HerfstFest - The Hague Netherlands

Two days filled with rhythmic brilliance unfolded at the Herfstfest Benelux Drum Festival in Antwerp and The Hague. Sharing the stage with such remarkable drummers is always a privilege. Join me as I unveil my personal highlights from day two in The Hague

[@leandrobego154]

Just reminding , he's 64 and still amazing !!

[@libidooverdrive]

That's not a big deal if you keep in shape. This level will be tough at 74 though. He'll still be killing it but the stamina might drop.

[@michaeljuett8202]

Just like Billy Cobham he's close to 80. The stuff he did with John . I seen both live nuff said.

[@michaeljuett8202]

Virgil with allan holdsworth before he passed.

[@MNDrummer]

64 isn't that old. :)

[@blueskystudioJPN]

His drumming resonates with my very soul. His precise and sharp hits are truly unique. Having already established his own style reminiscent of Virgil, his drumming is worthy of being considered a musical legacy.

[@krenwregget7667]

I'm fully convinced that Virgil is the greatest drummer to ever live. He continues to evolve, push the instrument to new heights and create amazing music along the way. His combination of power, dynamic control, precision, speed, creativity, impeccable meter, ability to flow in and out of odd times effortlessly... I'm glad to be witness to this achievement.

[@webstercat]

Glad you are convinced but there are others..

[@shankerramesh9673]

yes he is one of the few drummers who gives you rhythmic high with such complex patterns...not many can pull that..in that elite league of mike portnoy, danny carey, matt graska, baard kolstad

[@daviddicara991]

I agree...and that is saying quite a lot. Its hard to pick a "best" as its somewhat subjective...But when you look at pure technical ability, I believe he has reached a level untouched ever before. Being able to play time and sig modulation between multiple limbs at the same damn time is what sets him apart... Its something you cant learn quickly...Its taken him a long, long time..Plus he is a brilliant pianist and a voracoius reader. Personally I love many drummers...Vinnie, I love you! Matt! Mike! Dave! Buddy! Chris's!! All you guys are monsters...but Virgil...Hmmm...what do you guys think?

[@walterrserrano]

Yes, he's a MONSTER! I'm still a big fan of Dave Weckl, but listening to him today there is a certain feeling that he seems to have stopped in time...

[@revyu6754]

No, Portnoy is not in his league.

[@mindseye4914]

Virgil Donati was one of the best concerts I ever visited. The level of virtuosity, precision and musicality on display was just on another level. It was such a satisfying concert.

[@TheOlvan]

I think Virgil has gotten so good that even he is surprised by what he is playing sometimes. Nicely done, my man. Your musicianship keeps growing everytime I see you.

[@MattPriceDrumming]

I can't imagine being this good.

[@christophercarson7733]

By one of the greatest drummers ever every hair on my neck stands up when I watch him a true gift from the drum gods up above

[@MrPercussionPete]

I can't imagine that limits to what you can play on a drumkit can be pushed any further than Virgil does. That will be his heritage, to have got the absolute maximum out of the instrument. No-one can play at this level and probably no-one ever will either. Virgil is a phenomenon, a force of nature.

[@mladenbaresic5172]

Not excatly.. It can expand to limitless fractals..

[@alihamid5455]

😮😮😮😮 can’t stophitting replay , listening to the licks chops , listening real drumming.. love it to cold…

[@vermilionpill6916]

It's quite simple.. The first thing you should do is not cover songs and quit being an Elvis impersonator like most drumming copy cats.

[@planetpjr]

Nothing like a little Non Brewed Condiment in my morning coffee with Chris Clark shredding away.

[@mysteryloaf]

THANK you for saying it, I was dying to know who was so closely recreating Holdsworth's vocabulary on keys.

[@planetpjr]

@@mysteryloaf Chris is amazing, right? He is a massive Allan head just like us all.

[@gktde9874]

Chris Clark 🎹👑

[@fbcocq]

Just love this guy.

[@dominikhofer_drums]

I feel like I can listen to this similar to how a non-musician would listen to a pop song. The complexity is beyond what I can analyze in my head while listening. At the same time, musically it is so well composed and played that it evokes feelings in me. An absolute pleasure to watch and listen to.

[@Slipstream0001]

Yeah, I don’t necessarily have to understand it, I just let it wash over me and take it in, or take what I can from it and it’s just nice.

[@sticktrik]

The only drummer that can make D.W drums sound good!!!!

[@HoldenMcG]

Thanks for sharing your performances... Always amazed at what some natural talent and a ton of hard work can produce! 👍

[@MrDaveaccord]

He's always pushing the limits of modern drumming. Innovator, pioneer, and visionary. Years of hard work, dedication, and no compromises has paid off.

[@julsrique9148]

I think Donati is playing today with more feeling and purpose than 10 years ago! Today I hear melody on his drum. I don't know if I'm wrong but it's the best Jazz piece I've seen him play! Wow Beast Performance! Now is in my top tens!!

