Dream Theater "Dance of Eternity" Drums by Chris (DRUM COVER)

My Channel: / mpddrummer
Instagram: @Chris_Mixdown
SONG STARTS AT 3:54
Recorded live at the 2013 "Percussion Explosion" at Music and Arts in Arundel Mills
Watch the whole concert here: • 2013 Percussion Explos...
Recorded, edited, and mixed by me, Chris, from Mixdown Music
Dream Theater "Dance of Eternity" Drums by Chris (DRUM COVER)
Facebook:
/ mixdownmusicrecording
Also at:
www.mixdownmusi...

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

I gotta say, these kids were a FANTASTIC audience. They gave me their full attention for the entire demonstration - no talking, no cell phones, fully engaged. Especially considering they've probably never heard Dream Theater or even Prog Rock, I couldn't have asked for a better crowd. And they were probably also a bit nervous for their own performances to follow 😂 Much thanks to them for being a great audience!!

[@FMATheQuiet]

A good drummer is a drummer who does not turn his back on the audience.

[@Anidawehi]

@@FMATheQuiet Go worship your stone and false prophet and leave him alone. Got it?

[@riovp]

Quis fazer o que não tem na música e fez mal

[@The8BitDrummer]

His technique is so smooth! Great to watch and fun to learn from! :D

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

OMG how did I miss this comment?? First of all, thank you! Secondly, DUDE I love watching you on Twitch. You actually inspired me to start live streaming! So thanks, and keep doing what you're doing 👍💪🙏☕

[@bradygraham5126]

you played one of the most complex Dream Theater songs for a bunch of booger eaters. Good job!

[@shawndsilva9482]

Brady Graham 😂😂

[@ChrisField13]

What I love about this cover is that it was done in front of an audience. No redos, no splicing together different takes. Just raw playing. Well done, Chris. You killed it.

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks Chris, I was ridiculously nervous that day! Mostly just hoping the cameras and recording equipment would work correctly haha. Btw I checked out your channel, really good stuff man!

[@ELsplitterz]

I don't think he flipped his drums around to show them what he was doing, I think he did it to avoid the kids expressionless faces putting him off and killing his vibe 😂

[@wildanS]

LMAO, best explanation ever, and it's probably true.

[@Hypehype-eg4yx]

Yesss! That's why 😂😂

[@karthikmahesh2182]

I've played on stage, and I was too busy figuring out what to hit next to look at the audience much. So I never saw the expressions on the audience's faces, and I always had to ask the guitarists lol.

[@altaybayr]

These kids have no idea what they are witnessing

[@kingjames1056]

straight sick

[@Koragh_]

Altay Bayraktar the fat black with strip tshirt seemed to enjoy it

[@RinaldoJonathan]

I enjoy DT since I was 10 years old. :v

[@rizkyrendyawanramadhan2414]

Thats what i thought

[@theRevVA32]

Thought the exact thing lol

[@fabianstoffregen5981]

The paint drying on my walls has more enthusiasm than these kids watching

[@applejacks971]

Unlike so many other vid's of this tune, Chris isn't struggling, forcing, or pounding his kit in to submission. Great stick control, and nice to see the kit 'played' instead of just beat to sh*t. The more I hear the tune, the more I feel the need to learn it as well! A job well done!!!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks man, I really appreciate that! You should definitely learn it. It's really fluid to play cause Portnoy wrote some awesome parts!

[@1969ryson]

+applejacks971 I agree, unlike many other drummers who attempt this song, you can tell this is well within his ability level and he isn't trying to play something that is just a little too hard for him as it seems to be with many other drummers.

[@the6ig6adwolf]

applejacks971 you should watch Marco Minnemann play it, he makes it look easy.

[@applejacks971]

@@the6ig6adwolf Marco's video is my favorite! I love his solo at the end, epic!

[@applejacks971]

@@ChrisJohnsonDrums It's been 2 years and I still haven't taken the time to learn this :( I gotta get on the ball!

[@ARSZLB]

holy fucking hell, i’ve never heard anyone but Portnoy himself play this song any cleaner. even though i’ve been a drummer for well over a decade, i still can’t even comprehend keeping track of every single time change in this whole song. this guy is really something special; the way he makes this look so effortless is absolutely mind-bending. 🤯

[@Bryantleon52]

Showing this song to these kids is like giving dog food to a cat

[@lolitarun101]

I agree

[@tharrock337]

I don't think kids need to understand it, it's cool to show them something different is out there. As a child I loved Beethoven. I didn't know what fugue was, I couldn't even tell you if what I listened to was Beethoven but I still liked it. Now is this gonna resonate with every single one of them? No! But I ask you will this resonate with every single adult? Absolutely not. If even one of the kids walked out there to google dream theater this is a huge success.

