Stephen Perkins "Who Are You" at Guitar Center Sessions

Stephen Perkins' riveting work with Jane's Addiction and Porno For Pyros has made him one of the most respected and sought-after drummers of the 90's. He continues to play sessions, do clinics and tour with his new project Banyan, a supergroup featuring bassist Mike Watt, Geraldine Fibbers guitarist Nels Cline and Beastie Boys keyboardist Money Mark. Recently we caught up with Perkins and had the chance to ask him about his playing, including his innovative use of percussion add-ons with his drum kit.

[@mattmallecoccio8378]

He plays it in the spirit of Keith Moon, just going freakin' insane behind the kit. Love it!

[@wlcrutch]

That’s cuz Perkins is fuckin awesome

[@latentsea]

Perky influences; Bonham, Neil, Kieth... All wrapped up into one...

[@SpeedyCanuck]

I don't think it's possible to play it in any other fashion.

[@danwest9900]

Stephen Perkins' technical skill with percussion is amazing to watch, but it is his joy and passion that kept me glued to his performance.

[@williammitchell7321]

Just recently came across this video and I was stunned by this performance. I am a huge Who fan, I have listened to "Who are You" thousands of times since 1978 and had no idea Moon had this much going on during this track. The album itself is uneven but this song is a masterpiece and a nod to Moon's genius, albeit waning by the time of this recording. Thank you Stephen Perkins for illuminating and breathing new life into this majestic and underrated work.

[@closinginonclosure]

Woah, bud. I understand you enjoyed the video, but was it really necessary that you "came across it". That's a bit homoerotic and just straight weird. Nasty boy.

[@G-Fi-High]

The parts are one thing, the feel is entirely another thing. He nailed it.

[@stevearbogast8556]

This dude is just amazing at percussion, and just making you feel his passion. Highly skilled.

[@dank5285]

Never thought any drummer would be brave enough to take on Keith Moon, but that was incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed that. This guy is freaking awesome!

[@mattrogers1946]

What about Zac Starkey?

[@plasticoflamingo2952]

Check out Sina, of Sina Drums, on YT. She does quite a killer job of Moon covers.

[@andrewablett1712]

@@mattrogers1946Zac is hopeless

[@chrislaustin]

@@mattrogers1946 Zac is a very solid drummer, and is easily the best fit since Moon died, but he's solid with the 60+ year old band. Of course I'm talking hypothetical here, but I don't see Zac fitting in when the band was young like Moon did. When he joined up, the band was still good, but not pre 80's good, so he could be better and just tones it down because of the band hes currently got, and not the one they once were?

[@maltman36]

Stephen is up with the best. What makes him great is his pure passion and excitement when he plays.

[@bobbydroback8994]

absolutely gifted.one of the top 5 drummers of my generation.

[@joevelasquez4470]

Yes!

[@michaelgeinopolos6911]

Perkins is one of the best of all time man

[@Alex-gl7hz]

Talkin bout my generation?

[@russofris]

Great job. It's extremely difficult to play parts composed by someone that's certifiably insane.

[@anthonymontoya5565]

LMFAO :)

[@johnnystek6900]

not so much insane but borderline genius

[@mjbfree906]

Spaz

[@theimprovedbore550]

Johnny Stek no Keith Moon IRL was batshit crazy. He blew up hotel toilets with cherry bombs

[@Gabrielarbizazuluaga]

Well he got bored... what do u do? Hehe

[@pjoker1000]

All these years and not watch this amazing performance of this Great Song

[@jp0blues04]

FINALLY.....A GUY WHO ACTUALLY HAS THE ABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE ARTIST. THIS IS..... what Kieth Moon played like. Hint.....chops...passion....recreation.

[@acarlovonsexron1994]

Anyone who denies Keith Moon as an incredible drummer are full of themselves. Even John Bonham was amazed by Keith. The way he played was and still is so different from the relatively straight and narrow art of drumming it blew people away. It was like Hendrix, only nobody even knew where to begin ripping him off at. John Densmore is fucking highly underrated as well.

[@aristotle5698]

Carlo Von Sexron Neil Peart is number on drummer because he was inspired by two greats, Kieth fuckin Moon, and John Bonham

[@Anorak1795]

Carter Morris I have love and respect to all three Neil was the quiet one whereas the other two were outspoken and very outgoing personalities but I love all three

[@bruces6347]

Totally agree. Keith was certifiable, but a true genius. This is the best Keith cover by miles.

