Coolest, most epic drum solo ever! Gregg Bissonette

[@RandyHanley]

It's crazy how solid his rock is, and then you see him play jazz and funk with such finesse. Amazing person and drummer.

[@demonicsweaters]

Basically a full doctorate degree of percussion styles in 1 drum solo. Freaking crazy.

[@tiluriso]

Great solo - technique/chops and musical too. GB is much more versatile than most imagine - he can play Heavy Rock, Pop and Jazz-Fusion w/ equal skill+taste.

[@caprise-music6722]

I’m not surprised with the epic teachers he’s had, from his jazz drumming dad to Ringo Starr to Tony flippin Williams!!

[@tiluriso]

@@caprise-music6722 Aye.

[@massimilianofulgosi4230]

You rarely hear such a perfect sound scan. It is the meeting point between Gadd and Porcaro. Sharp like Jeff and relaxing like Steve.

[@MMaatthhiieeuu]

After he left Wayne's World in the early nineties, Garth Algar went solo. Here's his first effort

[@Zabba5]

MMaatthhiieeuu Too funny.

[@chromeboy37000]

MMaatthhiieeuu lol

[@PDXguitarfreak]

LOL yeah the mullet is epic!

[@quinnrollen]

As if....

[@blastfromthepast8344]

It's a WIG. But great drummer.

[@searching4answers79]

I went to a drum Clinic that he put on here in North Carolina about 20 years ago. He was fantastic! ( and a nice guy with a great sense of humor ).

[@simone4993]

Deepest respect for Gregg ..my feeling is he never got the accolades he so deserved...this is a Musicians Musician .Can read it music write it ect and so completely free and innovative. This is what people in the biz should strive for. Pure Platinum Love it Gregg

[@lilybond6485]

I’m a die hard Beatles fan. At a Beatles concert in 1964 did The Whole jumping over the railing, jumping over the barricades with security hot on my trail, got to the stage and got swooped up by security who brought me back to my seat. Now move up about 50 years and I’m going to see Ringo Starr and his All Stars perform. This guy Greg Bissonette is playing the drums --- I don’t think I looked or listened to Ringo once - I could not take my eyes off this guy. He had me mesmerized with his drum playing. I walked out of that concert not really having focused on Ringo but this guy. He was incredible. I felt like it was the drummer’s concert - not Ringo’s.

[@Amigaudio]

What is absolutely great about this solo that no other drum has done, is that he transcribed every single note of what he played with absolute accuracy and made it available for us on his written drum method.

[@DamienMargo]

Gregg Bissonette was a huge influence on me as a young drummer and this brings back fond memories of him speaking and playing live in LA. A really great guy and a legendary drummer. Eat 'Em And Smile :)

[@catshavesouls]

What makes this even better is this is a very humble, very cool guy.

[@MatthewClise]

I can personally attest to this. I worked at a music shop in Baltimore years ago where GB did a clinic. I was basically his errand boy for the day and I got to hang with him for several hours. I don't think we even talked about drums once the entire time. He was super nice, easy going, and down to earth. No pretension whatsoever.

[@tylermorrison7051]

Met him a store appearance in 2009. Very kind, and down to earth.

[@jumpinjojo]

Just like Buddy Rich.

[@denny8886]

Gregg is such an amazing drummer and person! I'm not at all surprised at his success. Gregg has always been a very versatile musician and openly appreciates all styles of music and his drumming influences and abilities are just as varied. I was so very fortunate to see him play with Maynard Fergusion's band shortly after he left North Texas State. He just killed it! I was so blown away! Thank you for posting this as the video, cassette, and book have been put out of print. Hopefully Gregg can get this great play along series updated into mp3.

[@misterzero666]

Wow, I never knew Greg was this good! i have never heard him play like this before.

[@ThedrumMachine78]

This guy was a beast when he was young"!!!!!!

[@Aerospacer77]

Wow. I am now a fan of Greg Bissonette. Incredible drum solo!

[@DesignRhythm]

Definitely one of the most entertaining drum solos I have ever heard -kept getting more interesting as it progressed.

[@gregmcdermott3285]

Every element is absolutely amazing...push, pull, simmering to a rapid boil....with all the spice sprinkled throughout....wow

[@jazzpianoman01]

Legend of a drummer and a great humble guy

[@WireleesWorld]

Huge Stewart Copeland influence here...Nice! And those double-kick flams sound incredible! ❤

[@JW-yp9yj]

Caught this guy a good ten years after this. Set his kit up with no mics in this little club... amazing... What a nice guy. Talked a lot about Ringo Starr that night, which I thought was rad. An his drumming was twice as good as this recording. So versatile. Rock solid without loosing groove. Technical yet melodic. Had it all... Great guy- brilliant drummer! Sick. One of those times I left wanting to quit playing, that never last long of course.

