In August the drum world went crazy. In preparation for our 25^th anniversary we put the call out to find the greatest drummer of the last 25 years. One week, and more than 100,000 votes later, we had a winner – Joey Jordison, beating Mike Portnoy, Gavin Harrison and Neil Peart. Joey was thrilled at the honour, calling it “bigger than a Grammy”. Cue much discussion on the greatest ever sticksmen from just about all media outlets from around the world.

Another drummer featured in our poll was Nicko McBrain and during the month he spoke out about Maiden, saying that new album – the rapturously well-received Final Frontier – would not be the metal legends’ last.

The future isn’t quite so clear for The Black Crowes, with drummer Steve Gorman telling us that the band’s farewell tour won’t include Europe, as they just haven’t had any worthwhile offers.

Yet more uncertainty loomed large with the threat of demolition to Ringo Starr’s house, until a group of fans turned up and saved the day, that is.