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Drumming News
When each of us discovered Modern Drummer, it felt like stepping into a vibrant world we never knew existed. The impact that Modern Drummer has had in elevating the visibility of drummers is truly immeasurable. In this article, Scott K. Fish reflects on his early experiences with the publication, including his memorable visit to Ron Spagnardi’s home, at that time the Modern Drummer headquarters, in the late 1970s. This pivotal moment not only shaped his journey but also highlighted the magazine’s role in connecting a community of passionate musicians.
Scott writes:
I first met Modern Drummer founder/publisher Ron Spagnardi probably in the summer of 1978. MD‘s office was the basement of the Spagnardi home at 47 Harrison Street, Nutley, NJ. MD was still a quarterly publication. Nothing fancy about the basement. I remember it as an unfinished basement with desks, tables, and lighting sufficient to produce and ship a magazine. MD Features Editor Karen Larcombe was there. So were Ron’s father, Leo Spagnardi handling shipping and receiving, and Carol Padner and Jean Mazza were responsible for MD‘s circulation.
I don’t remember exactly why I was visiting. It was probably my interest in meeting Ron and seeing the MD operation. My first two feature interviews, Mel Lewis and Carmine Appice, were published in the April 1978 MD. Carmine was the cover story. So Ron and I had corresponded and worked successfully together. Our visit was likely the result of a simple conversation: “I’d love to come out and see the operation.” “Sure. Come on out.” For me it was just over a 100 mile round trip.
Ron was working on the layout for the October 1978 Steve Gadd cover story on my first visit. We both loved Gadd’s drumming, and talked about how Steve looked very unhealthy in the Aran Wald story photos. We were worried about him! Gadd was very thin with large, dark bags under his eyes. He was in a recording studio playing a five-piece single-headed Ludwig drumset, Evans heads on the toms, a very worn, white-coated head on the snare. Two paper towels taped left/right on snare top head for dampening.
Ron didn’t know if Gadd’s drumset was his own, the recording studio’s, a rental – no clue. We were both surprised Steve was playing single-head rack toms. It was so exciting to have that “behind the scenes” look at Steve Gadd photos few people had seen. This was many years before the internet. Photos of any popular drummer were limited to album covers, magazine photos and ads, drum and cymbal catalogs, and maybe music store posters. Ron seemed a bit apprehensive about what I might be thinking of MD‘s office/basement. Perhaps like “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” in the Wizard of Oz. But, I thought it was all great and exciting.
Ron always had a very mild-manner and even disposition. Our meeting was friendly and brief. And when it was over I drove back to my home on Long Island, NY.
In 1980, when I was hired as MD Managing Editor, the magazine had grown to six issues yearly, and was about to publish nine issues yearly. The offices were in Clifton, NJ, but occupying one floor of a modern office building.
Link to the original post: HERE
About Scott:
Scott K. Fish played a pivotal role in the creation of “Modern Drummer” magazine, beginning his journey as a freelance writer in 1978. He became the Managing Editor from 1980 to 1983, during which time he authored nearly half of the magazine’s feature articles. His interviews were distinguished by their depth, often delving into the “life beyond the cymbals,” a sentiment echoed by renowned drummer Bill Bruford.
With over 25 years of experience in public relations, writing, marketing, and communications, Scott continues to influence the music world through his insights. He is an active blogger, frequently sharing original interviews with artists that inform his work.
To keep up with Scott’s contributions, visit his blog at www.ScottkFish.com where he posts articles weekly. We invite you to consider supporting Scott’s ongoing writing endeavors. Your contributions will help ensure that we continue to learn about the important drummers and their impactful legacies.
You can support him at the link: HERE
