RUSH - Subdivisions - Drum Cover

Well, I said i'd do it years ago. I did it!
I give it a B-
Download or stream previous works:
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[@0909shaggy]

Neil's writing for drums is just insane

[@fredfredrickson7591]

Super creative to develop these sounds!

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

Nah it's brilliant. Insanity is something else. Something (gasp) _negative._

[@wakeupmofoers691]

unvelivables

[@DNR5586]

And just think he was 29 when he composed this!

[@devilopment3291]

that's the professor for you

[@lemonpillow]

There's something about this dude that makes me wanna party with him .

[@JohnL2112]

damu1969 could it be that he looks like a combination of Bill Murray and Chad Smith?

[@Criticalr6]

lmao he’s super shy he probably would like be hiding off somewhere

[@Wlfgng75]

Dude I wanna jam with him.

[@justhadrums]

@@JohnL2112 jim brewer

[@richardcastrovillo1258]

@JohnL2112 you're starting to sound a little jealous of this guy. Don't hate cuz he's better than you.

[@wavesniper]

Without a doubt subdivisions has one of THE grooviest drum tracks ever . It just rolls along so satisfying.

[@ralexlu]

hard facts

[@STSGuitar16]

Dude that groove that comes in around 0:26 is otherworldly. No matter how many times I have listened to Rush (which, with them being one of my top three bands, is quite a lot), Neil’s drumming never fails to get me going.

[@joshsteffen]

That's the first thing i noticed when i heard this song. Dropped everything to pay attention. It's one of those grooves that make you jealous you didn't think of it first!

[@STSGuitar16]

@@joshsteffen it’s probably in my top three Neil grooves for sure. Quite possibly my favorite, but I hesitate to say that since I’m sure there are other grooves that I’m not thinking about right now lol. Either way, it is just money, man. Neil’s composed drum parts are probably the best of all time. He meticulously placed every hit precisely where it should be in order to further serve the song to its full potential. Neil’s drum parts are perfect in the way that Ringo’s drum parts were perfect for the Beatles music, with each song calling for something entirely specific to that song that the drummer then executes to perfection. Great job on the cover, btw! I’m a guitarist so hit me up if you ever find yourself around North Carolina and want to start a Rush tribute lmao

[@Digity.]

Lol gotta love the "good job babe" at the end.

[@effinchad]

I thought it was a neighbor yelling at the basement window, Keep it down, man!! Well....that's what'd happen by me anyway. Lol

[@paincakes7693]

Hahahahahahahaha I heard that too

[@Brokenface]

Rush + Josh steffen = INSTANT CLICK

[@Halfelino]

Instant like

[@e.jamesshepard7183]

Almost perfect. Saw too many wrong fills and such that were not quite on the money,,but very good

[@jinkobiloba]

0:26 - 0:37 one of the best drum grooves ever!!

[@joshsteffen]

I agree. That got the first whoa of the song when I heard it the first time.

[@turlllicious2421]

It’s the 0:26 - 0:52 for me🔥

[@jables3377]

I love how you played it here. I always thought Neil was playing straight 8th notes on the ride (with the downbeats on the bow and the upbeats on the bell) and, of course, the "e" and "a" of the 16th note pattern on the HH... but I see here you are omitting the down beats on the bow and just playing the upbeats on the bell. I like how that accentuates the bell sound more!

[@jacobhartmann1050]

Yeah that part is fantastic- and very impressive considering there is absolutely NOTHING that comes easy with covering a Rush song, particularly on drums!

[@scottthornton4220]

@@joshsteffen The best part for me is the off beats on the china at the end

[@lokephoenix1039]

This is the cleanest drum cover I’ve ever heard. Not just Subdivisions, not just Rush, EVER. Subbing immediately, this is incredible Edit: whoa 195 likes?! Thanks guys!

[@TronciM]

His mixing is incredible

[@davemieze9021]

Loke Phoenix This is ridiculously good.

[@zcookie9272]

Yes. I'm seriously amazed at how man KZbin drummer's suck at playing rush. But can only blast beats. RIP Neil peart.

[@charlesbass5569]

Definitely does "The Professor" justice. Well done!

[@juliemurray4853]

Yes it really is. I I'm still really heartbroken over his stuff Cherry I can't seem to get FAFSA.. And I don't know why. It just makes me so damn sad

[@Buzzedd777]

"GOOD JOB BABE" that was the absolute best part and reminds of my wife yelling at me after a song. That or "YOUR DINER IS NOW COLD" I've passionately played guitar for more than 20 years and if I had one bit of desire to create a band and conquer the world, I'd grab this guy in a second. Josh, if you can play Rush's Natural Science as flawless as this, I will officially shit a golden brick.

[@Ado1271]

My favorite song from Rush. It's atmospheric, beautiful and it always make me relaxed for some reason.

[@mrmisfit635]

I hear you

[@hedgehog1965uk]

I've always loved Signals, although I didn't listen to it for many years, and now I seem to be listening to it every day, including in the shower in the mornings.

[@vaderbuild]

mine too

[@DNR5586]

Mine too! Subdivisions is what got me into Rush.

[@Anthony-ob5fy]

I've lost count of how many times I've watched this. Absolutely incredible.

[@4G63addict]

You and me both brother

[@jfdoherty3448]

Me too. Years later even. Great job!

[@ipleal1]

Me too

[@apieceofdirt4681]

Really? I mean it’s okay but I’m fine after just seeing half of it.

[@Anthony-ob5fy]

@@apieceofdirt4681 Not many people can match the skill and consistency that Neil had behind the kit. This is not an easy Rush song to play by any metric, and Josh executes it damn near perfectly, even hitting the subtle ghost notes that Neil threw in. Think what you want, but if there was anyone that could play his parts in a Rush cover band, I'd pick Josh in a heartbeat.

[@jrglock34]

This is the best “Subdivisions” drum cover that I’ve viewed!!! 🥁

[@mc495150]

Sterling fuentes

[@duaneadkins1261]

@Rob Sina is better than Astrotama

[@guihermeborracha7412]

@@duaneadkins1261 We will have to agree to disagree a lot

[@lucmar2112]

J.R. Romero Please check out my version of Subdivisions. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHzMqJqEnpupfq8

[@TheKommercial]

I just went and watched astrotama(crappy filming and he messed up my favorite part) and also sina (decent but was missing intricacies). Josh steffen reigns supreme still on this one!

[@Digity.]

More Rush please.

[@AP02112]

Digity I agree this goon sure knows what's good.

[@mattmatt8355]

more rush! la villa strangiato!

[@Joseph_Klein]

michael jordan agree

[@GTAdkdk]

yesss!!!

[@druid5931]

michael jordan Fuck yes man!

[@TheKaleficarum]

Agree

[@paulweisgerber7654]

Luccas Besfonc I can play it. Yeah, I know.... Video or it didn’t happen.

[@Sixpakbee-lb3dm]

RIP Neil Peart... 🙏🏼

[@wakeupmofoers691]

drums god rip

[@JenniferDavis-nt9zm]

Congratulations,you nail it ,keep on playing rush,keep rush family in your heart.

[@tenplex]

You want to get drum lovers to come here, Rush covers are the way to go. Good job on the cover.

[@brandonsaglin4316]

tenplex Agreed!!!!!!

[@fuckcraigsgloves8656]

"Good job babe"

[@OwenDavey]

finally rush🤘

[@orghem1]

yes!

[@BERNARDES66]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpvapYJpgdSsr9E

[@karenmariellaflorescacho6754]

Tw

[@rubenalmeida9206]

Cp

[@galahusker]

OK the thing that stands out most in this version is how relaxed you play. Its such good form and it makes it look easy. My problem and apparently others too is we really get tense and almost robotic with Neil's more technical parts. You did a masterful job here and I can appreciate your customization. Right.

[@supergrovah2729]

I just echoed this above before I read down the comments. Nailed it. Your comment, Josh's playing....nailed it.

[@billcichoke2534]

Dude. Friggin' righteous. Be proud; that's top shelf right there.

[@AveryDrummer]

Not Bad, Not Bad, Kidding!!, You KILLED IT!

[@joshsteffen]

+Avery Drummer Molek ;) much appreciated, Avery.

[@juliusjeremy4723]

InstaBlaster

[@princessleotardovadincithe7771]

Probably one of the most technical drum tracks of the entire 1980s.

[@keefriff99]

It’s very deceptive because it’s not played in a weird time signature and the song is relatively short, but there is NOTHING easy about Subdivisions’ drum track. Neil composed so many cool little intricacies and fills into what could have been a very straightforward rock backbeat. I’ve been endlessly fascinated by this track ever since I heard it.

[@angellorenzorubio9439]

El baterista le da alma al grupo eso era neil...!!!👍

[@neckarsulme]

@@keefriff99 very good observation!

[@im_in_immense_pain]

@@keefriff99 Actually I think theres a couple sections where it switches to 7/8 time but it quickly goes back to 4/4 after like 2 measures

[@StormofCrows69]

@@im_in_immense_pain it opens in 7/4 (more accurately a measure of 4/4 followed by a measure of 3/4), then the same for the verses, 3/4 for the choruses and instrumental sections.

