Guitar Center's 28th Annual Drum-Off Winner - Mark Pacpaco

Congratulations to Guitar Center's 28th Annual Drum-Off (2016) winner, Mark Pacpaco from West Covina, CA! Mark played on a 5-piece Yamaha Recording Custom kit in Surf Green with Remo Pinstripes on the toms, and their Powerstorke 3 Clear on the kick, (Mark used his own snare) along with the Zildjian K Custom Dark cymbals: 14" hats, 16" crash, 18" crash, 20" ride, 10" splash, and a 18" Oriental china trash. Blast block, cowbell, and tambourine are from Latin Percussion.
Keep an eye out for the videos of the other 4 finalists: Fred Boswell Jr., Anthony Burns, Kwesi Robinson, and Hilario Bell, plus performance clips from Larnell Lewis & Rashid Williams, and Sheila E. with Pete Escovedo. To check out other Drum-Off videos from over the years take a look at our Drum-Off playlist • Guitar Center's Drum-Off
AND, for more on Drum-Off visit drumoff.guitarcenter.com

[@ZakiAli]

So good to finally see someone win without an octapad!

[@jonathanziegler5695]

Zaki Ali you couldn't use it this year

[@samuelmendezguevara5506]

Zaki Ali the 2010 winner, isaias gil didn't use it too, and if you compare the whole fisrt section of both solos, they're pretty much the same

[@largestmeat]

Jonathan Ziegler well then this year was a good year

[@drummersrockdotshop6539]

Wow!! He is Sooo Good!

[@brandonwalker9245]

Shit the fuck up

[@nathandrums0]

No octapad? I'm shocked. Very pleased but shocked.

[@benthosedrums4662]

NathanDrums Someone told me it wasn't allowed this year.

[@timwilliams8564]

someBODY once told me the octapad is out

[@nathandrums0]

Good, it was overused every year.

[@tylerfred7514]

NathanDrums it had to be for points. I competed when it was in use and if you didn't touch it, you basically had to be perfect, because you lost a lot of points by not using it. but I am glad they took it out, now it's about drums

[@bob7825]

whats octopad?

[@lakshmipathiappu2063]

3:58 that touch... Impressive 😍

[@rdavidr]

when your ocd kicks in and you gotta loosen your wing nut 1/32 of a turn 3:58

[@ReegusReever]

rdavidr Fucking howling man

[@TaperMedal42]

Yooo what's up Dave

[@2strokeroll]

😂😂 That's HILARIOUS! Good one David!

[@Jetty-me6cw]

rdavidr yo dude where you there? You da man. Not only do you crack me up but your ideas are stellar. later sk8r

[@nuggzay8556]

lmfao legit the best comment on this video hahaha

[@dosdrummer]

Obviously a great drummer, very hard to judge these competitions. Some guys who lost in the quarters and semis could easily be in the Finals. Personally I think speed has taken over creativity in these competitions.

[@LizardKing1324]

So true

[@snakepliskin23]

johnny ste I concur!

[@JoseMTamez]

Not always but in this case I would have to agree. I see chops but not really a whole lot more.

[@derrickrobertson3334]

Yeah, that super speedy stuff is incredibly technical and impressive if done in the pocket, but Id rather hear a good groove for the most part.

[@timobatana6705]

I agree. Been saying this for years. I understand the skill. But give me passion or someone that is deeply in love with the instrument and feels connected. Kinda hippy sounding but you get my meaning.

[@chrisunderwood8386]

his performance was way way more put together than the other contestants

[@johncortez2449]

No tricks! Pure Drumming skills... Slow Clap!

[@JosephPadlaJosephPadla]

I've been following him for years and no way I only see this video today. Absolutely amazing and stunning solos! He even wore a Miku shirt to the contest! What an awesome dude!

