Stephen Perkins & Tim Alexander at Guitar Center 26th Annual Drum-Off

Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction and Tim Alexander of Primus featuring Joshua Ray on guitar and Tony Franklin on bass perform their rendition of "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson at our 26th Annual Drum-Off Finals that took place on January 17th, 2015 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. For more info on Guitar Center Drum-Off visit drumoff.guitarc... and to check out more GC Drum-Off Videos go to • Guitar Center's Drum-Off

[@skittl3z2311]

Tim is such a monster he doesn't need to be flashy or anything. As long as Tim alexander is playing behind the kit, hes killing it

[@theDuctapeUnion]

Oich

[@StarDogg27]

Tim is easily one of the greatest drummers of all time.

[@michaelhennick7836]

Not really a “drum-off” because they are working together and playing off of eachother for the good of the music. Loved it ❤️

[@chinookpro]

IMO Herb is unmatchable.

[@Lycurgus1982]

He is one of the best in the world. You can say this comfortably.

[@bedge8601]

Primus sucks!

[@timm1356]

What happened here was two incredible/ different players LISTENING and playing off each other beautifully.

[@IHaveTheSchwartz]

Tim all day...even while having a heart attack.

[@grandtheftautocj]

L Schwartz He actually suffered from two heart attacks, and still plays like the drum master that he is. Tim "Herb" Alexander, the ginseng drummer.

[@counterfeitmistress7140]

All I hear is blah blah BLAH.

[@davehaller6477]

Ok Tim and Stephen on the same stage.... That is just awesome.

[@666finnegan]

Tim Alexander is the reason I fell in love with the piccolo snare.

[@kevinn.5066]

Same!

[@OlliGarch]

Two of my favorite drummers and I love King Crimson too. Win win win.

[@pumpkin1982]

They are both incredible drummers. Stephen has the spazzed out tribal feel and Tim is a thundering tidal wave. What a treat to see two of my favorite drummers play together. They’re contemporaries. More into Primus than I was into janes but they sound so good. Love these guys.

[@xDrawingDead]

I was gonna say they compliment each other so well. So different style wise, but that makes them all the lore beautiful when together

[@HeckTo]

Perking is playing what’s most important, he keeps the vibe, the pulse. That’s the way he plays drums.

[@lucasjohnston8159]

😂😂😂

[@minceorbeminced9885]

the way tim plays those toms is badass. love how deep and fat they sound

[@drewper73]

I don't see it as one being better than the other, at least not in this performance. I see them as playing together like Bill Bruford and Pat Mastelotto of mid 90's King Crimson. For example, during the jam section in 6/8 or what have you, Perkins is obviously playing the busy part and Herb, like a seasoned pro that he is, knows that when it comes to double drumming you need to do the opposite of what the other drummer is doing. So Herb is playing with a lot of space between the notes as opposed to Perkins. I didn't realize Herb had suffered a heart attack and recovered in time for this performance. I've been a Jane's Addiction fan since 1989 and I've seen them 3 times. Perkins always plays with energy. The music takes hold of him. And Tim Alexander is always subdued, although you wouldn't know it to listen to any of Primus' albums.

[@andrepereira744]

Thank god,someone understand what happen in these video

[@danieldell6164]

Tims kit sounds amazing, so deep!

[@sachikojt]

I just had my first Skype drum lesson with Tim yesterday, mentioned this footage. Feeling invigorated & grateful....(+holy shit that really happened) :)

[@haamurabaigreyhome4713]

He's still doing that? I had a couple of lessons back around April of 2012. I was excited to show him my newly-aquired 22" Zildjian Impulse ride (the very same Herb's been using since the 80's) but there was an issue with Skype where I could see him but he couldn't see me. Happened both times. I'm running on dodgy Australian net, see. Good times.

[@sachikojt]

Good times for sure! Did you catch any of the Big Day Out fest dates or The Metro show in 2014?? Please send him good vibes to the man and his family because he recently suffered another heart attack.

[@haamurabaigreyhome4713]

Saw them at Melbourne Big Day Out 2014. And I heard about his second heart attack. No good. Might be a genetic thing becasue I always thought he was fit & Superman-like on the kit.

[@yeahman2767]

wow im a guitar player and thought of paying just to talk to him for a lil bit lol that must have been awesome!!!!

[@sachikojt]

Do it! You might convert to drums...;)

[@BrianMcGilvray01]

I'm a big Tim Alexander fan but I got a double bonus. I wasn't expecting The Fretless Monster too!

[@carlosvera9169]

Desde México viva TIM ALEXANDER!! 😎💪

[@seriousbismuth2173]

Tim's cool demeanor throughout is what makes him a legend. He's just having fun and watching Perkins sweat his ever loving balls off. I like Perkins but really he could've dialed it back for Herbs turn a bit. Made him seem a bit douchey, especially since this is RIGHT after Tim's heart attack and needed to take it a bit easy.

[@Jeremija0303]

ffs its a drumoff not a fucking daisy picking contest for overly politically correct people

[@seriousbismuth2173]

Jesus man. I wasn't starting some argument to take the piss out of the guy. What crawled up your ass? Did you actually think it that important to comment on some random guys KZbin comment? I still think it was a great *Show* . Kind of juvenile to have a "Drum Off" with a guy who was just recovering from a heart attack anyway plus it's a Guitar Center sponsored event so who cares?

[@christophcarle]

Well said! But anyway, who cares about some guy named "Perkins"? Never heard his name before + Tim kicks his balls. End.

[@theDuctapeUnion]

Wasn't a competition

[@guitarcenter]

Stephen Perkins​ of Jane's Addiction and Tim Alexander​ of Primus featuring Joshua Ray on guitar and Tony Franklin​ on bass perform their rendition of "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson​ at our 26th Annual #DrumOff Finals:

[@D4N]

Chris Cannard

[@kristybenefield2455]

I'M ALREADY THERE. . RITE ON! !

[@jenniferhowei1385]

very good video .love the music

[@Ferklaus]

two of my favs drumer !!!!! playing Crimson woow !!!

[@benjamincabreana5224]

I'm a fan of Stephen Perkins, I think he's solid. With that being said, I think when it was herbs turn to sort of shine a little bit, Stephen should have phased out just a tad.. Maybe sort of a harsh opinion, but great that they got to play some KC. Stoked about this!

[@danielbartholomew1891]

+benjamin cabreana more than just a tad... Perkins was pretty much obnoxious here.

[@paulcussion12]

I like Stephen's commitment but in this video he's more or less the butcher from around the corner while Tim is the Chef in a 5-Star restaurant.

[@AWAKE6969]

Stephen Perkins is great but doesn't seem to understand how to play with another drummer. Herb "Tim Alexander" displayed class and control. love them both but Tim's my boy.

[@jimbodavis1944]

@@paulcussion12 You nailed it, metaphorically.

[@jimbodavis1944]

Whenever I do drum duos, I feel like Tim must have felt here. Haha… Surfing on a hurricane.

[@scotts8929]

Both are Excellent! In the early 90s Primus opened for Jane's on back to back nights in SJ and SF...the first act was Pixies...such amazing shows!