[@generaljj577]

Ive never been as high on Moon as others. This changes my mind some

[@elaynemanciero9820]

I was lucky enough to see Keith play. There never has been or never will be anybody better. Stephen is pretty amazing. But nothing will ever compare to Keith Moon

[@tomusher6093]

So wow. Whole new appreciation for Moon for his composition and Perkins for the amazing cover. Powerful. So much variation.

[@NigelT57]

I saw the man himself at Charlton Stadium in 1976. Even though the two prima donnas did not even try, he was his manic self and on top form. This is the nearest I have heard to the man himself - well done sir.

[@veerchasm1]

Probably the best drummer I’ve ever seen in my life. The perfect balance of chops, taste, performer and entertainer. Saw Jane’s in 1990, blew me away

[@kevinn.5066]

I remember the first time I saw Jane’s live. Stephen was so good and the way he played I swear I thought he had six arms, LOL!

[@AccuracySpeaks]

Stephen Perkins just killed it right here!! This is how you give it your all, I've always loved this guy's work, the joy, enthusiasm, and technicality he plays with are immeasurable! Throw in that he seems like just an all-around great dude, and that makes for an amazing individual!

[@kevinn.5066]

I can tell you from first hand experience that Stephen is a really great guy. He was good friends with my cousin back in the day. The two of them came to my apartment one day and Stephen brought a cassette with the rough mixes of some of the songs for Ritual. It was so cool to hear those songs (I was already a huge Jane’s fan). Shortly after that I recorded him on drums for a couple of demo songs for my cousin. And being a drummer myself it was a really awesome experience watching him play on my drum kit. Stephen is a great guy! He’s friendly, kind, funny, and generous. I hadn’t seen this video until now. He’s an incredible drummer! One of the all time greats.

[@KKMcK1]

This cat is a great freaking drummer!!! Not too many in the world can capture the magical spirit of Moonie!!!

[@modulor]

SPECTACULAR! What an awesome performance!

[@jeff8117]

A great drum cover for sure! I always love when a great drummer gives Keith Moon props. Some don't like his antics but he is easily one of the most important musicians in rock/pop music history. Like the other three members of The Who, a true trailblazer.

[@ZipSnipe]

would never have been Jane's Addiction without him !!!!!!! A legend no doubt !!!!

[@kevinn.5066]

Truth!

[@hedrinklz]

Sweet jesus Perkins is good

[@Ash_Hudson]

This dude's probably been jamming to this song since he was a kid. You don't play this song that well if you haven't. Captured the essence of it.

[@russellwarr3791]

Fan-bloody-tastic, the moment I hear the unmistakable intro of this song on FM radio I turn up the volume.

[@Defmusicman1]

Wow! Just wow! That’s all I can say. As a deaf bassist, this has always been one of my favorite songs. I had no idea that the drum part was so hard. Outstanding job, sir. Bravo!

[@kylewinward8847]

Im a bassist (well, very amateur) and this is also one of my favorite drum lines. May I ask have you always been deaf and are you totally deaf? I'm just curious for when you are listening and playing do you go by the feel of the sound vibrations. Do you play a lot of Who? I'd like to be able to. Best to you fellow bassist.

[@williamjay8715]

Holy shit that was amazing. Best who cover I've heard. Perkins is an outstanding drummer. Saw Jane's live in 90 and 91 and he blew me away.

[@kevinn.5066]

I saw him play a bunch of shows in 88’ and 89’ and could swear he had six arms, LOL!

[@adimeadozen23]

This guy deserves more attention!

[@SteveJones379]

One of the GREATEST drummers ever....and Keith Moon too!

[@drummerup0012]

🤘 Cymbal Stand fallin over brought it ALL home for me!!!🤘🤘🤘 Phuk YHA!!

[@eray9934]

Damn! Just watching this I have even more appreciation for both Stephen and Keith.

[@HamsterDude5150]

i got to meet this guy today and i got a signed drum head from him!!!!!

[@michaelgeinopolos6911]

Alberto5150 it’s 2020 now but this comment is still awesome.

[@dosanchoas]

RARELY do I sit through listening to entire "bash fests" of today's so-called GREAT drummers....... instead, this time I hung in there w/Stephen's performance! I appreciate his formidable TALENT & DILIGENCE in reproducing work of master MOONIE! thanks for posting!

[@georgestetson5572]

Lol ok 👌 😂 no one cares what you RARELY do snob let’s see your cover of that song since your such a pro and a drum aficionado 😂 I’m glad it was up to your standards.....and I’m sure he gives a shit if you appreciate his TALENT & DILIGENCE

[@dosanchoas]

@@georgestetson5572 ouch...

[@lzasyr]

@@georgestetson5572 bruh he was just complimenting him

[@ianmason2003]

Perkins is far from today’s great drummers. His prominence was before millennials knew what a drum solo was.

