Interview with Drummer Clive Edwards (former UFO, Lionheart, Pete Way Band)

January 27, 2020

Interview with Drummer Clive Edwards (former UFO, Lionheart, Pete Way Band)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Clive! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: Has there been anything in life that has rivaled your passion and dedication for playing drums and performing? Could you see yourself doing something different?
Clive Edwards: Only my family, love my family to bits… but that’s the only thing really… I enjoy lots of stuff outside of music… but nothing else comes close… so no, can’t see me doing anything else by choice.

CV: Over the years you have played with many great bands and artists, including Pat Travers, Uli Jon Roth, the late Phil Lynott, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart and Pete Way just to name a few. Has there been one project you have been involved with that stands out from all the others...and if so, which one and why?
CE: No… I have been blessed with working with some true greats… each one is special in its own way… I could not pick one as standing out from another, each one I learnt something or took experience’s from… love ‘em all… and miss a few : )

CV: Clive, is there one drummer, past or present, who's had you scratching your head and your jaw dropped as you watched and listened in amazement?
CE: A few not one, there is a list… from Tony Williams to John Bonham… all the greats have something up their sleeve… that’s what it’s all about.

CV: Can style and groove for a drummer trump technical skill and know-how in cases where feeling and attitude are needed to drive a song to greatness?
CE: Yes, without doubt… it’s only on a few styles of music that technical skill can trump the groove, and that’s because there is no groove to screw up with fills : )

CV: Many people consider John Bonham as one of the greatest drummers of all time because of his sheer ability to evoke both emotion and amazement, making it almost spiritual on a cellular level. Would agree? Was Bonham otherworldly with his playing?
CE: Yes, he was a god… he was a special gift to Rock drumming…style, sound, feel, technique, showmanship… he had it all!

CV Gear heads and gadget geeks would most certainly feel slighted if I didn't ask...what do you consider the ultimate drum kit setup? And does that setup go for both your studio and live performances kits or would they be different?
CE: Well I mix it up for who I’m with and what I’m doing, but at the core its DW 22” bass drum… 10/12/13 rack toms 14/16 floor toms… But I sometimes drop one of the 10” or 13” rack toms… i.e. with the Kossoff shows I sometimes drop the 10”…more old school Rock, or for a Jazz or Blues gig I drop the 13”…snare is 14” x 6 ½” Copper shell mostly… but I do sometimes on the Jazz/Blues gigs use a DW 12” x 5 ½” wood shell.

CV: Back in the 60s, 70s and 80s, buying a Rock album was a sight and sound extravaganza often met with anticipation and excitement on the part of music fans. But times have changed. The album doesn't seem as relevant as it once was. Are younger music fans missing out on the significance and experience of what the "album" represented to both the artist and listener?
CE: I guess so, you can’t tell them what the anticipation was like for a new Beatles, Floyd or Zeppelin album… but things change and that’s how it is… the main thing is support the bands and listen to the music and hope it gives them a similar buzz.

CV: Clive, as a musician, is being diverse in multiple playing styles and genres more beneficial to an artist as opposed to being better known for only one particular style, sound or delivery in your opinion?
CE: Well there is nothing wrong with specializing in one style…as long as you nail it, but listening and being able to play multiple styles gives you a bigger pool of ideas to take from. Trying to be all things to all men is not the way to go. You need to understand where your musical sweet spot is and develop it outwards so you can grow as a player.

CV: Musically speaking, is less more? Many people believe that the essence of a song is written in between the notes...in the parts that aren't played. As a drummer, would you consider this to be accurate when it comes to songwriting and laying down the back beat?
CE: Yes, that’s the fundamental law… and learning to listen is paramount… it’s not about you trying to fit in your chops, unless that’s what’s required within the song… make the song groove, make it rock first and see where it takes you.

CV: Have you fulfilled your musical dreams or is there more still to come?
CE: Always more, I never look back, only interested in what’s next or round the corner… lots more dreams please! : )

CV: What can fans expect to see from you in 2020?
CE: More lots with the Pete Way Band, a new Lionheart album and a great project for Zaine Griff to come this year… and maybe a few surprises too! : )

CV: Thank you again Clive for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
CE: And many thanks to you xxx

Check out Clive at:

http://www.lionheart-music.com/clive-edwards.html

Like The Cosmick View on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/TheCosmickView

My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.