Post by wingsj0 on Jan 25, 2006 19:03:58 GMT
Status Quo Line-up 1985 to 2003: Francis Rossi (Lead Guitar) Rick Parfitt (Rhythm Guitar) Andrew Brown (Keyboards) John “Rhino” Edwards (Bass) Jeff Rich (Drums)
Let me introduce you to our first World Classic Drummer, Jeff Rich. Jeff spent fifteen successful years 'rocking all over the world' with legendary rock band, Status Quo. During his time with Quo, Jeff performed in front of millions of fans, and completed a Rock Till You Drop tour of four concerts in one day, which entered Status Quo into the Guinness book of records and at the same time raised over £250,000 for children’s charities.
In 1999, Status Quo received a Life Time Achievement award at the UK BRIT music awards. On receiving their award for 30 successful years in the music business, Quo were asked to perform a melody of their Greatest Hits. The crowd went wild when they tore off their Velcro tuxedo suits to reveal the bands trade mark of Jeans, white t-shirts and pumps, just brilliant!!!
Having seen Status Quo live 15 times between the years 1987-2003, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Jeff Rich perform live behind the drum kit on 13 occasions, and was in awe at the power of his performance throughout their gigs. There’s nothing like a Quo gig, the atmosphere is electric throughout, and there’s a feeling of togetherness from the minute the band strike the opening riff of Caroline to the Annervseary Waltz medley at the end.
Jeff Rich’s Drums and Percussion Master Classes
Jeff’s Rich’s Drums and Percussion Master Classes came about when he was asked to give a talk about drums and percussion during a workshop at his children’s school, he received rave reviews and Jeff was encouraged by the teachers to do more. The word got around and he became incredibly busy so much so that he realised he couldn’t cope with his Drums and Percussion Masterclasses, as well as being in Status Quo. It must have been a difficult decision, but Jeff Rich chose to teach his knowledge of the Drums and the music business to children and adults throughout the schools and colleges across the United Kingdom. Jeff says "The whole idea of my Masterclass is to inspire the children to learn an instrument and if I achieve that, then my job is done."The Masterclass is broken up into four sections, which will be tailored to suit the age of the audience”.
Jeff enjoyed his time in Status Quo immensely, and looks back on the band with fondness, but his classes became incredibly popular and that’s one of the many reasons why we’ve chosen him as one of our World Classic Drummer! It’s a privilege for me to bring you this exclusive interview with Jeff Rich.
What can you tell us about the Jeff Rich Drums & Percussion Master classes?
Jeff Rich: I have performed my Master class in about 250,000 schools throughout the U.K. The main aim of the workshops is to inspire the students as well as give them an insight into drums and percussion. I visit Primary, Secondary Schools and Colleges. The sessions with the younger children are more hands on, whereas with the older students I can go more in depth with regard to the subject.
How did the idea for the Master classes come about? (It’s a great idea)
Jeff Rich: I first got the idea for the Master classes when my kids were at their Primary school. The Head teacher asked me to come and talk to the children about my work and percussion in general. It was a daunting prospect, standing in front of 300 children and talking about drums etc, but I got through it unscathed and I really enjoyed the experience! I was then contacted by a few local schools who had heard about my workshop in my kid's school, they asked me to come to them and perform my Master class, which I did and the whole thing snowballed from then.
The classes are set out in different in different categories throughout the Master class can you tell us what they entail?
Jeff Rich: There are basically three sections to the session. The first is about how I got into the music business in the first place. I also go through my career up to the present day. The second section is based around the history of the drum from Africa to the modern day drum kit. I play each of the drums and choose pupils to join me on stage and try it for themselves as well! I play a drum solo to show what can be achieved on a drum kit. The third section involves the whole audience who are invited on stage to play various pieces of percussion from tambourines to fruit shaped shakers! I finish off with questions and answers.
It looks a very rewarding job; do you think drums are becoming a more popular instrument among the younger generation?
Jeff Rich: I think drums have always been popular instruments to play but I feel that today it is much more accessible for people of all ages to start learning.
Do you need natural rhythm to become a drummer or does that come with practice?
Jeff Rich: Obviously it will help to have a natural sense of rhythm when learning to play drums but like anything practice makes perfect.
Can you talk us round your drum kit? And what equipment do you use?