[@kevinn.5066]

How have I not known about this video until now? How!!!? I first saw Stephen when Jane’s played at John Anson Ford Theater in ‘89. They played seven nights, I was there for five of them, the last night backstage. The first night I watched him more intently than I had ever watched a drummer before that, and the whole time I kept asking myself where the other drummer was. Was he backstage? Was there a drum track being played? Did Stephen have six arms? It was an incredible performance. I was floored by what I had witnessed. Watching him from backstage gave me an even greater appreciation for his talent. I was simply blown away. My cousin was friends with Stephen and I had the immense pleasure of hanging out with him months later at my apartment. He brought a cassette of the rough mixes of a few of the songs from Ritual. That was really cool! What was even cooler is I was recording some of my cousins demo songs and he got Stephen to play drums (in my drum kit!), on a few of the songs. Those sessions were incredible and and some of the best times in my life. Okay, so flash forward to ‘91 when I listened to Frizzle Fry for the first time and my brain melted inside my skull and dripped out of my ears. It was the most amazing experience I think I may have ever had listening to a record for the first time. Better than Bonham and better than Perkins! I knew he was the drummer I most wanted to emulate. This was a real treat, watching this video! I know I will watch many more times, so thank you for uploading it.

[@tobiashoyden2644]

2 fantastic drummers Man, I've seen them both live. These two, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, and Jean Paul of Clutch All worthy skinners

[@calosalbertoverasalazar8512]

chingones, en especial soy admirador de herb, para mi gusto uno de los mejores bateristas del mundo.

[@grandtheftautocj]

Calos Alberto Vera Salazar Una leyenda de la batería.

[@jaredhoidal429]

Herb!!!

[@plisskin91]

Perkins All Day

[@victordorantes722]

Herb and Stephen Perkins...Never imagined how great it could be.

[@jeremycottrell1382]

Stephen Perkins is on another planet. He killed it! Made Tim look like he was just sitting there.

[@jeffcohlman]

Perkins is workin for it and tims setup looks hella comfortable.

[@adityatyagi4009]

Guess who ultimately wins in this performance? You, the listener and viewer!

[@atravelerofbothtimespace4172]

Steph and Tim murdered this track ....flawless performance

[@Allison_Chaynes]

Stephen Perkins on the first PORNO FOR PYROS album is some of the best writing ever.

[@reakwondachef6828]

king crimson

[@brentdemty6859]

Glad I can across this

[@spookypunky]

AWESOME. Thank you!!

[@jamisbillson4872]

Two of my fav outer ever drummers...Porno for Pyros is the best musical drumming I have ever heard. SP is pure art.

[@garse70]

SP looking at Tim wondering “How is he playing this song without sweating?” SP so good though. Just great feel for what’s needed.

[@code23hyper44]

Imagine having to battle Tim... the fear is real

[@kalbi]

I went with friends to see Primus play at University of Maryland in the mid 90's, and during the show someone threw a shoe and it hit Tim. Les stopped the show and said that whoever threw that shoe is a complete A-Hole. The crowd erupted and they continued to rock. It was epic.

[@federalmogul3092]

So good 🥁🎼 Herb

[@finbah5706]

Two of my favorite bands. Stephen Perkins with the W.

[@crushingthevector5837]

Fantastic

[@augsdoggs]

While it’s natural to compare the styles, techniques and abilities of two extremely capable players, especially at an event billed as a “drum off”, these two amazing rock drummers are both legends with mutual respect for each other. Everyone saying that Perkins was being disrespectful or overplaying were doing more watching than listening. Anyone saying “whoever this other guy is” regarding Perkins, is only exposing yourself as being very embarrassingly uninformed. Most importantly, these guys are not battling and they sure as fuck are not improvising. The two drummers arranged this entire performance together and it was rehearsed numerous times with each other and with the rest of the band before any of them woke up that day. If you think otherwise, you definitely are not a musician. Nothing about this indicates that they’re “just jamming” up there. They’re all professionals. Jesus Christ.

[@Harry-et7dc]

dont be snooty, let people have their fun

[@adityatyagi4009]

Of course they rehearsed the overall structure and form of but there most definitely is an element of improvisation in this performance.

[@lazydobo1094]

beautiful

[@Continuum1]

Insane! Thanks for uploading this!

[@phrosda]

tim's kit isn't even amplified for the whole first part of this video.

[@Jellybeantiger]

Brilliant.

[@nibs5821]

Is there a version with just Herb?

