Buddy Rich drum solo 1974 Wolf Trap - West Side Story

[@toecutter8002]

What age would you say Buddy Rich was when he was at his peak his talent stretches decades but there's got to be the one moment that even impressed himself. His moment

[@cloudview747]

In Mel Torme's biography of Buddy entitled Traps The Drum Wonder: The Life of Buddy Rich, Buddy emphatically told Mel that his drum solo at Newport Jazz Festival 1965 was the pinnacle of his career. Here is what Buddy said: "That was THE time. When those other cats [Elvin Jones, Louis Bellson, Art Blakey] were all done, I sat down behind my drums and began. I'm telling you, I did things that day I didn't even know I was capable of playing. I mean, I actually astonished myself! When I was finished, I laid the sticks down on the large tom, stood up, and walked off. I had said it all man. Like I had never said it before... Or since." And on a personal note, I have said this before: If someone told me, you can only have one decade of Buddy's audios and videos, I would definitely pick the 60s.

[@porruolivier2916]

Are you sure it was in Newport in 1965? Because I don’t find any record of Buddy Rich for this year. I can find for 66 or 67 but not 65. Cpuld you help me? Thank you!

[@cloudview747]

@@porruolivier2916 Yes I am sure, it definitely was Newport 1965. It's written about on page 120 of the book Traps The Drum Wonder. It's also on page 351 of Doug Meriwether's book Mister I Am The Band: Buddy Rich His Life and Travels. A third reference to it is in the August 12, 1965 issue of DownBeat magazine (which I have) on page 24. The date of the performance was Saturday July 3, 1965. Here is what jazz writer Dan Morgenstern said in that issue of DownBeat magazine: "Then came Rich. He started with a roll, and he kept it going throughout his long solo, using his foot to keep a driving beat. The roll swelled and swelled, like a wave in a storm. Except for an occasional cymbal foray, during which he amazingly kept the roll moving with one hand, Rich concentrated on his snare. He built the roll up, gradually brought it down to pianissimo, then raised it to a roar. It was a phenomenal performance, breathtaking in its so very difficult simplicity, void of grandstanding effects, absolutely continuous and unrelenting, and, though nearly superhuman in terms of technique, very much the work of a man and not at all mechanical in its perfection. If nothing else of value had happened at Newport, to witness Rich would have made it all worthwhile."

[@gabrielpetersen7762]

​Xx

[@gabrielpetersen7762]

​😢gvvvv😊vvvvvvvvvvvvvpvvv

[@acedrumminman]

I traveled with him 76-77 being his rehearsal drummer and roadie along with Steve Peck. Buddy always sounded good, but there were times when we all knew something special was happening. He did have "Rich-isms" on certain charts that remained pretty much unchanged night to night. I asked him about it once and he said "look, these are light fills, they're whole purpose is to make it comfortable for the band to come in, that's the job...when it's my time i don't know what's going to happen." Imagine being a young drummer (I was 24 at the time and watching him play two sets every night from a perfect position.) All during that time only once he had me sit down next to him and listen to his drum solo on Channel One (Alan Gauvin taped the band every night, his collection is rare for that time period.)...He said "you know, tonight I thought the drum solo was really good, there was nothing I couldn't do." So, his standard for himself was so high, most nights were just "work" and some had meaning to him. The fact that this was the Killer Force Band made him raise his level most nights, because if he didn't, the brass would leave him in the dust...thanks to Dave Stahl who never let up. Some would argue this was his finest period.

[@cloudview747]

First of all, thank you VERY much for being a part of the INCREDIBLE 76-77 Killer Force incarnation of the Buddy Rich Big Band!!

[@cloudview747]

And also, can't thank you enough for your behind the scenes insight about The Drum Wonder! ❤

[@jasonwatson350]

Wow dude. Very impressive.

[@steveforst5163]

The band just gave you an ass kicking, I was never the same musically after seeing the band for the first time. I got to see the band 4-5 time from when he was 60.

[@crissignori7482]

@@steveforst5163Yeah It was a class act. I saw the band for the first time in ‘75 and six more times after. I feel very fortunate.

[@philliplopez7803]

There will never be another Buddy Rich 🙏👌💕

[@namron1106]

I'm close?

[@willpierson8310]

I could just dance right now to Buddy rich drum solos. True works of art. There is so much I want to say about buddy rich but I can’t because I’m still till this day it’s almost 2025 and his solos still every time blow me away. Just shoots my soul right out of my body.

[@drpenguin4478]

His left hand is absolutely insane.

[@timwilsey3655]

His control was terrifying , what an absolute master

[@Martin-iv6lq]

terrifying? jesus christ

[@richsackett3423]

@@Martin-iv6lq Beware the Hunchback of the Drum Set! Beware!!

[@dantyler6907]

"terrifying"?

