Produce Like A Pro

Going to a Halloween Party, didn’t personally have to dress up, ‘Cilla did, ‘preciate y’all #happyhalloween #happyhalloween2025

1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 931

Produce Like A Pro

Jack DeJohnette - August 9, 1942 – October 26, 2025 - Rest In Peace

Before I ever heard rock I heard jazz. My father only had classical and jazz records in the house and Miles Davis was royalty. His name was spoken with the same reverence as Beethoven or Mahler. When I first dropped the needle on Bitches Brew everything changed, I didn’t fully understand it but I knew I was hearing something extraordinary, dangerous, beautiful and completely alive.

At the centre of that universe was Jack DeJohnette.

He didn’t just play the drums, he sculpted time. His feel wasn’t about precision, it was about pulse, the way a heartbeat naturally shifts when it’s excited, curious or lost in thought. Listening to Jack on those Miles records Bitches Brew, Live-Evil and On the Corner was like hearing gravity being toyed with. He could push and pull, stretch and snap and somehow make it all swing.

Those albums were my early education. Long before I ever thought about producing or mixing I learned from Jack that rhythm could breathe. He showed me that groove isn’t mechanical, it’s human.

That feels more profound than ever today. We live in an age of gridded drums, quantised perfection and even AI trying to simulate the “feel” of great players. Yet what Jack had can’t be coded. His playing had imperfections that gave it life, every tiny fluctuation carried emotion, he understood that what makes music timeless isn’t its flawlessness, it’s its humanity.

When I finally got to see him play it all made sense. He lived the music, swaying with every beat, every groove, completely inside the sound. There was no separation between him and the instrument. You could see that same cosmic flow he spoke about, the higher self he plugged into when he played. It was as if he was a medium for rhythm itself, channelling something ancient and deeply human.

He was fearless too. The way he bridged jazz, rock, funk and the avant-garde all felt natural. Jack had the courage to chase sound wherever it wanted to go. When I later discovered his work with Keith Jarrett’s trio it showed another side of that bravery. The same man who powered Bitches Brew with volcanic intensity could sit behind a kit and make silence groove. That trio taught me how restraint could be just as powerful as fire.

Jack DeJohnette was more than a drummer. He was a complete musician, a composer, a pianist, a seeker. He didn’t care about showing off, he cared about finding truth.

When I think of him now I think of what he represented: instinct over formula, feeling over perfection, honesty over ego.

Miles might have been the king but Jack was the engine that kept the kingdom moving quietly, powerfully, relentlessly.

Thank you Jack for reminding us that music is more than notes and time. It’s heart, breath and courage.

The beat goes on but it will never sound quite the same.

1 week ago | [YT] | 627

Produce Like A Pro

Ace Frehley, RIP my friend. Devastated. We made several albums together and he was always so generous, giving me production credits, inviting me to play guitar alongside him and Slash, sing backing vocals, mix and engineer. Beyond the music, he was incredibly kind to me and my family, often visiting us and making my kids laugh. When I first moved to the US, every musician I met had been influenced by KISS. Ace’s playing, attitude and spirit were a huge part of why so many of us picked up a guitar in the first place. It was a true privilege to know and work with him and I’m so heartbroken that we’ve lost him. Rest in peace my friend, we love you Ace

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3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,765

Produce Like A Pro

RIP D’Angelo (Michael Eugene Archer, 1974–2025)

Heartbreaking news. The world has lost one of its true musical visionaries. R&B singer, songwriter, and four-time Grammy winner Michael Eugene Archer, known to millions as D’Angelo, has passed away at the age of 51 after a battle with cancer.

His family described him as “the shining star of our family” and asked fans to celebrate “the gift of song that he has left for the world.”

I was blessed many years ago to see inside his platinum party, where he performed a Stevie Wonder medley live that absolutely blew my socks off. I will never forget that night; it was one of those performances that reminded you what pure talent and soul really look like. Later, he happened to be working in the room next to us at The Plant in Sausalito while we were making the second The Fray album. Even through the walls you could feel the groove. The man just radiated music.

