Drummer Reacts to - Buddy Rich - The Impossible Drum Solo

Original Video: • BUDDY RICH IMPOSSIBLE ...
It turns out that Buddy Rich was having a heart attack during this performance, which I didn’t know at all prior to having several comments tell me. Which makes it even more remarkable! This guy is truly a legend and hasn’t been topped since!
Here is an article regarding the video: www.drummerworld.com/forums/in...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LINKS:
INTRO SONG ►► • Repair To Ruin - Not Now
WEBSITE ►► www.jasonsayers.com
PATREON ►► / jasonsayersdrums
PAYPAL ►► www.paypal.com/pools/c/8yGh9v...
BAND ►► www.repairtoruin.com
INSTAGRAM ►► / jasonsayersdrums
FACEBOOK ►► / jasonsayersdrums
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RECORDING GEAR:
OBS Studio
DaVinci Resolve
Rode ProCaster Microphone
Audio-Technica ATH-M50 Headphones
iPhone 11
PreSonus Studio 2|6
Alesis Crimson II Special Edition
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIVE DRUM SETUP:
Drum Kit: Pearl Export
Live Snare: Pearl Joey Jordison Signature
Recording Snare: Mapex Black Panther Limited Edition Maple 2011
Cymbals: Sabian AAX & HH
Drum Heads: Evans
Drumsticks: VicFirth VicGrip 5B
Backing Track Playback: Roland SPD-SX
In-Ear Monitors: Shure SE215
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER:
All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them.
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.

[@keithstarkey5584]

Let's not forget one thing: he was old here, not a young pup, and he still left us absolutely amazed.

[@prestonburton8504]

amen

[@terryallen5328]

One of the greatest drummers if not the greatest drummer to have ever lived. Buddy showed that you didn’t need to have a 100 piece drum kit to produce a breath taking drum solo. RIP Buddy Rich.

[@deniseheising]

He was the king of one-handed rolls. His stick control is incredible.

[@PH-gm2qe]

Yap, he has one hand concurency now. Siberiano is king with one hand.

[@azmike3572]

And also the king of ego.

[@bombasticbushkin4985]

Buddy Rich, a pioneer, a legend, the greatest ever. Perfection, speed, control, dynamics, tempo, command. Buddy was having a heart attack during this epic performance. He wrote the alphabet of snare drum rudiments book. Many drummers including myself benefited from his great works. RIP maestro.

[@Bob-nu3xe]

a true warrior, clearly Buddy was ill when he walked on stage, he sat on the kit and blew out his cheeks and did what Buddy does gave his all, mind blowing performance

[@tombaker6082]

There are many, many versions of this song/solo on You Tube, but THIS solo...on THAT night...was just otherworldly. Buddy went into a zone that is incomprehensible - he was on that night a freakin' MACHINE. So fluid, so musical, so absolutely rapid-fire...and near the end he plays through a HEART ATTACK and finishes the song as if nothing was wrong! 65 years old on a 90 degree night in the Dominican Republic shredding in a TUXEDO! He truly was a freak of nature.

[@garryroberts5106]

Buddy Rich is mid 60s here, playing in a tailored suit, sat behind a not so technical design drum kit and possibly having some kind of cardiac or vascular event mid solo ... mind blown 🤯

[@matthewhorizon6050]

🤣

[@erniefern]

@@matthewhorizon6050 Yes I heard He had an attack while playing and keep on playing

[@harpoon_bakery162]

he had heart issues for years, so he didn't have any heart issues during the performance, lol, be real. we would have heard about it in his biography.

[@ThreePapaZeroXrayTwo]

@@harpoon_bakery162 this concert was in 1982. Buddy was about 64 y/o. He had a heart attack during this solo and after the concert went to the hospital. He had his first heart attack in 1959. He had heart surgery in 1983.

[@hectorchavez3405]

@@harpoon_bakery162 wrong , he did have a heart attack and was taken to a hospital after he finished

[@purdjack3]

I consider Buddy Rich to this day the greatest technical drummer ever. I was privileged to see him in concert twice, and yes he was the inspiration for Animal on the Muppets

[@prestonburton8504]

amen

[@cdstoc]

There was an episode of the Muppets where Buddy and Animal had a drum battle. Epic!

[@ELPECEE]

I thought Animal was inspired by Keith Moon

[@prestonburton8504]

@@cdstoc its on youtube - ITS AWESOME! but the next one programmed to come up is terrible - joe pecshi spitting on elmo - tragic for some reason, hurts me to watch.

[@padgedunbar9400]

I've seen that Muppet Show episode with the Animal v Buddy drum-off. Phenomenal!! Also how they got the brilliant facial expression on Animal watching Buddy outperform him/it 😂. I do remember however Jim Henson or somebody saying that it was Keith Moon who was the inspiration behind the character of Animal.

[@joehamilton4656]

There just isn't enough words in the human vocabulary to describe the talent of this man

[@rickguerrero2282]

That old dude could PLAY them damn drums!!!! Way much respect for Mr. Rich. He used to play on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show quite regularly and he was amazing!

[@MeteoXavier]

Yeah and he had a heart attack in the middle of it. Other old people can probably play the drums as good as they did when they're young, but it costs HP.

[@davidyoung8875]

what people don't realize is Buddy is having a heart attack during this performance and still finished the show before being rushed to hospital. AMAZING!!!

[@prestonburton8504]

wow!

[@rendog896]

Did he really??? Holy crap!

[@bennixx138]

Holy frack!

[@freebiehughes9615]

You know you are amazing when you give a performance that is literally heart stopping!

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

RIP Buddy...

