The Fearless Flyers // backstage at Madison Square Garden (pre-gig rehearsal)

rehearsal footage from my phone. i just didn't want it to be lost forever by accident since i'm upgrading to a new iPhone today...so i uploaded it for the internet to hang on to for a while.
if i'm being completely honest, i think these takes are better than the ones from the concert? but that's the funny thing about music....each performance is different.
The Fearless Flyers are
Nate Smith - drums
Cory Wong - small guitar
Mark Lettieri - medium guitar
Joe Dart - big guitar
0:00 Introducing The Fearless Flyers
2:34 Flyers Direct

[@bettorup_]

Cory never takes for granted how sick Nate is and it shows.

[@jebjebson8743]

Nate is sicker than maleriaids

[@kutter666]

Nate is the show!!!!

[@Ibrokemywrist]

The ace of aces perhaps

[@metalgunnerapoorva]

As a teenager, I was impressed with neil peart and his monstrous kit. As an adult, I worship nate smith and his 3-piece kit. Groove for days.

[@wyvernofhefei8712]

It's 2-piece tho since the number only counts on the drum, cymbals not included cmiiw

[@VermeireSebastien]

lil 'akshually' moment here ;) although technically correct @@wyvernofhefei8712

[@layz_gaming_4275]

​@@wyvernofhefei8712was just about to say that

[@sassafrassanid5718]

My exact trajectory in drums

[@atomdecay]

​@@wyvernofhefei8712Well that's pretty stupid. There are 3 playable pieces, therefore it's a 3 Piece.

[@jleb310ce]

The synchronized hands sliding @ the 1:47 mark. *Chefs kiss* Smooth!

[@AnotherUsernameGreat]

0:39 Nate Smith recovers his bass drum like the rest of us mortals

[@Not_Harvard]

So glad I found Mark Lettieri through these vids. Between collabs with Cory, watching Snarky Puppy, and just his own stuff, he has quickly become one of my favorite guitar players.

[@platypusmusic8843]

His baritone sessions are way too good to be true!

[@TedSchoenling]

I found Cory Wong through Mark Lettieri, I love all the collabs and how energized these cats are

[@rodrigoespinosa8826]

I’m seeing Mark live for the second time in London in a couple of weeks 😎

[@PeterVred]

Cory is bringing loads of talented musicians to the public, a tried and true path for the greatest players.

[@scottzimmermann9431]

The rabbit hole is real!

[@rsklinge]

My drummer brother isn’t going to be thrilled hearing this but I really love the stripped down kits Nate uses as well as in Scary Pockets. It really brings out the best in drummers when they only have such a tiny kit like this.

[@Trent-tr2nx]

Seeing Nate doing a drum solo with just snare and hi hat is a religious experience.

[@An_Arbitrary_Miscellany]

It sorta helps if you can play as fully as Nate does though. He makes more out of 3 pieces than most can make out of 10+. Not everyone can make such a simple kit sound so incredible.

[@AndreaAustoni]

Most drummers can't pull this off so they add toms and play a ton of fills. It's like guitarists who can't play funky rhythms so they play endless pentatonic runs.

[@scotwilcox1771]

Nate Smith makes grooves so tight he could play on a kitchen table and it'd still give you stank face

[@bayhakansimsek]

I don't know if it's intended this way but limiting your options almost always works for sharpening creative skills. Whenever a string breaks on my guitar, I tend to play with it a day or two before replacing the string. It's actually enjoyable (for a day or two lol).

[@LadySneff]

So chill, that 'filmed through someone's phone camera' feel, makes me feel a lot better than I cannot afford the fancy recording equipment yet...These guys don't 'need' quality, they ARE quality.

[@donkingisafatbiotch]

I love how after every performance, even a pre-show green room practice, Cory has the biggest freak outs! I guess it is warranted when they're always playing such great music.

[@LadySneff]

Like a kid just getting off the best ride at the amusement park!

[@euaggelion03]

Dude just loves the music

[@unamericano]

I can totally relate to the feeling. Sometimes you and the band are so tight and locked in its like everything coming out of you is magic. Unbeatable experience, and these guys clearly are sitting in an ocean of chemistry.

[@sondrestrmme4006]

I always forget how good Joe Dart is, like i began playing because of him but still he surprises me

[@TKiBoule]

Im with you man

[@nucularpower]

Thank you Cory and team for letting us sit in on this. It feels like a very special moment to be in that place. Seeing four amazingly talented and down-to-earth musicians making the most of now without any hint of doing it for fame and glory but just for kicks... Makes the world a better place.

[@brandonknight6104]

I wished I enjoyed anything as much as Corey does jamming out

[@CoryWongMusic]

find something you love. and do it with people you love even more. it's really special

[@23GOrtiz]

I love this unedited, simple backstage video style! Thanks for this Cory, you guys sound absolutely insane 👏🏻 can’t wait to see you on tour!!

[@haswel22]

Crazy to think they could just set up on a sidewalk like this and sound THIS good

[@hey_it_me]

That's the difference between truly great musicians and second class ones. They can sound good on any equipment, anywhere.