[@robertgarza2865]

Been drumming for over 33 years. Greg was one of my first inspirations. this is a piece from his VHS video called Private Lesson. I learned a lot of stuff from this video and adapted a some of his style into my style of drumming. and no...that wasn't a wig.

[@drumstud4u]

at the risk of sounding redundant, I say again that this is some of the most amazing drumming I've ever heard! What an assortment of mixed bags; I can listen to this over and over and each time I find something different to marvel over...such seamless transitions and superhuman fluidity and speed while still unbelievably articulate; If I can play half this good on a consistent basis I'd be a happy camper

[@paranormaldrummer69]

Greg is hands down one of the best drummers out there. And imo very very underrated.. when he did the David Lee Roth solo project back in the 80s i was blown away at how good he was when i saw them live. He was incredibly good. Blew my fn mind to be exact. But, after the DLR thing i really didnt see or hear mych from him in the whole "band" scene. I would occasionally check to see what hes been up to through the years and hes always staying busy from what im seeing. But he has ALWAYS been and always will be a phenomenal drummer. One of my favorites TBH.. and hes still kicking the shit outta that drum kit to this day man.. fantastic drummer!! Thanks for posting.. ,🤘🤘

[@jumpinjojo]

He’s not underrated, ding dong. Stop with the KZbin cliche.

[@LanceCampeau]

man... the push-pull timing is just sick... what impressive hi-hat work.

[@darrenengstrom3323]

He fit David Lee Roth's solo band like a glove. Underrated drummer.

[@jumpinjojo]

What makes such a well know drummer underrated? If he’s so bad, why has he played with some of the best musicians out there??

[@scottykingdavid]

Perfection with Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai. What. ??? Oh yes

[@Patriot-x8y]

By whom ? Kirk covington is underrated.......dom famularo is underrated........a guy on tour for 30,years is underrated huh ? 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@darrenengstrom3323]

@@jumpinjojo who said he was bad? I didn't. Don't think too hard. It could damage your drumming.

[@darrenengstrom3323]

@@scottykingdavid was that comment an insult? No. So blow it out your ass.

[@danmessinger6646]

No doubt. one of the best ever drummers in the world of rock/progressive/pop music. This man can do it all!! The hair was a thing of the time (look at Steve Smith). These guys should be forever remembered for what they can and have done!! Wow, this video covers a lot of serious drum lessons. Go Gregg!

[@pressrolls]

@ Dan Hair? Thats a fucking wig! Greg was bald as a cue ball! He got that ridiculous wig when he played with David Lee Roth. So bad.

[@blastfromthepast8344]

Long wig.

[@therealawakener7]

Gregg's one of the best ever... period! For those about to rock... Lord Bissonette, we most humbly salute you!

[@beatsdddx]

He really is a talented man, chops for days!!

[@diegomarcelososa]

The best performance of a drummer I've ever seen

[@teachingbeats]

This IS why I walked out of a class at the university of Wisconsin and went to PIT. Still one of the most incredible things I have ever seen on a kit. Thank you Gregg, you changed my life.

[@michaelw.4434]

Can hear a lot of his influences,,big fan of Greg's skill.and technique, especially when I was a young drummer in the eighties at 15 ,16...Thanks for posting this,Great!!!

[@patrickhughes4837]

I happen to know Gregg since 1989 and recently experienced his drum clinic again July of 2018 in San Jose. He's ALWAYS been a true inspiration of mine and will always be!

[@jendel42750]

Watching this brings back some good memories. It confirmed my sentiments that, as a teen drummer during the '80s, I used to think of Gregg as the big brother to all of us who aspired to become pro drummers.

[@giorgiomartinico3774]

He's so underrated! He's one of the greatest for sure!

[@jumpinjojo]

Show me a single publication that says he’s underrated. What a ridiculous comment about an industry known drummer.

[@jazzpianoman01]

Far from underrated; he is highly regarded in the drumming world, one of the top players along with Weckl/Vinnie etc

[@SterlingRe]

Awesome solo! Over 14 minutes long and it never got boring. Serious Chops!!