[@timwilsey3655]

@@Martin-iv6lq toughen up buttercup, figure of speech, you'll survive

[@timwilsey3655]

@@dantyler6907 figure of speech..you going to be ok

[@Loveisthylaw777]

you can see that years of dedication and very strict effort has given him the freedom of a child with the focus of a lazer. Breath taking

[@Grid56]

Just shows you don't have to beat the living daylights out of a kit to get the best out of it. What a genius! Wish I'd had a chance to see him live.

[@johnbrown9092]

Saw him twice live in UK. Brilliant!😊

[@sstephen474]

@@johnbrown9092 saw him 3 nites in a row 1970 Disneyland he's a superhuman freak unlimited talent not to mention unbelievable charisma the GOAT

[@normolsen5209]

When I was in the 8th grade and was at Disney Land the marching band that goes around the park someone in the band recognized him and they put their drums on the ground and he was Phenomenal I didn't know who he was at the time until I read a article about him in Guitar Magazine several years later.Truly once in a lifetime experience. Also the same night the Stray Cats played at Disney Land. A memory I will never forget. He is a Legendary Percussionist. I'm 55 now I will never forget that.

[@humanbeing2420]

They put their drums on the ground? Your story makes no sense.

[@normolsen5209]

They are the marching band that carries their drums what doesn't make sense?

[@guitarttimman]

I always wondered what it would've been like if he'd played with Led Zeppelin. That would've been some kick@$$ music.

[@joshlucchesi8225]

This video is what KZbin is best at: capturing monumental performances and preserving them for posterity. Buddy Rich was amazing.

[@caseyjones9716]

He makes it all look so easy, so effortless, so graceful. Never slips. Never kinks. Never fail to bring it back to a theme. Loved watching him on Carson. He was always in his own world.

[@davidwoolbright3675]

I’ve watched several BR videos and I can say his only weakness is because his movements are often so subtle he hits his sticks together and the rim occasionally (unintentionally) it never shakes him or slows him down!

[@davidholcomb7637]

Perfect percussion. Perfect rhythm, tempo, control, scales. People don't understand how hard it is to play 1/2 notes with one foot, 1/8th with other. 1/4 notes with one hand and 128ths with other. Most people can't pat their head and rub their stomach. Absolute control

[@machngunjoe]

I wonder who was in control?Buddy or the music controlling him? Watching him; he was so great one could lose track of where that control lies. Beautiful

[@HouseJawn]

Did you just make up those notes? Im a drummer haha.. how is he playing 1/8 notes with the foot and he's definitely not playing 128th notes with hand 😆

[@itsawonderfulknife7031]

All that and a complete dick too. Lol.

[@williambaxter4628]

Yes, but can he dance?

[@jessetarr2771]

Yeah buddy is unbelievable

[@openyoureyes4799]

How could anyone not give this a thumb up? I don't understand "player haters". Buddy Rich was the best of all time!

[@georgeb.wolffsohn30]

The man who hath not music in his soul is fit for strategems, spoils and treasons. That man is never to be trusted. Wm. Shakespeare

[@patrickbrent642]

Well, no one has to love everything. That's never been written in stone. I hate a lot of things for my own reasons. The 90s and beyond were full of shit players hyped up by media. BUT...Buddy? Man, any drummer, regardless of how long they've been playing, can learn from him. Totally dynamic and musical all around the kit, what makes drumming an art. What's not to love about that?

[@artiejoe0228]

He was the one who inspired me to play the drums.

[@openyoureyes4799]

@@patrickbrent642 I saw him in concert in the 80's I think it was, at my school, the one I graduated from a long time ago....and he did a solo using his entire drum set and he was amazing!!!!

[@KCNYC]

Maybe because they can’t like what they don’t understand? Personally, I love it, but I can understand how it could be too complex for others

[@crissignori7482]

Every solo is a story - chapters, verses, beginning and end. Developed in the most masterful way. Timeless.

[@cloudview747]

Exactly what Buddy said in interviews that he strived for in his drum solos.

[@Jungleland33]

Wow! I have no idea what I just witnessed.....but it was awesome.

[@michaelwilliamson3771]

Music is a pure gift, listen and watch close!!! Michael...

[@cloudview747]

Yes. People should listen and watch close when it comes to all the nuances of Buddy's phenomenal musicality.

[@lmundiclan]

I was Buddy Rich’s agents secretary and was proud to set up his gigs. He was such a nice man, I miss him, I’m sure everyone who knew him misses him too. West Side Story was the greatest play on Broadway!

[@cloudview747]

I miss him terribly too, and I never met him! Thank you very much for all your work on behalf of the great, one-of-a-kind Buddy Rich!!

[@The1trueking1966]

Bullshit. Show me the proof

[@lmao-p4h]

@@The1trueking1966alright egghead calm down

[@danjames4086]

​@@The1trueking1966 I suppose if you were going to bullshit, you would make a more obvious connection...like you were his agent, or his secretary. Being the secretary of his agent is an unusual position to invent isn't it? In the words of Sean Connery to Kevin Costner, 'Who would claim to be that that wasn't?'

