The Mars Volta Drummer Hears RUSH For The First Time

[@frankievaccaro3216]

I've seen Rush in concert 66 times. I love this song. She was amazing. With no frame of reference? Are you kidding me? She killed it. Well done.

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

I envy you with every cell of my body! And yeah, Philo did a very serviceable job.

[@daveoutdoors4949]

You are overqualified. Jk. Awesome.

[@shannonmarion7642]

Really, a professional drummer has never hear this song. I don't buy it....

[@ejayman]

@@shannonmarion7642 Agreed, if you're a drummer you know Peart, and if you know Peart you know Rush

[@regulardude1971-s7h]

@@ejaymanboth statements do not necessarily mean that the person knows 1 particular song. Vast majority of human beings do not care about this band.

[@TheLegenDacster]

Having a song with 4/4, 3/4, 7/4 and 7/8 thrust upon you like that is seriously daunting, well done.

[@juliangonzalez2953]

She plays on The Mars Volta , she's used to time switches

[@farrex0]

@@juliangonzalez2953 That doesn't mean it is easy. Even the best prog drummers would have a hard time if you do not know the time signatures and or hear even a click. It is hard to tell the time signatures with no drums on.

[@ChrisYoung-v9c]

No 7/8 but point still stands.

[@Wyl7]

…and with a kit roughly 1/10 the size used on the original :)

[@listenup7284]

And this is one of Neils easier tracks.

[@TeclaSAPcomUlissesCarvalho]

If only The Professor could hear this... He'd have a big smile on his face. Pretty awesome job, Philo! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@marsdrums6298]

He's seen it and he is probably very pleased with her performance.

[@davidmb1595]

I wonder if he ever heard the mars volta u.u

[@Brad-cb2dt]

⁠@@davidmb1595 I’m hoping for the sequel: Neil Peart hears The Mars Volta for the first time

[@Gutbutton]

@@Brad-cb2dt I don't think that sequel is going to happen. Neil Peart passed in 2020.

[@marsdrums6298]

@@Gutbutton I'm hoping Brad wasn't serious but... Maybe he doesn't know that?

[@Dave-fr3zh]

I’ve been listening to Rush religiously for 40 years and LOVED every minute of this! Philo is incredibly talented and has an amazingly delightful personality. She managed to do an amazing job with the song while also giving big props to Neil Peart. I am now motivated to check out The Mars Volta’s catalogue. Rick on, Philo!

[@sebahernandez]

I went to the last Mars Volta show here in Santiago. The are absolutely outstanding

[@JB-js4xi]

I spent the first 30 seconds insulted into a frenzy a drummer hadn't heard RUSH. Then I remembered we are OLD and she isn't. She kicked the stuffings outta it. Neil would approve I think

[@kaistrandskov]

The fact that Philo trusted the music and just dove into the deep end is not only a testament to her experience and intuition, but it proves how Rush's approach to odd times is a process that serves the phrasing and the song. It just made sense to her and she didn't need to count time signatures. That's great drumming, and great song writing.

[@guessundheit6494]

Bingo. Time signatures should be unnoticeable, not jarring. Tell someone that "Freewill goes 13/8 > 12/8 > 4/4" and they'll say "what the cluck?" But listen to it, and it sounds natural.

[@michaelpacinus242]

So mfing true, mate

[@patrickandrews.5]

You're right big time!

[@cameronmynhier2628]

It’s “easy” to play and write in odd/changing time signatures. It’s FAR more difficult to write songs that flow well with odd/changing time signatures.

[@michaelpacinus242]

@@cameronmynhier2628 yeah, we all agree with Kai on that as well

[@einahpetshumphrey1639]

The look of joy on her face as she hears the original version is fantastic - she has a beautiful spirit

[@langwaters9653]

had more or less the same thought 😊

[@jzimmt]

Absolutely

[@travcollier]

Yeah, she's got talent and a hell of a lot of charisma. And she didn't get that good without a ton of work too. Though I would have loved to see her reaction if they told her Peart also wrote the lyrics ;)

[@johndoe920]

right? I love how she approached this from a having fun angle. Because Chad's drum parts where pretty good, but there was no soul in it of any kind. It was just him showing off. I much preferred the videos by Josh, Eloy or this one, where the drummer was actually just having fun with it.

[@ronaldjones743]

One thing I can say is she's having fun that's what makes it come to her so easy. Playing in a band has to be fun or you will never feel the soul of song. Well done Philo

[@Gratefulspleen]

Old man drummer here and am completely unfamiliar with her. That said I was literally cheering for her!! Amazing energy and ability! Well done!! Now to go digest everything she’s ever played! Man, I LOVE this Drumeo series so much I can only type in exclamations now!

[@theoya]

I entreat you to check out the rest of Mars Volta's catalogue as well. They've had multiple excellent drummers over their tenure.

[@codyjackson472]

Listen to the mars volta there music is absolutely insane

[@McShag420]

The Mars Volta might blow you away. I know it was insane to my 19 year old brain in like 2002.

[@seanmurphy26]

DUDE! You need to check out VOLTA!! I like how this chick left a little space, such a hard song..

[@silverXnoise]

Anybody who can appreciate Rush is likely to really enjoy The Mars Volta. They’re pretty eclectic, if you don’t dig the first song you hear, just keep skipping through the most popular tracks until you find one that takes your fancy. They’re incredibly creative and talented.

[@capitalg785]

Not a drummer, but it's so fun to watch people revel in the joy of creativity. Philo has a beautiful energy.