[@levs.2533]

Who knew guava juice was such a good drummer

[@DavidJohnson-so6xg]

Lmao

[@dylanbevi9830]

Fise

[@dylanbevi9830]

Dylan

[@periah1985]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂☠☠☠☠☠

[@nauristomd]

😂Lmao

[@ayanverani7932]

2:03 when you take a bite out of your hot pocket but its a little too hot

[@elijahnava9327]

This dude KNEW he was gonna be on KZbin XDXDXD

[@nicolabonetti7956]

😂

[@drummerman8397drumon]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@getdrunkandrock]

idk how many times i can listen to this guy, but its an unreal amount.

[@getdrunkandrock]

4 YEARS AND STILL LISTENING TO THIS ALL THE TIME!

[@AmiCocoa]

This man is the embodiment of courage, love and power!

[@AndrewlovesBeatles14]

This is probably one of the best winner solos I have seen since Juan. I am so glad that the octopad isn't used and that it flows so well. Great choice. Congrats dude! You earned it!

[@AndrewlovesBeatles14]

You don't need to be an ass. No I couldn't watch the live stream. So what if two judges didn't like him? I am allowed to have my opinion too. I haven't seen the others that played yet. I'll wait for that.

[@pandadrums2263]

Andrew Weiner I'm sorry if I came off that way. My phrasing literally made me sound like the trolls I hate so much. But seriously. Anthony and Fred played their hearts out. So did Bell. There were more mistakes in this solo then anyone else's and the actual substance of it simply wasn't as exciting as most of the other contestants.

[@AndrewlovesBeatles14]

all good dude. Like I said I can't wait to see those videos

[@AndrewlovesBeatles14]

Who was that referring to?

[@benthosedrums4662]

Great drumming. Very nice stick control, especially in traditional grip. Nice seeing a winner without using the octopad. Also, the syncopation was outstanding.

[@jonathanziegler5695]

BenThoseDrums when did he use traditional grip (and you couldn't use the octapad this year)

[@benthosedrums4662]

Jonathan Ziegler He used it towards the beginning! Not for very long though. Oh I had no idea they weren't allowed to use it. That's interesting since it's always been so heavily used.

[@tylerfred7514]

BenThoseDrums they used it because it was not used they lost a lot of points

[@FranceDaKicka]

BenThoseDrums although he did have all that to be honest he still shouldnt have one anthony burns fred and kwesi did way better and to make it worse they all had one thing creativity and groove mark out of everyone shouldve lost💯💯💯

[@ChickSage]

fatboy_Kevo My favorite set, that year, was Anthony Burns, with Boswell a close 2nd. That being said, I was only halfway into Pacpaco's set and I could tell why he won. It seemed like Pacpaco demonstrated a mastery of a wider variety of techniques and in a wider variety of time signatures and I think that's why he won. I was happy for Pacpaco, he earned it, imo.

[@natechatigny7107]

Speed, dynamics, power, and modulation - beautifully executed!

[@JessGT3RS]

Awesome video. So glad I get to see his winning performance. Congrats Mark!

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

Great! Much Love, Yamaha Drums

[@juliusrogers7818]

i didnt know eric koston played drums

[@carsondrum]

Julius Rogers a very young koston hahaha

[@howardp.3281]

Hahahahaha

[@Swagbearpig]

This comment needs more love!!!

[@anthonydinh3555]

Haha wtf

[@snakepliskin23]

The Koston skate skate shoes were dope back in the day

[@Kcducttaper1]

Absolutely stellar performance! This is what 'feeling the rhythm' is all about right here!

[@majimenez661]

Mark does a great job projecting his passion into his drumming. Outstanding performance. Kudos.

[@iloveNgany]

I love the crowd interaction. Wicked solo

[@makuses7462]

damn!, i'm very proud to be a filipino drummer, 2:03 priceless 👌👌👌 Michael Alba, Rickson Ruiz, Mark Pacpaco 🇵🇭

[@DesignRhythm]

Crushed it!!! Nice work man...a good combo of chops, groove & showmanship.

[@Jetta32696]

Well deserved!! He was most enjoyable to watch. Congratulations!!

