Procol Harum Power Failure (live and in-sych, 1976)

This is a classic recording of Procol Harum and one of the finest drummers in rock - the late, great B J Wilson. The original was on the Broken Barricades album, but was better in live performances where it show-cased "the octopus in a bathtub's" scintillating style. I did see Keith Moon and Carl Palmer at their peak and it 's difficult to choose between them. This is already up on KZbin and viewed 5000 times but sadly is marginally out-of-synch...hopefully this will work better. Found on an old VHS so hope this has converted OK and humbly presented here as a service to mankind.

[@geminitv7544]

I toured with Procol Harum doing light shows we were in Toronto when during Whaling Stories with all the sound and lights we blew out power in Downtown area around venue. BJ's drum solo the only sound in a dark auditorium. I had one of 3 flashlights and went close to light him up. The origin of the song Power Failure.

[@mauriciocastillorodriguez6384]

Great story indeed! thanks 4 sharing it. wow!

[@danlp7670]

Thx!

[@jbarros57]

nice story thank you!

[@Avaloctus]

Great story, tanks for sharing it. B.J. is one of my all time drum heros. His unique style ( and by saying this I don't mean his low throne height, I mean his unique playing style within the band context and his great soli he did.)🥁🎶

[@pgrabar]

BJ Wilson - criminally overlooked and underrated.

[@lucguenette7534]

fully agree,

[@markgreene6349]

The octopus in the bathtub!! the greatest drummer that no ones ever heard of..and how here he sits so low!...also the way they position him on stage..you can actually watch him.. thank you for posting these gems!

[@petermay5488]

B.J. Wilson was an amazing and highly creative percussion master. I only wish he could have been with us longer.

[@gregcarlson7860]

When a person watches B.J. Wilson playing the drums with such mastery and musical talent, it has to be almost impossible not to rate him one of the great drummers of all time! Rest in everlasting peace B.J.!

[@RobertoPoncebk]

Great drummer and an extraordinaire lovely person. I had a chance to meet him when the same Procol Harum's members in this video visited Mexico City almost 50 years ago.

[@DM1956x]

He reminds me of Gary Thain, Uriah Heep bass player, possibly best musician playing bass ever. Too modest to be rated as they both deserved... Sad that public generally prefers flashing cover to infinite depth...

[@paistecat]

An excellent comment.....

[@acab-il3ig]

@@RobertoPoncebken serio? Cuéntame más por favor

[@RobertoPoncebk]

@@acab-il3ig Procol Harum arrived from London and I went to the airport, there were very few concerts in México since rock was banned after Avándaro Rock festival in 1971, but the british band could play two concerts. I was writing in a newspaper so I visited the group at the hotel and Keith Reid felt upset and he told me to go, very angry, Gary didn't say a word and B J Wilson stayed with me very friendly. It's part of my memories of those days...

[@psyclonoughts316]

utterly astounding and unrivalled drum solo with its complex syncopation and tehnique

[@glcruiser]

Notice, the late great BJ Wilson plays the whole solo with eyes closed.

[@peterthompson6984]

A true musical drummer..joy to watch him play

[@sullivan2339]

In 1987, Wilson collapsed after an intentional drug overdose and was hospitalized for three years, remaining in a vegetative state. Wilson had 'suffered catastrophic damage which was never going to right itself'. He died of pneumonia in Eugene, Oregon, USA at the age of 43, leaving a wife, Susan and two daughters, Sarah and Nicola.

[@billd9667]

"Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." What a shame. How bad must he have felt to do such a thing?

[@avrillo]

The saddest Procol news, as he gave up on himself. He was so talented and had worked with Joe Cocker and possibly other bands. To me, he was the best drummer to come out of the late sixties..RIP BJ!

[@nasqueens]

Sad that Rolling Stones top 100 drummer list doesn't include B.J. Wilson who in my opinion could play rings around some of the drummers on the list ! Thank you for posting this !!

