Eric Moore – Suicidal Tendencies

Interview by: Craig Sternberg and Noel Smart

SDM: How did you get the gig with Suicidal Tendencies?  Did you listen to a lot of metal before you joined Suicidal?

How I got the gig with ST was really, really crazy.  I was attending a show at the Boardwalk in Sacramento, CA.  Real close to home for me.  I had a real close friend who plays for them named Steven Bruner who invited me out to kick it.  So after watching this amazing show, Steven came out and took me to the tour bus to meet the rest of the band.  And the head guitar player for Infectious and member of ST, Dean Pleasants, was like, "hey, I just got done seeing you on YouTube; you are killing".  And I said, "thanks man,  let me know when I can start", jokingly.  And he said, "as a matter of fact, Infectious is getting ready to go out and we are looking for a drummer".  I gave him my number and about a month later he called me and said, "when can you start rehearsals?".  And that's when it all began.

SDM: What are some of the differences, drumming-wise, between Infectious Grooves and Suicidal Tendencies?

Well, as people who listen to both know, they are both blessed with Cyco Miko, and he is like two different people in these bands.  In Infectious, Cyco sings a lot more, and incorporates more of a groove feel, and less punk rock.  The music grooves a lot harder, and is more danceable.  As far as drumming, I play both gigs with a lot of energy.  And Infectious allows me to be a lot more free with my licks and how it all comes across, and ST is played like ST — original music…

SDM: Tell us more about your Orange County snare drum!

Orange County snare drums are great.  I play DW drums and hardware, but OCDP snares are killing.  I have lots of snares to choose from, but the Orange County just gives me a different feel and volume that's unexplainable.  Thanks to Adrian Young, I get to experience the OCDP experience.

SDM: Do you still consider yourself a gospel drummer?

In my field of drumming, there is no certain kind of drummer.  I am a musician.  I play all different styles.  Rock, jazz, fusion, salsa, whatever the situation calls for, I get it done.  And as far as gospel, I am saved, meaning I believe in Jesus Christ, that he died on the cross for all my sins.  And I love him.

SDM: How do you balance being influenced by gospel drumming and being in a band like Suicidal Tendencies?

I balance this very easily.  My church background, of being from the church, keeps me grounded, and knowing what my place is and what not to do in awkward situations.

SDM: Will we see you playing on any new Suicidal Tendencies or Infectious Grooves records anytime soon?

Yes, the new Suicidal album is dropping this year.  I am on it, and IG's new compilation album that's out now.

SDM: Did you feel any pressure replacing Brooks Wackerman in Infectious?

Naw man, no pressure at all… I mean, don't get me wrong, Brooks Wackerman is a great drummer.  But it's a new day, and right now, it's my time.  No pressure.

SDM: Tell us about winning the 2003 Guitar Center Drum Off competition.

Awww, man, it was one of the biggest things in my career to ever happen… it jumped my career off, and to a lot of people, gave me a lot of respect.  And to others didn't respect  my playing at all.  From saying I'm too wild and all over the place, to I can't play a groove.  So it has its goods and bads.

SDM: How do you feel about extreme metal drumming?

Extreme metal drumming is so cool.  I love it.  The feet is what trips me out.  These metal cats feet are unbelievably fast.

SDM: Who, if any, were your influences in metal drumming?

I really don't have any influences for metal drumming.  But some guys I really like and listen to in this area of music are: Jason Bittner of Shadows Fall, Tim Yeung of Divine Heresy, Chris Adler of Lamb of God.  There are so many.

SDM: Are there any other bands outside of Suicidal and Infectious you play in?  Tell us more about them.

Yes, there are a lot of bands I have played for and still am playing with.  My current gigs also include Bobby Brown, Chico Debarge, El Debarge, Diddy, and it's all a lot of fun, every group is different.