“Smooth Criminal” Sugarfoot DRUM CAM [split screen] - HIStory Tour

[@bsanp]

Imagine the responsibility to be the one counting "1, 2, 3, 4..." TO FREAKING MICHAEL JACKSON START DANCING! Love how precise this man is. Lots of respect to one of the greatest.

[@MateusHenrique-jo3si]

Ih o cara é BR

[@jhon17784]

I was thinking the same, a FREAKING BEAST SUGARFOOT !!!

[@hotfroganimations]

That's a lot of pressure 😂

[@abonc2146]

Okay but he has a click lmao

[@hotfroganimations]

@@abonc2146 playing to a click ain't easy in a live environment

[@stefanh.960]

The professionalm is insane. Michael trusts these musicians 100%. The never mess up. It's like watching a drum machine. Perfection.

[@michaelr.4878]

They have to be total pros because they are playing to pre-recorded lead vocals. Michael isn't singing live. So if the drummer, Jonathon, messes up, the song will become a train wreck. Sure, they have a click track going to , but messes can still happen. You are right, he needed total pros. I just wish that Michael had actually sung live. I can't remember now, but if I remember correctly, after the mid 80's, he'd only since 1 or 2 songs per show. All of the rest were pre-recorded.

[@timmy_99]

Michael R. Michael sung almost everything live during the Bad Tour (1987/88/89) except Smooth Criminal, Man In The Mirror, TWYMMF and Bad (Sometimes live). Dangerous Tour(1992/93) half of the show was live and the other half playback. History(1996/97) almost everything was Playback except for 2 or 3 songs

[@oil1252]

Linn drum is better

[@Amuh2004]

RAUH Welt Watson's Bubble I think that the snare is coming from a backingtrack. It sounds too Drum Machine’ish and for example at 4:09 the snare roll is so on point, it sounds sequenced. Also in the Beat It drum camera video he scrathes his ear with one hand and the beat has a snare and a hi-hat at the same time, so how does he hit them with one hand?

[@jumpnrun3368]

@@Amuh2004 You my friend underestimate Jonathans capabilities :D

[@A.J.1982]

That bass player...man! So in line with the drums.

[@brentcrude8565]

The fantastic Freddie Washington.

[@Crotes1990]

was going to comment the same, the bassist is so insanely in time with the drums

[@GooseCrack]

Was listening to that the whole time lol

[@Lord.Furious]

"Ready" and "Sugarfoot" together onstage....

[@sudarshanjoke8395]

B &B locking rhythm ...

[@jaykelz1528]

One of the greatest things I gotta acknowledge about this is, is the discipline of simply staying “in character”. I mean, when you heard something or experience something like this?? (As a drummer myself) you tend to want to play out of what you’re feeling out of that moment. And the fact that when you’re just feeling yourself, you understand that it’s Michael’s music and because he was a genius with it? You had to suppress your urge to freestyle and stay in line to what was made to play.. that’s amazing I gotta say.

[@estebanrojasr]

Jay Kelz I guess that several musicians don’t enjoy “staying put” or “in character”. It’s always “better” and more “enjoyable” to play out as much as possible (fills every other measure, etc). I personally find it really awesome to be able to stay in character, to be simple, it is so much enjoyable and fulfilling.

[@jaykelz1528]

estebanrojasr Yup! My sentiments exactly! Knowing you are a vital reason 60,000 people are yelling and screaming can make anyone of those musicians wanna just let loose but MJ being a perfectionist wanted what he wanted and that speaks a lot to me to not let yourself lose yourself in the moment. Utmost respect for it. Enjoyable indeed

[@LipnitskyOrchestra]

Great thought man! I appreciate it too

[@exxomixx2184]

Wow😍

[@THEEBlackAnime]

💯💯💯 bro! ✊🏾

[@sparking_emb]

I was a Michael Jackson fan whenI was a kid and this is my favorite song. I´ve also been playing drums since I was a kid. Now, that I found this channel, I finally know who my favorite drummer is, it´s Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett.

[@JonathanSugarfootMoffett]

Marcel Markart Much Love Marcel!!!... Brotherly love, JM

[@sparking_emb]

I still can´t play like you. I´m crying tears of joy. thank you.

[@kiwibird8441]

Marcel Markart bro exactly the same experience as me, glad I found this channel

[@ChaddMichael]

Marcel Markart wow. What a beautiful comment ... sincere and kind... I’m happy for you. And shoutout for expressing unselfish like that. Tremendous

[@oil1252]

My favorite is tr808

[@adamsharples7044]

The magnitude of Michael Jackson was very clear, and the sheer talent of his band is very often overlooked. But in a sense, for the backing band to be so tight, to the point that people overlook them is a true testament to their brilliance. This video only acts as evidence of that fact. Thank you for sharing with us Sugarfoot.

