Tour Prep, Gear Gab, and Stage Smarts with Buddy Gibbons

Buddy Gibbons returns to Gig Gab to share how he’s gearing up for a nostalgia-fueled tour with Stephen Glickman and the Big Time Rush fanbase. From rollerblading around Wembley to off-road RC cars for downtime, Buddy’s prepping body and mind for the grind. He and Dave dig into how playing without a click can feel naked, why RokTempo and Russian Dragon are essential tools, and how the right gear—like the Porter & Davies BC2 throne—can make your kick and toms feel right. It’s all about showing up tight, calm, and pro-ready.

If you’re into tech and tone, this episode’s your playground. Buddy walks through his road rig: Roland SPD-SX Pro, Ableton Live, internal drum mounts, and the timeless Slingerland Radio King snare. He also weighs in on using AR glasses like XREAL AIR on the road, and shares what it’s like losing a loop mid-set on In The Air Tonight. It all comes down to trust—between you, your bandmates, and your gear. So pack your comforts, tune your kit, and Always Be Performing.

• 00:00:00 Gig Gab 484 – Monday, June 2nd, 2025
  • June 2nd: National Rotisserie Chicken Day (and also Charlie Watts’ birthday)
  • Guest co-host: Buddy Gibbons
    • Buddy Gibbons on Gig Gab 173
• 00:01:59 Han Shot First
• 00:03:20 Last tour was with Shiloh, Kenny Rogers, Jr.’s band
  • Porter & Davies BC2 Drum Throne with Kick and Toms coming through
• 00:10:00 The click isn’t a crutch
  • The awkwardness of doing a click-less show
  • RokTempo 2
• 00:12:56 Broadway play for Mel Brooks Grandson about the life of Charles Bronson
• 00:14:56 Russian Dragon for drummers
• 00:16:04 Prepping your body for tour
• 00:20:33 Doing a Nostalgia Tour
  • Big Time Rush
  • Stephen Glickman
  • Katelyn Tarver
• 00:27:39 SPONSOR: Factor, America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit, can help you fuel up fast with flavorful and nutritious ready-to-eat meals delivered straight to your door. Visit FactorMeals.com/giggab50off and use code giggab50off for 50% off!
• 00:29:14 Gear for triggering on the road
  • Roland SPD-SX Pro
  • Ableton Live
• 00:34:34 The value of being trusted by one’s bandmates
• 00:41:05 Losing the loop on…In The Air Tonight!
• 00:42:17 Back to the gear
• 00:44:04 Soundchecking and Setup
• 00:46:18 Costuming and make-up
• 00:52:51 Bringing creature comforts on the road!
  • Buddy will be rollerblading around Wembley Arena…and Athens Greece Olympic Stadium
  • An Offroad RC Car
• 00:52:50 Apple Vision Pro on the road?
  • XREAL AIR AR glasses
• 00:58:41 A perspective on sharing drumkits
  • Radio King Snare 2025 from Slingerland
• 01:06:13 Drum nerd time
  • Kelly SHU Internal Drum Mounts
  • MD 421 Kompakt Mics
• 01:09:59 Paiste Cymbals
  • Nicko McBrain Signature Ride
  • Shane @ Drum Center of Portsmouth
• 01:14:02 Gig Gab 484 Outtro
  • Find Buddy @ BuddyGibbons.com
    • @BudDrums
  • Contact Gig Gab!
    • @GigGabPodcast on Instagram
    • [email protected]
    • Sign Up for the Gig Gab Mailing List

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