A pioneer of neo-soul, D’Angelo redefined modern R&B, blending soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop into something deeply human and timeless. His music had that rare quality, raw emotion wrapped in perfect musicianship.

Rest in peace, D’Angelo. Thank you for the music, the groove, and the inspiration. You left us far too soon, but your soul will live forever in every note you sang.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 852

Produce Like A Pro

Remembering Eddie Van Halen: Five Years On

Five years. It’s hard to believe it’s been that long since we lost Eddie Van Halen on October 6th, 2020. His passing left a hole in the heart of music that still hasn’t healed. There are guitarists, and then there are pioneers who completely redefine what the instrument can do. Eddie was one of the rare few who did both, with a smile, a swagger, and a sound that will echo forever.

Like so many of us, my world changed the first time I heard Van Halen I. I can still remember it vividly. Before I’d even really learned to play guitar, I was handed one by my dad, full of excitement and curiosity. I’d go to my friend’s house, Neil Lewis, the local great guitarist, and one day he put on Van Halen I. I didn’t know what I was hearing. It was alien. “Eruption” came blasting through those speakers and my jaw hit the floor. The riffs, the solos, the tone, it was all completely new. I didn’t have the words for it then, but what I was hearing was pure creative genius.

Eddie didn’t just play guitar, he reinvented it. He took elements of Allan Holdsworth, Brian May, Steve Hackett, and turned them inside out, forging something entirely his own. He made the impossible sound effortless and, in doing so, birthed a new era of guitar playing. He was shredding before we even had a word for it.

I remember being captivated by that first record and later, when I was around fifteen, really diving deep into guitar myself. By then, I was immersed in Hendrix, Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow, and all the greats, but there were two players I simply couldn’t get enough of, Brian May and Eddie Van Halen. Eddie, to me, was the perfect modern guitarist. He could play with the soul and grit of the blues, yet unleash a kind of energy and fire that felt revolutionary. His playing had personality, it grinned, it laughed, it punched the air.

Years later, I had the absolute privilege of seeing him perform live. My wife and I attended a production rehearsal at the Staples Center, and we went right to the front. Eddie launched into “Eruption” at twice the speed, with twice the fire. It was otherworldly. I looked over at my wife, tears streaming down my face, and said, “You’ll never see anything this amazing again.” And I meant it. That performance remains one of the greatest musical moments of my life.

Eddie’s generosity was as legendary as his playing. Some of you may have seen the photo I posted of a guitar he gave me, signed to my son. It said, “To Charlie, play it loud and make your dad crazy. Love, Eddie Van Halen.” I can’t describe the emotion of driving home with that guitar, bursting into tears knowing that Eddie, a hero of mine, had designed this instrument for his own son and gifted it to mine. That’s who he was.

For those of us who grew up in the Gen X era, Eddie was our guy. He was the guitar player of our generation, the one who made us pick up a guitar and dream. And even when you thought you’d figured him out, he’d surprise you again. I’ll never forget taking a call from him once when I was working with Marc Broussard. Eddie was curious about how I got certain tones and pedal combinations. When I told him I was using plug-ins, he laughed and said, “Ah, plug-ins! I don’t use Pro Tools, I use everything to tape.” That mix of curiosity, humility, and humour summed him up perfectly.

Five years later, I still find myself missing Eddie, not just the player, but the spirit he brought to music. His joy, his inventiveness, his willingness to explore and break rules. He was 65 when he left us, far too young, and yet he’d already changed the course of music history.

Every time I pick up a guitar, I feel his influence. Every time I hear “Eruption,” I remember that first jolt of wonder. Eddie Van Halen was more than a virtuoso, he was a reminder of what’s possible when passion meets imagination.
We miss you, Eddie. Thank you for everything you gave us.
Have a marvellous time shredding up there.

1 month ago | [YT] | 46

Produce Like A Pro

Queen's 'A Night At The Opera' - Covering a Masterpiece 

When I was a kid, my father, a man who adored classical music above all else, gave me Queen's 'A Night at the Opera for Christmas'. He handed it to me with the simple but powerful words, “this is worthy.” That moment changed everything for me. Hearing Bohemian Rhapsody for the first time was like stepping into another world, one where rock, opera, and sheer imagination collided in a way that seemed impossible yet utterly perfect. It was not just a song, it was a revelation, and it planted a seed in me that has shaped who I am as a musician and producer ever since.

