Which drummer or musician has had the biggest impact on your artistic growth? Tell us in the comments below whose work we need to hear, and be sure to drop by Sweetwater for all your drumming needs 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Drums-Percussion
Peter Criss. He's the reason I picked up the drumsticks. His early KISS material is really cool, and I feel sometimes he's underrated. His style for rock is so unique.
I had dinner with Anton once. He came to Wichita for a drum clinic back around 1990, and I worked at the music store that sponsored him. One of the greatest lessons I learned from him happened when I picked him up at the airport and discovered he had the flu. The man was in bad shape, yet he was a true professional and not only played his heart out that night for a sold out crowd, he also humored the store's staff and went to dinner with us, even though he would rather have been resting back at the hotel. Class act.
He’s INCREDIBLE!!! I remember hearing him first on Ace Frehley’s solo album… and from that moment I was a fan. Anton ROCKS !!! Live from Prince Albert hall, with Bonamassa!!! Another incredible performance captured live !!!
He actually played on Ace's first solo album from 1978 and Kiss's Dynasty and Unmasked, so if you were a Kiss fan in the late 70's, that was probably your first real introduction to him and you didn't even know it.
Oh I’m aware as well, but I had the Frehleys Comet before I had learned about Unmasked and Dynasty. I was introduced to KISS in 1995 during Unplugged, one of my dads bowling teammates gave me a copy of Frehleys Comet as I was getting into the band
I used to have his instructional video ….he sounded quite bad when playing alone but as soon as the band came in it sounded like absolute magic ! That was a big lesson for me about how he heard the drums fitting in with the music.
I watched Anton from the early 80's when he started with Letterman. I didn't know he was such a prolific studio cat until much later. Many years later as a journeyman drummer I had a sudden realization that many of my signature grooves and fills sounded a lot like Anton. I always liked him, but not until the early 2000's did I realize the impact and influence he actually had on my drumming and style. Thanks Anton! Respect!
Anton Fig’s drumming on the Ace Frehley solo album is legendary and those Rip It Out drum breaks still sound incredible but far more to Anton’s playing than playing in rock bands Letterman, session work, Blues Brothers, Joe B, Booker T etc. Booker T have had some incredible drummers btw Al Jackson Jr, Jim Keltner, Anton, Steve Jordan and the list goes on.
I always thought his endings on playouts on the Letterman show were fresh and creative. I'd be interested in seeing a compilation album of those you know, for the drummers. Great interview!
I’ve met Anton and he’s a nice guy. One of my fave drummers-chops, power and drive, but tasteful and musical. The ‘Thunder From Down Under’ title however, has always confused me, as he is South African. Isn’t Australia considered ‘Down Under”?
I remember sitting at a hotel bar in Germany with Antonio and a couple of other band members. The thing is I love Beth Hart and Joe , but I didn't realise who I was drinking with, but we had a really good night.
Regarding the questions here concerning "The Thunder from Down Under," South Africa is "down" or "under" (i.e., beneath) the equator and so is Australia. It's not really an either/or matter to be determined--they both qualify. Whatever, Anton grooves and can be "The Thunder" from wherever he wants to be as far as I'm concerned. And so it's Africa, yes? Perfect!
You're right and that's fine, but it doesn't mean there can't be more than one "Down Under." P.S. Some people think you can lose the vote and still win the race--I'm not one of them. I, too, believe in calm and harmony. And peace! You rock and you obviously have good taste in drummers. That's the important part, yes? Take care, guy/gal/y'all!
Art belongs to those who CAN, and not to those who tell people “HOW”. OR SIMPLY TO SPEAK: “Art belongs to the people” (V.I. Lenin). And not to concerns like YAMAHA...
That's most likely the English--not American--pronunciation, which explains Anton's inflection since he is from South Africa. But Bradley Cooper is from Abington (near Philadelphia), so I have no clue unless his role in "Maestro" as Leonard Bernstein required that he sound like Leonard, who was Jewish and from Massachusetts. I don't remember what Leonard sounded like and I haven't seen the movie. Your guess is probably as good as mine.
It's a free country. Until the union guy comes up. And the union guy can tell you what to do or not do. EVEN THOUGH you are not a member of his club. "Are you in the union?" "No, thank you." "Then you can't play here." "You misunderstand, I am NOT a member of your club. I am a free human being and I can do what I want." "LOL."
Which drummer or musician has had the biggest impact on your artistic growth? Tell us in the comments below whose work we need to hear, and be sure to drop by Sweetwater for all your drumming needs 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Drums-Percussion
Josh Freese
I love Elvin Jones, Bill Bruford, Ringo, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Phil Collins and many, many more!
Phil Collins, Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Simon Phillips, Jeff Porcaro, Steve Jordan, Steve Gadd, and Mark Brzezicki
So many…from Omar Hakim to Stewart Copeland to Steve Jordan to Bun E. Carlos
Peter Criss. He's the reason I picked up the drumsticks. His early KISS material is really cool, and I feel sometimes he's underrated. His style for rock is so unique.
I had dinner with Anton once. He came to Wichita for a drum clinic back around 1990, and I worked at the music store that sponsored him. One of the greatest lessons I learned from him happened when I picked him up at the airport and discovered he had the flu. The man was in bad shape, yet he was a true professional and not only played his heart out that night for a sold out crowd, he also humored the store's staff and went to dinner with us, even though he would rather have been resting back at the hotel. Class act.
He’s INCREDIBLE!!! I remember hearing him first on Ace Frehley’s solo album… and from that moment I was a fan. Anton ROCKS !!! Live from Prince Albert hall, with Bonamassa!!! Another incredible performance captured live !!!
