Jimmy Chamberlin: The Drummer Behind The Smashing Pumpkins' Iconic Sound

In this episode I interview Jimmy Chamberlin, the legendary drummer of The Smashing Pumpkins, as he shares insights into his influences, career, and the stories behind their iconic tracks.
My Beato Club supporters:
Justin Scott
Terence Mark
Jason Murray
Lucienne Kilpatrick
Alexander Young
Jason Wagner
Todd Ladner
Rob Kline
Nicholas Long
Tim Benson
Leonardo Martins da Costa Rodrigues
Eddie Perez
David Solomon
MICHAEL JOYCE
Stephen Stubbs
colin stead
Jonathan Wentworth-Linton
Patrick Payne
MATTHEW KARIS
Matthew Barouch
Shaun Samuels
Danny Kurywchak
Gregory Reedy
Sean Coleman
Alexander Verbitskiy
CL Turner
Jason Pappafotis
John Fulford
Margaret Carno
Robert C
David M Combs
Eric Flatt
Reto Spoerli
Herr Moritz Adam
Monte St. Johns
Jon Beezley
Peter DeVault
Eric Nabstedt
Eric Beggs
Rich Germano
Brian Bloom
Peter Pillitteri
Piush Dahal

[@calsynth]

I worked as a backline tech for the Pumpkins on the Mellon Collie tour. No offense at all to Matt Walker, who is an excellent drummer, but the whole live act deflated when Jimmy left the situation. In all my years of touring, I've never been as excited by a drummer I heard daily as much as I was with Jimmy. He was the foundation of all that was good with that band. And a super guy as well. It's great to see him today so healthy and filled with joy for his craft.

[@vermithax]

Loved the show I saw on that tour, but man, it really wasn't the same at all without Jimmy.

[@adamcoe]

Yeah I saw that tour in September of 96 with Matt. He did an amazing job, including an unreal drum solo, and it's a massive credit to him to be able to jump into that role period, never mind under the timeline that he did it in. But there was nothing like seeing Jimmy himself. I was lucky enough to attend his first show back in the band in 99 and to say it was mind blowing doesn't even begin to describe it.

[@WhiskyJapan]

Jimmy is Billy Corgan's Ringo. The whole pumpkins sound to me is his drumming.

[@JohnwithoutanH]

The loss of Jimmy at their peak was a huge blow for the pumpkins sound at the time, but looking at it the other way, if that hadn't happened there's a good chance that he wouldn't still be with us now - there's so so many people from contemporary bands of the period that aren't.

[@kalkante]

Portugal Cascais 96 ❤️

[@godzillahasabigbush]

My only two complaints about this interview is 1) I didn’t get to see him play Drown, and 2) it wasn’t 7 hours longer. Absolutely incredible interview start to finish.

[@vermithax]

Drown! I just had the same thought. The snare work on that song is incredible.

[@danandersen813]

e selv uden indblanding.nrmen sån sdkulle det ikke ende.r så upopulær,at jeg intet må skrive hvis dette ikke går igennem,det ville være nok til at jeg blev helt rolig igen. Jeg er det ondeste dyr, fik du skrevet dethvordan fik du lov til at skrive? Nå,mig jeg skal vænne mig til at jeg når jeg skriver aldrig kan skrive selv,uden indblanding.

[@danandersen813]

es indblandingsskyld. vise deres problem,jeg behøver ikke at give mit besyv med men at ikke have lov er asocialt ad helvede til.yldtararar fyldt med indblanding, dette er godt grovere til atär fDet vildt fioorviorrende er alene u tubes skyld

[@adamfstewart81]

Hoping for an extended cut on the second channel 🙏

[@godzillahasabigbush]

@@vermithaxyesssss that’s exactly what I was hoping to see!

[@marciosr8504]

I'm 45 years old. The 15 year old in me just said this is the coolest interview on KZbin. I agree with him.😎

[@JMWatts79]

I’m 45, too. I wonder how many of us there are watching this. 😎

[@drayve8590]

I’m almost 39! A few years behind y’all, but the 12 year old in me agrees!😂

[@mitchellhughes5180]

Same age here. It’s hard to explain how much I loved Siamese Dream.

[@jamlemon]

42, coolest interview ever! 😎

[@JokersNtheOddball]

42

[@marcosmenescal2962]

In 1996, I worked as a production assistant for The Smashing Pumpkins on their Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness tour in Brazil. Their tour photographer was Jimmy Page's daughter, Scarlet Page, and we became friends during the tour. Billy and D'arcy did not get along well and were always fighting. James was very introspective, and Jimmy Chamberlin was the nicest person in the band. After the tour ended, we went diving in Rio, and I still have the photos from that day - probably the only ones of the band in swimsuits. Before their departure, Jimmy gave me the drumstick he used in the shows, signed "with love to my friend Marcos," and I keep it as a piece of the band's original lineup. Thank you, Jimmy, and stay cool!