[@jedimastersmoochie308]

Bissonette is the man on Drums.. There is a reason David Lee Roth snatched him up to play on Roth's solo album.. Roth was trying to mimic Van Halen with a line up of Bissonette on Drums, Steve Vai on Guitar and Billy Sheehan on Bass. Bissonette is an amazing drummer.

[@bm8584]

And Jason Becker!!!

[@JorgeOrtegadgets]

@@bm8584 Jason Becker joined the band after Steve and Sheehan left. The best of Roth's work is in Eat 'em and smile and Skyscrapper with Vai, Sheehan and Bissonette

[@bm8584]

@@JorgeOrtegadgets yes, it is a misunderstanding. I meant that DLR had wonderful musicians around and I just thought that it was a must to name Jason also.

[@JorgeOrtegadgets]

@@bm8584 oh, I see! Yeah, David Lee Roth is a very fortunate man! He played with three of the best guitarists in history (Vai, Van Halen and Becker) a great bassist like Sheehan and one of the best drummers like Bissonette. Simply amazing

[@bentleymurphree216]

DLR had to get the best band possible for his solo stuff, and he put together a super group. There are a few bands that are considered super groups because of the talent level, and the DLR eat em and smile and skyscraper albums we’re definitely super group bands.

[@benjiarehart2878]

Saw Eat Em and Smile tour. Being a drummer, I was blown away with his skill. One of the best, and most underrated drummers I've ever seen live, and I've seen Peart and Buddy rich live.. A great drummer to say the least.

[@averyellis]

Oh, then I probably saw him, too. Was a teen, but Eat ‘em was my first show.

[@brokl26]

Let’s not miss out on the fantastic use of the mullet.

[@NS1.]

You can just tell by his playing that he can read and write music. He's so spot on and accurate it's ridiculous.

[@caprise-music6722]

Yeah, my goodness. It’s one of the things that made me wish I could read music

[@tttarms1970]

I think greg doesnt have a heart........its been replaced with a bass drum....incredible

[@stevemagnone8368]

Gregg is a graduate of North Texas State, now UNT, and it Shows. The Man has amazing skills and technique. Fantastic display here. Wow.

[@darwinmedinamusic]

It's amazing... After watching hours and hours of videos from modern drummers, I just ran across this and noticed what a great drummer Gregg is. It's like he had developed many of the foundamental concepts long before they became known. I can hear a little bit of Mike Portnoy and Latin percussion... The man is just awesome.

[@darwinmedinamusic]

***** Yes! That's what I meant.

[@caprise-music6722]

He got lessons from Ringo Starr and Tony Williams. How badass is that!

[@OmarVega1]

Waaaaoooo, great drummer!! I guess I never paid attention to him thinking that he just played rock because of his hair look. But after seen him playing reggae, salsa, songo and a lot more I realized that no matter what race or ethnicity you can play any musical style if you put your heart in it. My respect Greg Bissonett for such a fantastic job in those drums. Amazing.

[@apieceofdirt4681]

That hair, is fake. It’s a wig because he’s bald. His playing though......that’s all him. He did a solo during a DLR concert in Raleigh NC. I was blown away. Here’s a guy that looks ridiculously silly and played for a band that most people didn’t take very seriously but after that solo I’ve got nothing but respect for the guy.

[@starspangled2206]

GB + Pearl = badass drummer on a badass kit. That was a great and creative solo. The brush section was outstanding! Great mix of style and interpretation!

[@SidLaw500]

That's some serious mullet super power he has going on here. Never knew he was this good and interesting. Came here from his Beato interview.

[@casestudymtb]

Gregg is such an amazing clinician as well, so knowledgeable, passionate and personable. I got a chance to meet him after his submarine album came out and still have the signed copy. I'll forever love his performances on the burning for buddy disks, I've stolen a lot of links from this guy! The real deal

[@drumstud4u]

I knew he was good but who knew he was the master of virtually every style out there. Absolute fluidity and precision; every note is articulate and concise with not a hint of hesitation even when crossing over from one style to the next. This is how I want to play when I grow up! (the "do" has got to go tho...that's one hairstyle that doesn't work on anybody) One of the finest drummers I've ever heard...

[@caprise-music6722]

Regarding the do… welcome to the early 90’s lol

[@SirOlsen1]

Had the great honor to meet and talk to Greg at a clinic in Trondheim Norway back in 2000. I am still starstruck.. what a fantastic person, what kindness, skills, ways to teach.. :)

[@quadrant2012]

P.S. I had the pleasure of tuition from Gregg when he was in U.K. a few years ago, along with some other super players, he was by far the best to me. Being in the room next to him as he played, wow, so much warmth and feel , cannot translate it in language but just so good, and that is not even mentioning his technique and vocabulary. And such a humble guy.

