Epic Drum Battle - Louie Bellson and Buddy Rich | Carson Tonight Show

Original Airdate: 03/06/1969
#johnnycarson #thetonightshow #buddyrich
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[@CrustyCurmudgeon]

That's the pinnacle of drumming, right there. Little did we know in 1969 that it would never get get any better. Two drumming titans, at the peak of their power. Awesome and humbling at the same time. Legends that will never be eclipsed!

[@domenicv7962]

BS Speed and Noise .....that's it !

[@veecee3669]

@Domenic V. They were just riffing and jamming, not playing a specific piece of music. Loosen up, Rich and Bellson were two of the finest drummers on the planet.

[@domenicv7962]

@@veecee3669 you loosen up....I'm entitled to my opinion....drumming since 1959

[@domenicv7962]

@@veecee3669 you loosen up....I'm entitled to my opinion....drumming since 1959

[@slicaltimistic1]

​​​@@domenicv7962Both got impressive speed, and they did bring a lot of noise. Overall they got impressive skills. This is the first time I even heard Louis Bellson and Buddy Rich takes the stage. And you been drumming since 1959. You a legend. Got to respect the OG😊

[@Sincopare]

OMG Buddy's snare tone here is insane. No slush to hide imperfections. Tight as drum core with a beautiful ring. Thanks for posting this treasure!

[@JBPerraudindrummerOfficial]

It was the Slingerland Buddy Rich 14x4 signature model

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

That's how I like it.

[@brent3760]

It was not a Slingerland. It was a Fibes. His White Marine Pearl Fibes drums was his favorite snare he ever had. He played on it even through many endorsment changes. The owner of Slingerland even ask him one time to play a Slingerland snare, Buddy replied "I will when you make a drum as good as this one." Slingerland even put a slungerland badge on his fibes drum at one point so ppl would think he is playing all Slingerland.

[@chrispywilliams1992]

@@brent3760do you know what size?

[@brent3760]

@@chrispywilliams1992 4 x 14 I believe

[@donf3739]

I love how they both complimented each other.

[@domenicv7962]

They weren't....for the most part they were trying to out do each other,....playing the same stuff as they usually do....just with more intensity.....give me Krupa any day over these two noise makers !!!

[@donf3739]

@@domenicv7962 They were playing off of each other and building on it, while staying in context with the rhythm of the tune. Professionals don't have to compete with each other. And afterwards, each did pay the other a compliment. These two, Krupa, and several other pros were equally as great, all in different ways.

[@johndavis9432]

@@domenicv7962 That guy didn't even compare to Buddy and Louie.Get that straight creep.

[@watchgoose]

@@domenicv7962 Krupa said once that Rich was the best drummer ever. Wow.

[@domenicv7962]

@@watchgoose I like Krupa's playing much more than his opinion of Buddy Rich. Wow

[@bobcosmic]

The Tonight Show Was The Right Show, When Late Night Was A Great Night !

[@boomerguy9935]

The main reason I watched it every night was to see Buddy Rich, who was a regular guest. This was by far, the best drumming night on the show.

[@tdunph4250]

Mr Carson is and always will be one of the all time greats. R.I.P. Excellent channel dedicated to the all time best talk show host!!

[@georgegemmell6231]

Hands down

[@brianchisnell1548]

4 legends up there! Louie, Buddy, Rogers and Slingerland.😢

[@johnjohnredcreek3224]

slingerland snare hoop turned inward made for real pop rim shots

[@margerykirner5604]

Slingerland drums were one of the best along with Rogers

[@boomerguy9935]

@@margerykirner5604 Louie also used Gretsch and Buddy also used Ludwig. No matter what drums they played, they always sounded great. I've owned all the brands over the last 5 decades, and I've settled on Gretsch. I'm not saying they're better drums, just that they are my personal favorite (sort of like choosing chocolate over vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

[@A70AMX]

@@margerykirner5604 Rogers quality control was top notch along with their SwivOMatic foot pedals,hardware and Dynasonic snare.

[@paulrichards3017]

I’ve owned a Rogers kit and a Slingerland kit , but unfortunately the similarity ends there !!😢😅

[@markpmar0356]

Well, they're both great drummers and the truth is Louie totally held his own trading fills with Buddy and BR himself knew he was on the stage with an actual equal. Two great drummers, may they both rest in peace.

