Simon Phillips Breaks Down The Double Bass Shuffle ("Space Boogie")

[@DrumeoOfficial]

This is a sneak peek of Simon's FULL course dropping inside Drumeo. Click here to test drive a Drumeo Membership completely FREE: drumeo.com/7-day-trial/

[@pitoraaijmaakers9733]

when will this be out?

[@deantalbotdrums]

This for me is full circle! About 35 years ago (1986 or 87), I saw Simon at a Zildjian drum clinic in Windsor, England. During questions, I asked him if he could show us how to play Space Boogie. He said “later” and moved on with the questions. It was a stupid question because he was following a schedule and if I’d thought about it I’d have realised he wouldn’t have time. I picked it up in the end, but this video, 35 years later, brings me back full circle. Simon said later. It just turned out to be 35 years later, but he answered the question! Cheers Simon!

[@sivispacemparabellum6923]

😂😂😂😂 *So Simon Phillips wasn't lying, You should have asked him later when he said which Year and which Century* 😂😂😂😂

[@agumonkey]

he was on a 36 year time signature

[@sivispacemparabellum6923]

@@agumonkey 😂😂😂😂👍👍

[@brianjezuit4085]

YourZ iZ one of the most sincere and relevant comments that I've ever read 🥁

[@kiloWrldisYourz]

Na he was just an ass

[@MrTwister3356]

Simply awesome....this video should be on every drummer's watch list.

[@EmersonCapuano]

Sure I' m doing that. What a amazing lesson and song

[@Tako-6478]

It is 😆

[@hermanstokbrood]

Not only his drum playing is unique so is his sound.

[@EmersonCapuano]

I totally agree with you. What a nicest sound.

[@pancrasio08]

You're right. Simon have and amazing and his own sound

[@stanislouse4168]

It is because he plays with FINESSE!

[@chrisrva710]

For real. Sounds exactly like Join Together 1989.

[@lostinspace699]

Apparently Simon can play the drums ,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@n_i_nx1743]

Phenomenal. Simon is truly a drum god, period.

[@davidsuprenant893]

The man is a master of the trade,just INCREDIBLE.,and may I add his drums are tunned to pure perfection. Always the best.

[@nelsono4315]

have seen Simon numerous times. Clearly one of the best drummers on the planet

[@tictocbang7443]

Everything he plays sounds like a song unto itself. My favorite rock drummer since he was in 801.

[@1matrix9]

Well said; 801 LIve is among the most underrated recordings of our time.

[@rodzilla47]

I've had the "801 Live" album since it came out in 76. Simon's playing on "East of Asteroid still gives me chills! kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXikaWx7m7Zjhsk

[@Lektronimo]

Funny, I remember hearing some drummer on different tracks from different bands back in the day, didn't know who he was, Judas Priest, 801, Heaven 17, Gary Moore, very distinctive tight feel, every time I heard him I was like "there goes that freakin' guy again, who the f+ck is this guy!?!" lol Loved his playing then & still do!

[@KONAMAN100]

Wow. What a treat to see this. I bought this album in 1982, I remember playing it in my Uni digs at full volume, air drumming, with my bulky hifi and being blown away with this track. Today he plays it like this, not even breaking sweat. One of The great and iconic drum tracks, no question.

[@jametz66]

Space Boogie .... a true mind-boggler, and an absolute epic fusion piece! That entire There & Back album is fantastic!

[@mikehersh6192]

A quality live album from 1980 would be fantastic 🎸🎸🎶🎶

[@edwinbrighty5678]

Check out the version of space boogie at Jeff Becks live show at Ronnie Scotts. It's vinnie on drums and the whole band kill it

[@jametz66]

@@edwinbrighty5678 .....seen that,great but they do it way too fast....for me!

[@frankmeenzen787]

@@edwinbrighty5678 Yupp! Do you know Space Martini from Derek Sherinian on his album Planet X with Virgil Donati on drums?

[@humbledrummer777]

A great album for sure, one of the best!

[@beekay5914]

I met him when he was with The Who, they came into our restaurant, and after dinner, he came to the empty bar and sat and talked with us for a little while. Super nice, down to earth guy, and a hell of a drummer.

