Chester Thompson Interview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 258

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Sweetwater's Nick D'Virgilio interviews legendary drummer Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Genesis, Phil Collins) in this episode of The Sweetwater Minute. Enjoy the interview, then click the link above to browse drum products at Sweetwater.

[@dazuk1969]

I was lucky enough to see Chester drumming with Genesis at Wembley Stadium 1987. His "drum off" with Phil Collins is the best display of drumming i have ever seen. God bless ya Chester...that night has stayed with me all these years.

[@poopypanysou812]

Great interview. Chester is so humble and talented. First class all the way.

[@sweetwater]

We agree,Danny Bates! He's a legend and an all around great person.

[@christopherjohnson3520]

You Don’t Get to see many great musicians of his ability & musical history who are humble, cool, & thankful for everything he was apart of. Too Bad most people are completely unaware of who he is & what he shared with people who enjoy great music. Phil Collins was in the audience & said to himself, I want him in my Band. & there you have it! Thnx, Chester! He hits real hard! Big Time Snap!!!!!!

[@chrispaschris]

One of the best drumers,Chester Thompson and Phil Collins!👍

[@CrackBeaver]

Nick D'Virgilio was part of Genesis during Ray Wilson era ;)

[@derekm3180]

@@CrackBeaver I was gonna say -- Nick is no slouch on drums either. Spock's Beard is amazing

[@SPAZZOID100]

MatthewDoesMapping mehhh

[@the1stbigk]

Looking back... maybe THE Best. Phil too.

[@IKS-Exploration]

absolutely amazing drummer!

[@2011lizalex]

Chester, I'm mesmerized watching you on the drums during 'Take me home'. Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@user-ly7zz3gk3e]

Take me home wow! I watched that video over ten times...

[@johnthomson2164]

My favourite bit of brilliance from Chester is his playing on Driving The Last Spike, it is just perfection.

[@theatremad9797]

Chester you have just gained another fan.What a great man.

[@dragongnnr]

Outstanding musician, wonderful human being. I love his work, his passion for perfection.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Great interview with one of my favorite drummers. I did a clinic at PASIC in Nashville back in 2004 and when I sat down behind the drums I looked straight into the face of Chester sitting in first row! After the clinic, he came up, complimented me and asked me several questions about cymbal playing , technique etc. I was blown away at how friendly, cool and down to earth he was, and of course totally star struck! :)

[@thomasmoje5926]

I attended a Chester Thompson drum clinic years ago in Irondequoit, New York at which I accidentally ran into him picking out his cymbals for the gig up in the 'cymbal room' of the venue. A nicer man you will not meet.

[@robburgess4556]

I love Chester! I met him 25 years ago, he's such a wonderful, charming man - and such a great drummer!

[@lauremehrkens5891]

You’re very lucky.

[@bonzoligist6330]

Awesome love Chester and Collins especially the drum duets thay did together. I grew up on Phil Collins songs seen them in concert twice when I was young and I loved it..dad always speaks highly of Chester and Phil still does to this day..

[@LubomirVelev]

G R E A T! Chester is one of the most respected drummers alive (2014!) and my personal favorite!

[@budhiharlow4945]

It was 1984 (37 Years ago) I was at the Inglewood Forum sitting right behind Chester Thompson at the Genesis Show. It was a completely transcendent experience for a then 18 year old garage drummer. Genesis always had one of the most advanced and spell binding sound and light shows, thanks in no small part to Peter Gabriel's early theatrics. I remember being so moved by Chester's Drumming that tears rolled down my eyes, feeling something that I may have not felt yet as "Bud Harlow" yet my spirit absolutely knew that Chester was "preaching into the divine gospel of the soul".

[@discorrdat]

Loved this interview. I had the fortune of meeting Chester a few times and he was very approachable. I'm glad to hear about his band and will be looking for his music. Thanks Nick and Sweetwater.

[@IslandDigital]

Such a Master Drummer and amazing person. Been a life long inspiration for me and my Drumming .

[@seelanne]

His drumming on „seconds out“ is mind-blewing. What a master: one of the best drumming in history of music.

[@IslandDigital]

Great ! Chester is such wonderful guy. Very open, honest. His experience is mind blowing . Super solid player. Thanks for this interview , I would have watched all day .

[@TheMazzimM]

Thank you Chester. Thank you for decades brilliant grooves and fills. Had the good fortune of sharing a beer with Nick in Italy when he toured with the Beard....pure gentleman and gifted musician.

