Jeremy Maher

What are some of your favorite bands/ albums/ influences?

Favorite Bands/Songwriters/Composers: Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, Rush, The Who, U2, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Megadeth, Slayer, Testament, Opeth, Van Halen, Elton John, Chick Corea, Frederic Chopin, Franz Liszt, Johnny Katchoolik (a.k.a. Oliver Tielking), Jerry Cantrell, Chris Cornell.

Favorite Albums: Cheap Trick- All Shook Up (1980), Scorpions- Lonesome Crow (1972), Scorpions- Virgin Killer (1977), Van Halen- II (1979), Iron Maiden- Killers (1981), Kiss- Alive (1975), Kiss- Destroyer (1976), David Lee Roth- Eat ’em and Smile (1986), April Wine- Harder Faster (1979), Thin Lizzy- Bad Reputation (1977), Opeth- Ghost Reveries (2006), Black Sabbath- 13 (2013), Ozzy Ozbourne- Diary of a Madman (1981), Rainbow- Long Live Rock and Roll (1978), Ace Frehley- Solo (1978), Peter Criss- Solo (1978), Red Hot Chili Peppers- Mothers Milk (1989), Steely Dan- Aja (1978), Def Leppard- High and Dry (1981), Elton John- Madman Across the Water (1972), Elton John- Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975), Led Zeppelin- Presence (1976)

Biggest Drumming Influences: Vinnie Colaiuta, Steve Gadd, Keith Moon, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Clive Burr, John Bonham, Dave Lombardo.

Life before this project… What other bands of note are you in/have you been a part of?

Beast- 1983, Crusader- 1984, Virgin Blood- 1985, Raze- 1986, Rose- 1987-1990, No Big Deal- 1992 – 1995, Cats and Dogs- 1993, Blu Inc- 1993, Skeleton Weed- 1996, Kid Kurry- 1998, El Trio- 1999, Turn to Fall- 2005, Catalyst- 2011, Obol- 2013, Eyes to Earth- 2013, The Sky-Rained Heroes- 2013, Atomm- 2013.

What is different about Obol? Why do it? What is the goal for you this time ’round?

The music, the people, the vibe. My goal is to be one of the most sought after session players across several genres of music but as long as Obol is writing music I wish be the drummer behind it no matter how busy I get.

What are your thoughts on the music scene these days?

It is what it is. I am happy to be a part of it. There are a lot of great musicians out there.

Barry says “prog” a lot. What does that word mean to you?

Sounds like “Frog.”

What is your impression of your bandmates? Be honest.

They are beautiful souls. Their physical appearance could use a little work though.

Are you a good drummer?

Almost.

Do you like your equipment? What gear do you use?

I am a drum gearhead and I like to collect. Pacific Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Tama Hardware, Pro Mark sticks, Remo Heads, Wuhan.

What keeps you busy outside of music?

Ayurveda and the bodhisattva way of life. Seeking opportunities to expand my perspective. Quantum Healing. Immortality.

What do you love/want?

I want to earn my living playing my drums. Period. After that I will retreat to my farm on Lopez Island and live to a very, very old age while healing people.

What pisses you off?

Not much. Well, I guess narrow minds in government. Yeah, that pisses me off.

If the meteor hits tomorrow, and we’re all devoured by water monkeys, what do you want people to remember about you?

I would wish that my post-digestive effect on the monkeys would lead to their enlightenment.