[@vinceventresca6763]

I’m a major WHO fan who saw them for the first time during the 1989 tour when they came to Philly (I was 8 when Moon died, and 12 when they first ended with the 1982 tour, so I’m a little late to the game), so I say this with the widest smile: You were one lucky SOB to meet them, even briefly, and later chat with Simon!!!

[@robertmarcarian163]

Can't believe I heard this tune 44 years ago & it is still one of my greatest challenges to play like Simon! Thanks so much for being one of my favorite inspirational players that's kept me playing!

[@robertlambert1447]

Genius. Simon is on a whole new level…always has been.

[@stanislouse4168]

Yeah, he was always doin' wild shit.

[@michaeltalley5826]

Classic Simon Phillips - playing and kit sound is great! I like that in current trend of small configuration and drum size kits, he goes against the norm and plays what he feels comfortable with.

[@erikziak1249]

Wow. Finally the YT algorithm provided something really interesting, deep and well presented. Being just an amateur and not played on the drums for years, I still can appreciate this, love this and be really happy to have had the privilege of seeing this as well as understanding what was being told. Truly a marvelous world in the 21st century, with all this technology we have and wonderful persons, who share their knowledge and skill with the rest of the world. Thank you. I remain dazzled by this wonderful experience. Best wishes to all the good people on this pale blue dot we call home.

[@jpcolindesign517]

That drum intro is one of my favorite drum intros of all-time. Simon Phillips is a stone master musician. Everyone who does ANYTHING in the arts should watch this video! Thanks!

[@noworriesimfijian]

He makes it seem so effortless. Love his open handed matched grill style. Sounds and looks great. I can listen to something and automatically tell it’s him, he just has such a unique sound and feel. The other day a friend of mine was playing some Mike Oldfield and I said I’ll bet you that’s Simon Phillips on drums…sure enough it was.

[@stevewilcock4767]

Simon set the standard with Space Boogie.What a tune! Blessings.

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

"Fast" shuffle is something of an understatement! This beat is the sort of thing that I find more interesting on an intellectual level than to listen to. But to watch it executed by one of the absolute masters of the instrument is fascinating.

[@stevek6077]

The whole time I was thinking, "Damn, this dude is incredible...shame this song sounds like shit."

[@drummrpdx]

Yeah he's a good drummer for sure, but this idea is a little weird. Sounds better at a slower tempo, so you can really hear what's going on.

[@woody4269]

Gotta agree with u ✌️

[@djabthrash]

Same. Seems incredibly difficult to play, but sounds horrendous to listen to.

[@mancuniancandidatem]

@@stevek6077 It is better to judge the original Jeff Beck version that Simon played on 42 years ago. This version has been re-recorded, probably for copyright reasons. No disrespect to the guitarist on this recording but Jeff Beck is impossible to replicate and this version seems a little disjointed. The original is a faster tempo and the transitions seem to make more sense on the original. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5uaqoVmgdqVrrs

[@reggtop]

ONE OF THE THE MOST UNIQUE AND INSPIRING DRUMMERS OF ALL TIME. ALSO A GENTLEMAN'S GENTLEMAN. MET HIM ON MANY OCCASIONS AND HIS VIBE IS BOTH INSPIRING AND LOVING. THANK YOU SIMON FOR ALL YOU CONTINUE TO DO.

[@MrFg1980]

There And Back changed my life. Seeing Simon play this at the Plattsburg State Fieldhouse when Jeff Beck was touring this album in 1980 scarred me too. It was nothing but Simon Phillips for the next 10 years, even my kit ended up being a big double bass set of TAMA's with the larger sizes similar to his in the mid '80's. Huge influence, thank you so much Simon.

[@joeyandrews5970]

One of my favorite and most musical drummers out there!

[@dwdrum11]

Absolute master at work, his sound engineering skills are as good as his playing. Pure joy to watch and listen too. Met him once and spent a couple hours with him, he’s genuinely as nice in person as he comes across on here.

[@prestonw.coleman4990]

This is the absolute first time In ever seen him "actually play" Space Boogie which is one of my most favorite rock songs that I've ever heard, I teared up, and cried. I heard it on a cassette that a friend had who worked at DC 101 on Connecticut Ave in DC. We were in his car and he said "hey check this one out", had nothing on it but J.B and Simon. I thought I was hearing some guy whipping the drums with a drum synth filling in... "WRONNNG". About 8 months later I heard on radio, and screamed "oohhh shit, that's it"!!! And have always loved it like the first time. Thank you for posting it, and thank you Simon Phillips for being on Earth at the right time. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 !!!

[@JoaquinCorreaDrums]

I love he never tried to break speed records with his double bass playing. He plays up to that speed where you can still discern what the actual beat is, then that creates a sort of train like energy. It's great. Plus the sound he gets from his bass drums is just something else.

[@JohnSmith-oe5kx]

I have been overdosing lately on the Hiromi Trio Project; three wizards of their respective instruments. Mr. Phillips's drumming on those albums is absolutely phenomenal.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

SO good!

[@agc6490]

I feel u

[@rodzilla47]

I saw the Trio Project live twice. I sat in the front row for one of them and the energy on stage was amazing. Unlike anything I had ever experienced at a concert!

[@jomo167]

HIROMI IS SO GOOD

[@joealessandro4498]

I have 6 of her records on my phone lol.

[@scootpittmantv]

So incredible as usual. Since the 70’s for me. Saw Billy Cobham Band at The Agora Ballroom in Atlanta in 1978 with my drum bud Jimmy Bridges.

[@musikman9103]

Wow - I'm breathless! It's great to see Simon actually playing this, which is one of my all-time favorite Jeff Beck songs. What I find staggering is that Simon was only 22 when he co-composed and recorded the original track! He must have four brains - one for each limb! 😂

[@flightlessbird2281]

I love the drums so much in this song, basically they steal the show. There and Back is one of the greatest pieces of art in human history. God bless.

[@leokimvideo]

I love it when the masters explain their craft. Simon is definitely fantastic at expressing difficult drumming concepts in a way that easy to understand

[@TechGently]

Phil Ehart of Kansas (Drummer) said he attended a Simon Philips Drum Clinic and gave him a standing Ovation, he was brilliant. That's saying a lot for Phil, the guy is so laid back, nothing phases him, but Simon did.

[@DrLexus-dq2wp]

Beastmode enabled. Watched this at least 5 times in a row and still can't pick up my jaw from the ground. Absolutely incredible!

[@thecalculator1000]

This mans craft is truly beautiful. A privilege to see him play. Thank you.

[@LukeBass1000]

What an absolute machine. Not sure putting the shuffle in 7 would be my go to move but certainly an interesting concept!

[@yuggothproductions]

You mean 11/8?

[@weschilton]

This is so awesome! I remember buying this record in 1980 and being blown away by the drumming. I really had no idea who Simon was back then, but I spent so much time trying to learn to play Space Boogie but could never figure out how to relax like he does. Its such a workout of a tune... and he still makes it look so easy!

[@EmersonCapuano]

Simon Phillips: "Oh, that's what's going on" Me: " Drums kit for sale"

[@Metragnome_Images]

By far the best drummer I've seen in my lifetime... sensational.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

Lol. you haven't seen many drummers then. Thomas lang beats Simon just with his feet

[@Metragnome_Images]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 not everything is about speed.... Thomas is an amazing drummer.... but Simon has it all.... the most musical drummer of our time.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@Metragnome_Images Lol. Thomas isn't a death metal drummer so I've no idea why you automatically bring speed into this. My point is his skill, doofus. His limb independence blows most other drummers out of the water. He can use his feet for polymath polyrhythms in ways most drummers can't even use their hands.

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

@@Metragnome_Images Speed isn't the point here. Skill is. Let's see Phillips play a minute of this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5KpgYtqlpmHp5I

[@Metragnome_Images]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 Show me where I said death metal???? I've seen Thomas Lang on KZbin and I'm not disputing his prowess... my personal opinion is Simon is more the most musical drummer on the planet... you think Thomas is the best... that's fine.... accept that other people have different opinions and move on.

[@snod815]

By far my favorite drum track of all time!

[@catkeys6911]

This is my all time favorite Jeff Beck song- entirely because of Phillips' beat. I saw him when he gave a drummer's symposium and demo on Long Island, years ago. He was so outgoing and friendly, answering questions. One of those questions was "just what are you doing on that Beck song- and he slowed it down, explained it, and showed us - pretty much the way he's done on this video. Very congenial guy, a real sweetheart.

[@shantanunathan]

This is one of my absolute favourite fusion albums!

[@buzzfunk]

Man I’ve watched this dude since Super Drumming was on TV in the 80s. Always so inspiring. Such a humble brilliant musician.

[@brookehornback1896]

Wow! He didn't waste any time ,went right in to it.Right on!!

[@nickshortie]

You are my Idol and have been for over 25 years! Thanks and keep it up Simon! Cheers!

[@KONAMAN100]

He just kept that bass drum thing up like it was nothing. Phenomenal performance. A true drummers classic track.

[@raffaeletotaro5816]

WOW. Il signor Simon si augura che ci sia piaciuto il video, come posso fargli comprendere che ho ascoltato il video in apnea per non perdere nemmeno un colpo. Sempre fantastico.

[@carlosclerigadrums]

The control , the sound, the groove, AWESOME!! Always inspiring Mr. Phillips!

[@Babadgy]

My favorite drummer of all times! Simon wrote (played) patterns for Groove Agent!

[@petervanhooke]

amazing...the finest musician to come out of the uk....unbelievable talent...

[@kushking420]

Simon you really make "Sin after sin" sound so unique, i know it's an old album but it's a great one

[@sarojaband4664]

Sin After Sin is a blueprint for Metal drumming. The slow middle section in SINNER has amazing drumming over the gtr solos, especially in the Remastered version.

[@ianpodmore9666]

Don't know a lot about drumming, but I agree. Love the drumming on Sin after Sin.

[@tobbebergman7583]

Another Gold nugget from a truly legendary drummer ! Thanks !

[@nram3930]

One of my all time favorite drummers.

[@usmanvaliante]

I have waited 42 years to see Simon Phillips play this song. Awesome video!

[@timothydillow3160]

Most underrated drummer ever. His playing on 801 live is immaculate.

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Underrated? He is revered and respected as a drummer and sound engineer.

[@jeffprice6565]

Wow. Thanks Simon. Amazing.

[@NZMateus]

Simon Phillips has the power of making everything look so easy, like I could just sit in my drum throne and play these patterns effortlessly.

[@guidoamezaga3049]

Increíble lo que toca y la paz que tiene en cada ejecución en la batería. Inspiración pura!!!

[@tlkshowhst]

Amazing. Love hearing his philosophy and experiences too.

[@auburnfan1985]

Amazing! This must be the core/root of Alex VH’s Hot for Teacher shuffle. This is played expertly!

[@Danfromoverthere]

It’s just incredible to watch Simon man!

[@stevenausten9935]

So good to see a master still plying his craft, outstanding 👍👍👍👍

[@nickantoniades2328]

He is no doubt one of the best out there. Not only can play open left handed, he play any way. For a small guy he must be incredibly strong and fit. For all you nostalgists out there, listen to Simon playing on Mike Rutherford’s ‘smallcreeps day’. A brilliant brilliant album all round.

[@kevinmorrison1553]

Pleased to see you, a drummer I’ve admired for decades, plays that shuffle the same way I do (from trial n error listening to Pat Travers Band)..also the foot toe technique with lightweight flats footwear! Merrell Barefoot Trail Runners are my go-to. Hope to see you live someday!

[@Espo97734]

Just thinking about the independence needed to play this is breaking my brain. The cymbal being swung and the snare being regular triplets doesn't seem that hard when you break it down like he does here, but if i try to play this I bet i'll just start playing swing on both hands

[@FusionHowie]

I love Simon with all my drumming heart!

[@BassistPaul]

I remember playing this (loudly) in my Triumph Vitesse back in 1980. "There And Back" was breathtaking then and now.

[@mattesrockt8054]

This Man is over 60Years!!!! And he have power at the 20th. Finest Genius 🎵🥁

[@terrencethomas7627]

His playing with Judas Priest on Sin after Sin floored me when I was a kid. He was 19 or 20 at the time.