[@smctrout4423]

Buddy died in 1987. 36 years later and still no one has surpassed him.

[@philliphart706]

And never will

[@taxicamel]

Likely not ....because people don't practice like they did decades ago. Today, they just sit down and hammer on skins ...and they think and call themselves drummers.

[@garyredmond6873]

Greyson Nekrutmen…not saying he’s passed him or on Buddy’s level but he is pretty damn amazing.

[@42dragonsawake]

Neil Peart!

[@gregorybuell686]

I don't think anyone ever will

[@U2WB]

I have been studying this video for years. His transitions from singles through doubles and back with absolute precision and perfect, flawless technique are second to none. Buddy is the reason I play drums.

[@scotte2815]

you should check out some Alex Duthart. He impressed Buddy.

[@LeonardSmith-qv8do]

U2WB Buddy's the reason many have stopped playing the drums LOL :-))

[@bike42]

I saw the Buddy Rich Band numerous times at Lenny’s On the Turnpike in Peabody Massachusetts north of Boston while in high school and college. I was always blown away by his soloing. But also his ensemble work accenting and enhancing the horns.

[@beatlejim64]

Saw him there several times...and met Buddy there as well! Lenny's was a great place!

[@warthog5562]

Just when you think you are making serious progress in speed and technique and feeling pretty proud of yourself as a drummer, watch this performance and realize how many light years away you will always be from being able to play like him.

[@neoprimato1959]

Buddy was 65 when he played that gig in 1982 where Sinatra introduced him. As Gene Krupa said of Buddy, "The greatest drummer who ever drew a breath!"

[@adityatyagi4009]

The most impressive thing about those super fast single strokes is how he starts out using finger technique at a soft volume and then switches to hands and wrists seamlessly as he increases the volume. Complete control and precision.

[@johnroberts3723]

I was lucky enough to be old enough in the eighties when it seems that despite his age he had reached the pinnacle of his career and was lucky enough to see him live three times and meet him briefly for an autograph. A little guy with incredible spirit God bless him and thanks for posting one of his best performances.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

I could only wish to have had met him once like you. It must have been such an amazing experience and something you will remember for forever.

[@johnroberts3723]

@@JasonSayersDrums yes I was with my late older brother at the time who managed to get a photo with him which I have somewhere but it's strange when you meet one of your heroes unexpectedly because I had so much to say and so much that I wanted to praise him for that I was tounge tied.

[@rockymountainjazzfan1822]

I saw Buddy live a couple to times. First, in the 1960's when he was playing with the Harry James Orchestra. Then, as a college student in the 1970's at a college concert. I met him briefly at the cafe where he was having dinner before the concert. Buddy Rich was always kind of gruff, but he was cordial. At the concert that night, the highlight was the West Side Story medley. The audience was way enthusiastic, despite only a few of us in the audience who had ever heard him or his band before. This must have inspired Buddy, because he launched into a 15 minute plus solo in the middle of the medley that brought the whole audience to its feet by mid way through. The audience never sat back down until the tune ended--after minutes of roaring applause. Lots of rock acts came in the years after that Buddy Rich concert, but none ever brought the house down like his did. And, of course, he'd already been playing professionally for nearly 40 years by then. No drummer will ever top him.

[@keithbandle5793]

Used his fingers

[@akirk1573]

What delightful memories, man. I live in Wheat Ridge Colorado. I would very much enjoy a conversation with you about seeing him hit the kit live.

[@samhardy6319]

No one can touch Buddy Rich. The speed, the control, the technique is phenomenal.

[@emmetttemple9187]

Joe Morello was as good, maybe better. Morello did odd time signatures. I'm not sure Rich could even play in 5/8 or 7/4. I never heard him do it.

[@olcique]

I was about to say Morello but then realized first reply already did. Joe Morello can even massage Buddy Rich on a Tuesday Brunch if we stick to the metaphor "touching"...

[@Primus54]

@@emmetttemple9187Joe Morello was much more “musical” in his approach to drumming, no doubt a carryover from his youth as a violinist. I first heard “Take Five” at age 5 and that inspired me to be a drummer.

[@drummingnuts]

There are many great drummers in this day and age!! But.....none have risen to Buddy's level!! A drummer for all time!!!

[@drummingnuts]

I apologize for the double entry!!!

[@peterobbo7512]

Take a look at Yoyoko... it's all in hand.

[@googo151]

@@peterobbo7512 SHE'S GOOD, BUT BUDDY'S TRADITIONAL GRIP IS WHERE IT'S AT. ANOTHER LEVEL.

[@kevinkiffe]

My dad, Karl Kiffe, talked about Buddy a lot. He was one of his 'idols'. One day Buddy heard him playing (my dad was a jazz drummer/musician). He talked to him in private and put him down because my dad was playing his style. It really hurt his feelings (he was in his early 20's at the time. he had went on the road with Jimmy Dorsey before graduating his senior year in high school. He also played with Woody Herman band - one of the many bands he toured with.). Later on they became friends and he actually sat in for Buddy a few times when Buddy needed some time off. Buddy mentioned him on the Johnny Carson Show when asked who were some of his favorite drummers. I met Buddy at UNLV when his band played there in one of the theaters (circa 1987). He was a bit of an a - hole in his early years but mellowed out later on. He didn't read music (as you probably know). Before he had his own band, he would listen to a band play a few tunes and then would sit in and play along with no problem. He was probably the first drummer to play his kit upside-down. I have it on a VHS tape. He wasn't as melodic as a lot of drummers but his technique and speed were amazing.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

Buddy passed on in 1987...

