Billy Ashbaugh is a world class drummer that has toured and/or recorded with acts like Pat Benatar, NSYNC, John Lodge and The Moody Blues, and many more. He has over 70 television appearances including playing The Tonight Show six times. He has played at the Grammy Awards, the MTV Music Awards, Saturday Night Live, and played in front of 280,000 people at Rock In Rio. Yet, with all of these appearances and huge gigs with some of the most popular artists in the world, Billy “flies under the radar” and eludes the spotlight. He’s a hired gun, and he likes it that way.
In this interview, Billy talks about his passion for the drums and his satisfaction with being a “hired gun.” He also discusses what’s in his in-ear monitor, working with tracks and loops, and his most challenging gig.
Superbowl Halftime Show w/NSYNC:
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Hello everyone! My name is Scott Itter, but some know me as Dr. Music. I am a music journalist and photographer out of the Chicagoland area, and I have been in practice for over 20 years. I grew up in the 70’s with two big brothers that showed me all kinds of rock and roll. As I grew older I ventured out into different genres like jazz, funk, folk, and whatever else I could wrap my ears around. As I read every liner note and every Circus and Hit Parader like they were the Old and New Testament, I came to realize that I just love sound and appreciate all the people that create it.
I later became a stay-at-home dad and started honing my writing and photography skills to keep my mind from turning into mashed peas. My kids are now adults, my mind is only slightly mushy, and I am thrilled to have the honor of presenting my work to you!
