Matt Sorum with Beulah Witch Burning for Buddy

[@MikeDMC2]

That Soprano sax 👍👍…. RIP Steve 😢

[@forddriver8827]

Anybody who doesn't rate Matt Sorum needs to upload a video of them drumming to this tune. Flawless.

[@JoaoFernandes-jf8if]

His rock approach works really great here!

[@Cojones1972]

This was lambasted by the purists at the time but I loved it. His playing is heavy but grooves. He's swinging the 16th notes. His time is rock solid and he really drives the band as you would expect from a good rock drummer. Always makes me smile.

[@RhymesWithCarbon]

I never read anything bad about this cut, but whoever said anything bad is painfully ignorant. Matt kills this, it was a good choice for him.

[@warren_r]

I was one of those people who absolutely tore into this track when it came out 25 years ago. Matt had no place being on the same album as Max Roach, he wouldn't be here if it weren't for Neil, blah blah blah. And yeah, it was totally out of ignorance -- growing up I'd mostly listened to Rich's late-1950s to mid-1970s output and this song just didn't sound like that classic material at all. I hadn't heard Buddy's 1980s albums where he was covering funk acts like Earth Wind & Fire and the Jackson 5 with a much more straight-ahead style. And this song comes from those times. Given what the song needed, Sorum played this to perfection and now it's one of my absolute favourite cuts from all the sessions.

[@Baribrotzer]

I don't know what his actual background is - some hard rock guys have a far deeper knowledge of music than you might think. But he's almost approaching it as a blank slate, as if he were a excellent, if rather squared-off rock drummer who has little knowledge of jazz or the tradition, but can do quite a good job of meeting the band half-way.

[@MrRezRising]

@@Baribrotzer Matt's a major studio guy. He replaced Steven in GnR for the Use Your Illusion albums (learned 19 songs in 3 weeks) and used to be in The Cult. It doesn't surprise me he's here. The day after he recorded this, Matt sent platters of cheese and wine to the band and engineer crew. Classy guy. And yeah, this is one of my fav tracks on the BFB album too. 🙂🤘

[@MrRezRising]

@@mrtoad3582 Yeah, up until GnR, I think the Cult was his only "inaband" gig, and most of us had to be reminded of that. 🤣

[@stephensansbury1184]

He did an excellent job on this.

[@davemcfarland775]

Was never a huge Sorum fanzine … but have to say he killed this tune. Absolutely rocked this with still a groovy jazz feelish vibe

[@robvel4933]

Well done job by Matt Sorum

[@drumcoachjack3507]

When I heard Matt Sorum his contribution to the Buddy Rich Tribute for the very first time I was stunned and I’ll never forget it. Personally it’s for me one of the greatest performances in this project. Just watch the bassguitar player move/dance and all the other musicians responding on Matt’s playing. He totally lifts up this awesome band. It’s the biggest compliment a musician can get. Freaking awesome this. Thanks Matt.

[@drumcoachjack3507]

@@forddriver8827 thanks for your comment. I listened again and waited for that moment @4:12 but I didn’t notice what your reffering to. Could be because it feels naturally for the music. My conclusion is that Matt’s groove is like a unstopable boat breaking the ice without slowing down or rushing. I like Funk and Soul and that is what I hear. Love it! 👌🏼

[@forddriver8827]

@@drumcoachjack3507 Thks Jack. it is the big fill followed by four crashes and it starts at 4:14, and yes, Sorum is one of a few rock drummers who know how to swing/funk etc. Take care, regards from Australia

[@tlpdrummer8]

From what I’ve seen this is the most musical thing Matt Sorum has ever done on the drums 🤘🏼

[@dakotablack2003]

Look at the bands faces, there lovin it. When you deliver a solid time groove with feel people are gonna love it.

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

Ok, I'm a Dave Weckl snob - and I loved this...

[@BBBqqq6]

I used to own this on VHS...there was a great interview after this take where Neil Peart said after the recording Matt sent over cases of Champagne, Wine, and Beer to the whole band as a thank you for the day. I think Neil's quote was "The heavy metal drummer was the greatest gentlemen of us all."

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Maybe he was just the richest lol

[@MrRezRising]

And cheese. Don't forget the cheese plates.

[@RobertVandenberg]

I would do the same because it would be my greatest honor playing with the band.