[@Badassvidsz]

I'm giving dog food to the Neighborhood cats for soo long and they eat it very well plus that they haven't started barking so far ...lol

[@MM-MISTER-M]

some cats love dog food.

[@trucebruce2451]

Bonetrussle - Meggalovania

[@metalfilms6660]

This might have been the best DT cover I've seen on KZbin so far. Apart from Marco Minnemann.

[@monzxsa]

you haven't seen josh steffen played this song

[@metalfilms6660]

+Sora Uchiha Sorry I forgot him

[@geraldbrust6330]

+Sora Uchiha Josh is an incredible one of a kind drummer very talented dude

[@GoodForNothingDrums]

Josh steffen does it better than this, but tis is still a great cover

[@nedsavage1591]

llallwlwlwlelslele

[@Babasaurusrex]

what is this class and how do i get into it.

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Sgt.James Doakes Haha I wish it was a class! Just a one time event unfortunately

[@Babasaurusrex]

Chris Johnson ah thats too bad.

[@DreifachZwei]

+Son of Anarchy I don't think you ever actually ever see his body do you? It's just kind of assumed. Therefore, I don't believe it.

[@c.w.a9357]

it would be funny to play octavarium so the kids would fall asleep

[@MigiDrums]

Donald trump lmao

[@DadRockProject]

Nailed it. Hilarious to watch the expressions, or lack their of from the kids

[@totty2524]

In all fairness, prog rock and metal isn't really something that you head bang to. When I listen to prog metal I usually relax and feel the music. Maybe the kids aren't as bored as they seem.

[@DadRockProject]

Ive headbanged to Dream Theater plenty of times!

[@c_townmtg]

Matt Crouch finger bang next time

[@DadRockProject]

LOL, Just went to Dream Theater Astonishing Live last night. I didn't head bang through most of it because they wanted everyone sitting through 3/4s of the show. But they encored with As I Am and Pull Me Under -- you know dang well I was grooving to that!

[@DadRockProject]

I did see a yawn at about 6:13

[@thaincrediblemaier]

Wow these kids don't seem to be impressed by anything ;)

[@thaincrediblemaier]

This generation sucks balls. We need some musical revolution like punk to take out the trash now!

[@hellskreamer]

+bad hair .day You see, when kids get really excited or just hear something really loud, the vibrations tend to make some feel sick, but they still enjoy it, i remember that from when i was at my first concert, that was Iron Maiden, and i was like shaking and feeling really bad but i was so overly excited xD! That's HOPEFULLY the case here aswell :). Cheers

[@KoMar551]

+bad hair .day bro these kids were exposed niki minaj, lil wayne and shit like that all their short lives. no wonder they sit through this as if this i torture.

[@apollic9125]

its not even that they look sick they look bored.

[@WePeeWithTheDoorOpen]

I really enjoy performances like this... but I never really pay attention to how bored I look sitting there with a straight face all the time xD

[@Tailow1234]

Those kids will learn one day just how hard it is to play this part. But the fact someone came up with this from the top of there head is what's even more amazing. Mike portnoy is one a of a kind. Hopefully someone of is generation will be the next. Probably not a kid in this crowd but someone.

[@wildanS]

Nope, they will not learn it. Only thing they will learn is lyrics to some crappy gangsta shit rap.

[@c_townmtg]

this is seriously one of the best covers of DOE on KZbin. I've seen others where they are trying too hard or they replace something for something g that doesnt quite fit. yours just seemed so natural and effortless 👏👏👏

[@ourtimetoquilt8495]

I just found this and I'm blown away! Wow my son! You are AWESOME! What talent you have! So proud, Momma

[@Anidawehi]

I have this saying, "If you can play Dream theatre .....then you can play anything"....! We love you Chris!!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Haha I like that saying! 🙏🙏

[@Anidawehi]

@@ChrisJohnsonDrums I won't be a stranger!! I'll try my best to watch your live streams and kick it with you and your people!!!

[@fabianstoffregen5981]

Fuck if I had been there I would have flipped out and congratulated him for that amazing cover.

[@DrumsbyPaulyG]

Man that is a cool thing you do with the kids Chris. Your playing is exceptional and I hope the kids understand just what dedication it takes to play that song! Well done mate!

