7 Drum Beats That Made U2 A Better Band

How many drummers can say they’ve been in a band for 50 years? For U2’s Larry Mullen Jr., it’s been almost that long. Nearly 200 million album sales later - plus pop culture immortality with features on The Simpsons and Friends - this drummer has seen successes the rest of us can only dream about.
Why is Larry Mullen Jr. so great? Not only was he making decisions on the drums in the 70s and 80s that were surprising for the era, but he’s always made decisions that make musical sense. You might even say he…elevated the band.
In this 10 minute video, we break down some of the U2 drummer’s most famous parts - some of which you won’t find anywhere else on the internet.
Oh, and be sure to check out the sheet music for each groove in our latest Beat article: drumeo.com/beat?drum-beats-of...
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What you'll see in this video:
0:00 - Intro
0:54 - Sunday Bloody Sunday
It’s one of the most famous U2 songs, one of the most recognizable drum beats of all time, and Larry Mullen Jr.’s most well known groove.
After the 16th note pickup, the entire groove is based on alternating single strokes on the hands and a quarter note kick keeping the pulse.
1:59 - Where The Streets Have No Name
The Joshua Tree was the album that catapulted U2 to massive commercial success. Mullen says it was tough to get the drums sitting right in the studio, and that it became a truly great part only by playing it live.
In this song, Mullen uses a side snare with the snares off. And in following a common trend with his drumming, you’ll again find alternating single strokes on the hands - fitting for a former marching drummer.
2:59 - With Or Without You
Here’s something you don’t see very often: a right-handed drummer playing a groove on a left side floor tom and not filling in with the left hand when the right moves over to the snare. Mullen only added in the left hand during 16th note rhythms. If you want to play this authentically, make sure you’re doing most of the work with that right hand.
4:04 - Bullet The Blue Sky
After Mullen recorded this track in the studio, producers set up a PA in a warehouse, played the drum recording through it, and captured a boomy track that could rival John Bonham‘s sound. It sounds different from anything else on the record, and it’s a cool pattern that combines an 8th note pattern on the hi-hats (with open hats here and there) and rim shots on the snare drum.
5:25 - A Sort Of Homecoming
There isn’t much out there on how to play “A Sort Of Homecoming” on drums, so we had to include this one! Mullen used timbales and a side snare on his kit in the early 80s, so to do this part justice you should try to emulate his kit setup. You’ll notice Mullen playing that alternating single stroke pattern through the groove again as he moves from rack tom to timbale and includes some crossovers between his side snare and main snare.
6:49 - Pride (In The Name Of Love)
Bring your right hand down on the snare drum to play the back beat, and use your left hand on the left side floor tom so you don’t have to cross over. This groove has some unexpected hi-hat offbeats and tasty hi-hat openings.
7:58 - Beautiful Day
This is the chorus of one of U2’s biggest hits of the early 2000s. It’s a simple snare-bass pattern with a washy crash that locks in perfectly with the other instruments, which helps to make this groove musical.
That’s it: 7 awesome U2 grooves. If you want to take these patterns a step further and play just like Larry Mullen Jr., set up an extra snare and floor tom on your left side, add some timbales to the kit, perfect your alternating single strokes, keep your right hand busy, and have your drum parts complement the other instruments perfectly.
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#U2 #drums #drumeo

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Dive deeper and grab the sheet music for each groove over in our latest Beat article: www.drumeo.com/beat/drum-beats-of-u2/

[@blackconcept610]

this is the best request, I guarantee you will like it and will not regret it and will add color collection to your reaction channel This is one of the best drum talent from Indonesia, check this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/foitfYKtZ5V5m9U kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZbUdXp4rbqnock he is Oki Fadhlan, the drummer for Jasad Band from Indonesia the drumming is very fast and neat like a machine gun

[@leandrofelipebuenotierno4724]

Amazing video

[@ramonarellano4988]

One Tree Hill, the rithm pattern is unique, not even the tribute bands are able to duplicate, neither on I Still haven't found what I'm looking for.

[@Yuuki-PUREI]

Can @DrumeoOfficial review Yukihiro, the drummer for L'Arc~en~Ciel? He played many unique drum lines, such as: Snow Drop, Jiyuu e No Shotai, Lover Boy, Forbidden Lover, Honey, Daybreak's Bell, My Heart Draws A Dream, Anata. 🙏🏼

[@esperago]

Queen? Really? Can anyone honestly say it's still Queen after Freddy's passing?