[@moondawg3693]

@@AlanTauber-DrumConnection He played in February 1987, two months before his death, April 2, 1987.

[@mistermac56]

Your dad was a hell of a drummer.

[@davidpeck9834]

Sat ten feet from him at a FREE Disneyland CA concert in 1975. I am still in shock, I am still in awe today. There are NO words for the full Buddy Rich experience. Thanks for the vid!

[@dimidomo7946]

Buddy Rich was a master. He also mastered judo (black belt). He mastered one of the martial arts. An accomplished composer and a traveling maniac. Family man and father. Endless energy.

[@adventurehouseauctions7730]

I got a chance to watch Buddy Rich in concert back in the 70s. He really explored the entire drum kit and even his seat. Completely unbelievably great! What Buddy could do with a smallish drum kit compared to more recent drummers with huge kits and electronics really puts them to shame.

[@guy1900763]

Buddy set the bar so high.Every one else is literally still on the floor.He simply was the very best of the very best.The greatest drummer of all time regardless of genre.Period.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

Period.

[@ikarooz]

Exclamation point!

[@Chiroman527]

Triple that !!!

[@scotte2815]

actually, Buddy Rich thought Alex Duthart was superior

[@maxkiely2636]

@@scotte2815 hear hear.

[@gabrielashkar9941]

I saw Buddy twice at Ronnie Scott’s in London and I’ve been studying his technique since 1966. He leaves all other drummers in every musical idiom miles behind him. In comparison he made rock and pop drummers look ridiculously pathetic. He was in a class of his own and the drumming world shall never witness his class and level ever again. His name is now a synonym of the word ‘drumming’.

[@MrEnsiferum77]

But Louie Bellson is the one that defined modern drummer term.

[@gabrielashkar9941]

@@MrEnsiferum77 I take your point and you are correct.

[@intellesque9746]

Couldn't agree more!!!!

[@MrVishnudata]

Grayson Nekrutman... I am convinced that guy will take the things from Buddy Rich even further. Now that he nails Buddy´s techniques and solos flawlessly already whilebeing only 20 years old, he will be able to evolve even further than Buddy.

[@gabrielashkar9941]

@@MrVishnudata no doubt it is possible that Grayson Nekrutman may yet surpass Buddy Rich as a drumming phenomena, As it is conceivable that mankind may one day run faster then a cheetah. Everything is possible !!!

[@Niagra2011]

I started playing drums in 1966. Buddy Rich was the Man then. I had a drum teacher @ 5 years of age. Teacher asked me what goals I wanted in playing. I said I wanted to play like Buddy Rich. He laughed and said don’t we all! The song Dream On was not out yet. 😎

[@jazzpianoman01]

And he was in his ‘60s at the time, simply incredible

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

And having a heart attack!

[@jazzpianoman01]

@@AlanTauber-DrumConnection in full Tux and that heat as well, incredible a true statement to ‘The Show must go on’

[@wmjoca]

I saw Buddy Rich play live several times. The first and best performance I saw, was during a small group gig at the Playboy Club in Boston MA, 1974. I sat 10 feet away. It was jaw dropping to see him play up close. Sax player, Illinois Jacquet was supposed to be there but did not show. Someone in the crowd asked in-between songs, " Buddy, where's Illinois?" Buddy quickly replied, "why, did they move it?" If you want to see another great jazz drummer with incredible hands, check out Alan Dawson playing "Another You" with Sonny Rollins. Someone has transcribed Dawson's solo that scrolls at the top while he is playing. A lot of non drummers are not aware that most soloing in jazz is to the form of the song, not just play a solo and count the band in. The band knows when to come in. There was a famous drum battle between Dawson and Rich at Jack's Drum shop in Boston back in the day.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

I studied with Dawson... you can't compare them in the least - you CAN, but one was a dynamic artist and Alan was Alan.

[@wmjoca]

@@AlanTauber-DrumConnection I wasn't comparing them. I was recommending Dawson to those who who haven't seen him.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

@@wmjoca Good idea to always check out different styles and tastes. Sorry Bill. A

[@kd4baoc612]

I saw Buddy Rich play a concert at my high school in 1976. His final "trick" was doing a single stroke drum roll making it sound like a double bounce drum roll, starting out slow and gradually working faster and faster.

[@soonernate64]

I had the fortune of opportunity to see him 1/2 dozen times throughout high school and early college years before he passed. Hopefully you had the chance as well. Fortunately if you didn’t, these fantastic videos exist. Thanks for sharing!!

[@jbickel7575]

I had the opportunity to see him a couple of times also. He was unbelievable and the band was rock solid! Simply incredible and tremendous!

[@malcolmlewis6014]

I saw Buddy at Bristol Colston Hall from 1967(his first British tour) every year up to and including 1974 and i still have the programmes to prove it. I think these were his greatest years for sheer speed and stamina. His 1967 concert in front of many of Britains top drummers consisted of a 12 minute drum solo on 'West Side Story' which could have been his greatest ever solo , i witnessed it and its still ringing in my ears all these years later.

[@PyroMite0213]

More talent in one hand than most of the entire music industry together nowadays.

[@howardtucker5251]

I couldn't agree more - Buddy is by far my favourite drummer and I an a blues/rock fan! Thanks for introducing me to this - amazing. I had the absolute pleasure to see him perform in Cardiff, Wales, UK MANY years ago - - stunning! And his hand speed - wow.... I am an aspirant drummer and have always loved the drums and percussion generally. But this guy is the master!!

[@1959Berre]

Buddy Rich was the best drummer ever. He will never be equaled.

[@rogerscalf231]

You talk TOO MUCH.