[@bonafideunit9105]

By far the best drum cover I've ever seen from such a hard song by Dream Theater.

[@aaronbachelder2507]

Of all the DOE covers posted on KZbin, he probably has the closest tone to Portnoy's drums. Great job!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks! MP has the best rock/metal drum sound! I use that album as a reference whenever I tune/mix my drums.

[@aaronbachelder2507]

I'm a guitarist not a drummer and my philosophy is that there's no such thing as "close enough" when it comes to tuning any instrument and drums are no exception. If I can be honest, it's one thing I miss a lot about Portnoy vs. Mangini. Mangini's tone is too "thin" for me. He's an amazing player I'm not taking anything away from him but it's like the difference between Yngwie Malmsteen using a Strat with single coil and Steve Vai using double humbuckers. Both amazing players, but humbuckers give a better tone. Good on you for taking that into consideration when you play. I could tell if nobody else could.

[@IshmamAhmed]

+Aaron Bachelder Hey, another guitarist here, I am a humbucker (active) supporter and, even i use EMG's however I cannot entirely agree with your statement about how Humbuckers have a better tone than Single coils. Remember, 'to each their own'. Me and you may love Active pups, however, most of the people in this world prefer single coil over active, only because most songs were made from single coil pups. Im guessing you're a metalhead for which you support Humbuckers. right?

[@SapmiNeiden]

+Aaron Bachelder There is no such thing as "the best" pickup. :)

[@BrandonofRedemption]

"Single Coil over active" doesn't make sense. You can have passive humbucker pickups.

[@johnmiett1317]

You killed it Chris!!! Great job!!! Genius is rare that's why few understand it. I get it. Let the masses have there boom bap boom bap.

[@rehan1974]

Chris man, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Great job. Good work. Keep doing these covers and I will keep on appreciating man. Respect.

[@dgcmusi]

Absolutely had me watching you like a hawk....phenomenally done...

[@UncleTacoBell]

It's unfortunate that this was lost on your audience. But props on this track. One of the hardest tracks to learn right with all the changes. And your technique is great man. Keep up the good work, and keep educating young musicians.

[@yonathanethan5239]

it's wonderful to learn the generation of today about dream theater

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks for the Share!! And I agree, wish I was told about them sooner myself!

[@ungeon]

Why does this guy look like some kind of Dave Grohl's son? BTW he's damn good, well done, really!

[@icaroioi]

Aquiles cried watching this

[@JdDiehl]

Hey now...Aquiles is a god

[@SporTH2010]

I think you inspired a lot of these kids, if not to take up drumming themselves then at least to have respect for the hard work, blood sweat and tears that go into playing an instrument as virtuously as you do it. Thank you for that!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Right on, I hope so! Thank you 🙏🙏

[@GGDrummer]

Very well played Chris!! DT is so cool to play. Congrats

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks man, really glad I checked out your drum videos, and I wanna see more!!

[@Swollen_Goat]

I never really realized how much Between the Buried and Me sound like Dream Theater. Now I see the influence like crazy. I never got into them but at least I can enjoy the inspiration through BTBAM. This was a great cover as well. Maybe these kids are just really intensely focused on it.

[@markhealy5786]

Incredible playing Chris! It's a pity Dream Theater didn't give members of the General public a chance to audition, like Journey found their vocalist. You could be the drummer for Dream theatre. Memorised by your playing! brilliant!

[@drumlover1687]

Outstanding job Chris! I can't think of many more complex rhythmic compositions of progressive music than DOE. Just the number of time signatures alone makes my brain want to melt.

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thank you, that really means a lot! Here was my take away from months and months (and months) of practicing the song: 1. It all breaks down to groupings of 2 and 3 2. If you listen to anything enough, it will EVENTUALLY stick hahah Cheers

[@MichaelDionneDrummer]

Been watching this video for a couple of years now. Soon, I will be doing my first ever "drum clinic" at an elementary school and I'll probably do the same as you, which is placing the drums facing the wall so the kids can see what's going on. It's a sight that people don't see often. I also planned on playing The Dance of Eternity, among other songs as well. I mainly want to show the kids that playing drums is much more than playing a basic 4/4 rock beat. All the songs I picked for this clinic are different examples that show how a song can be a pretty busy one for a drummer, much more than what most listeners could realise.

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Omg dude that's awesome!! Seriously made my day, thanks for letting me know 🙏 I hope your clinic smashes, and I'm sure the kids will enjoy hearing something out of the ordinary 🤘 Cheers!