[@graemeselkirk]

Rolling Stone's top 100 musician lists are a load of Bo***cks. I'll say no more or else I'll go off on a mega rant.

[@moonrich3492]

Just "some of the drummers"? Most of them.

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

Adjust comment: "could play rings around most if not all of them"! Someone posted that Buddy Rich was not fond of rock drumming but BJ he admired!

[@robertbrown7408]

THE....top rock drummer by a mile !!

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

Joke! - Rolling Stone = instant no credibility!!! What a travesty! Can John Bonham or Carmine do this above testament to majestic talent?:

[@bonzorip6162]

Man, I could watch him all day.

[@drumschtankonit]

Just when I thought I was playing pretty good, I had to go and watch this monster drum machine, B.J. Wilson !

[@lastrada52]

BJ's eyes are closed for much of the solo and yet his accuracy is astounding. The varied sounds he gets from his kit and the intricate manner which he played. Jazz held sticks too. Few rock drummers could do this. He slips rolls in fast and precise. Unorthodox and a percussive genius. Keith Moon, who I also admire for his originality and style, was a great drummer with The Who but BJ Wilson could have stepped into his seat any day at any time and manage it. RIP BJ.

[@randypotter7442]

Rarrie was a true gentleman + a superb drummer. I miss you B.J.

[@kw19193]

Wilson's left hand is amazing, incredibly strong. How effortlessly he interchanges melody and beat with either hand or foot. Phenomenal. Cheers!

[@ochocabra3922]

jesus christ those cymbals sound amazing

[@DanielEvans95678]

I saw them live in Berkeley, about this time and they played this, with a great solo by BJ. But I didn't sit nearly close enough to enjoy watching him in action like this. Amazing.

[@timothywinters5438]

I was lucky enough to see them twice, but only twice, back in the 70s. He was simply the best technical drummer in rock. No question about it. Just amazing. Thank you for posting this.

[@BeeJayEm1972]

There you have it Ladies and Gentlemen. This is proof that practice, focus, determination and tenacity will eventually rule the day. This is a REAL drummer in my opinion. Incredibly smooth, accurate, blistering technique, speed.....but he doesn't act like a dickhead nor does he bullshit to the world. I think a lot of us can learn a thing or two from this gigantic legend He just sits down and nails it.

[@vewilli]

This Chris copping seems to play many instruments, bass guitar, guitar, hammond organ. Also seen him and Procol Harum Live in Villach, Austria, decades ago. Same Line-Up, which was the best one for me. Unfortunately B. J. Wilson died some time later ...

[@tygerelle3584]

I never knew this story. Thanks for sharing. I've played this song a lot (bass and keys), but I didn't sing it. Barrie James Wilson was--IS--my all-time favorite drummer. Again, thanks for the story. It's truly appreciated.

[@bishlap]

Fantastic ingenious drumming.

[@Burgoyne1777]

While playing the University of Montreal's arena, PH again blew the power; this time just most of the amps except for BJ's. So we were in for a 20-minute drum solo until all power came back. Let me tell you; he blew away the audience. (This was 1973.)

[@joek.4650]

Please, how does BJ hit all the notes on the cow bell? Just amazing.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Mysteriously impressive.

[@markgreene6349]

I couldn't agree more I'm gobsmacked watching BJ. I noticed the cowbell has some bounce to it..

[@termikesmike]

@@markgreene6349 " noticed the cowbell has some bounce to it.." Where the heck is it ?!?!? I thought God was playing it !!

[@seaburyneucollins688]

Honestly, I bet he just kind of crushes it with his hand. What I mean by that is an improper technique where you simply apply constant pressure against the rebound. It's improper because it's hard to control and doesn't let you get a clean sounding drum roll, but it also lets you get that easy 3 or 4 hits with one stroke.

[@valclements1244]

BJ was the drummer on the very cool Rocky Horror Show film soundtrack too

[@Cherr1]

Thanks so much for posting this. B.J. Wilson was always one of my favorite drummers. He had such a great feel and an amazing technique (if a little bizarre). His fills on " In Held 'Twas in I" are perfection. It's nice to see him really cut loose live.