[@rogerscalf231]

I'm tuning YOU out!

[@davidbrown3572]

@@rogerscalf231 I believe you're burned out.

[@rogerscalf231]

@@davidbrown3572 nope, lighting up right now, knuckle dragger.

[@kenogster3059]

I had the pleasure seeing Buddy and Louie Belson in concert at Berkley in Boston early 80's. At the end they both came out and did a drum battle, I was BLOWN away.

[@stevensmith8923]

When you hear or witness something so epic it brings you nearly to tears. No matter what instrument or art form, discipline Talent and commitment can result the purest form of beauty

[@saltenberg]

His daughter Cathy, said that he actually suffered a heart attack during this performance. At one point you can really see him breathing heavily.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

I met Cathy and her Mom at Buddy's Place in NYC in 1974. He stripped down to a septet and it was fun to go and see the place. Nice club - didn't last long.

[@quincystewart4344]

I think you are right about the heart attack...I wish the guy on here would not talk or interupt the video and save his comments for after, particularly since he seems to know very little about jazz nor jazz drumming. Most of what Buddy does here like going under the high hat, tapping the bass with the stick are old, time- tested techniques, and gimmicks used by most drummers from way back, Chick Webb and others....

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

@@quincystewart4344 The guy doing this review doesn't know much about drumming! Don't know why he would even do this Buddy Rich review.

[@PC4USE1]

@@quincystewart4344 If he does not comment,he can get a copyright strike.

[@mikegoldstein6345]

I saw him perform this piece at Mammoth Gardens in Denver, CO in 1969 with a big orchestra like this. I was a rock drummer in the area at the time. I was surprised that there were fewer than 50 people in the concert hall! There were no chairs; everyone was standing. I recall that at the end of his drum solo, when he was going so fast and it looked like he was concentrating so much, he casually looked up at the audience, smiled, and said "Far out."

[@justingoulet9714]

I was lucky to witness Buddy Rich 🤑 perform live I worked for a piano company and we provided the 🎹 piano for the show and received 3 tickets for the show As a drummer myself The performance was a life changing experience l am 64 years young and have seen many great players but nothing better than Buddy Great videy

[@ed.z.]

Buddy was rushed to the hospital after he left the stage. He had a massive heart attack during his solo. My teacher from decades ago toured with this band. I heard recordings of him scolding at the band on the bus. He was a real character.

[@71Habu]

Buddy Rich was the Greatest ever! I saw him play this in concert AT MY HIGH SCHOOL! Notice all his fills are in rhythm with the song. And he did all this with just a drum kit! No fancy electronics or video tricks! He was the only drummer I have ever seen use both symbols in his hi-hat! Oh that was in 1975! This was the tribute to West Side Story concert.

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Virtuoso drummer of the highest calibur. Incredible band too.

[@TheWeebs1968]

I’m 53 and I’m a rock drummer, in the 80’s my rock drum teacher was away, and I had the jazz guy, and he tried to get me into jazz. I never had the feel for it, but man jazz players hands and rudiments are ridiculous. Look at Ian Pace from Purple, and all the other metal drummers who were crossing over from Jazz to Rock , they are all some of the best and individual drummers of all time. It’s easy to replicate once everyone’s doing it. But their speed was musical not just BPM.

[@rendog896]

The battles between Buddy and Krupa are legendary! I’m not sure if these two even liked each other? But a must watch! Love you Mr. Rich 🤘

[@rwfrench66GenX]

There are so many dimensions to the drums, but they all start with the mechanics. Buddy used to be roommates with Freddie Gruber and Freddie has given lessons to guys like Steve Smith and Neil Peart and Freddie's advice on the mechanics is since there are no straight lines in nature, don't try to make them in your drum strokes whether you use a matched grip or a traditional grip. It's all about a curved motion and you could see Buddy doing that, hitting from the top, hitting from the bottom, wherever it was it in the cycle he used the rebound to make contact instead of going back to reset from the beginning for a straight shot. Great reaction! Happy Holidays!

[@flugelcorn]

Pretty amazing when you add his heart attack when he grimaced during his solo. He was taken to the hospital after...

[@richardgreen7811]

Buddy is from the Big Band Era, along with several other great Drummers however he proved to be preeminent along with longevity. If you have an affinity for things drummer you have only one choice (IMun-HO) ... go to the Woodstock Concert of 1969 and watch the drum solo from the Carlos Santana Band. This young man (for one song only) provides a great performance worthy of vintage greatness acclaim. I am so happy to have grown up in this era to be able to witness such greatness as Buddy first hand. Buddy came to Chicago on many occasions to perform at the extraordinary Ludwig Retail Store. Every garage band drummer saved their money to watch him perform, which was done with no other attending musicians. It wasn't just his great ability on display, the entire event from start to finish was a "SHOW" replete with jokes and engagement with the audience. Truly one of a kind, the likes of which we are unlikely to see again.

[@gj8683]

Michael Shrieve is the Santana drummer you mention. He was 20 years old at Woodstock.

[@patricktruchon9153]

Michael Shrieve was incredible at Woodstock. One of my favorite drum solos ever!

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

@@gj8683 I was happy to see and hear Michael at Woodstock. I was 17. He did some Buddy like things but... he was so young.

[@Stu-SB]

Michael Shreives drumming on Soul Sacrifice was outstanding..I believ he was the youngest musician to play at Woodstock..and Carlos Santana was tripping out of his head he stated he thought he was holding a big snake lol...

[@paulreed1142]

Keep in mind during this performance, Buddy suffered a heart attack!