[@paulseano5100]

Dynamics, prowess, substance. A brew of unimaginable ingredients. Buddy’s dexterity, originality and skill remains unmatched. Thank you for sharing this solo. Like others have commented, Buddy is a master.

[@tonyjkd8010]

Yes. I call him the Bruce Lee of drummers. His skills are unmatched and he just flows like water 💧. Seamlessly flows from one to the next. Water can flow , drip , creep or crash. Be water my friend. The words of Bruce Lee from the Longstreet and The lost interview. The Pierre Burton show. Watch it and you'll know what I mean. Happy new year 🎉

[@gusmoore7678]

Love You Buddy I’m a good friend of your step Brother down here in the Springfield Mo. Area and originally from up in Michigan where you were raised… Miss You Bigtime, You were always my favorite and the resin I play too

[@DavidTucker-x5y]

RIP Buddy Rich. I grew up enjoying his drumming. 🥁

[@brucewilson6084]

I saw Buddy live several times.I have seen dozens of solos on You Tube.I have never seen anything to compare with this solo.What a freak of nature he was,his like never to be seen again.

[@ronaldschlager4888]

NO ONE LIKE HIM EVER AGAIN! I PLAYED IN 1967 AND 1973, BUT NOWHERE NEAR BUDDY! HE WAS ALWAYS MY FAVORITE!

[@ericaward702]

🙏💯🙏

[@Chiroman527]

Yepper, Buddy was a Freak of nature !! RIP Buddy. This is Mezmerising !!

[@deebee9751]

Buddy Rich passed away in 1987 and still to this day nobody can play like him. he has to have over 1000 techniques he does that only a Genius like him could ever do in this lifetime. Long lives Buddy to this day. I sure do miss him and seeing him play at Disneyland..

[@cloudview747]

I miss him too in a huge way. I'm glad you got to see him play live at Disneyland!

[@deebee9751]

I remember at 10 years old back then the big band sound was so real and surrounds your ears ti perfection that I remember so well. Buddy always gave it 110% and pushed his band so hard that no note was off and everyone was insync. It was incredible to watch because his drum solos blew my mind and never heard any drummer ever play like that.

[@rantman86]

Buddy Rich certainly was a legend. New age drummer El Estapario Siberiano is quite the legend though.

[@jarnosaarinen4583]

@@rantman86 Look up Dylan Elise theres no one dead or alive better than him!

[@robertoricci3393]

Buddy is a legend but many modern drummers can play like him. Greyson Nekrutman can safely play like him and he's 25 or less

[@tydeeb4146]

great video. first heard rich in 1955 on one of my dad's 78 rpms Tommy Dorsey , "Not so quiet please!". That was the start of buying every single record featuring Rich. Met him for the first time in Atlanta at a music shop in downtown. He was doing a gig at the Top of the Stairs and had just switched to Rogers drums. He was doing a promo for Rogers and there were about 150 guys crowded into the store. He answered questions and was very likeable in his demeanor. someone asked if he practiced every day, he grinned and sat down at a kit and blew us all away for 30 minutes of the greatest drumming I've ever heard or seen. Buddy Rich is the greatest.

[@cloudview747]

Many of us had a similar experience of hearing Rich for the first time. For me, it was my dad's albums of Swingin' New Big Band and Blues Caravan. I was hooked instantly, and like you said, that was the start of me buying every single record that Buddy came out with, starting with Big Swing Face and continuing on from there. One of a Kind he was. The Drum Wonder.

[@karma4553]

Thanks daddd

[@TheStrangeOne14]

"Not so quiet please!" , from my dads '78 also. I'll Take Tallulah" was the flip side, me thinks.

[@andycomstock9920]

Man, Buddy was great! He did so much with just a standard kit. Loved his solos.

[@jbc1042]

What an awesome talent Buddy Rich was. Imagine how many future drummers were inspired by his performances! ❤

[@cloudview747]

The list of drummers Buddy influenced is LONG!

[@chrisbohanon403]

It's a shame that theirs no such thing as musicians nowadays! For over 20 years they don't even play instruments!!

[@JosephPetrizzojr]

Buddy Rich was my idle, that's why I started playing the drums 50 yrs ago, I'm a Retired professional Drummer of 45 yrs because of arthritis in my wrists but this man taught me a lot just watching him, may Mr Buddy Rich RIP and I know he's playing for the good Lord now with his buddy Rich band. 💔💔🥁🥁🥁, he was the master of the skins. 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@BatutiiBatmelang]

i think you mean idol...

[@drumz47]

I must have been just 14 years old in 1974 with my very first set of premier drums. I remember my teacher Collin Young and I going to the bottom line at 16 to see Buddy Rich. HE LIT MY FIRE STILL TODAY.

[@adityatyagi4009]

Very few drummers can tell a musical story in a drum solo the way Buddy did. Amazing!

[@cloudview747]

+Aditya Tyagi Thank you for your comment. I feel exactly the same!!

