We're at ROTR... What's Going On?

[Nate Brown]

Today and tomorrow (Sat 5/16 and Sun 5/17) OLD is at Rock On The Range in Columbus, Ohio.

We'll be blogging the event here, updating pictures and such as we cover the event from the Press Tent.

Interview Questions
We'll also be interviewing the drummers from Rev Theory, Burn Halo, Drive A, Royal Bliss and Blue October.  Reply to this post with any general questions you may have that you would like us to ask, and we'll keep you updated.  Or, if you have any questions for a specific drummer, post that, too.


We will have reached the event around noon EST today and will give you an update in this thread from the press tent.  Check back for updates!

[Nate Brown]

We've arrived here at ROTR in the press tent.  We're all setup and ready to go for our first interview with Timmy Russell of Burn Halo.  Things are wild here!  Crazy!

Give me some questions!

[Chase David]

Ok (this one will be for any or all of the drummers):

At a big show like this (where there are multiple bands playing), do you ever get a feeling of "intimidation" or fear that your skills won't match up to that of another drummer?

And

Have you ever had a "Drum-Off" or "Drum-Duel" with other drummers from the other bands just for the fun of it?

And (last one)

In getting ready for a big show like this, what do you (as the drummer) try to focus on in preparing for it besides rehersing the set: rudiments to keep you loose, some form of exercise to keep your stamina up, or rest?

[OLDpress]

We just started the interview with the drummer of Burn Halo, Tim Russell.  Chime in with any questions you might have and we'll get the answers right here!

[OLDpress]

Here are some photos from before the event kicks off...

[Nate Brown]

At a big show like this (where there are multiple bands playing), do you ever get a feeling of "intimidation" or fear that your skills won't match up to that of another drummer?

Tim Russell says this...

Not at all!  I mean walking out into an arena like this is defintely exciting.  You know, it's go time!  You just get up there and start playing and the adrenaline starts running.  There's really nothing better, you know...  Not at all!

[Nate Brown]

Have you ever had a "Drum-Off" or "Drum-Duel" with other drummers from the other bands just for the fun of it?

Tim Russell of Burn Halo says this...

You know what, I really haven't.  You know me and the guys have gotten together and fooled around behind the drum kit.  But, we haven't really had a drum off.

[Nate Brown]

In getting ready for a big show like this, what do you (as the drummer) try to focus on in preparing for it besides rehearsing the set: rudiments to keep you loose, some form of exercise to keep your stamina up, or rest?

Tim Russell says this...

Usually it's like downing a bunch of red bulls to get that energy up...    Let's see what are my little rituals?  I do some push-ups before the show.  I run around a little to build up my cardio, build up the heart rate.  And, of course, you've got to loosen up before the show.  I get the sticks and pad for about 20 minutes, warm up the hands and legs ... and, of course, lots of red bull  ... or any kind of energy drink for that matter.

[Nate Brown]

We've finished our interview with Tim Russell... A great guy!  Look forward to the full interview, for sure.

[Nate Brown]

Oops.... Black Stone Cherry just started their show by shouting, "What's up Cleveland!"  (We're in Columbus)

BUT, they are definitely rockin' out the joint.  Great band!

[Nate Brown]

We're going to go out and get some more photos for y'all.  Our theme: Interesting People. 

If you can describe one for us, we'll try to find one that meets your description.