[@righty-o3585]

Yep greatest drummer ever. I'm not even a drummer and I understand exactly how badass this guy was. Keep in mind that he's doing this in a fu tuxedo head to toe, in dress shoes.

[@scotte2815]

funny that so many think Buddy Rich was the greatest when Buddy himself stated that Alex Duthart had a better natural sense of timing.

[@tonypresti5810]

And he was having a heart attack.

[@hornerinf]

It's nice to see a reaction to this performance where the piece ( West Side Story Suite) is played in it's entirety. It gives you perspective on how hard he was working before the big solo.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

Thank you, that means a lot. I always try to watch the entire performance if i can.

[@joeblow2069]

In 1959 Rich did an album with Max Roach called "Rich vs Roach". One of the best albums for drummers ever made.

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

My Father had this album. Amazing

[@harpoon_bakery162]

was that before or after his first heart problems

[@Nissardpertugiu]

So much albums like this . I have a few albums , Buddy rich and Alla Rakha , Gene Krupa & Rich , Louie Bellson & Rich " Are you ready for this ?" Where they re doing thrash metal almost . Conversations with thoses 2 and Kenny Clare ...

[@redfox4098]

Saw him playing outdoors with Louis Armstrong free concert in Toronto when I was 16 yrs old . 75 now and the day I fell in love with jazz and swing.

[@DanMosherRealtor]

I had the privilege of seeing Buddy Rich at Izzy’s nightclub in Vancouver, BC in the early 70’s. My drum instructor was the drummer for the house band and helped me and my best friend get in to the club though we were only 17 and 18 at the time. (Legal age was 21). Amazing evening and I remember my instructor telling me that Buddy didn’t read music so he played a newly written piece with Buddy’s band while Buddy watched during rehearsal. After one set he could repeat it perfectly as written, and then of course add his own solos during his parts. Incredible. RIP drum master of all time.

[@davidbarr49]

As a former drummer myself, I can only describe Buddy with a single word; lightspeed.

[@markstromberg1148]

His hand speed and foot speed are remarkable, sure, and his left hand in particular was sublime. However, for me, his lyricality, musicality, and composition - especially during his solos - has never been rivaled. Ever! And that was because his command of his kit was so complete, that he could literally do almost anything.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

I could not agree more with you.

[@busterbiloxi3833]

Budy Rich was totally without feeling and touch.

[@VanMoon]

Jason, Buddy was born in 1917. This video is from 1980 I believe, so he would have been 63 years old. He died at the age of 69 in 1997. My dad had played sax and clarinet with big bands back in the 40s and when Buddy and his big band came through my town in 1967 he recognized somebody in the band. He got us to go backstage to meet Buddy after the show. I'd been playing drums for two years at the time and Buddy had me play a little bit for him and I got his autograph. It was something I will never forget.

[@denistaylor1507]

gene kruper....you're welcome

[@adityatyagi4009]

@@VanMoon Buddy died in 1987 not 1997. Cool Buddy story. Glad you got to meet him.

[@williamgunnarsson]

What is great for all of us drummers is , he left such a body of work that we can study and practice and go back and listen to him and try to do stuff just like he does. I wish that we had the Internet when I started drumming, because I would have become 10 times better, sooner.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Buddy was no spring chicken at that time, but the control and speed were still there. Remarkable. I'm a fan of many drummers but Buddy just makes me shake my head. I give it up to Buddy.

[@guywhite1004]

Usually when someone is good at doing something, like playing a sport, people say “he makes it look easy.” With Buddy people say “he makes it look impossible!”

[@randymaio3616]

Yes he was having a heart attack during this whole song, if you notice he is grimacing and sweating during this performance. This is what being a performer is, you play sick or healthy, whether your in the mood or not. People that want to do this for a living don't realize that this is what it takes, to play like that literally on deaths door is the most amazing part.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

I couldn’t agree more! So many hobby drummers will always complain about not progressing. You have to give it your all and no matter how bad you’re feeling. The show must go on!

[@randymaio3616]

@@JasonSayersDrums I always tell my students that your giving your full undivided attention for however long the gig is (after that you can die lol)

[@JasonSayersDrums]

@@randymaio3616 🤣

[@brendadavis140]

I feel like Buddy is playing like” if I go out now, I’ll go out playing 120%!”.

[@cabininthewoods7326]

And with a bow tie on.

[@ryansharp4691]

I love how obvious it is that drumming brings you such pure, unadulterated joy.

[@josephpetrizzojr5340]

This is the solo of buddy Rich and as he was playing he had a heart attack, and after the show he went to the hospital and that's when they found out that he had a heart attack, God bless him may he R.I.P the best I've ever seen and I'm a drummer myself he was my idol. 🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@steves_garage]

In my opinion, this is probably the best drum solo ever performed. You can tell Buddy was going for broke on this one because he probably thought he was going to keel over on stage.

[@strumbum946]

In 2012 Modern Drummer magazine voted Buddy “the best Drummer in the World.” He truly was an amazing drummer. Regardless of his HUGE Ego, and whether you liked him or hated him, he was a great talent and inspired some of the best drummers that have ever sat behind a Drum Kit. He always stayed true to the “traditional grip” technique of drumming. He once stated “real” drummers would never play “matched grip.” RIP Buddy!

[@JasonSayersDrums]

A well earned spot on that award too. Agree with the ego comment, as i've heard some stories about him both good and bad. That said, many other musicians have even larger egos and don't have the talent to back it up like Buddy did.

[@strumbum946]

@@JasonSayersDrums - Agreed!