Jeff Rich: I play a new ‘Premier Series’ drum kit (made by premier drums u.k). The kit consists of snare, bass, 4 toms, piccolo snare, and a variety of ‘Paiste’ cymbals. I have a special model snare drum made by Ludwig Drums (U.S.A), which is known as a ‘Black Beauty’.
Are percussion instruments harder to play than drums or are they on the same level?
Jeff Rich: Each instrument has its own level of difficulty. With a drum kit you have a lot more to concentrate on in one go, whereas different skills and techniques are required to play other drums and percussion instruments.
I believe the drums are a noble art and sometimes feel as a fan of the drums that the drummers are often over-looked in bands in favour of say lead singers, guitarist, keyboardist do you feel this is true?
Jeff Rich: I would compare a drummer to a goalkeeper in a football team . . . . .if you take the goalkeeper away the whole team would be unable to play effectively. Similarly the drummer is a crucial member of a band, keeping everyone together and giving life to a performance. Drummers have always been the butt of many jokes but in reality they are as important as the front men and tend to work the hardest on stage.
Who in your opinion are the greatest drummers on the planet?
Jeff Rich: Greatest drummers . . .hmm . . .that’s really difficult for me to say. I admire the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, John Bonham, and Mitch Mitchell. All these guys have been an influence on my playing to some degree.
You're best known for your work in Status Quo. Looking back over the years what has been your proudest moment behind that drum kit in that band?
Jeff Rich: One of my proudest moments with Quo was when we played four gigs in one day. The event was called ‘Rock ‘til you Drop’. We were unsure at the time that we would physically be able to perform so many gigs in a short space of time . . . . but we managed it in eleven and a half hours and made it into the Guinness book of records. The event raised over £250,000 for children’s charities.
Are you still performing on the live circuit in other bands and if so were can we see you?
Jeff Rich: I gig as regularly as I can with a variety of bands, some my own, sometimes sitting in for other drummers. I have a band called ‘Four Bills and a Ben’, which is made up of professional musicians and we perform Rhythm ‘n’ Blues. I also play from time to time in a Santana band called ‘Santanarama’. Most of the gigs are based in and around Brighton and South London.
We were sorry to see you leave Status Quo and after looking at your web site and seeing the fabulous work you do in your drumming class I can understand your reason. I’d like to thank you for some brilliant shows throughout the years and thank you for taking the time out to do this interview for us.
Jo Rishton
With Jeff Rich
This interview has been approved by Jeff Rich.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
Let me introduce you to our first World Classic Drummer, Jeff Rich. Jeff spent fifteen successful years 'rocking all over the world' with legendary rock band, Status Quo. During his time with Quo, Jeff performed in front of millions of fans, and completed a Rock Till You Drop tour of four concerts in one day, which entered Status Quo into the Guinness book of records and at the same time raised over £250,000 for children’s charities.
In 1999, Status Quo received a Life Time Achievement award at the UK BRIT music awards. On receiving their award for 30 successful years in the music business, Quo were asked to perform a melody of their Greatest Hits. The crowd went wild when they tore off their Velcro tuxedo suits to reveal the bands trade mark of Jeans, white t-shirts and pumps, just brilliant!!!
Having seen Status Quo live 15 times between the years 1987-2003, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Jeff Rich perform live behind the drum kit on 13 occasions, and was in awe at the power of his performance throughout their gigs. There’s nothing like a Quo gig, the atmosphere is electric throughout, and there’s a feeling of togetherness from the minute the band strike the opening riff of Caroline to the Annervseary Waltz medley at the end.
Jeff Rich’s Drums and Percussion Master Classes
Jeff’s Rich’s Drums and Percussion Master Classes came about when he was asked to give a talk about drums and percussion during a workshop at his children’s school, he received rave reviews and Jeff was encouraged by the teachers to do more. The word got around and he became incredibly busy so much so that he realised he couldn’t cope with his Drums and Percussion Masterclasses, as well as being in Status Quo. It must have been a difficult decision, but Jeff Rich chose to teach his knowledge of the Drums and the music business to children and adults throughout the schools and colleges across the United Kingdom. Jeff says "The whole idea of my Masterclass is to inspire the children to learn an instrument and if I achieve that, then my job is done."The Masterclass is broken up into four sections, which will be tailored to suit the age of the audience”.
Jeff enjoyed his time in Status Quo immensely, and looks back on the band with fondness, but his classes became incredibly popular and that’s one of the many reasons why we’ve chosen him as one of our World Classic Drummer! It’s a privilege for me to bring you this exclusive interview with Jeff Rich.
