Thomas Pridgen: The Mars Volta’s Drumming Juggernaut

Thomas Pridgen is best known for his work with prog-rock band The Mars Volta but he’s well-regarded in the drumming community as being dizzyingly fast, technical and powerful. He’s collaborated with a flurry of different artists and frequently hosts workshops in which he divulges his approach to practice and playing.
Intro: 00:00
Career: 00:21
Technique: 03:30
Legacy: 07:59
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#thomaspridgen #themarsvolta #drumsolo
Music credit: Morning Mist - Quincas Moreira
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[@OffBeatChannel]

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[@elahem6940]

Hearing the Bedlam in Goliath at 15 years old shot my fuckin brains out the back of my head

[@dtrmnts]

Same

[@jingalls9142]

As it did to my little babay brain. I still throw it on and just think woah.

[@MirkoFustinoni]

I didn't know anything about TMV when I first heard Wax Simulacra, that drumming just didn't seem humanly possible to me

[@rustyshackleford4311]

lmao facts

[@superultramega77]

Sounds best downloaded off frostwire

[@InzidenzPanik]

I may not make friends by saying this but he’s my fav Mars Volta drummer. Theodore is still amazing, but the stuff Pridgen came out on Bedlam was just on another level. The current one is really good and really never cared for Fleming or Elitch , but if you land that gig is because you are really top notch.

[@tylerlawson5923]

I feel the same way

[@christopherzucchero4447]

Agreed!! The new drummer or at least the drummer I saw at Riot Fest this past year was quite amazing!!!

[@jeremylarue4503]

He's definitely the best. No question.

[@joeldrummer23]

You are not Alone on that opinion

[@JonathanTaylorW]

Pridgen is just a phenomenon, he has so much raw talent, tons of experience and skill, and a super distinctive voice on the drums. No comparison to other drummers needed, he was born to hit drums!

[@mhobsonirish]

When Larnell and Aaron are giving you stank face at the same time you know you’ve got it going on 😮‍💨

[@jessebradley1720]

Pause it at 8:25, all that needs to be said about that man O ............. O

[@jamellponder4434]

Thomas Pridgen is truly phenomenal.

[@jeffkaluga997]

Hands down one of the best drummers I ever heard.I first fell in love with his drumming on my then-label mate Eric Gale's Record..I could hear the history of drumming, Gospel, funk, Jazz, and world-class rock... I begged label head Mike Varney to let me play bass on a record with Pridgen, it never happened..

[@Pericles777]

Also check out Gary Novak, played with Allan Holdsworth. Thomas reminds me of him so much especially the way he does singles

[@GuyWhoLikesTheSnarkies1435]

8:23 That reaction coming from Larnell Lewis is absolutely priceless😂 He must be like "Shit, my man absolutely cooks a lava down here!🌋"

[@danyaguirrebroca3844]

You beat me to the punch. You know you're shnasty when you make Larnell throw out a stank face.

[@MantisGiant]

Thomas is using one of my crashs as hi hats what a goat

[@DaLawn]

Aside from Thomas Pridgens talent, his humble spirit will keep around 4 a long time. He's as brilliant as he's down 2 Earth.🤘

[@bennettkeasey665]

Hearing it at 35, it blew my mind too

[@npittman82]

TP is out of this world. He's like Danny Carey on speed. His ease at playing odd syncopation, odd time signatures, insane independence all with blazing chops is unreal.

[@MauricioMagaldi]

That stanky eye from Larnell Lewis in the Zildjian video tells us everything we need to know about Thomas Pridgen haha

[@GuyWhoLikesTheSnarkies1435]

Wow, a rare "appreciation thread" video for Thomas Pridgen? I guess I'm not the only one who recognizes his skill and artistry, just as much as I did for Jon Theodore😆 Hope you can also make a video for Matt Garstka, if that's not too much to ask🙏

[@LamarSowellBDApocalypse]

"Octahedron" is the only album I gave from them - but I listen to it wvery couple of weeks, in its entirety. So blisteringly beautiful!

