Luke Zajdel: On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery, Posture, Professionalism, & Peart

Welcome Pittsburgh native, Luke Zajdel! Luke is currently the touring drummer for country artist Walker Montgomery. A lifelong Rush fan, Luke shares why Clockwork Angels is his favorite record, memories of seeing Neil Peart play 5x, and his emotional reaction to Rush’s return announcement. He explains adapting the note-for-note prog mindset to Nashville’s more flexible country and session culture, learning charting after a last-minute Whiskey Jam call, and developing stage presence by loosening up. Luke shares how important mentors and teachers have been in his development, specifically studying with Mark Poiesz, who has helped with stage presence, mindset, and meditation. We touch on other influences like David Garibaldi, Morgan Rose, and Danny Carey, touring routines, fitness, meditation, home recording, and of course, Luke's seemingly perfect posture behind the kit. We hope you enjoy! Chapters: 0:00 Intro 1:17 Welcome, Luke! 2:23 On Tour w/ Walker Montgomery 5:39 PPG Arena Homecoming 5:52 Rush Roots and Favorite Album 12:23 Six Months To Obsess 13:53 Garibaldi Rabbit Hole 15:09 Rock Showmanship Chops 17:24 Seeing Neil Peart Live 18:25 Nashville Grind and Purpose 26:38 Rezo Custom Drum Heads (Sponsor) 27:38 Looking the Part 30:23 Move to Nashville 31:52 Early Gigs and First Kit 34:50 Drum Box (Sponsor) 38:39 Rush to Country Mindsets 44:29 Mentorship & Meditation 49:24 Low Boy Beaters (Sponsor) 50:06 Touring Habits and Fitness 54:09 Perfect Posture 59:58 Lesson Routine and Teachers 1:00:38 Overqualified For The Gig 1:03:34 Tour Culture and Temptations 1:09:36 Drum Supply (Sponsor) 1:10:33 Home Recording Goals 1:13:42 Rapid Fire Questions 1:21:22 Outro Thank you to our Episode Sponsors: Rezo Custom Drum Heads https://rezoheads.com Drum Box https://drumbox.space Drum Supply https://www.drumsupply.com Low Boy Beaters https://lowboybeaters.com Connect with Luke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lzajdelmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/2112rushfan1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lzajdelmusic Music Featured in this Episode: "All Night Long Left" - Walker Montgomery "Outlaws & Outsiders" - Cory Marks Support the show Connect with us: Website Instagram TikTok YouTube Facebook Recorded at Garden Groove Recording Space, Nashville, TN Podcast Artwork: GENUINE CREATIVE ART ⓒ 2026 Nashville Drummers Podcast, LLC