[@andrewpittaway3023]

I actually became a drummer because of Larry. I remember hearing Bad and thought that the drumming doesn't sound like any of the other songs I was hearing. After listening to the rest Unforgettable Fire album I asked my parents to buy me a drum kit because I wanted to play like Larry. He always seems to play to make the song better rather than just write a drum part. He's such an important part of the sound U2 make. Thanks for showing appreciation to him.

[@DeanWThomas]

Awesome that Larry is getting some love here. He is a huge part of U2's sound!

[@BrandonToews]

Absolutely!!

[@parkjamesshaw3189]

Dean god luv u brother but Larry started this band and tries everyday to keep the rest of them in it.

[@greengrugach1984]

@@parkjamesshaw3189 say a wee prayer for Larry, he's in a bad way, can't tell you what it is as I gave my word but it's more than repetitive strain injuries, he has that too like and his back is bad but he's not in good shape at all, he's lucky in a way he has the money for private treatment because if he was reliant on the standard medical care here with the atrocious waiting lists I don't think he would be here, anyway, all the best mate from Dublin 🇮🇪

[@gallinazon]

A BIG PART

[@pminturn]

I'm surprised nothing from Achtung Baby on this list. I think that was easily Larry's best overall drumming of any album. "Until The End Of The World" might possibly be my favorite U2 song, but his drumming on "Acrobat" is on another level.

[@JoachimGresslien]

I thought the same thing. Why didn't he mention "Acrobat"??

[@timo_kami]

His drumming on “Mysterious Ways” is phenomenal. Plus the rhythm he and Adam lay down on “Pop” has so much depth.

[@Bpotts71]

Yes!

[@justdrum4fun]

Totally totally agree!!

[@tro_de_bac]

Agreed. I think Larry deserves a second episode covering Achtung Baby and Pop.

[@rhythmsaint73]

I know Larry . He’s a very nice lad and humble. He and I went to the same drum teacher . Though Larry didn’t go for long. He formed the band and has always kept a low profile . Drumming is not a competition. I think it’s great to look at all the successful drummers their setups , recordings and performances.

[@jirky015]

Talk about an incredibly underrated drummer. The guy has one of the most unique and instantly recognizable styles with so many distinct beats and grooves. I can't imagine what U2 would have sounded like with another drummer. You can't really say that about a lot of drummers.

[@alfie9718]

Honestly - the entire Pop album is full of amazing drum patterns- both from machines & Larry. What a great album

[@Romchikthelemon]

YES

[@davidharding200]

I’ve been thrashing pop lately. Great album.

[@danielsr8226]

Absolutely agree

[@theempire00]

Pop is sooo underrated!!

[@stephenpapale7940]

Pop is a masterpiece

[@bren264]

Larry’s style originates from his early drumming as part of a marching band in Dublin. His single stroke rolls and military style snare patterns are a result of this. Cool drummer and, despite calling his son Elvis, a pretty down to earth guy…

[@nelsonbohorquez6139]

This was amazingly written

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

That's why U2 is boring. The drumming is too regimented.

[@masmos1138]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 can i hear your music? looks like you are better than U2

[@theTruthLifeNWay]

His son's actually called Aaron Elvis Mullen

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@AOH Patty Lol Really?

[@evh1eddie1rocks]

My Father lived down the street from Larry and lived on Brookwood ave in Dublin. He often would be at his friends house who lived beside Larry and He would spend his time fixing and riding motorcycles. Larry would eventually get my dad to teach him how to ride a motorcycle in exchange for drum lessons. However my dad wasnt really into playing music and was more concerned with listening to the floats in his carburetor! So there’s my Dad listening to his bike when all of a sudden he hears “bang, boom, crash!” Coming from Larry’s house. My dad began banging on his wall shouting “SHUT THE HELL UP, YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO MAKE IT!” That’s the only time I truly can recall my Father being wrong! My dad always told me of the hardships Larry went through loosing his sister and the tragic car accident that took his mother. My dad was such an amazing individual and would tell me these stories letting me know anything is possible in this life. There is way more too Larry then just his music. He is an outstanding determined individual!!

[@davidharding200]

Great stories. Thank you. Things I didn’t know. Cheers.