All these years later, I feel incredibly blessed to have recreated this masterpiece with some of the finest musicians I have ever had the pleasure of calling friends. To hear Marc Martel bring Freddie’s spirit to life with his incredible voice, Tony Franklin’s unmistakable bass, Jamie Humphries’ stunning guitar work, Steve Maggiora astounding BVs and piano playing and Pete Riley’s phenomenal drumming was nothing short of magical. This recording reminded me why Bohemian Rhapsody has always been my favourite song, and in revisiting it so closely, I found myself falling in love with Queen all over again. It was more than just a cover, it was a chance to celebrate the music that shaped me, with people I deeply admire.

1 month ago | [YT] | 25

Produce Like A Pro

A Birthday Night to Remember at Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball

This year, we celebrated our daughter’s birthday in style with a trip to the O2 Arena to see Lady Gaga on the opening night of her Mayhem Ball. Kasia and I knew it would be a special evening, but we couldn’t have asked for a better way to mark the occasion.

I’ve long been a fan of Gaga. One of the two times I’ve attended the Grammys was the year she performed with Elton John, and it was unforgettable. Since then, her forays into jazz, alongside Tony Bennett, and the countless live performances over the years have shown her to be head and shoulders above many in the pop world. She really is the real deal.

From the very start of the Mayhem Ball, Gaga turned the show into something more than just a concert. The staging was bold, the imagery striking, and the whole evening had the feel of theatre as much as music. At times it was dark and dramatic, at others playful and uplifting. She has a unique way of making the entire arena feel like part of the story.

Her energy was remarkable. She moved from hit to hit, Just Dance, Poker Face, Bad Romance, all delivered with real intensity, before bringing everything down to a hush with stripped-back piano versions of Shallow and A Million Reasons. Those quieter moments were some of the most powerful of the night, reminding us what an extraordinary singer and performer she is.

For our daughter, seeing Gaga live for the first time was a real thrill. She sang along to so many of the songs, her face lit up with excitement. As parents, watching her experience that joy was the best part of the evening. It felt like a birthday gift she’ll always remember.

There were surprises too, including guest appearances and unexpected touches that kept the show fresh and full of life.

The finale brought everything together. The atmosphere was electric, the whole arena singing along, and Gaga closing the show with the kind of energy that leaves you walking out on a high.

It was a wonderful night out as a family, and a perfect way to celebrate our daughter’s birthday. Highly recommended.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 149

Produce Like A Pro

Rick Davies, Supertramp Founder and Songwriting Force, Dies at 81

Rick Davies, the English musician, singer and songwriter who founded the progressive rock band Supertramp and served as its guiding creative force for more than four decades, has died at the age of 81.

Davies was the group’s only constant member and one of rock’s most distinctive voices. As Supertramp’s vocalist and keyboardist, he penned some of their most enduring works, including Rudy, Bloody Well Right, Crime of the Century, Ain’t Nobody But Me, From Now On, Gone Hollywood, Goodbye Stranger, Just Another Nervous Wreck, My Kind of Lady, Cannonball and I’m Beggin’ You. His work combined rhythmic blues piano with jazz inflected progressions, memorable hooks and lyrics laced with wit and bite.

Formed in 1969, Supertramp began as a collaboration between Davies and Roger Hodgson. The pair’s contrasting vocal styles, with Davies’s smoky raspy baritone set against Hodgson’s crystalline tenor, became one of the band’s signatures, with the two trading leads and harmonies on their early albums. Their creative partnership propelled the group from their self titled debut to the breakthrough Crime of the Century in 1974, which established Supertramp as one of the era’s most adventurous rock bands.

The band’s global success reached its height with Breakfast in America in 1979, a chart topping album that yielded multiple hit singles and cemented Supertramp’s place in rock history. The first time I heard that record as a kid I was completely blown away. Its brilliance was undeniable, from the sophistication of the arrangements to the clarity of the production and the emotional weight of the songs. It remains one of the great achievements in popular music.

