I saw Three Dog Night perform in my hometown, Jackson Mississippi, when I was in High School. They were an incredibly tight and great live band. Drummer Floyd Sneed made an indelible impression on me that night with his powerful, clear drumming style and his commanding presence on his clear Zickos drum set. In particular, during his solo, he had the audience clap along with him and made them laugh. I stole that bit and used it quite a bit in my drum solos. See the drum solo video and the interview with Floyd below.
Floyd Sneed, the legendary drummer behind the band Three Dog Night, has died. In a statement shared to the rock band's Facebook page on Saturday, Jan. 28, Three Dog Night said they were "saddened to learn of the passing of Floyd Sneed." Sneed's cause of death was not disclosed. He was 80.
In the band's post, Sneed was remembered as "an absolutely wonderful human being, a complete original and a sweetheart of a man." Three Dog Night added that Sneed "also an extraordinarily unique drummer who brought so much to Three Dog Night's sound." The late musician was lauded for breaking "many barriers both musically and culturally," with the band noting how "he also influenced countless other drummers with his amazing technique." Three Dog Night said Sneed "will be greatly missed by all of us in the band and the many musicians, artists and others he inspired throughout his life. Rest in Peace Floyd."