[@OZRIC1985]

Gregg is a phenomenal drummer for sure! :)

[@blackfunkydrummer1]

Sounds like Gregg Bissonette! Still Excellent! With all the Gospel Chops I've seen in the last 10 years, this is refreshing. Extremely melodic and thoughtful.

[@AngerBangFtG]

That drumset now belongs to a man name Aurelio Flores who lives in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico. He had it set up in a club he owned for use in his house band which my brother was the guitarist for. I got to play that set one night when I visited the club and was invited to sit in with the band.

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

I always knew Bissonette was gifted, but there were times when I thought his style didn't fit with the music he was playing. Still, he's got a HUGE vocabulary and a great sense of timing, and this solo showcases both; I mean, seriously, the brushwork was great. Of the people complaining, I'll bet if the drums had close mics (in addition to the room mic), it'd sound a lot better. Great clip - thanks for posting it.

[@brianw1093]

Saw him with Roth,Vai,and Sheehan in the 80s...his solo was like nothing I had ever seen before...when he got off the throne and came around front stepped up on his bass drums and ass to the audience continued to wail my jaw dropped to the floor...EPIC...something I will never forget

[@antonmaclean8418]

When I hear this video years later ,I realize how much of my playing was influenced by this solo ,thanks Gregg,never played in about 10 years,might pick up the sticks again before its to late

[@daddybear]

Greg is awesome behind a kit and away from one. I met Greg in Nashville at Woodland studios while I was doing someone's album. He was doing Larry Carlton's. Greg was SOOO humble..Greg is one of my heros!

[@jumpinjojo]

*Gregg. Show some respect.

[@steveschrader9250]

I never knew this guy was that good! Damn!!

[@shadowsymphony1]

the tone on those drums are magnificent!

[@SXI96]

+Kenny Earl That's Pearl Drums for ya :)

[@jumpinjojo]

Kenny Earl Is* magnificent. Not are.

[@sleuth2077]

His touch and finesse are insane!

[@benjamindanter2876]

Brutal hair, Brilliant drummer. Ahhh... the 80's

[@mdloser1]

I had a poster of him with these drums on my wall. I thought this kit was awesome. This takes me back to being a young drummer. Awesome video.

[@xxArcanexx]

15 minutes of pure genius.

[@diondemitru-xdrumpage4375]

1 of the best Intriguing incredible drum solos in Drum Percussion History 🤘👽

[@HarryJoiner]

amazing drummer. amazing person.

[@jamz11how]

His work with Billy and Steve on David lee Roth’s is phenomenal!!! A super group!

[@larkydozer]

Had this on a VHS tape for years and years and always enjoyed Gregg's repertoire and tone.

[@tombest3562]

Definitely doesn't suck! Crazy ability and delivery.

[@porkpie102264]

That was a magical solo.... had it all. beautiful. love the reggae/latin feel and fills through out....

[@robsvibe]

I just stumbled on this,,,Wow ! Ive never seen any of Greg's solos. Thank you so much for the upload ! Very inspiring !

[@Flamadiddle2]

Awesome, one of my favorite drummers!

[@rtweber37]

Let's not forget that Greg played with Maynard Ferguson Band - simply put he is a extremely well-rounded drummer and the way he mixes many styles fluidly here shows that.

[@daveholmes8745]

The line up of musicians that DL Roth had in the mid to late 80's with Greg, Billy Sheehan and Steve Vai... the stars were definitely aligned for those two albums they made together.

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

It coul be...

[@larkydozer]

Bit of Stewart Copeland/Police influence in that opening groove.

[@ericgerhardt1127]

Amazing! Great power throughout! Best of the best!

[@SterlingRe]

I gotta give this guy his props. He can flat out play. I know nothing about him, but he seems to be a rock drummer with serious chops.

[@sheeznutz2254]

He played for David Lee Roth, Joe Satriani and many others! Excellent studio drummer on many albums

[@OblivionBeyond]

Most musical approach I’ve seen in fusion technique I’ve ever seen, I just found my new inspiration to forge my drumming technique; un like others he other greats all technique and rudiment orchestration, Greg makes his drumming sing and armed with deadly techniques. Legendary and timeless drumming here..

