Steve Smith Drum Solo with Journey: Moline, 2017

Drummer Steve Smith performs a drum solo with Journey and pays tribute to the great jazz drum, Louie Bellson. Get all of Steve's dates here: vitalinformatio...

[@RandyHanley]

His technique is so ridiculously clean

[@mrdarklight]

He's a freaking machine...

[@loav8r76]

I'm not sure the audience can really appreciate the professionalism which Steve brings to the kit. The concert ticket alone is worth his drumming! As always, an awesome solo by Mr. Smith.

[@regalasongs2256]

cant be any more accurate

[@philiprea8340]

SPOT ON!!!

[@DEFINITELYNOT_DYLAN]

I needed my 9yr old son to hear some great drums. Here ya go, son!

[@Thebunkerinspector]

One of the most tasteful solos ever. Steve has always been a great tactician and master at the drums.

[@abidababida7096]

btw, what steve was doing early into the solo… being in 2 separate times simultaneously (hands in one timing, feet in another) IS INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT to do!

[@Rushtallica]

Now I understand why Neil Peart had a lot of respect for this drummer. Fantastic solo.

[@mpena43809]

Extremely talented drummer !

[@robertb.4202]

Steve Smith is awesome!

[@SuperQdaddy]

Neil was a great drum arranger ..he spent alot of time figuring out his drum parts...this guy can improvise and swing anything with all 4 limbs

[@gregoryrollins59]

@OMINOID it's awesome, two for one is a great song. Peace and agap'e.

[@timothydavis820]

Watched this solo numerous times over the last few years & it just gets more impressive; but I catch a couple lags, but this is classic Steve Smith, able to take it from a basic tap on the snare, to a tsunami in the middle of an earthquake, leading into a category 6 sticks meet skins hurricane. AWESOMELY AWESOME 4 POSITIVE....10 rating from me

[@AJ-jy6lb]

It was Steve "Machine Gun" Smith that Neil Peart saw playing at one of the Buddy Rich Memorial concerts, when he noticed Mr. Smith's OBVIOUS & MASSIVE improvement in his playing & techniques, that Mr. Peart asked him what he had done. Steve Smith replied to Neil Peart with 2 words,...Freddy Gruber. And the rest, as they say, is history. :o)

[@d.stiefel869]

Arguably the greatest drummer alive right now. There is so much knowledge up in his head that transfers over to his hands and feet it’s literally unbelievable. I don’t think there is anything that he can’t do if he puts his mind to it.

[@petec9686]

That two handed, single stick roll was beautiful. Never seen anyone do it before.

[@kelvinkman8683]

Totally sick and unbelievable!

[@justinwilder3514]

We used to do a variation of that in the drum line, instead of using our hands we used the opposite stick, very difficult

[@nicholaszachman716]

Even if you aren’t a fan of Journey, you’ve got to respect this man’s drumming.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

IMO as a drummer... Smith is one of the top 5 drummers on the planet right now. Just an absolutely perfect command of independence, polyrhythms, musicality and texture.

[@rhythmista7707]

SpikeFlea- I second that notion !

[@hollywooddjs1]

you are so right

[@Aerospacer77]

I agree 100% He has mastered the drums and drumming. On top of that, a true showman. I cant think of a better drummer than Steve

[@johnnorwood507]

Not close to a person like Neal Peart but dammmmmm good :)

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

He is fantastic. I saw another video practicing from a rudimentary book he had used back in the sixties. The can sight read and he is constantly practicing. Pure talent and dedication.

[@thunderdrummerdude]

As a drummer of more than 30 years, I have to say Steve Smith keeps getting better and better every time I watch him play. His technique is superb. A phenomenal drummer. Keep on rocking it Mr. Smith 🤘

[@joecaroselli5858]

I always say that, Steve is a phenomenal ALL AROUND drummer! He is a great Rock drummer, but he goes way beyond that! If he had to play brushes all night with a jazz trio, he would still be tasteful and sensational. If he were called to read a chart for a show, he would do it brilliantly! If he had to play with a swing Big Band, he would kill it. If he were called upon to play fusion, funk, Latin with a band, he would be tremendous. As a drummer myself who has worked with many, many big names, and as a drumming instructor, I can tell you that there are not many players who are as astoundingly VERSATILE as Steve Smith. That is why I respect him so much.