After Hodgson’s departure in 1983, Davies assumed full command of Supertramp, steering the group through albums such as Brother Where You Bound in 1985 and Free as a Bird in 1987, and later reviving the band in the 1990s for new recordings and extensive touring. Even as the lineup shifted over time, Davies’s songwriting and keyboard work remained the constant thread tying Supertramp’s music together.

Though Supertramp eventually ceased touring, Davies’s catalogue continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. His songs, filled with emotional weight, sharp character studies and inventive musicality, remain staples of classic rock radio and enduring influences on generations of musicians.

Rick Davies’s passing marks the end of an era for progressive and classic rock. His body of work with Supertramp stands as a testament to his singular voice, his masterful musicianship and his extraordinary gift for songwriting.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK-Sg...

2 months ago | [YT] | 433

Produce Like A Pro

Do you use Amp Sims/Modellers? 🎸
YouTube only lets us list 4 options, so we know we’re leaving out great ones like Kemper and Headrush – let us know in the comments which one you use!

3 months ago | [YT] | 88

Produce Like A Pro

R.I.P Ozzy Osbourne, Heavy Metal Pioneer and Prince of Darkness

Ozzy Osbourne’s passing is a huge loss. To me, he wasn’t just the frontman of Black Sabbath or the “Prince of Darkness.” He was one of the most important and influential artists to ever walk onto a stage. Ozzy helped invent the very music that shaped so many of our lives. He was a pioneer in the truest sense, someone who didn’t follow trends but created a whole new world of sound and identity. His voice, his presence, his fearlessness, there was nothing like it before, and there never will be again.

Born in Aston, Birmingham on 3 December 1948, Ozzy came from modest beginnings but rose to become a global icon. When he joined forces with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Bill Ward in 1968, something truly special happened. Two years later, the release of Black Sabbath did not just mark a band’s debut. It lit the fuse for an entire genre. That first album was the beginning of heavy metal, and Ozzy was its unmistakable voice.

For many of us, the first album, 'Black Sabbath' was life-changing. I still remember being 15 years old, sneaking out of school and going to my friend Cat’s house just to listen to it. As soon as those ominous church bells rang out at the start of the title track, it sent chills down our spines. The cover showed what looked like a witch standing in the mist. It scared the schnizzle out of me. But I was completely enthralled. It wasn’t just the darkness or the mood. It was the band’s sheer power. They were so tight, locked in together. That debut album felt like the true birth of heavy metal. The fact they recorded and mixed it on an 8 track in a day and a half is nothing short of astonishing.

Black Sabbath's sound was of Ozzy’s voice cutting through Tony Iommi’s thunderous guitar riffs, Geezer Butler’s ominous lyrics and bass, and Bill Ward’s powerful drumming. Albums like Paranoid, Master of Reality, and Sabbath Bloody Sabbath would become cornerstones of heavy music. After his departure from Black Sabbath in 1979, Ozzy launched a solo career beginning with Blizzard of Ozz, cementing his place as one of rock’s most enduring icons.

Ozzy was a symbol of resilience, his misfit humour, raw honesty and willingness to bare his soul endeared him to generations of fans. He sold over 100 million records across his solo work and Black Sabbath releases. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, received numerous awards, and left behind a catalogue that helped define an entire genre.
Ozzy’s influence extended far beyond music. He became a reality television star in The Osbournes, a pop culture icon, and a household name. Yet he never forgot where he came from. On 5 July 2025, he played one final concert in Birmingham, his hometown, at the Back to the Beginning event. Seated on a black throne due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, he performed to over 40,000 fans, with millions more watching online. It was a farewell worthy of a legend.

Ozzy Osbourne was not just a rock star. He was a movement, a mythology, and for many of us, the sound of adolescence, rebellion, and raw emotion. His music terrified us, inspired us, and gave us a place to belong. Rest in peace, Ozzy. Thank you for the dreams and for the nightmares!

3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2,524