Drum Influences Series: #4 Ronnie Vannucci, The Killers, "When You Were Young" (Drum Cover)

[@davemcdave2169]

Learning this at the moment for gigging with my band, and had most of it down but came here to check out the nuances of fills and some of the details that Vannucci does. I've managed to pick up quite a few which has been great. I think your drumming is very professionally executed by the way. Simply brilliant. Thank you Mike for taking the time to make this video, and even though it's 9 years old I'm sure there's still many people like myself from across the world, that will never meet you, you'll never know, but you've helped them and I just wanted to call it out. All the best sir. Love and appreciation from Central Scotland.

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave such a thoughtful comment. It means a lot and inspires me to keep going. All the best!

[@stujos82]

Mike, trying to learn this song to play with my band and your cover is the cleanest, best orchestrated version I’ve found. You’re a great drummer!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Awesome! Hope the vid helps you figure it out.

[@DrStateDrums]

I'm learning this song for my cover band and this is by far the most accurate and best sounding playthrough I've seen. Well done, Sir!

[@andycorona150]

Agreed- pocket even better than it was written

[@rrobrr]

Love that your cover it's just like the studio version

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

thanks! that's my goal with these, to keep them as note-for-note accurate as possible.

[@pokerclubmexico6790]

this is crazy man.... im singing the song outloud right now....lyrics n drums , very nice

[@mpvDrummer]

Man, congrats on the job by your nice drums playing. Thanks a lot for showing how to do!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+MrMpierre Thank you!

[@umbertosanchez9811]

Absolutely brilliant!! grande maestro!!!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+Humberto Sanchez Thanks so much!

[@markthesoundguy]

Absolutely class playing man! Loving the influences series!

[@terrytk9398]

Well played.😀

[@dustybaterista]

That's Awesome! KILLER job! Thanks! I have to play this song tomorrow and this is my course on how to do that!! Much appreciated!!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Good luck!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Coming back for a second (okay maybe 3rd watch). Firstly, Mike I know you're all about your time. It's all there bro. So much air and solidity in the take. Secondly, I took some time to read the comments here. I know youtube comments sections can show the worst side of humanity... but seriously anyone critiquing this clearly has nothing better to do. Thirdly, there should be a law where anyone dissing a great cover needs evidence of their own incredible ability.

[@mikeevangelista1177]

That ride mmmmm mmmmmm. Love seeing your gear choices very cool bro thanks

[@iloveconcrete1550]

Rock solid man! Just great! Keep it up!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

wow! I am not sure I want to know how many different drum kits and snares you have….and cymbals!

[@DanBarrettVA]

Nice! This song is actually a blast to play and like you said, it's hard to carry the energy the whole way through. I'm taking some notes from you to incorporate into my bands cover.

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks!

[@gabrielagonzalez-nf2qp]

dude , that was amazing , you're great

[@ferrods]

Great job man! That buildup going to the solo has always been my favorite part of this song! 🤘🏼

[@D_jamz]

Love it! Your playing is so smooth 🔥

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks a lot!

[@greenbra17]

Clean playing man!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Strata Internal Performance - Personal Training and Muscle Health thanks brother.

[@indicadoresdeactividad3863]

Beautil drumming! So clean, excelent technic!

[@ivancorado6358]

that snare sounds so solid and has the perfect crack. Awesome cover man!!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Glad you dig it!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Sensational Mike. Love this track btw

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks! The Killers are pretty...killer. ;)

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Ba dom dom chish! Yeah i'm big on my 80's new wave and these guys are a throw back for sure, complete with brit style vocals :)

[@chrisgillum9884]

a good thing to note about vanucci is that his fills are usually a little ahead. and with this opening groove the bass drum is really driving the song foreward, vannucci accomplishes this unique sound by placing the kick a little bit ahead of the FT all of the moving parts sort of blend together like a smoothie. youll tase everthing at once and occasionally pick out an individual part. when you transition to the second verse to the pre chourus let that open hh sort of flow into the riding tom part instead of cutting if off so quick. one reason he uses those huge cymbals is they blend together alot of the different parts. also in the beginning. he is sort of "washing" 8th notes on the ride; which is a 22" k con renaissance ride not the 22' overhammered like your using. great playing also try crashing on those huge open hh's

[@allsmagic7919]

Your cover is amazing, i love your style and your energy, keep it up man !

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks!

[@sejuyz]

Man, that was so good.

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thank you!

[@tiagodias8475]

Bravo ! Awesome !