[@JonPetersen-y5t]

The hit, the true hit, behind all the hits

[@mackbolzano3901]

I was at that show in Moline. Sat in the 5th row watching Steve, all night. The man is a enigma!!! Best show with his drumming!!!

[@kellyb9287]

That was simply a phenomenal performance! Incredible!

[@ChristopherDillman]

Louie continues to smile. What a wonderful tribute Steve. My first ever drum book was Louie's 'The Musical Drummer', a birthday gift from my Mom and continue to cherish that book. The influences of Bellson in your playing is strong. 👏

[@wildmike951]

Steve plays with total control. Doesn't look like he ever sweats. Super clean and makes it look easy. But as a drummer I can tell you that everything he played is very difficult. The audience probably has no idea how freaking good he really is. (Except for the drummers watching).

[@tedsorge9148]

Very well done Steve! I thoroughly enjoyed this! Thank you Sir!👍✌️

[@curtisboswell2619]

Steve Smith does it all... You name the style, and he can hang. Rock, jazz, fusion, blues... the man is just incredible. A (seemingly) forever ago, I began reading album credits... long before the advent of the compact disc. So, when I purchased Journey's "Escape" album, back in '83... and began reading the list of who was who, in Journey... (because I didn't know beans or bacon about the band, back then...) I read Steve Smith's name. I was wowed...back THEN, by Steve's precision, and power. If anything.... Steve has only gotten MORE proficient, and amazing since then. A consumate professional, Steve Smith is an attribute to whatever musical collective to which he belongs. It isn't enough, to be be consistent, and on time, ALL the time... Steve gives his drumming that extra "push".... that seemingly undefinable panache, that all truly talented drummers have or have had... Rich had it. Peart had it. Smith has it, and harnesses it to full effect. His fills are always interesting, and never lack for variety. He knows when to fade into the background, and when to bring a song to it's crescendo... always adding needed drama, and character. THAT's a truly epic drummer.

[@steveroberson3766]

I had never seen this solo. I've been playing and listening for almost 50 years and that was one of the most impressive performances I've ever seen. Bravo, Steve Smith!

[@richardturietta9455]

I saw Steve both with Journey and in a small venue doing Jazz! Damn, but he is Great! good days, fantastic memories... one of the best...

[@tommypain]

No hair, no gloves, no sweat. Masterful, purposeful, incredible. Part juggler, part magician, pure talent. The one, the only, the amazing, Steve “Machine Gun” Smith!

[@loucontino4804]

Steve Smith is one of the smartest guys out there. He can dazzle the crap out of an audience with just his hands, but he knows damn well in a concert setting with thousands of people, give them that double bass drum with lots of toms and cymbals and they will love you forever. Smart!

[@markanderson3870]

What a monster. Amazing.

[@jasoncavitt2043]

This solo gets better and better with each re-listen.

[@YoBroMan]

I saw Journey on July 2, 1982, at the Rose Bowl. I clearly remember listening to La Do Da and the drum solo and being amazed that it sounded "exactly" like the Captured album. Some years later, I had a chance to speak to Steve Smith at the NAMM show and I told him my story. He just smiled/chuckled. :)

[@ManBoo55]

The human metronome. This man is genius at creating his own grooves as well. Hats off to Steve

[@timcloutier3729]

The legendary drummer / percussionist / teacher, Mr. Fred Buda, is looking down from Heaven's gate. Smiling happily at his incredible student. Steve Smith.....YOU represent the drumming industry to it's highest level. 🤘❤🥁🥁🥁❤🤘

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

I've always considered Steve Smith as the only Journey drummer, hands down!

[@jasoncavitt2043]

Aynsley Dunbar was a beast, too! He came to Journey after already spending years with Frank Zappa and David Bowie, and knocked out four albums of memorable drumming for them. John Bonham listed Dunbar as a major influence. Check out his single foot technique on this 1974 performance, which Journey recorded just weeks after bringing Dunbar on board: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nISUZGyAf9B0e9E

[@garymartin2063]

You and me...

[@jamescourier1545]

Aynsley Dunbar is no slouch. Was good enough for Frank Zappa. Just sayin!

[@bostonredsox49]

Aynsley Dunbar was no slouch before him. Deen Castronovo's pretty good too

[@seansherrod8725]

ANEN

[@5Cirrus]

Throws in some Louie Bellson licks I noticed.....as a tribute since he was from Moline, IL.

[@datsunz280]

Man, Sonor sound so amazing, those kicks sound like thunder. So tight and crisp.

[@lockedloaded1849]

Overall one the best drummers alive today.

[@abidababida7096]

Louis Bellson is one of my favorite old time drummers from the post ww2 era. One of the first to use a double bass kit… he was a pioneer in the Bonham type solos

[@shawncosmos5431]

I was in my first year of college in 1981 when a pal of mine said he had an extra Journey ticket and offered it to me. MTV was still new so I only knew a few songs. The band was great but Mr. Smith was unflippen real. Amazing! Been 40 years and I still remember that show.. Ticket was $12.50...What a deal..!

[@Smokeslingerowner]

Holy Crap ! That was insane.

[@stevewaldman371]

best drum solo I have ever seen.

[@relevantinformation6655]

Always interesting to hear a jazz drummer in a rock band. Amazingly talented ensemble 🤘

[@cobra1010]

Steve Smiths style is so rythmic and full of musicality! For me he belongs to the best drummers on the planet! I can not understand, how anybody can give this a "thumbs down"!

[@petec9686]

He is just sooooooo smooth. Absolutely effortless. If Geddy and Alex think they have another tour in them, I would love to see them give Steve a call.

[@johnnorwood507]

Will never happen and he could never do three hour shows covering Rush, Neal was and is a fucking monster athlete!!!!!!

[@ididyermom3273]

I was waiting for him to break out his insane Rock chops which he did at the end. Amazing!!

[@nikolai9520]

If the guy is this good, regardless of his age, then there is no reason for him to retire.

[@connerjd]

One hell of a drum solo!

[@vasilissarikis]

For me the best thing about this excellent performance is the timeless quality it has. If you don't pay attention to the large screen that puts it in the 21st century, it could have happened in the 30's or in the 80's. It is like you hear the whole history of drumming, and not in a linear way ! Great ideas, endurance and showmanship !

[@maurojvasquez]

Steve, Took my family to Laredo, Texas to see Journey. My 10 year old daughter, who is a drummer and seriously your biggest fan, was blown away by your solo. Thank you for displaying fundamentals and technique in your solos. Totally worth the trip.

[@anthemgunaether2914]

Mauro Vasquez You Sir, are a great parent. My dad took me to see Steve Smith at Roselle Music for a clinic then back around the early 80’s. Steve changed my life and as you can see on my page, I’ve been playing for over 30 years. You have given your daughter the gift of a lifetime.

[@andrecustodio-1]

You're the best and ONLY drummer for Journey, Steve. Whenever you're in the band, you can always expect a thoughtful and technical approach to the music. Long live you.

[@EdThorne]

SSOOOO great to see Steve apply his immense jazz/fusion chops into this solo. Such a beautiful/tasty player utilising some great coordination and concepts.

[@TheSavatom]

Steve started out fantastic and has only gotten better through the years. A great educator and a helluva guy too.

[@rayb5204]

one word....WOW!!

[@s4lroachclip]

Just when I thought I met the nicest person on Earth, I was introduced to Steve Smith and was corrected. I have never met anyone as kind and humble as Steve. That one time we hung out about 20 minutes, and it stayed with me for the last 20 years. I enjoyed talking to him and meeting him at a drum competition in SF with my former teacher Troy Luccketta.

[@CarnorJast1138]

My personal favorite drummer of all-time! One of the greatest to sit behind a drum set!

[@anthony22bob]

The best part is that he's doing it effortlessly....I'd be on oxygen in the ICU after this performance!

