The Spirit of Radio - RUSH (Drum Cover)

Be sure to check out my BRAND NEW 2019 Rush cover series!
• Mike Hetzel: "Tom Sawy...
Here's my take on the RUSH classic, "The Spirit of Radio." This has always been one of my favorite Neil Peart drum compositions, and it was a lot of fun figuring this one out! Recorded on my Pearl Masterworks drums and Sabian cymbals. DW Edge snare.
The Spirit of Radio
Rush
from the 1980 release "Permanent Waves"
is the copyrighted property of it's owner(s).
External drums by Mike Hetzel
Audio mixed by Mike Hetzel.
Video filmed and edited by Nick Koscielniak.

[@mattnicholson8781]

I can't believe 13 people have thumbed this down. So far, the best technical recreation of Spirit of Radio I've seen.

[@canadianbacon2693]

@spim randsley so what. It's still a really good cover

[@gabrielledormuth4634]

@spim randsley Neil would love this cover god rest his soul

[@markroberts3277]

This is a brilliant version; truly one of the best I've heard. Maybe the 'thumbs down' idiots might like to show us how it's done. If they knew anything about playing drums they would recognise skill.

[@markroberts3277]

@spim randsley The chimes? The guy has already spent a fortune. I'm working on it on an Alesis Nitro, getting very close but no way will I get it all, in part due to financial limits. Maybe you should appreciate his skills and talents firstly.

[@markroberts3277]

@spim randsley Calm yourself then and show us what you mean: practical demo would suffice.

[@elirushing6136]

Most fucking underrated drum cover ever

[@joshgarland9085]

IKR! Fuck! Them 31 that hate this.

[@caingianni4678]

Instablaster

[@mmafighter1181989]

How in the actual fu*k does this cover video not have millions of views. That’s what’s wrong with KZbin, this guy just NAILED Spirit of Radio and he gets a 10th of the attention he deserves.

[@amsterdope]

Ive watched this at least 20x, and Im not even a drummer. Its technically perfect. Awesome.

[@jschrager23]

listen to neil himself...i notice two differences...no one catches this ...the tripple bass hits on the intro and the crazy amount of ghost notes kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5O9i4ybm8mqnMk

[@markdemell3717]

@@jschrager23 This guy is very good ,if I had one small critique ,it would be his feel .That's just me.

[@georgefraga4262]

Can watch Mike cover this 100 times and STILL am amazed how well he did it. Noone else can come close.....YET! Miss Mike. Still have sticks signed by.him.

[@quhawks48]

Love how he hits the dome of the ride symbol. Just love that 'ting ting ting ting' in fast succession. Go Get 'em Mike!!

[@natemellinger9851]

That’s called the bell

[@Rick-tw9ge]

Well, of course, that’s how Neil played it on the album

[@LudwigSC93]

@@natemellinger9851 and also it's "cymbal" :)

[@Cachalesco]

It was enough for me to listen until 0:40 to realize the exquisite simplicity and perfection with which you play the battery of the colossus of Neil Peart.

[@brimopm]

One of the most complicated drum pieces ever composed and played by the genius of rock-n-roll Neal Peart , but you made it look easy. Very impressive!! So many different fills, ghost notes, time changes, etc. Amazing!!!!

[@angoor101]

Awesome 👏 👍 I saw Rush in 1983 in Oklahoma. I was a young man then but now I’m old. I listen to my music every now and then and feel young again. Age is not just a number, it’s real. Enjoy life when young. You won’t get another chance. I did! Thank you for the post.

[@AdseyBadBoy]

How can a such talented drummer like you not be one of these top famous youtube drummers such as Cobus and Coop3rdrumm3r for example; Your brilliant, wasn't a single fault, sounded just like the track, such tight drumming. You deserve alot more credit than you earn :)

[@silveiranetofloripa]

I'm a super drum cover fan, and Mr., I have no doubt Master Neil Peart is VERY PROUD of you, from the heaven of the drummers.

[@johncollins8980]

Almost flawless (that's the best anyone but the late great professor can achieve) Sir, you are an immense percussionist............Thank you.

[@1983Cortex]

Great drumming makes me happy. I'm happy now.

[@brian037515]

Mike, you are my favorite drummer from YYNOT and I hope you become permanent. Not only is your playing exceptional, but when you play you look even more relaxed then the professor himself when you play his music!

[@Syntax2112]

WOW..... by far the best I've seen for a SOR recreation. Such ease with the sticks. Kudos!

[@blackman8795]

This is spot-on the best part when he breaks it down around a 1 minute 45 seconds when he says all this machinery making modern music that drum part right there is excellent Bravo sir.

[@biggycheese2766]

I had an audition to get into college and I had to play a song on my chosen instrument (drums, of course). I chose to play this song and I must say this video really helped out. thanks for that!!!!!

[@mikehetzel]

Billy Johanson Sweet dude! What school are you auditioning for?

[@biggycheese2766]

Mike Hetzel north west regional college in northern ireland

[@mikehetzel]

Best of luck!

[@lycanthrr2077]

+Billy Johanson There's sheet music for this, i had many copies, it's been so long ago though now that I've learned it I have it memorized/by heart. I have it buried somewhere in the depths of my closet lol. I'm sure for future ref you can look online for it somewhere

[@cbiskt1]

You're the type of drummer that I like to "watch". There's a fluidity in your playing. You're not stiff. As Neil Peart once said, "There's a dance that goes on between drumbeats". Great cover.

[@weldonf4081]

FANTASTIC job!! I have been slowly trying to learn every beat myself, and you are the first one I have seen who plays EVERY beat perfectly like Neil Peart. Congratulation!! Awesome job!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@KnightOnBaldMountain]

Outstanding! I’ve been looking at drum covers of this song for years. When I’m told someone is a great drummer I always ask “Yeah, but can he play ‘Spirit of Radio?” It’s Neil’s masterpiece and the yardstick by which a drummer’s ability is measured. You have certainly hurdled that bar with your performance. Well done.

[@carlos2c]

I used this to help me for an audition for a university im applying to, I can only say that Thank You very much The drumming here is amazing

[@mikehetzel]

CGV That’s incredible! So glad my video helped! :)

[@GaeasBlessing]

I could tell within the first ten seconds this was going to be an awesome cover and I was right! Terrific job. This is really amazing. Great choice of song to cover, too.

[@dylangoncalves9097]

Neil Peart will would be proud of You and he is Smiling from Heaven best drum cover ever!

[@97VobraOwner]

Came here to say " Ive watched this at least 20x, and Im not even a drummer. Its technically perfect" and amsterdope beat me to it. OUTSTANDING

[@JTSmith-fe7hj]

1:54 is my favorite part

[@ditsydaisys]

J.T. Smith ahhh mine too

[@theelatedexplorer8908]

Really great to watch this. It's my favorite Rush song, and like the content of the lyrics, it's so alive!

[@stephaniemossman7768]

This is by far my favorite drum part Neil ever crafted. Such a powerful use of the drums! What an incredible cover of this classic! Gave me chills.

[@OgStewieGriffin]

"honey will u come tape me drum to a song?" "It depends, what song?" "Spirit of the radio" "Aw fuck yeah"

[@dondrury9957]

Neil was perhaps the greatest drummer to ever live (in my opinion) and to be able to duplicate what he did is nothing short of amazing! Lets start a Rush cover band! :)

[@adamthebos2274]

The 24 dislikers are K-pop fans

[@fuffoon]

No. They hate everything.

[@alanbbrady8196]

😅😅😅

[@faceup5]

Mike, Thank you so much for posting your perfect performance of this great song. Not only is your playing spot on, but the camera angle is perfect to. Thanks to you I was able to learn this song and play right along with you. You are very talented and inspiring!

[@justynforrest9941]

My absolute favorite drum cover on KZbin. I find myself watching this video every few months, trying to get this piece down. Great work my man!

