This week’s guest is Gunnar Olsen. Gunnar’s been on the show a lot recently with “save it for the pod” segments. But I noticed his Big Fat Five episode is almost 4 years old, which is a shame. Recently, I went to the Hollywood Bowl with my friends Mike Robinson and Neal Daniels, both show alumni, to see Gunnar play with Puscifer on the Sessanta tour, celebrating Maynard James Keenan’s 60th birthday. It was mind-blowing. Gunnar is an incredible drummer, one of the best out there. At this show, Josh Freese was playing with A Perfect Circle, but now that Josh is busy with Foo Fighters gigs, Gunnar is playing with both Puscifer and A Perfect Circle for the rest of the tour. It’s unbelievable and well-deserved. Puscifer is a perfect fit for Gunnar. Apart from this tour, Gunnar has also recorded or toured with Big Data, Bruce Springsteen, Miley Cyrus, HOKO, Mother Feather, Fischerspooner, Goo Goo Dolls, and many others. He’s possibly my favorite drummer, and I admire him a lot. He’s a close friend, and I always try to catch his shows when we’re in the same town. Although this conversation is from 4 years ago, I wanted to bring it back up because the information is still relevant. It’s fascinating to hear Gunnar talk about Tim Alexander of Primus, who has been a big influence on him, and now see them hanging out on tour together, seeming like best buds. Anyway, Gunnar, I’m really proud of you, and I admire your career more than you know, even though I tell you all the time. I hope you enjoy the records that helped shape Gunnar Olsen into the drummer he is today. Cheers!
GUNNAR’S BIG FAT FIVE
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Album – …And Justice For All
Artist – Metallica
Release Year – 1988
Key Track(s) – Harvester of Sorrow
Drummer – Lars Lurich
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Album – Reggatta De Blanc
Artist – The Police
Release Year – 1979
Key Track(s) – The Bed’s Too Big Without You
Drummer – Steward Copeland
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Album – Songs for the Deaf
Artist – Queens of the Stone Age
Release Year – 2002
Key Track(s) – Song for the Dead
Drummer – Dave Grohl
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Album – Dust
Artist – Ben Monder
Release Year – 2006
Key Track(s) – Dust
Drummer – Jim Black
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Album – Largo
Artist – Brad Mehldau
Release Year – 2002
Key Track(s) – When It Rains
Drummer – Matt Chamberlain
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