[@magiscichoam]

Compliments on a fantastic and comprehensive interview! Chester Thompson is a gentleman, class act and a dazzling drummer. As a long time fan of Genesis I was introduced to the drumming excellence of Chester Thompson during the "Wind And Wuthering" tour at the Detroit Masonic Temple auditorium in 1977. The drumming of Chester Thompson was breathtakingly brilliant and his synchronization with Phil Collins was dazzlingly perfect! The Genesis live album, "Seconds Out" perfectly illustrates Chester Thompson's masterful contribution to the beauty, elegance and power of a band at the height of its creative capabilities. Bravo!

[@charlotteharris4468]

I just love Chester Thompson and of course Phil Collins. They make it look so easy. Would love to meet both of them. I can dream can't l. Louisiana girl who digs Phil Collins 🥰

[@johnthomson2164]

Well said

[@tixximmi1]

First saw Chester in '74. He's played with some of the best.

[@davidhgomeziv8409]

Los Endos 1987 at Wembley Stadium, best drum duet/battle of all time.

[@phillipdady303]

Got that on DVD and Three Sides Live on blu-ray.

[@60s70s80sMusicFan]

Great interview Nick. Chester played on one of my favorite Weather Report albums, Black Market. Actually, Chester played on half the album. Great drummer who also went through the school of Frank Zappa. Chester is one of the great drummers of his generation.

[@user-os9pu4vm5v]

Chester Thompson, a great powerful drummer who I pay respect for all the inspiration he gave to me and to many drummers !

[@hypno59]

He's lovely and a great musician. And very lucky to play with Phil and weather report. Oh my.

[@DancingwithGhosts]

What a sober minded guy and very informative. He and Darryl were such great support systems for these creative giants. Always been wanting to see an in depth interview with Chester.

[@BillBrolse]

He/she didn´t suggest that.

[@milomeliora7271]

Y

[@cinemashow3]

I still remember the night of September 23, 2007 in DC. Chester and Phil were at their best for the Genesis reunion tour. And Chester's drum set... a piece of jewelry!!!!! Thank you Chester for giving us all your talent, the talent that only the greatest musicians have.

[@rmoore2536]

Who could dislike this interview? Chester is such a humble man. One of the greats, can play anything. Must be an awesome guy for all these people would want him to go on the road with them

[@ripplesguy1036]

Social media acting as the dredger once more and also demonstrating how bad it is for the world that you can simply, for no clear and obvious reason, throw negativity at something. I actually feel sorry for people who conduct themselves in this way, but it's likely they don't know any better.

[@kayabtin6861]

I got the seconds out album when I was a freshman in class of 77.I became a Genesis fan after the "and then they were three" album.I recall saying to a friend that I think God is giving Genesis a helping hand on the drums. and then I saw them in concert at the Baltimore civic center. That night I realized the God I anticipated was no other than The legend Chester Thompson. I have been a staunch fan of Genesis and Phil Collins ever since.

[@curlessmania4708]

LEGEND! Always loved Chester’s work with Genesis. He brought a groove to their sophisticated music. He and Phil were locked in.

[@bertwesler1181]

This was am amazing and eye opening interview I have been a Chester fan for at least 45 years and leaned so much today. Chester, you are a wonderful musician and I thank you for so many years of please. God Belss you and keep you.

[@pallhe]

Great interview. I'm a big fan of Chester's. Love his work on Roxy, One Size Fits All and the Helsinki Concert. Such a sweet guy too.

[@RickCT2000]

Chester is an amazing drummer and superb man.

[@immagood2]

not a huge fan of genesis songs...but, ALWAYS loved Chester's playing!!!. LOVE this interview, his humanity, and of course Nick! thanks again,SWEETWATER!!!!!!!!!

[@davebellamy4867]

Love to hear Chester. I just watched Nick Collins on Take Me Home then Chester now it's an inter view with the great man. Would love to hear a double drums Chester and Nick. The Genesis family.

[@Damonm68]

It seems as if Chester has increased in gentle sweetness as he has aged. What a great musicans and human who has had the privilege of living a very unusual life. Great Interview.

[@RollieFingers59]

Such a cool guy and amazing talent. Love what he said about wanting to be there for his son

[@jpsheldon]

Awesome drummer!!!

[@mcloughlinmusicalminute6692]

Chester Thompson. one of the all time greats! and a great interview... it inspires me to keep doing the interviews I do.... Thanks!

