95. Simon Phillips: Toto, The Who, Hiromi, Judas Priest, Protocol — Inside the Drumming Legend’s Career
Episode 95: Simon Phillips.
This is the definitive deep dive into the legendary career of Simon Phillips, one of the most influential drummers in the world. In this long form conversation, Simon talks about his work with Toto, The Who, Judas Priest, Hiromi, Protocol, Jeff Beck, Jack Bruce, Pete Townshend, Big Country, Stanley Clarke, Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and goes all the way back to his teenage session years in the UK with his dad. This episode covers his technique, sound, gear, studio approach, compositions, touring stories, engineering background, and the experiences that shaped his career.
Simon tells the story of stepping into Toto after the passing of Jeff Porcaro and what it took to honor Jeff’s legacy while still bringing his own sound, groove, and musical identity to the band. He breaks down his years touring and recording with The Who, including the 1989 anniversary tour and his approach to Keith Moon’s parts. We also go deep into his early session years with Judas Priest and the making of Sin After Sin, including the double bass drumming that influenced an entire generation of metal drummers. Simon talks about his long running musical connection with Hiromi and the creation of Hiromi’s Trio Project, the interplay that developed between them, and stories of his brotherhood with contrabass guitar legend Anthony Jackson.
Simon shares the evolution of his writing and bandleading with Protocol, including how he builds compositions from drum ideas and how he made the project happen. We go into how he records drums and stories of so many of his ensembles. We explore his open handed and ambidextrous technique, his approach to tom and cymbal layouts, drum tuning, how he builds his drum tones in the studio, and his engineering background from his early years working in studios.
This episode is ideal for drummers, musicians, audio engineers, producers, and fans of Toto, Jeff Porcaro, The Who, Keith Moon, Judas Priest, heavy metal drumming, Mike Oldfield, progressive rock, fusion, Hiromi, Anthony Jackson, and anyone who wants to understand how a legendary drummer built a world class career. Simon also talks about rebuilding after losing his home and studio in the Thomas Fire, what inspires him today, and how he continues to grow as a drummer and composer.
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