A drummer, a new chapter, and a song that still hits hard
*This is the first part of a two-part conversation with my friend Clayton Hill, who also just happens to be the drummer for Trooper.
There’s a pretty good reason to be at the Norfolk County Fair this Saturday night. Trooper is bringing its latest chapter to the Party on the Track, opening for Finger Eleven. But, before the band takes the stage, I wanted to talk to drummer and friend Clayton Hill about what it’s like to keep playing these songs — and keep finding something new in them — after all these years.
Because there was a time when Clayton wasn't sure Trooper would continue at all.
Ray McGuire and Smitty decided to retire. The remaining members were given the chance to carry on — and they did. And they didn't simply try to recreate what Trooper had been. Since Paul Laine took over as lead singer, Clayton says the band has found a different kind of energy on stage.
That energy is part of what Clayton says audiences discover when they see Trooper live.
And there’s one song in particular that has become something of a musical event within the show.
Trooper and Finger Eleven bring the Party on the Track at the Norfolk County Fair this Saturday, October 10. But for Clayton Hill, after decades of making music, it’s still about what happens when the lights come up, the band starts playing — and everybody in the room feels it.
Tomorrow: Clayton Hill talks about the other role he never expected — being the dad of an aspiring singer.