[@jeffnicholas6342]

She picked-up the vibe of the guitar, bass, and vocal pattern like a true master! I bet more Rush is on the playlist

[@MusicMaestro221]

As a bass player, seeing how committed she was to locking in to the bass part just shows how professional and song focused Philo really is. Absolutely masterful.

[@ericambros]

I sometimes feel bad for the other members in the band because of how much bass I ask for in my monitor. 😂😂

[@mrollins4684]

Great comment. Having played with both types of drummers, the difference in having one that honours the bass part is immense.

[@joebartlett3255]

As a bass player myself, you nailed it. She locked into the grooves & stayed true to the song.

[@Jonathan-si2nd]

I think it's more accurate to assume that she understands that such a great bass player has faithfully locked into the groove established by the drummer.

[@nondescriptcat5620]

she riding that groove like a motherfucker.

[@BrandonScottDrums]

I've heard this song SO many times so it's hard for me to not hear Neil's parts. You almost forget how complex this song actually is until you see someone listening for the first time. BIG props to Philo!!!

[@hhaste]

Seriously. I think anyone that has ever listened to a rock radio station has heard it.. I'm shocked if she's actually never heard it.

[@TySoVm]

​@@hhasteI don't buy it.

[@AngelHernandez-rp5fp]

I like Rush and actually have 14 songs on my playlist but never heard this song before, so I believe it 😅

[@olfrud]

@@hhaste Rush is insanely not popular in germany and Europe in general. I never heard of them until I discovered Ron Jarzombek and his crazy prog-projects.

[@Lotus77777]

So much of Neil’s drumming is like that…

[@mtheberts]

My first thought was no way can anyone do this justice. But this is the first one where the guest so dramatically changed the groove and feel to the whole song. So much that you aren’t comparing what she did to Peart. I loved the new creation. She absolutely crushed it and added her own flavor vs just guessing what the original drummer played. Well done!

[@makattak88]

I jumped out of my seat! So good.

[@JimmyNuisance]

Top tier.

[@mullinsmcd]

Heroes journey throught multiple takes to come out with a new version with the spirit of rhe original. This is my fav ep so far

[@im-un-fragile]

@mtheberts It's like the difference between the movie Blade Runner and Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. There's a resemblance between the two but dramatic differences enough to make them separate entities... but both equally phenomenal.

[@5000rgb]

I wished they had muted the drum parts the first few times they played back the song. It's hard to listen to her parts with open ears after I've just heard Peart play it.

[@WasabiBassJay]

Loved her take on “Limelight” so much, that I had to check out “The Mars Volta”(which I do after every Drumeo video)! And, now I’m blown away twice! Between the amazing music, and the dark, poetic, rhoade’s scholar depth, lyrics, I was instantly hooked! Great work, Drumeo! Thanks for the introduction to another phenomenal drummer!

[@rapid13]

“Rhodes Scholar.” If you’re going to make the comparison you can at least spell it correctly and use proper grammar. Eesh.

[@bellamango6708]

TMV IS ONE OF MY FAVS

[@abrahamesparza01]

You check out The Mars Volta after every Drumeo video?

[@benwaardenburg]

Drumeo, you really struck gold with this concept for a video series. It allows drummers to see how other drummers explore songs and see how they would put their spin on something, and folks like myself who aren’t in that sphere see the technical and artistic sides that each guest brings to music we have heard before but in a new way.

[@LeeClemmer]

I'm about to close up all browsers, open my DAW and start on yet another it's-all-drums-nothing-but-drums-with-weird-noises-and-shit track! Very inspiring.

[@josepherwin5122]

I started out thinking, “Wow. How humbling to try to fill THOSE shoes!” Well, in her case, one shoe, one sock…love that! Then, watching her feel the groove of the song and finding her own voice within it, where she could create a personal connection with the song from a new perspective and color the sound from her own palette was more enjoyable than I expected. I’ve been a huge RUSH fan since the 1970s, and Neil has long been my favorite drummer of all time. So I had a kind of precious, protective notion about the music. This kind of moved me beyond that because I know Neil was the kind of guy that would rather develop another musician than to pigeonhole them or to compare them to someone else. His artistry and musicianship was created by learning as much as he could from the work of others and building his own incredible tool box from what he had learned, and Drumeo is very much about that kind of development. Cheers, and well done!

[@BeeCeeJay]

This is the way.

[@xXxDarkSoulxXx]

She’s an absolutely incredible drummer and yet so humble. That is the sign of a true professional and a true good person at heart. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@xXxDarkSoulxXx]

@@The_Timinator I’m pretty sure, but not 100%. I’ve been known to be wrong from time to time, lol.

[@yoloyo7019]

​@The_Timinator try using Google, instead of being a weird little creep. :)

[@nirestrunk4923]

​@@The_TiminatorShe definitely has an ambiguous gender expression but Google searches say she's not said she's non-binary or a trans-man or anything so...

[@The_Timinator]

@@yoloyo7019 Sorry but "people" your and "Her's" age literally go NUTS if you mis gender them.

[@AserHapi]

​@@The_Timinator Philo is short for Linda-Philomène and the last interview on her Instagram uses she/her pronouns.

[@miseryisme]

Absolutely incredible. Possibly my favorite episode, She killed it!

[@Just_Exhausted]

Watching Philo play is something else… you can tell she is feeling the music as she plays (eye closed & everything). Such a cool video!

[@MarcusMarchesoni]

I don't know why but I got tears in my eyes when she listens to it for the first time with the drums. Rush was such a big influence for me when I was a kid, it just reminded me listening to them at that time.