[@lorenasilvanapasquetti2906]

Mark cherrington Wilson batterista molto sottovalutato con un suo stile troppo particolare

[@tygerelle3584]

Great vid. Thank you for posting. Is this the only time, I wonder, that Gary Brooker ever referred to B.J. as "Octopus in a Bathtub"? I love it! So nimble, so low at the kit, yet so unbelievably musical--beyond these mortal things, indeed. I thank you once again from a player grown . . . well, old.

[@edwardantos3002]

This is a great song as were many songs from this album.

[@johnwheeler1629]

😅I've been a Procol fan since day one eight o'clock. I am not a musician, but I always knew BJ and the band had something special by way of musicianship. A dream in every home, BJ, wherever you are.

[@salactro]

BJ Wilson was one of my favs when I started playing drums in the 60"s`, so original

[@Burgoyne1777]

BJ was significant in the success Procol had following their celebrated singles. PH was a virtuoso band before there was anything of the sort: BJ, Trower, Fisher, and of course Brooker. Who other than BJ could come up with the beats for "Still There'll Be More" "A Salty Dog" "Shine On Brightly" and so many more.

[@Fernandocatan]

Wayne Franks B.J. Wilson was a super talented drummer! PH were never the same after him.

[@Fernandocatan]

+jjBdrumming They couldn't..... B.J. Wilson forever!

[@LukasFin]

Gives me shivers to the backbone, when i see BJ drumming "A Salty Dog!" There is something hypnotizing, how he acts there!

[@brötzmannsax]

Holy Smoking Octopus, Batman!

[@neildowne-g7q]

An overlooked master,one of Britain's Best top five/soloist Wilson phenomenal Technique.

[@billpresing5568]

And B.J. comes through as usual. .Lay yourself down neath the strength of Drums. .R.I.P

[@asphyxthesixth]

Yeah, right, 32nd note patterns on the cowbell, each note perfectly articulated. Blinding crossovers; 9 cymbals at a time when most drummers used 4. Mr. BJ Wilson, the man they asked to take the drum chair for Led Zeppelin. No, he wasn't criminally underrated. Nah, not at all.

[@ammongarrett4192]

Except no one knows who he is. Being amazing doesn’t mean you’re not underrated. I always thought B.J. deserved a better and more popular band than Procol Harum, not that they aren’t great. But the fact that this drummer could have likely survived in Led Zeppelin immediately elevates his status above the mediocrity of this song.

[@termikesmike]

where the bleep is that cow bell !

[@robertbrown7408]

Cow bell is low next to the right of the snare..

[@rybnikpl]

Watching this makes me mad he never gets any credit but guys like Ringo Starr and Keith Moon are considered among 10 best drummers of all times for doing nothing but simply playing drums.

[@bonzorip6162]

I am with you on that one. Wilson is a beast, and a joy to watch.

[@rybnikpl]

@@zenhighwayman Rolling Stone magazine and many star drummers do.

[@dynasticlight1073]

He ,was very articulate , structered =coupled with ability like a Jazz Drummer . The others then did not have this at all.

[@ДмитрийМихайлов-м4х]

The most clever drummer in music history. The deepest one. Beyond drums. Non-stop symphony...

[@lastrada52]

He definitely brought something different to the music percussively. Many great drummers took over for BJ after he passed but none play like him.

[@the1zedog]

Wow, best BJ yet! Thank you!

[@scottjordan]

I see what you did there

[@telwilliams80]

That drumming was insane. I don't think I've heard a faster bit of cowbell

[@edwardrusso2140]

I saw BJ in ‘74 and was astounded by his cowbell which sounded like an ‘octopus’ was playing it! The only other drummer coming close to his cowbell work is Rodney Holmes who I saw about 10+ years ago. After the show I complimented him on his cowbell and asked if he heard of BJ.... he had not. Speaks volumes and injustice that not only is the public unaware of BJ’s genius but shameful that many (most) drummers aren’t either.