What can you tell us about the Jeff Rich Drums & Percussion Master classes?
Jeff Rich: I have performed my Master class in about 250,000 schools throughout the U.K. The main aim of the workshops is to inspire the students as well as give them an insight into drums and percussion. I visit Primary, Secondary Schools and Colleges. The sessions with the younger children are more hands on, whereas with the older students I can go more in depth with regard to the subject.
How did the idea for the Master classes come about? (It’s a great idea)
Jeff Rich: I first got the idea for the Master classes when my kids were at their Primary school. The Head teacher asked me to come and talk to the children about my work and percussion in general. It was a daunting prospect, standing in front of 300 children and talking about drums etc, but I got through it unscathed and I really enjoyed the experience! I was then contacted by a few local schools who had heard about my workshop in my kid's school, they asked me to come to them and perform my Master class, which I did and the whole thing snowballed from then.
The classes are set out in different in different categories throughout the Master class can you tell us what they entail?
Jeff Rich: There are basically three sections to the session. The first is about how I got into the music business in the first place. I also go through my career up to the present day. The second section is based around the history of the drum from Africa to the modern day drum kit. I play each of the drums and choose pupils to join me on stage and try it for themselves as well! I play a drum solo to show what can be achieved on a drum kit. The third section involves the whole audience who are invited on stage to play various pieces of percussion from tambourines to fruit shaped shakers! I finish off with questions and answers.
It looks a very rewarding job; do you think drums are becoming a more popular instrument among the younger generation?
Jeff Rich: I think drums have always been popular instruments to play but I feel that today it is much more accessible for people of all ages to start learning.
Do you need natural rhythm to become a drummer or does that come with practice?
Jeff Rich: Obviously it will help to have a natural sense of rhythm when learning to play drums but like anything practice makes perfect.
Can you talk us round your drum kit? And what equipment do you use?
Jeff Rich: I play a new ‘Premier Series’ drum kit (made by premier drums u.k). The kit consists of snare, bass, 4 toms, piccolo snare, and a variety of ‘Paiste’ cymbals. I have a special model snare drum made by Ludwig Drums (U.S.A), which is known as a ‘Black Beauty’.
Are percussion instruments harder to play than drums or are they on the same level?
Jeff Rich: Each instrument has its own level of difficulty. With a drum kit you have a lot more to concentrate on in one go, whereas different skills and techniques are required to play other drums and percussion instruments.
I believe the drums are a noble art and sometimes feel as a fan of the drums that the drummers are often over-looked in bands in favour of say lead singers, guitarist, keyboardist do you feel this is true?
Jeff Rich: I would compare a drummer to a goalkeeper in a football team . . . . .if you take the goalkeeper away the whole team would be unable to play effectively. Similarly the drummer is a crucial member of a band, keeping everyone together and giving life to a performance. Drummers have always been the butt of many jokes but in reality they are as important as the front men and tend to work the hardest on stage.
Who in your opinion are the greatest drummers on the planet?
Jeff Rich: Greatest drummers . . .hmm . . .that’s really difficult for me to say. I admire the likes of Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, John Bonham, and Mitch Mitchell. All these guys have been an influence on my playing to some degree.
You're best known for your work in Status Quo. Looking back over the years what has been your proudest moment behind that drum kit in that band?
Jeff Rich: One of my proudest moments with Quo was when we played four gigs in one day. The event was called ‘Rock ‘til you Drop’. We were unsure at the time that we would physically be able to perform so many gigs in a short space of time . . . . but we managed it in eleven and a half hours and made it into the Guinness book of records. The event raised over £250,000 for children’s charities.
Are you still performing on the live circuit in other bands and if so were can we see you?
Jeff Rich: I gig as regularly as I can with a variety of bands, some my own, sometimes sitting in for other drummers. I have a band called ‘Four Bills and a Ben’, which is made up of professional musicians and we perform Rhythm ‘n’ Blues. I also play from time to time in a Santana band called ‘Santanarama’. Most of the gigs are based in and around Brighton and South London.
We were sorry to see you leave Status Quo and after looking at your web site and seeing the fabulous work you do in your drumming class I can understand your reason. I’d like to thank you for some brilliant shows throughout the years and thank you for taking the time out to do this interview for us.
Jo Rishton
With Jeff Rich
This interview has been approved by Jeff Rich.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.