[@rodneylee4026]

These guys like Matt blow my mind. To be able to do a take like that with out a single mistake. All those notes played and not one single

[@monkeyliver1986]

That's exactly what I was thinking

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

What he's playing is simple.

[@MrRezRising]

Matt was a studio drummer. This is child's play to him.

[@mikkovaltonenmusic5058]

So many things being done right in this take, that I don't even know where to start! Sorum giving great feel and energy, the band is right on it from the get go and seem to be digging it, and the soprano sax solo is the icing on the cake :D

[@evracer]

This was a great pick for him. I think he killed it. I'm a metal guy that spent a lot of time playing big band jazz on trombone.....easily my favorite of all the tracks on the album. Does his influence show some? Sure! Does it work on this track? YES! He and the band are both ALL IN. And I can tell you what that vibe does.....That alto sax solo was a result of that vibe as was that drum fill. And the bass trombone and bari sax part in this is KILLER.

[@walterkurtz9355]

RIP Steve Marcus. Always lit it up. As for Sorum, guy is a BEAST on the kit

[@dwaynetk4031]

Great to see Matt drumming in a different style. He just attacks the kit. Great versatility. It grooves and the rest of the band was great! Loved it.

[@DavidLombardo]

IMO, decades later this is still my favorite track of the entire album. He is def a heavy player, but you can tell the band is digging it. The pocket is totally legit; he's swinging the 16ths (it's a half-time shuffle). He is no Kenny Aronoff or Dave Weckl, but I don't think he really cares, he's Matt Sorum....Also, notable mention is his tasteful double-bass foot work. The fill at 3:36 is still, without a doubt, my favorite drumset fill of all time, ever...I think IMO an important lesson not to be afraid to bring your style with you...what would it be if all the jazz cats all played the same?! It would be called BORING. This take, though perhaps more driving and metal than a standard jazz approach, is most certainly not boring. It is unique, and Sorum is a big part of that. I think it fucking rocks. Edit: shoutout to that soprano solo, that's some serious talent right there

[@jongallardo8006]

Amen. By any chance do you play drums for slayer ?? (Couldn’t resist , you guys have a very similar name )

[@DavidLombardo]

​@@jongallardo8006nah, my parents are just metal heads 😂🤘

[@richardmiller8322]

The band SMOKES on this one. Unbelievable! My favorite track on the album.

[@TravelingWastrel]

This is so cool - I'm a lifelong GNR fan had never seen this. I didn't know Matt Sorum had this in him, especially because I was never crazy about his live playing.

[@TheDude1764]

This was always one of my favorite tracks on the recording project. All my music professors poo-pooed it at the time but it slapped hard. He’s a solid hitter.

[@hugogarcia6812]

Love that snare sound! great job!

[@binkymagnus]

one of my favorite tracks on this album. Sorum's no dummy, he knows he's not a jazz drummer, so he picked a chart that he could do justice to. don't think even BR would have been pissed off about this. (well, ok, a little.)

[@DavidLeBlanc]

Buddy was always a little pissed off at just about everybody, particularly other drummers, so nothing unusual there.

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

He would've probably had a fit of rage backstage lol

[@firescapesunrise1]

You got it. He's on the beat, not behind it, but it's fun and he played it perfectly for what he is and nailed it. He's one of the good guys out there.

[@ggstylz]

Mine too.

[@richardlafontaine5049]

In the Burning For Buddy CD booklet, Matt brought champagne and cigars for everybody and then proceeded to BLOW everybody in the place away! Who's the Heavy Metal guy? Someone asked..it's Mighty Matt Sorum that's who! OH YEAH!

[@operasinger2126]

Nice job by Matt and the band.

[@pubadrum74]

Great drive Matt!!

[@pjcdrummer]

From 1 drummer to another Nice Job I saw Buddy in 1978 great show it was.

[@paulcaris8722]

YOU SOUND GREAT MATT...nice ideas setting up the horn punches, very tasty solo..and nice build up all the way to the end..very,very musical 👌😄

[@part1801]

Matt Sorum has it all going on, his feel and drum sound is right on. I love his approach to this arrangement.

[@MrFunkyjive]

One of things that made Buddy so great was his swing & Matt has a swing too.

[@jamsjr44]

Love Matt’s playing on this!!

[@123wilhelm]

Love matt's sound pristine timing

[@havitcold]

Great jam and drum groove

[@nmjazz09]

Blue Collar Jazz at it's best!