[@PeterMayer]

I was lucky enough to see the wind and wuthering tour in 1977 in Nashville! We drove from Cincinnati, four of us in a Volkswagen. We only had one windshield wiper working, and it was raining so guess which side it was on? Anyway, I got to see Chester's first tour. And saw Steve Hackett!

[@johnbreedlove3245]

WOW. !!!!!! Jealous.

[@dazuk1969]

That sounds amazing P, i was lucky enough to see Chester at Wembley stadium in london 1987. Chester is the best drummer i ever saw...his "drum off" with Phil Collins is the best display of drumming i ever saw...peace to ya.

[@dantlis81]

One of my all time heroes. I always felt it was Phil Collins who influenced me primarily into playing drums... then again it was Genesis live at Knebworth '92 that got me started... and who was playing while Phil was singing..? :-)

[@kenwoodsmusic]

Love this! Fantastic drummer, and such a cool guy!

[@asdadassdaasdsaasdsd8460]

The man was born to be a drummer

[@evankeal]

Great questions Nick. Great answers Chester. Loved it.

[@blickumblickumblick]

Outstanding interview. Chester is my guy and that really cleared up some things. Such a gentleman and an eloquent ambassador of great music. I could listen to One Size Fits All every day. Can't find a more beautiful touch that Chester's.

[@phillmellina]

Beautiful human being, that Chester...

[@fearisthemind-killer]

Chester Thompson is the man. I remember going to the Invisible Touch tour and Phil said that Chester (and Stuermer) was a permanent member of touring Genesis. The crew I rolled with at the time erupted in joy. We loved Chester.

[@richardasumadu8305]

The first time i saw Chester Thompson playing drums was a Ron Kenoly record called " God is Able". I have been fan of Chester Thompson ever since.

[@karwenthelama]

Eloquent, erudite,lucid . Chester the great !

[@amirhamra]

wonderful chester !, a real legend, lucky genesis to have you!

[@christopherjohnson3520]

Yes. One of the Best of all Time! Thnx, Chester! CJ

[@RSTAR2009]

Always knew him as that black guy who drums for Phil Collins. Finally, an interview! Chester Thompson of Baltimore, Maryland.

[@ticklemezellmo]

I've always loved Chester's playing style. His playing on Inca Roads is one of those parts where the feel, the precise cymbal crashes, everything is perfect for the music and it rises to the level of fine art.

[@HUMPTYNUGGET]

Spellbound throught the whole interview didnt want it to end , wonderful man wonderful interviewer....no lame questions ......

[@rogerm2420]

Nick this is a fantastic interview. You handle this legend with respect. Only a real artist, like you, would receive the same honesty and love from Chester. Well done my man well done!!!

[@KennyEvansUK]

Excellent interview. I love how Chester mimicked Phil Collins style, you can't tell them apart. Such a huge talent and a sweet guy with it.

[@AdamTeAwanui]

Living legend. I have instant joy listening to Chester on drums.

[@mrt7954]

Great Artist and Person...Relaxed,Human,Humble...

[@thomascox7466]

One of the all time greats!!!

[@jords5721]

Ever seen the Genesis when in Rome 2007 concert film? Watch it and then you'll know why Chester is one of the most talented drummers of all time.

[@frazz06]

any genesis show with chester

[@margaretbraginetz3896]

Phil Collins - great drummer! Chester Thompson - drummer extraordinaire! and that's the difference.

[@panplayer]

I had the good fortune to meet Chester at PASIC one year. He’s a super player and a super person.

[@ofirmichael]

awesome!!! greatest drummer ever!!

[@BBT609]

Chester has played behind Ron Kenoly from 1991- 1998 and THAT was when I became a fan!

[@scrambaba]

Fantastic, thanks so much. Could listen to Chester and Nick for hours. cool that Nick was involved in what became Calling All Stations. Always thought CAS was brilliant and way better than We Can’t Dance. Really appreciate hearing Chester talk about his life and work outside of Genesis.

[@jerome5ify]

love this guy

[@Mooseman327]

Wonderful interview. Kudos to Chester...and Nick.

[@andywharam4846]

Chester you are a hero of mine, next to Phil, you & Phil are the best duo of amazing drummers I have ever seen & heard, I hope to learn so much of yours & Phil's drumming techniques, I cannot wait to get y kit together and start playing 🙏🥁🇬🇧

[@sweetwater]

😁🤘

[@chrisdidonna7371]

Absolutely amazing drummer

[@charlyfreedomdammit]

Just delicious. Chester what a humble monster. Great interview, Nick!.

