feel to it. But there again, all your kits have a sort of “vibe” to them.

SR: Yeah my kits have become somewhat of a style for me. My first kit in the early 80's had my chain cymbal stand idea incorporated and to this day they are now
back! (laughs) I always strive to be different!

AF: That you do! Now your new kits feature your drum wraps which is a really cool idea by the way. Where did this idea originally spawn?

SR: Being that I have always worked on my kits as kind of like art pieces, about 10 years ago I decided it was time to create a method of actually being able to change the finish of the drums themselves. RockenWraps custom drum finishing was born from this idea. 

AF: I really love the idea and got an opportunity to check them out face to face at the NAMM show a month ago where you and I spoke a bit. You really have come up with an amazing product!

AF: So you're touring currently. This is a variation of a standard question, what's your favorite restaurant to frequent while on the road? I usually ask what's your favorite, IHOP or Wafflehouse but its a new year so time to change it up a bit.

SR: I pride myself on staying as fit and healthy as possible and my family tries our best to eat only organic foods. That being said, if I have my choice, I would pick a good sushi restaurant any day of the week!

AF: Okay so how about your favorite late-night tourbus snack?

SR: Organic trail mix.

AF: Other favorite foods?

SR: Indian...

AF: Speaking of touring, here's a fun question. If you could put together any tour package of your choice with bands (dead or alive) to tour with Queensrÿche, who would be on that bill?

SR: I have always wanted to play on the same stage as Pink Floyd. Keeping my fingers crossed! (laughs)

AF: I think you named every musicians dream! (laughs) Another touring related question. When you're out on tour, what are some of your essentials you MUST bring? I.e. iPod, favorite movies, etc.

SR: My phone to keep in contact with my wife and kids is the most important. However, my iPod is essential, as well as a good movie collection. But my most important items are my laptop recording studio I bring all around the world with me .It gives me time to continue to work on new music.

AF: Ah speaking of movies, what would you say is your favorite?

SR: If i had to pick one that has always inspired me, it would have to be The Fifth Element.

AF: Great movie. What about you favorite music that you're listening to right now?

SR: My listening tastes for many years have been in film scores. My iPod if full of all sorts of old and new film scores...keeps my mind fresh! One of my current favorites is James Newton Howard's score for "I Am Legend."

AF: That's awesome! I'm a huge fan of film scores. My iPod has tons of scores from Hitchcock films like North by Northwest to scores by Hans Zimmer (personal favorite), Rolfe Kent (a new favorite), and of course John Williams among others but, I digress.

AF: When you're not on tour or in the studio, how do you like to spend your free time?

SR: Spending as much time as I can with my wife and kids. The are my complete INSPIRATION!!

AF: Family, now that's what its about my friend. Speaking of which, my brother John was the one responsible for turning me on to a lot of bands growing up, Queensrÿche being one of them back in the 90's. So I thought I'd let him pass on a few questions in as well. These next four are from him.

JF: What factors do you consider when putting your parts into a song?

JF: How as your approach to percussion evolved since the first days of Queensrÿche?

JF: Over the years you have likely had many labels applied to you.  Which ones do you see that seem to fit the least and why?

SR: I suppose I would consider ALL "labels" inappropriate for QR. Our goal is to just do what we do. We really don't care about that stuff...

AF: I knew my brother could only keep it serious for so long...his final question is...
JF: Since you've got married and had children, have you been compelled to buy a minivan?

SR: Oh yeah, I used to have a mini-van. (laughs)

AF: Give us one random fact about yourself.

SR: I only have ONE small tattoo on my left hand.