[@werideatdusk]

that's a great story, thank you for sharing!!! legendary times for music! You were lucky to be there :)

[@marcosmenescal2962]

@@werideatdusk It was an incredible experience indeed, and it got even better! Led Zeppelin were also playing at the festival, and Scarlet Page took me to the Sheraton hotel in Rio, where she introduced me to her father and Robert Plant. Funny enough, she told me she didn’t like Led Zeppelin and preferred The Smashing Pumpkins instead.

[@edgewhypaddra5969]

​@@marcosmenescal2962just wow🎉

[@RicosTinFoilSombrero]

Nice man!

[@MarleneSoaresPhotography]

Que história mais incrível! Obrigada por partilhar!

[@seanslavin1974]

There are only a hand full of rock drummers that you can immediately identify just by listening to a track. Jimmy’s one of the few. God mode.

[@wardseyssens7474]

Mellon Collie is a kind of drum catalogue if you ask me. What cán't he do!? 🤯 Seeing SP live in a couple of weeks. Stoked to see Jimmy!

[@delladrums]

Rick is on fire with these interviews lately. Jimmy is extremely articulate and an incredible player. Please don’t stop these

[@BENNYB-ze4dw]

It's just an appreciation of good music and musicians. I love these interviews alsom❤

[@ronsworld250]

@@DesignRhythmA lot of so called good interviewers need to take lessons from Rick, stay out of the way and let the talent talk. Many talk over the talent/guest and don’t let the interview breathe.

[@be3825]

Possibly Rick's greatest interview and that's saying something. The drum demo Jimmy gives is a masterclass and a treasure. This video will be studied for years to come.

[@dutchman212]

I agree 100%

[@waynekerr5645]

Ditto, the best interview yet 👍

[@johncubberley1943]

FUCK YES❤❤❤

[@LeonLandgren-qt9pg]

Top 10

[@jasongreathouse1827]

Spot on!

[@escherpainting8622]

The fact that Jimmy Chamberlain from The Smashing Pumpkins has a drum teacher, at this stage of his life and career, should be inspiring to you. Yes, you.

[@LesPaulPete]

Like the “Professor” Neil Peart! Always strived to be better.

[@lukebrown6737]

Spot on absolutely just devoted to learning and listening, good lesson in this for all of us

[@siriusfun]

Indeed. He went the way of Neil Peart who did the very same thing and took on a teacher when he'd reached the perceived top and there was nowhere left to go. Amazing!

[@QWERTZ-NOOB]

That's what sets icons like him apart from plebs who proud themselves in not learning theory. 😂

[@mm-nyc]

Even the best need coaches. It is always helpful to have an external perspective to help you realize your fullest potential.

[@budwudd]

Although Jimmy's technique and chops are on an unreal level, the best thing about him is that he has such a unique identity on the instrument. You can hear half a bar and immediately know it's him. I think he created a whole drumming style by himself. No one sounds like Jimmy.

[@MrAngryTwinkie]

Such a unique sonic identity!

[@whagaman]

Hearing Jimmy play Jellybelly solo in its entirety is some of the best time i've ever spent on youtube; he is a huge inspiration to my drumming and always will be

[@6400ab]

I'm so glad Jimmy survived the rock and roll machine and is here with us to do interviews like this. What a great guy. One of my top drumming influences of all time.

[@whoisharo4689]

We almost lost him! He should be wrapped in bubble wrap

[@Staleyisnowinchains]

the Heavy Metal Machine

[@davidrobinson5180]

Rick, this is what you do: I'm not a drummer, nor am I very familiar with the Pumpkins. But this is one of the coolest interviews I've ever seen and I am just incredibly grateful for it, as well as impressed with Chamberlin. Thank you so much.

[@landspide]

Doing god's work :)

[@thomaspersson1533]

Agreed and I don’t even like this band but i could easily watch another 10 hours 😃

[@AntAnt69Petitt]

Do yourself a favor and listen to Siamese Dream

[@tjb22bcb]

I couldn't believe he played Jellybelly in its entirety. I don't think I've seen a drummer do that before in a demo. Awesome. Great interview.

[@jarrettmcgregor1001]

So great!!!

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

1:06:14 for anyone who wants to skip to it

[@pytski4345]

From memory! Insane!