[@Arihans]

Thank you for sharing this unique story.

[@alejandrodeferrari2604]

Thanks! Great story man !

[@lilalila213]

Thank you for sharing!Really cool!😍

[@michaelm5528]

My friend our in Raheny tells me he’s still a very grounded guy, out buying pizza near his home, walking his dog, always being polite. Great guy supporting the local music scene in Belfast also

[@Emi_Alvarez]

I love Larry, one aspect of his drumming that I think should be mentioned more is his use of the tambourine, he has the ability to use it extensibly in a song without making it feel overused.

[@jacksonforester5605]

LMJ is my favorite drummer of all time. I want to say a HUGE thank you for pulling out “A Sort of Homecoming” one of U2’s greatest songs and one of Larry’s most interesting/creative beats. Super underrated track.

[@nexus_plexus]

Judging by this demo, it looks like one of the trickiest drum parts ever! Brilliant stuff.

[@coffeebeanninja]

The Wide Awake in America version is awesome.

[@ericcrabtree6245]

That masterful album is one of my favorites and the band owes a lot to Brian Eno and Daniel Lanois for the atmospheric sounds and new dimensions.

[@dannyh5937]

A sort of homecoming made me cry the first time I heard it.

[@MrGuile777]

''Like a song...'', from war, has a great drum part, one of my all time fav

[@cjmadura]

A fantastic song. It was my favorite until The Unforgettable Fire album came out. TUF is my favorite album of all time, across all artists.

[@sebastianalex7900]

Always have admire Larry’s drumming creative and original style. Without any doubt, his grooves have been essential for the success of U2.

[@astrosquirrel5038]

U2 is one of my favorite bands and I've always loved Larry's style. It's often simple and understated, yet that gives The Edge and the rest of the band a great template to work with. I've learned so much from him, especially because he's a great example of the old adage: sometimes less is more.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks for sharing - 100% agree!

[@jmfs3497]

Sunday Bloody Sunday is a great beat for practice. It has such a unique feel in combo with the rest of the band.

[@BlakeDover]

Great overview! Longtime U2 fan but it took me a while to fully appreciate how critical his drumming is to the sound of the band. Perfectly matching to what the song needs… love that A Sort of Homecoming made the cut!

[@riskromer9773]

LMJr is an underrated rythm genius. Almost every single U2 song has a unique beat. He is one of the most creative drummers ever

[@hectorsanaifric343]

Creative yes, one of the most creative ever? Not even close

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Pft that's like saying Dave Grohl is a drumming genius. No. He's a basic rock drummer. They both are.

[@TorrieSeager]

“Rhythm genius” 😂

[@ModernLove100]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 Dave Grohl is a drumming genius. There, I said it! 😂

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@ModernLove100 No he's not. Most average drummer ever. Facts.

[@lindsaynewell6319]

Great to see Larry featured. I first saw them in 1981 when they were (to be polite) a bit 'raw' but made me a lifelong fan that night.

[@eweb4949]

I’ve been along for the ride since 1980. Their rawness was fabulous and still is. The Boy album is still awesome. They had what it takes right from the start.

[@KevinZ2269]

Finally - someone paying my boy respect ! Huge Larry fan for the last 30 years or more. His drumming has had a huge impact on me and the way I think and write. When ever I would tell someone about him being an influence- I felt like I got the - “Who??” Type attitude from most drummers. Ridiculous. Anyway love you Larry ! Glad your still rocking buddy ! 👍

[@CarlosCostaX]

Larry is very underrated. A very unconventional out of the box drummer. I'm not a big fan of U2 but massive respect.

[@bert1980]

U2 & Larry M. Junior is my favorite Rock Band since 1985 live at Wembley! I saw U2 many concerts live in Germany. Larry, godfather of drummer🥁

[@ferjo01]

Larry Mullen Jr. Has never been in my radar as one of my favorite drummers. After viewing this video I have to give more credit to him. Thank you for explaining part of his techniques in a very detailed way.

[@StephenReillyDrums]

Growing up in Dublin, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself defending Larry Mullin’s playing. There is absolutely no way U2 would sound as they do without his creativity on the kit. Similar to Ringo and The Edge come to think of it, people love to talk about technically better players but my answer is always the same! Nobody else creates those iconic parts in those songs and for that reason, I consider him one of the greats.

