Randy Black
Destruction
Overview
Randy Black is a Canadian-born Rock/Metal drummer and recording artist known best for his stints as the drummer for Click, Bif Naked, Annihilator, Rebellion, Skew Siskin, DuskMachine and Primal Fear. Although Black's actual acoustic drum configuration is not unique to the field of drumming, Randy's playing style is notable for his ability to play ambidextrously with a symmetrical set of cymbals, specifically a dual set of remote hi-hats and ride cymbals to his right and to his left respectively. From 2018 Randy is a drummer in the band Destruction.
Black is a native of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. He got his first professional start in 1980 with a band called ‘’’The Edge’’’ however he didn’t start any serious touring until he join the band "The Kaotics" in 1982. Randy would settle into a serious groove later when he joined Click in 1984. Click was known for its extraordinary covers of tracks by such artists as The Who, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Journey and Rush. Covering Rush’s material was one of Click’s strengths. And Randy fit right in with his note for note performances. In 1993, Black moved to Vancouver, Canada and joined Annihilator. Randy’s band mates were astonished at his technical precision and even dubbed him the “human drum-machine".
In 1998, Black recorded with Bif Naked on the album I Bificus. It was shortly after this that Randy moved to Germany. Since then Randy’s done more recording with Annihilator, Rebellion, Skew Siskin, Udo Lindenberg and DuskMachine but it was after the “Metal Gods Tour” of the U.S. in 2003 that Randy joined the group Primal Fear where he has found a suitable home to create and perform his incredibly intricate and entertaining style of drumming.
What is it you like so much about playing Pearl Drums?
The fact that Pearl are arguably the number one drum builder in the world and make exceptional instruments, I love the fact that they make everything I need as a drummer from cable hi-hats, rack systems, and all the percussion I need...one stop shopping:-)
Which drummer/band influenced you most to start playing drums?
There were many but one that stands out most is Neil Peart from the band Rush.
Who in your mind are the drummers of tomorrow, who has caught your eye?
There are two that come to mind right away, one is Bertrand Rothen/Germany and Ben Clark/UK. Check them both out on the internet, I don’t think you’ll disagree.
What do you like most about being a drummer?
Those live magic moments that occur rarely, the latest example I can give is when we were in Buenos Aires, Argentina with Primal Fear, In the middle of the show right after we finished a song the crowd were all singing in unison for what seemed like forever, after a few minutes I picked up my ipod and filmed what they were doing. I also love recording & being creative in the studio and then hearing the final result.
What is the worst thing to happen to you during a show?
I was playing with Primal Fear at a festival in Spain in front of about 40,000 people when my right hand started to cramp/freeze up bad so bad I couldn’t play with it, so I was playing only with my left hand then that hand started to cramp up! I was terrified that I would have to stop playing, but I just keep switching between hands and was able to finish the song and the set. I was dehydrated from the heat and not drinking enough, I learned a big lesson that day!
What do you practice and for how long?
A normal practice day for me starts with 1 hour of rudiments on the practice pad consisting of standard rudiments, hybrids and speed exercises. Then the next hour and a half is just double bass exercises, singles doubles, drags, paradiddles starting slow and gradually increasing the tempo until I’m at my maximum.
Afterwards I work on new rhythms and then finish with fun things like soloing and working on showy stuff.
What is your best advice to a young player wanting to make it in this industry?
Don’t compare yourself to other drummers, try to be the best drummer you can be. Learn as much about the industry as you can. Don’t put all your eggs into one basket, be involved in as many things as you can to earn a living. Don’t expect to have a high standard of living just from drumming, if you can live and be happy with less, all the better.
If you had the chance to play drums for another artist who would it be?
There are two bands, Rush and The Who.
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