
Stuart Williams
Stuart has been working for guitar publications since 2008, beginning his career as Reviews Editor for Total Guitar before becoming Editor for six years. During this time, he and the team brought the magazine into the modern age with digital editions, a Youtube channel and the Apple chart-bothering Total Guitar Podcast. Stuart has also served as a freelance writer for Guitar World, Guitarist and MusicRadar reviewing hundreds of products spanning everything from acoustic guitars to valve amps, modelers and plugins. When not spouting his opinions on the best new gear, Stuart has been reminded on many occasions that the 'never meet your heroes' rule is entirely wrong, clocking-up interviews with the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Green Day and many, many more.
Latest articles by Stuart Williams

Usher pays tribute to late drummer Aaron Spears during Super Bowl Halftime show
By Stuart Williams published
Spears' longtime position was filled by session drummer, Devon "Stixx" Taylor, who has frequently drummed with Usher before

“When it’s good, it’s very good indeed, and we have to remind ourselves that we’re playing on a sub-$/£400 kit”: Alesis Nitro Max review
By Stuart Williams published
With all-mesh heads, sounds from BFD and wireless connectivity, the Alesis Nitro Max looks set to take on the beginner e-kit market

NAMM 2024: Tama’s 50th anniversary releases include an acrylic Starclassic Mirage, marble-finished Iron Cobras and Mastercraft snares
By Stuart Williams published
Tama is hitting the half-century in style

NAMM 2024: Trivium’s Alex Bent announces signature Axis bass drum pedal, “I’m super-stoked to have my own pedal with Axis. I’ve got custom artwork on these from Half Sumo Collective… I hope you guys dig them as much as I do.”
By Stuart Williams published

NAMM 2024: "This new colour is a nod to the bold spirit of drummers who dare to break the mold" - Ludwig names 'Purple' its colour of 2024 as it unveils an all-new Vistalite finish
By Stuart Williams published
Plus there are new and limited edition options in the Classic Oak and Classic Maple line-ups

NAMM 2024: Yamaha adds five new finishes to its affordable Rydeen series drum sets, "Perfect for any beginner or intermediate player who is not willing to compromise on quality"
By Stuart Williams published
A quintet of glitter and solid options means the Rydeen now comes in eight finish options

NAMM 2024: "Imagine a hi-hat stand that not only meets your professional needs and expectations, but also provides you with a richer and crisper sound…" Yamaha unveils its flagship HHS9D Hi-hat stand
By Stuart Williams published
Yamaha is taking your hi-hats very seriously with a top-level hi-hat stand release

"The Gretsch Drums factory in Ridgeland will be taken over by GEWA Music USA”: GEWA Music acquires global license from DW to develop, manufacture and distribute Gretsch Drums
By Stuart Williams published
Gretsch Drums leaves the DW stable

“I always told myself and others that when it’s time to leave that I would know… My body told me. My body told me and I listened” - Drummer David Garibaldi announces he has left Tower of Power
By Stuart Williams published
But, the funk master assures us that while his time with the band has come to an end, the news by no means spells retirement

System of a Down drummer John Dolmayan tells Kanye West to “Show some class man” after the rapper posts revealing photos of his wife Bianca Censori to Instagram on her birthday
By Stuart Williams published
"Would you show pictures of your wife’s t*ts to your friends? Your parents?", Dolmayan argued with one commenter

NAMM 2024: “The purest snare sound ever achieved…” Tama’s 50th Anniversary Mastercraft Bell Brass puts the snare drum behind Metallica, Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine and more back on the market
By Stuart Williams published
Watch Gojira’s Mario Duplantier put the Tama 50th Anniversary Mastercraft Bell Brass through its paces

Former Scorpions and Kingdom Come drummer, James Kottak dies aged 61
By Stuart Williams published
The often-outspoken drummer became the first American to join the Schenker brothers’ band

Rage Against The Machine will not be touring or playing live again: “I don’t want to string people or myself along any further” says drummer, Brad Wilk
By Stuart Williams published
The announcement comes 16 months after RATM’s last live performance

5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
By Stuart Williams published
Best of 2023: Tracks from the session drumming ace that might surprise you

Watch: Mike Portnoy breaks down his drum part from Dream Theater’s Pull Me Under, then plays it in full
By Stuart Williams published
The prog-igal son returns with a full play-through of one of Dream Theater's best-loved songs

Dave Grohl has sketched instructions for building a beer bong and how to smuggle hash in a cassette tape, and now they’re being auctioned for charity
By Stuart Williams published
Grohl's drawings show you how to party like it's 1989

The 2023 Drumeo Awards are now live: here’s how you can cast your vote
By Stuart Williams published
Have your say and you'll be in with a chance of winning a Yamaha Tour Custom drum kit

Sleep Token speaks! Drummer ‘II’ gives first ever recorded interview: here’s what we’ve learned
By Stuart Williams published
The elusive masked metaller breaks cover for an in-depth Drumeo session

Melodics launches Acoustic Drums program
By Stuart Williams published
The popular interactive drum lesson software just went unplugged

Ex-Slipknot drummer, Jay Weinberg makes first live appearance since split, sitting-in with The Bouncing Souls
By Stuart Williams published
Watch Weinberg play drums on The Bouncing Souls' True Believers

Sepultura announce split, so does this mean Eloy Casagrande is going to be the new drummer in Slipknot?
By Stuart Williams published
The Brazilian metallers are bidding farewell, so we're playing Metal Drummer Chess

Watch Dave Grohl unleash a 36-minute live version of his Play instrumental
By Stuart Williams published
The performance was captured as part of Warren Haynes' 20th Annual Christmas Jam in 2018

Gretsch Drums launches new beginner-friendly Renegade Series drum kits
By Stuart Williams published
These all-inclusive, affordable Gretsch kits come with everything you need to start playing
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.