[@jaredbonar6158]

Even if only one picks up six, you done good. Great playing!

[@1969ryson]

If nothing else, you have a really, really good name! I like how he talks about why he has so many drums and is it really necessary, and I thought he had a great answer, and that answer is because its fun. I mean what more do you need to know than that. Also, he did a better job on this song than many other covers of this that I have heard.

[@daniel.espinotx]

I'm loving your intensity and your skill! Awesome cover Chris! -Daniel

[@pmeulman]

Oke 360 persons disliked this? Great performance and Chris is a very patience and kind with the kids! Super!

[@marcus_mayhem]

Now I know where I first saw you!!!! This is the video. Dude, you blew me away!!!! Nicely done brother 👏👍👌

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Haha right on man, thanks! I was so anxious that day 😅 but all the cameras/recording equipment worked and I didn't make too many mistakes 🙏

[@JMRSplatt]

Hey! You added a couple little tom fills, single or double hit stops, very cool additions! Small idea, to get the kids a bit more interested you could talk about how in this one song you are able to play so many different styles, demonstrating some of the groves. nice work.

[@birdingable]

Not a drummer. Just a fan of DT. Man, youre real solid. Good job.

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

birdingable I only reply to drummers... damnit! haha jk, thanks man!

[@birdingable]

Haha. Been listening to you playing this song since i found it. Good job bro. More vids pls.

[@yoshiibr]

You ROCK dude! Mad skills and keeping it real! Congratz! Cheers from Brazil! =)

[@NOBLEFART1]

Really like the toms sound here. Really wish I could do kit stuff like this

[@rudess00]

I genuinely enjoyed watching you play my favorite band. Amazing work man!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Glad to hear it, thanks and cheers 🙏

[@t3hgir]

I think you made some new Dream Theater fans that day! great playing!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

I hope so!! Thank you much 🙏

[@Tailow1234]

Its that time of year again to listen to this

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

I'm grateful anyone would want to watch it once, let alone yearly haha 🙏 cheers

[@frankwilliams3036]

Awesome video Chris! Thank you for working with and recording my students. I will be in touch.

[@pingpongman6543]

Oh man thats awesome, ive been a Dream Theater fan for a bit now and its always awesome to see such great covers

[@YTDSoM]

Sir, you just nailed it. Congratulations, wish I had the same technique you demonstrated there.

[@guitarcoverzdaily7644]

that is the most awesome thing i've ever watched

[@theOldVaquero]

Hey, Chris. Love the footwork from 7:31. And all done in one take, splendid!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks man! I saw your cover of Panic Attack, good stuff!

[@edwardvanleppard2774]

Wow excellent man! That little right to left fill always gave me trouble but you blew right through it!

[@thecountrycarpenter1816]

Great job my man, I love watching other drummers play this stuff, it gives me hope that mike isn’t the only one who can play this haha!

[@HFpayne17]

Who dislikes this work of art?! 47 people have no souls

[@rjordist4925]

HFpayne17 because there are 47 kids watching him playing there. lol

[@monkeydshark4017]

Amazing. But all the kids were like what kind of rap it's this hahahaha. I love Dream Theater and it was a an amazing cover, congrats

[@yogengrg7690]

Chris, that was flawless man. Need more videos.\m/

[@MaysLilStar]

First time I've watched a video with the camera angles like yours and the drum kit backwards to the audience. Both allow us to see a whole lot more of what drummers are actually doing to create all that sound. VERY cool! And amazing cover, man! DT would indeed be impressed and proud, I think.

[@jakes1591]

very cool stuff. i wish when i was a kid someone would have preformed drums for me. I started playing drums this year, at 19, and while its better late than never, i wish i started sooner. ...anyway, i appreciate the cover song. if just one kid saw that and got inspired that day that's for sure a job well done

[@Squizzawizza]

I don't seem to struggle with this song when I play it. Then again being self taught may have helped me. I listen more to the feel of the song rather than focusing on the amount of time signature changes. Definitely a fun one! And good job, these kids should be more impressed!

[@ryanperson6307]

Squizzawizza What does that have to do with being self taught?

[@SethBergile]

You couldn't play this song on a CD player if you owned 6 burned copies!! Go back to your video games clown!

[@thunderdrummerdude]

That was pretty good dude. That is one of the hardest songs to learn on drums. Reminds me of Blotted Science. I've been playing drums for close to thirty years and It's hard for me to even count along to this mother of all songs!!