[@ChemistryAmsterdam]

You can also take in consideration that the music industry banned him now because of a Netflix series. Btw Netflix doust pay TAX... fact

[@dejulesb7063]

club dore what??

[@ChemistryAmsterdam]

@@dejulesb7063 what what?

[@ChemistryAmsterdam]

@VincentHanna121 Vincent, your write! ⭐

[@tellesthedrummer]

3:59 those crashes together with the screams ! each move in his place. No overplaying. In the pocket. Groovy. Perfect.

[@brentcrude8565]

And the quick open hihat right before each one. Sugarfoot is a beast.

[@secretc.5214]

agree

[@dynad00d15]

Sugarfoot is not well known to the public but he is a legend among us, drummers and musicians. No one come close to perfection than him. An amazing musician.

[@KONAMAN100]

One word. Pro.

[@liamdrums6]

@Ty Ty Jesus Christ ur so stupid.

[@leokimvideo]

If a machine was to build a perfect human drumming machine. This would be it.

[@rgtwergf]

Definately not a drumming machine...i see a drummer playing with a soul.

[@NGMNPolar]

Gee maybe there’s actually some truth behind the term “God-given talent”

[@Jennifer-cz2if]

Just imagine being able to say this was your life. That you played the drums on MJ's world tours! What a life! I am insanely jealous!!!

[@arbitrarylib]

I know rigjy

[@feezp4518]

This was my dream in life ... To play Michael's music and it was just a dream

[@DonPiruflo]

this is GOLD, how amazing to be there playing with the king in front of all that massive audience. You rocked it

[@poncho4602]

This audio edit really feels like standing in front a speaker from a Michael Jackson Concert. without fan girls screaming behind my ears. your technique is simple yet amazing. can't wait for more drumming videos or more this is it band rehearsal (sadly only after 50k)

[@EsquireUnlimited]

There is something special about Sugarfoots drumming, it's heartfelt....and I believe that is why MJ selected him to be his drummer.

[@daneczek007]

I have to say that the main reason I love live versions of Michael's Smooth Criminal is the instrument players.. They made it sound so much better and enjoyable than studio version.

[@mitchelljosephthompson1ub444]

For me sugafoot is one of the best drummers of all time, his tempo, timing, accents, energy, groove, etc is rarely matched, i love how he feels everything he plays, he plays with his whole body, not just his hands an feet. Incredible talent. And under such immense pressure playing with mj, Truly incredible. Thanks for sharing with us, it was a real pleasure to watch.

[@johncaergo3270]

My favorite singer: Michael Jackson. Favorite Drummer: Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett

[@balqishaimi]

same!

[@livenloud6697]

The discipline and accuracy is the best I've ever seen. Sharp as a razor and as tight and precise and never over played

[@funkye]

Imagine being the man giving the go for the song, thus triggering an on-stage show of sheer perfection. Brilliant.

[@joshuadavis1547]

MJ queued his crew when to start. If you watch his performances closely you will catch the little signals he gives to his crew. MJ as humble kind and great as he was, absolutely ran the show and would very quickly remind them who was ultimately in charge. They followed his lead. With that said the skill level here is nonetheless phenomenal.

[@dderico78]

You can see Mr. Moffett is having the time of his life. This is so easy and fun for him. That’s why he’s the master on the drums. It was this guy that completes Mj musical genius.

[@pinkhare4344]

I hope people know what a work out a drummer goes through! Especially doing a whole concert! But also, imagine playing for Michael and watching him perform right in front of you!!

[@rdcnewstv8239]

Is hard work I’m telling you!!!

[@MigueDela83]

It's insane the perfection of all this. This is not a studio album, it's a freakin' live show!

[@jzecmusic8514]

You can see the smile on his face, his is enjoying himself, and that's what most drummers aren't doing, unlike Jonathan, most drummers keep it serious and never smile when performing, that's why he stands out from the rest

[@anthonyconnor4193]

N. Jackson if i had that talent i would be smiling also lol Excellent drummer

[@safwannizam2932]

N. Jackson tbh the reason why you never see good drummers smiling is because they’re too busy concentrating on making their playing sound great.

[@11951miguel]

He was playing for the King of Pop. I would be smiling too lol. Shit, id be smiling throughout the drive from city to city inside the tour bus

[@joeyfatonefrombackstreetboys]

that's cause the average drummer has to focus everything to perform at that level. but when the music is that deep in your bones, it's a different story.

