HE WAS HAVING A HEART ATTACK?! First Time Hearing BUDDY RICH IMPOSSIBLE DRUM SOLO Reaction!

[@drzarkov39]

Having a heart attack during a performance, Rich was rushed to the hospital. In the emergency room, they asked if he was allergic to anything. He said "Yes, country music."

[@gailjohnson5950]

Gee, I thought I was the only person who had that allergy!! Hahaha. The great Mr. Rich!

[@honeybadger713]

Country Music is not just an allergy , it’s the f**king plaque😅

[@drummer8by2]

And he got a Hernia performing a solo as well ... There is only one Buddy Rich

[@francodrummer1]

Buddy Rich is the straight up GOAT!!!

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Sam, that's "trad grip" (traditional grip), which was the norm back then. It's more difficult in ways, but I mostly love drummers that can switch back and forth easily between trad grip and modern grip, and that's exactly what Neil Peart does (and many other great drummers, including John Bonham from Led Zeppelin). But yeah, he was mind-blowing for the time, the way he pushed that genre so hard. He really had it. ❤

[@davidboivin7996]

Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa influenced a legion of Rock drummers.

[@thomastimlin1724]

I bet they were both sorry too, lol

[@SuperPrince1007]

Buddy Rich was a freak of nature because he was so incredibly fast. He was the Best Drummer of all time and a cut above everybody else. There will never be another Drummer like him again.

[@steverakes6182]

Buddy was a child prodigy. There has never been anyone before or since that could touch Buddy Rich the GOAT.

[@Salmacis99]

Buddy was 64 when he played this. Think about that. He's pretty much the gold standard of all time for drummers, and you can clearly see why. I always hesitate to say that anyone was ever 'The Best' at anything, but with Buddy it's hard to argue against it. As a lifelong drummer, I know of what I speak 🙂

[@Wilem35]

60 year old Danny Carry still touring hard.

[@Barbra3113]

Danny is 63. can't believe it.​@Wilem35

[@nthdegree1269]

@@Wilem35 Buddy Rich had his first heart attack in 1959. Lots of people are now aware. With the types of physical challenges he had, not too many have the perfect techique to relax like he did when he played.... He was the single greatest drumming talent of any era. That isn't saying "his is the best" or "greatest" just that his raw talent which really was not honed or practiced, was built via playing with bands and sharing pointers with musicians. He had a photographic memory when it came to music, knowing a piece after 1 listen. You could say, his greatest assets made for some weaknesses, in that it came so easy for him, he didn't really push himself like other drummers do.

[@josefschiltz2192]

My cousin is 78 and still plays professionally for theatrical productions whenever he has the chance and still keeps the sticks going at home.

[@lt.spears1889]

John Bonham, Neal Peart

[@generoberts9151]

Greatest drummer that ever lived. The hand speed is phenomenal

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

This is the "West Side Story Medley," adapted from the Broadway musical West Side Story. The tune was a Buddy Rich staple for years. I saw him live in the 1970's--in that concert he played a 20 minute solo. Best drummer ever--no one else will ever come close. When this was recorded, he had been playing professionally for about a half-century.

[@pkmadsen2850]

I was in grade school in the 70s; my dad took me to see Buddy Rich in concert. I loved drums. Blew my mind.

[@kirkkimball-martinez2402]

The Greatest and King of Drummers of all time.

[@markstoudenmire4935]

I'm surprised that reading through the comments no one mentioned buddy Rich's personality! He was a well-known jerk who at times showed up for shows in a brand new sports car while no one in the band had been paid in a several weeks. My favorite Buddy Rich story came from a friend of mine whose dad was a professional sax player and had played, not only with Buddy Rich but also Stan Kenton and others. Because Dad was a professional musician, he slept during the day and the house rule was to never wake Dad unless the house was on fire. My friend was just a kid and learning to play drums when the phone rang one day and caller asked "If John was home" and "tell him Buddy Rich was on the phone"; my friend, who was about 10 at the time, freaked out & ran to his dad, woke him up (which obviously infuriated him) leaving him asking why was he being awakened and was told, "DAD, DAD, DAD, BUDDY RICH IS ON THE PHONE!!" to which he replied "tell that *sshole I'm not home" and rolled over to go back to sleep.