[@rnobreaks4579]

And for her to have NP signature sticks? CRAZY coincidence.

[@rauldiasgimenez4611]

Same here. I'm not sure if it was just nostalgia in my case, tho. I mean, the way she felt the intensity just from the intro and realizing how blessed we were on having Neil among us for some timed and how much he's missed.

[@dapsign]

Same!

[@okaight7248]

same, even when she was playing

[@alfsoang1770]

Because different of generations. Limelight is hard song to play with drum. Not everyone can listen Rush song. Like my wife, she dont like Rush. Haha. And Im a big fun of Rush.

[@derekredwood7121]

I absolutely love how Philo is so genuinely excited about this. She obviously has a deep passion and love for drumming. Seems to be a happy and joyful person!

[@damcama]

Such a deep passion she has never heard this Rush song with legendary Neil Peart 😉😜

[@rpinthecr4044]

"The terms "phyllo," "filo," and "fillo" all refer to the same type of dough, though there can be some variation in usage and interpretation based on context and spelling.". Aptly named. Also Rick Beato would like a word\

[@sean-in-wnc]

​@@damcama I can see it. They're one of those bands where, if you didn't either come up when they were getting big or grow up with somebody close to you who loved them, they're kinda easy to miss, surprisingly enough. I was always aware of them, but even being a musician since I was 5 years old and having done it professionally for almost 2 decades at this point, I've still never done a deep dive into Rush. Probably haven't ever listened to more than one of their albums all the way through, and the one I did, I admittedly wasn't really paying attention. I've always been aware of them, always liked what I heard, played one of their tunes on Rock Band or Guitar Hero or something, but I just never vibed with it enough to pursue. And I've been in the prog rock scene and been heavily influenced by it the whole time (the first Mars Volta LP being one of my biggest influences). It's honestly easy for that to happen with any band, but especially pre-Internet, the continental gap between cultures limits exposure a LOT. I mean hell, there are over a billion people in China, and I honestly can't name more than one or two Chinese artists from more recently than like... 1950. There are definitely TONS of great musicians among that massive population, and so many people that are undoubtedly household names who I've never heard of. All that to say: not usually a good look to put people down for not having heard a musician before, even if they seem like a Free spot on the bingo card of your musical influences. Ends up looking worse for you than it does them, and beyond that, it's just literally impossible to invest enough time into expanding your pool of influence to catch everyone.

[@Tyrannosaurine]

@@damcama maybe she’s not 700 years old.

[@brianmcgee9332]

This was my high-school experience. I had tears watching this young woman explore the possibilities having never heard the song before. I could see her feeling the spirit of the song from one of the most iconic drummers ever.

[@auraandtheowls]

Words don’t even express how much I love these series. I love it. I think it’s the vulnerability.

[@iagmusicandflying]

Right? It takes some chutzpah to say "yeah, I'll take a crack at playing this track after hearing it drumless twice!" Plus, I really liked her take on it. Very different, but still very apropos.

[@johnwalborn6050]

I think you nailed it. Even Portnoy was nervous.

[@seanspires4288]

I agree i really come to you tube now just to see if there is another one! For me it started with the Mr Brightside one but the Chad Smith one is maybe the single best video on youtube for me I have sent it and make every person i know watch it mostly trying to get that feeling back of the first time i watched it!

[@be1150-c7u]

For many of us, Rush music is a near religious experience. To see and hear this amazing talented young drummer approach Limelight with such care, grace and pure enthusiasm just warmed my heart. Had a bit of a tear in my eye remembering the professor, remembering so much of my youth spent with Rush in my ears, so much time behind the kit playing along best I could. THANK YOU Philo for bringing such joy to me and many others.

[@lesklassen]

Tears in my eyes too. Wow.

[@smitty1e]

Very well said.

[@jasonlaviolette2964]

This is pretty incredible. I hope Neil Peart was able to hear this through the aether and had a smile on his face while listening.

[@kcrang]

The godfather of Prog

[@ScottHerpst]

saw them on their final tour. The concert lasted over 3:30 with only 2 10-min. breaks and they played all of 2112

[@civilbeard]

Speaking as a bassist, drummers really are the most talented folks on stage. Don't know what we'd do without you.

[@seanchesal5676]

The feeling is mutual 🫡

[@yougotmike]

True! Keep up the caft

[@TheOvermaster]

I've sang with people before (never on stage) and the drummer is the only one who keeps me in tempo sometimes. A good drummer versus a bad drummer is a wild difference.

[@potato9832]

Speaking as a triangle artist, the cowbell players are the most talented folks on the stage.

[@morganyoungisplayingdrums]

We drummers thank you for such a kind compliment, but you have the most responsibility on that stage, as it is you bassists who have the daunting task of harnessing the rhythm, harmony and melody all at once. Bravo!!

[@purplebrick]

As a Rush fan going way back, all I can say is RESPECT! She rocked it!

[@waynethomas1882]

The appreciation drummers have for each other’s talents is so wonderful… the pure joy and fun she shows working out this song was awesome to watch… another fantastic video displaying incredible talent.

[@ratpH1nk]

it really is brotherhood/sisterhood

[@iharrington]

Brandon said it best. My mind is blown. Hair standing on end. She not only crushed it, but it was so awesome hearing it done differently, but also so well. I loved this.

[@adamkoepke1366]

I love how clean and simple she kept it while still being very complex. Most drummers could've thrown in a bunch of flashy fills, but the tightness of her performance was incredible!