[@johnrogers9481]

Oh yes! This whole thing was very musical, right from the first few hits! Ha, I used to feel and hear melody playing in my head whenever I played a solo! Its got to be or it's just banging. Buddy Rich, a master musician!

[@thetruth156real3]

Best exponent of drums ever, don’t let these KZbin drum pilots tell you any different, they might give little lessons and show you things you can’t do yet but this guy does things they will never do. You know who you are?

[@danmaroff324]

What a beast!!! Simply the greatest drum solo of all time!

[@cloudview747]

+Dan Maroff Definitely one of my all time favorites, without a doubt!

[@olddoggeleventy2718]

This is a man who knew his craft inside and out. He was a puppy when he cut his teeth with the big band era giants.There are many great drummers, but like science, new discoveries and innovations are built on the shoulders of those who went before...With Buddy Rich...he reached all the way up on his own.He was an awesome talent.

[@shawnpaquette5835]

The speed and perfection of movement on those fills is insane. Crossing over like that is incredibly difficult.

[@mickhackett8635]

Seen him twice his percussion skills are extraordinary as well as speed I’ve never seen anyone move hands so quick his body stays still rip buddy you were the best

[@HolmWrecker]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/laOYeHSgetqcjpY

[@Nmdixon-cu7vm]

There are plenty of other faster drummers. Buddy Rich was ok for playing on a minimal jazz kit but his solos aren’t extraordinary or anything. He was an entertainer. He was very good at making easy things look hard.

[@g211hall4]

@@Nmdixon-cu7vm. As a drummer of 25 years! You have NO idea what you’re talking about 😂

[@vstm3950]

John Bohnam mate

[@imsoapie]

@@Nmdixon-cu7vm ..what

[@meryldykstra2538]

Phenomenal. Frigging amazing. Makes me somehow glad to be part of his human race. Followed every note, no breaks, no lapses, a complete percussive journey. Would love to see an MRI of this man's brain throughout this amazing performance.

[@bedlam6666]

I've seen many of his solos over the past 40 some odd years, but this might be the best one I have ever seen. His playing is always great, but this solo built in a way I never saw him do before. It is a rare post. Thanks for putting it up.

[@karma4553]

Only 40. Haha

[@Ubb50]

He is great

[@isaacleedrums]

Buddy had an unlimited bag of ideas to pull from and he was able to connect those ideas with transitions that kept things flowing.

[@kiddetroit8403]

Unlimited is an understatement😂

[@isaacleedrums]

@@kiddetroit8403 facts

[@jetta5267]

This is the best Buddy Rich drum solo on YT. Drums are the most beautiful instrument on the planet!

[@errudimini]

Maybe also Karl Palmer !

[@errudimini]

Carl

[@chrisb4331]

One of my faves. It’s so damn cool

[@GregAliano]

The band had flawless timing on their cue. Astounding.

[@jbasedig]

They'd better, and they knew it. Buddy was an incredible drummer a legend, but his unforgiving expletive laden tirades on his band were legendary as well.

[@147258GS]

That's because if they didn't he would 'take you outside and show you what it was like!'

[@starvingbuddha7622]

It’s like trying to cross a busy highway.

[@Douglas-zd7mz]

​​@@147258GSGOOD ONE !...and yet If U or anyone "think" entertainers in general particularly various genres of rock music esp various metal etcetera off-shoots of hard musically redundant loud volumed levels band muscians do not have temper tantrum RANTrums oft involving violence even if limited to inanimate objects.......!

[@artvandelay0073]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. There's Buddy Rich, and then there's everyone else. I swear he was from another planet. Neil Peart may have been "the professor on the drum kit", but Buddy Rich was "the mad scientist on the drum kit". Johnny Carson - a half-decent drummer in his own right - loved Buddy and had him on The Tonight Show as often as he could. As a kid growing up during the 1960s/1970s, my folks were gracious enough to allow me to stay up late on a school night to catch Buddy and one of his solos whenever he was scheduled to appear. I'll forever be grateful for that. 😄👍✌🇺🇸

[@cloudview747]

I'm grateful for the exact same thing!

[@tttarms1970]

Thanks for that memory. My parents did the same for me. I love thinking back to those times. Mom and dad were the best.

[@leesaunders1930]

Danny Carey from the band tool is a brilliant drummer. He does complex time signatures and has perfect accuracy, I truly believe Buddy Rich would have been a fan.

[@bryanbryan6108]

Buddy Rich is great, but drummers have unlocked way more since him. Watch this video. Specifically the first half or so. That Brazilian dude is absolutely mental. Innovating new techniques on a level Buddy never did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bX6qdIWYqbGGpZYsi=maMsPrIN8LzwXBTu

[@markwoods4439]

Buddy is one of the best drummers ever, hands down!!!

[@JoeJoe-lo4bk]

Wow, I saw him live one time in Texas, he is pretty amazing, and gives it his all, for every performance! Doesn’t get any better than this!

