Steve Gadd: Interviewing the Drumming Legend

Steve Gadd is a legendary drummer known for his impeccable technique, musicality, and versatility. With a career spanning over five decades, Gadd has worked with a wide range of artists and bands, including Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Chick Corea, and James Taylor, to name just a few. His unique style blends elements of jazz, funk, and rock, making him one of the most influential drummers of his time. Gadd's mastery of complex rhythms and his ability to groove have earned him a reputation as a drumming icon, inspiring countless musicians and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

[RickBeato]

If you guys want to see me do more travel content and interviews, please consider becoming a member of the Beato Club to enable me to do more of it.

[JohnGatesIII]

Seeing Steve doing as good as he's doing brings me great Joy and great sadness. Steve and my dad were in the Army together, in the US Army Studio Band (today, the Jazz Ambassadors). They would switch off playing set and percussion. Dad always followed Steve's career and was always blown away by what he was doing. Dad passed in 2011. Steve had beat his Demons and dad hadn't. Just because you get "Old" doesn't mean you STOP. You keep playing, you keep experimenting, you keep evolving. Steve is where I always saw where dad SHOULD be.

[benniejohnson]

I have driven buses on music tours for many years. I drove Steve on some of the James Taylor runs. Steve was always kind and pleasant. At the end of the last tour that I worked on with him, before walking away from the bus, Steve thanked me for taking good care of him and shook my hand while slipping a generous and unexpected gratuity into my palm. Steve is a cut above in many ways.

[tertiaryobjective]

Thank you Rick for giving these legends more visibility to the new generations.

[ricardofranciszayas]

At the end when Steve Gadd said to Rick, “Maybe we can do more.” shows just how much Gadd loves fellow musicians. To see a man like Steve with such a wealth of ability and history and heart reach out and share with such humility and generosity and still express a sense of wonder, is so poignant and joyful.
Steve displays a sense of confidence but with no ego there whatsoever. What a gentleman, a class act. He’s a beautiful example for young musicians. There is a lot of love in that man.

[jayplop]

I would love to see a Donald Fagen interview to tie all of the wonderful Steely Dan stories together! Definitely one of my favorite all time bands!

[Gern]

About 15 years ago, I stood in line to meet Steve at a clinic. When it was my turn, he asked me my name and how long I had been playing. He asked me what kind of music I was into and who my influences were… Can you imagine!!?? I was thinking, who the heck cares about me!!?? Do you know who you are?? Super sweet and humble guy. A true legend.

[foxriverpwc]

Rick, you realize what you're creating here is priceless and timeless, right? By beautifully documenting all of this legacy your own legacy is becoming blended into all of this. Thank you so much.

[Matt-B]

His drumming on 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover is sublime. When the drums ARE the song, and not just an accompaniment.

[kazeoner]

I really think this is the best Steve Gadd interview until this day. It's amazing to see such a legendary guy getting so excited and talking about the things he has always loved. Great job Rick, you're truly making us all very happy.

[mexiatexas]

Watching Gadd as he listened to the Aja solo overwhelmed me. I am crying. Guys...do you realize how lucky we are to have lived in that era?

[rickwiglyjr]

Steve Gadd is one of the most amazing drummers, and he still got it at 77 years young. Prime Gadd, in my opinion, had the best groove and pocket there was a true pioneer.

[bugman]

"Maybe we can do more?" Yes. Yes please! Watching Steve Gadd geek out over rudiments and his excitement for being a groove drummer and playing with session musicians. This just made me smile.

[DontLetTheOldManIn]

The proof of what a great guy Rick is and what a great and respectful interviewer his he is is that almost every single person he interviews wants to get together again and do it again. He just makes it so enjoyable for the subject, and that sets him among the elite interviewers. What a treasure is this channel!!

[pcs]

Being in that zone. If you're a drummer. You understand. Gadd 77 years old and still discovering new ideas. That's the magic of drums. It's truly a beautiful thing.

[SkinnyGeorge]

I’m just blown away by how humble this dude is. Steve was ferocious on those drums. He played with such confidence that you would think he’d be unapproachable.

But he’s just glad to be part of a group. He just wanted to hang and play some drums.

Thank you so much Rick. This young rudimental drummer over here felt like a kid again. ❤

[andrejutel]

Back in 1991 i had the good fortune to not only meet Steve Gadd but for the second time in a month, I had the amazing experience to both interview and meet Chick Corea. I ran a tiny Jazz fusion show on a local radio station in Coventry UK. I managed somehow to land an interview with Chick Corea who was playing in Birmingham at the Symphony Hall. I interviewed him completely on his own on a Sunday afternoon in The Hyatt in Birmingham. It was the most incredible experience and he was one of the most humble and nicest musicians and person I have ever met. He gave me over an hour of his time! Then less than a month later, I was invited by Ron Moss, Chick's manager to see him at Royal Festival Hall in London. Imagine my surprise when I was invited backstage to hang out with the band after the gig! Now the band was Chick, Eddie Gomez, Bob Berg (RIP) and of course Mr Steve Gadd. He was absolutely lovely and so humble. He played the opening to 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover on the desk backstage with his sticks for me really slowly ha ha so I could see how he did it! As a drummer (of sorts) I was in heaven. I had taken the liberty of taking my copy of Aja with me for him to sign which he did. I was part radio host, part interviewer but all star struck fan foremost! One of the best hours I have ever spent. Lastly my long lasting respect to the wonderful memory of Chick Corea and my kindest respects to his wife Gail and his family. A remarkable man and an unbelievable musician. RIP 🙏

[paramander]

Yeah, Rick got Steve Gadd! With his great personality and musical knowledge, Rick's musician interviews are some of the best out there. And the more icons he interviews, the more clout he builds, allowing access to even more legendary musicians. Keep it up Rick!

[robin_holden]

There's a lesson here in neuroplasticity. It's so good to see Steve still growing and learning as a musician even at age 77. So many people ossify by thinking they know everything by the time they reach their 40s. I have the feeling Steve is going to be sharp mentally for decades to come because of this approach.

[Gulf_Sierra]

In 1990, I saw Steve at the Buddy Rich Tribute at the Westbury Music Fair in NY. I was in the 2nd row seated behind the Zildjian family. After Coliauta and Weckl played, Gadd was playing quarter notes on the kick and ride and 2+4 on the hihat and snare. He got a standing ovation in the middle of the song for playing quarter notes! The groove was insane.

In 1991, I saw Steve with Paul Simon in Central Park. I was 10 feet from front center. Best concert I've ever been to. Gadd, Tee, Brecker, The Waters, Paul.

In 1993, I went to see the Richard Tee memorial concert at the small venue The Lone Star Road House in NYC. It was the band Stuff. In between sets, I asked Steve to autograph a photo I shot of him at the Buddy Rich Tribute. He asked if he could get a copy of the photo. This music icon flipped over the photo and wrote down his home address.