[@carrrexx7190]

The energy return of the drums does half the work. Don't beat up your drums you will always lose. Peace

[@noelteter3398]

And the dude is in his 60s...

[@cristianquiros7704]

Yeah well said..at the hospital indeed

[@bafattvahetere]

@@carrrexx7190 Ya nailed it!

[@StephanLongo]

Perfectly said! Crazy to play this brilliant, but to play with so much grace and fluid ownership is in another class all by itself!

[@KokoRicky]

You wouldn't think a mainstream rock band would have one of the smoothest, tightest, jazziest drummers ever but here we are.

[@saltykrug]

This cat is just badass. He always played a great part for Journey's hits, he didn't have to be insecure by overplaying the songs. Solo time, he can really cut loose & put himself into it. Nice damned playing Steve.

[@hehs3469]

ONE OF THE BEST DOUBLE BASS DRUMMER'S AROUND , "" STEVE MACHINE GUN SMITH "" , GIVEN THAT NAME BY , STEVE PERRY ❤️ ,

[@toddwalker2161]

Phenomenal jazz musician. Glad he came back to tour with Journey again! A master!

[@stevewaldman371]

now that is a drummer!!

[@philipgardiner2003]

Definitely heard Louis's Ghost in there. Beautiful tribute...full of wonder and genius. So incredibly musical and moving.

[@clance13]

This solo had so much flair and finesse, I feel refreshed just by seeing it.

[@Atair1609]

This guy rocks! One of the best drummers of all times and one of the modest guys too!!

[@Aerospacer77]

One of the best drummers in the world if not the best. Steve is so versitile and dynamic. A true master at his craft. Amazing solo.

[@hectorratt9586]

It's beautiful from a musical standpoint, mind-boggling from a complexity standpoint, exhausting from a physical standpoint, and features a subtle lesson on the evolution of drumming thrown in as a bonus. Legendary musician playing with so much heart and passion...truly inspiring.

[@lennartengvall1821]

I had the privilige to see Steve perform his incredible drumming in a jazzclub in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr Hihat! You Rule!❤️❤️❤️🥁🥁🥁

[@johnlascko5485]

WOW .... just ... WOW !!!!

[@edenhawk2425]

Steve, that was at the age of 63! what form! well done (y)

[@tonyfazioli8579]

Steve Smith is a legend. So relaxed behind the kit.

[@lewest7317]

Steve is a true professional and historian of his craft. I have followed him for almost 40 years and he gets better every time I listen to him. Which demonstrates how serious and dedicated he is to his instrument. During the '80s he was a good, but not outstanding rock or jazz rock drummer. But now he is a master at both. I have seem him a few times in NYC playing at Iridium (Prog Rock- Jazz venue) and it has been a pleasure every time. Congrats on your induction to the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

[@davidgaudreau6825]

Fellow Whitman guy here... Amazing solo my man! My father played together with louie Bellson in the army band. He always had high praise for him...

[@chaplainstudent5689]

Pretty killer in 1981Tokyo too. Nothing against Pineda, but the lineup I saw in 80's was best band. They were tight. Very difficult to tell live vs. album. 1:16:00

[@narosser]

Very inventive & creative - not just the usual hammer hard bashing solo. Love the switching btw matched & traditional grip and the AWESOME footwork. Witness a master at his best. 👍🏻

[@sxymike12]

I’m so glad I have gotten to see this guy play with Journey, something I never thought I’d ever get to see.

[@twintriode]

I can't remember; it was either the late 80's or early 90's, I had a drummer friend ask me to go to a local drum store to watch a drum clinic and Steve was the guest drummer. I went, but was not really jazzed about it. While I did like some Journey songs they were not one of my top 10 bands. We went to the drum store where there was a drum set and probably less than 50 fold out chairs surrounding it. We sit down, and shortly after Steve comes out and sits behind the drums. He does not say anything and proceeds to pound the shit out of those things for 5-10min. It was amazing. I heard stuff come out of him that was not Journey. I left thoroughly impressed.....obviously because I'm telling this story.