[@bigbowlowrong4694]

@@pytski4345 to be fair he’s probably played it thousands of times lol

[@GOTAGaming]

@@bigbowlowrong4694before 2023 they hadn’t actually played it live since 1997 which is pretty insane

[@JohnnyMcConnell-music]

My favorite drummer of all time... I went to Canada on holiday when I was 13 and heard the pumpkins for the first time.... it wasn't Billy's singing that sucked me in... it was Jimmy's drumming. I've never been hit with something so powerful before. Made me go back to Ireland and pick up the sticks and became a drummer in my first band at 14. Thank you, Rick, for having him as a guest. Thank you, Jimmy, for your genius.

[@patjlinnane]

pumpkins in dublin in 2 days time. my birthday, and also Jimmys. woohoo!!!

[@danielstevenson2772]

This interview confirms what I've known since the first time I heard the S.P. record "Gish." Jimmy Chamberlin is a drumming genius.

[@denims5595]

Can really see why Corgan and Chamberlin have worked together for so long, genius nerds! 🤘

[@gtb9956]

and why corgan, who is brilliant, always wanted jimmy back with him creating!

[@urtwodadz397]

Two SERIOUSLY talented individuals

[@werideatdusk]

I had the privilege of meeting Jimmy out in the wild, he came into the restaurant I worked at in Wicker Park in Chicago in 2017, as he was leaving I told him what a fan I was and he was gracious enough to chat with me and he started geeking out about all the new SP stuff that was in the works. He is humble and genuine. What a blessing that he is with us, making music at a high level and raising a family. God bless you JC!

[@th1rtyf0ur]

having met multiple times in the last 24y, Jimmy has ALWAYS been super nice & down to earth. every time. amazing drummer, amazing guy.

[@adamfstewart81]

Omg I would die 🥹

[@TimothyLafreniere]

Where did you work in Wicker? I worked in Humboldt, Logan, etc

[@werideatdusk]

@@TimothyLafreniere place called Lillies Q. I think that location closed.

[@dolphy1978]

The most eloquent guest you've ever had AND a monster musician with an arranger's ear.

[@austinhunt4260]

Eloquence second only to Mr. Danny “DMT” Carey.

[@glennkrupa3661]

Well said...

[@russmartin1814]

@@austinhunt4260 Danny's a great dude, and monster player, but he's nowhere near as eloquent as Jimmy is with words.

[@austinhunt4260]

@@russmartin1814 I tried to pick the most obviously least eloquent guest of Rick’s. My intention was a little sarcasm.

[@kapildrums]

Agree 100% !!!!

[@stusux]

Dude the jelly belly demo absolutely says it all on how talented Jimmy is as a rock drummer. Like it's literally insane his speed.

[@aaronwelch5391]

As a young, geeky musician who played classical sax, Jimmy Chamberlin with the Pumpkins was the first drummer I ever admired outside of Buddy Rich or Krupa. It turned out most of my drummer friends loved him, too. I can remember sitting in the car blasting Siamese Dream and practically crying with my buddy over JC's high-hat usage. To this day he still an inspiration to me and I'm sure countless other musicians. Loved this interview and awesome to see him happy and healthy and kicking ass

[@thecthonian4976]

Jimmy has reached god level status long ago. This is an incredible interview whether you play drums or not. His old school influences are so key to his sound...I feel a lot of that old stuff is lost in today's players. Thank you Rick for sharing this! It's brilliant.

[@JeffPeterson-w2r]

I was a drummer who grew up in Crestwood In the south suburbs of Chicago. I was big time into Jazz and Marching band. I would listen to the Buddy Rich drum battles with Max Roach or Gene Krupa, and what stood out was how smooth and clean Buddys rolls and diddles were. When I first heard Gish, I almost fell over listening to basically Buddy Rich playing rock drums. The clean perfect 64th note rolls, the accents perfectly timed with the guitar. I was immediately obsessed with Jimmy Chamberlain and practiced obsessively with my stick control. Jimmy also influenced my sobriety years later from my addiction to Heroin. Jimmy means so much to me and he literally changed my life. I saw the pumpkins at the metro right before Siamese Dream was released and could not believe what I was seeing. The greatest drummer of all time, excluding Buddy Rich.

[@arabe66]

❤

[@J.Braxton]

Cheers mate

[@trucuriousity]

A wonderful message. So happy for you. 🙏❤️

[@JayBuff19]

I was at 2 of those 3 SD Metro shows pre release. First saw Jimmy in 91 on Gish tour, brilliant player!

