In a candid interview with Meltdown of Detroit’s WRIF radio station, veteran drummer Tommy Clufetos offered an in-depth look into his more than a decade-long association with the legendary Ozzy Osbourne, a tenure that spanned both Osbourne’s solo career and his pivotal role in Black Sabbath’s final touring years. Clufetos, a Detroit native, shared his journey from aspiring local musician to a globally recognized rhythm master, revealing a deep-seated ambition and a relentless dedication to his craft that has propelled him through some of rock’s most iconic lineups. His reflections provide a fascinating insight into the mindset of a professional musician navigating the upper echelons of the rock and roll world.
From Detroit’s Corner Bars to Global Stadiums: A Dream Realized
Clufetos recounted his formative years in Detroit, a city renowned for its rich musical heritage, and admitted that even as a young drummer, he harbored aspirations that stretched far beyond the local bar scene. "Well, in a strange idea, yes, I did think, whether it was Ozzy or somebody else, I did envision whatever’s happened in my life to happen," Clufetos stated. "And I envision more to happen. I didn’t get into drums to play at the corner bar. Even though I played at the corner bar – I got no problem with it – but I had the biggest aspirations. I still do, and that’s where my fire comes from, is I want."
This ambition, he explained, fueled a commitment to excellence that he applied to every performance, regardless of the venue. The demanding nature of the Detroit music scene, characterized by late-night gigs, the physical labor of setting up and tearing down equipment, and the occasional financial pitfalls of dealing with bar owners, forged a resilience and a profound appreciation for the music itself. "I can do whatever I want, and wherever my talent leads me, I will follow. And that’s what I’ve always done," Clufetos asserted, highlighting a philosophy of artistic freedom and self-determination. This ethos has guided his career, leading him to collaborate with an impressive roster of rock luminaries, including Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper, in addition to his foundational work with Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath.
The drummer emphasized that his approach to playing has remained consistent, from his earliest days in Detroit to his performances on the world’s biggest stages. "I always approached it the same when I was playing at home in Detroit, the same death grip of the drumsticks and going for it," he described. "That’s where I got my craft. That’s where I got to play for all these greats, is from playing in Detroit like it was the end, ’cause it’s always the end." This intense dedication is something he plans to carry forward with his own project, Tommy’s Rocktrip, stating, "And that’s what I’m gonna do at the Token Lounge [in Westland, Michigan when I play there in April with my band TOMMY’S ROCKTRIP]. I’m gonna play just like I was playing at the BRIT Awards [as part of the Ozzy tribute], like everybody’s watching, because everybody always is watching."
The Power of Passion and Authenticity
Clufetos further elaborated on the driving force behind his sustained energy and commitment: passion. He likened the musician’s journey not to salesmanship, but to an internal fire that compels an artist to express themselves. "It’s not about being a used car salesman, but it’s about having a passion for what you do," he explained. "And hopefully that passion ignites inside of you, and you can’t help but let it out. I can’t help but let it out." This raw, uncontainable energy, he believes, is what resonates with audiences and defines his performance style.
He connected this passion directly to his experiences in Detroit, acknowledging the hardships as integral to his development. "When I get behind my drums and I do what I do, the Motor City and playing gigs till four in the morning and lugging my gear in the snow and loading up the P.A., and bar owners screwing you on money and all these hard things and all these things that you secretly love come through the passion of what I do." This acknowledgment of the less glamorous aspects of the music industry, coupled with a genuine affection for them, underscores Clufetos’s authentic connection to his roots and his profession.
A Distinct Musical Palate: Appreciating Rush on His Own Terms
The interview also touched upon Clufetos’s musical influences, with a specific question about his relationship with the progressive rock titans, Rush. While he expressed admiration for the band’s technical prowess and legacy, he admitted that Rush was not a primary influence during his formative years. "I wasn’t. I appreciate Rush, but I wasn’t a Rush guy. That wasn’t my thing," he stated.