[@nickentros]

It’s honestly their second worst album too, you should explore their first 4 records too

[@kraftyhandz]

Thomas Pridgen played to me with only I and him in a room. One of the greatest moments in my life. If you want proof, I posted a KZbin short of it a couple weeks ago on my KZbin. Dude is down to earth.

[@escherpainting8622]

Was worried I'd never get to see the man himself. To my surprise I went to a show at Wembley earlier this year and lo and behold, he was playing for one of the opening bands. Wasn't a big fan of the band in particular, but watching him drum was absolutely the highlight of that whole evening. Even above seeing the headliner lol

[@schwabit989]

Great video. I can’t even walk and chew gum at the same time. Much respect!

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

Really enjoyed this!

[@pmflix]

great video, I'm really glad I found it

[@jonnykk1]

Rewind That is so so good

[@mayrakoira5397]

Larnell going "what's the heck's happening" in that last clip 😄

[@albertodesantis739]

Oh My God! You are right! That was Larnell

[@geoffreyclark3510]

I fully laughed when I saw that expression on his face!

[@thebunn]

Fave drummer of all time by 100 miles!

[@poindextertunes]

gawd his drums sound fxcking amazing 😳

[@gojurymusichem]

Excellent drummer

[@McDoinky]

8:25 incredible frame

[@Th3dubside42]

Thomas shouldn’t have gotten fired. He was hands down their best drummer

[@GersonELongoria]

Very subjective. Many argue Jon Theodore was the best drummer, musically.

[@Pandamasque]

The Mars Volta fans may want to check out the project Mask of Phantasm and the album New Axial Age, where Pridgen plays alongside TMV's Adrian Terazzas on wind instruments.

[@TheDrifteffect]

Beast!!!

[@marcburrows5783]

GOAT

[@noveltycrusade]

Legend

[@mikestanislaus1107]

Bedlam in Goliath is the only Mars Volta album I own, not because I am not a fan of their music, but mainly because of Thomas Pridgen's work. Absolutely mind-blowing!

[@truthinc.5555]

...if you enjoy rock, their first album is a must-own

[@Mari000]

First four albums are great

[@BrokenWingman]

Thank you for introducing me to Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. Holy fuck I love this album.

[@jessebradley1720]

lol at 8:24 , If Larnell Lewis gives you that look, you know you're a Drumming God O.O

[@TylerOath]

Met him at NAMM one time. He was the most kind and genuine dude. We talked with him and a few other drummer for like an hour. By the end, HE wanted to take a picture with my buddy and I instead of the other way around lol

[@metalcedy]

You know you're doing something right as a drummer when Larnell Lewis gives you that look... 8:23

[@dillinguuur79]

weird, I was thinking about Thomas the other day then randomly saw this...

[@dillinguuur79]

while Jon was my favorite in Volta Bedlam was, is and always will be my favorite album

[@thechangeups]

Micheal Bland please. love these thanks

[@witchbvrner]

I didn't like Octahedron when it came out, and now, I can't listen to Bedlam without pairing it with Octahedron. It is just as enjoyable to me, and works so well as a half to a much greater whole in those sibling records.

[@Robodude_0528]

Goliath was TMV’s best LP, I think. Pridgen was a key component in that. That album is all gas and no brakes

[@artysanmobile]

‘All gas and no brakes’ is generally a guarantee of bad music. I can appreciate skill as much as anyone but at the end of the day, it’s music that matters. ‘Brakes’ is where the soul is, where the funk is.

[@Robodude_0528]

@@artysanmobile depends on my mood. Sometimes I want all gas and no breaks. That’s not the only appeal of that record though. De Loused and FTM are solid entries along with Noctourniquette, but Goliath is more cohesive and holds up upon multiple listens better. FTM is way too self indulgent on the transitions. I can’t listen to an hour of frogs

[@LeGou]

Get this man a double kick pedal 😁

[@JarrettL400]

I'm suprised The memorials are not in this video.

[@robjaimes]

I still listen to We Go to War regularly

[@felipesalazar4897]

Please do one about Chris Maitland from his Porcupine Tree era!

