Buddy Rich' IMPOSSIBLE DRUM SOLO (REACTION)

[@henryzelman33]

KING of snare drum rudiments! A pure technician.

[@KevinRCarr]

And all of that while wearing a tuxedo. I grew up watching Buddy make appearances on The Tonight Show and all of the other variety shows of the 60s and 70s. Watching him still takes my breath away.

[@Kae6502]

Me too!

[@davidcopson5800]

That Buddy Rich solo. You can't beat it!

[@swirll360]

JP, I'm glad you finally got to see this. First off a bit of trivia about this performance. What makes this perfamce even more impossible is that he suffered a HEART ATTACK DURING the performance, yes you read that right, he had a heart attack DURING it and completed it!, that makes him the GOAT in my book. . You can see after the solo he did not look good walking away from his kit which was unusual for him even at that age. My college roommate was a drummer and showed me this and reacted the same way you did., just speechless. A few things to add to what you said. My drummer friend said to look at his body motion and wrists. His motion is all in the wrist and arms with little to none body motion. Most of the drummers we think of as accomplished use mostly their wrists to play. Look at Bill Bruford or Chad Wakerman, or Gavin Harrison they all share little body movement, just the wrists. Buddy Rich for me is the GOAT, the foundation on which all drummers should start their journey. PS: you should next check out, his drum duet with Oscar the grouch from Seseme Street AND the most impressive drum duet from the old Tonight Show with Tonight Show drummer Eddie Shaughnessy. I have never seen anythingless than amazing and tasty drumming from him. As always keep up the GREAT work. When you watch the video look at Buddy, it's all wrists and conservation of movement.

[@dalt992]

FACTS! I was going to say this. Amazing that he was having a heart attack at the end of the solo but STILL kept going. He was insane.

[@sonicart1808]

Hell yeah..... Buddy was way ahead of his time in the drum world.... his left hand rolls were mesmerising... loved your reaction JP thanks!

[@blitztim6416]

In a tux. I got to see him about a year before this. That was a thrill. I also got to see another legend play live. Louis Bellson. Another great drummer from the same era. Buddy's like 63 at this point. I'd be tired and sweaty too. Not that I could even try to do that.

[@stephenpesta1550]

In ‘86 a few friends and I were able to see him at a free concert held on the New Haven Green and he was ridiculous! Amazingly talented.

[@carlswenson5538]

It was Buddy who made the extended drum solo a big thing. A precursor to guys like Ron Bushy, Iron Butterfly) John 'smoke break' Bonham and Neil Peart. Another legend in a similar vein was Gene Krupa.

[@michaelfrank2266]

Yes kudos to Gene Krupa. Forgot about him. My bad.

[@donaldcausey7407]

Hand's down the world's greatest drummer

[@jeffschielka7845]

Buddy was the man! 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@destination22ful]

This is an example of a musician mastering his instrument THEN taking it to another level. This is similar to Stevie Ray Vaughan performing “Texas Flood “ with his guitar behind his back. RIP Buddy Rich and Stevie Ray Vaughan!

[@rtwbikerider]

I’ve never seen another drummer attempt that technique with the hi-hats. Was he playing 16th notes with his left hand on the bottom cymbal and quarter notes and chokes with his right hand on the top cymbal? Phenomenal !

[@swirll360]

More impossible is that Buddy had a HEART ATTACK during the solo, yes a heart attack and still finished the solo. You can see as he walks away from his kit he's not doing well and that was unusual for him even at that age (I think he was 72) That makes him the GOAT in my mind. Neil Peart idolized Buddy and even put out an album called "Burning For Buddy" with the cooperation of the Buddy Rich estate. I've tried to put some links to an article abut his heart attack and Neal & Phil Collins doing tributes to Buddy, but you'll have to find them on your own since KZbin seems to have banned posting links because of safety I guess. So for the article on his heart attack look for "Buddy Rich heart attack during Concert for the Americas. Then "Nell Peart Buddy Rich Memorial" and finally" Phil Collins Buddy Rich Band" and you should be able to view them. Keep up the great work my friend. As usual I watch most of you vids but only comment when I feel I can contribute. PS: when will you finally get to THE OCEAN... lol

[@a.k.1740]

Buddy Rich is one of the major influences of Ian Paice (drummer of Deep Purple) and it can be heard and even seen very well (try to check out one of his performances on KZbin). He has also played with the Buddy Rich Orchestra !

[@scottmcgregor4829]

I have always said that Ian Paice was the closest thing that heavy rock that heavy rock had to Buddy Rich. Why he is not higher on the list of GOT of drummers has always struck me as astonishing.

[@-davidolivares]

Finesse drummers, gotta love em.