[@Perfect_Blend]

It was said that he hated everyone, LOL.

[@Nightwalk444]

That's a brilliant story

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

Rich was the best and he knew it. Part of his abrasive personality was that he demanded perfection from his musicians--many of which in his later years were young musicians not used to being pushed to produce at top notch level all the time. I met him before one of his live concerts--he was not abrasive toward me at all--in fact, he was very gracious. At the time, I was just a young college student.

[@markstoudenmire4935]

@@rockymountainjazzfan1822 I find that very easy to believe as I've known numerous young musicians who had the opportunity to meet him and he always seemed to be gracious to each one. And yes, he did demand perfection from those in his band, but that doesn't excuse not paying them, not putting them up in nicer hotels, etc etc...

[@MamawT65]

Greatest of all time!

[@mitzifrancis9843]

I fell in love with Buddy Rich and his drumming as a young girl seeing him on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson! So glad you got to "meet" the great Mr. Rich! And what an introduction...

[@LeviAWilson]

Yeah, you just watched the drummer's drummer. The late great Buddy Rich. You'll notice when he's just playing on the high hit cymbals, he's still doing a beat from under the cymbals with that same hand that he's holding the cymbals with. One of the things about Buddy that a lot of people don't really know is that he was that good but hardly ever practiced. I always remembered hearing that for years, but I didn't think it was possible to be that good without hours of practice. Then I watched an interview with his daughter, and she was asked that same question and she said: "Yes, that's right. Dad hardly ever practiced. As a matter of fact, I never even seen a drum set at the house". How crazy is that! The great Neal Peart even played a session with Buddy's old band. Then he also did a live drum solo tribute to Buddy as well. Buddy even once played at a benefit and there were several other well-known famous rock drummers there and after he did his solo, they didn't even want to go on a play after him. lol but some of his drum offs with other great jazz drummers was unreal, like Gene Krupa, Ed Shaughnessy, Louis Bellson. Those are some awesome drum battles. Louis Bellson was the first jazz drummer I ever saw that used double bass drums. Both Louis Bellson and Ed Shaughnessy played at different times as the house drummer for Johnny Carson's " The Tonight Show". Ed Shaughnessy also played for several years as the house drummer for "The David Letterman Show". Everybody has the person they looked up to, even Buddy Rich and one of his favorite drummers was the late great Chick Webb. Chick Webb's band had a battle with Gene Krupa's band and they both did drum solos and Gene openly admitted that Chick won. He said in a newspaper article; "Chick ripped me to shreds that night". I remember when I was a kid taking lessons from my Jazz drum teacher, he had mentioned that he had seen Buddy Rich play live and I asked him what it was like, and he said: "After watching Buddy, no matter how long you've been playing, he makes you feel like only been playing for a few weeks. He makes you want to take your drums and put them in the paper for sale the next day". lol

[@anthonysharp8079]

He came to my home City here in England and he was fantastic, he was the man who got me interested in drumming. Here I am at 70 yrs old still loving Buddy, oh yea and I shook the great mans hand. Legend.

[@DougMcElroy-g3l]

Buddy was and is the greatest drummer to ever take breath

[@captainsatellite2112]

I was fortunate to see Buddy perform at Disneyland in the 70's. I was a teen who knew a lot about rock drummers and was blown away by Buddy's skills.

[@carlupthegrove262]

Many times on the stage at Carnation Plaza, I (and another drummer friend) would stand at stage right just few feet from Buddy and watch in awe.

[@evhleppard]

One of the greatest, if not the greatest drummer to ever live.

[@erikrupp692]

I saw Buddy play live at least 3 times, and I can honestly say as a former drummer that he was the greatest drummer who ever lived. While there have been drummers who came after him who have pretty much met his level of skill, he did so at a time when no one else was doing what he did - he invented the style of drumming he used. Sure, he had his influences, but he took those influences and turned them into something far more than those drummers had played. The fact that he could play this amazingly well in his mid 60's, with all the health problems he had, while wearing a freaking tux - UNREAL! His band (the one from 1966 to 1986) was unbelievably tight and powerful. He was a taskmaster (often an angry one), but he also had a great sense of humor. The Roar Of '74 remains my favorite Jazz album. Powerful, grooving, swinging Jazz, with some hints of Progressive Rock and Funk in there - just a phenomenal album.