[@graememccrudden6579]

i love my mental music and their drummers but this guy wipes the floor with all of them

[@Chiroman527]

GM, don't just metal drummers with their 20 drums and double Basses, Buddy jut can't be Beat: Bonham, Baker, Moon, Copeland, Gaad, Aronoff, and all the rest from My ERA (I'm 70 YO). I never saw Buddy Live, but numerous times on Johnnie Carson Tonight Show. Everytime I just Shook My head in Disbelief!! May he R.I.P. He was truuly a Freak Of Nature. Note that his poor Posture is what contributed to his demise - the poor forward head posture contributed to his heart failure..

[@vladimirperkovic3126]

The coolest dude behind a drum kit ever. Nobody and nothing compares to him

[@danieldavis8963]

Joe's pretty good

[@timbarry5080]

The guy from bon Jovi is better

[@michaellopez7765]

And the greatest talent will always make it look deceptively effortless and casual in their brilliant showmanship...

[@Crankerny58]

Blows my mind what Buddy can do with 5 drums a hi hat, a ride and 2 crash cymbals! Amazing!!

[@thesoundsmith]

Reminder: He did well over 90% of what you just saw on snare with bass drum accents. He only NEEDED snare, hat and bass to go on all day long without repeating... Give him a ride for the band and a tom or two for contrast - which he almost never used, BTW - and...

[@larrychidnese9225]

The funny thing is he only plays 4 of them!

[@azaces6645]

Mostly just snare

[@christianjocson5509]

The trick is to learn your fundamentals.

[@JumpinJAKEFlash]

Simply the greatest drummer of all time. R.I.P. Buddy Rich.

[@cloudview747]

+Jumpin' JAKE Flash No argument from me!

[@julienpillonca6686]

Wrong. I am.the greatest.

[@machinelanguage5108]

There is no "greatest" drummer. I wish people would stop using absolute terms like this. There have been many great drummers throughout the years.

[@garethgriffiths8577]

@@julienpillonca6686 l am Sparticus👍

[@gilmourwaters]

Greatest? Arguably…. I’d put him top 3

[@RandyHanley]

The way it's mic'ed here, and his toms, etc. I think this is the best his kit ever sounded. So nice!

[@robbyboy03]

I love the fact the fact Rich's style is second to none. He has a technique that is just awesome. Always king in my books.

[@georgevue8175]

1976 Nantasket Beach, Hull, MA club Uncle Sam's - When a sophomore in high school I bought a ticket to watch Buddy Rich play & loved it.

[@hyzeronhisrizer]

WOW! Yet another Buddy clip to blow my mind! Those hands.....the technique.....feel.......seems so easy for him! Reminds me that, as good as guys are today......and the greats of the past......Buddy Rich will forever be THE drummer! And I have seen in clinic Jojo Mayer, Dave Weckl, Benny Greb and Gavin Harrison - and those guys were UNREAL! But - Buddy......well....enough said!

[@cloudview747]

+Brad Hiuser I couldn't agree more!

[@edellis515]

He was drum GOD

[@batouttahell454]

AMEN

[@JASONVOORHEES-ol1nj]

Absolutely phenomenal. Too many modern drummers are all about power and hitting as hard as they can. Buddy Rich was pure artistry. Everything flows with precision,plus he's literally "in the zone", never having to look up at the kit. Legend 🙏

[@senorkaboom]

I have never seen any drummer do single stroke rolls the way Rich did them. Pure artistry.

[@cloudview747]

My sentiments too.

[@senorkaboom]

+cloudview747 I just read a short biography of Rich and it brought out that he was a natural. He was given lessons on the drum, but said that the lessons were holding him back. Just one of those people with a God given talent and excelled with it.

[@sammcknight1741]

senorkaboom

[@Johnnycdrums]

Basie?

[@guitardogg8438]

that's what yr mom said.

[@samuelestepp725]

My grandma bought me a set of slingerland drums back in 1962 and buddy was my favorite drummer and still is to this day

[@cloudview747]

😊

[@G2648875]

What this teaches young drummers is the importance of 'dynamics'. No use hammering away for 10 minutes like a jackhammer - you'll simply shell-shock your audience. Lots of light and shade. Drumming is as much about what you don't play as what you play.

[@cloudview747]

Well said!

[@genez429]

It does not teach them dynamics.... It simply shows them dynamics. Dynamics only comes out of a mature musician. Immaturity is seen in bashing and slamming.... If a musician matures as a person, 'dynamics' will just be there, and will come as natural as one's speaking voice. It can not be taught. It can only be grown into.

