Well what can possibly be said its CHAD SMITH!!! Of all the world renowned
drummers out there The Red Hot Chili Peppers Grooving powerhouse came to
Drumtech this week serving up an overwhelming mix of grooves and chops during
his Masterclass.

Ever since it was announced, there had been a buzz circulating the school causing a
change of venue due to the large volume of students wanting to attend, Proving Chad
to be highly regarded in the drumming community, when the moment finally came,
Chad leaped onstage to a deafening applause.

To get things started Chad cracked some jokes and praised the comedian “Al Murray”
better known as “The Pub Landlord” who to everyone’s surprise attended the Masterclass a quarter way through!

Warming up Chad went through some grooves and fills before being joined by Drumtech
and Guitar-X teachers ‘Andrew Mckinney’ (Bass), ‘John Wheatcroft’ (Guitar) and 3rd Year
Degree student Hugh Neal (Vocals) for a “jam”. Instantly everyone was nodding there head. Chad is a very powerful player with a lot of feel and passion, and not only can you hear it, you can see it as well. As soon as they stopped people urged him to carry on! So not to disappoint Chad went straight to the next track which was a slower tempo with a 12 bar blues structure, building in dynamics.

Chad told how he enjoys playing in a band with so many great musicians. Beginning to talk about his career with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he explained how most of their songs and his drum parts have come from “jamming” and recording each “jam” with a Dictaphone! Producer Rick Rubin has also been a big part in there writing giving his dea’s and suggestions. Chad also talked proudly of band mate John Frusciante and how happy the band was when he returned as it wasn’t the same with Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction guitarist).

To finish on a real high Chad decided it was time for another Jam and more playing including the famous tracks “Give It Away” and “Can’t Stop” where Chad threw his stick in the air only to see it accidentally fall into the curtain! With a big jump he grabbed the stick and played like he was at Wembley with lots of power and confidence leaving everyone eager to get behind a kit. An inspiring Masterclass given by a true legend – nice one Chad.