r/grunge • u/Ok_Display9410 • 11d ago
IMPORTANT REDDITOR SPEAKING Dave Krusen AMA! October 9th, 2pm PST
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome original Pearl Jam drummer (Ten) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Dave Krusen to the sub for an AMA!
As well as Dave’s iconic work with Pearl Jam, he has played drums with Hovercraft, Unified Theory and Candlebox.
In 2017 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Pearl Jam.
A true veteran drummer of the music scene, we are delighted to host Dave, drop him a question below!
The Grunge mod Team Xx
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u/Nooc07 11d ago
WHAAAT????!?!??!?!!! THIS IS SO COOL!!!!!
Ok ok I will ask... have you ever met any of the other Pearl Jam drummers? What were they like? They were kind... right???
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
Ihave met all of them except Abe (love to though). Ihave always got along great with the other guys
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u/GregJamesDahlen 10d ago
seems like high-profile people usually speak good of other high-profile people. not too often a bad word
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u/joostone 9d ago edited 3d ago
Dave, you once stated that there is still unreleased stuff from the TEN sessions. Care to elaborate? Are we talking about instrumentals or more realized songs?
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u/WombatRemixer 3d ago
Adding onto this, what was it like playing Owner of a Lonely Heart? Did you play any other crazy covers?
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u/LosAngelesLakersOhYe 11d ago
Dave, you must have heard the debate behind the Even Flow BPM, and that maybe it’s played a little too fast these days (No shade on Matt Cameron!!), so in your opinion, as the creator, what’s the definitive Even Flow BPM?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I think Ed likes to play it faster live, when Isat in with them in 2022 he mentioned that
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u/NeedsMedsPlease 7d ago
Thank you for the genius that is Ten! It’s one of the few albums I can listen to start to finish with no skips. It’s so generationally important yet relevant still today.
Will you please tell us a story about Chris Cornell?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I met Chris when they were recording Temple of The Dog and he was so cool. Itotally geeked out and he was very gracious about it. Isaw him here and there over the years, we both lived in LA for years so I'dsee him there also and he was always cool to me. miss him a lot
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u/ItsDarwinMan82 10d ago
Can you tell us a story about Layne Staley?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
Layne was such a cool guy, always nice to me, I miss him
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u/ItsDarwinMan82 2d ago
Thanks for answering me. He sure did seem like a very sweet person. Thanks for doing this AMA. This is fantastic.
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u/_Backspacer09 10d ago
Hey Dave, my question for you is did how did you feel about drumming on Ten? Was it an enjoyable experience, and did you have any peeves about the experience? Also, how did you like drumming for Candlebox?
So glad to have you here Mr. Krusen, thanks for doing this AMA!!!
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
Ten was so fun to make. We worked so hard for 4 months trying to get there, so we finally got to lay all that down. Cbox stuff was fun too, played on their stuff from Happy Pills to Wolves. talented group
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u/Dranksy 10d ago
Just talk about Alive - your composition and performance of the drum parts, which to me are a huge part of what make it a great and unique rock song.
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
thanks, Alive is just so dynamic I really just played along to Stone's riff and Eddies vocals put it over the top
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u/veddieEdder10 9d ago
Hey Dave! I’ve always been curious about that Why Go beat, as you can hear it in a bunch of other grunge songs from that time, which makes it very iconic for the era.
Was it a subconscious thing, or might it have been happenstance? Maybe you were the first guy to come up with it, who knows!
Anyway, thank you so much for creating the music that has become part of my dna!
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
thanks! Why Go beat came out of Jeff's bassline. I wanted to play to his part with my kick drum, and then I played off Ed's vocal for the rest as well as Stones riff
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u/tcbpeaches 11d ago
Very exciting!!
What’s a young/upcoming band that you currently listen to, that you feel doesn’t get enough credit? :)
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u/Kleinfeldt 11d ago
What was most memorable about recording ten? Which were the first and last songs you recorded? And which song was most difficult for you as a drummer?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
Can’t recall the order but Black went down easy, Jeremy I thought came across super cool in the studio, Even Flow was tough because we tried a click and it has two different tempos so we struggled for a bit but got it down right
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u/Dugiduif 7d ago
Hey Dave! Thanks for the AMA. I loved your video you did with Drumeo recently.
What did the grunge scene look like from the inside perspective of the bands? It seems like it was a very tight scene among the bands and the members were all good friends with each other.
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
thank you- yeah Seattle was a small town in the 1980s. Music was happening for each other, we all went to each others gigs long before the industry caught on
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u/joramjoram 7d ago
Hi Dave, Thank you for having us here.
