 2002 ==============

Question:

Hello Simon, Dear Mr. Phillips,

When I just started with playing drums I didn't understand what you were playing and didn't appreciate your style. Which was also the case with the first Toto show you did in the Netherlands. And a couple of years ago you played in Paradiso with Steve Lukather and I was amazed by your beautiful sound and playing style. I went to your solo tour in Paradiso and I went to the MindFields tour and you impressed me even more with playing great fills without loosing the groove. Suddenly I was ready for it and I was really impressed how you had adapted your style to the Toto style without loosing your personality and creativity. In my opinion you were the only one who could replace Porcaro but I can imagine it is also a risk to start as the underdog because of all people like me who judged you on the first Toto tour for not playing like Porcaro.

The thing that impresses me most after your playing is your bassdrum sound. The problem is that I know how to achieve a sound like that, but I like to bury the beater in the head. And with my 22x18 bassdrum I am moving so much air that it comes back to me and makes my beater say prrr. My beater is actually bouncing and I can't get rid of it with a rolled up towel. I have made a hole in my front head of 6" but still it is not enough to let out all the air. I really want to maintain the bassdrum sound. Do you have any suggestions because it is a bit waste of money to stuff my expensive bassdrum with a pillow.

Simon:

Well, firstly regarding Toto - I never felt like the "underdog" in any situation where I was replacing someone in a band. It was the same with The Who in '89. The band asked me to play because they liked the way I play and felt it was the best solution to a difficult situation. I just play the way I play. It is always the public's perception of how it works. If you have been used to a band sounding a certain way and then it changes, for whatever reason, it will take a while to get used to a new sounding band. I remember when Alan White replaced Bill Bruford in Yes - that was a real change and it took me a while to accept. However it did work out really well and I enjoy both versons of the band.
As for your bass drum woes - it will take some time to get used to playing with a front head on and you will have to change your technique - but if you like the sound then you should work at it. Try using more towel against the batter head to start with and maybe a larger hole and slowly reduce both as you get used to playing that way. You will get much more volume and projection out of the drum not to mention more dynamics.

Question:

I was so lucky enough to see the gigs 7 times when you were touring in Japan! You guys played differently at every gig, so I was thrilled each time! And now I'm wondering if you really release the live CD. I can hardly wait!!! Well, see you in December in Japan.

Simon:

I just started work on the live tapes (or drives to be precise). There is quite a lot of material to choose from as you can imagine and because we played different every night it makes it tough to decide. However, so far, what I have selected is working well and the other "Doves" love it so far. I am aiming to finish mixing it this year but that depends upon the time available between Toto commitments. As for a release I would imagine sometime next year.

Question:

Hello Simon-

You may, or may not, be tired of this statement in regards to your drumming, your sound and tones, your ability, your equipment, your taste in rhythms and fills, and the way you make a song, or album, distinctively Simon Phillips; it can only be descibed as...Awesome! If there was a stronger, or more intense word, I'd use it!
I decided to play drums in 1977, after seeing Peter Criss at the L.A. Forum. I was eleven years old. Then I heard Michael Schenker's first solo album after UFO. I thought that this was different from what I am being taught. After listening to the album one more time, I decided that this is the way I want to play...this is the way I want to sound! I then set out to get everything I could with your name on it. Now, with the internet, I realize there's no way I can get it all, you're on everything!

I am a lover of songs, which takes me from Big Band to Swing, from Barry Manilow to Metallica, then to whatever it is that "they" call today's music.

I find it interesting that it seems as though you have no boundaries with your musical projects? You seem to play it all! This might be why you're as incredible as you are? I don't know many drummers that can go from Big Band stuff to Hard Rock, and still make it so obvious that it's you behind that wall of Tama's. I would find it more rewarding than my college degree to study drums with you!

How close to your tones can I get without mics and EQs? My set is acoustic and has no tape or baffles, and sounds good. However, I am constantly tuning and tuning for a sound like yours. Your sets have such an awesome sound. Very rich and pleasant to the ear, with such a distictive tone for everything you hit.

Your Protocol CD is great. Its sad that there aren't more tracks on it. The Candyman CD with Steve Lukather and Los Lobotomys is great too. Are there any projects like those in your future?

