Bruford: Why he quit drumming, thoughts on Fripp, Fracture, and more

Video Description

Want to see and hear Bill Bruford live? Check his schedule at: https://www.peterothtrio.com/tour-dates-and-tickets And of course, tons of content at: https://billbruford.com Join legendary drummer Bill Bruford (of King Crimson, Yes, UK, Earthworks, and more) in this in-depth interview. Bill opens up about his 12-year hiatus from drumming, his triumphant return at age 72, the "myth" of his iconic snare sound, creative risks in "weird music," and behind-the-scenes stories from prog rock history. From debunking rumors about Robert Fripp to reflections on burnout, composition, and the state of music today—this conversation is a must-watch for drummers, prog fans, and anyone passionate about musical innovation. Timestamps: 00:00 - Does Bill hate Robert Fripp? Debunking the myth and their working relationship 02:39 - What makes Brits different in bands? Conceptual thinking and band dynamics 03:11 - Weird music as a responsibility 07:31 - Risk-taking in music 09:36 - Differentiation: Why stand out? Cultures, aesthetics, and avoiding monocultures 11:12 - Rebelling against norms: Bill's instinct to go the opposite way 12:16 - Balancing meaningful gigs: Paid work vs. passion projects like Earthworks 15:46 - Running a band: Ego in ghostwriting vs. hired guns (Genesis anecdote) 16:23 - The hiatus begins: Stopping at 60, soul-deep tiredness, and no desire for music 16:45 - Details on the 12-year break: PhD in musicology, academic writing, and ignoring the drum kit 19:49 - The comeback: Alignment of events, meeting Pete Roth and Mike Pratt 20:36 - Roughness of returning: Starting from basics, physical readjustment 25:05 - At 76: No physical ailments, developing a 21st-century vocabulary 27:27 - The Bruford snare sound: Myth or reality? Placement, wrist, and idiosyncrasies 31:42 - Evolving style: More dynamics, fewer instruments, improvising in the Pete Roth Trio 33:37 - Is Pete Roth Trio a jam band? 39:06 - Role in the band: Comfort as a sideman, no more leading like Earthworks 40:04 - Advice for young musicians 42:54 - Young Bill on old Bill: Experience, luck, and unstoppable youth 44:59 - Composition: Piano origins, drum grooves as starters 47:31 - Writing for Earthworks: Piano, pen/paper, MIDI, and collaborating 50:29 - "Fracture" stories: Origins, live recording, grooves, and adding percussion Please "like" and SUBSCRIBE to Make Weird Music for more interviews with prog legends. Check out Bill's autobiography "Bill Bruford: The Autobiography" and his current work with the Pete Roth Trio. Share your thoughts in the comments—what's your favorite Bruford moment? #BillBruford #KingCrimson #YesBand #ProgRock #Drumming #WeirdMusic ----- Join Club Weird for exclusive access to members-only content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnf2i8SB7Cy1cV0fICP-fA/join Make Weird Music exists to encourage musicians and music enthusiasts to expand their creative horizons through interviews, educational content, and sharing of artistic music. If that resonates with you, then check out our website: http://makeweirdmusic.com/ Please consider donating to the cause by liking/following/subscribing and submitting content, ideas, money, buying a t-shirt, or even hooking us up with some weird musician contacts! http://makeweirdmusic.com/shop We're on all the social medias: http://facebook.com/makeweirdmusic http://twitter.com/makeweirdmusic http://instagram.com/makeweirdmusic