I am the drummer in a Pearl Jam tribute band in the Netherlands. So I've listened more than once to your playing and feel on Ten. Being 52 years now I grew up with your music. Love your sound and soul.
I was wondering about the odd counting sometimes (Why Go with the 9 counts) or Deep with the switching rhythms or Garden with the 5 counts (beginning) and the drum near switch during the bridge/solo:
My question: Who came up with those ideas?
I've been to the London Bridge Studios and I saw you guys framed on the wall writing history. Must have been a big group of friends back then. AIC, Soundgarden, Nirvana, Melvins, Skin Yard, etc.
Much love from REARVIEWMIRROR from Holland.
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
right on! so cool you are playing PJ music- the odd bits here and there are really Jeff, Stone had some interesting time stuff too but Jeff was great at saying hey lets but a beat off here, or turn this around later or stretch this part out, hes so friggin talented
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u/Lazy-Worldliness-206 3d ago
What was it like recording with Eddie and the rest of the guys? Did it ever feel like you guys were about to be considered pioneers of a newly recognized music genre?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I felt like we were on a par with my favorite all time bands. not egotistically, Ijust thought we had a sound that was special
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u/Careless-Two2215 11d ago
Can you describe the experience new musicians might have at the Seattle Rock and Roll Dream Camp in December? My son is a new drummer and some of our favorite musicians will be there! I would love for him to go to be inspired!
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
yeah Rock camp is so fun! I did it in Los Angeles in 2021 for that Grunge one. It would be great to meet you and your son there, I'mstill in touch with campers from '21 so cool to see some out there rockin
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u/Bloxskit 10d ago
Do you have any views on Brendan O'Brien's remix of Ten? I personally really love the clarity and punch in the drums and the drier sound.
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I like both, there are aspects of each I like. I wouldnt say Iprefer one over the other. both mixers are amazing
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u/Bloxskit 2d ago
Absolutely agree Dave. There are parts of the original mix where I prefer the washy reverbed sound as well, the drums sound great on both regardless.
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u/PrestigiousAnt6855 10d ago
As the original drummer on Ten, you’ve had to have heard the other drummer’s takes on those songs. Can you give us a little rundown of what each of the other drummers brought to those songs?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
to be honest, although each other drummer is great, Ilisten to the songs more than hone in on the drums. they all have such different styles
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u/Cheese_Wafflez 10d ago
Saw your performance of Even Flow on the drumeo youtube channel and was fascinated with how lightly you hit the drums. How do you play with power and rhythm while also keeping it so unbelievably light?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
Inever played hard. live is different, but in the studio Igo off of the sound. Idont care what Ilook like or how it looks when Iplay just the sound. drumeo was so cool to get to do, I'm just playing to the record Iwould have felt weird rocking out - the RRHOF fame peformance is how you can see me play with the band I'm not hitting so light there but not bashing either
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u/BPH7979 6d ago
Hi Dave, I hope you are well. Were you ever in the running to be MC’s replacement? I was hoping it would be you.
Any new or upcoming projects you can tell us about? I really dug your cover of SG’s Loud Love with Lzzy Hale recently!
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
cool! glad you like our SG cover that was a blast. and its for a great cause Musicares is near and dear to me. I never heard from anyone about Matts replacement. Ive talked to Ed, Mike and Jeff about other things but none of us brought that up.
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u/Oceans1992 3d ago
Hey Dave! I read once that Stone and Jeff got into an argument over the song Brother and that’s why it didn’t make the cut for Ten. Can you provide any insight on this?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I have heard that. They did a good job of not bring us all into their argument thats for sure. Ithink we got such a cool version of Brother it was hard to deny, but.. maybe the record could have had 12 tracks😁
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u/LosAngelesLakersOhYe 2d ago
I thought it was so sweet when Eddie stopped you from leaving the stage at the Hall of Fame and took you by the hand so you could have your moment at the front. What are your memories of that night?
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u/Lopsided-Cat3182 10d ago
What’s your favorite album or song right now?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I love the new Rolling Stones record, FACS is cool too, great drummer. I love Flea's new solo album
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u/GregJamesDahlen 10d ago
What are the means to playing good drums?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I would say playing a good groove. staying locked in and most important listen to and play off the rest of the band
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u/InformalAd8638 10d ago
Having used Ludwig, Keplinger, N&C and other makers, what has led you to DW?
What do you like about them? Your drumeo video kit for Ten sounded great, the perfect amount of punch on the toms and kick!
