TOMMY ALDRIDGE - Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Drummer (Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake)

[@stevearcher3978]

One of my biggest drum heroes and influences. This interview literally brought a tear to my eye, with it's gratitude and humility. God bless Tommy Aldridge!

[@steviesanders4994]

Saw Tommy at 17 years old play with B OA in 1971 and I've seen him with Nugent, Pat Travers, and Whitesnake down through the years. Missed him with Ozzy but I can honestly say Tommy don't take a backseat to no one. Believe me I seen plenty of rock's finest. Bonham 5 times, Appice, Alex Van Halen, Bill Ward, Don Brewer, Buddy Miles, and many more that I can't remember off the top of my head. He just brings it every time. 110%. Legend in Rock. 🥁🥁🥁

[@fernandomartincom]

Tommy Aldridge turns 70 this year (2020) and is still touring the world playing drum solos every night, making real his own advice: "every time you play the drums you should play like it's your last time". I don't know of any other drummer who plays with that passion and giving it all in every show and at that level of power and musicality. No other drummer can play with such fire in a double bass kit at his age. And no other drummer has done it before. Tommy Aldridge is such an important drummer in music history. A tremendous inspiration!!!!! 🔥🥁🎶

[@sofiaruiz9534]

Hell yeah!!!! Totally agree!!!!! 💥🔥🥁

[@dandogful]

Such a cool dude too.

[@bill64able]

Neil Peart was exactly the same way,giving it all in every show at such a high level of musicality,but he is the only other one besides Tommy that I can think of that was like that

[@joseluispascualcameron5893]

Ian pace

[@fernandomartincom]

@@bill64able But sadly, Neil didn't play until 70 years old

[@TRUTH4U2NO]

Tommy you are so humble and you sir are the reason bands that you played in were successful. Your a living legend and thatnks for making Ozzy, Pat Travere, Whitesnake etc RADIO WORTHY BANDS.

[@livewire4500]

Tommy Aldridge - A DRUMMING MONSTER - So modest and humble - JUST A STRAIGHT CLASS ACT!!!

[@tomw9875]

It's obvious he has a personality that makes it easy to be in a band with.

[@synergetic4d]

I saw him many times with Black Oak and others.

[@Za7a7aZ]

He is as humble as his brother on guitar

[@darthslater6077]

@@Za7a7aZ If you are implying Doug Aldrich you would be mistaken no relation at all.name is also different.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

And his left foot is definitely NOT gay!

[@Justicefordadmom]

❤❤❤I REALLY ENJOY LISTENING TO TOMMY'S INTERVIEWS. HE IS ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE HAS NEVER BEEN PULLED DOWN BY ALCOHOL/ DRUGS. VERY INSPIRING. HE DOESN'T BURN BRIDGES. THANKS TOMMY. ❤❤❤

[@murphyr31]

Tommy is an absolute class act and a beast on the drum kit. A national treasure

[@markevans2814]

Tommy Aldridge. Not only a total double kick innovator, but a full on Class Act. Tommy imparted some seriously valuable information that you aren't going to get in school.

[@BrettPalmer-t1p]

Humble humble man truly brilliant. Tons of wisdom. Legendary.

[@jeddak]

What a musician, and what a class act. So cool, so articulate, and so respectful of everyone, plus incredibly talented. Not showing his age at all, either - he's got the energy, focus, and clarity of someone twenty years younger.

[@trblemkr1d106]

I heard Diary of Madman first in the early eighties and when the drums started on Over the Mountain I nearly passed out ! We were heading out of state in my friends Chevy Blazer that had the two front seats and some bean bag chairs in the back and a massive stereo ! Those DRUMS sent me into orbit...and then Randy Rhodes started playing HOLY GOD !!!!!!!!! NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING COULD TOUCH THAT ALBUM ! We let that tape play for hours ! PK

[@michaelschmidt9708]

Tommy does NOT play on DOAMadman but his picture was put on the inner sleeve because Sharon had kicked out Lee and Bob.

[@hozayatlarge]

Same with the drumming on Snortin Whiskey, incredible !!

[@hozayatlarge]

Sure sounds like Tommy on Over the Mountain

[@roneystapes]

My god what a guy, so wise and humble, the best ones are always so extremely humble because they know it's not a race, it's about bettering yourself and others

[@codersexpo1580]

"Be nice to everybody" words to live by.

[@deanmc178]

the most famous drummer in the world ,,tommy aldridge

[@richardjellis9186]

Could listen to Tommy all night long.

[@5Antvin]

Tommy Aldridge IS the quintessential “ arena rock “ drummer -

[@terrygarner4739]

Tommy Aldridge is the first drummer that I ever knew of. He has been the biggest influence on how I play drums. I first heard him when he played for BOA. I lived in the same town that BOA lived in until I joined the US Army in 1976. He was a very kind person when I met him, I was 15 or 16yo and he made a big impression on me. He is still the "gold standard" for a drummer to me all these years later.

[@laszlocarreidas9548]

Such a great drummer and human being. Hats off.

[@skynyrdinards]

He was awesome in the early 70's with Black Oak Arkansas.

[@jay_sun_michael]

Tommy Aldridge = Class, humility, passion, legend. ❤

[@richprincipe749]

Tommy is such a consummate professional and gentlemen...

