Big Fat Five: Ian Matthews (Kasabian) 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 Ian Matthews, drummer for the "future rock" band Kasabian —a group that, like many of the greats, enjoys massive success outside the U.S. while somehow remaining criminally underrated stateside. With eight studio albums and a reputation for explosive, anthemic live shows, Kasabian has been shaping the sound of modern rock for decades. And at the heart of it all? Ian Matthews—the powerhouse engine behind their dynamic and electrifying sound. We cover a lot in this conversation—stuff that will help any drummer level up their playing and presence on the kit. I also want to mention something special: If you've listened to The Drum Panel recently, you know I’ve talked about a certain project from November 2024 that I was really stoked about. Well, Ian was one of my main inspirations for those sessions. This one meant a lot. Enjoy the five records that shaped Ian Matthews into the drummer he is today. --- Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today! 🎯 Click here to order now! 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. IAN'S BIG FAT FIVE: Artist - Buddy Rich Album - Live At Ronnie Scott’s Release Year - 1972 Key Track - "Time Being" Drummer - Buddy Rich - Artist - Leo Sayer Album - Endless Flight Release Year - 1976 Key Track - " When I Need You" Drummer - Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Rick Shlosser, Nigel Olsson, Ed Greene, - Artist - Dave Brubeck Album - Time Out Release Year - 1959 Key Track - " Take 5," "Blue Rondo á la Turk" Drummer - Joe Morello - Artist - Iron Maiden Album - Live After Death Release Year - 1985 Key Track - "Aces High" Drummer - Nicko McBrain - Artist - Steely Dan Album - Aja Release Year - 1977 Key Track - " Aja," "Home At Last" Drummer - Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, Rich Moratta, Ed Greene For more information on Big Fat Snare Drum, check out www.bigfatsnaredrum.com and follow us on Instagram . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices