SHOWDOWN: Steve Gadd - Dave Weckl - Vinnie Colaiuta - THE LEGENDARY DRUM BATTLE

[@almo9004]

My favorite comment from the old video upload: "Three great drummers of course, but Steve Gadd really hits this one out of the park! He may not fire as many rounds per second as Vinnie or Weckl, but the depth of the pocket, the groove, the power, the sound, the ferociousness, the clarity. While Weckl and Colaiuta are aiming for the stars, Gadd is digging deep to the center of the earth!" - KZbin user Sean McMorris

[@ER-me1ii]

Ha! I remember that comment too ! Sean knocked it out of the park in the comments section. Watching this for the I don’t know how many times I’m struck with this. I’ll preface that Dave and Vinny are all time gods of drums however in agreement with the quoted comment there is something about Steve’s playing that I think had Vinny and Dave possibly panic a little bit? Like “oh shit how am I going to surpass what Steve laid down?” It’s almost like they were trying to shoot their entire load and to me Steve came across as the most confident drummer this round.

[@2earache]

@@ER-me1iiW and C were most definitely ‘shooting their technique load’ with headache-grabbing emphasis on single, double, five and all other stroke rolls hoping, like mud thrown at a wall, that they’ll stick!! Gadd, on the other hand, defeats the duo with his stress and accentuation on the ‘musicality’ of his approach! The winner takes all of course. But remembering that both Weckl and Colaiuta too have become significant contributors to the world of professional drummers to this point in time!

[@ER-me1ii]

@@2earache those 2 guys especially Vinnie are all time favorites of mine. In fact on my list I would have ranked them above Gadd but head to head we know what actually happened. Steve was the patient bull that got all the cows.

[@OussamaELGHOUFIRI]

You feel the aura in Steve's way of playing 👌🏻

[@TheYeetusLord]

Gadd was certainly the one keeping the two kids in time for sure. We got to remember at this time, Gadd was already a legend and Weckl and Vinnie were becoming mainstream names amongst drummers. Gadd did his chops, let the new kids play and kept them in check. All in all, made for a stunning display of MUSIC. Many people don't think of drums themselves as a "musical" instrument, but as these three displayed, melodies don't have to live in the realms of pianos, guitars, etc. Drums make music too.

[@derrickbadenhorst7329]

This is still one of the best drum showdowns. As much as I love Buddy Rich and as much as I love the younger, "athletic drummers" that come up with insane stuff, THIS right here is still the best one for me.

[@tonykart31]

I'm sure you didn't mean it to come out that way but Buddy Rich is an athletic drummer

[@johnnychua6738]

Wrong. THE BEST. not 1 of the best.

[@MSmith6503]

Agree and there’s just so many great drummers and there will be more to come. All three old school offset love it. Sends chills through my body.

[@MSmith6503]

So now at 69 years old I wish I stuck with my drumming not that I could imagine that I would have been this good. But had some much joy playing.

[@Artikulo71]

Cobus Potgeiter is the better drummer these 3 unknown drummers...🤘

[@e-drummer2479]

DW: smooth. VC: Metal. SG: Groove. There is no “better” in that league.

[@joneslt]

Dave Weckl’s opening was my favorite part of this

[@thenarrowlife2018]

He was smooth with it tho

[@syanhc]

Me too and this is my version of the me too movement.

[@Lehmann108]

I love Gadd, but Weckl's opening was incredible

[@dhldt1021]

He is a baaaaaaad man. Always remember Dave in his younger days.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

Weckel’s drumming is poetic.

[@23ograin53]

Weckl's style just does it for me. So many colors, layers; all the subdivisions, syncopation, etc. Magic.