[@JeffPeterson-w2r]

@@JayBuff19 I got lucky because my brother was kinda friendly with The Metro owner and was given 4 tickets to those metro shows and it was Fuckin epic. The pumpkins were peaking and they were well rehearsed. So that show was a chance to see them before they blew the fuvk up

[@tibelchior]

Billy Corgan and Butch Vig were already my favorite interviews, but now you completed the list with Jimmy! Such honor to be able to hear the ones responsible for my all time favorite album talking about how it was created! And to see Jimmy playing Jellybelly was an indescribable moment. Thank you for this! PS: to complete the 90s gold, we just need you with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder. Pleaaaase!

[@davidnewsome3948]

Eddie Vedder would be amazing

[@MadAcoustic1]

I am first and foremost, a drummer. This interview gave me a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and outlook on my role in the band. There are some things I’ve inherently done over the years, that line up with some of Jimmy’s techniques, reasoning, and playability. But Jimmy was so good in the explanations of why they work. One of the best interviews I’ve seen in a long time. Jimmy is one of the most articulate and well-spoken musicians and wow…The thought that has went into each and every piece of music he’s had his hands in. And the fact that he’s still leaning, leaning on other musicians for some of their knowledge. A life-long student if you will. You never can know enough. Always room for improvement. And age is just a number. Jimmy looks and sounds fantastic. So happy for him. Great questions and dialogue, Rick. Superbly done.

[@brianlanier6413]

I’m sorry but I just paused this INCREDIBLE interview at 35:27 to say this: Jimmy Chamberlain might just be the most intelligent musician ever! Wow, the reasoning, strategy, and articulation from this guy is seriously blowing my mind right now! Great interview!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@e3uphoric51]

"The confidence in the destination allows the flexibility of the interpretation within the architecture." That was profound

[@barnabu5]

was about to say the same thing. a profound, eloquent genius!

[@mat992]

That blew me away too

[@allan247archivist4]

Rick’s first involuntary “wow” in the interview

[@P99-v6n]

My mind was blown

[@cnungary]

I had the same exact reaction to that that Rick did. I'll take that one with me forever now- just brilliant

[@jwv6985]

This guy is an oracle. So much wisdom and pure geekyness.

[@dutchman212]

So true!

[@ninevehguitar]

This has got to be one of my favorite interviews of all time. I’m a guitar player and longtime huge Pumpkins fan, so I’m already very well familiar with how much of a true beast of a musician Jimmy is, but MAN… I had no idea the depth of insight he has as to the art he helps create. What an amazing musician he is. True to the very core.

[@dutchman212]

I could not have said it any better 🙏🏼

[@carterpennell1058]

Everything you said applies to me too. And I am such a fan of what Jimmy brings to the table, for the band and to music in general.

[@akakgak]

It's funny, because I was a Drums For Life guy through high school until Siamese Dream came out and I immediately switched to guitar... I was immediately inspired to make Big Muff noise... I'm 1/2 the guitar player BC is but perhaps, on a visceral level, I understood I might be 1/2 the guitar player Billy is but I would never be an 1/8th the drummer JC is...? Either way, it's so good to see him healthy and flat-out joyous talking about music.

[@brandonedge]

​@@akakgakha, yes...I'm with you on the 1/2, 1/8 thing. I would still try to play JC parts (terribly) for years. Did a little better with the guitar..

[@pitotzen2387]

Wow. Probably the best musician interview I’ve ever seen. Great job!

[@DD_brother]

Not only do both Gish and Siamese Dream begin with the sound of Chamberlin playing unaccompanied, but if you had those albums on cassette (or presumably vinyl), the respective opening tracks of side B of both those albums ("Suffer" and "Geek USA") also begin with his unaccompanied drumming. Butch Vig must've loved his sound!

[@wwkuwl]

This is the best thing I have ever watched. Jimmy is so giving of his knowledge and influences and it is a joy to hear him speak so passionately about his craft and lift up everyone who got him there. Absolute legend of a man and my favourite musician of all time. He is most of the reason that I play drums. Long live JC.

[@evanwalters63]

He's one of those drummers you can just listen to without instruments and never get bored. Great player. Amazing dynamics. Extraordinary wrist control. And most importantly, great taste.

[@hrossaman]

taste...yes!

[@fdkm]

I've been waiting for this!!! Another great interview with one of the best drummer of the 90s!!! Thank you so so much, Rick! Take care, brother man!!!

[@mybrotherjames8579]

My biggest influences on drums are jimmy and sexton.

[@thenewholistic]

One of the best SINCE the 90s (actually SP started in the late 80s, so…)

[@kevinaustin0369]

Yes! I’ve never seen an interview with Jimmy. So grateful that Rick is the one making it happen. His interviews are GOLD. An archive for the ages. I try and imagine folks generations from now that will be able to listen to the origins of these creative souls from those who actually created them. Imagine being able to listen to interviews from Mozart or Da Vinci. I’m a nerd when it comes to music history and Rick has found his stride with this platform.

