Big Fat Five: Chris "Woody" Wood (Bastille) Shares His Top 5 Influential Records

Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, the podcast powered by Big Fat Snare Drum. This is another segment of Big Fat Five, where I invite my favorite drummers to break down the five records that shaped their approach to the instrument.

Today, I’m joined by my friend Chris “Woody” Wood, drummer for the internationally loved band, Bastille. Since exploding onto the scene with Bad Blood in 2013, Bastille has become a staple of modern alt-pop—balancing sweeping, atmospheric moments with massive sing-along choruses.

Woody’s playing is a perfect example of how space, groove, and feel can elevate a song without ever getting in the way—something especially crucial in an arena-sized band like Bastille. But make no mistake, he still finds his moments, keeping his playing fresh, musical, and relevant for well over a decade.

Beyond the kit, Woody is just a hilarious and thoughtful dude. He even co-hosts his own podcast, Away Days w/ Woody and Piers, a comedic deep dive into the world of away football fandom. We get into all of that and more—while uncovering the five records that shaped him into the drummer he is today.

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Drummers on Drumming (the book) takes you inside the stories, records, and moments that shaped some of the world’s greatest drummers. Built on the Big Fat Five format of digging into top influences, it’s packed with candid interviews and personal insights. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for years, this book is here to inspire you to sharpen your skills and find your own voice behind the kit.

CHRIS' BIG FAT FIVE:

Artist - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Album - Californication

Release Year - 1999

Key Track - "Scar Tissue"

Drummer - Chad Smith

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Artist - Queens Of The Stone Age

Album - Songs For The Deaf

Release Year - 2002

Key Track(s) - "Hangin' Tree," "Millionaire"

Drummer - Dave Grohl

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Artist - Smashing Pumpkins

Album - Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness

Release Year - 1995

Key Track(s) - "Jelly Belly," "Bullet With Butterfly Wings"

Drummer - Jimmy Chamberlin

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Artist - Mars Volta

Album - Deloused In The Comatorium

Release Year - 2003

Key Track(s) - "Inertiatic ESP," "Cicatraz ESP"

Drummer - Jon Theodore

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Artist - Nate Smith

Album - ANYTHING HE PLAYS ON

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