A Star Behind Jason Aldean: Rich Redmond
You know that guy slapping his chest in Jason Aldean's "Relentless" video? That's Rich Redmond. And he's been drumming on stuff since he was 8 years old.
"I was just hitting everything," Redmond told me. "And my parents were receptive to that and said ‘Do you want to play drums?'" So he got a blue sparkle snare drum, and now he's touring and recording with Jason Aldean.
But Redmond admits all that percussion success didn't happen overnight. "I am a product of the really good music programs in Texas," he said. Starting in the fifth grade, he played in school concerts, then middle school orchestra and then the high school marching band. "Did I enjoy standing out there in the freezing cold with a snare drum strapped to me? No. But I came out with really good chops," he said.
And then in 2000, when he met Aldean, he started played on song demos and showcasing for labels. It took until 2004 to cut Aldean's first record, and then they hit the road in 2005. "We played every club, theater and honky-tonk out there," Redmond recalled. Now when they're playing live, Redmond says "Johnny Cash" gets the biggest reaction. "It's very visceral, has a good tempo and that hook the fans love. A great song like that can really play itself," he said. He went on to describe Aldean's band as just a small rock ‘n' roll band. "The songs we play on the road just cut to the chase. Rock's based on riffs, and country's based on stories. Our sound is the best combination of those."
The hours that surround the show always start with coffee and usually end with Guinness. "In the morning, the bus has a huge coffeehouse vibe. With coffee, Internet and CNN," Redmond said. "Then after the show, if we have time, the band likes to find local watering hole and have a Guinness, pat ourselves on back and talk about how we can make it better."
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Mark says:
Rich is a phenom. His approach to the kit and the feel that he can place behind a song is beyond amazing. If more drummer could play with the feel that he did, drummers would be more popular than the acts that they support.
Maring bodies condemn non-existent festival | Sinlung says:
[...] A Star Behind Jason Aldean: Rich Redmond [...]
Jennifer says:
Your absolutely right, Rich Redmond is awesome! I saw Jason Aldean live in Dayton, Ohio last Friday (a birthday gift to myself!). Rich did the best drum solo I have ever seen! Trust me, I’ve been to a lot of shows (including a couple rock concerts) & Rich was better than anybody in those groups.
MiaT says:
Rich is a fantastic drummer ! Thanks Alison for writing an article on him. I think all band members need to have their stories told. They are oh so part of the the main entertainers success & they also work sooo hard.
Great blog!
tammy says:
when i was watching vidoes i noticed marshal tucker was a choice to watch a video. when i tried to watch one of their videos they were not available. I don’t understand why they would be under that catagory when there is no video available???????
Andy says:
I had the distinct pleasure of performing with Jason’s band last year at the Country Music Hall of Fame. All of the guys were very friendly and supportive. Great bunch of guys!
Shirley says:
A “Star” surrounds himself by other “Stars” and Jason Aldean has done that so well by having the best (masters of their instruments) in his band; Rich Redmond, Tully Kennedy, Kurt Allison, and Mike Noble. They are all very talented musicians and entertainers! Keep it up guys and enjoy the CMT Tour!
Shirley in Las Vegas, NV
roknboy1 says:
WOW! What a true talent. This is the best drummer I have ever seen. I attended the CMT tour in Salem Va.and was blown away by Jason Aldeans drummer. Watching Rich play was the best part of the show !
Lillea says:
I’m always interested and curious to see what Rich is going to do in Jason’s next video. He seems to be hamming it up a little bit backstage in the “She’s Country” video. And may I add, he is one of the sexiest drummers I have ever laid eyes on!!!!! Yum-O!
Big Dan says:
I have been a drummer for 25 yrs now at the age of 35…wow, I am getting old…lol! Anyways, I am more recreational now but still can appreciate talent and Rich is absolutely amazing. He adds great percussion to every song and as a rock fan who never really liked country, I have grown to appreciate the genre thanks to artists such as Rich and Jason.
Jason says:
As a drummer myself, the only way I can describe Rich’s playing is “pure musicality” this man not only has monsterous chops, but the showmanship to demand the attention he deserves onstage! I can only hope to one day play half as good as Rich!
charts says:
Hey
Im just getting started with my new blog. Would you want to exchange links on our blog-rolls?
Very interesting posts and well written.
Bye Bye
Keith says:
Rich is not only an incredible musician but he is an incredible person.A very good friend and myself were very fortunate to spend a few days with him in Nashville.He opened his home to us,and gave us quite a tour of music row.He is an extremely motivated and hard worker.I am looking forward to visiting with him again….soon i hope.
Chad says:
I’m a drummer out of San Diego County. I saw Rich play with Jason Aldean at Stagecoach in Indio, CA. I had grown up with country music being raised in MN but this was my first country concert and out of the entire 2 days, I found myself saying that Rich’s performance was the highlight. I’d say even a tad bit greater than Brooks and Dunn! I had to do some research on him to see why the heck he looked so intense?! I’ve read up a bit and include Rich as one of my favorite drummers of all time. Keep up the good work Rich, the hard word paid off! Enjoy the limelight….