When I was a kid we used to go on holiday to Wales every summer. One time, I remember looking out of the rain-speckled window at the sodden field outside our caravan, wishing I was allowed to play outside and cursing the UK weather. Our holidays weren’t always damp, though, some of them were scorchers…. Read More

We’ve all got that friend. The one who eats pure junk, gets hammered, sleeps for 4 hours a night, and is still skinnier, more muscular, and better looking than us. These genetically endowed pals are the ones who don’t gain any weight in studies designed to make you fat, while all you have to do… Read More

Auditioning for bands isn’t as hard as you think. Sure, being able to play your instrument helps, but there’s a knack beyond that. The secret is to do your homework. Knowing the bands’ songs isn’t enough, you have to know their influences, what they grew up listening to, what books they read, what films they’re… Read More

I’m fairly good at spotting film plot twists. I got the sixth sense, realised who Nicole Kidman was in The Others, and guessed Teddy Daniels’ real identity in Shutter Island. The Usual Suspects, however, floored me. Not only didn’t I guess, I didn’t even see it coming. When the actual bad guy was revealed I… Read More

I used to know a guy who was a serial re-inventor. Every month or so, without fail, he’d declare himself as something new. It wasn’t like he’d take up a new hobby or find a new interest, he’d fully change his identity. “I’m a photographer” he’d state, before dropping top dollar on the newest course… Read More

Ever notice when something sweet just isn’t sweet enough? You know what I mean. The sugary treat you normally have that just isn’t very sugary anymore. Back in 1998, researchers set to find out why this happens. In a fairly cruel study design, they made a group of people taste something sweet and then subjected… Read More

As a kid, I always seemed to have a sense of good versus evil. Without any understanding of character nuances, I could quickly pick who was a goodie and who was a baddie even if I watched a film designed for adults. Kids stuff was even easier. Take He-Man for example; without knowing anything about… Read More

I’ve never really made New Year’s resolutions before, but after talking to a friend who is much smarter than me, I’m going to give it a go. Every year she gives something up and starts something new, and this year I’m on board. The question is, what do I change? Do I make a teeny… Read More

When I was touring a lot, one thing that really stood out about it was how quickly we’d get into a groove. Wake up in the tour bus, shower at the venue, search for food, soundcheck, sit around, play the gig, then get back on the bus to do it all again in a different… Read More

When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of being the best drummer in the world. Day in, day out, I’d watch videos, listen to albums, and read magazines featuring the current and past best players. How did they practice, what bands did they play for, what made them so great? I sucked up any… Read More