[@morbidmanmusic]

NO. there are videos of him later playing matched grip on heavier tunes. He was a hypocrite

[@Lewy3958]

I seen him over 160 times got quite close to the man , countless pasta meals together .....can i just point out that his ego was not huge , he was actually very humble and surprised that people considered him the best ever .

[@xenalover99]

every jazz or stage drummer wanted to play like him,and for someone who taught himself to play...was amazing!

[@morbidmanmusic]

He actually took lessons from other people.

[@tshephard2793]

@@morbidmanmusic Who from?

[@xenalover99]

@@tshephard2793 not to my knowledge buddy took lessons,but he did when he was famous talked with other drummers and shared technics.from my time playing with professional musicians...some who was at one time played with buddy he was to a drumset what nick saban is with a football.I loved this era of music when i was going thru school and it's a shame that it's almost dead now.

[@user-kq4eb2gy7v]

1st time I tuned in.,. Great Show. From the Desert of New Mexico, usa. Loved every minute of the broadcast.

[@mikehannon4097]

I saw Buddy live in a smaller venue and we were in the second row mid stage. He was incredible. I got to meet him after for about 30 minutes just shooting the breeze. Loved Buddy.

[@billwhitman4125]

By far ...not even close , the greatest drummer of all time. He's the reason I became a drummer. I've lived in NY, New Orleans, and Miami prior to moving to NC. But it was here, in the middle of nowhere where I met and became friends one of Buddy's drum techs. Nathan was a great guy. I'm 60 and he had several years on me. He was also a great drummer. We would sit having something to eat and the conversations would never end. He told me depending on the tour and the spread of the dates, prior to hitting the road he gave Slingerland the dates and venues and a new kit would be there. Buddy would tell the techs just leave the one he played that night. So ..... I'm at his house for the 1st time and he asks me how I felt about playing on a set Buddy played on. He had asked Buddy if he could send one home that they were leaving behind. So there I was doing my best Buddy Rich impersonation...which was horrible but fun. Nathan just passed 2 months ago from Covid. Great guy who gave me a memory of a lifetime. R.I.P to both Buddy Rich and my friend Nathan.

[@ukqwerty999]

Sorry about your friend Bill and thanks for the cool story, saw Buddy in the UK in the 80's as a kid with my father but to young to appreciate the skill (as is the case with most youngsters) at the time so here educating myself on greatness

[@billwhitman4125]

@@ukqwerty999 , Thank you for the kind words.

[@scottclute8413]

Thanks, Mr.Whitman for the memories of such a great American.Also Nathan.

[@musicairplanes4884]

In the 80's my wife and I would go to Disneyland just to watch Buddy play in the Carnation Plaza.

[@nicholasvecchiola4964]

Exactly! Not even close. I get really pissed off when I see modern polls rating the likes of, John Bonham and Neal Peart among the ranks of all time best drummers. Not one of them could carry Buddy’s fuckin jock strap.

[@yournightmareracing1754]

Uncomparable stick speed, but what I appreciate equally as much is his rhythm playing when the band is playing. To my ear, he had the smoothest and most musically perfect compliment to the band of any drummer. His solos are phenomenal. Some say not as 'musical' as other drummers but undeniably athletically breathtaking. But as for his rhythm playing, it's jazz drumming perfection musically in my humble opinion.

[@augustmartin7357]

Dude!!! Tell us more !!! You're the ONLY PERSON WHO HAS MADE ANY MENTION OF the DRUMS SYNCED with the PERCUSSIVE HORN MELODY. I hate the fact that this KZbin presenter CAN'T BRING ANY of this AWARENESS to the AUDIENCE. It's disheartening to have someone speak about Buddy, yet NOT EVEN ONCE shed some light on what was REALLY ON DISPLAY HERE? Yes, Buddy is a drummer, but he is a drummer playing songs with a BIG BAND. His technique SERVES the GENRE. His jazz rhythm patterns consist of a volume for accompaniment. But then he uses a TASTEFUL blend of SPASTIC CHURNING to play with the PERCUSSIVE HORN MELODY, or he will use the same TASTEFUL blend to 'play against' the PERCUSSIVE HORN MELODY. It's a treat to see it unfold! If you were to break down these patterns and slow them down, you might just find that they are simple musical pattern (that a child might hum to themselves). There is definitely something child-like and whimsical within the fill-in phrases he blurts in between the horn melodies. He playing is similar to the rhythmic pattern of a cat, who tosses a mouse up into the air. When the mouse lands, he gets to his feet and then tries to run away. Then the cat flick his paw to swat the mouse. It starts all over again.

[@yournightmareracing1754]

@@augustmartin7357 Thank you brother. It is AMAZING to watch and feel his instinct with the band.

[@JRT5573]

I read once that he did not really like doing those extended solos, but it is what the audience wanted. His favorite work was backing the band, though i do not know that backing is the right word for it - maybe driving the band would be better. I do not know why anyone would say his drumming was not musical. I can understand them saying that about his extended solos, but musicality was not their purpose. Rather, they were designed much like an athletic performance - it was an opportunity to show off his amazing speed and accuracy. But when he was driving the band, I think his drumming was very musical in the sense that it was precisely what the music needed from the percussion. And his transitional breaks were great. In the '67 recording of Channel One Suite, the first movement has a consistent fast 1/8th note pattern, but they are grouped in 2s, 3s, and 4s to make various meters. I have always loved the transition breaks he made between the various meters.

[@yournightmareracing1754]

@@JRT5573 Great post JRT. I by far enjoy watching and listening to when he backs the band vs solos. Amazing sense of perfrct timing and cadence.