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

Buddy Rich is undoubtedly one of the greatest drummers of all time another one to check out would be Gene Krupa I've got an album I think it's from the 50s with Gene and Buddy on it and it's legendary I would argue that literally all drummers stand on the shoulders of Jean and Buddy

[@mikegalloway9608]

I"M A DRUMMER AND BUDDY RICH IS AWESOME. ANOTHER GREAT DRUMMER IS GENE KRUPA. THESE TWO DRUMMERS WERE THE BEST.{M.G}orig TORONTO, CANADA.

[@chrisjamieson3452]

I'd like them to react to Billy Cobham & Tommy Bolin doing Taurian Matado from Billy's 1st solo album.

[@argonwheatbelly637]

Krupa was great. He came off as a gentleman on stage, too.

[@justjack0715]

In his 60's and in a suit no less - killing it! I've seen him live in small clubs 3 times and close enough to touch him and believe me he's all that and more.. There's many great drummer's out there but at the end of the day Buddy stands alone!

[@christopherhuot2826]

That's why BUDDY is the MASTER 😅

[@kevindohn6776]

When I was a young drummer, my dad took me to see a Buddy Rich concert at the Montreal Jazz festival, that was very enjoyable and inspiring !

[@kh2099-z5f]

Every time I see a drum solo in Rock N Roll You Tubes. And everyone says how great they are. All I can think about is. Ya but you haven't seen Buddy Rich.

[@GeertDeLange-k5x]

Maybe another great drummer, probably the technical best drummer i know. It is Kai Hatho from Nightwish. There are a few warming-up drum video's from him. I hope you pick one to enjoy his high skills. Greetings from the Netherlands

[@karenmandeville7116]

he was my dad's favorite drummer. he was on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson often.

[@kingbrutusxxvi]

I don't see it mentioned yet but Buddy was actually having a heart attack while playing. He was rushed off stage as soon as the song finished and taken to a hospital. Even more impressive.

[@metalmark1214]

You could say it was literally a heart stopping performance.

[@ruelsmith]

Never knew that! That was the first song he performed. He later performed another tune.

[@edsmith3461-z7m]

Pretty much a myth. If anything he had some discomfort. He didn't have a heart attack until Jan 1983, he had one before in 1959.

[@toddlevin]

@@edsmith3461-z7m Nope - just google "Buddy Rich heart attack during solo" and you will see that this recording, actually from late 1982, is indeed the referenced recording where he did actually have a modest heart attack during the performance of this solo. Not a myth. Multiple references and resources for fact-checking abound for thorough corroboration...

[@stevenwitt1812]

I saw him perform several times including at the Chicago Jazz Fest in 85, and each time it was pure magic. He was incredible. So fluid and effortless. The best!

[@sandwichman100]

thank youtube and videos for keeping true geniuses alive way after they move on from earthly existence

[@bufordteejustice1119]

The greatest of all time. I knew a Saxophone player who played with him back in the 70s. He had the best stories. Thanks for sharing

[@davidleach4689]

One of the greatest drummers of all time

[@petegregory517]

I'll stand on "the greatest" till my last breath.

[@scottrbloom]

Unbelievable hand speed. For a long time he was absolutely the best on the planet, and to a lot of drummers he's still the best ever and a huge inspiration.

[@ronaldbolton7338]

The song is from "West Side Story" the Jets song. When I was a kid, it was argued who was better Buddy Rich or Gene Krupa and Carson used to have them on the Tonight Show doing solos frequently because he himself was a drummer and loved it. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion it was Buddy but many great drummers mention Krupa as well.

[@robgrano6814]

I've always felt that Buddy was better technically but Gene was a more musical player, if that makes sense. Louie Bellson was sort of a combination of the two, and comes in third in my view.

[@AdaedA1]

It’s the overture of “West Side Story”

[@heenez2397]

One of the very first modern drummers. Started as a toddler drumming in a circus-like act around the 1920's. The modern set up of a drum-kit evolved together with him. When he was a kid , there was no combined kick drum, hi-hat, cymbals and toms setup that everyone now uses and is used to calling it drums.