[@oldmanfran5523]

Of the 90s? The man is still drumming today. Hitting snares and taking names.

[@ZertusDarkSun]

I don't think I've seen any interviews with Jimmy by himself. In Pumpkins interviews and the bits on the Zwan DVD, he came off as very quiet. Here he's extremely well spoken and knowledge. I also love that as a drum idol of mine, he learned from the same old books that I did.

[@coreyjackson9382]

He always got Billy hoarding the conversation.

[@evanwilliams7315]

Dude is amazing!!!! One of the most amazing drummers in the world.

[@justinwarner1183]

During the zwan project, he was still not sober so he looked out of it at times.

[@reyngel]

Beato, that was THE interview. Your best. Please have Jimmy back sometime to continue going through his genius within Pumpkins songs

[@rustledesign]

Who's watched the Jelly Belly solo more than once?

[@_left_eye]

I’m fascinated by Jimmy’s awareness and his natural tendency to keep evolving

[@volcano_media]

As a kid I got to listen to Siamese Dream at a local record store in 1994, and the opening drum roll changed my life. I got my first drum kit the next xmas!

[@Jellybeantiger]

My fav drummer of the 90's alt scene. A hero of mine. The Bonham of the 90's ,not that he played like Bonham but was a drummer influenced by jazz and made his own footprint on the instrument. I would love to have a beer with this guy. Now Chamberlain is much a style as Bonhams style of the 70's. My first books were the "Around the drums with ...."series as well.

[@siriusfun]

Well said! He and Matt Cameron were my favourites in those days; Brad Wilk was no slouch, either.

[@n0kturna1]

35 years and it's the most relaxed and personal Jimmy interview i've ever seen

[@alexbone98]

It's great to see how happy and healthy he appears to be. He's been through the grinder, happy he's still with us.

[@ScottyStar]

Came for the drumming, left with a masterclass on music composition, recording, dynamics and artistry. Brilliant stuff, Rick.

[@lavieenlavande]

Thank you so much for this interview, Rick! I recently went back and watched your interviews with Billy and Butch, too, so this was very timely. I always enjoy getting the inside scoop of these bands I’ve loved for so long. Smashing Pumpkins has been one of my favorite bands since Gish and I drove my parents nuts playing it full blast in my room. And hearing Siamese Dream for the first time was like some other worldly experience. I’ve enjoyed all the releases over the years as they’ve experimented and grown. They’re all incredible musicians in their own right, but I’ve always really loved that Jimmy’s jazz background because it brings such an elevated touch to the percussion.

[@frankydog7656]

I'm an amateur guitar player, but I learned more about drums from this video with Jimmy, than any other video that I have seen. Big fan of the Pumpkins.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

This, times infinity, changed how I played and STILL learning from their interplay

[@frankstetka7206]

Right? I’m an amateur musician, even though I have been making some kind of noise my entire life and what I get out of this is that maybe it’s not too late for lessons! 🥳🤣 I’m almost 50

[@ChristopherCooper-un4pp]

I always felt like Jimmy fell under the "if ya know, ya know" status for many years, which always confused me. I was blown away with his playing from the moment I heard him. A giant of a drummer and a major contributor to the "pumpkin sound"

[@matthewwinthrop3278]

Rick and Jimmy are just such music nerds and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I learned so much about drumming from this conversation and I don’t even play. I always learn a lot from Jimmy when I hear him talk. He’s extremely articulate. I still think he’s one of the best drummers ever and definitely the best from the 90s group. Just my opinion.

[@colquittbrett]

As a longtime fan, it is absolutely insane to hear Jimmy talk so much and in such detail. Really a special video. Thank you Beato

[@kylereece1979]

Mellon Collie was THE soundtrack to my life when I was sweet and sour Sixteen. Every song was a separate emotion, feeling that pertained to all and who was happening in my life at the time. School Blues, Teenage Kicks , Adolescent Adventures. I love that today, I can still get immersed in Mellon Collile- and Siamese Dream and combine those times and memories with how life today is carried and worked out via the same songs. Classic music grows and moves on with you.

[@travisbunce7334]

This was just like the Robert DeLeo interview you did Rick! Both guys just love music, and take inspiration from everywhere. Doesn't matter the Genres, great music is great music. Just like Robert, Jimmy's love and excitement is so infectious. I was sitting here just smiling the whole interview. I caught the Pumpkins just over 12 months ago, here in Australia with Jane's Addiction. Was a bloody great night :)

[@mercurymachines4311]

I’ve never even hit a drum in anger but I could listen to Jimmy talk drums for hours. He’s such an intelligent and eloquent Man and his dedication to his instrument is just incredible. Great job, Rick!