[@gavingriffith6016]

Love how you cut out the vocals and other primary parts, it really helps to focus on everything you're doing! Also love the balance of the set and how loud you put your bass 🤘

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks for watching!

[@alessandra3034]

You sit there in your heartache Waiting on some beautiful boy to To save you from your old ways You play forgiveness Watch it now, here he comes He doesn't look a thing like Jesus But he talks like a gentleman Like you imagined when you were young Can we climb this mountain? I don't know Higher now than ever before I know we can make it if we take it slow Let's take it easy, easy now, watch it go We're burning down the highway skyline On the back of a hurricane that started turning When you were young When you were young And sometimes you close your eyes And see the place where you used to live When you were young They say the Devils water it ain't so sweet You don't have to drink right now But you can dip your feet Every once in a little while You sit there in your heartache Waiting on some beautiful boy to To save you from your old ways You play forgiveness Watch it now, here he comes He doesn't look a thing like Jesus But he talks like a gentleman Like you imagined when you were young (Talks like a gentleman) (Like you imagined when) When you were young I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus He doesn't look a thing like Jesus But more than you'll ever know

[@fitcharles9896]

Best Cover on KZbin! Bro just wanna tell you I watch this cover almost everyday, everytime I have to keep watching it for few times until my ears are satisfied! Really thank you for making my life a little bit better every single day , especially under the time for lockdown for Omicron in my place, Hong Kong.

[@BobbylightRCE]

Nice job man! Very clean and punchy sound 👍🏽

[@danielcontrerassanchez8668]

I just loved the drum cover!

[@danielihuit9618]

Dudeeeee , the best coverrrrr, the best, you are awesome

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks! 😃

[@scmcarthur]

solid! great job

[@t3t0131]

That was great :)

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks!

[@alexkyriacou214]

This is effing sick. Im 30 and I am learning drums. You motivate me to play every day!!!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks for checking it out and good luck on your drumming journey!

[@mdsd7154]

woooow!!!

[@willrockdesigns]

Solid!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+William Rockenbaugh Thanks! I blew a couple fills in there, but who's counting. ha!

[@gabrielkrupaz]

Smooth!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+Gabriel Krupaz Thanks!

[@jerrydilger]

Just listened to your podcast with Jake Nicole. Holy shit man, great playing! You really did that song justice. I never really payed much attention to the drums in that track before but that was really nice!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks, Jerry! Ronnie Vannucci is a slick player. There's always some little tricks snuck in there. Thanks for watching!

[@robertmyeress1896]

Sick dude! Sounds incredible!!🤘

[@pedrorobertoesquivelgordil2475]

Master!!!👍🏻👍🏻

[@bayuhek]

Perfecto buddy 👌🏻

[@supremo6415]

Amazing!!! can you cover "On Top" as well?

[@elliottlelaure9680]

Love the hi hat sound - I also made a Vannucci inspired set with a 17 k con crash on top and a 60s era 17 vintage A ride on bottom - I prefer the sound of yours though - interested in your thought process on using a thinner A crash for the bottom hat?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks! That A is the heaviest one I had. :)

[@jtmmmk]

Whoever mic'd that bass drum needs a raise 👀

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

I’ll tell him (me). 😂

[@Helmsdrums]

Great drumming 😃

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thank you!

[@craiglucas7671]

Tight !

[@Cwilliams_97]

That fill at 1:40 😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@carlosd2916]

thia cover es fuc n great to sing the song

[@theomcbride1232]

that snare or the eq is beaut not sure which one but nice one!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks! That Craviotto snare is a dream to record. Doesn't need much eq at all.

[@theomcbride1232]

You should cover sams town with that set up lots of nice fills !

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+Theodore McBride love that song! 👍

[@KeelanOHara]

Great playing Mike! I heard on the MD podcast that you use the Tunebot. Just curious what fundamental notes you used for this cover. Hoping to get similar tones for my 13,16,22 Ludwig kit. Thanks man!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+Keelan O'Hara Thanks! Yeah, I use the tune-bot almost daily in the studio and at gigs. If I remember correctly, that Killers song is in the key of B Major, so the floor tom would have been tuned to B, the rack tom at F#, the snare at D#, and the bass drum was (I believe) at a B an octave lower than the floor tom. The bass drum could have been at one of the other chord tones, if B seems way too low. Good luck!

[@KeelanOHara]

+Michael Dawson Right on, thanks!

