Billy Cobham talks to t5m about a transcendental experience during a concert and how he prepares his performance. One of the leading drummers of his generation and a true musical pioneer, Cobham says that in order to get his music across, “I approached my performances in a very aggressive way.” His trademark power during shows was rewarded one night in Sri Lanka, where Billy Cobham says he had “an out of body experience.” Looking out from the stage onto the Indian Ocean, Cobham tells us “you didn’t know where the people stopped and the bay continued.” You’d think he’d need a huge prep routine before going on stage, but the consummate pro says with a grin needs “only a shortbread cookie and a cup of tea!”