[@RatInYourSewer]

I just ate this video, couldn't look away lol. I'll never forget the first time I listened to Siamese Dream; I was impressed by how I was able to perfectly hear and understand the phrasing of the drums through that jet turbine big muff. Jimmy is a beast. Thank you, Rick, keep making these.

[@tonehammer7276]

Still the best Rock Drummer in the world..by far!

[@withnme]

Been waiting over 30 yrs for this interview. Rick has really out done himself on this one. Asking all the questions with the depth and detail I’ve always wanted to know. Unbelievable!!! Not much can be said that hasn’t already been said about this living legend drummer JC. Great, great interview!

[@acglass]

Jimmy Chamberlin taught me to plays drums second hand as I transcribed literally dozens of his drum parts! Living legend!

[@oohkumar]

Rhythm lives inside this guy like a second person. Once he’s behind the kit that person takes control. Just spectacular. What a talent!

[@Appetite4ATX]

This interview made me an instant Pumpkins fan 👍🏼

[@regalpinguino]

Jimmy is criminally underrated. My all-time favorite. Thank you for this, Mr Beato. The way he giggles about phase cancelation is awesome.

[@christiangibbs391]

Drumroll Please 🥁 Ladies & Gentlemen "Mr Jimmy Chamberlin" 😎✌️🥳❤ You've done it again Rick 👏

[@alexdelarge1433]

Such an incredibly dynamic and powerful drummer. Kind of underrated in the grand scheme of things.

[@dabz___]

He gets talked about a bit but proportionally soooo underrated yeah

[@dimoscondos]

if only he didn't have the problems he had with the law....

[@Nightpants]

@@dimoscondos that was 30 years ago. He has paid his dues and grown as a human being.

[@dabz___]

@@dimoscondos lol totally irrelevant

[@goober8798]

Yes, he should be mentioned in the same breath as Bonham and Peart.

[@nechadi]

Search for "smashing pumpkins Pinkpop 94, drummer cam", and be blown away

[@jarrettmcgregor1001]

Yup!!! Watched it many times!!!

[@adamcoe]

A million percent this. I've been watching that guy play drums for like 25 years and only found that video a year or two ago and it's absolutely sublime for anyone who loves Jimmy's drumming, whether you're a drummer or not.

[@aisle_of_view]

I don't even play drums, bit I've watched that video many times. Always amazing seeing someone who is a true master musician in performance.

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

It’s mesmerising...and timelessly exciting

[@ToneSherpa]

Yep. I wish every show would just give us a birds eye view of Jimmy.

[@kirbdini]

When i was a kid i got Siamese dream on cassette. Hearing his drums changed how I i hear music. Looking forward to watching this. After finishing this video, best interview yet. Im glad this is here for people to watch anytime

[@R33L_Love]

This might be my favorite interview on the channel thus far. I was fortunate to see Jimmy play a small club show at The Blue Note in MO when he and Billy went on the road as Zwan. I got to shake Jimmy’s hand after the show and it is a moment I will never forget. The Machina-Zwan-Zeitgeist era recordings are some of my absolute favorite drum performances to listen to. Thank you Jimmy!

[@alexlight4178]

His work on siamese dream gets better every time i listen. Been listening to it for twenty years

[@pertjacanape]

Butch Vig was a drummer himself. He had a knack for recording drums. ​@luke5100

[@invisiblecurious856]

Butch vig ​@luke5100

[@notsure1135]

Yeah, I think he slipped a little between Gish and SD due to the substance issues. He was back on MCIS though. SD was still great though, that soft part on Hummer. Zwan is probably my favourite album for the drumming.

[@Sully602]

I love how you can hear the whole song with just his drum parts. Easily recognisable, proper drummer

[@fallenshallrise]

Right? He could play a Pumpkins show solo and have the whole crowd singing along.

[@arbellfriday6613]

That's such a good point.

[@La_sagne]

not every song needs to be like this. its not always called for.. but its just so awesome when you have drumparts like this

[@tictocbang7443]

Such a great observation. He can play a straight 4/4 and his signature is recognizable, as is the song. That is damn near impossible to achieve.

[@richardjslade]

Melodic drumming for sure

[@BluesSky]

The drums on Gish hooked me from the first moment. Amazing drummer who rocks and swings simultaneously.

[@71calex]

When I think of Gish I immediately think of the intro to I am one. Used to drive my school teachers crazy tapping that out on the desk.

[@BluesSky]

@@71calex I bought the vinyl when it was released because the buzz was pretty big, I don’t think it came off the turntable for a month.

[@vsully360]

That Snail crescendo is absolutely magical.