[@termikesmike]

@@edwardrusso2140 Where IS the Cowbell ! watched intently and it's a mystery to me ?

[@billd9667]

@@termikesmike In case you are actually serious, it's between the snare and the first tom - at the same level as the snare.

[@termikesmike]

@@billd9667 Thanks Bill - yet want to actually see the bell being played - I think it's secured to the snare, right side -

[@ReimondXtheprophet]

I heard this song on a cassette tape recording my dad made from WEBN-FM 102.7, Cincinnati, Ohio, Glenn Gaskin's the Good Old Rock and Roll Show. Thanks for the memories.

[@karmakomodia]

Thanks Bill for sharing this with me.. This is AMAZING..!!!!

[@Jellybeantiger]

Sits way too high... love his style and the colour of his drumkit is glorious.

[@alanconrad8490]

long live the late great BJ Wilson

[@alanconrad8490]

I love when Brooker calls BJ "the octopus in a bathtub"

[@didierbrasquies5886]

Un grand styliste, un son unique, une musicalité énorme !

[@otineb5]

It looks like he was using the Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum, which is great sounding snare drum.

[@UNUSUALUSERNAME220]

He is almost sitting on the floor! I love this song, and this version is great. I wonder how he developed this "low on the kit" technique. I have the version of this from the musikladen series and he is not sitting this low. What this song really needs is, more cowbell!

[@LukasFin]

I just came here from "the cowbell unit's" (BÖC) live performance. And even they didn't have there cowbell! This world has maybe ran out of cowbells these days? Luckily there's still cows. But neither they don't have bells anymore.

[@annakimborahpa]

You ask 'I wonder how he developed this "low on the kit" technique.' This is primarily in his relation to the snare drum. From what I understand about B.J., he grew up playing in British "boy (marching) bands" where from a young age he was holding his sticks close to the snare drum near his head because of his short stature. As an adult, perhaps that posture was what he felt comfortable with.

[@LukasFin]

Interesting! That would explain that unique posture. He also keeps those sticks like pencils in his hands most of the time. He has kinda..hmm...sensitive touch.

[@bobgatzen]

NICE!!... Keep up the good work guys!!!

[@franabreu7594]

Nossa. Meu coração está muito entristecido com essa notícia. Essa voz marcou minha vida. R.I.P. (19.02.2022) Gary Brooker. I Love You. I Love Procol Harum. Forever😭😭😭

[@kw19193]

"The octopus in a bathtub" tag was slagged on BJ by a clueless reviewer who knew next to nothing about the percussive arts. Wilson was (how sad to have to use the past tense) an original, occupying, at least to me, territory shared by Bruford and a few other "inimitables". Ridiculous beyond words that he never received his due during his lifetime . . . Cheers!

[@ScottSchenkel]

Genius among very few.....

[@rybnikpl]

I have no idea but my theory for him sitting so low behind the kit is that he was maybe drumming as very little on a high table. So he got so used to that height.

[@JamesWhiting-m7b]

BJ Wilson was Jimmy Paige’s first choice for Led Zeppelin for a reason. I am not saying it didn’t work out for the best, but BJ turned him down. BJ was one of the best!

[@NelsonMontana1234]

Damn. That is the greasiest drum solo ever. Thank you BJ!

[@davidboatwright5701]

snare in his chest and plays so fucking good, damn!!!!

[@ВладимирШолотов-л3ы]

Можно бить в барабаны, а можно на них играть.Уилсон именно играл.Играл искуссно и грамотно.БРАВО!

[@OldviSinger]

we lack that today ....

[@NZrare]

What an amazingly powerful original ending...,

[@paistecat]

Just about the best drummer. My favorites are MICHAEL Shrieve, Mitch Mitchell, and B.J. Wilson.......

[@FMisiejuk]

"Fantastic Drummer!"

[@josteinv.jordet257]

I don't know if it inspires me to play more drums or if it inspires me to quit drumming...

[@mojogypsy]

I had forgotten just what a great band they were "live"...!