[@pippottopazzo]

what a beatiful sound , beautiful melody he's able to pull out from the instrument... It seems to me Buddy is the only drummer in the jazz history who played better and better as the years went by ... he plays better in the last decade of his life than in the fifties ot the seventies ... smooth sound, great class and stunning elegance ... he has everything a jazz drummer needs to have

[@pippottopazzo]

what a beatiful sound , beautiful melody he's able to pull out from the instrument... It seems to me Buddy is the only drummer in the jazz history who played better and better as the years went by ... he plays better in the last decade of his life than in the fifties ot the seventies ... smooth sound, great class and stunning elegance ... he has everything a jazz drummer needs to have

[@pippottopazzo]

what a beatiful sound , beautiful melody he's able to pull out from the instrument... It seems to me Buddy is the only drummer in the jazz history who played better and better as the years went by ... he plays better in the last decade of his life than in the fifties ot the seventies ... smooth sound, great class and stunning elegance ... he has everything a jazz drummer needs to have

[@davidkeep6526]

One word...mesmerizing ! No wait..2 words...PEERLESS !😎👍

[@CliffHuxtableSweater]

One of the most deliberate solos you’ll ever hear on ANY instrument. Almost four mins before he touched a cymbal. Captivating beyond measure.

[@davidmellish3295]

Not exactly as he was using the hi hat cymbal from the start,controlling it with his foot

[@Djembe908]

Damn! Those single stroke rolls! Absolutely amazing!

[@Horizen3872]

Very cool BR solo. Thank you for posting! Back to the practice room…...

[@larryherbert252]

The control and ease that he has with his left hand playing is amazing to me Live at the Hague is 1 of his solos that l like too.

[@karma4553]

Not to bad

[@Cd11-n3w]

Intoxicated, sober, good mood or bad mood this is just strait up awesome

[@artvandelay0073]

Even Buddy's band mates are staring on in awe of his talent, and you know they've watched/heard him play and practice countless times.

[@droverarden]

They all had to turn and look at him during his solo, Buddy had an ego the size of a planet lol But with his talent why not, a true genius.

[@narosser]

They HAD to watch him haha - you wouldn’t want to be the one dude in the band not watching, when Buddy turns his steely gaze over to the band, giving each of them the ol’ Stanky Eye. Do not want to be that one guy nooooo

[@Darrylizer1]

More like staring on in terror. Buddy was quite the "disciplinarian", what others might call a raging asshole, towards the "help".

[@pinball1970]

another amazing solo, you think you have seen everything from him and you get this. Magic

[@cloudview747]

+pinball1970 I love that you use the word magic. This solo - even more than Rich At The Top (1973) and more than his Tonight Show appearances - had an incredible impact on me when I was young. I had never seen such beautifully paced, deeply inspired musical invention in a drum solo before. My drumming took a whole new direction because of this amazing man and this magical drum solo. Thanks again for your comment. Glad you are appreciating this video.

[@pinball1970]

+cloudview747 no problem I never get tired of listening to him.

[@alancobain2151]

+pinball1970 without question, Bernard rich came from another planet.

[@pinball1970]

Cloudview and other posters are putting some great stuff on the net. I never saw him, I missed my chance to see him at the Davenport theatre in Stockport in the UK- he played there a lot. These posts are my only chance to really study him and enjoy his mastery. I had plenty of albums from the 60s and 70s that I tried to copy as a teenager. Now I have seen him play some of the tracks for myself at least now I KNOW I will NEVER be able to play it! It is does not stop me trying. My pad is on my knee right now! alan cobain

[@rodneygolding7662]

Regret you never saw enough of Him,we in Uk who followed Buddy on his tours over here were never let down, we got our tickets to ride and rode with possibly the greatest musical showman to walk this earth. Thank you USA,rejoice he was one of you.

[@gipsyavenger9829]

An amazing drummer with incredible stick dexterity. I am jealous of his ability to hit the snare with that much conviction, speed and feel. Best drummer ever ? Not going to open that can of worms. Let's just say I believe him to be one of the greats.

[@cloudview747]

Fair enough.

[@douglasmcclure9492]

Rich ward bonzo 1 2 3

[@scottriles4074]

Is he the GOAT? Hard question but I don't think unanswerable. Think about what you just saw. All of the innovation i. e. striking one stick on another during a roll, the speed of his rolls with the stick beads on the snare drum rim, and at least another dozen that I couldn't begin to describe all invented by Buddy. And no one can or ever will match his brute strength or speed. After 5 minutes of solo impossible for normal people what does he do stop? He kicks up the speed 50% and at that speed begins to move around the set. AFTER 5 MINUTES OF TEARING IT UP! If he's not the GOAT who is?

[@jamesgordon2805]

​@@scottriles4074The greatest drummer ever for me.

[@MattMcGunn30]

Pure musical / drumming genius. In my book, the undisputed king of the drums!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Your book is really good, but very dated....

[@MattMcGunn30]

@@morbidmanmusic I notice you didn't refer to your book...

[@aldrindelmendo2621]

Buddy Rich is so great among all drummer I have seen

[@SPARKY4944]

Best drummer of all time.

[@cloudview747]

That is definitely how I feel about it.

[@BullToTheShit]

> *Best drummer of all time* Out of all the professional drummers there are, and that have ever been, you will go to your grave never having seen anywhere near 1% of them.