[@ue4058]

Absolutely nailed it - the very first moment.

[@realheadphonecandy]

Read about them in a zine and bought Gish when it came out. Put it on and was blown away from that intro. Instantly my favorite band.

[@charliedoom]

I’ve been waiting for this interview since 1995. Thank you Rick

[@ryanmccullion7367]

The greatest rock drummer, period. He taught me so much.

[@garyverster1099]

Jimmy and Billy are why the Pumpkins sound like no one else, both are unbelievable players

[@claytuckett1830]

Facts 💯

[@Kravis63]

They’re great players but what sets them apart for me is that not only are they excellent musicians but they understand the importance of and how to express emotions in the sounds.

[@Itsyaboy88]

You’re not wrong but sometimes it’s more than that with bands it’s the energy, the era, the way their talents bounce off each other. I love the pumpkins but my god they haven’t wrote a great album in well over 20 years once darcy and iha left. But yes, I do agree, as long as Billy and chamberlain are together will always get that power, the core of the pumpkins. Edit: this is coming from a diehard fan. The last semi solid pumpkins album was Oceania and there was no OG members. Machina is the last real pumpkins. The new material is truly truly awful and I’m in the majority here.

[@gordoncockfield]

​@@Itsyaboy88Totally. Love Oceania and Nicole - album was better than expected. But the OG 4 made pumpkins special.

[@gordoncockfield]

​@@Itsyaboy88how far they've fallen is kinda sad. And making this man piss about to clicks and drum machines is sacrilege.

[@toddkozik9459]

As a guitar player always focusing on the guitar, Rush and the Pumpkins pulled me into the rhythm section and made me appreciate the entire ensemble; drums and bass. Thank you Mr. Chamberlin!

[@jaimeflor4181]

I actually wanted to play drums instead of guitar, but my parents refused. Still, despite focusing on everything, it was the Smashing Pumpkins, Rush and Tool, that made me appreciate the drums more.

[@thenewholistic]

“The emotional absence will the be death knell of all of that” - Jimmy Chamberlin, on the future of AI music

[@blade1535]

Unfortunately there is so much human made music already like that and people seem to love it.

[@RonaldReaganRocks1]

I didn't know Jimmy was such a nice Midwestern guy!! That's awesome!!!!!!

[@natehaselden]

Damn this was grand. Crazy smart guy. Would have watched him play every pumpkins song in this setting. Too cool.

[@ericwg73]

Jimmy is a friggin master of articulation, groove, feel, and originality (while drawing on his key inspirations). With no deference to Billy and his songwriting abilities, there is no Smashing Pumpkins for me without Jimmy. LOVED this interview Rick. Keep it up. You are killing it brother!

[@notsure1135]

Seen Pumpkins with Kenny Aronoff, with RATM guy as well as that kid that was on Oceania and yeah, Jimmy. Jimmy playing Behold! The Nightmare just makes it a better song. Don’t even get me started on the 2007 live version of Shame. Tearing up like a sad teenager rn, I’m 46.

[@avogrid296]

I really respect how he's still a student, still learning, even when he's a master himself. That's a true artist. (favorite moment - the ultra-precise high hat on Hummer's descending scale -- OMG)

[@richardjslade]

This is the key to life, remain a student your whole life

[@jondonnelly]

"Jellybelly" was worth all the trouble, it's one of the Pumpkins best songs. 🤘

[@pablomistral6011]

For me, he's the best rock drummer ever. And I'm not even a big SP fan. He's somewhere else.

[@akakgak]

That awkward moment when you thought Silverf@ck was "kind of" straightforward, then you see JC play it and throw your stix in the air for the millionth time...

[@Unsleeping_eye]

I teared up with pure joy, listening to him play those drum parts at the end. Wow thank you so much, Rick. That was amazing as our all of your interviews.

[@warpig4942]

The drumming on "Tonight Tonight" is mesmerizing. It makes the whole song.

[@rikkihill22]

Completely agree

[@dorkdorkerson]

Set the Ray has the best drumming imo….

[@ToneSherpa]

It's a perfect example of Jimmy doing the "Dave Grohl" approach of just writing more simple (well, simple for Jimmy) drum hooks to carry the song.

[@davidr1620]

I clicked on the interview to hear him play and hear Pumpkins stories. Rather than fast-forwarding, I just listened and I'm glad I did. The amount of practical and technical knowledge Jimmy has about drums and music in general is astounding.

[@1daytonokelley]

Dude that Jellybelly play through was absolutely insane.

[@danfernandez4848]

This is one of the most Underrated Drummers out there. Jimmy is Awesome 🤟👽

[@robertauclair2278]

Not underrated at all. Everybody knows he's incredible.