[@felixweber6593]

One of the very few drummers to make solos I watch till the end... and with lots of pleasure. Thanks Mr Smith 👍

[@bojohnbonham]

The guy is an absolutely grand master, simple 🕉

[@gsxerwhite]

What a great combo of all kinds of different styles in one solo. 👍🏻

[@capony100]

One of the best drummers, no doubt! A fine man too, as a person very humble which make him even grater... Thanks Steve!

[@rlobrown55]

best clinic I ever attended and this solo is nothing less than INCREDIBLE. All hail the Steve!!!

[@U2WB]

Steve is one of the best players in the world, and here he played such a musical solo; the fantastic technique never got in the way of the rhythm.

[@catman7153]

I've played on this same stage many times, and been to many concerts here, as a native of Moline.. This was the best drum solo I have seen in the 30 years I have lived here. The next best was Eric Carr with Kiss, shortly before he passed away, and Carmine Appice with King Cobra.

[@tonyrokusek270]

really cool seeing him on a huge kit again, just an amazing drummer.

[@cristianquiros7704]

Oh yesssssss sir!!!!! You're the man!!!! I always said what a great drummer he is!!!!!!! You rule!!!!!

[@suncoastcustom8242]

One of my favorite solos of all time! Gorgeous blend of rhythms and technique. Truly inspiring!

[@jnishar]

those sonor drums sounds awesome!

[@davidhartleyEcuador]

yep ... my favorite of all the drum sets I've played was Sonor Lite

[@dmccalldds]

So impressive. I actually really love the footwork.

[@Thedrummersalmanac]

That was an amazing performance! That’s why he’s one of the greatest!

[@joegarcia54]

One of my favorite drummers.

[@shannonpincombe8485]

What a showman!! One of the very best. Bravo!!!

[@classixdrummer]

I have never met the man, however Steve has always struck me as a humble student and servant of his art. He has mastered the physicality of the instrument but has never stopped working to learn and apply new concepts taking the art in new directions and maintaining the fun and excitement of learning. He is also a very good educator, disseminating the things he has learned to any who would learn from him. Wondering how you are fairing amidst this Covid19 ridiculousness Steve? Hope you are well.

[@NIKONGUY1960]

Sir. I saw you with Journey in '81 in Houston when MTV recorded the shows. I had just buried my father and that show helped me to get through that terrible time. I now have that show on DVD so many fond memories come back when viewing it.Thanks for all you do. You'll never know how much it meant to me and still does to this day!

[@Taskerofpuppets]

That was MOST excellent Steve. Makes me miss the Professor that much more. Take care and good health to you in 2023!!

[@crashboombang8163]

Beautiful tribute to Louie! Steve, you are and always will be a driving force and tower of inspiration to me. Not only the grooves and chops, but the humility and positive attitude you display from the best seat in the house. Thank you-

[@ernestojuliodelgadofernand8112]

HE'S ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF THE BEST AND HE BRINGS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW. THANKS STEVE SMITH.

[@jahleeleli3280]

YES SIR! THE perfect blend between Jazz & Rock techniques, PLUS his phrasing & drum kit tuning. Steve Smith is one of the G.O.A.T.S.!!

[@yardleyyardley2631]

One of the best and most entertaining drum solos I've ever seen!👍👍

[@sickofthebulldodo1461]

Saw a in store appearance with him in Charleston S.C. in the Summer of 1984, I was working down there as a kid 1st yr out of HS. Great times, great clinic!

[@nebula1924]

I overlooked Journey growing up due to the cheese factor, thus missing out on Steve Smiths talent. Recently heard Neil Peart once asked Smith about his playing, and how he was always improving. That respect led me here and all I can say is wow! One of the smoothest drum solos I've ever heard.

[@mikelealbadrummer]

One of the greatest masters of drumming!

[@siege-79]

Hands down one of the top 5 drummers on the globe

[@carlalbrecht]

Steve!!! Brilliant as always. And LOVED your "quotes" of some classic Louie Bellson licks. Thanks for always be inspiring. Salute. Carl.

[@MatChew75]

Effortless one, Mr. Steve Smith. The 1st time I ever heard him was on jean luc ponty albums from the seventies. Enigmatic Ocean. Mind blowing drumming