[@darylchambers5945]

I`ve never seen a drummer work from a throne set as low as that! Seems to work though does n`t it. Extraordinary.

[@hlamart1]

Broken Barricades is my favorite Procol Harum album, this song is one of the reasons.

[@Ramshackled17]

Never seen anyone play with the snare drum that high. It reminds me of Todd Sucherman.

[@lorenasilvanapasquetti2906]

Gary Brooker grande e fascinoso. Wilson batterista molto sottovalutato

[@alessandrorigobello7551]

One of the best in history.

[@craigoog]

Good F'ing Lord!!! Total class

[@thomaswalthall998]

Wait...I never knew B.J. sat on the floor when he played. What the hell?? Absolutely amazing. (And I love how relaxed we all were back then. "And the crowd goes mild!" And what about the bass player's new disco pants? The ones right out of the package, creases intact.

[@narozzz]

The only rock drum solo I've ever heard that's on par with this is Paul Humphries' (I think) at the end of Zappa/Mothers' "Don't You Zever Wasf That Thing?!"

[@cesarvarram9908]

my eyes just adore this drumming

[@johnyanisakis3000]

miss you

[@markc6557]

The best of the bester of the bestests:)

[@johnsolak9914]

Top 5 drummer any day of the week.

[@demi388]

素晴らしいドラマー、BJウィルソン✨多くのファンに感動を与えた彼の、栄光と裏腹の辛い最期に、涙が止まりません🌿🌿神様のもとで安らかにと祈ります💐

[@ustuppy]

Wilson was just amazing.

[@lorenasilvanapasquetti4741]

Affascinante Gary😚❣️💕♥️🥀🌹🙋

[@limzog9]

Fast hands .

[@brunovallesmunoz4757]

BJ was a contender as a first option for Led Zeppelin drums....Among the greatest without a doubt!!!

[@DM1956x]

He played Joe Cocker’s version of “With a Little Help from my Friends” together with Jimmy Page. As Jimmy noticed, he was the only drummer who could handle 3/4 as a dream. I don’t know why BJ declined an offer to join LZ… The rest of PH is imho much inferior to his level (not because they were bad, but because he was exceptional).

[@rollkamal318]

classic....

[@jackoliver4483]

Bj wilson was such a great drummer that led zeppelin asked him first to be the drummer for led zeppelin which he turned down...then they got John bonham.

[@beatboys8280]

BJ emplies the classic rudiments- well rehearsed- you will find the same toolbox in Elvin Jones, Ian Paice, Simon Phillips and other classically trained percussionists of the era

[@dennismccunney4462]

I saw Procol live back in the day, with B.J. as the drummer, and they were astonishing. I considered him on a technical level as one of the best in rock. But it went beyond technique. I'm told the late Buddy Rich, who is the iconic master drummer, grudgingly admitted that B. J. could play, and Buddy didn't like _any_ other drummers. But I saw Buddy live back when. Every set had the Drum Solo where Buddy showed off how all over the kit he could be. Yes, he had technique coming out of his ears, but I was disappointed. He did 20 minutes worth of riffs to show off his skills, but they were just a collection of riffs. They had nothing to do with the _song._ He probably could have dropped the solo into half of the tunes in his set and it wouldn't have been different. You couldn't say that about B. J. His drumming _was_ about the song, and a lot of PH's work built on the drum patterns he produced. PH never got the popularity they deserved, but at least people remember and appreciate B. J.

[@DM1956x]

Actually, best insight on what B.J. did. I do not know any other drummer who totally dissolved himself in sacrifice of musical material around him. I do not want to speak about his incredible technique, or how low he was sitting, or how underrated was he. He was just a slave of musical perfection he created every time he took drum sticks. I can only imagine what LZ could be with him… I have nothing against John Bohnam, but OMG, there was B.J. and all the rest.

