BATTERY DRUMMER INTERVIEW : Mark George (Sabbath Drums on facebook). Band: Devil in the Mist

1.What is your name and what band do you play for? 

Name: Mark George (Sabbath Drums on facebook). Band: Devil in the Mist

  

2.Who made you want to play drums and why?

 First influence was Bill Ward of Black Sabbath, playing live in the California Jam. Unique drumming style, energy and emphasis in his playing were the factors having the most impact on me.

3.When did you get your first kit? 

  

Tell us about it…   In the mid 70’s I sat down and started playing my brothers drum set, which was an Olympic brand set (economy brand made by Premier). The set up was a kick drum, one rack tom, snare drum, one crash cymbal, cow bell.. That was it. 

4.Where your parents supportive of you and your loud / expensive new habit?

 Yes, as long as it stayed in the basement.

5.What drum performance on an album is perfection to you? 

To me perfection can be in playing technique and also in unique playing style or creativity. For perfection in playing technique I will say Ian Paice of Deep Purple on the song Lay Down Stay Down. For perfection of unique playing style and creativity I will say Bill Ward of Black Sabbath on the song War Pigs. 

6.Tell us about your current kit and set up in DETAIL. 

1970’s Slingerland chrome over wood shell. Depending on the gig I use 2 different drum configurations: Configuration 1) two 26” kick drums, 13” and 15” rack toms, 18” and 20” floor toms, three 18” crash cymbals, one 18” crash/ride cymbal, 20” ride cymbal, 14” hi hat. Configuration 2) one 26” kick drum with double pedal, 15” rack tom, 18” and 20” floor toms, three 18” crash cymbals, one 18” crash/ride cymbal, 20” ride cymbal, 14” hi hat.

7.If you could have a dream kit tell us about it in DETAIL 

    I’ve been very happy with my current drums and drum setups and haven’t had any thoughts about an alternate setup.

  

8.Name your top 5 drummers excluding Neil Peart and Mike Portnoy 

    Bill Ward, Ian Paice, Tommy Aldridge, Nicko McBrain, Cozy Powell

9. Do you prefer Live or Studio?

 Studio

10.Do drummers really get all the chicks and if so how do we convince the guitarist?

 I would have to say that I just see everyone in the band all having a lot of good social activity with lots of great people at our shows.