[@JRT5573]

@@yournightmareracing1754 I did once read an article in which Bobby Shew (his lead trumpet player in the latter 60's) said that he tended to rush during the transitional breaks. I got to see him live twice. During live performances, he tended to go faster than on the albums. When I was in our high school jazz band (1970-72), we played transcribed editions of Channel One Suite and West Side Story. I listened to those on his Best of Buddy Rich album countless times. This recording of West Side Story is MUCH faster than the album.

[@johndavey72]

Yep ! Had "West Side Story" on Quadraphonic 8 track . You really need to trace this God of Drums history . Even Gene Krupa, who was the pioneer of the modern drum layout , bowed to Buddy's skill. And although your observations are worthy , you'll win more subscribers if you make those observations after the performance . I only kept watching because this was , in my view , the epitome of this great mans talent . I had no idea he was suffering a heart attack . A testimony to this mans commitment . 💕

[@freelancer5906]

Somehow, watching you react and hearing you give feedback as it's happening adds a whole new dynamic to this that I wouldn't have thought possible. I've seen this solo without anyone talking over it, but with you narrating it, it somehow enhanced it. Also, yes, that old-school hi hat trick was an integral part of his playing and was actually prevalent among many of his peers. If you watch the drum battle between him and Ed Shaughnessy, you will see Ed do it, too.

[@tboltaq2]

Buddy configured his set for his kind of music and his stick speed and reach. He is a jazz vs. rock drummer. His technique is all about economy of motion and stick speed. This is a video of him in his mid 70's doing a very "physical" set. In this video, about 4 min in, he is reported to have had a mild heart attack but kept going. Never missed a beat.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

I'm all for economy of motion, i took many pointers from many drummers throughout the years and most of them taught me that to get speed you must have accuracy. To achieve both is based on setup, stick and body control.

[@tyandambika]

No wonder Neil Peart loved this man so much. RIP to Both of these Legends!

[@3006mgk]

I saw him live in Detroit Lakes , Minnesota. I am so glad to have had the chance. He is without question the best drummer of all time.

[@KennethSavage-nn2vv]

I’ve been drumming for over 40yrs (no longer in bands or for money) however Buddy Rich was someone I tried to follow and learn from and even had the chance to meet him briefly at a meet and greet many years ago. I also studied Keith Moon and Neil Peart and formulated my style after these three, my holy trinity of drummers. Great reaction and review 👊🏻

[@JasonSayersDrums]

Thank you for your amazing comment and keep drumming

[@Dibbdroid]

As a rock nerd/metalhead I was brought up going to see many of the jazz greats like Harry James Orchestra, Stan Kenton, Duke Ellington etc with parents and still listen and relate to big band music. Buddy Rich is unsurpassed.

[@mjeffn2]

Oh man, my Dad took me to a Stan Kenton Concert in 1978. I was in my early 20s and was blown away. I loved it. I totally got into big band jazz after that and happen to listening to the Stan Kenton Quartet as I read your post. My Dad passed last February in his 90s. Memories.

[@user-zi7hn3ek5d]

Craig gaetani I'm 75 and saw buddy many times. He has two right hands and and two left feet. Never misses a beat. We will never see the likes of buddy ever again. When ever I hear thunder and see lightning I know it's buddy playing for our lord. RIP buddy

[@TomLongusa]

A great drummer friend of mine, Jack Scaragella, has the honor of having been a personal friend of BR and the only BR protégé. Buddy even said that Jack’s the only one that does me…better than me, I believe he said it on the Johnny Carson show. New subscriber, just for you covering BR. Cheers

[@michaelwas8549]

I recorded that on VHS like 40 yrs ago. Always blew me a way! The best.

[@marc2397]

Buddy had it all. His single stroke roll was unreal! Most drummers can’t do it….I can’t, not like buddy only a handful of drummers can do it!! Buddy is the best….still is! !!

[@mikeschumacher9715]

Yes indeed 60 and having a silent heart attack during the performance. Went to the hospital right after. The caps on his cymbal stands are quick release toggles. Gibraltar makes a new version. Originals are very expensive today, if you can find them at all. Buddy just had them unlocked (straight up and down). Saw him play in 1979 in Enid, OK with the Ft. Sill Army jazz band.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

I will add that before buddy had to switch drum companies, there were no tilters on the cymbal stands. A straight chromed rod, with a chrome washer and felt and that quick-switch cymbal 'wing nut' without the nut or maybe the wings too. I had them on my kit by 1967.

[@thomaslgrice]

Back in the 70's I bought some Camber T-Tops. They look like this, but do not have a moving toggle, just a cast "t" head on top that you had to maneuver the cymbal onto. Never had a cymbal fly off, but the "t" broke off on one.

[@erichellberg9570]

My fav as a kid and still 55 years later he is still my fav, even though there are a lot of great players out there that everyone can appreciate, but BUDDY, WHOA!!!!

[@susangolden4001]

Good music/talent is timeless. Classical, jazz,blues,rock,whatever, if it's done well and touches your soul, it's quality is forever recognized. J.Au-en

[@miked5814]

Jesus Christ!!! Are you kidding me?!?! He was doing this at that age??? I've known about Buddy Rich my whole life but I never took the time to actually watch him play. This is unbelievable. I have to watch a couple of more videos of him but he might take over my #1 drummer spot from Neil Peart. Amazing!!!

