And, well of course, Count Basie, and I think all of the black bands of the late thirties and early forties, bands with real players. They had an influence on everybody, not just drummers.

I mean, I think I liked every band I ever played in because each band was different, each band had a different concept, and each band leader was different... different personalities and musical tastes.

I think it's a fallacy that the harder you practice the better you get.

I think the drummer should sit back there and play some drums, and never mind about the tunes. Just get up there and wail behind whoever is sitting up there playing the solo. And this is what is lacking, definitely lacking in music today.

I never believed in a set routine. It should depend on how you feel, because you play what you feel.

A great musician is just a thief who doesn't get caught

Almost everything I've done, I've done through my own creativity.