[@user-nh7vn9oc3i]

Any drummers would smile if they were playing a mj song live😂

[@seanortigoza3931]

They don't call him Sugarfoot for nothing. MJ is known to be a perfectionist and there's a reason why he chose Sugarfoot. One word: DISCIPLINE

[@AllisonAkhalteke]

It sounded like the whole crowd was singing along. It's so amazing watching people come together and sing with the great Michael Jackson! 🥰🥰🥰

[@emperorkhan9941]

I was blessed enough to see Michael preform live, twice! The first time was the Dangerous Tour in 1992 Stockholm, Sweden. The second time was the HIStory Tour in 1997 Göteborg, Sweden. I believe one of the strongest elements that can be heard is the drums. And Michael dances and moves to that specific frequency. And much of Michael´s performance is thanks to Jonathan´s magic.Thank you Jonathan, you are truly an amazing drummer. Wherever you are, i send you love, peace and blessings.

[@secretc.5214]

agree

[@TheRealKevinFr]

Tour Drummers Of MJ *Jonathan Moffett* Destiny Tour Triumph Tour Victory Tour 1984 History Tour 96-98 30th Anniversary 2001 This Is It 2009 *Ricky Lawson* Bad Tour 87-89 Dangerous Tour 92-93 MJ & Friends 99

[@ExploreWithEthan]

I’m 15 and I think you are actually unbelievable when I first saw this video I was shocked at how you played as if it was nothing even though it was for the king of pop 😂 I stopped drumming about a year ago but now I’m drumming every day too my favourite musician Michael Jackson because of you. True professional and inspiration 😉

[@JonathanSugarfootMoffett]

ss-killzz Keep at it, my friend!! Makes me happy to hear this! Brotherly Love....JM.

[@ExploreWithEthan]

Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett your reply means a lot. you should be very proud of yourself and I’m sure mj would’ve been too.

[@mattjohnson3708]

The guitar part towards the end with the drum audio is so funky

[@ddig0]

IMagine the responsability of a musician to play at such high level gig! The Main artist (Michael) must have a band which can provide him the best sound, even more than the studio version. No doubt those who were with him along those tours where simply one of THE BEST professionnals music could offer at the time. Glad you filmed this Mr. Sugarfoot, it's a remarkable record for those who came after! THANKYOU, you're LEGENDARY!

[@shaggydawg5419]

you've been hit by... you've been struck by... a smooth drummer!

[@wendylynne5010]

I would've given anything to see him perform. I miss him so much. Btw Jonathan, you are the rhythm that made his feet move. Your amazing. Thank u.

[@jeeg771]

My childhood turn around Michael. I miss you Michael so much . Thank you so much for your music , for me like a guide.

[@perryferry8881]

Wow. A lot of work, discipline & dedication. Speechless.

[@josejacquez7665]

All I hear is a killer snare and a super unbelievably tight beat. Sugar Foot is a human drum machine with insane feeling! Very unique 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sylvester3068]

What life can give more than this euphoric aspect Making mj dance with drumming with him in concert, sugarfoot u're very lucky and unique for ur life......If someone punk asks identity of Sugarfoot by chance only one line will kick it all "I'm the official drummer for The Michael Jackson"

[@Eleanorflexonya92]

i cannot imagine the level of skill and professionalism required to be able to do this to MICHAEL JACKSON. this is amazing!!!!

[@jumpnrun3368]

I love how the dancemoves and the drums are matched in the outro.

[@ceejaycastillo_]

He played the exact same thing in drumeo, didn’t change anything. That’s amazing that through the years the discipline to play the exact same notes. What a legend

[@rdgSWwot]

Long ago in '79 when I was learning drums under a jazz drummer, the one thing I still remember him saying was "be efficient, be clean, the fancy stuff can come later". Take notice kiddos... Sugar has not a wasted move. Not one. And that's why he's my hero. My favorite percussionist of all time. Love you, Brother!

[@RebornAudio]

You know what I love most about this? He’s smiling.

[@SWalliker]

Talent is unquestionable, and effort knows no bounds, but what get a me is the joy Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffat has displayed in this performance.