[@anthonypachecodrums]

honestly this solo was good! reason he won was because of the energy, he didnt play no slow ass groove it was literally pure energy and drive through the whole solo! dont worry Mark about what other people say! you're a great drummer!

[@anthonypachecodrums]

@UCXdTzSxZs6Csv9R5vYZlrrg lol okay 👍 🤣

[@WalkerTexas]

Mark values his faith, family and friends more than his top notch musical talents. That is why he is someone I admire and feel grateful to know.

[@loribiesel4283]

Awesomeness!!!! Your very talented and fun to watch!

[@Beko09k]

This is the best drumming performance i've ever seen. Congratulations!!!

[@brandonwalker9245]

Beko09k you must have not seen any other drum performances you non drumming idiot

[@drummerman8397drumon]

good job Isaias Gill

[@droldan12345]

😂😂

[@kevvskickz1724]

Right !!!! I hate when other drummers do that , no creativity whatsoever

[@ignaciomoragacarrasc]

Is exactly the same!!!

[@cuinoaj]

Haha right!

[@mitchmaule6517]

Literally the same

[@benjaminmedina9305]

It's about time the winner wasn't someone who just used the sound pad the whole time! This guy killed it, and surprisingly at some similarities the 2011 winner Isaias Gil.

[@johnhusereau4403]

Scary wicked playing man. You'll sound like you're from another planet in 3 more years!

[@stu3775]

Excellent musical composition and drumming!.

[@emmittsmith482]

That was a nice groove you did there in the beginning, it's almost like I'd heard it done before a few years ago.

[@_stardust62]

Reminded me of Vini C.

[@brandonwalker9245]

Because it was done he ripped off Isaias hips solo

[@Jordarr8994]

Lol no one's allowed to play a songo/standard Latin groove?

[@isthatchrisk]

​@brandonwalker9245 lmao imagine thinking there should be millions and millions of grooves because people shouldn't "rip off drummers."

[@jacobsingson12_]

I feel like I’m watching Isaias Gill again

[@itimmy101]

I love how you can see the passion in his facial expressions!👍

[@dekkerondrums]

Honestly, I'm so glad to see the judges have FINALLY moved away from picking the same gospel chops since 2012. This kid earned it. Kudos for having different style.

[@joedejesus4603]

Dylan Dekker gospel chops sound the best in my opinion. So groovy and I’m the pocket, it’s beautiful

[@r3algoat977]

2:59 when I don't get bacon with my pancakes

[@PeterKimMusic]

2:47 and on with the hi-hat beats was monumental hah!

[@HollowLiquidProjects]

those triplet single stroke rolls man... you're making me feel old. I thought I had learned that in marching band. Phenomenal. Way to go bro.

[@theblacklines]

that was really entertaining and gave me chills at a lot of moments

[@Carlo24515]

>Everyone complains about using new technologies >GC takes away said technologies >Contestants resort to same exact gimicks they used to win 7 years ago People really are afraid of change. Not trying to hate on Mark btw. He's an amazing drummer for sure. He's just playing the game.

[@zondurite]

dude is a monster on the phrasing.

[@StuHolland]

Great dynamics and combination of styles. Top drawer

[@ryanrhodes5819]

Awesome! Great clip keep em coming Timmy

[@hunterbryant835]

his solo sounds EXACTLY like the winner from 2010 Isaias Gill

[@ryancardenas9579]

he copied the entire intro bro

[@ignaciolopez7965]

I was thinking the same

[@kylecurran6747]

The judges sure forgot that Isaias existed, because creativity/originality is something they’re supposed to look for

[@vagosmpo3881]

Nuh

[@Dizzydawne]

Ryan Cardenas pretty sure the intro was different, he copied about 20% of the solo though

[@75DrummerBoy]

Who else was waiting for him to break a stick just to see how he'd handle it during this smooth performance?

[@bRadicalmagic1]

Well done Mark, you totally EARNED your WIN ! ! !