His Drumming on that album is outstanding, even for todays standards.
Agree...Ace and Anton have great chemistry!
Anton Zipp! One of the major reasons I got into drumming. Watched Letterman religiously when I was a kid.
My introduction to Anton was Frehley’s Comet. Anton is a powerhouse of a drummer!
He actually played on Ace's first solo album from 1978 and Kiss's Dynasty and Unmasked, so if you were a Kiss fan in the late 70's, that was probably your first real introduction to him and you didn't even know it.
Oh I’m aware as well, but I had the Frehleys Comet before I had learned about Unmasked and Dynasty. I was introduced to KISS in 1995 during Unplugged, one of my dads bowling teammates gave me a copy of Frehleys Comet as I was getting into the band
luv the Fig ! thx Mitch for asking short questions and getting long answers.
Anton has done it man, the guy has been in the forefront and it’s because he can lay it down. Much respect 🔥
Cool interview. “It’s all grooves” and “relax”, great advice!
I used to have his instructional video ….he sounded quite bad when playing alone but as soon as the band came in it sounded like absolute magic ! That was a big lesson for me about how he heard the drums fitting in with the music.
Love Anton Zip's drumming! :)
I watched Anton from the early 80's when he started with Letterman. I didn't know he was such a prolific studio cat until much later.
Many years later as a journeyman drummer I had a sudden realization that many of my signature grooves and fills sounded a lot like Anton.
I always liked him, but not until the early 2000's did I realize the impact and influence he actually had on my drumming and style.
Thanks Anton! Respect!
Anton Fig’s drumming on the Ace Frehley solo album is legendary and those Rip It Out drum breaks still sound incredible but far more to Anton’s playing than playing in rock bands Letterman, session work, Blues Brothers, Joe B, Booker T etc. Booker T have had some incredible drummers btw Al Jackson Jr, Jim Keltner, Anton, Steve Jordan and the list goes on.
The best drummer Kiss ever had !
One of my favorite Drummers from wayback to The Letterman Show in the late 70’s early 80’s🤘🏻🙏🏻🥁
I always thought his endings on playouts on the Letterman show were fresh and creative. I'd be interested in seeing a compilation album of those you know, for the drummers. Great interview!
Wow! So amazing! So many great albums! Huge fan of ‘Me Myself I’ by Joan Armatrading. Great video
Giovanni Hidalgo, Pedrito Martinez, Richie Flores, Tom Teasley, Shannon Powell, Herlin Riley, Joe Farnsworth. Happy Holidays @Sweetwater! 🥳🎄🍻
I love Elvin Jones, Bill Bruford, Ringo, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Phil Collins and many, many more!
Plus Bonham of course!
And Keith Moon.
YES!! Keith Moon@@waynej2608
“Thunder from Down Under”? I’ve never heard of “down under” as a reference to anyplace but Australia. Anton is from South Africa.
The drum solo on “Live +1”. Anton is one of the top rock drummers ever. Buying the new Ace when he releases it. Heard Anton might be on it.
What a great drummer.
I’ve met Anton and he’s a nice guy. One of my fave drummers-chops, power and drive, but tasteful and musical. The ‘Thunder From Down Under’ title however, has always confused me, as he is South African. Isn’t Australia considered ‘Down Under”?
I loved Anton for decades with Paul S, but he makes Bonamassa's tunes so much better. Intensity of sound.
I remember sitting at a hotel bar in Germany with Antonio and a couple of other band members. The thing is I love Beth Hart and Joe , but I didn't realise who I was drinking with, but we had a really good night.
legend !! 🎶🥁🎶🥁
His performances in Kiss albums Dynasty and Unmasked , ❤
Anton, are you the guy that can finally get Jimmy Page out on the road? The Rumble 3 piece playing Zep as instrumentals. Make it so😊
Regarding the questions here concerning "The Thunder from Down Under," South Africa is "down" or "under" (i.e., beneath) the equator and so is Australia. It's not really an either/or matter to be determined--they both qualify. Whatever, Anton grooves and can be "The Thunder" from wherever he wants to be as far as I'm concerned. And so it's Africa, yes? Perfect!
Looks like you've been outvoted.
Australia has always been referred to as "Down Under ".
You're right and that's fine, but it doesn't mean there can't be more than one "Down Under." P.S. Some people think you can lose the vote and still win the race--I'm not one of them. I, too, believe in calm and harmony. And peace! You rock and you obviously have good taste in drummers. That's the important part, yes? Take care, guy/gal/y'all!
Awesome!!!❤❤💯💯
❤👍
It's Anton Scissorfeet!
Art belongs to those who CAN, and not to those who tell people “HOW”. OR SIMPLY TO SPEAK: “Art belongs to the people” (V.I. Lenin). And not to concerns like YAMAHA...
Take off the hat, Anton. Baldy!!
Car-knee-gee?
Yes I caught that too. I've heard that pronunciation only once before and I believe it was from actor Bradley Cooper promoting his film "Maestro".
That's most likely the English--not American--pronunciation, which explains Anton's inflection since he is from South Africa. But Bradley Cooper is from Abington (near Philadelphia), so I have no clue unless his role in "Maestro" as Leonard Bernstein required that he sound like Leonard, who was Jewish and from Massachusetts. I don't remember what Leonard sounded like and I haven't seen the movie. Your guess is probably as good as mine.
It's a free country. Until the union guy comes up. And the union guy can tell you what to do or not do. EVEN THOUGH you are not a member of his club.
"Are you in the union?"
"No, thank you."
"Then you can't play here."
"You misunderstand, I am NOT a member of your club. I am a free human being and I can do what I want."
"LOL."