And last, out of curiousity, did Frankie Banali study with you prior to Quiet Riot's Alive and Well CD? I noticed that he thanked you in their credits. Frankie's drumming on that last CD is far better than anything he's done on previous projects. I was just curious to know if that was because of your influence?

Thanks for your time,

Stacey Allen

Simon:

Wow - very kind words - thank you. Frankie did not study with me but I am chuffed he mentioned me. As regards to sound, a lot of it is the kind of heads, tuning etc but a large part of the sound is just the way one plays. Everybody has a "sound". On all instruments. Set-up a Marshall combo in a room and have Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Steve Lukather and John McClaughlin play the same piece - and you will here the difference. The same goes with horn players - in fact any instrument. You almost have to imagine the sound you want as you play. I read an interesting article in MD this month with Peter Erskine, Ed Thigpen and Jeff Hamilton - they were talking about playing quietly but intensely. It reminded me of the way I sometimes play in a dry room and the drums sound small, but I try to play as though I was in a big room and the the drums sounded enormous. It is not easy but it does work - it is a way of playing. All I can say is don't over play the instrument - don't strike so hard - let the drums and cymbals sing. I am currently working on a live album with the Doves Of Fire (Steve Lukather, Jeff Babko & Melvin Lee Davis) in answer to your question about Candyman like projects.

Question:

Which is your favorite song, cd, album currently? Any Charts stuff? And which drummer is currently the most interesting newcomer

Simon:

I just bought an old Miles Davis CD, Bitches Brew, which I hadn't heard since 70 something - Nik Kershaw sent me his latest CD and that is wonderful, I put on Meshell Ndegeocello often - I have all her CDs, the Lighthouse Family and I recently bought an old Billy Cobham CD - Total Eclipse! The guy I really like at the moment is Toss Panos - he plays with Robben Ford. I heard Terri Lynne Carrington with David Sanborn recently and she played beautifully. There are so many good players around!

Question:

Are you very busy? Do you have time for friends, girlfriend etc...? Isn't it hard to be on tour when your family, friends, girlfriend are at home?

Simon:

I am very busy - yes, however I live with my girlfriend and apart from when I am on tour I keep very reasonable hours (for a musician) when I am home. She is very good about gettin me out of the house/studio and seeing movies and such. When I am on tour she will usually come out to join me for a few days. As for it being hard to be out on the road - I have done it for so long that to me it is a way of life - I am very lucky to ba able to have a life like this so one just has to cope with being apart from your loved ones.

=========== End of last update September 10th, 2002 ==============

Question:	Hello Mr. Philips! My name is Dag Sand. I'm a huge fan of Toto and of your drumming. You are coming to Norway on 13th November this year for the consert in Oslo Spectrum. Is it possible for you to do a drum clinic while visiting our country. It's not often we have the oppurtunity to see drummers like you.
Simon:	Unfortunately our touring schedule is so tight that there is rarely any time to do other things outside of the show itself. We usually have press to do or a record company meeting if we have the time. Also my clinics take some organising to make sure the right equipment is available. I like to keep touring with the band seperate from my clinic tours.

Question:	Do you still have the "Porsche Guards Red" Tama Artstar II kit?
Simon:	Ha ha - no. That kit was kept in the UK and Laney, the Tama distributers in the UK, ran a competition to win the set back in 1999.

=========== End of last update August 21st, 2002 ==============

Question:	Could you please tell me the name of the song you started your workshop with in Essen on Wednesday 20th of March. Sorry, I forgot to ask that day.
Simon:	I think I started with a track I wrote for Andy Timmons called "Astral Fishing". I say I think because I don't always play the same songs at each clinic - and it is already a couple of months ago.

Question:	I saw your show in Germany, great show. I have one question about your tuning. Do you use a tension watch to tune your drums, or are you using only your ears to tune them? In my case, I'm using a keyboard for my tuning, so I'm wondering what you are using for your drum sound.
Simon:	I wonder which show? I have played many - ha ha! No, I do not use a tension watch - I use my ears, feel, touch, and about 37 years of tuning experience! I wonder how you use a keyboard to tune drums?

Question:	I´m a great Toto fan from Argentina. Your page is really great! The fact is that I got an instructional drum video of Simon Phillips, and I don´t know the bass player's name. It would be great if you can tell me because I´m impressed with him. Well, sorry if my english is not so good...
Simon:	Your English is fine - much better than my Spanish! You should be impressed with him - he is amazing - and his name is Anthony Jackson. He is probably most bass player's favourite!

