Drum Sheet – BBM – Where In The World

For a fan of expressive and groove-driven drumming, “Where in the World” by BBM is one of the hidden treasures of the band’s only album, Around the Next Dream. Released in 1994 and later issued as a single in the United Kingdom, the song showcased a more melodic and reflective side of the supergroup formed by Gary Moore, Jack Bruce, and Ginger Baker. Although BBM carried the weight of enormous expectations because of Baker and Bruce’s history with Cream, “Where in the World” demonstrated that the trio was interested in creating something fresh rather than simply revisiting the past. The song eventually reached the UK Singles Chart, becoming one of the band’s best-known tracks.

The composition of “Where in the World” emerged primarily from the songwriting partnership between Gary Moore and Jack Bruce, who shared writing credits on the track. Bruce brought his introspective lyrical style and emotional vocal approach, while Moore contributed the song’s memorable chord movements and melodic guitar textures. Together they crafted a piece filled with themes of searching, distance, and uncertainty, giving the song an atmosphere that felt both intimate and cinematic. The arrangement avoided unnecessary complexity, allowing the emotion of the lyrics and the interaction between the musicians to remain at the center of the performance.

For drum enthusiasts, however, the story of “Where in the World” contains an unusual twist. Unlike most of the Around the Next Dream album, which featured the legendary Ginger Baker behind the kit, this particular track was performed by drummer Arran Ahmun. His approach differed noticeably from Baker‘s jazz-influenced style, bringing a tighter and more contemporary groove to the recording. Ahmun built the song around a solid backbeat, tasteful tom work, and carefully measured fills that supported the vocals rather than competing with them. The result was a drum performance that felt modern while still fitting naturally into BBM‘s blues-rock identity.

One of the pleasures of listening closely to the drums is the way Ahmun uses dynamics. During the verses, his playing remains spacious and controlled, giving Bruce’s vocals and Moore’s guitar room to breathe. As the choruses arrive, he gradually opens the groove with stronger snare accents and wider cymbal work, creating momentum without sacrificing clarity. For drummers, it is a reminder that power often comes from patience and placement rather than speed alone.

BBM promoted Around the Next Dream with a short tour across the United Kingdom and appearances at several European rock festivals in 1994. The band launched its live journey in Belfast, Gary Moore’s hometown, before bringing the music to audiences throughout Britain and continental Europe. “Where in the World” became a memorable moment in these performances, giving fans the chance to hear its atmospheric arrangement and carefully crafted rhythms come alive on stage.