[@DavidReese2ndA]

April Wine! I Have this in Vinyl LP? Bought in 1979, getting old?

[@houseshoesbto]

You can tell herb's musical vocabulary is far further along than Perkins. Herb should have had the spotlight.

[@GH-kt5fe]

It would have been nice if perkins would have just laid off the drums.

[@MichaelSartore]

houseshoesbto yeah,...nah... I was just enjoying both of my faves and you gotta go all penis envy juvenile on it. Take a break from the wannabe alpha male porn shit dude. enjoy life. Live and let be.

[@PoSscar]

Tim's setup is so cool! Anyone has the exact config?

[@sachikojt]

+PoSscar www.ginsengdrummer.com/equipment/

[@PoSscar]

+sachikojt cool, tks

[@phiend2248]

This is a super tough call because both are absolutely great in their own way but as a bass player I have to go with Tim, I mean who else could keep up with Less Claypool?

[@blackjack1602]

So cool

[@alloftheabovemusic4758]

Man you guys write bummer comments Stephen is a fucking straight legend. Listen to any janes addiction or porno for pyros track also infectious grooves. BOTH are solid ass drummers of course but discrediting Stephen for just FEELING the music with every muscle in his body is wack man his energy is unmatched.

[@imschleep1309]

Tim’s a god

[@philpetrocelli5191]

What is that, like, piccolo marching snare thing Perkins plays right at the opening of the drum duet/solo part?

[@diamondbrock1638]

And I dont know how a drum off would work if they are both playing at the same time is it the first who messes up or something? I prefer them do a solo then have judges pick who did better which would be tim

[@larrybrown7273]

Stephen Perkins hands down been since late teens'Owns to rights to his bandsname

[@phucket01]

Can we find out who are the 8 assholes who gave it thumbs down??

[@LoganLeBlanc]

Yeah like for real man these drummers practice there wide asses off on doing this

[@phucket01]

+Logan LeBlanc (Frank) lol QuestLove??

[@haamurabaigreyhome4713]

Eight guitarists.

[@malmstring]

Didn't think it had much potential. Just watched it out of curiousity. It was very good I must say!

[@juliovalencia1191]

King crimson a King

[@andym28]

Haha love the groovier middle section.

[@drumskank]

Yeah, just look at Tim's discography vs Perkins. I've seen Herb 3 times live with Primus and the guy is an absolute drum badass. No offense, but Perkins with Jane's Addiction just doesn't compare. Tim is simply better.

[@kellyp9438]

If I were starting a band right now based on this...Tim.

[@skittl3z2311]

wish they had tims tack alone. a lot of his subtleties are covered up by Stephen

[@tripledeluxedday]

What is this Junior HIgh?

[@jcbacongrease]

What is that weird auxiliary snare Perkins is playing?

[@MichaelSartore]

Good God y'all

[@jeffcohlman]

More gongs please.

[@filemakerpro4050]

This was a bad idea intended to make money. Both drummers - no, sorry, Perkins doesn’t seem to have the same level of finesse that Tim has. Nor does he seem to be able to work at any other than the “on” position. Tim just has a way of listening and responding. I’m sure he’s someone anyone would love to play with because of that generosity. Maybe Perkins has it, but I’ve never seen it.

[@adityatyagi4009]

Absolutely spot on comment. I met the virtuoso solo bass artist Michael Manring many years ago and he has played and recorded with Tim. Check out the trio Attention Deficit and Thonk albums. Anyway, I asked him what it was like playing with Tim and MM said that Tim was the best drummer he's ever played with because of his listening abilities. Extremely high praise from someone who is worthy of such high praise as well.

[@diegoeduardodesade2294]

NO AUDIO

[@kryptonite0815]

When you have one Tom to keep your Sticks.....

