Jay Weinberg, former drummer for Slipknot, recently shared his incredible experience of playing with Bruce Springsteen, describing it as a pivotal moment in his musical journey. Over the past 14 years, Weinberg has met numerous aspiring drummers who often seek his advice on starting out. He admits that he sometimes struggles to provide a concise answer, as the world of drumming is vast and full of endless possibilities.
Reflecting on his own beginnings, Weinberg recalls the overwhelming feeling of option paralysis when he first picked up drumsticks. Despite being the son of Max Weinberg, an accomplished musician and drummer, he had many unanswered questions. The music world seemed daunting, but he was determined to find his place in it.
At 14, Weinberg had a singular aspiration: to start a hardcore/metal/punk band and play a show at Chubby’s, a bar in Red Bank, NJ. This goal seemed monumental at the time, especially since he had no idea how to play drums and few friends who shared his musical interests. Despite these obstacles, he was driven by a desire to be part of the vibrant music scene in central New Jersey.
Weinberg’s early exposure to music came from his parents, who played classical music for him and his sister before introducing them to rock and roll. He fell in love with bands like The Who, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. However, it wasn’t until Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band reunited when he was nine that he realized his father was part of a culturally significant band.
Touring with the E Street Band from 1999 to 2004, Weinberg witnessed his father transform into a superhero on stage, smashing the drums in front of thousands of fans. This experience left a lasting impression on him, teaching him the importance of work ethic and professionalism in music. He admired how the band members poured their hearts and souls into every performance, leaving audiences in awe.
Weinberg’s musical education was twofold: he learned from watching the E Street Band and developed his own taste in music. He was particularly drawn to the intensity and physicality of heavy metal, which he discovered through a chance encounter with Slipknot. His father introduced him to the band after they performed on Conan O’Brien’s show, and Weinberg was instantly captivated by their powerful, energetic style.
Attending Slipknot’s concerts further fueled his passion for heavy music. He began exploring other bands like Metallica and Slayer, embarking on a self-guided history lesson in heavy metal. However, it wasn’t until he discovered punk rock at 12 years old that he considered playing an instrument. Inspired by Bad Religion’s “Recipe For Hate,” he picked up a guitar and learned to play the opening riff to “American Jesus.”
Punk rock provided Weinberg with an approachable way to convey intense emotions through music. He appreciated its direct impact and the fact that it didn’t require a high level of technical skill. This newfound passion led him to explore bands like The Ramones, Black Flag, and The Misfits, as well as newer bands like The Used.
Branden Steineckert, the drummer for The Used, had a significant influence on Weinberg. Steineckert’s enjoyment of playing drums inspired Weinberg to set up one of his father’s old drum sets in their basement and start figuring it out. By the time he started high school, Weinberg was fully immersed in the world of heavy metal, punk rock, and hardcore.
He taught himself to play drums by practicing along with his favorite CDs, starting with The Ramones’ “It’s Alive” and progressing to more challenging albums like Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” and Slayer’s “Reign in Blood.” His confidence grew, and he eventually asked a fellow metalhead at his high school to jam with him. This led to the formation of his first band, which played local shows and developed original material.
Weinberg’s dedication to music was unwavering. He spent his free periods at school booking shows and designing flyers for his band. His hard work paid off when they booked their first show at The Saint in Asbury Park, NJ. Although the band eventually dissolved, Weinberg’s passion for drumming continued to drive him forward.
He found a new band through a “Drummer Wanted” ad at a local drum shop and continued to play covers and write original songs. His bandmates shared his hunger for success, and they played numerous local shows, including at Chubby’s, fulfilling his teenage dream. However, Weinberg was never satisfied and always sought the next challenge.
Throughout his journey, Weinberg’s experiences with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band remained a significant influence. Watching his father perform with such intensity and professionalism inspired him to bring his best to every performance. This drive eventually led him to join Slipknot, where he continued to push his musical boundaries.
Playing with Bruce Springsteen was an incredible experience for Weinberg, one that shaped his approach to music and performance. It taught him the importance of dedication, hard work, and passion in pursuing a career in music. As he continues to inspire aspiring drummers around the world, Weinberg’s journey serves as a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and never giving up.
Source: Justin Nace