[@GooseGumlizzard]

@@hey_it_meit’s also try style of music they play

[@user-nj5ny4vx6r]

This was the Prelude to a night to remember. Fearless Flyers and Vulfpeck were on FIRE this night and the rehearsal shows a small peek of what was to come. Thank GOD they videoed all of the night for all of us to see.

[@anyhandlewoulddo]

Yesssss!!! Thanks for uploading the pre-show. AMAZING!!! Your sound guys... is just glorious

[@aydenmcfly1362]

And this is the reason we are glad you record everything!!! Some sessions just feel like they hit better either for the player or for the listener 🔥 as always!!!

[@emorycarroll]

I had the pleasure of meeting Cory at the Newport Jazz festival this past summer, and he's such a friendly, down to earth guy. It was also great seeing the flyers perform later that day! Nate's the most influential drummer on my playing of any of my favorite drummers.

[@Cranio76]

OMG, they're so good, everyone of them. Nate is a powerhouse with a ridiculously minimal kit.

[@istvandejesus]

Man this is just levels apart. I want to say Cory sounds amazing. Or the base player is a complete monster. But then you listen to does drums. They are just a force together.

[@JCfromJohto]

Cory and Joe Dart have been playing together for a long time in Vulfpeck

[@TKiBoule]

The Delta force my man, well missing 3 but still !

[@portal432]

Nate Smith is unbelievable. Who would play MSG with a 2 piece and hi hat?

[@isaacchura141]

"the base player"

[@jsquart]

This is arguably the best Rhythm section alive… all masters on their own, but have played together for years in different bands and are the definition of locked in, so yeah. What you said

[@CillianEm7]

The Fender amp there in the back so precariously placed between the sofa arm and table gives me a lot of anxiety right now

[@STSGuitar16]

Don’t worry, that thing is a brick. It ain’t goin nowhere lol

[@36thstreethero]

It would only fall because you imagined it to.

[@brianfergus839]

No way that thing is moving unless someone wants it to

[@d.rowley5023]

It’s been there a year at this point. It’s going to ok

[@David..]

It’s just equipment. Probably rented.

[@paulwhetstone0473]

That was trippy when Cory reached down to the floor at 01:20 I hadn’t noticed he had been using a guitar stand.(I was wondering why he looked a little stiff at first)

[@AV.Creative]

yea it got me too lol

[@layz_gaming_4275]

Same

[@pappabearlee8938]

Love this! Keep posting behind the scenes content please! This sad world needs your FUNK!

[@unterklingen1]

Man. What a freaking awesome concept! A guitar, baritone and bass! Love it

[@achenarmyst2156]

But what is the knob for?

[@Gramps935]

I have watched a few Fearless Flyers videos and I have been trying to decide if Mark was playing a baritone.

[@psilonic8452]

i love how they get progressively more physical throughout flyers direct

[@mtuli_ps]

This is gold, thank you corey for uplouding this

[@gregboy2305]

Nate Smith + Joe Dart = heavenly rhythm section!! So sick y'all!! You're not too bad either Cory and Mark 😝

[@hamsandwichson]

Wow, this is amazing! When you guys hit the MSG stage it was like a rocket took off! 🚀

[@elizareal9920]

That was considerate and wise thank you for uploading very enjoyable

[@JohnLloydDavis]

So good. Glad you managed to capture and share this Corey :)

[@DannySullivanMusic]

Nate Smith has feel like few others. He's quickly taken over as one of my favorites!

[@ezcheesedrp]

God damn! Never heard of you guys but this popped up in my feed and I decided to watch. Super tight, lovely stuff.

[@benjones13]

Corys pure stank face at 1:08 after Nate comes back in gets me every time.. he's just so in the pocket.. UNREAL!

[@CBRKJPN]

I've been waiting for a video like this

[@DrummerDanny76]

This was sooooo good !!!

[@Nannada1212]

Thanks for letting us hold onto it Cory, absolutely rock solid

[@philc9940]

Instant grin! Thanks guys.

[@SuperOgada]

Joe dart doesn’t need sunglasses, the headstock on Corys guitar will work fine 😂

[@GuacJohnson]

Been thinking about for years, but for whatever reason this inspired me to finally take and slow down the walk up and make it into a ratatat thing so thanks a bunch for being awesome

[@spacemancanpee7114]

Loved the groove. Can't wait to see you guys live someday. Goodluck with your new phone \m/.

[@kelboynavarro7552]

I can listen to them for eternity!

[@jazzdrumguy5044]

I just saw Nate Smith and his group at Monterey Jazz at the end of September - dude killed it! Got to meet him and chat with him afterwards - super nice guy and a Groove Master!!!!

[@JoXIII-drums]

Groove at first ! And what a fabulous drummer ! 👍👌👍👌

[@StavK]

Holy smokes that was amazing !

[@dougw7804]

Was at MSG that magical night, would have loved to have been a fly on the wall for this. Thanks for sharing!