[@andrespandehra4902]

@A vida sobre 2 rodas Joe Morello from the Dave Brubeck Quartett

[@maeu59]

@TaainiLOL when Weckl isn’t 1 or 2 you don’t know what you’re talking about

[@robertcarli5803]

​@@maeu59 weckl eats crap

[@davenelms68]

Saw him that year in Florida, just incredible show, the best.

[@brandashusband]

On the "Buddy Rich: Jazz Legend" DVD, there's an interview clip where Buddy says that a drum solo should be like a horn solo; it should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Here is that philosophy lived out right before our eyes.

[@cloudview747]

Thank you for your comment! I could not agree more.

[@kayeess9905]

I was always told nothing in life was perfect but, here we are..... 🔥

[@DrumsTheWord]

The look at 1:29 tells you all about Buddy's ego...the rest, before and after, demonstrates the incredible skill. I want my legends to know they are skilled, and to push themselves to the limit.

[@stanislavsousek9243]

Excelente.... increible ... un placer su presentacion .... todo un profesional y artista

[@DigitalEyesStudios]

AMAZING. Admired him since I was a kid from decades ago. His talent makes it look almost effortless for when he puts out. He makes it look so easy but did anyone else catch that one drop of sweat at 7:30? The whole drum solo and it was just one drop. Like I said effortless!

[@cloudview747]

I too have admired him since just a kid. And that admiration has not diminished right up to the present!

[@edbur1]

wow, good eye haha. I was too busy looking at his hands too notice.

[@incredulouskirk]

So crisp and clean yet so fast with perfect timing.

[@mookyyzed2216]

Don't care what anyone says. There isn't a single drummer alive that could pull this off. And I've seen every single death metal drummer there is. There will never be another Buddy. Not even close.

[@torreyintahoe]

bullshit. He was overrated and an asshole and was boring. Dave Lombardo is lightyears beyond buddy.

[@aaabucus3104]

Danny Carey

[@constantk8780]

There won't be another Buddy. But there's been heaps of better drummers.

[@borzafror]

​@@constantk8780exactly, buddy was ahead of his time but when purely comparing his skills to the ones of modern drummers hes not some "unreachable god". the most impressive thing about him is being at that high of a level in such an early time, especially when the drums werent seen as a soloist instrument

[@Kent-qo6xp]

Been there done that. Do not talk out of turn Yo mamma.

[@erictranvouez8592]

Waow, quelle leçon pour chacun! Donner, c’est ça !

[@vincelucas5722]

Absolutely amazing. He was and remains the best!

[@oxouk]

This was like a conversation between a small group of people. Different tones and inflections. All telling a story. There is drama and suspense and action! Dynamics!

[@johnrogers9481]

Oh yes! And this performance was totally musical. Starting from the first few. hits...music!

[@bkrider19]

This is an excellent view of the mature BR at his peak. Here you can see he is very relaxed - almost too relaxed at the beginning! But as he warms up to the solo he starts throwing off different colored fireworks in unexpected moments. Very spontaneous, very loose and flowing like a river, not rigid like the cadences in a marching band or the kind of stricter metronomic solos that Krupa and other earlier big band drummers would do. This is BR influenced by all that had been going on in the 60s and early 70s. And a wonderfully clear video that shows much of his technique. Superb.

[@cloudview747]

+Trek Ryder I am so glad you like this as much as I do!

[@bigbreadeaterellis]

+Trek Ryder he looks depressed in my opinion Trek. and if he was it is kinda easy to understand with the monotony of being expected to do the west side story drum solo over and over again.

[@jeffreyhinkel3490]

+bigbreadeaterellis Kinda how I read him .....I think he was depressed ....

[@bkrider19]

bigbreadeaterellis I agree in part. It's natural that he was sick of WSS. The whole band probably was. What can you do: it was the bread and butter of the band. I think the quality of the BR band's compositions declined from the early 1970s. Hard to get inspired with mediocre arrangements. I'm guessing that in this Wolf Trap concert he was going through a phase with personal stuff. But then by the late 1970s he was starting to bounce back as we see in the Hague concert, and in the 1980s, when most people expected him to retire, he was going strong, and even though his solos were much briefer, he still drove the band with tremendous verve and captivated audiences. He seemed to appreciate what he was doing more and more. We should all grow into our senior years like that!

[@anyITsolution]

jeffrey hinkel some illnesses makes us strong in some areas 🤛🏽

[@jameslatimer774]

BUDDY IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST DRUMMER THIS WORLD WILL EVER HEAR AND EVER SEE. PERIOD!!! THANK YOU BUDDY FOR BLESSING US WITH YOUR TALENT.

[@cloudview747]

🙂

[@arthurbarnes2368]

I believe he was the best drummer ever, freaking awesome

[@JoshuaSullivan-i5m]

This is absolutely gorgeous 😍!!!