[@pinkponyofprey1965]

So this is the drummer behind Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan in David Lee Roth's first band. I can see why I fell over when I heard those first records and I was totally disappointed with my friends who all could only say "Hair Metal" when they heard I listened to DLR haha!!! Their loss ... :D

[@jeremysdrumming4474]

Excellent drummer, love Gregg's style and sound ❤

[@ryansharp4691]

I love the ridiculously delayed, or open, flames. He makes great use of them all over the place.

[@davidiand7]

I knew he was good but wow this is another level! 😮

[@markbuchwald8836]

I was fortunate to participate in a private lesson with Gregg and a friend of mine, Mr. Mike Beaston. I played this exact kit and the lesson was on soloing and dynamics.

[@youngfeller5376]

After listening to a Terry Bozzio solo for 3 minutes which was all I could muster. It sounded like a group of Samoan tribesmen with trash can lids. Then this came up in my feed. Now this is a drum solo. Awesome!!

[@Joseph-uu8yp]

Gregg !!!!! this solo was a song in itself ,so many solos today are chops without the flow of a song .

[@richardlafontaine5049]

Just TOO GOOD. This is EPIC in taste and structural finesse.

VERY ORIGINAL BADASS DRUMMER!!! End of story. Period.

[@johnsedgewick9433]

amazing!...never loses one

[@colincampbell9753]

i just quit drumming now, thanks Gregg.... wow, what skills

[@thef-files2697]

Looks n sounds like his rehearsal for the first Buddy Rich Scholarship concert. He killed his set. Arguably the most versatile drummer of the six!

[@jjjb9098]

I re-read your reply. That is AWESOME you got to take lessons from Gregg. I live in DFW, TX and it's hard to find musicians around here, with that kind of pedigree, that teach. Right on!

[@marcusstrait1540]

Holy absolute moly dude. You are by far the best drummer I’ve personally ever seen on KZbin. My name is Jeremy Davis and I’ve been trying to become a drummer for many years. Unfortunately life has created many ups and downs and I’ve been forced to have to sell my drum sets every time that I buy one. But when I can finally once again afford to get the Mapex armory 6 piece studioease fast Tom black dawn kit. Then I’m going to learn from your videos Gregg. Im sure you’re on drumeo. Im all the way inspired because of your drumming. You’re simply AMAZING

[@FLICKOFF1000]

I dont want to work, I wanna bang on these drums all day!

[@richardpendowski5860]

That was the most powerpack solo I ever heard in my life time very inspirational

[@gtrdave]

Make fun of his hair all you want to. in 1992 Gregg was (and continues to be) one of the most amazing and most versatile drummers on the planet. He's also a decent and humble human being; rare for a guy who played for 100s of thousands of people.

[@whisperingthunder2107]

That kit sounds and looks great with the white hardware...one of the world masters of the drum kit.

[@dinocamella5940]

I love it, being i drummer, one of the coolest pieces ever

[@MattCollisMusic]

Yeah man.....he has the chops and the epic groove

[@Ponch341]

My Hats off to you Greg! Fantastic Solo!

[@RFIDemocracy]

Great sounding kit

[@cbh440]

Hard to escape the Tony Williams influence, which is a good thing.

[@rawdonwaller]

Funny, but i had the same thought. And indeed it IS a good thing. Aside: astounded to see people comparing GB to Lars Ulrich et al.: a serious misidentification of musicality and ability (it's hard to compare anyone or thing with a 'zero' on the talent scale, which is where I'd place Lars Ulrich)

[@hermanmelville3871]

+cbh440 Some Bozzio (also heavily influenced by Tony) in there.

[@dustinwilliams7542]

Tony Flam chops galore

[@pcs56]

And Gadd and Colaiuta...just like the rest of us drummers...the sum of our heroes

[@glengamble526]

Huge Stewart Copeland influence here...nice! And those double-kick flams sound incredible!

[@WALLOFDAMAGE]

What a great drummer in pretty much any style you care to mention. A very cool solo with a strong theme and lots of interesting tangents. As for him being underrated ! Ha ! By who ? The local greengrocer maybe but I suspect Mr Bissonette is rated pretty highly by everyone he and his work come into contact with.

[@dtv266]

Big ass good. I will no longer think of him as a hair metal drummer.

[@jjjb9098]

UNT is in Denton, TX (a suburb about 20 miles north of Dallas, TX). And thanks for the reply, I'll definitely check it out. Cheers!