[@sebastian993]

Thing about Moon is he always made it look effortless. you listen to the outro of who are you on the original and it's amazing

[@litgamer6205]

You don't realize the energy put into this until you see it played in front of you

[@veloman59]

Terrific job - kit sounds absolutely amazing!

[@int53185]

As close as you could get to Moon's insanity. Great job!

[@bruces6347]

I’ve never seen such a wooden crowd, they are devoid of all emotion. You sir are amazing. Near the insane brilliance that was Keith. But holy hell, tough crowd, we’re they awake.?

[@fess04]

very, very nice.....love the energy...and plays the music the way it should be played....with snap, energy,taste, and most of all...conviction!!!

[@mattyc.9332]

I hope someone handed him a beer after that performance! Wow! Inspiring...🤘

[@Aerospacer77]

Best cover I ever saw of this tune. Steve Perkins is one of the best.

[@stratboy518]

Fanf*ckingtastic. Perkins nailed it. Pandemic watching July 4 in Hawaii. Cheers all.

[@clogsdon72]

I will never hear this song the same way again. Astounding. I love Perkins but apparently have vastly underappreciated Kieth Moon.

[@univox100]

To be that deep inside of a skill where you can play with deadly precision while pouring on emotion that's absolutely feral has to be the greatest feeling on earth.

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

I think a 1,000 of those views are from me.

[@electricworrier]

no kidding. found it at 2:00am and it's now 2:30

[@Smacctown]

Hugh Jafro 5,000 from me

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Still watching this vid. Just great!

[@robvegas9354]

@@ChunkyMonkaayyy same here mate!!! This great!

[@ChunkyMonkaayyy]

Ayyyyy back again

[@stonesurfdog420]

The first time I saw Jane's was in 1987 opening up for Love & Rockets. Perkins immediately caught my attention then and has not lost a step since. Dude is amazing!!! TOTALLY UNDERRATED AND UNDER APPRECIATED BY ROCK FANS.

[@kevinn.5066]

I saw Jane’s a bunch of times in 88’ and 89’ and I could swear he had way more than just two arms, LOL!

[@drummadave]

About 20-25 years I lived near the Hollywood Guitar Center. Went in to watch the Guitar Center drum-off competition. Perkins was one of the judges- i stood right behind him. We struck up a convo about drums, he even looked at me for my opinion a few times (just out of curiousity)....I cannot overstate what a supercool guy he was

[@kevinn.5066]

I knew him back in the day and you are absolutely correct, Stephen is a really great guy!

[@guitargeorge1964]

That was amazing. One of my favorite songs.

[@mattyboyscott]

HOW is this only watched 107,887 times!!??

[@jeffvan3632]

One of the best drummers out there!!!

[@matcoffidis1135]

I revisit this video on occasion. It NEVER disappoints. WHAT....A... PERFORMANCE..... And how can you not smile while watching it? 😁

[@rodolfojamesdebarros2263]

Amo the who!!!! Melhor banda de rock do mundo!!! Tenho 63 anos de idade, curto o The who desde 1970, portanto, tem só cinquenta anos q eu assisto The Who!!!! Eu não canso de ouvir everyday!!!!! Cedo, à tarde e à noite!!!! FUI NO ROCK IN RIO!!! Baba O'riley A quick one.... Behind blue eyes!!! Magic bus... Who are you...

[@joeharvey5556]

12 out of 10... superior job of an insanely difficult piece to ever master. Superior job.

[@5drum5]

Stephen rips!! Just saw him in concert with Jane's Addiction in Bakersfield, Ca. Awesome stuff!! The new album is nothing short of great! As it should be, different from old Jane's.

[@Oogadoog]

In my book, the greatest drummer that ever lived. As an entirety of a person and skill, and understanding, and feeling the music and driving it beyond what is often even comprehensible. All I can see from his playing is straight up love it and a brilliance of space and timing. F'ing redicuous.

[@robsgarage4746]

Absolutely brilliant performance! It was lunatic just like Mooney. Exciting drummer to watch perform.

[@gregorydamian4802]

Really enjoyed!! Stephen Perkins is an incredible talent

[@muppetjnr2301]

Simply the most influential drummer. He shaped my approach to drums. Ego-free, creative, experimental original and technically brilliant

[@jameshensley6102]

I could just sit and watch him play this for hours over and over again. So good and so dynamic. Kudos to the great Keith Moon for this astonishing work and Stephen Perkins for playing it equally astonishing.

[@SmokedTails]

Holy freakin' crap! I'm sweating at the end. Great job, Mr. Perkins. What a jam...