[@markstromberg1148]

Neil Peart innovated in undeniable compositional ways, and his kits and the things he did with them were always perfectly matched to the music. Peart was a craftsman and perfectionist, and much of what he did for Rush was scripted so as to compliment the music. In comparisons to Bonham I have often said that both because of the nature of the music he backed, and because of the relatively small size of his kit, Bonham was more often able to play with feel and groove than Peart, whereas Peart was a "prisoner" of the music and, to some degree, the size and construction of his kit. If you scroll around KZbin you will find videos from many Peart fans who have since capably replicated - stroke-for-stroke - some of the amazing fills and parts Peart innovated. I am a huge fan of Neil Peart the composer, lyricist, writer, percussionist and human; he was a true gentle-man, a "mensch." However, I think Peart would readily admit that Buddy Rich was far and away the most gifted technician and soloist ever to sit behind a kit, and I wager you'll never find anyone who can competently replicate or imitate what Rich could do. (If you do, post a link!)

[@scottlapham3222]

Neil was a HUGE Buddy Rich fan.

[@ursafan40]

When I was in 8th grade I attended a clinic Buddy put on while he was performing in town. While he started talking his left hand started a slow beat. Then it kept getting increasingly faster as he talked. Inside of 30 seconds he was doing a very fast roll with just his left hand. He smacked his left stick with his right and said "STOP THAT!" Went back to talking..... then did it again. After doing this a few more times he just broke out and amazed us all.

[@michaellott3575]

Agree with all of these comments. Two other aspects not mentioned. Amazing stamina and strength and also the ability to work through all of the complex arrangements without ever missing a beat.

[@1drummer2]

One extremely important element to Buddy’s talent is how he used his unbelievable technique so dynamically. A true showman who sang the song whilst he played.

[@53motormouth]

I became a drummer,because of Buddy Rich, and John Bonham. True legends!

[@x.y.8581]

His solos on the West Side Story arrangement are all tops!

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

Agreed 100%

[@TheTuckmon]

Control and sheer speed as well. He could do anything. I had the privilege of seeing Buddy when I was 16 now 69.

[@MrKeithsplace]

His hand speed and rim shot accuracy is impeccable.

[@graceisgone]

1982, Buddy's almost 65 in this ;)

[@JasonSayersDrums]

He is still shredding it even at 65. Wow!

[@michellenati6317]

@@JasonSayersDrums He had a heart attack during this and kept going!

[@johnroberts3723]

@@michellenati6317 well if he had a heart attack it definitely improved his playing!.

[@reallymysterious4520]

@@JasonSayersDrums Could you imagine if he had decided to go into Rock instead of Jazz and Big Band, and he hooked up with someone like Eric Clapton ?

[@taiway]

Buddy WAS actually the inspiration for Animal from the Muppets, with the open mouth and everything :)

[@FurtiveSkeptical]

The Muppet Show episode with Buddy Rich as guest was classic. Musical drum battle at Sea.

[@AlanTauber-DrumConnection]

Yes and true. Buddy was ON the show and he played every prop in sight.

[@glennwisniewski9536]

see kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5O7aJ1viNtrpJI

[@jimcarter7742]

Am I the only person that has noticed that he often plays these amazing performances wearing a suit? You see a lot of rock drummers doing crazy solos wearing a t-shirt or no shirt and this guy is in a suit and tie! No wonder he’s drenched in sweat at the end!

[@rossapolis]

3:43 He was 64. This concert was on August 20th 1982. This was a little over month before his 65th birthday on September 30th.

[@evyatarhadar8867]

Well, he actually did a drum-off with animal years back, hahaha.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

I remember it very well, it was actually one of the videos i watched as a kid which inspired me to want to play.

[@frankblackwell3804]

The part where you mention about him hitting the bass drum with his stick was a technique used by Chicago drummers in the 1930's. Check out Gene krupa's explanation of it where he combines it with foot pedal and cowbell. Buddy Rich was originally known as Traps the boy wonder when he played as a child.

[@tiffsaver]

There are so many great drummers. I've seen them all. What is most amazing to me is how many great YOUNG players there are out there, any one of which could have stunned the entire world with their phenomenal playing when I was still working. But as long as I live, and I'm 75-years old, *there will never be another Buddy Rich.* Why do you think everybody compares themselves with him?? Pay careful attention to his playing style. "No muss, no fuss." His body is totally relaxed, even wearing his full tuxedo. He doesn't have to fling his head around, or pound his kit like a construction worker pounding rocks, he does it all with his WRISTS, never his ARMS. I'm sorry Rich imitators but God made only ONE, there will never be another. P.S. This show was filmed AFTER his major heart attack, but it didn't even slow him down. On an interesting note, Buddy couldn't read a single note of music!! He did it all from memory. One more thing. Notice that he only used one snare, one bass drum, one tom tom, and two floor toms, and since he normally only used the second one only to hold a towel (notice how he grabs it at the very end to wipe his face), he essentially used only FOUR drums. Then compare today's modern drummers who all need two bass drums, uncountable tom toms, and dozens of cymbals when Buddy only used THREE, with a tiny 6" splash cymbal on top. No one else even compares with his super human technique, his "swing," his performance perfection, and his sheer power... NOBODY.

[@chrisedwards7996]

Wonderful stuff! I was fortunate to see him live back in the last century! Fantastic, thanks for showing!

[@mikeriley6073]

Well said re Buddy. To have been fortunate to see him live many times was the real deal. On one occasion took my mother-in-law to see him at Ronnie Scott’s - to my embarrassment given the celebs present, couldn’t stop her almost screaming and climbing on the table. Mind you, we were about 2m from his bass drum at the time. RIP Buddy.

[@JasonSayersDrums]

That must have been quite the experience. I would have loved to have been in his presence even just once.

[@mikebowers5228]

Buddy could do a single stroke roll with only his left hand faster than most can with both hands !