[@jg-reis]

It's not about technical prowess or complicated stuff, right? So he doesn't go for 5/4 or 7/8 (which I love BTW) and his grooves are amazing. Not only do the grooves fit the songs, but if we imagine the song without the groove, it feels dead. Essential is what they are.

[@StephenReillyDrums]

@@jg-reis 100% 🙌🏻

[@michaelfrazia4569]

love Larry's playing since I saw Gloria on mtv as a 7 year old...just one of the best and this is another band where the sum are greater then the parts..each member brings crucial sounds to the songs

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Oh yes, I’ve always loved his drumming on Gloria. You & Drumeo are so right: his drumming isn’t to show off but to serve the song-contributing to a greater whole. The part he plays in the band’s sound is a big reason why U2 has so, so many hits.

[@egrojz6221]

A couple years ago I realized that in the pre-chorus and chorus of 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' (studio version), the snare strokes are ascending (1 then 2 then 3 then 4). That's genius!

[@lindziscoolerthanyou]

A SORT OF HOMECOMING!! FINALLY. Thank you!!!

[@BrandonToews]

Enjoy!

[@axelvincenti545]

One of the best drummer of his era ! The drummer is not there to show off, but to serve the songs and the band. Larry did it brilliantly… His drumming in Achtung Baby is outstanding too btw !

[@TheSeeking2know]

I think with your point out might be better to say he's one of the most disciplined since he plays to the music. Saying one of "the best" might indicate he was one of the "most skilled". That's my opinion though.

[@S-dr7jx]

let’s say the best U2 drummer…

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@S-dr7jx Yep.

[@nikitacalvus]

The drum part on "Silver and Gold", actually both the studio and the live parts, are amazing. Not tricky to "play", but incredibly dynamic. They propel the song and the band forward like a nuclear engine.

[@jjmillen]

Yesss, totally agree. Especially the live Rattle & Hum version!

[@mafcarvalho]

You're absolutely spot on!

[@michaellee8873]

Thanks for highlighting Larry Mullen Jr, not greatly heralded in drumming circles but such an influential musician. He was my first inspiration starting out as a teenage drummer, most of these tracks I loved playing along to which gave me a good grounding as a self taught player! Sunday Bloody Sunday, New Years Day, Pride, With or Without You, Exit, In God's Country & Bullet the Blue Sky were some favs to play. I was also influenced to have a left side floor tom with the options that gives. Great video!

[@wisemang73]

Extraordinary job of playing within the beat, supplementing music, not dominating it. Mullen is genius

[@calixohiggins9843]

Like A Song is some of the best high energy drumming ever recorded. LMJ is a legend.

[@O_Towne_Bear]

Larry is one of the finest and most underappreciated drummers in rock. His sense of filling in the spaces ("Unforgettable Fire" onward) is brilliant.

[@SarahJane-cj5nn]

Brilliant video! I love Desire, Angel of Harlem, I Threw A Brick Through A Window, Seconds, I Will Follow, An Cat Dubh, Drowning Man, When Love Comes To Town, Vertigo, Mysterious Ways, The Miracle of Joey Ramone, Landlady, Blackout… err I could go on!

[@reactionfan1448]

I've been a Massive U2 fan for 40 years now and have seen them Perform many times live the Greatest ever and Larry's Drumming is the Backbone of the Band he has got to be in the Top 10 of All time it's a joke how he's not

[@alittlebitgone]

There's only two or three drummers I can identify by ear when they guest on other artist's songs, Larry is one of them.

[@DesignRhythm]

Great lesson.. l'd say he's definitely a great example of a drummer playing for the song. These hits would have felt completely different without his unique choices. Never been a huge U2 fan, but happened to bartend a show and they were incredible live (w/ Lenny Kravitz opening)

[@neilpower1731]

Always liked Larry's style, one of my favourite drummers growing up. One of my favourite grooves that Larry does is in "Until The End of the World", very musical drum parts from a very musical drummer!

[@chriscobetto9470]

Love Larry and U2. I air drummed to U2 in college in my dorm room, imagining where the drums were because I couldn’t afford drums or lessons. Like a Song off of WAR. Simple but badazz!!!

[@perosa99]

He has very interesting musical choices and parts. I love his playing in the solo of New Year’s Day. He follows the guitar with a simple but interesting beat and fills.

[@justcallmesando]

This is awesome and shows a little about what is needed for a band to conquer the world.

