Journey drummer and vocalist Deen Castronovo joins Stacey Hood on Drumheads to talk about playing familiar songs with conviction and handling lead vocals from behind the kit. The conversation explores his technical metal roots, his work with Bad English and Revolution Saints, and the influence of Steve Smith on his approach to Journey’s catalog. We also discuss preparation, musical restraint, and being a dependable bandmate.

Shannon Forrest joins Drumheads for a conversation about feel, recording, and the decisions behind a great drum part. Known for his Nashville session work and performances with Toto, Shannon brings a drummer’s, producer’s, and engineer’s perspective to the discussion. We explore listening, supporting the song, and keeping personality in a recorded performance.

Royal Blood drummer Ben Thatcher joins Stacey Hood on Drumheads for a conversation about the decisions behind the sound. From heavy riffs to danceable grooves, we explore his partnership with Mike Kerr, the balance between restraint and release, and how humor finds its way into the music. Plus, the rehearsal ideas that stick and the realities of life behind the kit.

Nick took over from Stanton Moore for touring in Corrosion of Conformity recently. He stepped into a band with decades of songs and a drum legacy all its own. We talked about learning that catalog, finding his place in the music, and what it takes to make a heavy groove feel alive onstage.