Forbidden Beat

by S.W. Lauden (Editor), Lucky Lehrer (Foreword)

Whether they're self-taught bashers or technical wizards, drummers are the thrashing, crashing heart of our favorite punk bands. In Forbidden Beat, some of today's most respected writers and musicians explore the history of punk percussion with personal essays, interviews and lists featuring their favorite players and biggest influences. From 60s garage rock and proto-punk to 70s New York and London, 80s hardcore and D-beat to 90s pop punk and beyond, Forbidden Beat is an uptempo ode to six decades of punk rock drumming.

Featuring Ira Elliot, Curt Weiss, John Robb, Hudley Flipside, Bon Von Wheelie, Joey Shithead, Matt Diehl, D.H. Peligro, Mike Watt, Lynn Perko-Truell, Pete Finestone, Laura Bethita Neptuna, Jan Radder, Jim Ruland, Eric Beetner, Jon Wurster, Lori Barbero, Joey Cape, Marko DeSantis, Mindy Abovitz, Steven McDonald, Kye Smith, Ian Winwood, Phanie Diaz, Benny Horowitz, Shari Page, Urian Hackney, and Rat Scabies.

Genres: Music

215 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

About the author

S.W. Lauden’s debut novel, BAD CITIZEN CORPORATION, is available from Rare Bird Books. The second Greg Salem novel, GRIZZLY SEASON, was published on October 11, 2016. His standalone novella, CROSSWISE, is available from Down & Out Books.

His short story, “Itchy Feet,” was recently published in UNLOADED: CRIME WRITERS WRITING WITHOUT GUNS (Down & Out Books). His short story, “Big Shots,” is included in the anthology FAST WOMEN AND NEON LIGHTS: EIGHTIES-INSPIRED NEON NOIR (Short Stack Books). His short story, “Customer,” is featured in the upcoming anthology, WAITING TO BE FORGOTTEN: STORIES OF CRIME AND HEARTBREAK INSPIRED BY THE REPLACEMENTS (Gutter Books).

His short fiction has been accepted for publication by Out of the Gutter, Criminal Element, Dark Corners, Dead Guns Magazine, Akashic Books, WeirdBook, Spelk Fiction, Shotgun Honey and Crimespree Magazine.

Reviews

[James Buckley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are into drums, punk, or any combination thereof, this is the book for you. Editor S.W. Lauden has put together an interesting assortment of essays by, about, and in some cases, both, that cover topics ranging from the birth of the D-beat to the best pop-punk drummers. Well-known and obscure players alike all get their props, and overall, the book is a fascinating look into the art of punk drumming. A few of the essays seemed a bit rambling and/or self-indulgent, but overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the history of punk.

[Genesis Flete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE, the different perspectives on drumming and how heart to heart the book felt. I felt like a got to know every drummer a little bit personally which I love. Also the wide perspective they actually gave, I got know drummers that learn by ear, to drummers who know LOADS about music theory. The part that I appreciate the most is the fact that they paid tribute to drummers who have passed by interviewing their band mates. And it was not just Massive popular drummers they interviewed, but ones that were a bit lesser known, which shows the passion the creators of this book have for drumming. My only complaint is that sometimes during the book with lists of favorite musicians, it got a bit repetitive. But that’s the nature of the book, it’s a collection of each drummers writing style and what they as musicians, want other drummers and drum enthusiasts to know about them. This may be interviews, lists, their life story, etc. overall and enjoyable read, and something that was able to read in increments and nibble on throughout the month without itching to find out more. :D

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a haphazard collection of “whatever you feel like talking about,” with little thematic focus or organizational structure outside of “You like drums?” But still, fun if you’re a drumming nerd. [raises hand.]

[Corey Lynn Fayman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lively compendium of interviews and self-reflection from a slew of top punk-rock drummers. A great reminder of the creative freedom and just plain fun inherent in the genre. Get out there and have a bash!

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all anthology books like this it's a mixed bag but overall there's some great interviews, recollections and insights in here. You may get more out of it if you e ever felt the thrill of pubk drumming yourself but I love that this book exists.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not every subject in this book is of interest to me, so I did skim over some parts, the book as a whole is great and highly recommended for anyone interested in getting nerdy with punk rock drummers.

[Jim Dunedin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Top read this one. SW has both drumming and writing chops along with the smarts to let the protagonists do the talking and stay out of the way. That makes for a great read detailing the life, times, adventures, and contributions of a host of drummers made in the punk rock genre. That said you could debate for hours what that umbrella subject really is. Here you get the classic UK (London) and New York late 1970s originals, i.e Clash and Ramones, then a run through LA hardcore and lots between. A good call out on the diversity and expansion from boys club to some great drummers. Note this is edited essays from guest writers, drummers themselves and interviews. A great package and lots of delightful insights and tales.