[@bellbrass]

So glad that you included "A Sort Of Homecoming" - I've always thought that song was Larry's most inventive track, from U2's most inventive album. It marked some serious development in his style, and I hear a little of Bill Bruford's iconic "Discipline" beat in Larry's stickings here. You did a great job demonstrating his playing; not easy to do with even tempo.

[@Plally06]

Larry has been one of the biggest influences on me ever since first seeing them live in 1989 in Dublin. Thanks for this - I especially loved the breakdown of A Sort of Homecoming 🙌😀

[@lord-dark-coffee]

Thank you so much. I love the way Larry drums I never heard anything like it and it's my heartbeat for 40 years now. For me Bullet will always stand out as the song that made me feel Larry was playing it in my room. Great to see how you managed to put a finger on his signature style, makes me love Larry as a drummer even more. Rock On!

[@evansvaz]

These days, on a trip to one of our shows with the band V12, I was talking to my drummer brother about my opinion of Larry Mullen Jr. to be the inventor of memorable and very sophisticated beats. How happy I was to watch this video and see that others think like me. Congratulations on the production and content! Success! Evandro Vaz from Brazil.

[@DiddleEgg5]

Larry is one of my all time favorites. Desire is one that I always had fun playing and was the reason I first put a floor tom on my left side. With or Without You is probably my favorite and the one I've stole and snuck into various songs I've played over the years.

[@philoalpha369]

Larry is aweseome. U2 is one of those bands that wouldn't work without all 4 of them.

[@skinner5334]

Wonderful job- a deep dive that’s long overdue. 80’s Ringo. Fantastic drummer.

[@AlessandroSpenga]

I play in a U2 tribute called Underskin, from Italy! My fav are Desire and mysterious way, love the groove on those!

[@pfonseca67]

I can’t live “with or without you”. It’s my warm up groove (with the floor tom on my far right) and I, when I just listen to the song, I can’t stop myself from “air drumming” like crazy. I love Larry Mullen Jr. and really enjoyed this selection.

[@Imaikalani70]

I was fortunate to see them on their Unforgettable Fire tour back 1985. He’s always been quite an enigma to me-his drum parts have always been unusual but very effective and always hard to figure out! Thanks for the video!

[@BrandonToews]

Wow! Very cool.

[@rh1507]

I can easily say that I know his talent since I have been listening to U2 since I was a kid in the 80's.

[@DrCheeks]

Still get chills from that with or without you version from rattle and hum🤘🏻

[@BrandonToews]

Such a great version of that song!

[@eh8340]

We'll shine like stars

[@chuckhanning1174]

While all the comments regarding Larry’s playing are true, I think what makes U2 great is how his drumming fits with what the Edge is doing. He plays straight when the guitar is doing a lot of syncopated arpeggios and vice-versa. Ultimately they both play for the music.

[@mattevans58]

Larry is extremely underrated. He is THE reason i picked up the drum sticks back when i was ten years old. Thanks Larrry!

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Great stuff. I also really love Larry’s drumming on U2’s HAWKMOON 269 and GOD PART II. And of course any live version of BAD.

[@rogerpye1865]

So good. Back in the 80's I had to play 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' on the UBRS album(33rpm) at 45rpm on my record player, to slow it down so I could work out the beat! Larry Mullen jr is such a unique drummer. He had a big influence on the 80's-90's want-a-be rock drummers, like myself. Playing by feeling out the unique guitar style of the Edge & locking in with the solid bass of Adam Clayton, & the searing heart of Bono's voice over the top - magic!. The beats had so much solid feel, but not "conventional' for that era - pioneering feel vs conventional rock beats/rhythms. Almost 'military band' hands with pretty 'straight', yet driving base drum work - no double kick drums or peddles. I used to listen to it really loud so that I could feel those beats physically moving me. I think you picked the real classics. 'Sunday Bloody Sunday' on UBRS & 'Pride' on TUF are probably my favourites. I also love the live version of 'I Will Follow' on UBRS and the studio version of 'Vertigo' on HTDAAB.

[@rogerpye1865]

Of course, I'm an idiot. Re: working out the SBS rhythm, I must have had a 'single' 45rpm version of it and played it at 33ppm to slow it down enough to break it down.