[@braddoughty8528]

Virgiles Dedication passion commitment fitness through out ! Yes it's another level thankyou 🥁🥁🥁👍👍👍

[@rumbatimba]

What a mastery of the Art! 🙃🙂🙃

[@joopwolters123]

Pure brilliance🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mikeymike1383]

I saw him live in Los Angeles at the Baked Potato in 2003. After his set I got to meet him. He signed his set list and took a picture with me. What an amazing person and drummer. Thank you @virgildonati

Same! I saw him there in 2002 with Tony Mac and Ric Fierabracci on bass. It was a Monday night and not a lot of people were there. What an incredible opportunity it was.

[@eccentricorgan]

Look at the his kit moving after some of his fills. Lots of energy expelled!

[@gadymarcus5297]

magnifico.💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@Dyingsociety38]

Incredible playing at 64.

[@deniskhabibullin5717]

amazing! God Bless you!

[@rayauclair2543]

Absolutely AMAZING!!

[@krustydelara26]

Isso é uma absurdo!!! Um dos maiores gênios da música das últimas décadas!!!

[@DanielLaua]

I know everyone has their own opinion about Mr. Donati. But to Me, he is one of the essential names to mention when we are talking about influence. His first incredibility was his innovative double stroke kick drumming. And then he is famous for his stick tricks incorporated with drum fills. Also, you must have noted how smooth and neat his fast rolls around his toms and even his flying toms, if you know What I mean. His playing has been a true inspiration for other drummers, pros Or beginner. I think it's because he always pushes himself off out of his boundaries. Many are greater or better drummers of today's generation, if you would say, compare to Mr. Donati. But imo, if there's no Virgil Donati, drummers May have never really know how to push their own boundaries Or limits, and never find out what we, Human are really capable of with our body through music. Thank you, Mr. Donati, for being the inspiration.

[@leonardomenegheti2837]

Sem sombra de dúvida Virgil é o melhor baterista em atividade no mundo

[@NavidKhan84]

He’s on a different level

[@benzoikari2421]

Amazing!

[@po03psk41]

Killer performance 🙌🙌

[@demetriuslocks]

Amaaaaaazing ✨️✨️🥁🥁

[@HenryColeOnDrums]

Maestro....No Gravity..

[@stirfinan1]

Virtuoso performance - Dream Theatre missed out on one of the most gifted drummers of all time . This is on a whole new level ……………

[@rufusbass]

YEAH Virg. Brings back some fond memories hearin you shredding this ...

[@a.s.henderson483]

Beautiful playing.

[@5150mili]

9:10 Non Brewed Condiment - Allan Holdsworth 😊

[@juan_arzi]

Virgil Donati es el tipo de músico capaz de tocar prácticamente cualquier estilo 🤘😎

[@sticktrik]

Amazing how he has total control of 4 limb technique and expression!!!!

[@ratamacueseven]

Thanks for the visit to Planet Donati ! Excellence to behold !

[@euclidesbarbosa2269]

My hero

[@siloagrain2176]

Absolute genius

[@Chrime71]

Changes of signature are totally insane !!!!

[@mariojuais9335]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@stanfordkoch1271]

I was there just infront of you on your left side Virgil, was a cool performance at herftsfest

[@RogierRJDonker]

Dude! Didn't see you! I was also in front.

[@joswingsmusicchannel8235]

Seriously? I was next to Rogier ha! Damn sad to have missed you Stanford!

[@mishaodessa5219]

Очень сильный барабанщик!Давно его слушаю,начиная с Planet X!

[@mjm5081]

❤

[@frankpoupou1]

genius!

[@FusionHowie]

Um.......WOW !

[@alihamid5455]

❤❤❤❤ that was cold.. sweet

[@j.carlosescobarr.6422]

🔥 🥁 💙

[@Kevinsoteloabarca]

Genio 🧞

[@31Nigel]

Hey, @Virgil Donati, have you moved to 16-inch hats? Thanks for sharing these performances with us; always uplifting. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@gregoryolsen4509]

Insane! 🤪

[@MoreBud-Angel]

A+🎉

[@albertogarba6835]

che gran bel pezzo di musica....grandioso

[@JK-zo4px]

Firster 😂 Hello Virgil

[@rodrigoalcantaraalves4820]

Virgil Donati é um baterista muito talentoso, mas é difícil ficar ouvindo ele tocar por muito tempo.

[@Uncle50]

Yes, me too

[@ShravanSamsi]

13🔥🔥

[@pedrofrom1984]

Hey, Virgil. As always, absolutely amazing and inspiring. I notice you are using only hi-hats, crashes, and ride cymbals in this set up. Apparently, no chinas or splashes, etc. Is that an intention for a more minimal sound scape?