[@dennisobrien2578]

Simon you never cease to amaze!

[@EmersonCapuano]

Man... what a sound. Amazing.

[@searching4answers79]

Simon Phillips, You Are Amazing!

[@Cleve_Crudgington]

I've not heard much Jeff Beck and wasn't familiar with this song till now. Simon played on a Derek Sherinian song called Phantom Shuffle which I'm now realising is possibly a tribute to this song. It has a similar vibe and Simon plays the same double bass shuffle.

[@yuggothproductions]

What a beast! I remember first hearing Billy’s double bass!

[@KKMcK1]

Given the opportunity, Simon is the only drummer I want for my own music! He's pure creative genius. Right up there with Bonham and Moon!!!

[@sprinklesthedrummer9731]

Alex Van Halen, used the double bass shuffle all the time, as well. It grooves so good!

[@stanislouse4168]

But Alex has nowhere the feel of Simon.

[@sprinklesthedrummer9731]

@@stanislouse4168 Two completely different drummers, yes. Simon has nowhere near the power, rock attitude that Alex has, though.

[@brianallen8091]

@@vegaslimoguy2376 I guess you’ve never listened to AVH play, other than the radio cuts. Alex smoked. One of the best, and like Phillips, Powell, Binks & Phil Taylor-one of the first to crush fast doubles before the thrash guys made it popular & mandatory amongst the metal drummers.

[@jamescampbell4334]

AVH went caveman DBS on Hot for Teacher. 👍

[@sprinklesthedrummer9731]

@@brianallen8091 Yeah....I'm a Percussion Instructor who's never heard Outta Love Again.... Think twice before you comment next round. AVH, is easily in my top 5.

[@spencerj]

Simon Phillips is a beast, dang

[@keepthemetalflowing]

So, me being into all kinds of extreme metal, I LOVE and DIG Simon's natural tone on his drums (especially the much-maligned and often abused kick drums). Simon has always been one of my favorite drummers. I still remember reading the Modern Drummer from around '95 when he took over in Toto after Jeff Porcaro passed a few years before. He was very gracious and humble and even said he had big shoes to fill (in Jeff's stead) as Jeff was such a monster player himself. I am a metalhead through and through but for all you metal drummers out there: STOP relying on triggers (especially on the kicks) and learn to tune and play your drums well WITHOUT the benefit of electronics. I'm a huge fan of John Longstreth of Origin and George Kollias of Nile but when I hear their kicks in the mix, though the speeds and patterns are astounding, it almost sounds like a typewriter. Bass/kick drums are THE most abused drums of rock/pop/ and especially metal and underground extreme metal. Almost none of what you hear are actually acoustic drums anymore (or acoustic kick drums). They are pre-mixed samples. And no, I do not think it is cheating but even in extreme metal, you can have dynamics on your kit as a whole and your kicks. Hearing Simon's kit is a breath of fresh air. Down with electronic augmentation and samples and learn how to tune your drums, buy good heads and play around with various means of focusing the sound out of the kick(s).

[@MEGAMIGA]

You are absolutely right!

[@mattbarker1411]

The entire trigger argument is so tired. You're a metal head. In a live setting triggers are essentially necessary considering all of the big name extreme acts are playing over 250 BPM for an hour at a time. Yes they can do it, but it's not necessary and sounds SOOOOOOO MUCH WORSE.

[@keepthemetalflowing]

@@mattbarker1411 not following your argument. It's a personal preference for me. I understand why drummers use them, and why sound guys prefer them. I prefer a more natural tone to all my drums. Hence why most of us still listen to 30-plus-year-old recordings.