[@utauta8989]

No one will be ever as good as Neil but this is an excellent tribute. You nailed it!

[@vector6787]

I have been playing over 40 years and feel like I'm qualified to say that you have a very strong understanding of rudiments and time signatures along with precision which is what made Neil such an amazing percussionist. It is really a shame that so many thumbs down jealous so called drummers out there. But just know you are specially gifted.

[@joshsteffen]

Thanks!

[@wakeupmofoers691]

correct did music major but other intrument... thanks really enjoy good perdusion, jazz

[@KingToll]

The best Rush song covered by the best drummer on youtube...am I in heaven?

[@JohnWilliams-ee5ly]

KingToll I was hooked on Astroma's rendition for a bit

[@GianniDio]

u're not, u are watching Disney Channel

[@Un4GivNX]

He's fucking good! But don't forget 666Samus \m/

[@JasonDrums24]

He uses triggers. I don't like fake drummers

[@Un4GivNX]

lol you don't know how to drum for sure man. Triggers are only normalizing your hits. You actually have to hit every notes so it doesn't magically makes you play blazing fast. Your mistakes are ALSO highlighted so you must be ultra accurate and consistent. They also solve a lot of mic/recording issues compared to traditionnal acoustic mics.

[@jeffwalker9122]

As a drummer and Rush fan for 30+years, this brought tears to my eyes. Great job Brother!😊👌👍❤

[@frankkirmse1043]

Those ghost notes in the verse at 1:20 are everything

[@kerticus]

Do more Rush songs! This is so clean and technically on point!

[@Sage-zs9qy]

Wow! The fills, ride and hi-hat work, even the ghosting is right on point! You earned a new sub!

[@PaulbylPaulbyl]

S3n Kroeninger I am curious what is "ghosting"? Another commenter said "ghost notes". What does it mean? (I am not a drummer but love sophisticated percussion.)

[@Jackson5101]

@@PaulbylPaulbyl Ghost notes are typically muted hits on the snare drum, the soft barely audible snare taps inbetween the hard hits of it would be the "ghost" notes.

[@bigpapa8152]

Ghost notes are all over the place, and not on. And it's his rendition, not the actual song mechanics. Still, solid, solid player whom I will now be following. John The Fisherman was an excellent cover btw.

[@crispybacon420]

@@bigpapa8152 Agreed. He's done a great job here, but it's not 100% to the way Neil did it. The chorus groove is played with a quarter note feel, not eighth notes (which I felt sort of made it have a rushed feel,(pun not intended), and yeah, there's ghost notes sprinkled in places where there weren't any. Entertaining to watch, regardless.

[@FrankTruslow]

I've seen Rush live probably 15 times, starting in 1983. Peart was the man and this is REALLY impressive. Starting at around 4:15, I was really blown away. Great job.

[@joshsteffen]

Thanks!

[@wakeupmofoers691]

worth every penny, twice here

[@Patrickmathieu0482]

Ohhh !!! Awesome job sir !! From a drummer to an other ! Good style! Positive and funny too, EXCELLENT sound !!! You play relax without flafla… honestly, one of the best performance i have seen on youtube ! Bravo :)

[@nancyford9759]

Neal Peart is undoubtedly smiling down watching that performance!!! Thanks for that one you nailed it!

[@ClassicGBodyGarage]

By far the best Rush song and you friggin killed it Neil...I mean Josh.

[@jordanhasch2544]

Clean, slick, precise, technical, yet no signs of showing off. Brilliant.

[@bryanlawson683]

I keep coming back to hear this cover again and again. I love how the drums are far enough out in front of the mix so I can hear all of the ghost notes on the snare. It’s expertly played, which makes it sound even better.

[@chrismccall987]

The best part is the ‘good job babe!’ from the chick at the end. This is one of the songs that made me want to learn drums in the first place. Awesome job!

[@ricardocastillo5485]

I've seen them in concert a million times and will never know how the EFFING EFF that man played like this for TWO AND A HALF HOURS straight, night after night year after year, rest in peace you were the GOAT.

[@VROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM]

Tell me about it. Must have been brutal. But that's probably why he was forced to retire early. Nobody can do that at top form like he did for so long and getting older, I think it took it's toll on his body. He was having a very painful time at the end, but he pushed though it, sounds like he was miserable but kept going as long as he could push it. I think it's why Neil also mellowed out on so many albums after moving pictures. After that his new stuff was more laidback and smoother. Technically awesome but didn't have the punch and slam and busyness like the earlier albums. He laid off those hammering long tough drum fills like he did before. It never looked like he's having fun, he always looked very intent and like it was strenuous hard work, that took a ton of concentration. That kind of drumming is another level.