[@bosstrading928]

I'm in the same boat, he has everything. 😊

[@kieranbrain3733]

I agree. I love Vinnie and gadd,but weckls complex but smooth free flowing groove gets me every time. There all masters though 👏

[@bosstrading928]

​@@kieranbrain3733 Yeah, sometimes listening to both Vinnie and Gadd, it can be hard to make the argument who really is the greatest, but gun to my head, 100% it's Weckle. ❤

[@adamashforthdrums]

That’s funny I always remember thinking W got dominated in this battle. No insult to him (or your opinions) - just goes to show you how subjective drumming (and music) is!

[@jeremychurch5683]

I really think he's the best drummer out there, I watch so many people and when I come back to him it just feels like no one can touch the stuff he can do.

[@MrDaveangelo1]

every now and then I come back to this video as a little treat to brighten up my day

[@michaelschneider-]

Oh,,, Copy that. .. had to have watched the entirety ten times. ..

[@miraclestudio9167]

Steve Gadd's cow bell should be in Museum. Hope every generation can see one day.

[@chegalhavara1981]

Steve Gadd hit those drums like they owe him money.. Jeeesus.. Amazing show from 3 great drummers!

[@MikeCeritto]

4:17 vinnies one hand tom drum kick a bomb 💣

[@jeffe_77]

Vinnie killed it!

[@CHABIEPORTNOY]

Weckl starts with a cymbal driven solo with rapid doubles Vinnie plays tom driven fast singles Steve Gadd be like: Here’s something for you kids

[@vinnienaccarato280]

spot on

[@JoEsp]

well, Vinnie's & Weckl's opening solos were improvised while Gadd's not. I've heard him played that a lot. It's called "Crazy Army".

[@JohnsonRoberto-m8f]

@@JoEsp 50 ways to leave your lover - Paul Simon

[@OlivierVinet98]

The groove of Gadd, the smoothness of Wrekl and the crazyness of vinnie make that drum showdown so unique and special

[@bensinger6637]

I just love the way that guy yells: VI-NNAY!

[@phillamoore157]

Such a great event....I remember turning down tickets to this, due to another commitment. I love Dave's setup in this era... But, everyone's setup sounds absolutely stellar. And, that Yamaha brass 14X4 snare Vinnie's playing sound so fricking good. Like everything else in American today....the kids growing up don't have the culture we had in the late 70's, 80's and 90's. And, it didn't matter the instrument. It was just such a great time to be in the music scene.

[@andyrev503]

All of them are incredible, but Gadd is stratospheric. He traces a path for the others!

[@KMAN8599]

He is the metronome 💯 ..on time everytime 👍

[@Howitchewstofeel5gum]

Only 8 minutes? I used to watch this all the time as a teenager and in my memory this thing was at least 15 mins long 😂

[@DaRenegade]

Same here bro lol. It’s like it never ended sometimes 😂

[@zombenut]

What makes me laugh is when you see these polls of the 10 best drummers, and these guys and Simon Phillips are never on it. Billy Cobham too.

[@beefy3361]

Truly amazing that man

[@JAntonioBenitezG]

Steve Smith?

[@zombenut]

@JAntonioBenitezG absolutely. One of the only drummers I've seen that has seem to get stronger as the show went on.

[@afridgetoofar1818]

Lars Ulrich is the best drummer of all time.

[@Klostrum-j7y]

Eat your hearts out Classic Rock Drummers! You ain't touching these 3 Legends.

[@moneybot646]

Vinnies toms are the best damn sound

[@burning4buddy639]

Got to love the Evans Hydraulic Heads. I have them on my Chrome over 9-Ply Maple original Slingerlands

[@zoltar7274]

Thats because Vinnie is the best of the best.

[@The_GreenHub]

the definition of ‘thunderous’

[@afridgetoofar1818]

@@zoltar7274he was my least favorite of the three.

[@Oddmoore]

One of the greatest displays of exquisite, otherworldly drumming. Absolute master's at their craft.

[@michaelschneider-]

+1. .. Copy That; "Exquisite" drumming.

[@solracm7783]

This never gets old. I love it. I just wish i can see it .cause i am blind

[@jean-louishamid5285]

I really appreciate to watch this video now in better quality.

[@Panzermaschinen]

Me too, i remember watching this in 2010 in low quality.

[@radiationraven]

I remember damn near burning out the VHS and the VCR playing this in high school. Back in the day when your audio was only as good as the in-tube TV speakers. Coming back to it after all these years I have a whole new appreciation for the production quality, the power, the frenzy, the precision, the fact that each stroke is as deliberate as a painter’s brush to build the sound, construct it so that it timeless time.

[@a5dr3]

Dave and Vinnie are maybe the best 2 all around drummers of all time. They can play anything.

[@scarroll6686]

Except a pocket as deep as Gadd's.

[@eaverymusic]

I think of this as a celebration of master drumming. Not so much a showdown. They were inspiring each other, and very much in the moment. Total mutual respect

[@joechiocca8429]

I'm a guitar player, who has always wanted to play the drums as a kid, but it never happened. Now, thanks to hanging out with a very cool jazz drummer ( in our band), I got a practice pad, and am learning rudiments using the traditional grip. For me this is really powerful exhibition of the trad grip in action- wow! I have no fave here- all amazing and musical.😊😊

[@Stratahoovius]

Learning trad grip can be annoying at the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, you won’t play any other way.

[@charlesdouglas2877]

What do they all have in common - The way they hold their chops!

[@RoryChapman]

Steve Gadd... Steve... Gadd.

[@powerbuilder1019]

I'm not a drummer, but I most definitely admire and prefer the guy with glasses and mullet on the farthest right side. (What's his name?) He has the best syncopation and the drum fills is simply mesmerizing, He's also the most technical of the three. You can also hear the "Ooohs and Ahhh" from the crowd after every time he finished his dazzling routine combo. What a drummer he is.🔥

[@yurobert3007]

His name is Vinny Colaiuta

[@powerbuilder1019]

@@yurobert3007 Thanks, Vinnie is the best!👌

[@t3hgir]

Jeff Beck - Live at Ronnie Scotts... good footage of Vinnie in this concert

[@powerbuilder1019]

@@t3hgir Thanks, will look for it, do you have any link? thanks.

[@JamesVandevanter]

That is a stunning jam.

[@TheSolidheroes]

Jesus Lord in Heaven! Every time I rewatch this Im drawn in and mesmerized what a brilliant and exceptional drumming extravaganza!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@druzo26]

This video is the KZbin hall of fame!! A must watch!!

[@RoccoSoundTube]

😏 This epic battle will never get old.

[@DavisSchulz]

best drum battle ever, love it

[@CNTIGS]

I used to watch this to death on VHS - incredible!!

[@philwilliams8328]

In my mind, no matter how you twist and turn it..... Steve Gadd is the man.

[@marcomathamel6561]

It is impossible to decide the winner or the best. They are all 3 unique in their performance.

[@sneakyfish8191]

Gadd was in his own little universe here. Vinnie and Dave got locked in an arms race with each other. Still epic.

[@中村晃-x4n]

この場にオーディエンスとして居ました。　当時はガッドの時代は終わったかと思いましたが…やはりガッドは神でした…！！　後でミキシングされたビデオを観て、ソロの構成力、1打、1打の重み、唯一無二のサウンドが神たる由縁です…😂

[@KMAN8599]

Steve is the time keeper..vinnie and dave fill the gaps ❤

[@Pffcasina]

Maravilloso 👌👌

[@zendean5207]

I have to go with Dave Weckl on this one. Just so smooth. He plays his parts just a little smoother than the rest, yet with more speed and complexity.

[@jean-louishamid5285]

Wonderful dynamics!

[@dereckoneal5919]

I disagree. Dave couldn’t keep up with steve!

[@kcorpora1]

Weckl has no feel or groove. Gadd has feel and pocket!

[@ronaldopalamim3097]

TANKS DRUMMERWORLD... áudio, imagem, sem cortes no solo do Vinnie... sensacional

[@paulferrarodrums]

Gadd just has something that’s so pure , Ive been blessed to met Vinnie in recent times absolute gentleman,, and saw weckl in Australia as a kid in 86 but I never met or seen gadd but the musicality he had is just different , the actual chops don’t matter when you can get that sound out of a kit , I love the line up can’t go wrong, back when to be a star you actually had to do the work Love this

[@albertocarnevali9222]

Steve Gadd the greatest of all time

[@79SteelyMatt]

In my personal top 10 drummers all time

[@johnnychua6738]

Temple of the RHYTHM GOD!! 3 giant pillars of rhythm. Wish I could have the good fortune to see 'em live together.😢Sigh... only managed to see Mr odd time Vinnie thrice, Mr cool Gadd once. While they were in Singapore. I assume it must be electrifying to watch.

[@joniherrera3993]

Vinnie Colaiuta is a monster on the drums, of the three he was the one who impressed me the most, what technique and speed, what a way of playing the drums, a true master.

[@maynoldmoreno7888]

Damn!!! Vinnie 🥁🔥🔥🔥

[@jayusher576]

Man its impossible not to fall in to the hole Steve Gadd digs on the kit.. he just eclipses any drumer he faces off with.

[@kylelundblom2267]

While VC and DW are two of the most incredible drummers, Steve Gadd is just simply stunning. Up until the 2:30 mark, it's the kids showing off what they got. At 2:36, it's dad walking onto the scene to show them what it's all about.

[@Tama67163]

This is just totally awesome the guys are just getting it and like people have said on here before but he richest my favorite drummer but these guys here are just loving every minute of it

[@ronalddavidson9265]

Fabulous😊😮

[@tonybmusic1166]

Years ago there was a drum battle between Buddy Rich, Lionel Hampton and Louie Bellson on a Sunday afternoon at Barney Googles in New York. Buddy Rich being the “prince” that he sometimes is, while knocking out this ridiculously fast figure on the bass drum…..yells at Louie: “Louie! One bass drum, one bass drum.”

[@Eddie-hn5hp]

Weckl's Hair IS IN PEAK FORM IN THIS ONE

[@pellepop100]

All three drummers’ hair is on fire. Epic!

[@psyghtseer]

At the around the 3 minute mark things just begin to get progressively more and more impressive and insane like its truly mindblowing to watch as it reaches heights you can barely fathom in rock drum kit appeal lol

[@fp7106]

お三方共、YAMAHAでレギュラーグリップ！貴重な映像ですね。

[@永訣]

しかも当時は三人ともシンバルがジルジャンという。

[@Croco140]

AMAZING !!!!!!!

[@bp-0139]

All technically exceptional, but SG does it for me. His contributions are simpler but the sheer presence of his playing and the controlled brutality of his style steal the show

[@ericboise5968]

This makes me smile

[@SamKoske]

Dave Weckl absolutely mogs here. Both inn terms of skill and musicality, just insane

[@syanhc]

It’s poetry. Still in this showdown - my money was on Weckl.

[@oxouk]

Vinnie with the hand and feet speed, Steve coming of his throne with power and Dave with the dynamics. And the winner for best mullet is…. All jokes aside. Three legends in their element.

[@MrJacobThrall]

I'll never be able to play like any of these guys, obviously. The difference is that with Weckl and Colaiuta, I think "I can't play like that", but with Gadd, I think "I wish I could."

[@snareline]

Vinnie is decades in the future musically and technically. Unbelievable! Awesome display from all 3

[@jamesrabic5380]

I love reading the debates and comments, it’s all personal preference because that’s 3 of top drummers on the planet in no particular order. But when this was recorded chops like this weren’t as common.

[@robertoricci3393]

All of them are living legends but Vinnie's drum sound is the coolest

[@Lehmann108]

I think you need to be a drummer to truly appreciate the listening skills and profound musicality of these three "gods" of drumming.