Question:

I've read in the FAQ that you don't use ear-plug's because you have a special way of setting up your speakers. But have you ever had any problemes with tinnitus?

Simon:

The reason I don't use ear-plugs is that it affects the sound quality too much. As I run my own monitor system I can control the overall volume. The drum kit is a loud instrument to start with, and then there are the other instruments on stage, add that to the ambient background noise of the PA system and the crowd, one ends up with unintelligable but fairly loud background noise. In order to hear clearly what is being played obviously the level is high - but I try to keep it to a reasonable, workable level. I am lucky in that I only get a ringing in my ears very occasionally and it doesn't last long. I hope it stays that way.

Question:	I understand you use your Mackie Mixer for your monitor mix. I would like to know what brand compressors, limiters, gates you use.
Simon:	I don't use any dynamics in my monitor set-up. I rarely use gates on the kit anyway - maybe in very large halls on the Gong drum, floor toms and left kick - but that would be F.O.H. console only.

Question:	Simon, judging by your appearence, as well as your energy behind the drums; you are a pretty athletic guy. I was curious as to what kind of exercises you might do and if you feel that exercise is important to your drumming.
Simon:	Actually I am very bad at excercising - it is the drumming that keeps me fit. However I have taken up Yoga recently. I also stretch out before I play which really helps. I have developed a way of playing that is not so strenuous on the body - however some songs take their toll and I have found there is no substitute for playing on tour consistently. That is the best way to get fit.

Question:	What is Peerless Music Publishing? Your new publishing organization? I thought it had the name "Pants Party Publishing" Are there any plans for a Coy Sound website?
Simon:	Peerless Music Publishing is my corporation - nothing to do with my publishing company. No plans for a Coy Sound website - I barely have time for this website!!!

Question:

Simon,when you order a kit from Tama, do you actually go to the Tama company and pick out your shells etc...or do you just request them ? Also, do they send it directly to your house,or a holding station...and how long does a new kit usually take to arrive to you ?

Simon:

As the company is in Japan I don't go there to order a new kit. I usually send an email to Japan, copying the guys here in the US, with my request. I use standard StarClassic shells except for the Bass Drums which are 5mm with re-inforcing hoops. Because of US Customs they send it to Hoshino USA and then HUSA send it on to me. It takes about 6 weeks usually. if I need a replacement shell (because one broke) then they would Fedex the shell only and I would swap over the hardware.

Question:	What synth did you use for your lead guitar sound on Protocol? Did you do your own programming or modify an existing patch?
Simon:	It is a DX-7 acoustic guitar sound but I ran it through a Tom Sholtz Rockman to get the distortion and sustain. I also ran it through a guitar amp on some cuts.

=========== End of last update March 31st, 2002 ==============

Question:	I'm curious, which Billy Cobham and/or Mahavishnu Orchestra songs do you play with "Doves of Fire"? And how does it feel to cover Billy, who obviously has been a big inspiration for you over the years?
Simon:	We play "Birds Of Fire", "Celestial Terrestrial Commuters" and "Miles Beyond". It is amazing to play those songs and see how they approached them. I just hope I do them justice. Billy is still a big influence and it really just points out how difficult these songs are and where they were at during that time. Amazing.

Question:	I'm trying to find the Simon Phillips recording "V-8". This was printed in the December 1990 issue of Modern Drummer magazine as a pull-out sound supplement 45. I have contacted MD, and that issue is sold out and out of print. Is this song (actually a drum solo, with keyboard accompanyment), on a particular album of Simon's. I'm having the hardest time finding this tune.
Simon:	"V8" is on a CD called "Protocol" which I think is now out of print. Hopefully I will re-release this CD soon.

Question:	What do you think of Heavier kinds of music like Metal-Hardcore or Metalcore? What do you think of the technical abilities of those drummers Have you ever considered playing any of those styles just to improve or for fun? Well thanks lot anyway.
Simon:	I really don't listen much to that style of music. As for playing it remember I played on quite a few "Metal" albums in the 70's and 80's. A little different to now but it was the Metal of that era.

Question:	Hi, Simon, Do you teach people? If yes, what does it cost? (not that I could afford it)
Simon:	No. I just don't have time. I like to think by doing clinics I kind of fulfil a teaching role.

