The drummer who pioneered the double-kick sound of heavy metal
In short: Before thrash metal defined the 1980s, Simon Phillips was already engineering its DNA. By introducing a specific double bass drumming technique on a 1977 Judas Priest album, he created the blueprint for the aggression and tempo that would eventually shape an entire genre of music.
Simon Phillips's technical contributions often go overlooked by the casual listener, yet his work on Judas Priest's 1977 album 'Sin After Sin' is cited by author Andrew L. Cope as a pivotal moment in heavy metal development. By replacing drummer Alan Moore, Phillips introduced the combination of double bass drumming that would later become a defining characteristic of the thrash metal sub-genre. Specifically, the track 'Dissident Aggressor' served as an early blueprint for the high-speed aggression synonymous with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.
Phillips's versatility extends far beyond metal. At twelve years old, he started his career performing with a Dixieland group headed by Sid Phillips, his father. This foundation allowed him to navigate a diverse career as a session musician for icons ranging from Brian Eno and Jeff Beck to the Who and Frank Zappa. His ability to shift between genres is evidenced by his tenure with the band Toto from 1992 to 2014, his work on the Chemical Brothers' 1997 hit 'Dig Your Own Hole', and his later success in the jazz world.
In the 21st century, Phillips solidified his status as a master of jazz fusion. From 2011 to 2016, he toured extensively with the Hiromi Trio Project, producing albums that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Jazz Album charts. Renowned awards have decorated his solo output, like the 'Protocol' series; these include a 2019 Modern Drummer Readers Poll top spot for Fusion and a 2003 Modern Drummer magazine Hall of Fame entry.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Simon Phillips (drummer)
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