[@JasonCoden]

That was a fantastic cover. Absolutely beautiful

[@sebastianpulgar5600]

looool look at the children faces, they dont even know whats happening

[@ginostrings]

Well played man!! cleanest live cover I have seen.

[@phillipzx3754]

Excellent job, Chris! That was a big bite you took. :-)

[@thomasallen4340]

freaken awesome. LOVE dream theater

[@Cuzjudd]

Kids are having a great time :/ Awesome cover bro

[@godtrucci]

You should make videos of you playing Sonic the Hedgehog sound track on drums. I would really enjoy hearing what you can come up with for it. Pretty awesome music on that game.

[@1979GenXdude]

Great work, man. With a groove and like a champ.

[@Art-244gd23]

Great job!! You nailed every part of it!

[@Thystonius]

OK, if I'd be in a drumming lessons demonstration as a kid, I would be listening with my mouth open to you playing this kickass piece of music!!! Shame on them not even knowing MP and MM... heh.

[@LucasArmada]

You're amazing, one of the best Dance of Eternity's cover on youtube!

[@Chrime71]

Absolutely great Chris. That's the kind of demo that should enjoy people to play drums ;-)

[@limpen5400]

So awesome and the drums sound perfect!

[@alexlanza79]

Amazing cover. From a DT fan I find it's weird to hear that man at the end asking if that was your composition, but still, what an amazing job you did!

[@bluboydmartian]

this is amazing. continue sharing your gift of music. i am pretty sure these kids will be known at their own rights! 🤓🤘

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thank you! 🙏

[@Pancho2413]

Amazing job, preaching the Dream Theater news to the next generation... congratulations

[@owenziegler307]

Warning to all you in the comments: scroll back up. Nothing to see here but people whining about how the kids look bored, and taking any opportunity they can to hate on "the music of today". Seriously guys, you're more childish than the kids in this video.

[@flyawayjohanson3410]

Agreed with "ArmadaMcBrain". Good job bro! Way to go! Loved it and listened with joy.

[@adamwright5065]

A truly flawless performance, you seem a totally awesome guy too, shame the kids didnt seem into (fools the lot of them!)

[@zimfar]

Awesome performance Chris! Best drum cover I've ever seen of this song, and live with no cuts or punches! Well done! The whole thing is exceptional, but I especially loved the left hand snare triplets at 9:04. Keep rockin'! \m/ \m/

[@DRUMadness]

Awesome dude!! amazing cover and spot on playing keep it up buddy! :)

[@aligatorsandwitch72]

Constant Motion! The bridge on that song is so cool.

[@Edwa72]

Chris, great job man! That song is a beast and you nailed it.

[@optimus]

5:55 that groove change got that kid in the back.

[@TronciM]

It looks like he was the only one who actually knew the song

[@lolpawnage]

really tight playing man that was sick.

[@Mikashii]

I really like the way you talk to people. and also the way you play. rly like you

[@sadisticoed]

excelente técnica, excelente cover de una canción extremadamente difícil. felicidades!

[@CameronLilly2]

Arundel Mills? I Grew up right next to the mall! Great Playing! I really love your calmness when undertaking a Dream Theater song, Subscribed!

[@hannahbest6045]

Chris, this seriously has more views then the Tower of Power that came to Arundel Mills. Amazing video!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

Thanks Hannah! When is Music and Arts gonna have another "Day of Percussion"?? That was so awesome!!

[@JacobMD1000]

haha these kids have no idea what they just watched lol good job man! i hope to play this song one day

[@tattooedclimber7209]

Awesome man, I've just got my first kit which is an electronic kit. I feel like sending it back already for an acoustic kit

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

+Antony Walton DO IT!!! Haha jk electronic kits are great for practice, but they certainly don't feel as satisfying to play.

[@MP-Fin]

I just typed "drum cover" onto the YT search hoping to see some awesome prog rock songs. After scrolling through some fucking skrillex, psy, pendulum and whatnot shit I was very pleased to see this video. Also, great job! Dream Theater rocks!

[@RevolterMJD1981]

Dude that`s a fucking hard song to pick!, good playing man, good playing

[@punishmentforall]

Well done, it really showcases Portnoy's talent. Thanks for uploading - if the class couldn't yet appreciate then the droning KZbin masses certainly can. :)

[@jacquesprevert1902]

Sick!You kill it, man!😱👌🏼

[@tsgmultimedia]

Rockin'! This is very impressive.

[@dylanaguilar6545]

The kids are still hypnotized by modern pop music, and don’t know what real music is like dream theater