[@unabonger777]

I agree, absolutely nothing wasted, that totally could have been a keeper take on the original record, amazing talent

[@Brembelia]

Excellent interpretation. Nice and clean and right there. 👍👍👍

[@robertbeam4534]

As a non-musician but a big fan of amazing drummers I absolutely love the pure joy she had when she dived right in and just went for it. Amazing!

[@thefluxcapacitor1]

Obviously no one is going to re-create Neil's parts, but my favorite thing is that Philo kept the "feeling" of the song. And now I have a new drummer to check out. Well done.

[@alexanderjames04]

Dude you’re in for a treat in general if you like rush and you aren’t familiar with the mars Volta, all the drummers they have used are amazing, check out Thomas pridgen too

[@nathanv04]

Especially when the drum set is almost 10 smaller than Neil Peart’s

[@alexanderjames04]

@@RichardRemer wrong. And without thought, she had heard the song only 3 times by the time you heard the finished product, she did amazing with the time allowed, and you must not be familiar with her or her band the mars Volta, I’m sure you’re a rush sicophant and could never admit there are other people with just as much or more talent than Neil, Alex or geddy, you just can’t think objectively bc you’re some little fan boy, but being objective here and actually knowing a few things about music and performing, this is fucking amazing and maybe the best “for the first time” performances out yet

[@markiep8477]

Agree. She got the vibe for sure. Wonderful drummer!

[@freelance_commie]

@@RichardRemerfilling the silence lmao

[@ncrider2000]

As a percussionist and a HUGE Rush fan who knows practically every drum beat and time change, I LOVED watching this. Seeing someone else interpret Neil’s work is so refreshing, and she did a GREAT job! It brought tears to my eyes. So awesome.

[@OriginalJramion]

She had the signature drumsticks from the drummer of the song she had never heard; that coincidence was just friggin' awesome. She did a phenomenal job in coming up with a drum part.

[@JB-lp9xr]

I would wager that 99% of all people who play a Gibson Les Paul would not recognize a single Les Paul song.

[@TwoTowersPro]

Like halfway through her playing I realized the sticks she was using could have been Peart signatures. I wasnt expecting it to actually come up though, let alone her noticing as soon as his name was said.

[@OriginalJramion]

@@JB-lp9xr Very good point.

[@vidthreenorth4007]

@@JB-lp9xr Or Les Paul himself actually.

[@timcardona9962]

@@JB-lp9xr false equivalence. Les Paul is not to guitarists what Peart is to drummers. Not even the same ballpark. This video is 100% fake there is no way the drummer for mars Volta does not know Rush.

[@richardgray7447]

Ive watched most of these and this is the only one that’s ever given me actual goosebumps after hearing her final interpretation of this amazing song. For NEVER hearing it I was absolutely amazed at how quickly she weaved her way through the composition almost beat for beat at times. There’s not many drummers out there that are as nuanced as Neil Peart was. There’s not many drummers out there that could’ve picked that up and recognized the drum pattern of the original having never heard it. That was amazing. The sticks were just a cherry on top. Absolutely awesome. This is my favorite one ever and you guys have had some good drummers on here.

[@raddad84]

Lifelong drummer here...I am so consistently impressed by this series and these drummers. What does it mean to be a professional drummer? Amongst many things I'm sure, it seems the ability to take music like this and with quick diligent intelligence/emotion craft unique, plausible, and utterly enjoyable beats that would fit the song just fine if not for our previous familiarity with the original drum track. I'm sure I speak for all drummers on here, even for Rush and Peart (RIP), Philo you made my heart happy. gut gemacht!

[@jonathandufern7421]

She for sure gave the lesson that being able to just feel it is so important. She was so excited to just jam to it and still nailed the essence of the song phenomenally.

[@GonzoSaavedra]

That build up and solo from 7:50 to 8:50 is gorgeous, only fresh ears could build that, we all ADORE The Professor, but he did fill the space. And If any guitar player deserved a solo clean space like those on The Mars Volta is Alex Lifeson. Ten fingers chef's kiss Philo.

[@andreidejanovich9041]

I had no idea who this drummer was but when she got out of the way of the guitar solo she immediately had my admiration. Especially not knowing the music ahead of time. That is an artist, not just a drummer.

[@Jeenzzz]

Holy shit. Her feel during the solo took me to another place. Amazing groove and comprehension of the essence of the song. 10/10. Definitely my favourite performance from the "hears for the first time" series.

[@robertallen6710]

Yep..blown away...truly inspiring woman/drummer...

[@ChristopherCokeley]

Drumeo is my favorite subscription. It's an actual break from everyday nonsense, that brings everyone together as one for an appreciation of ONE thing. It's awesome. I can't wait to get my kid started on lessons. Beautiful! Keep up the good work and great content! My family and I love the first time hearing videos. :)

[@jakebenoit1458]

This was absolutely awesome. As a HUGE Rush fan, I thank everyone involved for putting this out. Philo absolutely slayed.

[@MatheusLeston]

Damn, that was really impressive. She got not only all the time signature changes perfectly but also all the mood changes after just a few passes. Amazing musician!

[@GuiMXC]

She had lessons from Mr Peart and she didn’t know…..

[@destroyermaker]

@@GuiMXC He was guiding her through the sticks

[@topnug7626]

There's no way she's never heard limelight

[@shellyt556]

It is very good!

[@mrburger007]

Mate live outside the US/Canada and Rush are not well known

[@thecrowing2k7]

This is one of the most joyous videos you’ve released to date. Her passion and happiness in discovering and learning this song and then to hear the original track is what makes this video special. Thank you Drumeo you’ve made my day.