[@ilyakonrad]

I was curious about it too, never seen Virgil hitting chinas before :D

[@pedrofrom1984]

@ilyakonrad , for me, he is one of the best (if not the simply the best) drummers ever. (But I might be biased because I'm also an Aussie. 😉) I expect Virgil has discussed his instrument choices elsewhere, but I've not seen it. BTW, I checked out your KZbin channel. You have some impressive recordings.

[@ilyakonrad]

@@pedrofrom1984 Thanks man.

[@RushianRichard]

@ilyakonrad Virgil has used a Sabian 14" AAX China for some time. i think you can hear him play it on the Planet X live album.

[@philldrummingsokha2579]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🎶🎵🔥🎼

[@whitneykeen9592]

So impressive. The one and only thing I don't relate to is maybe his touch, which does seem to press downward somewhat homogeneously, but - what, my quibble is important? I don't think so!! Just a fantastic artist.

[@jcdrums2798]

Virgil, hors normes !

[@perecanyelles6469]

Virgil, I would like to see u playing B Bop.

[@magriel]

Amazing! Awesome! Virgil is 👽! Hahaha genius!

[@libidooverdrive]

I got those carbon fiber sticks to see. There ok. Good balance. It still has a kinda weird slight bendy feeling. I use thomas Lang sticks, which are phenomenal and feel far more solid

[@borkdude]

Who was playing the keys?

[@morgenthaler]

Chris Clark (who's also on Virgil's latest album, 'Ruination')

[@ZoomRmc]

Making Planet X sound like easy listening. It's interesting how low the x-hat is with the ride clearly touching it on some wider swings. Doesn't this create some extraneous sounds?

[@MNDrummer]

Virgil is amazing. I wish the toms were louder, they seem to be very subdued in this video.

[@MrThomas1958]

top

[@pumpkin1982]

Sometimes I question if there is a time signature. Or if it’s completely improvised.

[@ShredTraining]

Ghost of Allan Holdsworth on keyboard!

[@fitzcaraldozito]

Hum.. Too easy for me.. Something more complicated perhaps?.. 😅

[@spankduncan1114]

Vinnie without the "eyebrows".

[@user-jx4zr2fy2o]

Безподобно!😅

[@martinbursztein9354]

Virgil or anybody who can help me, there s a video of virgil where he explains and shows what suplements he takes that I ve been looking like crazy and could t find, can anybody help me, i m 47 I m a drummer and I keep geting injuries, i just want to play but it s geting dificult, maybe some of the suplements that he takes can benefit me. Given that doctors dont want you to get better, they just want you to keep coming back and paying, hope I Get some response from someone

[@midicalproductions4722]

I think that mangino can't do better than this

[@Betofrota.]

MANO RETIRA ESSES VIDEOS DE BATERISTAS QUE PAROU NO TEMPO POR FAVOR.... AJUDA NÓS

[@75Veritas]

I love his playing but totally wish there were more melodic context instead of just rhythm.

[@DamZZmaD]

The only drummer impossible to be covered by professional drummers ?

[@sebaz1002]

Nobody in the audience is moving a linb or shaking the head... Why? mayby because the perfection and virtousity of all that many notes lets something missing... simplicity and a real musical meaning.... we hear a bunch of notes and patterns but nothing touches the heart and soul.... it is only technique without soul.... there is a wisdom phrase in any kind of art.... Less is more!!!

[@82mangini]

When Donati Will play diferent patterns and techniques. He plays aways The same stuffs. His solos is aways The same too

[@pkdrummer2042]

Lars is better

[@BrianJohnson-lh2ek]

Give me "Human" any day over this Jazz/Improv stuff. Sorry. No disrespect to those who like it.

[@elmhurst86]

Huh?

[@KONAMAN100]

Well that Human track is really outstanding. Can't deny that.

[@libidooverdrive]

Right.. right. Like Ramstein.

[@JA-io8nx]

There is nobody better, and it's not close

[@davidciscwhite8994]

Thst keyboard player is a frkn. Monster..like that Holdsworth patch..

[@triprack]

Another amazing performance from V.D. and another crap sounding kit from DW. I feel sorry for drummers that rely on the $ from DW as they're stuck playing thin sounding, soulless kits.

[@steech193]

Drum brand endorsers do not get paid by those brands. They just get discounts on gear and have a contract with the brand to supply gear when the artist needs it.

[@triprack]

@@steech193 I know several endorsees who are paid, including by DW. However, most are not, as you stated.

[@Kut-Pile]

Still can’t believe DT took Mangini instead of Virgil.

[@NFB1234]

I personally do not see a point of Virgil playing DT songs.... he has its own prog/fusion universe, which is sufficiently different from DT.

[@Kut-Pile]

Well obviously he did. He auditioned for the band.

[@libidooverdrive]

That's because Mangini sold it. Acting all into it like he was in front of 30,000 people. It was cringy but he got the job and fat paycheck.

[@jefrioktavian8001]

​@@libidooverdrivelol true

[@dankleffmann2473]

❤