[@ddraiss]

Buddy Rich was still touring almost till the day he died, in 1987. I remember going to a concert at my local high school, when I was still in Middle school, to watch a concert featuring him. I'm guessing that was either 1984 or 1985.

[@davidmazzell2332]

He's also got the kick drum going insane 😳

[@MauriceCalis]

From my late teen years I tried to collect every Buddy Rich album I could find. I started out as a Rush fan, being a drummer, but when I discovered Buddy, I wanted to hear everything he ever played and try to learn from him. After many years of listening and watching him, it always seemed to me that he just got better with age, right to the end; he refused to quit. Comparing Buddy to Neil, it is much harder to be creative with less drums, for a stroke by stroke comparison. When it comes to technique, give a guy just a snare and see what he can do. That being said, though I, along with many drummers, have long considered Buddy to be the G.O.A.T., I have come to appreciate Neil’s arrangements and colors, and how he supports each song so uniquely. Vastly different styles, but much to enjoy from both of them.

[@annaradlinger1107]

Yes, very much aware of the great Buddy Rich. Thanks to my Dad. He is who raised me on great music. That was the great Frank Sinatra who introduced Buddy.❤

[@tmr626]

Another famous drummer that many of the younger generation doesn't know about is Gene Krupa. You'll see some of his wild drumming on the song "Sing Sing Sing". There was also a movie made about him starring Sal Mineo. You'll find a good segment of this movie if you check out: Sal Mineo As Gene Krupa - Best Drum Solo in Film.

[@ldwahl6678]

Great choice. He could be a taskmaster with his musicians, but he pushed them to greater heights. Started at the age of 4.

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

Buddy’s homage to West Side Story, awesome

[@retired4365]

I got to see Buddy Rich live once and it was amazing. ❤

[@oldmanghost219]

OH YEAH Buddy Rich !!! He is way up there with the all time greats. He was who I was hearing about in high school Circa 1970. I got the ... Buddy Rich Mercy Mercy ...at Caesars Palace Album...it has the best versions of those songs. This kind of music that does not stay the same as there is a lot improvisation.

[@sdp-co9pq]

Just absolutely unbelievable

[@martinsmusic1724]

You should watch the drum battle between Buddy Rich and Ed Shaughnessy (who was the drummer on the Tonight Show)

[@kathrynstafford7099]

My friend was trained by Max Roach, another drummer along the same vein as Buddy Rich.

[@davidmckenzie420]

He and Gene Kruppa were THE great drummers back then. And all great drummers since know these guys and have learned from them.

[@trollman591]

I got to see him live in the early 80's. Still one of the best concerts I have seen.

[@soonernate64]

100% familiar w/ Buddy Rich. I think as fortunate to get to see him 3 times back in high school & early college between 1980-83 as he and his orchestra were guest performers at jazz competitions in Oklahoma. Phenomenal skills that still hold up as inspirational.

[@JeffreyCantelope]

He is doing parts of the main theme from West Side Story

[@casimirok2760]

Saw him twice from a few feet from the stage!! Also got his autograph 😊.. he was a freak of nature on drums

[@bradjenkins1475]

Hey, guys, I'm old enough to have watched buddy riches. Appearances on the Johnny Carson show and there were many appearances because he was considered to be one of the regulars. Anyway, I think it's very cool that you guys decided to go down this path because everybody talks about some of the greatest rock drummers of all time. And they always refer to John Bonham and ginger Baker and that whole group of guys. But when you see Buddy Rich perform on those drums, it's hard to imagine anyone being better or faster. Let's remember anytime you see videos on buddy. Rich, it's always him doing solos, not being part of a group and as great as the half, a dozen excellent drummers from the rock era. They still don't have any solo videos for us to really focus on them and them alone. Me myself? I think John Bonner may have been the greatest, although I'm sure some people would argue, but he certainly in the top 2S3. But with that being said, I do believe that Buddy Rich may be better. But he's absolutely most definitely at least as good.

[@SoloArt8250]

Most drummers looked up to Buddy Rich. He was fast/strong/stamina for days on the drums. His left hand independence is insane

[@dereks1264]

"His little drum sticks..." Sam is so lovable!