[@dennismccunney4462]

@@DM1956x I can see why you might think so. Personally, I respected LZ, but actually preferred predecessor band the Yardbirds. I just don't think LZ would have been a good fit for BJ. Yes, he could do that, but he was better suited for PH who had a broader musical palette.

[@termikesmike]

right on, Rich was ego master ...

[@DM1956x]

@@dennismccunney4462 Who knows, what musical palette would LZ have with B.J.? Combination of JPJ and BJW is beyond my imagination... I remember, that Paul McCartney once stated that he did not like Jones-Bohnam combo. At least, I am not alone, LOL.

[@dennismccunney4462]

@@DM1956x i was never a big fan of Led Zeppelin. I respected them, but I really loved the Yardbirds, where Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page were all members at different times. (Page and Beck briefly played together in the Yardbirds. (And I saw film years back where Clapton and Beck played together. Clapton did first break and played an impeccable bluses solo. Beck picked up from there and took it into the stratosphere. Things like that make my musical day.) But since we're playing this game, and McCartney didn't like the LZ Jones/Bonham rhythm section, if you replace Bonzo with BJ, who do you replace Jones with as bassist?

[@AccurateCrabLegs]

Any lower and the snare would be at eye level!

[@dsnodgrass4843]

Wow. Didn't know he sat down so low in relation to his kit. Possibly the lowest "throne" I ever saw.

[@DM1956x]

When I was a drummer long ago, I found that the lower I sit, the better I play. However, to come closer to Mr. Wilson' s versatility I should have buried myself to a kilometer depth, which was physically impossible...

[@spibach]

I was lucky enough to have played with him for about 3 years after he left Joe Cocker's band. He didn't even use a drum stool. He said most of them didn't go low enough, so he just sat on his bass drum case.

[@stevethefox3975]

Next time you here A Whiter Shade of Pale listen to the drumming.....it's the best! RIP B.J.

[@JohnSmith-zw2ym]

BJ Wilson did not play on the song

[@DM1956x]

@@JohnSmith-zw2ym You may easily find live version on KZbin where BJ plays drums in this masterpiece. Versatility 10:1 to the original recording.

[@gkprivate433]

Now that is one cool drummer. Man. Loose

[@tonybeards9153]

BJ puts Ringo in the shade methinks?.😂😂😂

[@ScottSchenkel]

Oranges and lemons...... both monsters, doing what the job called for.

[@tonybeards9153]

Fair comment 👍

[@DM1956x]

They both are Musicians. Rare case amidst drummers. Drummers are usually narcissistic, playing like in vacuum. Ringo did not have much techniques, but who cares. His gentle fills in “A day in the life” impress zillion times more than half an hour of dull bombing of drum kits by some commonly known monsters... And B.J. is simply the best of the best.

[@maximillianvermontsuperbik2624]

Interesting an very unique, how LOW he sits !

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

Was that Ginger Baker in the crowd with his jaw on the floor?

[@ericvanhavelte1611]

Sooooooo Great.

[@khandrum]

BJ Wilson one of the best in rock

[@itsawonderfulknife7031]

Whatever works for ya man, whatever works.

[@RomanZajats]

Page considered him before Jon bohnem

[@narozzz]

Is he playing a...cowbell with a foot pedal??!!!

[@thecrippledrummer]

His right hand

[@khandrum]

noo his right hand fella

[@termikesmike]

I agree, where is it ? in God's hand !

[@loucontino4804]

B.J. was actually Jimmy Page's choice for drummer for the new band he was forming that became Led Zeppelin. I can see why, though John was a pretty good choice in the end! Rest in Peace B.J. & Bonzo.

[@jeffthompson8406]

AMAZING - - too bad the bass drum is out of the mix - Love his posture

[@tommyrawlings3046]

BJ not in the top 100??...lol...What a joke! As usual with everything with procol harum, massively underrated!

[@narozzz]

DONT YOU EVER WASH THAT THING - sorry...

[@oktyabrev]

✨

[@lorenapasquetti8627]

❤❤❤❤💞🎇🎆✨

[@hans2157]

Polite applause at 4:42 is funny