[@pepeobrajero7296]

How nice it must be to say ... I have a video where Michael Jackson is dancing in the background

[@naquanwashington3030]

@@MW.319 😂

[@OfficialShabda]

what he means is how nice people like Jonathan could say that they have a video with MJ dancing in the back..duh

[@stephenjeffrey1982]

This wins the internet for me

[@michellew.3691]

You are my number one reason that I started playing drums instead of playing the violine. I bought me the history album and played my heart & soul out for hours. To this day I feel the same energy when I hear you playing drums! Love from Germany! Thank you so much Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett

[@glcorreia]

I had no idea this was played live. Really impressive

[@MollyePlays984]

The instrumental part was played live but MJs vocals were playback

[@jceruiz7144]

I remember as a kid learning this as one of my first grooves … and daydreaming about how awesome it would be to even have the drummers POV or see a drum cam video of this song live. It gave me chills when he started counting and seeing Michael’s shadow dancing

[@Iamgavrilo]

This was truly magical. Unreal pocket. What a tasteful drum licks OMG! It was cosmic energy, it is not the same without Michael…

[@raisinteeth9488]

The Human Drum Machine. He wasn't about "look at me" drum solos and fill-ins, he was about hitting every note with perfection, flawlessly, every time.

[@Yahowah777]

Miss Michael. Happy to say I got to see him live in concert on this history tour.

[@kateg6029]

Sugarfoot is most definitely the heartbeat of performance! Amazing

[@garythompson2517]

Best musicians in the world. Without Jonathan, none of this happens. Just like my metronome. Music doesn't happen.

[@NataliaCN7]

This video brought tears to my eyes! I see a lot of passion for the art being made on stage! Wow no more words, just feeling! 🔥

[@mrp123123123]

Inspiring performance, on so many levels. What a dream gig you had, and you obviously earned that achievement. Thank you for sharing this side-stage view.

[@forallmankind4265]

He was the one who started all the songs there with the count, what a responsibility.

[@mello2029]

What an absolute master of groove, timing, and just straight up old school coolness.

[@JesseP.Watson]

I'm just in awe of the absolute certainty of that snare drum. I honestly don't think I've heard that from anyone else. ...It's mind blowing, I mean, even a drum machine's timekeeping sounds unfocused in comparison to this. Haha! Doh, I've got to go to bed but I want to play my drums now! :-D

[@johnl2653]

My thoughts exactly! That snare is just so on it, and the rest of the kit just grooves underneath.

[@cherylwilliams7288]

On Drumeo he discussed how he had to train and build up stamina. It’s more than banging on drums. He is excellent👍🏾

[@tailhookmd2546]

Man there is some real subtle syncopation throughout that drum line and he just nails it. Freakin genius!

[@tarekmakky2804]

That snare tone is so PERFECT for the song and setting. Great tone and great sound mix. Just like the record. You can hear every nuance on the open hi hat parts. Such a beautifully done performance!

[@vagnerteixeira6982]

Just miss all this things... MJ, his songs, his concerts... Please, keep posting this singulars moments! Congratulation for this videos and thanks for your talent showed to us!

[@dinegomonit9721]

My favorite drummer jonathan sugarfoot

[@Citizenof-world]

It's a privilege watching these videos Mr. Sugarfoot. Thank you

[@tommorgan7431]

Theres a reason the entire band is so tight. Your watching him now.... The entire groove flows around his beat.

[@virgilmalter6167]

Excellent drummer!! Just like a smooth criminal..

[@dangm7]

I believe Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffet doesn’t get credit for what he is owed. The music industry witnessed a great artist rise an change the history of live performances. MJ pulled the most extraordinary concerts ever played, and JSM is a huge part of this. I am a drummer and I know how we make our stile shine in the artistic performance and in this song we can clearly see how JSM is a great contributor to MJ’s live performance brilliance. You should get a Grammy Award! You are big part of the most beautiful and meaningful chapter of live performances. Hats off to you.

[@ГеоргийПопов-е5ч]

The best music in the best performance of the best of its kind. A whole world at the tips of drumsticks.

[@earthwax7946]

Michael Jackson’s band was so tight and perfect, they were often mistaken as a back track, giving more attention to Michael. You’re a killer Moffett !!!

[@eskiltester3913]

the two masters together is always amazing to watch.

[@calvincallos4027]

You're a legend sir.

[@robertgh01]

I still listen to micheal Jackson's songs they are piece of art. RIP MJ😢 What an amazing drum cover!😍🔥

[@soleilbelkis9010]

All your music make me very, very happy! ⚘🙏⚘ Thank you from heart, Jonathan.

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

Its so refreshing to watch a drummer who plays for the music, a drummer who truly keeps the band together and knows what and when to play... Seems to me that newer generations are obsessed with these son called gospel "chops" and overplaying...!!!

[@JonYen69]

Most people hate on “gospel chops” because they can’t play it or get on that same level 😂. I’ve seen your videos, keep practicing and stop hating!