However, Clufetos demonstrated an open mind and a keen awareness of contemporary drumming talent, noting the emergence of a new female drummer, Anika Nilles, who has performed with Jeff Beck. "They do have a wonderful new female drummer [Anika Nilles], who I’ve seen play with Jeff Beck. I’m sure she’s gonna do awesome… We have the same cymbal endorsement company, so I have met her and I saw her play and she’s a phenomenal drummer. And I’m sure they’re just gonna go sell out everywhere." This recognition of talent, regardless of genre or familiarity, speaks to his broader appreciation for the art of drumming.
Clufetos also offered a thoughtful perspective on the pressure to be musically eclectic, particularly as one ages. He questioned the notion that musicians must embrace all genres, advocating instead for the validity of personal preference. "As I got older, everybody, they tell you, ‘Oh, you gotta enjoy all types of music. You gotta be so well rounded.’ And the older I get, I go, why? Why can’t you just like what you like? And that’s okay too. And maybe do your thing," he mused. He clarified that while he can appreciate other musical styles, he believes it’s important to remain true to one’s own sonic identity. "The older I’ve gotten – you can appreciate other things in music and you can partake, but that doesn’t mean because somebody else is a big band that you have to love it," he explained. "I’m not saying I don’t appreciate it, but it doesn’t get my guts – like it gets somebody else’s guts. You know what I mean? And they’re not gonna get off on the same music that I get off on. That’s the cool thing."
Despite his personal distance from Rush’s core sound, Clufetos acknowledged the band’s significant impact and paid tribute to the late Neil Peart, Rush’s iconic drummer. "So, yes, I absolutely appreciate them. They’re a killer band. I did watch their documentary, and what a story," he said. He particularly connected with Peart’s dedication and his personal reflections. "And I do have utmost respect for Neil’s [Peart, late RUSH drummer] approach and his dedication and the way he spoke about his family and certain things like this that I definitely connect to that side, maybe more so than the actual… I like some of their older stuff where it was killer rock and stuff. I did like that." This nuanced appreciation highlights Clufetos’s respect for the artistry and the human element behind even those bands that may not have been his direct musical purview.
Tommy’s Rocktrip: A Continuation of the Detroit Ethos
The conversation also provided an update on Clufetos’s own musical endeavors, specifically his band, Tommy’s Rocktrip. The project, described as Clufetos’s exploration of the rock ‘n’ roll influences that have shaped his career, is set to perform at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan, on April 23. This performance is framed as a continuation of the high-energy, passionate approach he has honed throughout his career, bringing the spirit of his Detroit roots to a dedicated audience.
Tommy’s Rocktrip released its debut album, "Beat Up By Rock ‘N’ Roll," in May 2021, through Frontiers Music Srl. The album features Eric Dover, known for his work with Jellyfish, Slash’s Snakepit, and Alice Cooper, on lead vocals, with Clufetos himself stepping up to the microphone for three tracks. The supporting lineup includes Eliot Lorengo on bass, Hank Schneekluth on guitar, and Nao Nakashima on guitar, rounding out a formidable group dedicated to delivering classic rock energy.
A Legacy Forged with Rock Royalty
Clufetos’s career trajectory is a testament to his talent and dedication. Before joining Ozzy Osbourne in 2010, he had already established himself as a sought-after drummer, working with influential artists such as Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie. His tenure with Osbourne paved the way for his involvement in Black Sabbath’s final world tours, a significant chapter in the band’s storied history.
It is noteworthy that Clufetos did not participate in the recording of Black Sabbath’s reunion album, "13." That drumming duties were handled by Brad Wilk of Rage Against the Machine. At the time, Ozzy Osbourne had commented to The Pulse Of Radio that Clufetos was initially slated to record the album, but producer Rick Rubin ultimately made the decision to bring Wilk in for the sessions. This detail adds a layer of context to the dynamics of major studio productions and the creative decisions that shape them, even for established artists and their long-standing collaborators.
Clufetos’s journey, from the clubs of Detroit to the global stage with rock legends, is a compelling narrative of ambition, hard work, and an unwavering passion for music. His insights into his own philosophy and his reflections on the broader music landscape offer a valuable perspective on the enduring power of authenticity and dedication in the ever-evolving world of rock and roll. His upcoming performance with Tommy’s Rocktrip promises to be a powerful showcase of these very principles, a return to the raw energy that has defined his remarkable career.