[@yeltsin6817]

Just crazy how good they were slamming. And wearing suits no less.

[@Meme-zc4cw]

Right! I can barely play in shorts and a t shirt, I couldn't imagine in a full suit.

[@frankd.4528]

I was gonna say not only were they great but they looked great doing it. Cuff links and all!

[@yeltsin6817]

There is a clip of Buddy vs Animal on the Muppets that was just as epic. You should watch it

[@boomerguy9935]

The suits were the working clothes of the day. They had class back then. Today, every day is Casual Friday.

[@boomerguy9935]

@@yeltsin6817 I've seen it and I've always who Animal's human was.

[@bobbysands6923]

There are no words for how much I miss those days and these two guys. Thank you for the post!

[@tombaker6082]

Two unbridled horses running wild and we get to enjoy it. Louis and Buddy were unbelievable with the speed and power just throwing bombs at each other. Anyone who thinks this was just noise wasn't paying attention to what either was actually playing. Brilliant!

[@cbass2755]

Omg…fantastic!!! Look at them go!! Perfection……crazy talent!!! Natural for them, such strength!!

[@mitchk2981]

I know it’s been a long time but I really miss The Tonight Show with Carson. It was such a different level of entertainment than today. This is spectacular, but you could have this sort of thing every night. Totally non political. Just made you feel entertained and amazed watching.

[@garylagstrom3864]

The apprentice takes the easy and makes it look difficult while the master takes the impossible and makes it look easy! Neil Peart on Buddy Rich!

[@CluelessSheepNazi4270]

Two of the best drumming titans of their day. This is gold!

[@erzug]

Buddy was on The Tonight Show a number of times during his career. He and Carson were really good friends. Carson being a drummer hobbyist didn't hurt.

[@michaelgawel5823]

Ed shaughnessy was a pretty good drummer as well!

[@erzug]

@@michaelgawel5823 Most definitely. That show had it's share of good drummers, including Marvin "Smitty" Smith when Kevin Eubanks was Jay Leno's band leader.

[@TeslaFamilyTravels]

Louie Bellson played with our high school band for a charity event and I got his autograph on a piece of sheet music. It kills me that I don’t know where it’s at.

[@charliebadger]

Look on google maps :)

[@jerryrichmond4707]

Undoubtably the two greatest drummers ever and playing furiously in suit and tie... unbelievable!

[@ralphonofrio1518]

I had the great fortune to perform a drum battle with Louie in 1995....A great time in my career.

[@Joshualbm]

Big smiles on both of their faces. Mutual respect.

[@MrFchank]

To be clear,this was not a drum " battle". It was two of the best of all time playing a drum duet.

[@MattMcGunn30]

ASTONISHING TALENT! GREAT MUSIC!

[@brfan6750]

Wow, what else can you say…. Two of the GOAT’s on one show. Actually, three, Johnny was the greatest too!!!

[@harrylangdon491]

In 1956 I saw Buddy in person in Miami Beach with his quartet, I think it was. His four or eight bar fills were delicious. You can hear them on the album Buddy Rich in Miami. In the 60s I saw Louis Bellson at the Metropole in mid-town Manhattan. I sat at the bar, a few feet from the two bass drums. What a guy!

[@garrison7888]

Two of the best and they are both using traditional grip. Now you know why. 😎

[@boomerguy9935]

Seriously? Obviously, you haven't watched enough videos of them using matched grip. There was nothing they couldn't do. Watch Joe Morello using both grips, plus hands and fingers on "Take Five".

[@garrison7888]

@@boomerguy9935 I went to Berklee College of music in Boston we met Joe Morello & Buddy Rich. He said that over 99% of the time he always use traditional grip and recommended it. As did Buddy Rich, Louis Bellson, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones and all the best drummers in the game.. P.S. The original recording of Take Five was recorded in the studio using traditional grip--- no fingers

[@boomerguy9935]

@@garrison7888 You misunderstand me. I I'm not saying that match grip is better than cross grip/traditional grip (I use it 95% of the time). I'm simply saying that these guys and many other top drummers are capable of using match grip and do it equally as well as they do the cross grip. Like you, I prefer cross grip, but it's nice to be flexible. I can't imagine doing a rumba without including the cross grip on the tom. I'm aware of the studio recording of "Take Five" and that he also did not use a crash cymbal on it (See the Memphis Drum video with the original "Take Five Cymbal"). But in some of his other live videos, he does an amazing job of using sticks with both grips, both sides of his hands and his fingers, and even has to pull his bass drum back from creeping away during his solo without literally, "missing a beat". We are on the same page. I just thought that you were saying the match grip should never be used. I feel that a good drummer can use all grips when necessary. Buddy, Gene and Joe all did an amazing job with the match grip. I would love to have the skill of Joe's left hand, but I will never be that good.