[@jonny555ive]

What an absolute HERO.... I had to comment twice. GREAT JOB. Thank you Drumeo, I LOVE THIS SERIES, Keep the "HITS" coming.

[@KmtS9]

That was some of the most musical playing i've seen on here! She is a monster. I was both grinning and tearing up watching/listening to her play.

[@SpookyApparition]

.... tearing up? lol. Does listening to Neil Peart's original drumming make you sob?

[@KmtS9]

@SpookyApparition woah woah, stop the search guys. We found him. We found the cool, tough guy!

[@darensparks]

​@@KmtS9Well he is a spooky apparition after all

[@rnobreaks4579]

You can tell her focus was time signature and specifically the sonic rise and fall do she could find comfort. What a wonderful interpretation of a classic.

[@jipster2020]

This was actually quite emotional, and Philo did an astounding job, especially without a kit the size of a small house !

[@WoPrulez]

Tears welled up about a minute into the final run and sat there the whole time it really did feel special to watch and in great honour to Neil.

[@afterforever2765]

Same!

[@NonEuclideanTacoCannon]

Legend has it that Peart had to chase off squatters hiding between racks of roto-toms on no fewer than 4 occasions.

[@8oclocktomatotalk]

I get you! I couldn’t even listen to Rush for a full six months after Neil‘s passing! This was a beautiful tribute to him. What an outstanding drummer she is.

[@Boleskinebeatz]

@@WoPrulez Ditto!

[@Wraithlen]

Man, this was great. NP would have been proud seeing this. Without a doubt. It's amazing seeing what a professional drummer can do to pick up a song so quickly (hours!) and make it their own. LOVE THIS CHANNEL!

[@reidmonk1375]

Now I want to listen to Mars Volta! This drummer is amazing and her pure love for music is very inspiring.

[@dollarBeeg]

Jon Theodore did their first couple albums and the fact that she can emulate what he did is astounding because that drumming was mind blowing. . Saw her last autumn and saw John with Queens of the stone age in summer.

[@ryanmark2389]

As a drummer I can't describe how inspiring these videos are. To see musicians at the top of their craft get put in vulnerable situations and have to rely on creativity and technique to express themselves and completely own the material.

[@MurderBong]

AS A DRUMMER, HOW BS IS IT TO HAVE NEVER HEARD OF NEIL AND RUSH. 😮😢

[@MurderBong]

WHAT’S NEXT :DRUMMER HEARS BUDDY RICH FOR THE FIRST TIME? 😂😂

[@droodmetal1797]

Exactly

[@michaelpacinus242]

@@droodmetal1797*exactly*

[@rosannasinger]

When she played that speedy part at 7:51 feels like the Professor himself was guiding her somehow. Seriously. With no previous knowledge of the song? i cant even describe how big is the smile on my face right now. God bless this young lady. And thank you, Neil, for all those years of great music!

[@bradyblackburn4863]

That's because she's heard the song before, 100%.

[@1000Gamernerd]

​@bradyblackburn4863 there's always that one guy. 🙄

[@bradyblackburn4863]

@@1000Gamernerd and that one drummer who's heard the song before. 😂

[@zirilli3]

I was having an off day, and then caught this and I'm simply blown away from pure joy, she's amazing! I mean talk about a gift, WOW, and she's never heard the song!? She follows the mood changes impeccable.... unreal is the truth! I felt this inside and the overwhelming positive effect she had on me, thanks everyone!!

[@PiXeLParadiseUSA]

This was incredible to watch. Truly, this drummer is so unbelievably real, honest, supremely talented, and a no-ego genuinely wonderful human being. Watching her try to blindly uncover a Neil Peart drum arrangement was undeniably exciting. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning 🥰 thank you Philo and thank you Drummeo for putting this gem together.

[@jeerohabeshian9636]

This is beautiful in so many ways. As a drummer of 45 years, I got very emotional seeing how amazingly she adapted to the song, and the smile on NP seeing it unfold. Awesome! 🙏

[@helloitsmehb]

Really dude? Cmon!

[@jayt717]

There’s no way in hell she’s never heard that song. Don’t be so gullible.

[@jeerohabeshian9636]

To all the haters commenting here… I love you ❤️🙏

[@markjohnson4217]

​@@jayt717Yes there is a way in hell that a musician can pick up on a piece of music and intuitively find the right dynamics, shapes and variations. She improved with the repeated pass because she made notes of where the breaks were and the tricky 'turnaround' figure in the verses as 7/4, or 4/4-3/4, and the choruses which are obviously in 6/8. That was all the analysing necessary, tbe rest is just feeling where the musicians are going. Geddy and Alex are such dramatic players and tbere is such clarity in their delivery that she leaned towards the same approach that Neil took, without having even heard his parts! A good player CAN actually do this, it just means really listening..

[@haxenheimer9707]

@jayt717 Heyho German here. I'm thirty and I've met like one dad of a friend that was really into rush. But besides that most rock people I know and knew just listen to different bands. I'm sure I've heard this song at some point because I remember the video, but that's it. Even though I like progressive stuff and play bass Absolutely possible she has never heard that song​

[@endlessorbaggins8223]

The musicality, the groove, the technique...the drum sound incrdible mix. Wow, that drummer is on a completely another level.

[@ironlemon666]

This series is gold in general - I’ve just discovered it today and have been binging it the whole afternoon - and this has to be the best episode yet. What a fantastic musician she is!

[@cozmicpfunk]

That was Amazing, have never seen a drummer take on Neil without ever hearing him before. Philo did an incredible job and is a testament to her ability. Her instincts and interpretation was a real treat to witness and she did all that with half of the set Neil was playing on- BRAVO!

[@auswidemarine8980]

You say half of Neil’s kit, just a fraction really. She did an amazing job. Would be good to see her on his kit.

[@ctaylor8003]

you still haven't. this video is fake AF

[@sidneyleejohnson]

Well did she really have Neil's branded drumsticks at home without ever hearing him? or was it just the specific song Limelight that she hadn't heard before? I could see it going either way.

[@michaelmelillo3108]

She’s real good.

[@johnmkmu]

Right, because what drummer has never heard Neil Peart before? No drummer of any value to rock music.

[@CentiZen]

Nailed it. Not just the mechanical playing, but the entire feel of the song was preserved. And to just be happening to play with Neil's signature sticks, what a poetic coincidence.

[@AdamBereki]

There are no coincidences ;-)

[@bradoliver9324]

Definitely less busy than Neil ever kept it, but the grooves are emphasizing pretty much all the right stuff, and I really like the fun she had over the guitar solo groove, it was so good! To find your place in such an iconic and complex song is not easy and she did amazingly. It is pretty humourous how delicate her playing is, despite the fact that she's wailing pretty hard. Peart was SUCH a heavy player!

[@AlessandroCorazzaCA]

I"m blown away at how her parts ended up being so similar to the original. It sounds like a cover by somebody who knows the song and is trying to "modernize" it. Amazing skills.

[@VeniVidiVicous]

She hadn't heard of Rush or Neil Peart but was using his signature sticks? How is that even possible.

[@alibabaschultz352]

@@VeniVidiVicous She had probably heard OF them, just hadn't heard that specific song.

[@shirazzza]

I love the "I don't want to count I just want to play it" attitude. And play it Philo did!

[@levindeed]

I'd say, it's the only viable approach with RUSH xd otherwise it's really coming into pure maths

[@jamieh4148]

Neil's ghost is laughing at her tiny drum kit.

[@bluewater82]

I've never been formally taught guitar but have been playing for 30 years. Never learned to count, I just feel the song and my foot/leg holds pops off along with the drums while I play. I'm sure counting has its place in professional music but for me that just gets in the way of feeling the song and vibing with it. It's kind of cool to see a professional do it like that.

[@mahogany174]

Loved the phrase ‘just jump into the cold water and create..’

[@GreebsCitizen]

Didn't know much Rush, Mars Volta or Philo before - but I'm a fan now - bills paid with skills, love it!

[@robertdillon9989]

Much respect to her ! She has it, the intangible feel that musicians speak of that only few people have. It’s innate, and it’s a beautiful thing.

[@mark_handle]

Amazing. I’m a drummer. Raised on Rush. This brought me to tears… I saw their Permanent Waves tour, where this song came from. And watching this excellent drummer’s take on this, and her way forward, was so moving. Just amazing. I loved it! This format is wonderful, such a great idea. Thank you. Especially the guest drummer from Mars Volta, who I discovered many years ago. Thank you so much!

[@aresjerry]

She's not THE drummer unfortunately, just a recently featured artist, so the songs you know from many years ago aren't her. But she is good.

[@zefonk]

really moved me to 😌

[@sean-in-wnc]

​@@aresjerryJon Theodore. That dude... Legend. I'm barely even a drummer, and he's still one of my biggest musical influences.

[@davidryan7386]

moving pictures tour rather - my 1st rush show.

[@eatatrobs6935]

Wow! Impressive how she managed to capture the essence of this not-easy song in a few listens! She is definitely a great professional! Bravo Philo! Can't wait to ear more from you!

[@crosnest4969]

The joy of discovery, the joy of drumming, the honest music. You guys are doing amazing work. Love watching these. Keep it up!

[@eskilseter]

Philo settling the "socks vs shoes" debate once and for all

[@happyninja42]

rofl, I only just now noticed that. been listening to this clip, not really watching it. glanced over and was like "oh...yeah I guess that works too!" 🤣

[@BonzoDrummer]

Shoes for volume, socks for speed.

[@happyninja42]

@@BonzoDrummer why am I suddenly hearing a woman wailing out a banshee cry, while an erhu plays in the background?

[@BonzoDrummer]

@@happyninja42 No idea.

[@ClarkPesto]

Socks gang ✋

[@BrandonToews]

Yes, this happened. Philo crushed it.

[@na-tv6rn]

What I wouldn't give to hear The Professor for the first time again... Or in concert just one more time. 😢

[@christiangibbs391]

Yeww 😎✌️🥁

[@GuitarMeOfficial]

That's a freaking understatement! 🔥🔥

[@itsfonk]

It’s neat how she picked up on, and eventually reinterpreted, all the little micro expressions Neil originally put out all those years ago. Sis was vibing the musical spirit which connects us all.

[@EricPatton-NC]

Drumeo is crushing it, thanks for all your hard work!

[@wallofdeath19]

This video really shows how innovative Neil was as a drummer, I still think Philo did amazingly. RIP Neil 🤘

[@aprilwalterscheid]

Most mind blowing Drumeo listen and figure it out episode I’ve ever seen. Out of body artistic experience with so much detail and care and feeling. Easily the number one episode for me.

[@quinchien]

Genuinely the most exciting series on youtube. Every upload is a homerun

[@ry8729]

It's really fascinating to see how with each successive take, her drumming takes on Neil's signature stylistic approach (even though she'd never heard of this song before.) As I was listening to her play, I found myself nodding in "approval." LOL

[@necrobata1]

For those who havent seen her live, The Mars Voilta is a pretty energetic band and even though Cedric and Omar are vibing hard whilst playing, she was like the fucking center of the universe there.

[@QuigglesayNo]

Even being hired for Mars Volta is a drumming stamp of approval

[@doodechannel4024]

@@QuigglesayNo I can't believe anyone would want to try to fill the shoes of Thomas Pridgen. That dude is an animal when it comes to drumming.

[@Shaikoten]

@@doodechannel4024 Jon Theodore either, both of them mindblowing in different ways.

[@ronniecole6054]

Love watching drummers with there own take on songs. great channel!!! watch you guys all the time. good work!!!!!

[@imjustsomeguy72]

I think Philo, out of everyone I've ever seen do this kind of thing on Drumeo or elsewhere, is the musician I see most internalising the groove completely. She's just in pocket, all of that technique is allowing her to play out of pure instinct, finding all the grooves of the song to slot into, even if they are grooves that weren't even imagined at composition. Truly amazing to behold.

[@HelloImMaxxHennard]

Agreed.

[@Childofbhaal]

You know she’s talented if she’s the drummer for The Mars Volta lol they have some stuff with insane drumming

[@seanhalloran4286]

This song still BANGS HARD after 45+ years. The Professor is a legend!!!!

[@FathomlessJoy]

He was pretty solid in his narrow genre for sure. Love him.

[@Danoie67]

where were her fills?

[@FathomlessJoy]

@@Danoie67 Faster than you could see.

[@COLORADODCN]

43 years

[@michaelmelillo3108]

It brings tears to my eyes.

[@TomKeinert]

Saw her last month with Mars Volta and she fuckin CRUSHED IT all night. Glad to see her kill it here, she is a crazy talented player!

[@ecube7395]

This song got me into rock music growing up in Nigeria, one of my fav!

[@frankdalton483]

Nigeria? No shit? Saint louis Missouri USA 1980’s for me. Love you brother.

[@dwightbroemanphotosandart]

Philo crushed it. You can tell that she has a groove background with those meaty pauses. She knows the funk lies in-between beats. Well done!

[@alexanderi.stinglakatender6803]

What an incredible take of this song. Amazing. I greatly enjoyed. And all true Rush fans will know how much Neil Peart himself would have enjoyed listening to Philo Tsoungui's creative approach to the song and also learn from her ideas and technique.

[@jameshoopes6467]

I’ve been listening to Rush for 40+ years and she did amazing. I suspect the professor would be impressed, too.

[@practicalapplications8899]

Talent is a real thing. What a musician!!!

[@jimmymcgreason]

I saw The Mars Volta last month, and she was so fun to watch. Couldn't stop. She is a phenomenal drummer.

[@grandpamosses1224]

Saw them summer 2022 and was blown away. Best show I’ve ever been to hands down. Her and everyone on stage crushed it.

[@profoundwanderer1441]

Was Volta open for SOAD back in like 2009.. So good. 🙌

[@jimmymcgreason]

@@profoundwanderer1441 That was an amazing show. I have been fortunate enough to see every lineup and not have one bad experience. One of the best live bands I've ever seen.

[@stephenfrancis303]

​@@jimmymcgreason amen im gonna see them at desert daze i got all the psychedelics ready. Saw them in 2003 amazing

[@salalexander5950]

Wow - this really moved me: a drummer who is obviously in her natural habitat in the studio.... she is so comfortable. Many things were impressive, here is just one of many: every note so well placed in time at the perfect dynamic. Another: the glorious rests she provides at the beginning of the instrumental section: giving herself room to build. Master class. Thank you whoever is making these.

[@steamboatmcwrigley561]

She is amazing. This is the most impressive of this series. Her ability to understand the spirit of the song while effortlessly dealing with odd time signature changes is amazing. I'm a fan

[@PeterbutterNJelly]

Neil was right there with Philo. She was channeling with spirit. The sticks!!!

[@rickhopper2732]

It's not the most one. You couldn't be more wrong

[@MeTomSolo]

First Drumeo video I've watched. She's never heard this song, I've never heard a The Mars Volta song. This was a real treat for me. I LOVED hearing her blind/fresh take this classic. I love watching musicians that just love playing and nerding out over music. I'm gonna have to give her band a shot.

[@devinphillips9704]

As a fan of both Rush and The Mars Volta... this puts such a huge smile on my face. Wonderful!

[@JustBill88]

She did an awesome job with such a technically difficult piece. She hit the time signatures right on and that is the most difficult part of this song. Bravo!!! Well done!

[@Cayoalbuquerque]

This is probably the most accurate and polished "hearing for the first time" video I've seen. Absolutely FENOMENAL! I'm an instant fan!

[@Shurehlm]

Such a grift. There is no way this is the "first time" they've heard RUSH.

[@chriscobble48]

@@Shurehlm Just because someone has heard RUSH doesn't mean they've heard this song or that they're super familiar with anything beyond Tom Sawyer or the like.

[@jossypoo]

Fully agreed. This sounds as good or better than someone who knows the song well and has practiced it to death.

[@jossypoo]

​@@ShurehlmDrumeo has seen many professionals who only know what they play. I don't think it's unfathomable that a selftaught jazz groove funk drummer doesnt have a working knowledge of rock's Greats.