[@jimanderson2518]

Best drummer ever we love you!!!

[@steevidrums]

What a lovely humble guy. I remember seeing a genesis live concert on tv around 1985 just about the time I started playing. I was amazed at Chester’s kit and how he played. I had a Pearl drum poster with his monster kit from that period on my bedroom wall for years.

[@morbidmanmusic]

love to have a coffee and share a drum pad with this man. How to be amazing and humble for life.

[@youngkali6021]

This guy is awesome. We'll save you a seat Chester. Cheers!

[@Stirfriedlizards]

Chester played with King Crimson too. Great live video of "The Court of the Crimson King" Chester's opening drum fills will knock your ass off.

[@Tazman1234]

I actually meant chester outside of the repass of his aunt's funeral,I grew up with one of cheaters family members Lamont Jones,I'm originally from Baltimore myself,I've been living in Philadelphia for the past 17 years,chester is a really nice guy,it was a pleasure meeting him in person and getting his autograph..

[@edvanesch178]

During the Mama tour (1983', 1984'), the Invisible Touch tour (1986', 1987') , and the We Can't Dance tour (1992') , Phil had this huge drumkit on stage. His lefthanded accoustic Gretsch drumkit, combined with a lefthanded electronic Simmons drumkit, on stage. Next to Chester's huge righthanded (at that time) Pearl drumkit, and after that Sonor drumkit. The stages during these 3 tours, looked so cool! After that, Phil only used his accoustic kit. Why?... (I never hear people talk about that...)

[@edvanesch178]

(Oh yeah, and for some gigs during the Invisible Touch tour, Phil also played a lefthanded Pearl drumkit. Sometimes Chester also used an electronic Simmons righthanded drumkit during some little gigs. Chester also used Simmons pads mixed in his accoustic kit.)

[@christopherdaley6304]

1) they dropped “2nd Home By the Sea” from the set list which was ok the Simmons kit. 2) Chester said some of the drums triggered sounds during later tours (I know because I asked him once when I met him)

[@davidcurtis4478]

Great interview, always enjoy watching Chester 👍🥁👍DC

[@jeffsmart110]

This was GREAT!!!

[@loucontino4804]

Nick you didn't play on We Can't Dance, you played on Calling All Stations. And you are right, that record was not prog at all. But, that's a long time ago. Love you in Big Big Train! Chester...always a personal favorite of mine. A God fearing man for sure!

[@lesliewoodley2384]

Legend!!!!

[@troyalcorn1184]

I only know Chester when he replaced Phil. I can only say, "WOW!!!!". I became a fan and still am a fan.

[@adrianh63]

“If you rock in a band like Genesis, you’ve got to roll on drums like Pearl” Just love your style Chester! You can really make it swing! Hope to see you at a gig in LA soon. Your ever appreciative fan....Adrian H

[@davidanania5618]

I remember that campaign...and the "Across the Stage, Across the World" poster, for the short time when Phil also played Pearl.

[@lingerierendabunga2982]

A grandmaster and a humble person at the same time.

[@IamtheActionman]

Amazing interview Thanks Sweetwater

[@sweetwater]

Darryl Stevens Thanks for watching!

[@jeffsmart110]

I have ALWAYS wanted to know more about him! Thanks for this!!

[@josedelossantos2428]

Chester Thompson résumé is awesome.

[@MaKetchup10]

What a humble wonderful guy..

[@alberto19u]

Best drummer

[@tlkshowhst]

Great interview. Great job Nick.

[@drl1046]

Excellent interview, thanks!

[@chrisbeard5794]

Great to see a popular artist from the same state as me.

[@ziggypop79]

Such a class guy.

[@cristianotenorio4864]

Maravilhoso baterista. Puro talento......🇧🇷

[@davidrobbins8941]

Saw him in concert with Phil, great concert 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@apieceofdirt4681]

He’s always been a very well respected drummer. I know he’s gotten older but he looks extremely thin. I hope he’s ok.

[@chevy4x466]

apiece ofdirt I think a lifetime of drums is hard on a body

[@filmneye]

He looks trim & fit to me. During Genesis era, yes, he had a bulky build, so there's a big difference.

[@MirkkoDeMaio]

Chester, what a sweet guy- both gentlemen

[@FusionHowie]

Awesome video, THANK YOU

[@neebinmakwah349]

I like my notes...love it.

[@manthachakradhar2837]

My star drummer