[@garrison7888]

@@boomerguy9935 RLRR-LRLL

[@PatrickC-oh1wy]

I met both of them when I was a kid drummer and they were both super cool about giving a kid an autograph. Louie insisted I meet Pete Christlieb, the tonight show saxophonist, and get his autograph as well. He told me about the Zildgian 21" rock ride cymbal and that was the cymbal I bought the next day. One of Johnny's prized possessions was one of Buddy,s kits. Oh and Louie also insisted I meet his wife, Pearl Bailey. Great memories of two legends.

[@Meme-zc4cw]

Two of the greatest but what I like about Krupa is he wasn't all speed. He was melodic in his drumming and didn't feel the need to play super fast. Sometimes less is more.

[@robertoricci3393]

Krupa started this kind of explosive drumming. Bellson and Rich made it flashier.

[@marcob.7801]

Melodic yes, but rhythmic especially! It's what set him somewhat apart from others. Let's not forget Joe Morello! Also, in his own class!

[@scottpollack5453]

NOT REALLY!

[@georgea.henryjr.5191]

1:15 am couldn't sleep. Just looked at this drum battle. Let me just say when anyone can actually play an instrument, that's actually REAL TALENT! Rich and Bellson dropped some serious DRUMMING SKILLS!

[@randysalles2292]

I saw Buddy Rich at a small theater in my hometown town, early 70s...and yup he was a Baddass on the kit, also thought Gene Krupa was pretty dam good as well.

[@NoBite2]

Yes! Those two were the best I’ve ever heard!

[@joebiggs4387]

I like Buddy Rich. I’m sure I’ll probably catch hell for this, but I’ve always seen him as more of a snare drum/floor tom player, whereas most really talented drummers like him use the entire kit.

[@markbirchette8740]

For 1969? They could have played for any Rock N Roll band in the world. Then or now

[@deaterk]

I don’t get your point. Of course they could have! Rock n Roll is a down grade….a much simpler genre of music compared to what these guys played.

[@bsjeffrey]

im exhausted.

[@Sincopare]

Exactly!

[@jpcyphers]

I had the pleasure of meeting Louie Bellson at the Keith Purvis drum shop in Burien Washington when he did a drum clinic. Keith and Louie were very close friends. This was back in 1993 I do believe, Louie shook my hand, had a very strong grip, and was a very humble, nice man.

[@mundoeuniverso5123]

Wow! This is a huge moment in the American television

[@Sincopare]

So nice to see someone actually challenge Buddy! The battles with Krupa were always sad affairs with him way past his prime.

[@jonwalter6317]

Gene was never anywhere near the talent that Buddy was. But, Gene was probably the first great showman on the drums, and he played with tremendous style. What he lacked in technical prowess he made up for with musicality. I've played drums for decades, and I kind of channel Gene, no real chops, but I can sound fairly good.

[@Shepthebassman91]

One word - impeccable

[@suszy5712]

Hands were moving so fast, sometimes it was a blur! Fantastic drumming. Can't sit still while watching them. 🥁👏

[@danroberts9050]

Slow it down. Well, it's still a blur. Nevermind. LOL

[@danlc95]

Thats a LOT of fire power on that stage there, and it's smoldering hot.

[@NathanBrooken]

First time seeing this and truly enjoyed.

[@dibber43]

2 incredible drummers on The Tonight Show at the same time...LEGENDARY!!!

[@patton303]

Just beautiful. Trading two’s and no monitors whatsoever. They could probably barely hear each other over their own drums. They certainly couldn’t hear the band. Just pure old school time keeping.

[@ckotler]

Phenominal

[@shawnbruce6934]

The Golden Age Of Entertainment, Television and Drummers. Fantastic!

