ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH RAY AYOTTE (DRUMS ONLY, AYOTTE DRUMS)

ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH RAY AYOTTE (DRUMS ONLY, AYOTTE DRUMS)

What happens when one of Canada’s most influential drum innovators sits down to tell the stories behind a lifetime in music? Join All Access Live with Kevin Rankin as we welcome legendary drum builder, inventor, educator, and entrepreneur Ray Ayotte, founder of Drums Only and the visionary behind the world-renowned Ayotte Drums. Recorded on location inside the iconic Drums Only store in Vancouver, British Columbia, this exclusive interview explores the history, passion, and craftsmanship that helped change the sound of modern drumming. Ray’s journey began in the 1960s as a drummer and percussion educator before opening Drums Only in 1974. What started as a specialty drum shop quickly became one of North America’s most respected destinations for drummers. Less than a decade later, Ray and his team launched Ayotte Drums, introducing revolutionary innovations—including the company’s signature wooden drum hoops—that earned worldwide acclaim from professional musicians and recording artists. Over the years, Ayotte drums have been played on countless stages and recordings, becoming one of Canada’s most celebrated drum brands. In this in-depth conversation, Ray shares: * The remarkable story behind the founding of Drums Only. * How Ayotte Drums evolved into an internationally respected custom drum manufacturer. * The inspiration behind his groundbreaking drum designs and innovations. * Lessons learned from decades of building instruments for world-class musicians. * His philosophy on craftsmanship, tone, creativity, and the future of percussion. Whether you’re a drummer, musician, gear enthusiast, collector, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind legendary careers, this is an interview you won’t want to miss. #AllAccessLive #KevinRankin #RayAyotte #DrumsOnly #AyotteDrums #Drummer #Drumming #DrumLife #Percussion #DrumBuilder #CustomDrums #CanadianMusic #VancouverBC #MusicPodcast #PodcastPremiere #ModernDrummer #MusicianLife #BehindTheMusic #MusicHistory #Interview #YouTubePremiere

TRIXTER'S STEVE BROWN JOINS ALL ACCESS LIVE WITH KEVIN RANKIN

Brown was born and raised in New Jersey destined to live a life submersed in music. The mostly self-taught artist picked up his first guitar at nine years old and never looked back. Brown began his lifelong love affair with live performing at the ripe old age of 12, when he became a regular on the voltaic New Jersey rock scene of the 1980s. At 12 years old, he began writing music, lyrics and founded his first band, Trixter. It wasn’t long before Steve led the mighty Trixter to a record deal with MCA, sold out arena tours and lived every aspect of the rock and roll dream. In his 40-plus-year career, Brown has sold millions of records worldwide (RIAA certified gold album), written three Billboard Top 100 singles, starred in three No. 1 MTV videos, and shared the stage with the likes of KISS, Journey, Alice Cooper, Scorpions, Poison, Cheap Trick, Styx, Boston, Night Ranger, Rick Springfield and Tesla. As not only a master guitarist, but as an accomplished songwriter, singer, engineer, producer, and performer. Brown has become one of the music industry’s most sought-after and entrusted talents. From personal endorsements by Eddie Van Halen to churning out original music for some of television’s most popular hits, to regularly hitting the stage with an ever-growing list of rock and roll greats, Steve Brown is in constant demand. Steve’s newest endevour is Always Jovi — the ultimate Bon Jovi tribute experience that brings the anthems, energy, and excitement of one of rock’s most iconic bands to the stage with unmatched authenticity and passion.

EVANESCENCE'S WILL HUNT ROCKS ALL ACCESS LIVE

Few drummers in modern rock and metal bring the raw power, precision, and stage presence of Will Hunt. Best known as the longtime drummer for the Grammy-winning rock band Evanescence, Hunt has built a reputation as one of the most respected and versatile drummers in heavy music. With explosive live performances and a relentless touring history spanning the globe, his playing has helped define the sound of countless arena stages and platinum-selling records. Beyond Evanescence, Will Hunt’s career reads like a who’s who of hard rock and metal. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with legendary artists including Black Label Society, Slaughter, Vince Neil, Tommy Lee, Static-X, Dark New Day, Device, Crossfade, and Vasco Rossi, showcasing a dynamic range that moves effortlessly between hard rock groove, progressive precision, and crushing metal intensity. Known for his thunderous attack behind the kit, unmatched stamina, and unmistakable energy, Hunt continues to influence a generation of drummers worldwide while remaining one of the most in-demand musicians in the industry. From massive festival stages to iconic recordings, Will Hunt delivers the kind of performance that leaves audiences speechless and venues shaking.

⁠ALL ACCESS LIVE with DAVID ELLEFSON (MEGADETH, METAL CHURCH)⁠

From humble farm roots in rural Minnesota, David Ellefson has come a long way, literally and figuratively, to conquering stages around the World as bassist of thrash metal titans MEGADETH. Revered for his unique, hard-hitting playing style, and unwavering dedication to his musical craft, Ellefson has woven a vast professional tapesty as a bassist, songwriter, record producer, clinician and author. As a former member of MEGADETH, he has been awarded 10 Grammy nominations, countless gold & platinum records and toured the world for the better part of 3 decades.

ALL ACCESS LIVE with MICHAEL SADLER (SAGA)

After nearly three decades with Saga – including 18 albums with worldwide sales over 8 million – Michael Sadler has an impressive track record to fall back on. From his beginnings as the lead singer of the Canadian rock outfit in 1977, through his many guest appearances (Justin Hayward, Bobby Kimball, Ozzy Osbourne, Chain and many others), and in his long awaited solo career; Michael Sadler consistently proves his knack for crafting high quality songs that combine irresistible melodies with great lyrical detail. It has earned him respect from his peers, praise from critics and admiration from his devoted fan base.