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 my friend Chris “Woody” Wood, drummer for the internationally loved band, Bastille. Since exploding onto the scene with Bad Blood in 2013, Bastille has become a staple of modern alt-pop—balancing sweeping, atmospheric moments with massive sing-along choruses.
Woody’s playing is a perfect example of how space, groove, and feel can elevate a song without ever getting in the way—something especially crucial in an arena-sized band like Bastille. But make no mistake, he still finds his moments, keeping his playing fresh, musical, and relevant for well over a decade.
Beyond the kit, Woody is just a hilarious and thoughtful dude. He even co-hosts his own podcast, Away Days w/ Woody and Piers, a comedic deep dive into the world of away football fandom. We get into all of that and more—while uncovering the five records that shaped him into the drummer he is today.
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Get Your Copy of the Drummers on Drumming Book Today!
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.
CHRIS’ BIG FAT FIVE:
Artist – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Album – Californication
Release Year – 1999
Key Track – “Scar Tissue”
Drummer – Chad Smith
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Artist – Queens Of The Stone Age
Album – Songs For The Deaf
Release Year – 2002
Key Track(s) – “Hangin’ Tree,” “Millionaire”
Drummer – Dave Grohl
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Artist – Smashing Pumpkins
Album – Mellon Collie and The Infinite Sadness
Release Year – 1995
Key Track(s) – “Jelly Belly,” “Bullet With Butterfly Wings”
Drummer – Jimmy Chamberlin
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Artist – Mars Volta
Album – Deloused In The Comatorium
Release Year – 2003
Key Track(s) – “Inertiatic ESP,” “Cicatraz ESP”
Drummer – Jon Theodore
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Artist – Nate Smith
Album – ANYTHING HE PLAYS ON
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