[@bookhouseboy280]

Paice and Palmer crossed my mind while watching this yet again. They're the ones who brought Rich to rock. Paice DP Lazy solo (Long Beach '76) Palmer ELP Tank solo (Montreal '77)

[@KevinRCarr]

The Concert for the Americas was in 1982, so that's likely when this was recorded.

[@gaiaeternal5131]

Evening, Justin. Dave from Blighty. Buddy can Bang The Drum All Day - fine by me! I've seen him a few times on TV (I think once on the Parkinson UK chat show) and it's always quite a show. As far as drummers I've seen live, the best for me is the late Jon Hiseman. Saw him in Colosseum II and Paraphernalia, and his solos usually started with him playing a different beat with each hand and foot, and building up to a crescendo. If you like flashy drumming with stick twirling how about Johny Barbata, drummer with The Turtles, CSNY and Starship. P.S. my song ref Bang The Drum All Day is by Todd Rundgren.

[@bryanforis1839]

I think this was the one where he had heart attack he great and he played jazz funk great live

[@brucebrown73]

Carl Palmer’s solo from Cal Jam in 74’ is around and you’ll see many of Buddies techniques used by Carl. Amazing

[@maraboo72]

Beside Buddy's incredible drumming we have the very rare case that there is no silly stupid dumb shitty permanent change of perspectives of the camera and you can actually watch what he was doing. What is maybe more incredible than the drumming.

[@markdyer6996]

Most of us know Steve Gadd . His drumming on the track Aja by Steely Dan is critically acclaimed , but for some live material , check out The Steve Gadd Band . He caresses his drums and then wham !!

[@peterdeheer2403]

Hi, i'm a Jazzdrummer for 40 years. Buddy was the best of all time. The recording was in august 1982!! About being ahead of his time: hè was!! Peter de Heer from Holland

[@JustJP]

Thanks for watching Peter! Definitely ahead of his time :D

[@spazimdam]

Buddy Rich was way ahead of his time, he is time. A bangin good time. Is actually amazing. His control, his dynamics, his technique. Notice how he holds the stick in his left hand- now that's old school and there is a damn good reason why that technique works so well. Great video to react to Justin!

[@timgrady4630]

Buddy = "Drummer's drummer". The standard .

[@cedricmilford5254]

I’ve seen this often, and EACH time, he blows me away! Such a talent! Glad you got to see this, Justin 😁 👍🏻👍🏻

[@traci4187]

OMG - now I know who Neal Peart watched to develop his major drum solo (you MUST have seen his RIO drum solo, right)? The crossovers, the tempo changes, the impossible and different beats between base drum and what his hands are doing. Wowzers - the Professor's teacher is AMAZING here!

[@FUBAR1986]

While he was his favorite drummer as a drummer myself, we all learned it to crossover some better than others…

[@brucebrown73]

Look how old he was for this solo. Imagine him in his youth. Johnny Carson was in awe of him

[@C_Melvyn_James]

The first time I saw this footage was back in the 80's (recorded it on VHS), I was about 19, drinking, smoking pot and possibly some mushroom tea involved. My reaction was basically like yours but further, I (and at least one other person in the room) ended up rolling around on the floor laughing hysterically and yelling, " Holy s***, What the hell was that?!", etc PS, I believe this performance happened in 1982 or so. Don't quote me on this but it's something to look into; I believe that Buddy had suffered a stroke prior to this and it was his first time performing publicly after the stroke. I also believe that it was at a Frank Sinatra concert and all or most of the guys in the band are Buddy's band also who were supporting Frank. I first saw it probably in 1987 after Buddy had passed away. I remember it was during Rush's Hold Your Fire Tour, I saw Rush 4 times on that tour which is quite an accomplishment for a teenager living in eastern Canada. Speaking of Rush, look up the documentary about Neil rehearsing with Buddy's band in preparation for the Burning for Buddy: A Buddy Rich Tribute. It was difficult for Neil to get himself to his own standards when performing in a big-band environment with sheet music and the whole nine yards. Neil was never in band class at high school (that I know of), so he learned A LOT. (and nailed his performances at the concert more than admirably.)

[@georgedavis-stewart4225]

Mesmerising.

[@jypziiatthecrossroads9047]

Buddy and Gene Krupa used to have friendly competitions, occasionally hosted by Sammy Davis Jr. they put on a clinic with similar but distinct styles. A must look up for any lover of percussion. Another Drummer of merit is Joe Morello, listen to any extended version of Dave Brubeck's Take Five to get an idea of what he can do.

[@Tonyr0206]

Morello is unheard of outside of the drumming community. It's a shame, because I think he was on the same level as Rich, and Bellson, and better than Krupa.