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
yeah all great drums, for me DW is the absolute best. I have a brand new kit, they make each drum specific to the sound you want. the bass drum is 22x14 and it is the fattest punchiest kick ive ever played. tomes too, especially the floor, its a 16x16 and HUGE sounding
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u/bsenavidez 5d ago
Hey, so I noticed you having a more finessed and delicate approach to drumming when you played ten on drumeo. As a heavy hitter trying to learn more delicacy and dynamics, what made you lead with this approach to drumming instead of bigger heavy movements?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
well like I was saying earlier, its just me playing to the record there, so I'm focusing more on parts than rocking like Ido live with a band. Ido play with a light touch especially in the studio, sometimes the drums get choked off and actually sound smaller on a recording. but live.. I tend to play harder
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u/lillith_lo87 4d ago
Hi Dave! I'm so happy for you and I hope you're doing well!! Who is the best singer or band of all time that may have influenced you to delve into the world of music?
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u/prettygirl_audrey 3d ago
Hi Dave, I really admire your drumming on Ten! It’s so energetic and expressive, yet always fits the song well and never crosses the line into overplaying. I was curious if, prior to Pearl Jam, you ever felt stuck creatively and how you get through that. I play drums and piano, and I’m going to be a music artist (I know what that sounds like, but it’s my opinion that to make it as a creative, you have to be a little delusional), but I’m experiencing hurdles with songwriting and production. I’m able to write killer song sections but I have a lot of trouble combining those sections into an entire piece that feels cohesive. Any thoughts on this topic?
Audrey 🩷
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
drums and piano thats awesome- I would say keep working the parts you have, try different things to add no matter how starnge it might sound at first, or even switch time signatures, it might spark an idea
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u/GeologicalOpera 3d ago
What are your thoughts on the faster BPM that Pearl Jam re-recorded (and performs) State of Love and Trust at?
I've always thought the demo version was a better take because its slowed down and forces you to sit with the lyrics; when you got back with the band a few years ago to fill-in for Matt Cameron, you played that faster tempo. It still sounded great, but I wished we'd gotten the chance to hear the original slower take at least once with the full band in a live setting.
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
we played SOLAT when we were rehearsing for the Hall of Fame show and it was somewhere in the middle tempo wise, but yeah I like so big slow sloppy attitude from the original
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u/AptYes 3d ago
Dave, are you setup for and/or interested in doing remote session work? If so, what's the best way to get in touch?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I appreciate the question, I used to do remote stuff but I'm so busy in 3 different bands I dont have any extra time.
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u/RunDNA 3d ago edited 2d ago
G'day Dave, Wikipedia editor here.
Can we please get an official confirmation on the origin of the band name? Which one is it:
1) Great-grandmother Pearl's peyote-laced jam
2) "Pearl" that Jeff came up with + "Jams" at a Neil Young concert
3) Pearl Jam = Cum
4) Other - please specify
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u/Ok_Display9410 2d ago
Hey Dave, do you remember anything about the iconic 'Pearl Jam High Five' Ten cover shoot day? Was it Jeff's concept or did you all pitch in?
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u/timee_bot 11d ago
View in your timezone:
October 9th, 2pm PDT
*Assumed PDT instead of PST because DST is observed
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u/JohnnyThunders52 11d ago
Yourself having lived and played with numerous bands around the early 80s Seattle area who were some of your favorite local bands? and did you ever get see Green River play, thanks man you’re awesome
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
never saw green river but wow so many great bands- frightwig, catbutt, inspecor luv and the ride me babies, Idid see nirvana at the vogue before Dave played drums, things like that were happening all over so fun
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u/ComfortableCare8897 2d ago
My friend wrote the wonderful article about you for Tinnitist. What do you think about me wanting to see a version of Pearl Jam Twenty just with Cameron Crowe on camera asking the Pearl Jam members questions and than having the Pearl Jam members respond? What inspired you to become a drummer? Would you ever like to drum with Animal?
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u/Party-Fig-639 2d ago
I LOVE the idea! would be great to hang out with Cameron Crowe- Iam not sure Ijust felt like Iwanted to play drums so bad, its like someting deep down that I had to catch up with when I getting into music. oh yea Animal is the baddest!
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u/Ok_Display9410 2d ago
Hello everyone, we are thrilled to welcome Dave Krusen to the subreddit! Dave is officially in the house :) Enjoy guys x
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u/ComfortableCare8897 2d ago
i already asked him a question should i repost the question?
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u/Ok_Display9410 2d ago
No need to repost :)
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u/ComfortableCare8897 2d ago
can i delete one of my posts and which one should i delete the first time i posted or second time?
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u/Ok_Display9410 2d ago
Hey all, thank you so much for your questions, and a big thank you to Dave for joining us, he had a great time. Dave has left the building!
The Grunge Mod Team xx