[@PrazmileProductions]

jimmy is just in another league of drummers! most powerful, influential, and criminally underrated drummer of all time!! great interview 🤘

[@PrazmileProductions]

(in my opinion of course 😉)

[@thebytorsnowdog9539]

Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie were the definitive soundtrack to my late teens. Between this interview and the Billy Corgan one it just gives me all the more appreciation of the music on levels I had never considered. Knowing more about the process behind it only enhances the memories and feelings that the songs give me.

[@yargum69]

For as technical as he is, Jimmy does not get recognized enough for his DEEP pocket in his playing. For example, his playing on "Where Boys Fear to Tread" is so relaxed, yet undeniably heavy.

[@hrossaman]

Deeeeep pocket

[@adamfstewart81]

Unreal pocket.

[@ajslays]

I love how Jimmy stares deep into Rick's eyes as he delivers the requested goods. Epic interview, Jimmy is a legend and continues to inspire.

[@jeffreyschneider8028]

Only halfway in. This interview is A M A Z I N G. I’m fascinated by this thank you!

[@jadamdavisart]

"It's just a double paradiddle, right? It's got a 6/8 double paradiddle feel in 4/4." LOL! Only JC

[@richardjslade]

Nerd alert! 😂,🤓

[@crazedzealots]

The music journalists used to talk about how great Jimmy was. Now I can finally understand it. That demonstration at the end of drumming techniques blew my mind.

[@YMESYDT]

I played a gig with Jimmy when I was really young, he was so kind and supportive to me and I’ll never forget that. Twice the drummer as the other guys around, half the ego

[@BryanCooperOfficial]

Incredible interview! I always held Jimmy to be the best rock drummer of his generation, but this really drives home, not just how jaw-droppingly phenomenal he is, but what beautiful insight he has to offer, particularly regarding AI.

[@sticksman1979]

Yeh, it was like a clinic.

[@KMart-100]

This interview made me just love Jimmy even more and why he is a musician first and a drummer second, but one of the greatest drummers of my time! (I’m in my 60’s)

[@IndustryLeech]

The trifecta is complete! You've interviewed my 3 favorite drummers....Stewart Copeland, Danny Carey and now Jimmy! Thank you, Rick!

[@scottdegroot4785]

Josh Freese too. So underrated

[@werideatdusk]

That's a great list right there

[@brianmiller3287]

Indeed!!!

[@Tiger_RCD]

@@scottdegroot4785 So true ! Like almost all studio musicians. But at leat he has the keys of the City of LA from the hands of the Mayor when he was playing in APC. Tho' The biggest scandal in music history is the case of Mick Taylor because being underrated is one thing. But being uncredited and ignored is such a thing.

[@Brian-ek6no]

Need jon theodore

[@ffxiiangel]

My favorite drummer. I’ve been waiting for this interview for years. Thank you Rick!

[@nemusys]

Ditto.

[@creamcheeze2870]

I second this

[@reddwood4971]

3rd it

[@anthonybaruch8618]

1:00:47 Jimmy's response to Rick's question about AI is the most perfect answer to why real art will always prevail!

[@tounguesohandy]

Artists that we are introducing to AI at a Uni is, "oh!, I can model 14 versions in AI, then produce the actual art, AI is great!"

[@anthonybaruch8618]

@@tounguesohandy lol

[@stephenschwartz7402]

That’s awesome he’s not just drumming to match the song. He’s part of the song. Impressive

[@antiskeletor]

This channel just blows me away. Jimmy!!! What a great guest! What a monster drummer!

[@thrumyeyesphoto]

My favorite drummer of all time. He is incredibly talented and one of the main reasons Smashing Pumpkins are such a great band. He could turn simple guitar parts into absolutely epic songs.

[@adambomb5000]

This was one of the finest interviews conducted. Perfect mix of gear talk, musical approach, and just life. The full play through of jellybelly was a thing of beauty. Kudos to you for not stopping him at any point.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Rick is just such an amazing interviewer.

[@Tangent_Frank]

I always believed Jimmy was the best drummer of the 90s, but it was hard when you've got the likes of Matt Cameron and Dave Grohl. But hearing him play these parts isolated really confirms my belief entirely.

[@partycakes456]

I hadn't heard Jimmy interviewed since '94. I never realized what a big brain he is. I was always a fan, bet have a totally new appreciation for the man. Bravo.

[@christopherchilds8723]

If I saw this back in 1994 when I was a 20 year old drummer / Pumpkins fan my head would've exploded! Jimmy was THE drummer of the 90's. As a drummer today I have the utmost respect for him and place him with the other drummers I admire like Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker.