Logline
A musician's journey finally unearths what fuels the sticks behind modern rock's most FEROCIOUS DRUMMERS.
Get a backstage pass into the untold stories of drumming legends through never-before-seen footage and interviews. From mayhem to triumphs, get an inside look at your favorite bands from the drummer's perspective.
Summary
FEROCIOUS DRUMMERS is an original groundbreaking documentary about rock's greatest rhythmic rebels and contemporary percussive legends. Rediscovered 17 years after it was first produced, this documentary features exclusive interviews with dozens of A-list music legends, as they chronicle their unique and unprecedented journeys through artistry and rockstardom.
Told through the lens of Billy McCarthy, author, musician, and industry veteran, this film is a fierce, raw, and unadulterated odyssey into the lives and careers of the greatest drummers of our time.
THE MAN BEHIND THE STORY
Billy McCarthy (aka Billy Dior) was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs. A self-taught musician and classical pianist, he is most notable as a rock drummer with the 80s band D’Molls and author of his self-published memoir, Beat Me 'Til I'm Famous, which chronicles his experience navigating the music industry.
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McCarthy is a seasoned veteran of the recording industry, and has worked with legendary record producers such as Eddie Kramer (Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Peter Frampton) and Kevin Beamish (Kenny Chesney, REO Speedwagon).
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He was the exclusive music producer for comedian Rodney Dangerfield's son, Brian Jessy.
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In 1983, McCarthy co-founded the LA band, Screamin Mimi's, which introduced Poison's smash hit single, "Talk Dirty To Me," to a live audience in 1984. McCarthy also drummed alongside guitarist Izzy Stradlin of Guns N Roses.
In 2007, McCarthy embarked on a journey to interview the most renowned drummers in classic rock, pop, metal, and jazz. Thus, FEROCIOUS DRUMMERS came to life. Now, more than 15 years later, this footage is ready to be shared with the world. McCarthy has appeared in local and national print media, including; VH1, MTV, Fox, NBC, ABC, WLUP, PBS, The Hollywood Reporter, Rolling Stone, Chicago Tribune, Publisher's Weekly, Chicago Reader, Red Eye and more.
Billy McCarthy
Max Weinberg & Marky Ramone
Bun E. Carlos
THE FEROCIOUS DRUMMERS
Here are just a few of the 30+ famous (and infamous) rock music legends featured in the film.
CHAD SMITH
Red Hot Chili Peppers
MARKY RAMONE
The Ramones
MAX WEINBERG
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
STEVEN ADLER
Guns N' Roses
LIBERTY DEVITTO
Billy Joel
QUESTLOVE
The Roots
BUN E. CARLOS
Cheap Trick
CARMINE APPICE
Rod Stewart, Vanilla Fudge
MATT CAMERON
Soundgarden, Pearl Jam
CARTER BEAUFORD
Dave Matthews Band
ANDREW HURLEY
Fallout Boy
JAMES KOTTAK
The Scorpions
ATHENA BASS
Femme Fatale
STEVE JORDAN
Rolling Stones, John Mayer
CHARLIE BENANTE
Anthrax
JERRY GASKILL
King's X
GLENN HUGHES
Deep Purple, Trapeze
HAL BLAINE
Most Recorded Drummer in History
GET A GLIMPSE
THE DIRECTOR
James "Jim" Yukich is a television and film director who has directed variety/comedy specials, live concerts, music videos, talk shows, and movies. He formed Split Screen Inc., and then FYI, an independent Film/TV production company, directing 500+ music videos, concerts, commercials, and TV shows.
He's directed the theatrically released A Fare to Remember (1999), as well as Double Dragon (1994). He has created comedy specials for Dennis Miller, Paul Reiser, Garry Shandling, Bill Maher, Katt Williams, Chelsea Handler, Martin Lawrence, Bruce Willis, Mo'Nique, Don Novello, and Bob Einstein.
In 1990, he co-created the Billboard Music Awards for FOX TV, directing and producing the show for the first four years.
Yukich has also directed over 1500 episodes of the late night talk show Chelsea Lately (2007) and over 60 episodes of Entertainment Tonight (1981).
Jim has continued to edit & direct music specials. Featured artists he has worked with include Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Jeff Beck, Shawn Mendes, Def Leppard, Fall Out Boy, and more.
He has won 3 ACE Awards, and has been nominated for 15 MTV Awards. He has also won 2 Grammy Awards, but has been nominated for five.
