Questions were gathered by Thomas Waleczka at Eltonnewsblog.com and Noreen at NigelOlsson.com over the summer of 2010
Obviously the Elton gig was meant to be. If that opportunity had not come along, what band would you have been happy being part of?
ELO (Electric Light Orchestra)
When news got out that Elton was disbanding the group in 1975 after Captain Fantastic was released, did any big-name artists or groups approach you join them (not counting session work)?
No.
Are there any Elton songs on which you wish you could re-record the drums or backing vocals?
No. However, I do wish I had had the opportunity to play on "Believe” and "The One."
What Elton song do you think features the best backing vocals?
"High Flying Bird"
What Elton song do you think best showcases the classic Elton John Band, and why?
"We All Fall In Love Sometimes/Curtains." Because of the atmosphere of the song, the lyrics, and the way we recorded it as one track, no edits between the two songs. It showcased our individual music talents and vocal abilities.
When Elton begins the 3rd verse of "Crocodile Rock" in concert and throws in a name ("Me and __________ had so much fun)", we always see Elton looking at you, and you cracking up. How did this start? Does Elton pick a name he knows will make you laugh?
Yes, he usually brings up an off-the-wall famous name from the past that only Davey or I would know. I can't remember when he actually started it.
In an East End Lights interview you mentioned doing a wrong fill on the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album that Gus decided to leave in anyway...what track was it on?
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
Name one John/Taupin song you wish you'd written.
"The One"
Name a song by any other artist you wish you'd written.
"All By Myself" by Eric Carmen
What is your absolute favorite song (from your solo career) that you've recorded?
"All It Takes"
Do you have any plans for another solo album?
Not at this point.
What bands/artists are most played on your iPod?
Chicago, The Beatles, Rihanna, Adele, and many others.
What new groups do you like?
When they were new, I would say Keane, Take That, Maroon Five, etc.
Would you appear on the BBC television programme Top Gear if you were approached?
Absolutely.
Who do you consider to be the best drummer ever, and what drum solo is the best you've ever heard?
Ringo Starr
A drum solo by Buddy Rich
Would you ever consider doing a drum solo at an Elton concert?
No.
Why do you sign your drumheads before a concert?
They are sometimes auctioned for charities.
Does the thought of how many people are in the audience affect how you act on stage, or do you just act they way you do in the studio?
I like to smile for the cameras and fans. If I can put a smile on their faces, that's all I need to know. I'm usually smiling in the studio because I enjoy recording. I'm usually very nervous before we do live concerts and always have been, but once I get onstage I'm fine.
We love how you mug for the camera at Elton shows...have you built up a special relationship with the camera operators?
There are one or two operators that are really good at capturing my silliness and we have fun with it. Our video director John Steer can always tell when I'm getting ready to be silly. The camera operators are all great.
If you could choose one song to insert into the set list, what would it be, and why?
"Holiday Inn," because I just love to play that song.
On June 26, 2010 the band played in Minsk, Belarus. When it was time to play "Sacrifice," Elton made the band stop and start again--do you recall what happened?
Yes, he began playing the wrong song.
What do you do with your retired kits, from the early Slingerlands to "Ghana" and "Pinky"?
They are stored around the world just in case we need to use them. Sometimes logistically it works for each kit to be in a different country, but I am sponsored by DW and they are the only kits I use now.
I read somewhere your F1 kit doesn't need tuning, so does DW Drums build a kit to your playing style and tonal requirements?
Yes, DW builds my kits to my tonal requirements, but they are tuned everyday. My F1 kit DOES requires tuning. The snare drum head is changed before every show, tom tom heads usually every 5 to 6 shows.
Have you ever thought about writing your autobiography?
Yes, but I have no plans to do so in the near future.
What is the most difficult drum line you've had to put down on an Elton recording? In other words, the song that made you think 'Wow, how I am gonna put a backbeat on that?!'?
"Better Off Dead"
Do you ever recognize faces in the rows you can see year after year?
Yes, many times.
What do you and/or the band do differently on tour now than you did in the early years?
Fly commercial airlines.
Any chance we'll see Elton & the band in Las Vegas again?
I have no knowledge of any plans to do that. That would be a question for his management and agency. But, yes, I would love it if it happened.
What do you do if you have to sneeze while you’re performing?
It's never happened.
Have you ever forgotten the words during a performance?
Lots of times, but I usually make up my own. Just kidding.
Is being a professional musician something you would encourage any of your children/grandchildren to be?
NO, it's too tough out there, especially nowadays. There are so many great players out there. You've got to be really, really lucky or at the right place/time, as I was.
What is your favorite city or state to perform in, and why?
I love them all. The audience is always appreciative wherever we go.
Is there anything on your 'to do" list you'd like to accomplish in the next 5 years?
Do another band studio album with Elton the way we recorded many of the huge hit albums. All together, playing at once.
Besides becoming Elton’s drummer, what's the best thing that has ever happened to you because of the profession you chose?
Working with John Lennon and Stevie Wonder.