Simon Phillips is a drumming legend, whose played on hundreds of projects. His latest is a live show with keyboardist, Derek Sherinian, called Sherinian/Phillips Live. Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal plays guitars on the album, with Ric Fierabracci on bass. It’s out now. You can order it here.

We discussed drumming and even programmed drums, which Simon isn’t crazy about. He said he’s recorded on as many as 600 albums, including the Sin After Sin album from Judas Priest. He talked about doing it live, and piecing it together. He hadn’t worked with the band up until that point. He told me how he got involved on that record.

He told me why we he never stuck with one band, but chose to work on many different projects. “What I loved about playing sessions, was everyday I’d be playing something new.” He said he got bored playing the same thing gig after gig. “I love the art of making records.”

Simon  spoke to making this live album. They played two sets, and he picked what he thought was the best to create the record.

Bumblefoot gave me a question about paper vs. ceramic mugs for Simon’s coffee, which was pretty funny. Simon also speaks to how good Bumblefoot’s playing is.

Fun interview, another first time conversation for me.

-Meltdown-