[@ianhughes5560]

This is first rate drumming. This video helped me to help one of my students in a few ways. Thanks for this great video Mike.

[@markeaton1069]

My favorite cover of this song, by a mile.

[@greypoupon12]

Wow, very well done. Neil himself would be proud.

[@juliodelvalle1308]

A Master makes the complicated look easy. All your videos look easy. Awesomeness!!!

[@Craigsp2007]

Awesome jam... Love this song. Great Cover...

[@joshgarland9085]

SON!! you kicked ASS. Can't stop watching it.

[@amlbproductionsmusicandorc8084]

Mike your control of tempo is absolutely perfect, bravo!

[@packersfan6814]

You absolutely nailed it, awesome job! Hell of a set you have as well. Thank you for sharing!

[@daveshnowske827]

Awesome drum playing!! It's amazing how the youth are constantly trying to replicate Neil's drumming technics. I love it. Neil's mastering of the drum set will live forever!

[@genxrev]

I am so amazed. Wow, times ten. Thanks for sharing it. As a new drummer, seeing so clearly how some of this is done, really really helps. It aslo insorees me to keep practicing.

[@daveh5508]

Always a pleasure seeing you jam. From northwest Indiana.

[@1JTOMPY]

Excellent job brother .....A true joy to watch 👍🏻💯🙌🏼

[@DaveLopezMixing]

Wow! He nailed it!! Great job, Mike. Very impressive.

[@Telepuzique]

so relaxed and precise at the same time. had to drop a like on this.

[@bitgeist21]

Truly one of the best renditions of Spirit of Radio I've even seen. Really great work and a wonderful tribute to our fallen Professor!

[@brettreid3220]

This video doesn’t deserve to be disliked... that was awesome

[@jjl2112]

Awesome job! One of those songs you are grateful that it exists.

[@therealgreen94]

great cover man, i'm learning this song right now for drums. Kit sounded awesome too!!

[@manoelmirandafilho2110]

I think that Neil Peart is the best drummer of the world and follow what he does in the drums is for few. Congratulations Mike. Rush in my vein.

[@ianlaw7744]

Awesome cover, one of the best and I’m sure the great man himself, Neil Peart would be impressed

[@christopherdrummer4464]

Whoa, those drums sound so good!

[@markbeatlesyeah]

Wow! Wow! Wow! You nailed that perfectly. I can't imagine how much practice it would take to do this but you made it look effortless. Neil must be proud to hear people like you carry on this sort of skill. Incredible precision Mike. Thank you for recording and sharing this.

[@PearlDrummer68]

Absolutely beautiful!!! Excellent work sir!!!

[@jayn8585]

That is some crisp work. Bravo.

[@redbandanband]

Our classic rock band has decided to take this song on and this is the best representation to learn from I can find out there...thanks man!

[@leebutler6587]

Note for note one of the best efforts I’ve seen lad lovely stuff

[@musicman257]

great job man one of favorite Rush Tunes

[@crikar]

IMPRESSIVE YOUR ACCURACY AND MUSICAL CLARITY, YOUR EAR REFLECTS THE SOUND THAT YOU CAN TRANSMIT WHEN PLAYING THIS SONG BY RUSH, ONE OF MY FAVORITES, I WOULD SAY THAT IT IS BY FAR THE BEST COVER THAT IS ON KZbin, THE MEANING OF PLAYING THE DRUM IS BEING PERCEIVED AND NO JARS THAT BREAK OUR EARS! IMPRESIONANTE TU EXACTITUD Y CLARIDAD MUSICAL, TU OIDO REFLEJA EL SONIDO QUE LOGRAS TRANSMITIR AL TOCAR ESTA CANCION DE RUSH, UNA DE MIS FAVORITAS, YO DIRÍA QUE POR LEJOS ES EL MEJOR COVER QUE ESTA EN KZbin, SE LOGRA PERCIBIR EL SENTIDO DE TOCAR LA BATERÍA Y NO TARROS QUE ROMPEN NUESTROSOIDOS !

[@MarshallNOLA]

You are a King! Such fantastic work!

[@stevezisk3415]

I'm Speechless. OUTSANDING

[@thenecropolis_ov_former_lo3396]

Your kit sounds so good and looks so good. And the best cover of this song I've seen

[@m118lr]

…phenomenal work. GREAT job…great tone too

[@revery85inc61]

SEEK THE TRUTH One Of The Very Best Drummers! AMEN.

[@christopherburton9814]

That was AWESOME!!! Best cover of this song I've seen on youtube!

[@seanie002]

Tremendous piece of work mate! I'm sure the great man himself would approve.

[@marcwebster498]

Did a great job. Perfect 10

[@markroberts3277]

Bravo. The best I've seen and heard. Excellent behaviour.

[@ryanoconnor_guitar]

dude that was incredible. you look so relaxced.

[@dogdrawer]

Excellent job ! smooth Sir. Glad you are playing with YYNOT!

[@tragicanomaly1707]

Nailed it. Neil would be proud.

[@frankfossaceca9616]

Wow.!!! Nice job Mike.!! Nice kit Dude !! Your beats are spot on man.!!!!! Exellant !!!!!

[@Stevo_Drums]

So balanced, steady, focused... great job!

[@dustinstephenson7136]

jeez ur a hell of a drummer brother Neil would enjoy watching this

[@davidparavati9201]

Absolutely amazing!

[@richardholt7824]

Awesome cover, very lively, spot on sound, nice and crisp. Peace

[@wpribble]

Great job!!! You style is so fluid and effortlessly!

[@dtmjr34]

Never liked and subscribed so fast in my life! Great Job!

[@cdmpilots]

Neil would be proud……nailed it.

[@kevinshaughnessy7437]

This guy knows rush songs inside out best technical cover on KZbin by far btw those toms sound like cannons 😍

[@fuffoon]

Awesome cover. This was the first record I ever bought. I gave my vinyl collection to my son. He has a first edition White Album in that stack.

[@paulchambers1419]

You made that look and sound effortless my friend...seriously seriously top fkin notch!

[@howells442]

Seriously good! Thoroughly enjoyed watching this! 🤘

[@soundsatdjs1964]

Fantastic job my friend!! You made it look easy!!

[@marklivingston330]

Keep the elbows tight. It's all on the wrists!!! PERFECT!

[@jon325]

Really good stuff! Kit sounds very nice, and great timing!

[@StGeoRUSH619]

Wow...I really like how you groove ridin' that bass pedal first verse...NICE. Some other things were added, and taken away, and it added a fresh change to an old favorite. Incredible job Mike...Peace

[@EricNTammy304]

Mad bass rolls! Epic version! Well done!

[@joshsquash9917]

I was born in 89, my dad threw Rush at me probably before I could understand what music was, it’s his favorite band of all time. Not a lot of other dudes my age like it a whole lot but I fucking looooove Rush. Great cover dude! I feel bad for the kids in present day who don’t know what good music was and can’t begin to comprehend it due to all the new trash shoveled into their ears.

[@smithyMcjoe]

Absolutely fantastic!

[@tiagobashqui9130]

Great performance, kit Pearl top, sounds animal!

[@PeanutttGoat]

Damn man, you play it pretty much perfect! Actually got the accents on the bass drum and snare amazing

[@rollinponystyle]

Fantastic drumming. Enjoy watching your videos.

[@williammanganaro9070]

This was amazing to watch. Such precision and command of tempo changes. Bravo !

[@josephhansonito4822]

This is freakin amazing! Nice job!💯

[@josephandrachick1774]

i/ve been playing drumset for over 40 years, and you play this song alot better than i could .great job

[@luish777]

A true student great job👍you grabbed the pebble from Niels hand

[@brianrushford4057]

Brilliant,lovely kit as well

[@danejurus69]

I'm a guitarist with great rhythm and I can do some drumming but I don't think I could remember all those parts then play them flawlessly. I don't know how you drummers do it. Mucho respect.