Get Yer Kit Off: Ben Lythberg

Drummer Jay Dougrey, recently ex of Sommerset, interviews Snapcase's latest addition Ben Lythburg

Ben Lythberg - Snapcase's latest drummer and drum tech for Rancid and Sick of It All. New Zealand's ambassador of H.C in New York and formerly the one man slugfest of local hardcore kings Balance. Do you remember the Auckland hardcore scene in '96-'99? Well, even if not, here's an interesting little catch up I had with Ben while on tour in Japan.

How long have you been playing drums?

I started playing the drums when I was 15. I would live for the weekends when I would go to see local punk bands play. One of the bands was called Bygone Era and I would watch their drummer (Luke Casey) just play so 'in the pocket' that even if you knew nothing about drumming you would walk away so inspired about the instrument.

Who has been your influences/teachers through your musical career? (drums or other?)

Well, I've already talked about Luke Casey. He was a huge influence on me and my teacher for a while. Let's see; Stewart Copeland (The Police - I actually met him a few days ago in Los Angeles airport while I was waiting to fly to Japan...it was incredible!), Peter Moffett (Government Issue, Burning Airlines), Manu Katche (Peter Gabriel, Sting) and Brendan Canty (Fugazi).

You're predominantly a hardcore drummer - have you played any other types of music?

Well, in New Zealand I played in Balance and State of Grace to cover the punk/hardcore side of things and I also played with Second Child both live and on their album 'Slinky'. I listen to every style of music I can get my hands on these days and I'll play anything I get the chance to play.

You've worked with some top U.S hardcore/punk bands as a drum tech. Who have you worked with and how did you get the jobs?

I've worked for Sick Of It All and Rancid. I begged SOIA for the job so that I could get overseas and be in a better position to play music. Working for SOIA lead directly to me joining Snapcase. The Rancid gig came about because Brett (Rancid's drummer) was out to lunch with some people who knew me and he said he needed a tech for some touring they had coming up. They gave him my name and he called me, even though I don't get to play when I tour with Rancid, I love every minute of it. They would have to be some of the best people I have ever met. They run a tight ship and if you're with them you're part of the family.