[@PantonePapi]

2:22 you know it’s good when you need to laugh like a mad scientist when it’s done

[@markusszelbracikowski956]

I love how Cory Wong simply can't contain his excitement on how funky they can get. It's just too much 😂

[@stevenpam]

This is so cool to see

[@petrasbalsys2667]

My god, seeing it like this just makes it so real for some reason! Like you aren't just rhythm gods descending from the heavens..

[@kwangminoh3308]

man these guys are amazing

[@Bashanvibe]

This was funky I watched the whole thing🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bjorn54114]

nice take! one time i dreamed of a jam with these guys ^^

[@MotoLen51]

Thanks Cory, great stuff!

[@jacobpottala]

These two guitarists blend together exceptionally well and have amazing tone

[@kiddynamite2700]

Just discovered you guys. Badass!!

[@bjorn_joseph]

Love seeing the running man part of intro!

[@ElBeeEss]

Guitars on sticks. Who knew? Ergonomic funk. I dig it.

[@mrbtapir]

Is it so they can swap instruments easily? Cory Wong is quite a decent bass player

[@slowhand633]

Curious why too and surprised more folks aren’t asking about it - never seen anything like that

[@whos.brooke.]

@@mrbtapirIts so yiu dont need to carry a heavy instrument for an entire performance

[@Gramps935]

They all play in other bands without the stands, so here it seems to just be for esthetics. Everything is so minimal they don't even move on stage, they just let the music do the work.

[@joanmarti_14]

Love this hahaha so good to see the vibe in and between the songs. 5:28 QUE PASA AMIGOOO lmao

[@roseymedia]

Holy cow, that jam was so tight, all my broken pieces fit back together!! #Supro

[@maromano]

Maravilhoso! Sounds great!

[@cool_buster]

we need another flyers album so frickin badly i love u four + jack n the rest of the funky bunch so much

[@mirkocaserta]

So much badassery here it's off the scale.

[@jullebarge]

Amazing to see how well it sounds and groove even recorded with just a phone...

[@RichardRohal]

Its been a while since we´ve seen Joe Dart without glasses :)

[@tiagolourinho2638]

Pure gold!

[@clarkgregb]

These guys are wholesome

[@nickgarnero9843]

So funky even the kick drum was like. "Hold up! Too funky!"

[@Alsbustnloose]

Sounding tight as always! The the stops the changes, lighting visions abound! Gee I want to level that amp lol

[@jordicluselles1127]

I love this tunes ! 🙂

[@Churrolova]

The synchronized head bobs give me a bigger smile than Cory's throughout the whole video!

[@dylanp629]

I dig the authenticity here, enjoy the new phone Cory!

[@petersuppe8309]

Wooooww.. Thanks. 🎶 ❤️

[@Bluenblack17]

Prince would be proud to see actual quality live musicians, love the funk!

[@patrickfallon3258]

It’s a small detail, but the drummer pulling the bass drum back at 0:40 gave me serious flashbacks. No one knows the anxiety of a drummer praying the bass drum doesn’t slip outside his reach.

[@trentwaterman7049]

Incredible

[@GustavoOliveira-lw8cd]

Man, this band. SICK! Look this line up...👏👊💪

[@tommarkowskimusic]

My favorite part of each song is Cory's HO HO! at the end

[@teresadyson1141]

I was thinking the same thing. A stripped down kit would elevate the sound! Outside of that, you guys are rockin’ it!!! 🍃♥️🎸👏🏼👏🏼

[@pedronascimento2101]

Great! Amazing funk groove!

[@CHABIEPORTNOY]

I love how Hyped cory is. He is never immune to His band’s greatness

[@borgesguerardi]

the fearless flyers get again together for a one off performance of their classic Madison Square Garden 80's show

[@jiriwiesner]

That was a good decision. :-) What a jam!

[@elrafa782]

First time I see Joe without sunglasses 🤣 not so sure it’s him ! Thanks guys

[@TheYeyebass]

head moving on background... Master of groove!

[@woody4269]

Grt vid. Never seen guitar stands like these. Freaked me t f out when they stepped away. 🍻✌️

[@karenhillblom7131]

So good.

[@lukeGGlee]

absolutely shredded the gnar

[@F3PIZZA]

Gosh these gents make the gnar look like a gentle rolling green circle 😂

[@cobra1010]

World Class!

[@jakerau]

Great stuff Cory!

[@catsoop2739]

God dammit Cory's laugh gets me every time haha!

[@julescg]

This is just nuts.

[@fireballflig]

Fearless Flyers without the sunglasses? They really have no fear!

[@PDexters]

Gold!

[@haikalemir3623]

Legend ❤

[@bryantmedina7780]

This is gas 😤😤

[@TheBhunt1]

I can't tell which guitar I like best - I like 'em all - and Nate Smith just wow

[@andyquanmusic1]

I've never seen these guys perform at such good resolution.

[@timothyworkman1275]

More, more 😊

[@GrayfinRois]

I love these three chords.

[@atomdecay]

:40 Man, I felt that, Nate. My kick CONSTANTLY pushes forward when I play.

[@yebanks]

We were there Live. amazing concert.