Drummers on Drumming Big Fat Five: Ian Matthews (Kasabian) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records
Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, the podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. This is another segment of Big Fat Five, where I invite my favorite drummers to break down the five records that shaped their approach to the instrument.
Today, I’m joined by Ian Matthews, drummer for the "future rock" band Kasabian—a group that, like many of the greats, enjoys massive success outside the U.S. while somehow remaining criminally underrated stateside. With eight studio albums and a reputation for explosive, anthemic live shows, Kasabian has been shaping the sound of modern rock for decades. And at the heart of it all? Ian Matthews—the powerhouse engine behind their dynamic and electrifying sound.
We cover a lot in this conversation—stuff that will help any drummer level up their playing and presence on the kit. I also want to mention something special: If you've listened to The Drum Panel recently, you know I’ve talked about a certain project from November 2024 that I was really stoked about. Well, Ian was one of my main inspirations for those sessions.
This one meant a lot. Enjoy the five records that shaped Ian Matthews into the drummer he is today.
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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.
IAN'S BIG FAT FIVE:
Artist - Buddy Rich
Album - Live At Ronnie Scott’s
Release Year - 1972
Key Track - "Time Being"
Drummer - Buddy Rich
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Artist - Leo Sayer
Album - Endless Flight
Release Year - 1976
Key Track - "When I Need You"
Drummer - Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Rick Shlosser, Nigel Olsson, Ed Greene,
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Artist - Dave Brubeck
Album - Time Out
Release Year - 1959
Key Track - "Take 5," "Blue Rondo á la Turk"
Drummer - Joe Morello
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Artist - Iron Maiden
Album - Live After Death
Release Year - 1985
Key Track - "Aces High"
Drummer - Nicko McBrain
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Artist - Steely Dan
Album - Aja
Release Year - 1977
Key Track - "Aja," "Home At Last"
Drummer - Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, Rich Moratta, Ed Greene
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