[@LeslieBacon-r1i]

I am a drummer and I never get fed up watching videos of drummers, especially videos of Mr. Buddy Rich!

[@jiminycrint]

Buddy, as always, was playing the more hip things but Louie really held his own here. Two all time greats having fun and showing each other total respect.

[@boomerguy9935]

Those were better times back then. People respected each other.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

This is absolutely insane. The only factor missing is Ed Shaughnessy but that would have been way too much awsomeness for one stage.

[@louismastrangelo3781]

Seriously could you imagine all three of them that would’ve been just over the top I totally agree with you 1:47

[@750count]

Ed was definitely up to the task

[@michaelgawel5823]

Ed shaughnessy let the band be in the forefront - a musician's musician drummer!

[@alexquinones3274]

This is awesome two masters trading lick's! The clarity of the Drums... I don't see muffles or pads 👏 👏

[@bobstigler]

Buddy snare head is very tight...hi pitch and rebounds like he is hitting a rock.

[@Philly2169]

These men right here pave the way for hundreds of thousands of drummers over the years they are phenomenal never ever disrespect the legends

[@jwmiller9089]

Talk about the good old days. Now you have trouble finding two guys they could hold their own for that long of a solo❤

[@jerrywallop5647]

Not even breaking a sweat……incredible left hands…….Thankyou & God Bless you both…..

[@abc456f]

Buddy was sweating his ass off! The left hand is the secret weapon.

[@joegarcia54]

Love the sound on Bellso’s snare

[@williammunoz2342]

Both were freaking awesome, saw LB at a WDW jazz fest,and just sat there in amazement

[@ronniewaidelich9003]

Wow! I played drums in hs, but not even close to these guys 😳

[@williamrichards3707]

Saw this when I was a boy and took up drums. Later the harmonica and I sing. These guys were out of this world. Corky Lang of Mountain had that athletic ability. Go Steelers!

[@deanbrandl1987]

Absolutely amazing by both guys.. buddies rim shots put in such interesting places.. is amazing

[@paulcanton9827]

This shows just how good Louis bellson was. That’s god he is taking on and coming out equal. This is incredible to watch .

[@AW-jz5uy]

The two most famous wigs in drumming history!

[@cintiamarcelasouza9424]

Os dois melhores de todos os tempos!!! Sem sombra de dúvidas!!! Ass: Patrick

[@oldskolacura9798]

I still have the jazz fest program signed when Louie came back to his hometown area back in 95. My father took me to the show. Had no idea he and my dad were classmates in school. Got to meet him down at the stage before the event.

[@jimsim777]

Incredible energy, performance and talent! Those drums are tuned like bongos.

[@ajn465]

Sincerely. Thank you for posting this. Previously the only copy on KZbin, though I am grateful for it, wasn’t very good. Feel free to post. Every one of her buddies appearances. Drummers will be grateful for it forever.

[@daleproctor3723]

Phenomenal!

[@Eddie-hn5hp]

THE BUS TAPES!!!

[@crlaw75]

Wow...is all I can say. Rest in peace to all.

[@dgu4644]

The two of them just making it look effortless.

[@stevenholquin2127]

These Two Cats Are The Best Buddy on Slingerland and Louis on Rogers

[@garyclarke9557]

Holy crap this is epic

[@Kevin-Brent]

REAL entertainment!

[@rogertootkaylok5716]

I like this presentation ! It reminds me of, on CD, or cassette tape--Buddy Rich vs Max Roach, which I've listened to before, quite frequently, in the past.

[@oldskolacura9798]

Yeah I remember that one. My father had the 33 Lp of that one.

[@S1L3NTG4M3R]

WOW (If you're a Drummer... TYK)...

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Gotta love how Buddy Rich’s drum riser is higher the Louis Bellson's! lol.

[@jamescotner2459]

Now This Is Fire!! Real deals.

[@markweatherly3241]

Indescribably the two best drummers of all time!

[@THECLARENCES]

Legends!!! xoxo The Clarences

[@jumpingjacks5558]

It was always great when Carson would bring some of the best jazz drummers on stage. Carson could play drums and was taking lessons from Buddy Rich. RIP all three.

[@michaelgreen5206]

Louie and Buddy are my drum gods! Also Gene Krupa too! As fast as they are playing, everything pulses around the quarter note!

