065 – Rick Malkin: Photography and Drumming, Photographing Famous Drummers, Drumming in Musical Theater

Rick Malkin has made a career for himself by combining his passion for drumming and photography. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Rick learned photography at an early age from his father who was a full time photographer. At the age of 10, Rick discovered the drums and at the age of 14 he was already playing drums in musical theater.

After meeting Eddie Bayers for a Modern Drummer cover shoot, Rick moved down to Nashville and worked as Eddie’s drum tech for 11 years.

Along with his continuing work in photography, Rick was the house drummer for 13 years at the Boiler Room Theater in Nashville and continues to stay involved in the theater community.

In this podcast, Rick talks about:

Playing drums in musical theater and learning to read from the record

Taking pictures of many famous drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Larry London, Steve Gadd and Alex Van Halen. And learning from the experience.

Balancing work as a drummer and photographer

Taking pictures of celebrities over the years including Buddy Rich and Prince