[@KevinZ2269]

Great job sir ! I am so glad someone is finally paying attention to Larry ! Most drummers look at me weird when I mention him as an influence. LOL. It’s great attention is finally being brought to Larry ! He deserves it. One of my favorite song intros he does is on “Breathe” live !

[@gabbyisham8603]

Larry's drumming on God, Pt. II is amazing. Starts slow and simple and then just explodes with energy.

[@jamesholloway2284]

Dude! I love the deep dive into U2's library from a drumming perspective. Love your videos and thank you for your quality content 👍

[@avifan59]

So awesome! I'm reading Bonos book Surrender and going back to listen to each song he mentions. Thank you for showing off Larry's unique style!

[@eweb4949]

Be sure to do the audiobook version too. There are musical snippets woven in throughout it. And Bono’s a great reader. It’s absolutely delightful.

[@WildBill1911]

I love his style of drumming. Glad he is getting some recognition. Essential to the sound of U2

[@chadb6964]

Thanks for doing this. He’s totally underestimated. I think Dave Grohl and Larry write similarly, both write for the song, yet have awesome individualistic, unique and memorable drum parts, which is not always easy to do at the same time! Many guys can do one or the other, but doing both takes a certain kind of ability to play, an understanding of music and phrasing PLUS a well thought out process of application

[@greatesthead17]

Aprendi tocar bateria ouvindo este baterista, Larry Mullen. Sou eternamente grato por sua contribuição ao meu aprendizado.

[@mattyisack1]

There's not enough U2 music theory on youtube. Thankyou so much, i loved this video

[@mick469]

Great breakdown, sir, kudos!!! My favorite drumming by Larry is on "Out of Control"! I wore this song (and album)out playing along with it, lol!!!

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Thank you! Larry Mullen Jr is a legendary rocker with some terrifically original beats. And one-half of the super-tight rhythm section that makes U2 one of the best live bands ever. Great to see him getting the love he deserves as a drummer.

[@zephead2002]

thanks for the great video, I really enjoyed the deeper look into to Larry Mullen Jr's drumming. I'm gonna' have to vote for Desire with that Bo Diddly beat. I play drums and when we do that one in the bar it gets the dance floor hoppin'.

[@jorgecastro5388]

I like so much the drum beat of with or without you song. It has a perfect sound. You can feel the song. Is amazing.

[@sharmilasingh2474]

And the bass!

[@CommanderCodyNashville]

I appreciate this post so much. Larry, deserves full recognition from the drum community. We all strive to get just one sig lick like Sunday Bloody Sunday. He plays for the song. Beautiful parts that he has put together over the years and he keeps getting better.

[@msg3tr1ght]

Larry is one of my favorites and is very underrated IMO. I appreciate you for making this and for the algorithm for reminding me to watch it 🤣🫶🏼🥁

[@monstertruck7287]

It's good to finally see that big drum channels are realizing how great and important Larry Mullen is for U2 and for the world of drums. Great video

[@aaroncunningham1280]

Such an underrated drummer, he’s so solid

[@DoctorDave5]

Glad you did A Sort of Homecoming. It’s one of my favourite Larry grooves.👍

[@nckname]

'In a Little While' or 'Stuck in a Moment'. Really inventive drum grooves. Underrated

[@ajee1969]

I’m a huge Larry Mullen/U2 fan. He actualy plays the left floor because he could not make that beat with his feet/bassdrum. He made the best out of his inabilities and created his own sound….and there is no way he played ‘a sort of homecoming’ crossing over like that. Further, great stuff !

[@meroniquekirstenhammler9740]

Great insight!! The precision.. what an amazing gift to interpret the beats the way he does! Thanks for the demo featuring his style. (I'm partial to the song a Sort of Homecoming also!)

[@drumfanatik316]

I love these videos!!! Larry is definitely one of my favorites. Bullet, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and Still Haven’t Found are by far some of my favorite grooves of his!!!

[@michaeljames9811]

Thanks so much Brandon. Could watch your presentations for hours! So entertaining and educational. Seeing the sheet music of Larry's drum parts shows how simple the patterns actually are. Most are single strokes. And it just goes to show that with all the greatest of the greats, the magic is in the genius of their flow. Would love to see you do a video on the rhythms of Frank Beard.

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you very much, Michael! Appreciate it :).

[@jessijacobs8]

This was amazing to see, thanks so much for this. U2 is one of my favorite bands ever 🤘🤘

[@DerekTJ]

New Year's Day is my favourite. Just a great driving groove.

