Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats / HeadCat) #32

Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats / HeadCat) #32

Author: Dane Campbell December 3, 2021 Duration: 54:51

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Episode 32 of Drum For The Song podcast featuring Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats and HeadCat.


In this episode we talk about the origins of the Stray Cats, with himself (drums), Brian Setzer (guitar and vocals) and Lee Rocker (upbright double bass) forming in high school and mastering their craft playing 5 nights a week in their home of Long Island, migrating over to England and eventually becoming part of the London scene, playing shows and getting noticed which resulted in getting signed and having Dave Edmunds record their debut album!


We also talked a lot about his great friendship with Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead who he also had a rockabilly side project band with called HeadCat with Danny B. Harvey. He describes how the band ended up forming after a recording an Elvis Presley track for a tribute album. He also explains how he and Lemmy became neighbours which helped their friendship grow over the years and how he was with Lemmy when he sadly passed away on 28th December 2015 at the age of 70.


We also talked about Jim's favourite rockabilly drummers, living with actual cats, his favourite and most memorable moments with Lemmy, his drum endorsements Gretsch, Zildjian, Vic Firth, blues shuffle stick techniques, his upcoming rockabilly documentary and more.


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Behind every great song is a rhythm that holds it together, often created by a drummer whose name you might not know. Drum For The Song Podcast, hosted by working musician Dane Campbell, pulls back the curtain on these essential artists. Rather than focusing on technical jargon or gear, the conversations explore the personal journeys, creative decisions, and historical contexts that shape a drummer's unique voice. Dane, who plays in Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons and Straight Lines, brings a peer's perspective to long-form interviews with semi-professional and professional drummers from across the world. A core mission of this independent podcast is celebration-spotlighting incredibly talented players who rarely feature in mainstream drum magazines or on popular websites. These are the musicians who provide the backbone for countless recordings and tours, yet their stories remain largely untold. You'll hear about the pivotal moments in their careers, the albums that shaped them, and the practical realities of building a life in music. While drummers will naturally find a deep connection here, the discussions are crafted for anyone curious about the creative process, music history, and the human elements behind the instrument. It’s about the person behind the kit, the thinking that goes into a simple groove or a complex fill, and how that ultimately serves the music. Each episode is an invitation to appreciate the art of drumming not as an isolated skill, but as a fundamental, narrative force in the songs we love.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 60

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