[@fernyfloresdrummer3568]

@@JonYen69 thank you for watching my videos, and, i have no interest in "getting to that level" that is simply not my style nor my cup of tea. Also i was just giving MY opinion. And yes! Practice is always good

[@archy2033]

Oh damn so precious, that time, I want to be that camera 😂😅

[@Turn0vers]

You and Jeff Porcaro often go overlooked. By far two of my favorites. The Kung Fu drumming master.

[@diario_e-bike]

You play with heart bro!! Pure magic!!

[@GnarlySpookXT]

these break downs are flawless!!!!!!!!!

[@leogala1402]

Oh yes they are!

[@Judezki92]

This is pure excellence, WOW!! I'm amazed how tight that beat is, no single note is missed, everything is played just like it should be.

[@MidwestBoxin]

I got to meet him and we had dinner and drinks after one of his gigs in 2011 with Cirque, hes a sweet heart. If you get the chance to meet him, do it. Hes super funny and smooth at the same time.

[@maryf7586]

I love Jonathan's playing! Gentle giant! Thank you, sir for sharing!❤

[@romainlavoie1526]

This is simply fantastic ! What a band !

[@Silversmith70]

You make your songs somewhere in between hip hop, jazz, blues and rock (At least it seems, I could be wrong), I have no idea how you do it but its one of a kind. I have always tried to play your songs on drums, I don't exactly sound as good as you do though, =) plus I couldn't write this drum part if I had to. Thank you!

[@zannakristal3754]

The only Drummer I identify with is Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett wowww💋💋❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👑 Playing with the King..👑Wow Only Kings, were let into the Kingdom...👑I love you Michael 💋💋And Jonathan You are amazing...👑I love you too.👏👏👏👏💥💥💥💥💥🔥

[@itsDelfi]

How he fills up the beat with very intelligent accents in the kick drum, it's just 😲🕺

[@DarkNvader]

This man is AWESOME! I can watch him at his craft all day!

[@eleckson]

At 3:23 the dude on the far right gets his heel stuck in the metallic peg used for the smooth criminal lean. Lol

[@warrenholly2200]

I couldn't see it. Lol

[@Novusa]

Morgan_Non family friendly _Freeman family friendly please

[@Eleanorflexonya92]

hahahahah what a LOSER

[@keeponrollin7922]

Wow,only one allowed to use iso camera,well michael did say his bass player messes up very rare and guitar and even himself but sugarfoot does not mess up, he had huge respect for sugarfoot!

[@sirisoj]

This is immortalized, you are immortalized. You fill us with pride, examples of professionalism, passion and dedication.

[@kristiann102]

Still here in 2022!!! You are a freaking legend!!!

[@housseineelhamidi1586]

Woooooooooooooooooooow From Morocco I say your are one of my favourites Drummers ever next to Mitch Michell and Buddy Miles ........ and I love all of your performances With MJ Peace on him ..... really.... you really did a great job With Micheal Jackson thank you so much for all Happiness you Give when we was kids and younger .... Mr Jonathan Moffett 🎖 you are a Great Outstanding and Fantastic Drummer 🥁 really Thank you .......May god protect you.....

[@felipitorestrepo]

The sound of that snare! ❤

[@elizabethsestina7828]

Wow, thank you Jonathan for sharing this video. Michael trusted you so much, you're the best drummer. Bless you.

[@Dani_BL]

U and mj himself inspire me in drumming and dancing more. And also learning more drumming skills from u

[@mahfah7911]

This is so awesome. I don’t even play music but it’s so cool to see this man. And always you wish you can catch a glimpse of Michael around the corner of that particular evening. It’s the world passed and left. So much magic in 90s

[@eatallucanDavid]

The perfect combination of trust and communication. SALUTE!

[@moonloop6]

One of the best drummers on the planet. Ever.

[@nelsonmarquesnelsonmarques3327]

Phenomenal drummer Jonathan Sugarfoot Moffett.

[@PaulodeSouzaLima]

It's amazing to see you playing the drums in that show. Very inspiring!

[@michael-il2by]

That! Is the way it’s done. Starts on point, stays on point, Finishes on point. Day in, day out. Amazing...

[@chandrikahemakasenalrankot8812]

Simply Amazing! Today I found out the true genius who was always behind the scenes.

[@jensongcovers]

I'm lovin' every beat ....Big respect to this man ! So damn good !!!

[@somodistefan]

Absolutely fantastic! No comment. Your bond with Michael and the band is unspeakable. Great talent! All my best from Melbourne!