[@EzStrid3r]

Hey man, I'm wondering if you've had the chance to try out ronnies hi hat set up? It's a 17 Constantinople crash over a 17 Constantinople suspended crash. I'm trying to which set up to go with, Yours or his. I definitely dig your hats. Thanks ✌🏼

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

I've never tried the suspended Constantinople. I bet is sounds great. I only have the A thin, but I dig this combo.

[@VeryScaryBiscuits]

Tony Campion obviously, bigger hihats make great companions to bigger cymbals (rides). I've tried several combinations of "16's" and "18's" (never 17' unfortunately). sometimes, they are a little too loud. then again, I play a 16' K over A fast crash and that combo is very dark, doesn't take up too much room in the mix. hihats are God's gift to drummers. experiment and good luck!

[@themjuall]

Really nice job! What is the set up you are playing (cymbals and drums)? Ludwig? It sounds great!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

themjuall thanks! The kit details are in the description.

[@henrymendez8376]

Omg!!!!!!!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks for watching!

[@bryanreynaga3227]

can you do knights of cydonia from Muse or Reptilia from The Strokes next

[@monejaeni]

so cold it's freezing

[@momomonet]

Very nice! i like the last sequence from 3'25 to the end. Are these notes triplets?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks! That figure is outlining a dotted quarter note. So I'm accenting every third 8th note with the crash.

[@momomonet]

@@MikeDawsonDrums that's difficult for me to reproduce that end break because i hear triplets :) don't you ?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

@@momomonet I don't hear triplets. I count: ONE (and two) AND (three and) FOUR (and one) AND (two and) THREE AND FOUR....ONE.

[@momomonet]

@@MikeDawsonDrums ah very nice hint, i have it now, i can visualize it :)

[@aldair.drummer]

good cover men great .what kind of cymbals do you use??

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

The cymbal setup is included in the description. All Zildjian.

[@aldair.drummer]

thanks men

[@jarrod8579]

Mmm, nice! Hey man, your toms - do you tune the reso head lower or higher?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Usually identical. If that doesn't sound good, I tighten the bottom by a major 2nd.

[@jarrod8579]

+Michael Dawson Awesome, thanks man!

[@sica4873]

The drums sound so good! That’s a great cover, so tight! What do you use for OH’s? Thanks, subscribed!

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thanks for the sub! At that time I was using Aston Starlights as overheads. Great mics.

[@blackwizards1692]

I can't really tell, are you playing the floor tom during the first Verse? Cause you seem to be hitting it but I don't hear it :(

[@joaocarlosmongesoria8084]

I think is better tan the original studio versión, really good

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Thank you!

[@johanhansen3601]

what kind of kit is that?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

+jóhan hansen Buck's County 13" and 16" toms and 24" kick. Craviotto solid maple 6.5x14 snare. Thanks for watching!

[@bryanreynaga3227]

Who taught you the drums

[@adityarifqi5286]

what size drum?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

13/16/24 mahogany kit. 6x14 solid maple snare.

[@adityarifqi5286]

@@MikeDawsonDrums thank you

[@mdsd7154]

por que no subes las notas?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

The transcription can be found in the Drum Play-Along book published by Hal Leonard.

[@cjmst3k]

Which ride did you use? I see you have two listed

[@elliottlelaure9680]

cjmst3k he used both of them... thin overhammered in the right side of the video

[@cjmst3k]

@@elliottlelaure9680 Thank you!!

[@therugg51]

would have been sweet with vocals

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

The play-alongs that Hal Leonard creates don't have vocals for copyright reasons.

[@luanoficial1092]

Impress it, play too much

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

LS Games I don't understand your comment

[@twokidsmovies]

Literally the same beat for 3 minutes

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

And millions of copies sold. Thanks for watching!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Same beat for 3 minutes? This guy is commenting on the wrong vid surely?

[@everonlyallforthee]

I, for one, want to say thanks Michael for being one of the very few KZbin drummers who covers songs really well without adding a bunch of their own garbage licks just to show off. Keep it up!

[@twokidsmovies]

This was boring af

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Boring is in the eye of the beholder.

[@twokidsmovies]

+Michael Dawson Im not calling you boring just the beat itself, and eye of the beholder is a great somg maybe you should of done that

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Are you a drummer? This ain't boring af, this is pocket af

[@CCaPASun]

Sweet! What are you using for overheads?

[@MikeDawsonDrums]

Jay Apelian blue hummingbirds for this one.

[@CCaPASun]

@@MikeDawsonDrums groovy! thanks :)