[@ajn465]

I love BR clips where he isn't playing for the cameras. You see the kind of focus, pacing , and musicality he sported on a regular gig. On the Tonight show he'd generally beat the crap out of 'em to make the most of his 3 minutes. I love the beginning of this where he lays the groundwork of his solo using lots of space, but it still swings like mad. He then develops the solo like Beethoven elaborating on a simple theme, gradually introducing more complex variations. Thanks again Mr 747!!!!

[@cloudview747]

+Aj Nester Agree with you 100%. As I have mentioned in other replies, this particular solo was a revelation and a drumming life-changer for me when I saw it on TV in '74. Thanks for your excellent comment.

[@ikshields]

When you mentioned Beethoven, you hit it right on the head. This is drumming's Beethoven -- the deepest, meanest, baddest, most genius creature to ever pick up a pair of sticks, and we have only barely started to figure him out.

[@simonwilcox5203]

I just got my first drum kit...and I just got my first look at Buddy Rich...😮

[@CalebTrask]

It doesn't matter how many drums you have in your kit, it's how you play the ones you've got.

[@scott9652]

Your absolutely right. It's the passion, soul , and talent coming out of that small kit.

[@loucontino4804]

I think that was Anthony Jackson on Bass and Candido on Percussion. They stayed with Buddy in the small group when Buddy opened his club in Manhattan Buddy's Place. It was pretty short lived if i remember. I always wanted to go down but never made it there. I saw Rich at Jimmy's in NY, Bear Mountain Inn and Clarkstown H.S. all i n New York on different occasions, but never caught him at his own club. Wish I could go back in time on this one.

[@cloudview747]

I also wish I could go back in time to take advantage of some missed Buddy Rich concert opportunities.

[@tsubasagoto]

I agree, I'm pretty sure it's them.

[@alancobain2151]

count basie once stated in an interview about buddy that the only time his band showed up on time for rehearsals was whenever buddy subbed for sonny payne, he also said some of his men came early just to watch buddy warm up, something they never did for sonny.

[@alancobain2151]

that is the gospel truth mr. lee, right from basie's lips.

[@kodiakandgrizzlybears3787]

+Eric Lee What's 'awesome'? Jolly good, a-one, fab?

[@gerarddelgrande]

And Sonny Payne was a great drummer as well !!

[@kodiakandgrizzlybears3787]

Gérard DEL GRANDE True.

[@gixxerboy555]

that say's enough...?Hail Buddy Rich.. ;)

[@cadetmouse]

Truly awesome and quite staggeringly brilliant

[@dennisdixon5750]

His left hand is lighting!!!!! One of the very best!!!!!

[@garybaron2382]

I’ve been a drummer for about 75 years. I got to see Buddy in Indianapolis up close during the 1950’s. He was phenomenal.

[@cloudview747]

I saw him live from very close up in early 1978. Incredible. I was speechless.

[@machias88]

"It ain't bragging when you're the best." ~BR

[@videonut11]

Someone said that Buddy Rich played the drums faster with one hand than others could play with both. Yes, he was THAT MUCH of a percussion master!

[@andthensome512]

His drums sound soooo good.

[@paulburton315]

I had the pleasure and honor of seeing him live . A true legend at Dreams and master. Him then El Siberiano today.

[@Pulsonar]

I’ve never seen a more outlandish display of coordination, syncopation and control of 4 limbs on a human being. It’s so Superhuman, it took me on a mesmerising journey beyond music that I didn’t realise there was a whole big band behind him to close the last 10 seconds of that epic set 😂

[@vaels5682]

Such artistry and prowess

[@benigiacalone4905]

Hands down the absolute BEST EVER.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Nah Thomas lang would annihilate him today

[@paulherlihy9290]

BR was right up there, no doubt top three ever. But so was Jo Jones. It's only opinions that splits them.

[@lindsayheyes925]

There is a delicacy and softness to this which I did not expect.

[@thinblueline1903]

The Greatest Drummer in the World ! End of Story !

[@MegaLJ3]

Not only a drummer, he played a band better than anyone could. Above and beyond his speed and ideas, that is where he excelled.

[@XMIR10C]

NO, NOT THE GREATEST

[@XMIR10C]

MANY HAVE BEEN GREATER

[@ikarooz]

@@XMIR10C Who?

[@XMIR10C]

before I send you the link and the video, you might want to think about it

[@DJF1985]

Very very entertaining, interesting, inspiring!!!! WOW! Semper Fi Marine!

[@mikebuddy1]

Great to see this clip back on KZbin again, I remember seeing the programme aired and recording the audio, but lost it many years ago. buddy looks disinterested at first, but don't let that fool you this solo is one of my favourite ones. the control of his dynamics with those Rimshots just perfect, and the sound he gets out of the kit is so flickin good. Great camera work also, I love the shot from his right at snare level.Thanks for uploading.

[@cloudview747]

+mikebuddy1 This is one of my all time favorite solos also! In fact, am not exaggerating when I say that this performance of W.S.S. influenced the entire direction of my drumming!