We just heard that celebrated Italian cymbalsmith Roberto Spizzichino has died. More details will be added as they come in.

Paul Motian, Jazz Drummer, Is Dead at 80

Paul Motian, a drummer, bandleader, composer and one of the most influential jazz musicians of the last 50 years, died on Tuesday in Manhattan. He was 80 and lived in Manhattan.

One of my good friends, the great percussionist Tom Roady, died Sunday night from a heart attack while he was on Ricky Skaggs's tour bus going to a gig. I have printed a couple of the obituaries below. Tom's list of recording and touring credits is too long to list. Tom was an unforgettable character. He was a jolly, heavy set, teddy bear of a guy and just an inspiration to be around. He treated everyone like they were his best friend. He lit up a room when he walked in. I will miss him sorely. - George Lawrence

One of the most well built instruments ever made were the clear acrylic drums made by Zickos. Zickos was the first to make clear acrylic shells. These drums were owned and played by many famous drummers. The first set ever made by this company was played by Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly on their big hit song Inna Gada Da Vida. Remember the drum solo? We are sorry to see them go. You owe it to yourself to spend a few minutes at their website and see these great American drums. Here is the announcement that is on their website ZickosDrums.com

The original set used by Dave Clark of the Dave Clark 5 will be sold at auction at Bonham's Auctions in London on December 15. Here is Alan Watt's research that we used to write the feature article in the latest issue of NSMD.