[@redmint4894]

perkins is next level so putting him with a more standard and subtle performer seems unfair and results in people thinking perk is "showing off". truth is, perk is playing the way perk plays 100% of the time. pure bonham soul. both exceptional drummers with styles that get lost in each other. i know there are some bands that defy the obvious - but drumming for a band is typically a solo game and this video, as cool as it is, showcases why that is the case. it's hard to appreciate either one of these performances because it becomes painfully obvious when one interferes in the other, even subtly. but alone, either one of these performances would be stellar and my money is with perk every time. just more exciting.

[@kaseyklein614]

Perkins is animated as some would say a "savage". Fun to watch a guy who masters and loves his trade. So many of these negative comments directed towards Perkins are either from die hard Primus fans or people unfamiliar with Jane's Addiction. Jane's kicked the doors of the hinges for bands like Primus.

[@HeckTo]

Perkins has almost like spiritual vibe in his playing. He’s not s technical fill master but he keeps the pulse.

[@ballpeenbaby]

what the diffrince tween a tom anda snare dram?

[@bluesiliconedot2190]

Tim is deaf now, no hearing protection?

[@AWAKE6969]

Stephen Perkins is great but doesn't seem to understand how to play with another drummer. Herb "Tim Alexander" displayed class and control. love them both but Tim's my boy.

[@oaktowndimond668]

perkins is a fine drummer... but "Herb" is a FUCKING MONSTER! believe me if Geddy and Alex ever want to play a tribute show... Tim is who they'll call.

[@thefrofox]

Check out the South Park concert if you want to see Geddy, Alex, Les, Tim and Ween play together.

[@xtYLT2IY8]

stephen was so obnoxious during this lol

[@jackthomson5047]

Herb

[@hylkemon9952]

Perkins has technical panache to spare, but Alexander employs his speed and power, which he possesses in the same amount as Perkins, with greater control, precision, and economy.

[@micmac1121]

Love seeing this but jam but it really feels like another world. Perkins is one of my all time favorite drummers but he's trying to hard. I now know why I respect Ginger Baker, Will Calhoun, Gavin Harrison, Steve Jordan,Max Roach, and Neil Peart. Love ya Steve, but versatility, stick changes, single pedal foot work? love ya! Harder the hit, better you are!

[@victordorantes722]

The Rata Drums with the dw nipple lugs look weird. Bring some octobans...

[@foredrums]

Muy duros y todo...pero me hicieron dar sueño, quizá ese estilo no me vá. Prefiero Primus...

[@petedaniels6686]

I would expect Perkins to be the first one to tell ya that Herb is superior.

[@jayrum7303]

And the winner is.....Josh Ray!

[@ricardomartinez4745]

That's the

[@lucasjohnston8159]

WTF is that other dude doing?? Tim for the win easily.

[@spookypunky]

Is this before or after Tim's heart attack?

[@unkind78]

+spookypunky after

[@spookypunky]

ok good.

[@renatomazzella3293]

Don’t like comparing but Tim is more polished then stephen

[@kogen800]

Tim alexander > stephen perkins

[@atravelerofbothtimespace4172]

Wow what a treat thanks for uploading ...also, primus sucks .

[@ricardomartinez4745]

That's the difference between a drummer and a musician/percussionist! Tim had more chops in the few seconds he had.

[@jeffreycooley2032]

Two drummers playing on the same song, same time, and same band? Together? Nonsense

[@guitaristssuck8979]

They couldn't play the more difficult unison parts, kinda disappointing

[@jupiter2170]

Imagine if herb started a stoner doom band. Epic drum fills. Herb needs to hook up with Matt Pike

[@chito2294]

or if he filled in for om. a guy can dream

[@jayrum7303]

Robot vs. Wavy Inflatable tube Man.

[@lucasjohnston8159]

Tim’s looking over thinking “Jesus what a fuck wit”

[@michaelguardado6531]

Herb for President and Perkins for Vice P

[@louisdahlia]

More GAWD DAMN COW BELL!!!!!!!!!!