In September 2025, Chad spent three days at Drumeo in Vancouver and recorded the 'Legends of the '70s' drum course. It starts on March 2nd. It contains 24 Lessons from Chad plus playalong tracks and there will be a Live online workshop on March 13th.

Below is the promo video, and below that you find more info on the how and why Chad Smith names the four drummers his biggest influences and why John Bonham, Bill Ward, Keith Moon and Ian Paice have changed his life.

Legends of the '70s with Chad Smith

Enroll for Legends of the '70s here.

Hey, it's Chad Smith here.

If you've heard any of my drumming over the years, there's one thing you should know…

I was HEAVILY influenced by the drummers of the '70s.

Especially legends like John Bonham, Keith Moon, Bill Ward, and Ian Paice. That's why I'm so excited to teach you everything I learned from them in my NEW Drumeo course.

In Legends of the ‘70s, I'll break down the key grooves and fills inspired by these drummers. I'll share what I love about them (and stole from them), and I'll show you how they shaped me into the drummer I am today and influenced my work with the Chili Peppers.

I know they'll inspire you, too. And you'll find new and creative tools to add to your drumming.

If you're curious about where my style and sound came from, or just want to dive deeper into 4 of the most influential drummers of all time…

This is the course for you.

About the Legends

Legend #1 John Bonham

• John Bonham is arguably rock and roll's finest drummer. His sound, his technique, his musicality. He just had everything.
• The way that he played those Led Zeppelin riffs... It was hand in glove. It was so perfect.
• There's no better drummer you could learn from.
• Chad will show you what he learned from 3 iconic Bonzo grooves, and the skills you need to play them (foot speed, hand speed, and POWER around the kit).
• Plus, you'll dive into signature fills (triplets and more) inspired by John Bonham.
• And Chad will show you his practice tip for playing clean doubles with your right foot to nail those triplets.

Legend #2 Ian Paice

• Ian was the first real rock drummer that Chad tried to emulate. His rolls are very even across the drums.
• And his speed, power, and precision redefined rock drumming.
• In this course, Chad breaks down the nuance of Ian's playing so you'll understand his biggest grooves AND be able to bring his flavor to your own playing.
• You'll get play-alongs at different tempos, and Chad will reveal the Chili Peppers groove he stole from Ian Paice.

Legend #3 Bill Ward

• Bill Ward was like a jazz drummer playing in a heavy rock band. And he created the backbone of Black Sabbath's iconic sound.
• Chad will walk you through Bill's unique sound and show you the secret to playing melodic fills like he did.
• And you'll learn a subtle hi-hat trick to nail an intro like "War Pigs" in the style of Bill.
• You're going to feel like a badass playing heavy, Bill Ward–inspired grooves.

Legend #4 Keith Moon

• Keith Moon's drumming... you're just astonished.
• He never does the same thing twice.
• He really brought the drums to the forefront. Before, the drummer was kinda the guy in the back. But there's no keeping Keith Moon in the back!
• You won't have to tape your headphones to your head, but you'll explore the brilliant madness of drum parts inspired by some of The Who's biggest songs.
• Chad has channelled Keith's crashes in several Chili Peppers songs, and he'll show you how to add "Keith-like" crashes to accent and elevate your drum fills.

Enroll for Legends of the '70s here.

Proceeds from every sale will go to the Chad Smith Foundation.