[@twistedtrails8128]

I have a cassette tape of this exact recording that was on a compilation, and for a long time thot it was BR himself till i saw this video. Matt just totally kills it!

[@StefBelgium]

I like the lead back feeling he drove through the music! Great job.

[@karabrodsky2852]

Smooth groove. I dig it. It is great to see Matt play different genres of music.

[@MarinoPerrobraun]

Matt un baterista exelente y un batero completo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rebellemoermin6128]

I've always loved the sound and thoughtfulness that he brings to the arrangement of the song, he plays for the song and always makes something good that you remember, a moment that you wait for while the song goes on and puts a smile on your face when it happens....

[@stefanodalelio480]

Super big band ...all great musicians

[@Jayflo7]

I am a guitar player and yet I completely understand how Sorum may not be the purist ideal for this style. I can understand anyone not liking the performance. But in my opinion he makes this drive. He takes this piece and gives it the heaviness of a driving rock song and at the same time maintains some traditional big band flavor. I have talked with many non-musicians who look at me in puzzlement when I say the drummer is the most important element of any band. They only concentrate on singers and guitar players and I get it. There is no doubt about it though, a good drummer can make a below average band sound better than they are. I could list many, many bands that are prime examples of such. But that list would be too long. Here in this video is a prime example of how a drummer can make a piece totally different just by their personal interpretation. Just so all the purist know. Buddy Rich is the godfather of all heavy metal/rock drummers.

[@erroldmoody4827]

Steve Marcus really brings out this cut

[@wheeleyguy]

Matt Sorum Rips It UP!!.....Awesome!!

[@SXI96]

That was damn good, I didn't expect that, that horn section rocks!

[@marcelodt]

Adler has a firm footprint and was the first drummer of the band G & R. But Matt is much more technical and has a greater diversity in his performances.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

But Adler's groove is second to none.

[@TheThetechnician]

Pity he had only one fill in gnr, this is great

[@malinwj1167]

Some jazzers may poo-poo on this performance - but look at the band's reaction - they're digging it. And it sounded great

[@CharlieNossa]

WUUOOO, Awesome work!!!

[@RobertVandenberg]

Very solid timing.

[@pdrummz]

Fantastic. Tight as hell!

[@conorrichardson4437]

Great drumming by the mighty Matt sorum ,,, fucking love it,,

[@terryclark6031]

Outstanding!

[@Gonzoloco7]

Yeah Man!!! Intro kills me every time and I love it.

[@misterfunnybones]

He deserves full credit for this interpretation even though there's 20 drummers playing Broadway gigs that could transcribe & play Buddy's version note for note.

[@nicoleforestero3645]

Who knew King Buzzo played Soprano sax so well. Betcha his Melvins fans wouldn't be too pleased with him moonlighting at such an affair.

[@marcocapoccia722]

top!!! master Matt

[@collision1974]

Well well done!!! He didn't disfigure between the monstrous drummers of that event!

[@billsmith4877]

Best cut on the BB album.

[@kelson108]

Lol yeah ok

[@SXI96]

His snare drum and entire set sound f'ing great

[@teekyweeks]

Fuckyeah!!! Swinging Matty "Can do anything" Sorum

[@ivanmartino1055]

Que potencia tiene este tipo Grandioso baterista

[@dischord4671]

Did no one else notice the sax solo?

[@markmullen9919]

Afroman killed it!!

[@Cristianenbateria09]

Matt mostrando sus dotes de buen músico, y dándole su estilo al jazz

[@birchply023]

Rip steve, best wind blower in the world .

[@farshimelt]

I guess you haven't listened to Coltrane and Rollins?

[@snataka]

Solidísimo

[@marcellino1956]

Matts a great drummer....would have loved to see Ted McKenna play this song too.......

[@part1801]

That's what you call laying it down

[@domg9186]

🔥🔥 SOLID AS A ROCK!! 🔥🔥

[@hooshia]

Brother Rod!!! C'mon, c'mon, c'mon!!!!!

[@adamhouse6305]

One of my all-time favs \m/

[@jrfrondelli2023]

Matt TOTALLY kills this track!!! :)

[@fredsavage4925]

When Steve starts blowing, the track gets hot

[@TebiPedernera]

Yes Sr!

[@SD9Driver]

Not sure why folks slag Matt. He worked with The Cult, Tori Amos before the GnR gig. His time is solid, and he shows up

[@anisaputriani7287]

awesome

[@thomasdixon3307]

Nice!