[@hazardeur]

you don't know what you're talking about. triggers are necessary for stuff like Nile and Origin. Without triggered kicks, the whole mix would be a big pile of mush and you couldn't hear shit. Around 200 to maybe max 220 bpm is the threshold where you need to trigger. if not for aforementioned reason then because almost nobody can actually play with enough power at that speed, which is necessary in a metal setting. and for that power you need leg motion, not ankles. sure, you can mic the hell out of the kit and maybe make it work with ankle technique but it won't sound as powerful and i rather have a sampled strong kick than a natural weak one from the ankles. there are a handful of players that can play up to 220 with leg motion power and it's a hell of a thing to do, especially for a whole set of that stuff. it's a beautiful thing to hear but it is just too rare. I do agree that a natural kick played at high speed is a great thing and I much prefer it over the hyperfast triggered stuff but, as said, there is a limit and beyond that limit, triggers are simply a necessity. for a very good example of 180-200bpm natural kicks, check out Sean Reinert's 90's live vids with death. Crappy cam sound and you can still hear the power, it's insane. For me, this is the best kind of speed for intense metal while keeping things untriggered. after that, you need to do it.

[@keepthemetalflowing]

@@hazardeur and this was about drum tone, not drummers. I know triggers make it easier. If you would've read my comm by fully you'd have seen that. I don't care for the unnatural and the pre eqed tone of triggers. Period.

[@stratdx]

So relaxed. Great four-way independence

[@twwtb]

An all time favorite of mine. Now I know why!

[@Brandon-mf5uh]

Blake Richardson does a great double bass swing in the song Voice of Trespass. Great vid as always.

[@drummerdan95]

Such an underrated type of groove these days

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

still playing it perfect!!!! Mr. Phillips, you are great ;-))

[@wowmanhaha]

Thank you Mr Phillips!

[@toucomachicheier9790]

Simon Phillips plays that shuffle too on Bernie Marsden's "Head the ball", and it's absolutely mindblowing!!!

[@AdvancedLiving]

On top of everything - he was around 19/20 when he recorded Space Boogie.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Crazy...

[@chris6442]

He was 23, so really old 😂

[@malcolmpalm]

Simon is a monster, of mythic proportions.

[@ikigomez1407]

"Space Boogie" is that song that every time you hear, you feel and notice new things.

[@wilberburroughs3133]

In my top 5 has always inspired me no end ! Thanx great video

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Cheers!

[@wilberburroughs3133]

If given the chance please ask Simon if he lived in Palma de Mallorce as a kid

[@ljcaballero3428]

Great job Simon. Thank you for breakdown.

[@marcuzzo65]

30 minutes of applause! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@48mastadon]

I'm exhausted just watching you play this insanity song.

[@RichSkyWorld]

Thanks for sharing! Love the new backing track version also!

[@williamshaffer5600]

Alex Van Halen heard that Billy Cobham song and used it for Hot For Teacher. Such a cool shuffle!

[@vaneipontes3824]

Mr. Phillips Simply Monster On Drums 🔥💪👊🤘

[@planetphips]

Amazing and knowing that he is actually a right hand player... also he has time to fix his headset at 7:08 ... a PRO

[@annwalker451]

Having Cobham as a blueprint, you cannot go wrong . Alphonse Mouzon was doing some great fusion drumming at the same period as Billy 👍

[@andrewboettcher9853]

Nobody shuffles like Simon. Period.

[@Stefano_iannuzzi]

Simon Philips The Best :)

[@JonnyJayJonson]

Simon is just such an outstanding musician. Double bass drum shuffles are terrific; I think Carmine Appice was the first to play one on a recording, namely the Cactus tune 'Parchment Farm' in 1970... I wonder if this inspired Billy Cobham for 'Quadrant 4'? Then again, perhaps they were both inspired by the innovator of double bass drumming, Louie Bellson. 'Space Boogie' was co-written by Simon and Tony Hymas, for Jeff Beck's 'There and Back' album (they co-wrote almost half the album in fact). It's certainly a tribute to Cobham's 'Quadrant 4', dare I said it borders on plagiarism...! Don Airey wrote a similar tune called 'Killer', which appeared on Cozy Powell's 1979 album 'Over The Top'. Cozy plays a mean double bass shuffle there, accompanied by Jack Bruce on bass guitar. (Tony Hymas played in Jack's late 1970s band too).

[@funkybassguy68]

God mode drumming right there!! 😮

[@humbledrummer777]

Truly Herculean and one of the greatest drum recordings of all time. How can he sustain that energy for that long? I was worn out after like 8 measures.

[@kornofilo]

Duuuuuuuuude at first I was like that sounds kinda simple. Then after the breakdown I was like no way I can ever play that. What a monster.