[@peaceprayer595]

One of the top Subdivisions Drum Covers on KZbin without a doubt. Great job sir.

[@dongpedroyi]

Fantastic job - to me this is the richest drum part ever composed and performed on record and you nailed it. A very enjoyable rendition.

[@nocomplainadana]

So after watching Josh, i bought my first drum set. I wanted one as a kid, it never happened. Im 47 now and I've only been drummimg for 1 year, and just wanted to say thank you Josh for your videos. Without them i NEVER would have made the purchase. I now know exactly what to do with my hands! Lol. Thanks brotha, much love and respect

[@joshsteffen]

Great!

[@stardustchild5182]

That was fantastic, as a beginner drummer just breaking into the intermediate playing, truly inspiring

[@ethanwagner5603]

This is beautiful. It is so well composed. You do a wonderful job at covering this masterpiece.

[@mikemcnaulty7609]

Wow! I've seen countless drum covers of Subdivisions and you blow them all away!!

[@joshsteffen]

Thanks!

[@TaxinGigs]

So crisp. Best cover of Subdivisions on KZbin.

[@eladvanallen8282]

Josh, teach us how you break down a song to learn how to play it. As someone who's never had a single lesson myself but loves to play, learning to play strictly by ear has it's challenges. I would love to hear your technique for breaking down and learning a new song!

[@lightfeather9953]

As a guitarist who never plays drums I still would be really interested to watch this.

[@gregkunkel708]

Great job Josh! Extremely clean cover. And the “good job babe” at the end takes the cake! BRAVO!!

[@AllOneVoice]

I wasn't a teen in the 80s but this song is instantly nostalgic to me. That synth! Your playing is amazing and I love the sound of your drums here... they're perfect! Such a great performance and the clarity of this shot and lighting/backdrop...so excellent

[@syracuse6651]

So amazing to watch everytime . so precise

[@scottthornton4220]

This is the best cover that I've heard for this song .... Excellent job!!

[@TaxinGigs]

Agreed

[@perkushin]

To say you nailed this would be an understatement. 🤟

[@christopherdougherty236]

What more can be said. Neil was a spectacular genius! He rode that ride better than any other drummer imo, great cover!!! Very tough song! Well done

[@motelgrim]

Yup super clean and spot on. Fantastic.

[@christianwhitmore4753]

I love when you do the overhead camera

[@toddh4133]

This is amazing. Me, being a brake pedal/air drummer, I can't believe the skill and dexterity you have! Looking forward to the next video!

[@joshlewis3069]

You know, I watch a ton of your covers. Especially metallica and pantera. I've been having a really hard time with Neil peart passing away, but this. This made me happy. Incredible. Thank you.

[@donsmith3857]

great playing--this is the first cover ive seen where all of neils parts are so very clearly designed---lots of beautiful ghost notes on snare--the syncopated stuff on the ride is amazing and the fills are just wonderfully intense without being overdone---neil sure knew how to write great drum pieces.........

[@TheSoulmusiclover]

I'm a true rush fan and your rendition of subdivisions was slightly different but actually very refreshing and super clean and precise. I really enjoyed it. Thanks.😎😎😎😁👍

[@CraigDohner]

Agreed. Artistically, it was very pleasant. And the mics, wow....

[@Cobalt985]

Reminds me of the NSP cover

[@capitalistgecko9247]

HOLY SHIT! You can pull a Neil Peart! You should do Spirit Of The Radio and Limelight.

[@dwilker1]

One of the best drum covers I've seen of this song. Awsome playing!

[@jamesburns8093]

Been playing drums for 50 years. One of my favorite songs to play. Nice work.

[@joshsteffen]

Thanks!

[@vatostristesrecords]

Wonderful¡¡ definitely more Rush

[@shanehaney2121]

I feel that for even a great drummer this song would take months to properly get down. Great job!

[@temens]

I've always loved the sound of the ride on this drum composition. It's smooth as hell.

[@holfst]

Amazing drummer Mr Josh Steffen, without words

[@MechMonstrosity]

Well my standards are definitely lower than yours... I'm easily giving this an A! Way to go :D And I totally agree with everyone else asking for more Rush!

[@davidjamesfinn1235]

You are a great drummer, kid! Neil is very proud of you!

[@scarter1us]

Nasty ghost on snare dude! outstanding every time i watch

[@paincakes7693]

Finally! He finally does my favorite rush song 😃🤘🏻

[@tylerbailey9329]

YAAAS! Finally you chose to take on the Holy Trinity!