[@ramonhawk510]

Brother Rod Ryan sent me here.

[@tombaker6082]

This is a perfect example of why song choice matters in these projects. Bones slayyyyyyed this because it was in the funk rock style and he was able to bring his heavy technique to it and put his own stamp on it. I loved him with G&R and this was red hot from start to finish.

[@hubbsllc]

I know, right?? That intro is fantastic.

[@deadmau51973]

i can say that the only thing that steven adler can't do is the fills... matt is one under rated drummer and he's great!

[@toddlavigne6441]

Matt blows away Adler at this point in time

[@arsixxcrue2881]

i agree with you

[@kmchipower]

If Steven Adler played this, then his value would become obvious. His drumming would change the song to his own, not just play some cool stuff.

[@bigmoney4685]

All you idiots go and watch tony royster jr on the david letterman show. That it what you call a drummer not this average same double pedal shite.

[@nicolasguevarajr8201]

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm Ed McMahon. And now, heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeere's ROOOOD RYYAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!"

[@bobby3742]

every morning I look forward to hearing this... never gets old

[@jonnygoharder1026]

Because of The Rod Ryan Show, I've looked this up and listen to it anytime I feel like I need a good pick me up! Thanks 4 sharing! I've definitely found a different, groovin kinda music 🧡🔥🤘

[@filip_bojko]

pure music!

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

I looked up a BR performance of this tune; found one from a telethon in 1980. I actually prefer Sorum's interpretation. They played it faster with Buddy, and he played super busy throughout the whole thing. Sorum really grooves here. It just feels better.

[@bradgaffney9855]

It's all about the moment and what you do with it, and this has always left me smiling. Stop critiquing and just enjoy.

[@devinspruill]

Flat out stupid good!!!!

[@marciom65]

Esse tema vinha gravado no CD da Pearl. Show!!!

[@christophersolis5731]

Russ Kunkel’s performance on Lyle Lovett’s tune “Tickle Toe” is similar. I didn’t appreciate this version of Beulah Witch when Burnin’ for Buddy first came out but now I appreciate the appropriateness of song selection as others have noted and Sorum not trying to imitate Buddy’s style, which would be foolish for nearly any drummer. That big, powerful horn section is pretty cool, too.

[@lucashernan5070]

what a surprise, I didn't expect it

[@luigiciccarelli7835]

Non immaginavo fosse così bravo :-)))

[@nikkikelly4989]

Drumming is drumming and that was fucking good drumming

[@dt6540]

Interesting to compare this to how Buddy Rich played the song in the past. Very different but both arrangements work incredibly well.

[@tiagocarvalho8377]

O melhor baterista q o Guns já teve.

[@jadonwilliams9194]

The Rod Ryan show brought me here 😎

[@TempoDrift1480]

When I put a band together this is what I play for folks interested just so they know I'm not fuckin around! This is fucking bad ass. No dis to anyone else but this straight up ROCKS!!!

[@sn47som]

Daaaaaaaat snare!!

[@TempoDrift1480]

Mark Juliano Yeah he does tend to stick to a similar snare sound most everywhere he goes. I'm a huge Sorum fan.

[@tedbertier9454]

I've always thought Sorum came out sounding a little bit better than some of the other drummers on BFB. Maybe it was because I was expecting a little less from him to begin with. Anyway, I thought he killed this one.

[@cbowens]

Good morning, this is Ed McMahon. Ladies and gentleman, heeeeeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeee’s ROD RYAN!!!!

[@jasonglasmann3734]

Matt Sorum kicks ass! Sounds better than a little jazz drummer anyway. Long live rock, and match grip!!! BTW! I love jazz drummers, just givin you guys a little shit... Utah Kid....... Double kick! Heavy stick!

[@anjasfajaryan6201]

prolly the only guy using ahead sticks in this album

[@apelikemenace]

+Anjas Fajaryan Best two pair of sticks I ever owned

[@SharingSoundz]

Lol wow, the only truly talented member of guns n roses! Im impressed!

[@TTPDrums]

Try the double kick intro fill. It’s not easy to nail with the snare/china triplets. Well, not for me anyway.

[@pokeyr22]

Visual evidence that drummers are way cooler than the rest of the band. ;)

[@mietla1970]

GREAT FEEEEEEEEEEEEL...................:):):):)