[@davidscroggins7728]

The GOAT !

[@willfromyadkinville]

he was amazing! straight up legend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kowindsurf1590]

all class

[@romainvoeller]

Thanks guys for posting this....he is the GOAT! Yes, a little James Bondish sound but the tune was actually "Something's Coming" from the musical West Side Story.

[@garfle1959]

My dad knew Buddy Rich. Mom and dad visited with him on his tour bus when he came to North Newton , Kansas. My dad was a fine musical director, and he knew some of the greats.

[@anthonykowalski573]

The best!

[@Valhalrik]

Glad you watched the Maestro!!

[@sonicart1808]

Loved your reaction to this guys.....Buddy was incredible for sure, his stick holding technique is called the "Traditional or Orthodox" grip method, which as the name suggests is how many drummers 'originally' learned to hold their sticks (marching band style), the more common style you see nowadays by far is the "Matchstick or Matched Grip" and there are also slight variations on these two.... some people still believe you have more control and sensitivity using the Traditional grip, but this is up for dispute..... and also the music you're playing can depict a preferred technique. Buddies left-hand technique is legendary, in the way he kept really fast rolls going independently....really enjoyable thanks!

[@nealrepetti2396]

Use to watch Buddy Rich on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson all the time. Because of him ,I learned how to play the drums. One of the greatest ever! Enjoy.

[@johndalessandro9157]

When I was young it was general knowledge he was the best drummer. The opening ochestra number was from West Side Story.

[@dereks1264]

BTW, if it matters, the music is an adaptation of the "Symphonic Dances from West Side Story" so......not James Bond. 😁

[@rkw2917]

I saw him and the band live a few times around 72 When they were in the mood, well it was riveting

[@richardburnett6123]

I saw Buddy Rich with my Dad in Hastings, England in 1986 (a year before he died) he was still brilliant then. The band he had with him that night were all in their 20s and we're great but Buddy at nearly 70 was sublime that night. That night he did a drum solo with just a spotlight on him. Halfway through his solo the spotlight failed. Buddy stopped and stood up and said "is the sound man trying to tell me something?" the audience just cracked up laughing. What a great showman he was.

[@mrmark5595]

I need to try it all dressed up!

[@karlrattray]

Firstly thanks for playing the whole tune as it puts it in context as a piece of Jazz. He was probably the greatest drummer of all time but if you like this try Art Blakey "Caravan"

[@dannyc8041]

AMAZING!!!!

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra were roommates and sometimes adversaries in the Tommy Dorsey Band back in the ''40s getting into it numerous times...

[@norm92.4u]

Fantastic! I need to see some more of this energizer bunny! I mean, buddy, energizer, buddy that’s his new name! Freaking awesome!

[@MatthewPettyST1300]

When you get Frank Sinatra to introduce you and it comes with a hug. You know you have made it to the GOAT level.

[@thomassanchez-oo6sb]

Carl Palmer 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@hornerinf]

This is the arrangement of a music suite from West Side Story composed by Leonard Bernstein. Buddy was 64 and as others have said he had a heart attack in the middle of this.

[@bombasticbushkin4985]

I'm a drummer and learned from Buddy, Neil Peart and others. He was a pioneer and, as you say, probably the most difficult to copy. He produced a snare alphabet book of 26 variations to perfect. Obviously Buddy, a natural, started young and created his own unique style encompassing speed and precision. To my mind, for all the above, such a phenom, I will give my vote to him as the greatest drummer ever.

[@AudioVile]

With Neil's vs Buddy's drum set, the difference is almost hilarious. I am old enough to have seen Buddy Rich live. It was amazing. That was in the 70s when I was a serious trumpet player. Watching him and his band reminded me I wasn't "all that." I don't think you will find any confirmation that he had a heart attack during this solo. He WAS on tour in New York, and DID go to the hospital... they thought he had a stroke. He had a brain tumor removed, and had a fatal cardiac arrest weeks later. BUT... I can find nothing about a heart attack DURING this performance. I suspect it's urban legend.

[@joconnell8145]

The story I heard AND read was a mild stroke. Taken to the hospital after this performance, checked out okay and went home.