[@KLRon650]

Great cover of one of my favorite Rush songs...thanks for sharing!

[@ngtarz]

One of my favorite Tunes executed excellently!! Thank you!!

[@paulinhorlenz]

Next: either full cover of 2112 or Red Barchetta.

[@ladinark1672]

7/8 for the win!

[@joe-tj5wg]

MetalRock OnlineStore 3/8 for MIG, sorry.

[@ladinark1672]

What? The song start with 7/8 that goes to 4/4 and then gets back to 7/8 and them 4/4 etc Bit I see you know nothing about odd time signatures ;)

[@joe-tj5wg]

MetalRock OnlineStore i didnt know MIG was a time signature

[@ladinark1672]

I don't know what MIG is and most of all I don't give a FUCK!

[@joe-tj5wg]

MetalRock OnlineStore I win, you lose. Standard ops. :) ez pz klr

[@will5879]

Absolute savage. Wow, really in the zone there. One of my favorite Rush songs and even more so now after witnessing that. Incredible..

[@nevets0910]

Beautiful, brother! I’m nonstop binging isolated Neil tracks and drum covers, the Professor will never cease to amaze!! RIP

[@blackdog5186]

2:02 that part right there makes me want to start playing drums

[@eddietheguy12]

Do some Porcupine Tree, man.

[@pullindcvolcom]

hell yeah man

[@stevemaass3074]

Thelucidbohemian Good call. There’s a challenge. Gavin is ridiculous.

[@ninevehguitar]

Oh man, that would be awesome

[@bobajanfettsolo9143]

Wedding Nails, Cheating the Poligraph, Fear of a blank planet(there's an amazing fill in the middle section)

[@Stonloy]

Thelucidbohemian yes

[@johngold1849]

Awesome! Great cover, keep them coming. U have a God given talent!

[@tommybasham-oo7qf]

One word: Perfection!!!!! Great job, you are an amazing drummer!

[@GTAdkdk]

YYZ plz!!!

[@JasonDrums24]

'The Spirit of Lars' would be a great one to do although I'd love to hear you actually cover that one!

[@brentisenring655]

Kickass drum cover. Love the song. Great drum playing.

[@christerolausson2702]

WOW! So clean! Loved This one!

[@mattwatson3176]

Stunning, mate! Just amazing! A thumbs up "like" just didn't seem like enough praise. ;o)

[@markb9159]

Josh, your china was on fucking point!

[@vkiperman]

I can watch this again and again. great stuff!

[@CackleJack]

Love it. All of your videos are awesome!

[@IRuinEvrything]

Dude. Major dramatic question for next Q&A: what kind of gum?

Great video, as usual! Please upload YYZ

[@richardlaymance9984]

Excellent job Josh. Most impressive

[@kevinsmith7516]

Wow!! That was excellent!! Thanks for the drum lesson!!.

[@caesarkenyon9870]

TOM SAWYER. GO FOR GOLD, BRUH. YOU CAN DO IT. !!!

[@thecoderofyoutube]

caesar kenyon The one that Neil Peart says is hard...

[@badzombie816]

Yeah even Neil said he has a hard time getting it right all the time.

[@weathersytv3572]

Fantastic as always. But now I challenge you to do 2112 in a single take.

[@kitomir9962]

a passion play in a single take :)

[@schmetterling2169]

fuuuuuck that!

[@HostNayner]

Weathers95 hahaha!

[@dr.p3637]

I think Subdivisions is more difficult than 2112 (At least Overture/Temples)

[@TheKommercial]

Man I could watch you play this all day! Oh wait I just did!!! Fantastic work!!! Thank you for doing this song!

[@generoberts9151]

Absolutely killed that. The drum work in that piece is incredible and hard to imitate to perfection. Great job.

[@TheKruton-tf1xy]

What is (in your skill level) the fastest/most enduring song you CAN play?

[@joshsteffen]

TheKruton 3482 hard to say. The slipknot medleys were some of the toughest videos I've made.

[@egeogetman5887]

you must try the latest trivium album josh the drumming in that one requires power speed and technique and there are also some crazy fills

[@arentyoubald]

MORE RUSH

[@22goofy]

Wow, that was excellent. Bravo!!!

[@viniciusvpp2983]

Fantastic!! Congratulations!!

[@CraigDohner]

Josh's cover on an artistic level is a little more creative (than most other covers), without over doing it. He doesn't add all kinds of weird GMO's like some covers do, you know what I'm saying? And I also like the mixing of the mics a little better with Josh. It makes his ride sound dope, as well as the rest of his symbols. The way he uses the snare when transitioning into the chorus sounds awesome too.