[@brianburk2559]

Amazingly good. Love that bass drum

[@sonicCherryBell]

[@osumdman]

3:58 when you miss the bell

[@elijahnava9327]

When the people see that they sound like the Wii Sports people when you bowl the ball backwards XD

[@JCordoba1001]

One of the best winners of this competition in a long time

[@uraharamitchell7250]

This, is what a champion drummer sounds like

[@CSearsDrummer]

Wow! Mark Pacpaco, amazing solo! Congratulations and very well done! Let me know if you're interested in an interview on the "All About The Drums" podcast, we'd love to share your story. All the best!

[@dead-ishchannel6212]

>Cap >Hatsume Miku shirt >"Woo!" Oh yeah, it's all coming together

[@pushmotivation-__asher1335]

Nice work, that kit sound amazing

[@onzkicg]

so musical, love his dynamics!

[@joseholguin8187]

2:32 that look when you first hit it raw !!

[@jonathanziegler5695]

Guys...watch Isaias Gil's solo, and then compare...HE COPIED A WHOLE SECTION! Also watch a couple bootleged contenders (especially Anthony Burns) they blow him out of the water

[@brianvotruba9260]

Jonathan Ziegler if you actually listen the hands might be the same in a way but the footwork is different. Drumming is rudimentary so how can cut copy paste?!?!

[@geofergal4657]

Dude, I know. Thats what I thought. He straight copied ISAIAS.!!!!!!!

[@theodoher7584]

drumming definitely doesnt have to be rudimentary..there are infinite methods

[@brianvotruba9260]

You guys are salty as F@K!!! Isais has seen his performance and straight said he didn't copy it. Second I don't see any of you competing. Thirdly I don't see you being judges. Lastly stop F'ing hating!!! He won get over it. If you can do better than put up or shut up!!!

[@ReegusReever]

Brian Votruba I agree with you on Isais comment but people do not have to be competitors to voice their opinion; you don't have to be a professional grade musician to critique someone.

[@kaycee4765]

There is so much he can do with just 1 hand amazing.

[@danoweston6185]

Just incredible! I know this vid is 4 yrs old, but you are a talent!

[@lossofistas_banda.]

3:58 that hurt

[@stickyrob]

Why does this sound soooo familiar? Like previous winners from the past

[@ignacioalvarez5015]

Isaias Gil

[@ignaciomoragacarrasc]

Is almost the same as Isaias Gil

[@jacobkemper8478]

Amazing! THIS GUY IS SUPER TALENTED

[@jeremyrobinson9310]

Great attitude, he is a humble guy. He is out there to have fun and just play.

[@kiansararana2454]

He played like Isaias Gil, and has the same beat at the intro.

[@samuelmendezguevara5506]

this solo is almost exactly like the one from the 2010 winner, isaias gil

[@rogeresmarculino8280]

Isaias Gil drum solo was so incredible that win two times kkkk

[@UltimateCheeto]

this is A great solo, i really like his style of play and his technique is flawless!

[@theblazinggamer57]

3:24 by far the most anime moment in drumming history

[@mukbanglegends2687]

haha

[@joshuapogue7933]

i wont make give my opinion until i see the other finalists, i dont really know if i like this guys style so much.. very talented, just not my taste.

[@jonathanziegler5695]

Joshua Pogue I watched bootlegs of the others and they blow him out of the water and rewatch Isais Gill's solo. Mark copied an entire section.

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

they recycle licks every year. people are still copying things jerome flood did umpteen years ago. by now it's forgivable.

[@joshuapogue7933]

yeah, i had a feeling others would agree. I mean they judge on 5 categories and its better to get a 6 on each category than a 10 on some and a 3 on others, but this just didnt seem original.

[@jonathanziegler5695]

kodiak wild a whole section tho? He must have had to sat down and learned it as opposed to using an idea from it (but I get what ur saying)

[@pandadrums2263]

Fred Boswell's solo was downright magic

[@generalkenobi6869]

Well that was the coolest drum solo I've ever seen

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Creativity AND speed, it’s all there.👍🏾

[@Sancte_Benedicte]

I'm definitely not denying that he's good, but I'm not that impressed. Guitar Center has had better winners in the past years

[@josuesolano166]

So glad the octapad is gone

[@realjuliagray]

WHOA!! This guy is awesome!

[@Zaromun1]

Honestly how can you dislike this?

[@deanmoncaster]

Well his warmup is done where's the winning entry?

[@powerlvl15]

I didn't know GUAVA JUICE play drums?

[@drummer4ever17]

Migz Gealogo lol 😂

[@steveparaiso5224]

and they both have a filipino blood

[@cfan7661]

This is exactly what I was thinking the whole time

[@beatsdddx]

Crazy skills working those drum till the end!!!

[@releasethezeal]

Soooooo 🔥🔥🔥🔥! Spectacular drummer and overall a great guy! Gooooo Mark! 🥳🥳🥳

[@nbsjuan7208]

0:58 you hear a girl say "yeah he's hot" 😂

[@Nosrednawdrummer]

Damn, what a pair of ears you have there.

[@waltergabriello6091]

I have seen all the other contestants and this guy deserve the first place. All profesional drummers would agree only ameatur shred drummers who only cares about chops doesnt understand

[@alexdavies1748]

id say you are one of them drummers that cant shred so you use that same old story of ohhh but im more expresive and shit but in reality you just havent put the work in

[@delanodolphy8779]

I feel like audience reaction gave this guy the win more than anything else

[@rongotzon9947]

I'm giving you a 10000% fantastic

[@cakedog2608]

A bit trebly for my taste but undoubtedly he's very talented

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

the bass drum needed some treble, or a trigger, or a pad or something.

[@SubLimALcore]

Isaias gil plagio....

[@christopherfreeman3357]

You deserve it!!! Congrats man.

[@davb001]

Great job.... and no fancy gadgets. Awesome!

[@ReegusReever]

PSA: People are allowed to voice their critique/praise without having the ability to do better. '0mFg u can't drum bett3r so u don't no what you're talking about' is such a shite counter-argument.

[@lentzintl]

No know

[@flintsky5446]

You dont need to be a musician to judge some music, everyone has their own taste

[@mmazz414]

His offbeats are remarkable.

[@HollowLiquidProjects]

pLAY THE CROWD! way to go! Awesome.

[@gutostumpf]

Fantastic

[@jeremylawrence5620]

Fred Boswell Jr or Anthony Burns should have won. I was here live and witnessed this event. Marc was great but he copied a previous winners solo. Definitely wasnt original. The real winner is unfortunately not in this clip...Still this guy is good but he shouldnt have won

[@jeremylawrence5620]

Joe on Drums Im sure after stealing a previous winners solo lol Says alot about you and what you know

[@jeremylawrence5620]

Joe on Drums You are a clown smh

[@jeremylawrence5620]

carsondrum All were good but I'm telling you i know some stuff...they wanted Mark to win. Guitar Center get 40% off the top. Anthony or Fred should have gotten it

[@jeremylawrence5620]

carsondrum I just subscribed to you

[@jeremylawrence5620]

Austin White Yeah he did!!!!

[@robbiegrier1514]

Guava Juice’s Bro

[@ak2337]

Robbie Grier really? I did not know. Is it marlin?

[@vrancaasangma3716]

That was so much musically beautiful

[@oluwatobilobaotun4783]

wow!...this amazing.

[@emmekii8868]

Holy crap its guava juice!!!😃

[@joeandlindahines]

Lol

[@DavidMcmenemy]

I preferred Anthony Burns and Fred Boswell Jr's performances. This guy blatantly copied a section from Isaias Gil's solo. It's not even subtle either.

[@BanjoisTTube]

finally that's so professional, nice !

[@josealejandrotorrejon6586]

Es un experto manejando los cambios de intensidad. Muy completo y creativo.