Wonderful drummer and deffo underrated. Had the pleasure of meeting him and he is a gentleman as well. It's nice to know that your musical heroes from your youth are exactly how you thought they would be!
Westy. A drumming masterclass from a true legend. The beauty of Mark’s playing was that he was part of a band that in my opinion was as good as any live act around. Stu, Bruce, Tony and Mark musically a band of individual brilliance but together, explosive!
I might be going on a limb, but this was probably the most insightful and intelligent interview of any drummer I have seen in a while. Big County was an incredible band. Mike was a one-of-a-kind drummer and an in demand session player. He nailed it, where "musicality" is also what I think of when I listen to his playing and "signature sound". Mike's beyond just a good...he's a all-around musician, educator. and a great guy to boot.
like Asterix or Tintin there's something just perfectly right about how Mark's drumming. There's nothing you want to add or take away. The technique is gorgeous, the rhythmic forwardness is exhilirating and the sound and effect is extraordinary beautiful.
I’d just bought a cassette of The Crossing shortly after it was released and right before embarking on my first top 40 tour as a drummer across North America I subconsciously and unintentionally “borrowed” many of his signature rolls and beats which gave me a unique however mimicked style that was quickly noticed by my peers and helped advance my reputation as an up and comer It was only later in when I got home and reacquainted myself with the album that I realized that most of what I thought I’d come up with on my own was simply a low budget imitation of Marks style Faced with this humbling reality I spent months reworking my technique in an attempt to develop my own independent style but I can still hear him haunting my grooves until this very day So in the true mea culpa tradition of Canadian musicians... I sincerely apologize for the brief unintentional steal Mark but as a result I subsequently tell anyone who asks that you remain my most significant influence I’d hoped that I’d meet you one day in person to apologize and tell you how much you meant to my development as a professional musician But until then Sorry Buddy Cheers
Subconsciously and unintentionally Mark has been my main influence all my drumming life. No need to apologise, mate, I think he would take it as a compliment!
Always loved Mark's playing...especially the 12" versions of Big Country singles, with Steve Lillywhite's mix/ extended drum intros! Proper old school way of listening.
Saw him few days ago with BC in Krefeld... maybe the 15th time. Everytime he impresses me. His work is even more exact like the work done by a brain surgeon, and a true gentleman!
One of my drum heroes and a major influence. Also soooo underrated. I think Wonderland is one of the most exciting - and distinctive - drum parts ever recorded. As are many of Mark’s other Big Country recordings. Thanks for everything Mark!
I echo the multitude of compliments to Mike Brzezicki and Big Country as a whole. Big Country is a damn good band with air-tight grooves and musicianship. Mike Peters did a courageous and admirable job with filling in for lead vocals in the years after Stuart Adamson's death. Some people may not know that Mike Brzezicki was a first call studio drummer in Europe playing with The Cult, Pete Townsend, and others. Big Country deserved to break bigger than they did in the USA, but I'm glad to know that they had sustained success in Europe, as they rightly deserved. Mike B. seems like a nice English gentleman and superb drummer. As a drummer, I noticed that Mike uses what looks like an 8 in. deep snare, which fits like a glove sonically within his drum kit and the music as a whole. I'm happy to live "In A Big Country". :)
I remember when I first started playing and I heard those first 3 tracks Mark did with BC...I was like...yo...wtf...who is this guy...you listen to that as a drummer you're like...I need to pull the iron out the fire here...but he's right you gotta be dedicated...Big time...don't give up...I've never had a day job...find yourself a niche or a quirk that makes you stand out...be inspired by other good musicians and practice...always 🥁
I saw an interview w/Townshend talking about playing with Zak Starkey. Pete said that there was a member of the backstage entourage who would tell Zak after each show “not as good as Mark” or “better tonight! Almost as good as Mark”- basically using Mark as the gold standard for drumming. Whomever this is … I just hope they don’t hear the latest stuff with poor Zak chained to a Roland kit
I don't think of you as the drummer of Big Country. I think of you as the drummer for the Cult. What you came up with for Big Neon Glitter and Love was perfect and that def gave the Cult a sound they have not been able to find since. Shame you left.
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probably the best drummer in the business.
Ginger Baker and Mark Brzezicki are just two of my greatest drummering idols.
I LOVE Mark's playing with BIG COUNTRY!
His work w/ Roger daltrey and Pete Townshends solos are just as great.
Wonderful drummer and deffo underrated. Had the pleasure of meeting him and he is a gentleman as well. It's nice to know that your musical heroes from your youth are exactly how you thought they would be!
Mr. Brzezicki has a sound all his own.
He's achieved what he wanted I would say. Instantly recognisable style and sound.
Westy.
A drumming masterclass from a true legend. The beauty of Mark’s playing was that he was part of a band that in my opinion was as good as any live act around. Stu, Bruce, Tony and Mark musically a band of individual brilliance but together, explosive!
well Mark certainly achieved a signature sound from early on, i love his performances on Pete Townshend's solo albums, just a brilliant drummer.
His sound & playing on The Cult - Love album is one of my favorites.
An absolute drumming hero. What a fantastic bloke. Great advice.
I might be going on a limb, but this was probably the most insightful and intelligent interview of any drummer I have seen in a while. Big County was an incredible band. Mike was a one-of-a-kind drummer and an in demand session player. He nailed it, where "musicality" is also what I think of when I listen to his playing and "signature sound". Mike's beyond just a good...he's a all-around musician, educator. and a great guy to boot.
Mark is a very amazing and gifted drummer.