[@dh2838]

Imagine how many speed awareness courses these cats would have to take now in the UK.

[@xianshep]

If I merely heard this, I'd never guess it was only two guys playing.

[@donf3739]

Johnny was no hack on the drums either, but that's a whole 'nother subject.

[@user-br3ou2cs9o]

Back when you could actually get a full-size Swanson Apple Pie that was worth the price you paid.

[@hokeypokeypo]

Best comment award!

[@ROYALPRIX]

Lol that sounds personal

[@user-br3ou2cs9o]

@@ROYALPRIX Observational & Experiential. 👍✔️💯

[@richardbilger2334]

If you paid the price it was worth it…

[@user-br3ou2cs9o]

@@richardbilger2334 Correct. Back then. Not now.

[@NellsStuff]

HOLY SMOKES!!! I hadn't seen this one before! WOW! Note the dropped stick was no big deal ;-)

[@cbass2755]

I hope Quite Frankly sees this! Lol….

[@15psi850]

I have never seen Buddy Rich “concentrate” like this during a solo before. Legendary performance all around but Buddy felt the heat for sure.

[@wolfman3295]

That was an outstanding jam and both were excellent drummers but I personally liked Louie a little better because he had a double base setup (whether he used both of them or not) and he used his symbols more at least in the beginning. Some of the very heavy metal drummers I have liked over the years were also great and they definitely used both bass drums so fast that it was so nice to watch them on video but when I saw them in person it was a sensation overload. Derek Roddy was one of my favorites.

[@dalegribble60]

Man did Buddy's snare crack! Easily heard during the chaos.

[@Blakeoffire]

WOW !!

[@billyc6678]

Buddy is my all time favorite drummer. 🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

These same shows are still running today. but they do not feature great performers like this at all now days. when was the last time you saw an entertainer/singer/musician on one of these shows today, sad.

[@TomdeSabla]

The fact that Louie Bellson could get up on stage with Buddy Rich and give as good as he got is impressive beyond belief. Buddy Rich is well, Buddy Rich. But Bellson is something else too. No shame to his game that's for sure

[@hometownrocker1]

I wish Johnny brought our Louie along with Buddy to desk.

[@mc76]

Louie rocking the double kick, and Buddy using the double floor tom, years before either setup became fashionable.

[@michaelgibson5047]

Ginger Baker . Nick Mason.

[@luiszuluaga6575]

Wild! 😸🥁

[@jefflaw1764]

Sitting behind my set is just Heaven. It is just a bit bigger than there set. I am a collector of percussion.

[@johnjohnredcreek3224]

Why in the world did they wear suit coats that restricted arm movement, and they still killed it!

[@rezzer7918]

BUDDY RICH the INCOMPARABLE

[@deanbrandl1987]

Love the crisp sound of buddies tenor snare.. he only used it for a short time

[@lorinwold6473]

Mel Brooks went to school with Buddy Rich's younger brother and actually was allowed to play on Buddy's drum kit. AS Mel tells the story he was playing to a record with Buddy playing drums when the music stopped and he heard from behind "Not bad. Not great but not bad" and there was Buddy standing in the doorway. Mel also said Buddy taught him how to play better, how to hold the drum sticks properly and taught him a lot about rhythm which he said helped him a lot in his career in comedy. Buddy Rich is without doubt as good if not better than the drummers we hear today.

[@owenmcgee8496]

Phew. My impression here: I felt there was more swing in Bellson's soloing early on and then when he started going on the double bass drum non-stop it wasn't too fair on Rich, or didn't give him something to play off, because he had to trying to compete in volume. But a simpler & more appropriate way of looking at it is as RIch said: "that was nuts".

[@2visiondigital]

Well i ain't never seen anything like that. Buddy playing like his life depended on it. Well intergrated trade offs. Some nice subtle double bass work on the bottom end. We had Phil and Chester and King Crimson with 3 and Vinnie, Steve and Dave but this was wicked. Not even sure the lady Japanese prodigys will ever compare.

[@garandjunkie1046]

they would play like that for 2 hours lol

[@meekoloco]

I’m exhausted

[@sometimesiwander7146]

Phenomenal. Legends. That’s all.

[@PrinceAsmodeus]

Carson himself was a decent drummer. Lots of comedian drummers. Idk why