[@chadesteban1408]

"Fenomenal"? Really? 😂

[@VirginiatoVegas]

wowwwwww take threee was epic... this drummmmer was reallly enjoying themselves... awesome awesome i was smiling ear to ear

[@d.newsome6344]

I'm still trying to wrap my head around a drummer who hasn't heard Limelight.

[@drumswest]

It's weird! You'd think she would at least recognize Geddy's voice and identify it as Rush but no. How do you play prog rock without listening to older prog? Mind blowing!

[@shieldtrigger]

I'm 100% sure this is all a fake skit because there is just... NO WAY.

[@Hooeylewissukz]

She describes herself as a hip hop drummer first, it's very likely that she was hired for the Mars Volta specifically because she wasn't a prog drummer!

[@kevincostelloe4006]

But still, I would've understood if she would've started to listen and said hey! That's Rush and Neil Peart. But no I've not heard this particular song. But she doesn't know Rush at all? Seems odd.

[@whiteguyz]

It has to be fake. There's no way.

[@funkmaster77]

I feel lucky to have seen her play with The Mars Volta in 2022 and she absolutely killed it! And also a big shout out to the engineer(s) who always make the drums sound gorgeous in these videos! Cheers!

[@BluesmaNeedham]

LOVE how she approached the guitar solo section!

[@jasonsilverio]

I was just going to say that exact thing! The Drumeo guys didnt really say anything about her playing or what she came up with. The guitar solo section it was great what she did.

[@IBoughtItMyself]

DAMN son I didn't notice until you pointed it out. Splendid.

[@robbiemercer8576]

Yes! That was awesome and creative!

[@hungjon]

Listen to Mars Volta and you may see why

[@BluesmaNeedham]

@@hungjon saw Mars Volta live back on their Frances the Mute tour. Love em

[@markp6062]

How wild! It's amazing to me how well she nailed it. She recreated a LOT of the original in a surprising way. Very cool. Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@tpaviles94]

Not a drummer but this is one of my favorite series if not my absolute favorite on YT. The way this series highlights true artistry is amazing. These drummers you guys bring in are so, so skilled - not even necessarily their ability to do super flashy fills, but their ability to find complicated grooves and inflection points in songs they’ve ostensibly never heard before. To hear Limelight for the first time and find the right feel for basically every part of the song is a huge feat. The fill at the end was on point too! Bravo!

[@ct81]

This is a great way to understand Neil's absolute masterful creativity.

[@benspeeds]

I had a powerful emotional reaction while hearing her play along. Seeing a young person connect with a piece of music for the first time that I've spent a lifetime admiring hit me hard. It was fantastic.

[@DrMatthewHudson]

I did too man. I'm glad it wasn't just me

[@annechoyrocks]

This was awesome! The RUSH guys are very nice in person, met them at different times. RIP to Neil Peart. Philo was incredibly joyful in her takes. New subscriber!

[@readventurekids]

Watching these videos makes me think TV is on its last legs. The production values, the talent, the focus on the theme, the absence of dumbing down (Drumming Down could be a name of a channel), the zero bullcrap. This channel is just amazing!

[@johnnyespinoza8]

Philo was just incredible! Her interpretation was an absolute tribute to The Professor! The way she approached the song! Kudos to Philo! And you guys at Drumeo, thanks for doing this videos! You guys rock!!!!

[@Alkado2008]

Her attention to detail was top notch here! Every little accent was touched on. Kick ass!

[@RH-5482]

That was great! I've been a big Rush fan since 75' and while personally not a drummer, a guitar player for over 50 years. I think she did a fantastic job and truly believe The Professor would be extremely proud of her.

[@bthboJsyhl]

I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH THIS WOMAN AND ALWAYS KNEW, IF SOMEBODY IS GONNA MAKE IT, SHE IS THE ONE!!!

[@charlestresnicky1144]

she seems like a great person. Was she dedicated to drums since school

[@bthboJsyhl]

@@charlestresnicky1144 yeah she was - talent and hard work eventually pay off :-)

[@saintsataniko2116]

She's so cool.

[@JeffOehlsen]

HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW RUSH ?????? :)

[@kimdotnet8151]

@@JeffOehlsen especially as a drummer! her take most definitely gave me some rush vibes.

[@RoyceTeal]

I'm a older Gen X'er and not familiar w Mars Volta or their music, but I can testify that after watching this drummer pull off her version of Limelight after not ever hearing it is incredible. The whole backstory of the drum sticks is almost unbelievable. In my mind I think its a sign of approval from the professor himself. Great vid!❤❤❤

[@stefanandrews5098]

Frances The Mute is a pretty insane album, some great great stuff on there

[@MunkeyParts]

please do yourself a favor Televators, Roulette Dares, Deloused in the Commotorium... all ridiculous names but all worth a listen. Strong ties to the art rock of the 70's. Big Yes influences.

[@R3TR0R4V3]

Deloused, Amputecture, Bedlam in Goliath.. Some of their best albums, imho. :)

[@owendurkin6292]

The humility and the sheer joy of music you see and hear would make this exceptional drummer an excellent choice to sit in the big chair should Rush ever decide to hit the stage again. Love it!!! Great job Philo!!!!👍👍👍🤜🏻

[@StGeoRUSH619]

WOW... That was so cool, Philo! I really enjoyed the groove that you brought to the table. Neil was smiling from above, especially the crack about the ProMark SIGNATURE SERIES ??!! sticks... WTF 😳 BTW, the guitar solo section, and the ending were my favorite parts!!! Beautifully done, Philo... Enjoy the Rush rabbit hole !!!