[@Jazzbeau1]

If Buddy could read music, what would the sheet music even look like? And if the sheet music did somehow exist reading it would probably slow the process. Just an amazing drummer.

[@michaellockhart554]

Buddy was Neil Peart's hero, Neail performed at Buddy Rich Tributes 2 times, they are available on KZbin and are definitely worth a watch

[@Eyes-of-Horus]

Can't forget Gene Krupa. He did one of the most practiced and classic drum solos ever.

[@petegregory517]

Admired Buddy starting in my teens, 13 to be exact in 1965. My dad passed and I bought a trap set for $150 with money I made bailing hay @ $1.25 an hour. Mom always said she knew where I was , what I was doing, who I was with when those drums were pounded so she never complained. My real initials are BR so with a magic marker I copied his logo on my kit. Always my favorite, always will be. Hitting with (so called) "back" of stick is called "backsticking". His left hand, especially fingers hold the secret.

[@alberthaust4542]

To some extent the music was from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein (rearranged).

[@Perfect_Blend]

Buddy Rich once told Karen Carpenter he was his favorite drummer. Now that's a HUGE compliment coming from this man. You need to watch her kickass drumming skills as well.

[@humphreygruntwhistle3946]

He said he was his favorite drummer. lol

[@glennwisniewski9536]

The dreaded typo (she, of course, not he).

[@samhilton4173]

Karen Carpenter wasn't as good a drummer as Buddy but she could sing, as well, at the same.time she's playing some really tough rudiments. Skilled lady but not my kind of music.

[@courtneywallace871]

The music is actually from West Side Story.

[@jtf2dan]

Buddy Rich is to drumming....what muhammad Ali was to boxing, what arnold Schwarzenegger was to bodybuilding, what Wayne Gretzky was to hockey.....He was just on another level and in a category on his own. No one comes close.

[@francishuhghes5229]

What Page is to guitar ! !

[@Eowyn187]

That's fantastic!!! I'm not familiar with him. 🤦‍♀️ but it sure put me in the mood for some 40s Big Band. Which I've loved forever. Come to think of it, you guys would really appreciate that sound as well.

[@jasonlouis697]

I am not familiar with Buddy Rich, let alone knew that he was Peart's inspiration. Thank you for introducing me to him. I have to say, comparing this to Peart's performance in Frankfurt - I see so many of the same moves. I can see so many similarities, so I am that much more thankful for Buddy Rich. Now I wonder if that's the same music they play at the end of the Frankfurt performance?

[@kathrynstafford7099]

I saw him on a variety showing the 60s or Johnnh Carson. He played the drums while upside down.

[@nealrepetti2396]

It's from West Side Story.

[@BlueDragon53]

The left hand drumstick was the more traditional way drummers were taught how to hold the stick for the snare drum. What I find impressive is how he's not really doing any big motions with his arms. Watched him in the 60s on the Ed Sullivan show live.

[@marrkhicks]

Besides buddy this band is top notch. A high school friend payed for buddy. We didn’t see it coming!

[@ESUSAMEX]

His left hand is holding the stick with a traditional grip. If both sticks are held the same way in both hands, it is called a matched grip. Jazz drummers (and military drummers) like buddy prefer the traditional grip while rock and pop drummers prefer the matched grip.

[@markhodge7]

Thanks

[@ESUSAMEX]

@@markhodge7 No problem.

[@raymeedc]

The music the band was playing was from West Side Story from the early 60s .

[@johnnieangel99]

This is completely a work of art. Given what he was going through. and how he not only made it through but powered through it. The man was a god among men. Buddy Rich has done a fair amount of "drum offs" with other drummers. Legends like Gene Krupka, Sammy Davis jr,. Animal from "The Muppets, Johnny Carson who Buddy taught to play drums. Jerry Lewis. These videos are all available online. Enjoy.

[@orlandonostagiafever1964]

Krupa and rich my favorites !!

[@gailvolm3862]

Smile when you say "older", and then watch his hands baby!

[@gregyaklin5980]

Most jazz drummers use traditional grip, as in the case of Buddy Rich. With Neil Pearts solo, he was using both traditional grip, as well as matched grip.