[@MidwestMiniatureGuy]

Each one playing Yamaha kits, Zildjian Cymbals and Vic Firth Sticks. Each with their own style, yet one amazing showdown. Butt Gadd was like, let me show you deep groove kids. Dang. What great performances from all three though.

[@karmicprophecy4008]

Vinnie: a drum PhD drummers’ drummer Gadd: a bassists dream drummer Weckl: a poet’s drummer

[@Project6.3]

I remeber first time seeing this video 13 years ago I went and got a pair of weckl signature sticks 😂

[@james-p]

As a bass player (we spend an awful lot of time listening to drummers), I gotta go with Gadd. Man, that dude lays down a pocket that's a mile wide. Of course, I'd kill to play with any one of them. I couldn't argue with anybody who picks another as their favorite.

[@mwroberts]

Clearly, Steve Gadd would be the winner! He is an absolute master who knocks it out of the theater and down six blocks.

[@t3hgir]

I watched this entire video in a guitar lesson once. Didn't talk about guitar at all.

[@abidababida7096]

All 3 are top notch drummers but Dave Weckl in my opinion is just about the best drummer i’ve ever heard. I started playing at 9 and Bonham was like God to me. I wish i had heard of Weckl earlier when i was still learning… maybe i’d be famous instead of a retired auto painter lol

[@dannycostello3129]

3 geniuses, my lord.

[@drumbar3790]

First comment! THE video that inspired me a lot since I first started learning drums! In different times of the journey I love different one of the three drum masters, currently everything about Steve Gadd!! XD

[@divad111352]

Steve Gadd is the bomb!

[@oneofmany1087]

Steve Gadd love his style and him having the early roots of Chuck Mangione, friends and love concert. then there is Vinnie really love him also and can respect his days with THE late Great Jeff Beck. my 2 picks

[@KenLongTortoise]

Gadd's kick drum sounds like Daddy's home kids

[@harrisonrickit1308]

Simply the best

[@johnbuell8035]

The year of the mullett

[@sixstarhorizon295]

This gets reposted a lot but I'm honestly okay with it

[@marcodiabolo5664]

i play with Dawe Weckl signature, but the groove ... tks Steeve Gadd

[@Sticks922]

All 3 or some badass drummers period

[@jamesrussell5709]

Three engines, Gadd's the V8, Weckl's the supercharged straight 6, & Coliutta's the V12.

[@streetsmartdrumming9567]

Vinnie !!! 🔥🔥🔥 Endless vision chops !!!

[@MisanthropicAngler]

Important lesson in this video that you need not even pick up sticks to practice.

[@wmrustycox]

They are all the top of the game... but for my money.. you cannot beat Steve Gadd !!!

[@irie3yed]

Weckl is my favourite drummer’s favourite drummer

[@absolutebeginnerguitarless367]

Wow!!!!

[@rudyamisano4626]

Non è storia guaglioooo'...GADD è Dio. Solo il primo boom della cassa , vale tutto. Gli altri spariscono. S.G. 🌌🏅🎖️

[@GTTg-kr2xh]

Steve stood out to me. Dave and VInnie were tied -- I don't know. They all a great. That cowbell added that funk on top of simple fills. There was space and breathing room in Steve's playing.

[@bromasi]

Steve #1

[@bromasi]

Steve has more soul.

[@bradwindhorst7010]

Damn Emu & Doug keep butting in on my listening experience. Cool drum battle though.

[@radiationraven]

What is Steve Gadd’s favorite time signature? Space-time. He shows us how to tear it here….

[@brotherdaryll1399]

My vibes are with my dude Steve Gadd...

[@terryscott8084]

WOW!!!

[@yago23s17]

Does technique get much better than this? I'm not a drummer but I know these guys are some of the best.

[@KMAN8599]

Weckl is the standout of the trio

[@Lando103]

To me, Gadd always had a “marching parade regiment” type of drumming. Heavy hits and percussion/cowbell.