Question:	Is the sheet music from Symbiosis and Another Lifetime available somewhere? I didn't find anything on the web. Will there be video or dvd footage from the Simon Phillips band?
Simon:	I don't think so - the only charts are the ones I have. There was no professional video shot of that band - just some home video stuff. Shame.

============== End of update October 14th 2001 ===============

Question:	When will you tour Australia again ? cheers jasen
Simon:	No plans as yet although am always up for going there. It is just so damn expensive to ship people and gear there to tour. I hope there will be an opportunity to do so soon.

Question:	When you listen to music at home, what kind of gear do you use? Any British hifi used?
Simon:	Actually yes - my speakers are B & W 501s. If you are into Hi Fi you would know what those are. The rest of the gear is Pioneer Elite - not exactly Audiophile but pretty good quality.

Question:

Are the financial advantages of releasing your albums on your own label far better than going through a record company? What´s in general the problem these days by dealing with a record co. or doing it on your own.

Simon:

All a question of money and cash flow. If you sign to a company they will pay for the cost of recording the CD and maybe some money for you to live on also. Remember that all the money they spend on the CD/you is recoupable, but not returnable, against royalties - at the rate of the deal you sign. So it can take a while to recoup. They underwrite the mastering, artwork/packaging, manufacturing, shipping and promotional costs. As a label they are at liberty to do distribution or licensing deals with whomever and wherever in order to get their product throughout the world - depending upon the size of their operation. The price of that luxury is the royalty rate you will get paid, again depending upon the deal, but probably somewhere between $1.00 and $2.00 per unit.
If you do on your own you have to raise the budget for recording, mastering, artwork, printing and manufacturing. The smart thing to do then is to license the product to a record company and distribute in your own territory. Most distributers want more than just one title form a label so that be difficult. However you will probably make in the region of $10.00 per unit. BUT - you may not sell anything. I will stress to you that your publishing deal is probably the most important deal you will ever make!!!!

=================== End of last update Sep 28th, 2001 ====================

Question:	Hi Simon. My name is Amit and I´m from Israel. Do you have any plans for clinics or concert dates in Israel?
Simon:	Hi Amit - I have never been to Isreal - never had the opportunity but would love to go and play there. It's down to a promoter or the Tama distributers there to ask me. One day I hope. Maybe with Toto - maybe with my own band!!

Question:

Hi Simon, why don't you tour with Derek Sherinian in europe? A lot of guys here are pretty keen on seeing you live with Inertia!! Maybe when Luke is back from L.Carlten's tour? Could you please tell us the setlist of your last clinic tour in CA?

Simon:

In a word - money!!! We had a look at the possibility of touring in the fall but unfortunately with the economy as it is, especially in Germany, it just didn't make sense. It is so expensive to tour these days and with the entertainment taxes so high in Germany, and the cost of transport, hotels, crew etc it just doesn't work unless we are offered higher guaruntees. As for the setlist - I change it around but this time I performed "Inertia", "Vantage Point and "Out Of The Blue". The rest was soloing and chatting!

============ End of last update ==================

Question:	You and Steve Lukather wrote a song called "Party in Simon's Pants", and the question is: Why the funny name?
Simon:	Ask Steve Lukather!!!!

Question:	On the Starclassic-Promotion-Video, you are filmed while driving in an old turqouise american car. Is this your car, and what kind of car is it?
Simon:	Ha Ha Ha - no it is not my car - I didn't even know about it until I turned up - and I had had a very late night the night before. I think it was a Cadillac but unless I look at the video I am not sure!!!!

Question:

Could you give us a short list of all your drumsets you have (with colour and set up)? Do you still play your old artstar drums? Which is your favourite kit of all your sets? How many snares do you have and which is your favourite?

Simon:

Oh wow!! OK - here goes - In the US I have 4 kits - well kind of. In LA I have a British Racing Green full kit and also an Antique Brown full kit. I have some extra BRG drums which make a Jazz kit (22", 12", 13", 14" Floor & 16" Floor) and also an 18" Floor and a 14" Rack so I can vary set-ups for different things I do around town. In New York I have a Yellow full kit - all of these drums are Starclassic Maple. In UK I have a BRG full kit - in Germany I have a Yellow full kit and a BRG Jazz kit (that I used on my recent "Vantage Point" tour. There is another Yellow kit in Buenos Aires and a custom color kit in Japan that was used for the front cover of last year's catalog. As for snare drums I have various vintages of Tama and a Ludwig 400 and 402 which I have had since 1973 and 74 respectively. Also a Leady 1939, a Slingerland 1949 and Zildjian drum too. I think that's it. I also still have my original Ludwig Octa-plus kit!!!

