Marco Minnemann is a German drummer, composer and multi-instrumentalist. He is known for developing a very advanced drum technique called interdependence, allowing him to play various patterns with each of his feet or hands. In 2011, he was the runner-up in a series of auditions for Dream Theater after Mike Portnoy left the band in 2010. We chat about his musical favourites:
One song you have on repeat on your iPod:
I really love to hear Love Over Gold by Dire Straits, because it reminds me of a girl I know.
If you had to put together a soundtrack for your life, three songs that best describe your life would be:
It would be difficult to select a song as there are many which are really close to my heart. However, the song We Will Rock You by Queen is certainly in the long list. I remember my dad playing Queen’s album News of the World to me. Back then, I was just six years old and when that sequence of We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions came on the turntable, I grabbed my dad’s tennis racket, which became my imaginary guitar and the living room rug became the stage.
Is there a song you love to listen to when:
You’re happy and upbeat: Mean Street by Van Halen
You’re really low: Cloudbusting by Kate Bush
You would describe your taste in music as:
I am an all rounder musician, therefore my music taste has a pretty wide palette. But the most that I like to hear is rock.
Your favourite time or way to listen to music:
When I am at home, I listen to vinyl, because it is a perfect fit for when you want to just chill and relax.
One band or musician that you would like to receive a private concert from:
This is a very difficult question. I would maybe like Ryuichi Sakamoto playing The Last Emperor with a Japanese orchestra.
One live act you would love to see at least once in your life:
I would love to see AC/DC in their original line up or Frank Zappa though Led Zeppelin would not be a bad option either. Now, here in India, I’d like to see Thaikuddam Bridge while I’m on tour.