[@jerkedevries]

‘Back Chat’ by Queen has a nice drum solo in the heart of the song (you can’t compare it with this one but it is a really nice and modern eighties one). It’s from the album Hot Space of 1982. The controversial one that had disco influences but still great in my opinion

[@sylvaindupuis5595]

I saw him a few times and at one moment, he was doing a solo and in the middle of the solo, he took a towel with one hand to dry his sweat and that without missing a single beat. Sure, he had done that to show off, but show off or not, just being able to do it was astonishing.

[@raymondrochajr9621]

It was kinda funny when you see that awesome solo from Buddy Rich, you start to think that the metal music was going to play afterwards! But the jazz started.

[@caryd67]

His left hand is literally insane. I would give my left arm for…. oh wait……

[@timgrady4630]

Dude was well into his years on this one , as a side note.

[@jacksonbrawn6638]

He is amazing for sure... My favorite Muppets episode was the Buddy Rich episode...! Give him some sticks and he can make a groove! Even on a Muppets head... LOL!

[@cheezer57]

Ok, does that finally put that debate to bed?

[@septictopix4797]

Had to have been around '80 - '81. He was pretty old. I saw him at the village gate in nyc in 81, so yea it was about that same time.

[@justineapril7922]

Buddy Rich was the guy who put the drums in the forefront. And another famous percussionist, Neil Peart, counted him as his inspiration! I think Buddy was 66 here and he had a mini stroke or a heart attack during this performance

[@swirll360]

PS: Neal Peart idolized Buddy and put out an album called "Burning for Buddy" where drummers played and paid tribute to Buddy. There is a video of Bill Bruford recording a song for the disc on KZbin (mellow and retrained but technically first rate, and also Neal playing at a concert for Buddy Rich along with Phil Collins as well (if memory serves me)

[@pentagrammaton6793]

The trouble with the kids is, they don't understand the jaaaaaaaazz

[@maruad7577]

You want us to watch a drum solo? That's rich. I have probably asked if you have seen the Larnell Lewis video where he listens to a song once then drums to it. If you haven't, you should.

[@Lightmane]

I believe Buddy Rich was Neil Peart's idol. Pretty sure.

[@brucefelger4015]

Buddy actually has a heart attack in the middle of this....

[@Kae6502]

Cite?

[@brucefelger4015]

@@Kae6502 You have to check the video, it's in the comments, it's why he walked off at the end of the song, went straight to the hospital.

[@KathleenMcCormickLCSWMPH]

Wow,that’s dedication.

[@Kae6502]

@@brucefelger4015 I'd like an actual source for this, not a comment on the video. I'd love for this to be true, but I need proof. Thanks!

[@Brian-gz8xt]

This is from 1982...buddy was in bad health here...he plowed through it with heart issues. This solo is from a larger piece of music called West Side Story Suite..theres a high def version of this on youtube without the first half of music omitted..he had great horn soloists who shoukd be heard as well. And, im my opinion, its not even his best solo,but this is the one everyone reacts to,...

[@betsyduane3461]

And he's in his 60's.

[@filetknife59]

Imagine what Buddy would have done with Neil Peart' s drum kit!

[@kidpoker007]

Hes probably in his 60's here, thats insane

[@DrummingDanny65]

Please know that Buddy was suffering from his first heart attack while playing this and was rushed to the hospital after he got off stage..He wanted to impress Frank Sinatra while on his show here

[@FUBAR1986]

Back then, there was only one base drum pedal….. and this was the professors favorite drummer

[@oliverpearson1577]

Bass drum, not base.

[@ericandrews5108]

DAMN

[@courtneywallace871]

Such a great solo. Seen this many times. Now you need to watch Neil Peart’s solo live from Frankfurt.

[@t.s.9656]

He was Usain Bolt of drumming.

[@swirll360]

Just wanted to add, watch Buddy drumming with Oscar the Grouch from Seseme Street ( I wonder how Oscar could play so well, honestly I really do) and a classic duet on the old Tonight Show with Buddy soloing with Eddie Shaughnessy the then Tonight Show drummer, it's NOT to be missed.

[@mjm5081]

👑

[@brucebrown73]

Carl Palmer befriended him and learned much from him

[@reaganl.5113]

Buddy Rich was the greatest drummer of all time until Neil Peart of Rush arrived on stage. Neil did a nod to Buddy I saw on a video once a couple of years ago, worth a search and watch. Buddy was obviously a huge influence on Neil. Buddy was part of the big band sound of the late 40s through the 1960s

[@godbluffvdgg]

He's in his late 60's here too...

[@jameswormington9978]

That was not a Spring Chicken playing those skins !