Question:	Have you ever looked into performing at any music festivals in the US? Like Bayfest, Springfest or New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest?
Simon:	I would love to play in the US - either with my electric band or the acoustic band. Unfortunately it is extremely hard to get an agent to book us. Without a really active record company behind me they don't want to know. Unfortunately Lipstick are not active in the US at all. But I don't give up - I am trying some other avenues.

Question:

Hello Simon!
Do you have your own drumset or does Tama give you one because you are playing on their drums.

Simon:

Interesting question - I have a few Tama sets placed around the world - 3 in LA, 1 in New York, 1 in UK, 2 in Germany, 1 in Tokyo and 1 in Buenos Aires. But technically and legally they are owned by Tama so when it comes time to retire a kit I always talk to them about what they want to do with it. Sometimes the kit goes into their rental department - sometimes we have a competition and somebody like you ends up with it!

Question:	Are you singing backing vocals on "Dead Girls of London", with Frank Zappa? I think I read that in some interview with you. I think it was an interview
Simon:	No - I don't think so - I don't remember doing so!!!

Question:	Will you come to NORWAY in any way in clinic or in concert with your solo project?, I'm sad to say i missed the TOTO concert the last couple of years(that`s the disadvantage of working offshore)
Simon:	Unfortunately we couldn't schedule Oslo on this tour although I am sure we will get there soon. We had a great show there last summer with Toto.

Question:	Did you have a teacher or you learned to play drums by yourself? Are you also a teacher now?
Simon:	I am basically self taught but I went to Max Abrams in London to learn how to read music. Phil Collins also studied with Max. No I do not teach. I think teaching is very specialized and needs special people to be able to do it properly.

Question:	Will you come to the "Frankfurter Musikmesse 2001" again?
Simon:	I won't be there this year but probably in 2002

Question:	I wanted to know if you have any plans to come over to the East coast to do a few gigs?
Simon:	I assume you mean the East Coast of the US. I would love to play more in the US especially with my own band. However it is so hard to get people interested enough in booking us. Nobody seems interested in Jazz or Fusion in the US anymore. Hard enough for Toto. I never stop trying though. One day!!!

Question:	When will be the release of the new Derek Sherinian record you played on? What kind of music is it?
Simon:	When I finish mixing it!!! I am on the road now with Jeff, Brandon, Walt and Dave - in fact on a train to Berlin as I type this. I will resume mixing when I return to LA. Should be done by mid-February. Not sure about the release date in Europe but it is going to be a great CD.

Question:	Is it from a professionals' point of view desirable for a young drummer to become a professional in today's music business? Is it possible for him to live from that, even if he is not so famous? What would you say?
Simon:	The point at which you make the choice to become "professional" should be when you think you can make enough of an income which you do not need to subsidize from another job. However, being that this business is a precarious one, you can never be sure when that really is. There is a certain amount of risk taking involved - that is the nature of the music business.

Question:	Where can I get the Solo Album "PROTOCOL" ???
Simon:	Good question. I think it is out of print now. However I own the rights so I might re-release it when I get some time to think about it.

Question:	What's about "doves of fire" and "los lobotomys",are there any new plans, maybe a new record? (Question by Gordon - January 2001)
Simon:	Well - "Doves of Fire" is our new band for playing clubs here in LA and having fun. We have only played one show but will probably play another soon. Los Lobotomys has not played for a while - no particular reason really - we are all doing different things.

Question:

Are there any plans for an upcomming record of your "electric band"? Is there a tour planned? (Question by Gordon - January 2001)
What do you think about how real the sounds are you recorded and maybe you can say something about the feel of the ddrums. Did you like to play on ddrums or didn't they try to let you play on them ;-). I mean, even ddrums are not like the real thing but they are pretty close and a lot of fun to toy with...

Simon:

No plans for a CD with that band as yet. I have a few things to sort out business wise first also I wanted to take a break musically from that. No point doing it unless the material is rocking! However I will be recording a 5:1 DVD later in the year which will include some new compositions for that band.