Digital sanctuary of writer-author-vinyl record forager Jason Pettigrew.

I’ve known world-class drummer Frank Zummo for deca…uhhhhh….a long time. I first met him in his role as the engine room for LA’s dynamic punk-pop ensemble theStart, and then later on as a co-founder of Street Drum Corps and after that, in his role as the locomotive for punk-metal institution Sum 41 for the last 10 years. 

The one characteristic Zummo carries that other colleagues/performers/artists may not is his great sense of manifestation. Etching his name in the veneer of the greater LA music scene was merely a by-product: Zummo has been living his life as a hurricane talent, an in-demand session player and a front-forward advocate for the next generation of young musicians, via his work with School Of Rock and Society For The Prevention Of Teen Suicide. I am confident typing that every good idea Frank has ever cogitated on has either been put into motion or is currently nestled into some kind of starter’s block or holding pattern until the next pieces fall into place the way he wants them.

One of his numerous ideas was writing a book. Not just a dig-me, kiss-the-ring story, but a collection of memories that have the propensity to subvert inertia to inspire and invigorate readers to embrace their fears and develop the personal strength to rise above them. And he called me up to help make it happen.

Which is why I’m overjoyed to report that the fruits of our teaming, Unbreakable Rhythm: My Journey Through Music, Wellness And Mental Strength, is prime picking for your library. Frank’s been at so many crossroads in his life, if his psychic GPS could be distilled into an app, it would get a better star-rating than Google Maps. If you’re looking for salacious prose centered on drug parties with adult film actresses and gun play, this book isn’t for you. But if you want to see how the very act of unconditionally surrendering to your passion will raise your determination, your mood and your fortunes, it’s all here. Not only does Frank’s mom, sister and lovely wife (Hi Lauren!) weigh in on what it’s like being a Zummo, witnesses such as Motley Crue’s Tommy Lee, No Doubt’s Adrian Young, Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley, acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey, world-class athletes Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece, electro-rock icon Gary Numan, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman, SJC Drums founder Mike Ciprari and School Of Rock president Stacey Ryan readily testify to Frank’s tenacity, humility and that thing that’s in short supply these days, humanity. 

And if you don’t take my word for any of this, The Pop-Punk Dad would like a word with you.

You may acquire Unbreakable Rhythm via Modern Drummer, Hal Leonard and Amazon. When he’s not bashing and crashing with Electric Callboy, Frank is talking to all kindsa folks about the book and what’s next. Because with Zummo, there is always “what’s next.” Immense gratitude to Frank and his manager Adam LaRue; copy editor extraordinaire Ben Davis; PTGRW’s digital doyenne Michelle Arevalo/BiggHaus; and because it takes a village to keep my inner-child from soiling himself, merci beaucoup to Hannah Aitchison, Bob and Tina Blake, Vince Curtis, DX Ferris and Annie Zaleski.

And of course, thank you for buying physical media.