[@davidjacksonjackson3212]

WOW, that was a great piece. of drumming, I do not know what those people in the background where watching but I could not help smiling throughout that session,

[@davehaller6477]

Killed it! Love Perkins tribal drumming.

[@garse70]

Moon did everything backwards. He really follows the vocals throughout the song. Lots of fills in the verse, tightens up the chorus, when most drummers do the opposite. I think this video shows how complex this drum part really is.

[@Carpythesharky]

It was a pleasure to hear the extended version of this song. You rocked it! And at 3:13 you were going so hard you lost a cymbal :) Loved your reaction when it got put back up and you immediately showed it some more love.

[@jamisbillson4872]

Great drummer. His Porno for a Pyros drumming is insanely good.

[@josephaurelio8560]

Goosebumps...great job Mr. Perkins.....Mooney goat

[@mike4619]

Stephen Perkins has an intensity that is unmatched.

[@GunsNBudder]

Anybody here in 2020 trying to decide who the best living drummer is? RIP Neil Peart

[@ianmason2003]

Perkins should be in the conversation for sure. Danny Carey comes to mind also. At least in rock.

[@RupertDCD27]

SUPERB!! Moonie would be proud, especially when the china-boy fell over! :D WOOWHOO!!!

[@harrykadaras9459]

This guy is fantastic...what's amazing is Moon played those drums when he was in the worst shape of his life - and still played his a$$ off...

[@jamesdunlevie3362]

Wow, that was phenomenal. Total commitment to the part. I am a new fan

[@benitoguerrero3574]

In the energy of Keith 🎉 Wonderful!

[@HarryGambardella]

Amazing!! Great job!

[@chrislaustin]

Hell, I'm 13 years late to the party, but damn, what a party it was, dude, you F'ing killed it and then some. I've seen tons of Who covers over the years, and while some may get close on vocals, guitar, and even in some rare cases the bass, I've NEVER seen anyone come close on drums. And not just close, but to capture the ferociousness that was The Who in their prime, this clip will now be in my regular rotation.

[@martinclark8162]

Awesome Steve -- have been watching and listening to 'Who are You' for over 40 years, you channeled Keith like no other I've ever seen, the only thing missing was the gaffer tape headband holding his headphones on. Privileged to have witnessed this clip - thank you Stephen and the Guitar Center -- from an old fart British 'ed banger living in Sydney.

[@michaelacri2875]

Amazing cover!!! This should have more views!!

[@kirkluettke5310]

absolutely outstanding!!!!

[@peytongivens5223]

I listen to this video every week

[@InService77]

Perkins playing Moon... bliss

[@slanderbob415]

One of the MOST if not the MOST underrated drummers of all time. Steve!! You're fucking other wordly.

[@ignatiusjk]

Excellent, awesome energy and technically very sound.

[@GearGasms]

I love this drum part so much - I always think how much more killer playing he could have gifted us with. Nice job!

[@5drum5]

What a life!! You can feel that Stephen loves drumming!! "Passion" pass it on!

[@biff0101]

Moon would love it! Great job on a real classic!

[@mattalford389]

Yep. Stephen Perkins. One of the best

[@michaelgeinopolos6911]

Perkins will definitely go down as one of the greatest to ever live

[@phylodude]

Wow... You killed this!!!!!! I just saw this and dayhem.

[@weenss]

this guy feels the music. what an interesting drummer, both in presence and play style; i could watch him rocking out for hours

[@guanoguy4800]

Jeez that's badass. I paid attention to both of these guys back when I drummed. So good.

[@antoniomancini1794]

Wow this is so cool sounds absolutely amazing 😍 👍😍

[@antoniomancini1794]

That was absolutely amazing

[@demiris65]

Wow! Fabulous performance!

[@justinf1343]

Wow! Lost for words on just how awesome that was.

[@Platos-Den]

I'm a big MOON fan🤪.Very well done.! 🇨🇦

[@NicksMovieMix]

every hit....serves...the tune.....Bravo !!

[@jameswood4344]

What I love -- apart from Perkins' drumming -- is that even as he's doing his rolls and going crazy, you can hear, underneath, that Moonie's doing twice as many rolling fills on his toms.

[@SlurpeeMan100]

That was wild! Insane!

[@javiervargas9392]

This is why I love drums👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@valerieannshort7109]

His discussion highlights his in-depth insight into music theory and listening. He’s very in tune with his surroundings.

[@hammurds]

This may be the best cover of this song I have ever heard

[@morenopagani4005]

the best stephen, amazing drummer

[@mikemaggio4979]

Beautiful! So technically sound!!