[@robertbarnett9939]

A great drum duet for you to view and right up your street would be Phil Collins & Chester Thompson "Drum duet / Los Endos" live at Wembley Stadium 1987

[@jima6545]

As great as this is, there's an earlier solo Live at the Hague that is mind boggling

[@davidclarke8398]

He was over 60 in 60°heat and had a heart attack.

[@franckb8279]

Buddy Rich was a genius. He has influenced many great drummers. Phil Collins for instance was a big fan.

[@avlisk]

Some say he had a heart attack in the middle of this performance. Some say not. Anyone know for sure?

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

He did indeed.

[@silgen]

I heard that too.

[@-davidolivares]

I heard he actually died mid solo, and walked off as a drum zombie.

[@silgen]

@@-davidolivares Yeah, nothing funnier than a heart attack. I've had two, and they've been laugh-a-minute.

[@-davidolivares]

@@silgen My bad sir, my apologies.

[@thomassharmer7127]

Who needs other instruments when you can make the drums talk like that? (In fact, I didn't like what I heard of the band when it returned, but the solo was stunning and mesmerising).

[@jonsmith9518]

You need to do….Oscar Peterson “Boogie Blues Etude”…..That will blow your mind. It’s that level.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

Check out the video with him playing with the Tommy Dorsey Band in 1943 on a song called "Well Git It".

[@-davidolivares]

Uhhhhhh…. cool.

[@Shigawire]

Yep, that's Frank Sinatra's drummer.

[@TisTheDamnStickSeason]

Neil Peart pretty much worshipped Buddy Rich, as every self respecting drummer (and just any musician) should

[@michaelfrank2266]

A drum solo is a composition and Buddy Rich has got it. I feel Neil builds on the back of drummers like Buddy Rich. I believe The Professor eventually exceeded the masters. But an average drummer can be made to sound better with a supporting band of equal or better skill. I would sooner hear a band which can enter and exit a drum solo seamlessly than to hear a stand along drum solo - proving the entire band is as good as their drummer.

[@lukashislop5890]

React to Godspeed you black emperor

[@ItsaGoldenman]

You should totally do reactions to the album Picture Book by Simply Red it is one of the best albums of all time

[@airwindows]

Adam Neely's take on this is good (in his videos on Whiplash). Buddy's not really a jazz guy, more of a showman. He is not relevant in jazz composition compared to others. He is a hell of a showman, of course. He was also famously an incredible jerk to his musicians and everybody else :)

[@stevehutnikoff5964]

You can't learn a left hand like that.

[@johnwdaley4727]

Great as this was, he has numerous solos better than this...saw Buddy 6 times... Incomparable!

[@jfergs.3302]

Confession time... As a bass fumbler of many, many, years, i know drummers are supposed to be my besty's. But in all honesty drum solo's have always left me a little cold. Yes it's tricky, skillfull (i imagine), but at the end of the day it's people making a racket with sticks. The techniques, and nuances of drumming are largely lost on me. I'm quite happy for my drummers just to keep time.

[@Lightmane]

Do you really not see the difference in drumming style, how a different drummer changes the band's sound? Consider Bill Bruford vs Alan White. Both are great drummers, obviously, but there's a reason most preferred Bruford over White. Alan was always in Bill's shadow, and there was nothing he could do about it, despite how incredible he was on their next 3 albums. White was a great drummer. Bruford was special.

[@jfergs.3302]

​@@Lightmane I know what you mean as i've seen this arguement play out in other peoples comments with the almost deification of Bruford. And i've never really understood it, cos yes, I cant' tell one from the other. I've not picked up any difference between those two, or virtually any other drummer(s) re a/their 'style'. And i even tried to educate myself watching a 3 part, 3 hour BBC doco/series on the intricacies of drumming. I did learn all kinds about different drum patterns, but differentiating one drummer from another, nope. And i think my lack of (to a degree, interest), and knowledge of drums/drumming shows in my reviews, and posts. If you were able to pull them all up, and i've been posting now going on nearly 2yrs, i've probably only referenced them less than a handful of times. And then, as with the likes of Santana, it was only to moan at all the ridiculouse overuse of additional percussion. That said, there is one drummer i do particularly like, and can recognise, and that's Stewart Copeland. But that's more to do with his sound, which I think is unique, rather than any style i can pick up. Whether it's just his kit, or in how he records himself, i find there's a definite 'pop' (so to speak), to his drumming which makes him, to my ear, sound quite unlike anyone else.

[@Lightmane]

@@jfergs.3302 Copeland is amazing, but Bruford has always been my favorite, though Palmer and Cobham keep it a very close race 😀

[@-davidolivares]

Wow, I bow my head to one that can find fault in almost everything. This is not a dig, I pretty much enjoy it.

[@Lightmane]

@@-davidolivares 🙂

[@jimhardiman3836]

He wasn't exactly a fit young man here.