HUGE influence on my playing!
like Asterix or Tintin there's something just perfectly right about how Mark's drumming. There's nothing you want to add or take away. The technique is gorgeous, the rhythmic forwardness is exhilirating and the sound and effect is extraordinary beautiful.
Saw Big Country a couple of weeks ago. Had the pleasure of chatting with Mark until the early hours. Really nice man. Drumming not too shabby either!
I’d just bought a cassette of The Crossing
shortly after it was released and right before embarking on my first top 40 tour as a drummer across
North America
I subconsciously
and unintentionally “borrowed” many of his signature rolls and beats
which gave me a unique however mimicked style that was quickly noticed by my peers
and helped advance my reputation as an
up and comer
It was only later in
when I got home
and reacquainted myself with the album
that I realized that most of what I thought I’d come up with on my own
was simply a low budget imitation of Marks style
Faced with this
humbling reality
I spent months reworking my technique
in an attempt to develop my own independent style
but I can still hear him
haunting my grooves
until this very day
So
in the true mea culpa tradition of Canadian musicians...
I sincerely apologize
for the brief unintentional steal Mark
but as a result
I subsequently tell anyone who asks
that you remain my most significant influence
I’d hoped that I’d meet you one day in person
to apologize and tell you how much you meant to my development as a professional musician
But until then
Sorry Buddy
Cheers
Subconsciously and unintentionally Mark has been my main influence all my drumming life. No need to apologise, mate, I think he would take it as a compliment!
such a good drummer, that snare drum sounds so luscious and crisp, i want it !
one of the greatest rock drummers of all time. always served the song, brilliantly, whilst bringing his own thing to it. rock solid timing too.
UNDERRATED as all HELL!
You’re brilliant, Mark!
I love Mark's style of playing. Very musical drummer!
Always loved Mark's playing...especially the 12" versions of Big Country singles, with Steve Lillywhite's mix/ extended drum intros! Proper old school way of listening.
Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki talks about his first drumkit, recording drums, and how to survive as a working drummer.
One of my all time Favorites he has just a unique style, I was 21 when there big hit came on the radio.
I have all the time in the world to listen to Mark, amazing drummer and so influential
Thank you so much . Saw you in belfast with Stuart. Then again met you in Brentford.
Love love love.👋👋
One of my favourite drummer..I admired him so much..
A master.
Thank you for posting this, Pearl.
A massive inspiration to me as a drummer.
Saw him few days ago with BC in Krefeld... maybe the 15th time. Everytime he impresses me. His work is even more exact like the work done by a brain surgeon, and a true gentleman!
Super talented, yet humble and nice - wow! 👏🥁
Pearl On Location with Big Country's Mark Brzezicki... buff.ly/1eo4FFg
Wise words from one of the greats-listen up
What a great, musical drummer.
Terrific drummer, one of the best
You're awesome, Mark!!!
the best drummer in the world.
Very down to earth guy.
Always been my favourite drummer, and @0:38 this is exactly what inspires & delights me so much about Mark's incredible contributions!
One of the best drummer, great technique and sound
Big Country drummer Mark Brzezicki talks about his 1st drumkit, recording drums, & surviving as a working drummer. buff.ly/1gWMgN4
One of my favorites. Right up there with Collin’s,Bruford, Palmer, White…
One of my drum heroes and a major influence. Also soooo underrated. I think Wonderland is one of the most exciting - and distinctive - drum parts ever recorded. As are many of Mark’s other Big Country recordings. Thanks for everything Mark!
I echo the multitude of compliments to Mike Brzezicki and Big Country as a whole. Big Country is a damn good band with air-tight grooves and musicianship. Mike Peters did a courageous and admirable job with filling in for lead vocals in the years after Stuart Adamson's death. Some people may not know that Mike Brzezicki was a first call studio drummer in Europe playing with The Cult, Pete Townsend, and others. Big Country deserved to break bigger than they did in the USA, but I'm glad to know that they had sustained success in Europe, as they rightly deserved. Mike B. seems like a nice English gentleman and superb drummer. As a drummer, I noticed that Mike uses what looks like an 8 in. deep snare, which fits like a glove sonically within his drum kit and the music as a whole. I'm happy to live "In A Big Country". :)
Very underrated drummer!
The greatest one...
A very good drummer and musician.
I remember when I first started playing and I heard those first 3 tracks Mark did with BC...I was like...yo...wtf...who is this guy...you listen to that as a drummer you're like...I need to pull the iron out the fire here...but he's right you gotta be dedicated...Big time...don't give up...I've never had a day job...find yourself a niche or a quirk that makes you stand out...be inspired by other good musicians and practice...always 🥁
A great drummer whose name I can never pronounce 😎
Cool video. And now I finally know how to pronounce Mark's surname. :)
i can tell his playing anywhere
Always liked Big Country better with Mark behind the kit.
I saw an interview w/Townshend talking about playing with Zak Starkey. Pete said that there was a member of the backstage entourage who would tell Zak after each show “not as good as Mark” or “better tonight! Almost as good as Mark”- basically using Mark as the gold standard for drumming. Whomever this is … I just hope they don’t hear the latest stuff with poor Zak chained to a Roland kit
I don't think of you as the drummer of Big Country. I think of you as the drummer for the Cult. What you came up with for Big Neon Glitter and Love was perfect and that def gave the Cult a sound they have not been able to find since. Shame you left.
Once upon a time there was a slogan on LP's saying taping is killing music. No! Digital production is, it sounds awful.