[@leftpastsaturn67]

I thnk that was Larnell Lewis grimacing at 8:25... which says something about Pridgen's proficiency.

[@nicholasvallas9802]

By no means front to disparage the supreme talent that is Thomas Pridgen. But Jon Theodore is the powerhouse of the mars Volta. Also could have mentioned his work with Trash Talk.

[@jongallardo8006]

Jon and Thomas were the 2 best players in TMV. No need for comparison

[@VLKV_loves_you]

monster

[@tbtron]

I personally think John Theodore on the first album is waaaaaay bigger juggernaut. Pridgen was a good replacement but the dynamic of the band I really liked changed for me when John Theodore left.

[@PremiumAudioServices]

Excuse me while I go pick my jaw up off the floor...

[@poindextertunes]

please do one of these videos on JD Beck 😁

[@mikes7707]

The guy is great and pls go easy on me, but idt he has that much feel it style…. Beyond speed and technical ability. Imo, Dave Elitch was by far the best drummer they had. A hard hitter that had tons of dynamic range, and always right in the pocket.

[@The_ScapeGoat]

Elitch has absolutely no dynamics. Theodore was their best drummer, Pridgen their most skilled. But Theodore's creativity on a 5 piece is literally unmatched. The drumming on DITC is as creative as the guitar playing.

[@mikes7707]

@@The_ScapeGoat - someone gifted enough to be in this band is a master of their craft. Point taken, but Your credibility is diluted by saying something like that.

[@poindextertunes]

8:13 if you cant feel that then idk what to tell you

[@mikes7707]

@@poindextertunes - I can and I do. It’s amazing. What’s your point?

[@mikes7707]

@@poindextertunes - if I had to guess, it’s 32 note triplets, and it’s fire.

[@pitpride1220]

These comments are way kinder and also not racist towards Pridgen. When compared to comments on some of TMV'S live performances with him. It's nice to see. I get tired of it. It's regressive.

[@LaVerdad65]

TP is a great drummer. John Theodore was the RIGHT drummer

[@dpbassflamencop1895]

You Forgot on artist because you not really jazz follower. Listen to Pridgen on bassists Victor Little Inner Portrait. Fusion jazz Funk The song Flynn Funk

[@user-yo4gl1fb2k]

They should work on the songs instead of freaking Out because the music is weak

[@Mdjagg]

Pridgen ruined the Mars Volta. Perfect example of not playing to the music in front of you and just shredding. John was such an inspiration and the perfect fit for TMV, and Pridgen is the exact opposite. Rudiments have no business in real music. This trend is trash and the Mars Volta felt it with losing fans, and never getting them back.

[@ELIDOTORG]

Bro mad because he can't even play😂.

[@Mdjagg]

@ELIDOTORG

[@dillinguuur79]

yea man, that's definitely what destroyed them 😄

[@Mdjagg]

@Mdjagg 1 minute ago @dillinguuur79 What was it? I stopped following them when they started playing with TP. Lol. For real though, to both. He's just not what I ever wanted out of TMV, you all act like I'm calling him bad, he's one of the best of all time, I just don't want to hear it on progressive Santana music, I want what John Theodore had. I'd have been singing TP's praises if he walked into to TMV and asked how he could continue the tradition. Instead, he just showed up as himself.

[@poindextertunes]

That Lizzo song was hot garbage except for the drums 😂

[@Augfordpdoggie]

super fast for sure, but if you train long enough any drummer can play that fast stuff. But the music is boring, non beautiful melodies, and a bunch of banging

[@shmupshmuppewpew5260]

Or you could just not comment

[@Augfordpdoggie]

@@shmupshmuppewpew5260 but i did and i can because this is the forum for commenting

[@forgettablelisa]

@@shmupshmuppewpew5260why he’s not allowed to have different taste than you?

[@zachmillerdrums]

“i could do that if i wanted to i just don’t feel like it!!”

[@willburhans3018]

if you can’t hear the musicality in Thomas’ playing, that’s your fault, lol.