[@marcustait79]

I was never really into U2 in the 80’s but I had to learn a couple of U2 tunes for a cover band a few years ago and this really opened my eyes to the contribution Larry makes to their sound! Very tasteful, appropriate to the music and original!👌

[@mysticedge4]

My favourite band 🙏 Larry is very underrated

[@brianmcf06]

Great vid. If you watch it live you can see Larry plays a nice paradiddle RLRRLRLL for that fill in Bullet. Reprised the same fill and sticking many years later in Red Flag Day

[@davesmith1694]

Great video! I love old U2 and Larry is a big part of that. Thank you for highlighting some of those lesser known but such essential drum grooves. Some Really early songs that I love his drumming on include Rejoice, and With a Shout (October) , Like a Song (War), and even New Years Day. I also so appreciated your explaining of A Sort of Homecoming ! Way more complex than ever imagined.

[@garryleavy2028]

DUDE! A sort of Homecoming! I always wondered how and what Larry was playing! Thanks for explaining and playing it too!! BRAVO!!

[@Verenade1e]

Started drumming in 2021.. And it changed my life, I love drumming it really has become a part of me. And since U2 is my favorite band I love playing their songs! My favorite song is definitely”With Or Without You” and I can’t choose what my favorite drum part is, their all amazing 🥹🫶🏼

[@SimonRobeyns]

good to see a sort of homecoming here, that's an absolute best in terms of drumming for Larry

[@yal100]

I didnt realize how complicated Larry's drumming was on "A sort of homecoming". Thank you this was all very interesting

[@Thattampalady]

I was fortunate enough to sit in an empty arena and it felt like U2 played "Streets" just for me at soundcheck. Amazing day for me and my family (who didn't believe my story but went anyway). 12.11.87. Biggest day ever in my quest to meet Larry.

[@ryechamp9174]

Acrobat had such a killer tribal Celtics rock beat. Even the opening ride pattern is unique. Checkout "Rejoice" and the live versions of the "Ocean" and "40" and "Fire" as well as the drums in Intro of Daddy's Gonna Pay for Your Crashed Car off Zooropa.

[@matthewwright2524]

Yes! Love the playing on Acrobat

[@Ham4Ever1]

A Sort of Homecoming is my favorite song! Such a great breakdown, lovely video overall!

[@dingbono]

Watched this video again and realized I've been adding base drum on With or Without You forever. This is really neat work.

[@iantouzel638]

Thank you for that one, really enjoyed. Your doing a great job by explaining and playing it.

[@BrandonToews]

Thanks Ian!

[@OskarMeza]

Can't believe you didn't talk about Until The End Of The World's groove! That one is sick. But I really love the ones you put in the video, tho. I think that Larry is a really underrated drummer considering that his drums made U2's sound so unique; I'm glad to see that there are videos like this, thank you for making it!

[@TC2290-wh5cb]

It's the same as How Soon Is Now, weirdly.

[@ryechamp9174]

EVERY U2 song has its own signature INTRO, beat & fills, exactly the way music should be and I'm sure how Larry intended! Pure underrated Genius!!! 1 of my major drumming influences growing up

[@branmcg9844]

Good stuff B A sort of homecoming was an eye opener.

[@BrandonToews]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

So cool this spotlighting Larry and these songs. I’ve seen him dig inside some of those grooves live. I was in a opening act on zoo tv tour. They all were wonderful each night on point.

[@AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

Wow. What segment/continent of the tour?

[@trr9230]

Oh my God. I love Zoo TV, the mother of all major rock tours. I wish I could have seen it first hand.

[@Ticonderous1]

Well That Was Awesome .... Loved every minute of it ... Thanks Brother.....

[@BrandonToews]

Thank you very much!

[@Ticonderous1]

@@BrandonToews You are welcome Brandon ... Loved it ..Happy New Year.. from Down under ...

[@terrykinsella8084]

seen you play them songs is brilliant, because for me larry Mullins is the best drummer I've ever seen and heard, now before people say what, I would advise anyone who wants to be a drummer to see the way he plays because he plays the drum kit in so many ways and not just the hi hats in every song, amazing.

[@randall883]

Really good! Thank for putting in light this underrated drummer. I think that something from Songs of innocence should stand into this video, for instance Cedarwood Road's groove