[@riskybusiness3413]

Tommy is the quintessential drum instructor that every beginner wishes they had - myself included. He's the Dolly Parton of rock. Just a humble decent human being. Not that this makes a difference (actually it does) He's not all tatted up which proves, in my mind, he shows good moral judgment and has his head on straight and seems very comfortable with himself. Great interview.

[@dirtydave2691]

My older brother (also a drummer) and I wore out an instructional Tommy Aldrich video we had when we were young. I'm nearly 58 and this guy is still a huge inspiration.

[@jeffpopham5694]

Tommy Aldridge.....! Nuff said!

[@duarte_almeida_music]

My absolute favourite.

[@GotLove4All]

MY GOD!!!! DID YOU GUYS HEAR M.A.R.S.???? Tommy is a beast!!! He's been my mentor for a while now. He just doesn't know it.

[@71rcode72]

I saw Tommy play in 1984 in Jackson, MS on the Bark at the Moon tour. Tommy was born in nearby Pearl MS where I played youth baseball. The Jackson crowd erupted with cheers when Tommy was announced. Accept opened. Fantastic!

[@Tommyplanet]

Finally a great Tommy piece. He’s a legend and it’s great to see his enthusiasm for music and the craft. Thx Dom.

[@HocusPocusFocus69]

Born in Florida, raised in Mississippi and toured the world a million times over.

[@markdemell3717]

Dom got an Introvert ,to talk .Tommy is usually the guy in the back ground not saying much.If you can get an Introvert to talk ,you better get ready for a marathon session.

[@mikestein1024]

One of my greatest musical heroes and he shreds it to this day

[@KelvinBurns69]

His work on Ozzy Osbourne - Speak Of The Devil is unbelievable, especially the opening song Symptoms Of The Universe 👌🏽

[@donbray9213]

He puts on a clinic on that album

[@SunCityGamer]

Fuck yeah! I love that album! 👍

[@Knovaspikek]

Yes

[@carlomichelmorales4789]

Agree, no one plays those cover songs the way he played on that album . Good memories too.

[@carlomichelmorales4789]

Great tandem with Rudy also

[@scottmcclure4153]

I could actually sit and listen to this cat all day. the patients this cat has telling a story is just awesome. I sat though this interview like Randy'was with Gary Moore . just in awe what he saying. I'm a HUGE RANDY FAN. so I could sit and hear him talk about Randy all day . I loved how he talked about the music of Randy's riffs. but I am jealous of this cat hair. Man great hair at 71 . awesome on that to.

[@mjulio71]

This is the first interview anybody has done with Tommy, where he actually got EXCITED to talk music. That's how good Dom is about making interviewees comfortable.

[@roadrocket7]

My feelings exactly. I've been waiting to hear Tommy talk, and speak about so many things that made him who he is.

[@roadrocket7]

I also feel Tommy is so excited to talk about everything is due to Dom being a fellow drummer, who's also been around awhile.

[@groovehog1]

Indeed!!

[@dovdrums]

After listening to this interview, I felt it was my duty to go back and listen - as I do from time to time - to the entire "Live! Go For What You Know" album by Pat Travers Band. As humble as Tommy is here, his playing on that album is indeed complex, heavy yet funky, totally exciting and singularly unique...perhaps the greatest testament to Tommy's playing style and lasting influence. In my opinion, Tommy Aldridge is the greatest heavy rock drummer - post John Bonham.

[@jeffhickman10]

Go For What You Know is THE BEST LIVE ALBUM EVER!!!

[@stephengarcia1946]

Thats why he played with all the bigs. Class Act. To be that bad ass and that humble at thw same time. We all need to be nicer to one another. After seeing this interview, I like him even more.

[@stevencarreiro5080]

Nailed it! His fill towards the end of the breakdown/bridge in "Snortin Whiskey" (studio version) was probably my favorite hard rock fill as a young drummer, and still hits just so herta - hard!

[@frankrichards3089]

Incredible album.

[@frankrichards3089]

​@stephengarcia1946 Exactly, just saw Steve Morse for the 1st time a few weeks ago, he has the sanw humility as Tommy. Very impressive.

[@steveh7108]

Wow he sounds like a really great guy and obviously very humble. His name really should be more of a household name than it is when it comes to Great drummers. I'm sure all drummers know his name but he should be up there with Bonham and Neil Peart and the other greats that everybody knows not just drummers.

[@srogers500]

Poetry in motion? His drumming always looks like he's in a bar fight to me. The man plays on so many albums I love. Legend.

[@davidstock2713]

One within my favorite two drummers. Double bass triplets, combined symbol excursions, also extraordinary endurance, Aldredge, also Travis. Two best closers within metal history. They capture, also close a tract with mastery.

[@MrTimaines]

Hands down he’s the reason I'm a drummer .. So good at showing the world how it's Done..!!!

[@unadrummer_FL]

Great interview, nice job. Thank you for allowing Tommy to expound on the questions asked & his vast experience without interruption. Utmost respect to Tommy. What a beautiful little dude & yet, still a vicious effing drummer.

[@berrettamusicacademy9980]

He was my FIRST Drum Video...Double Bass Drumming !!

[@leonme]

An outstanding drummer but most important, such a good human being ! An inspiration for all the musicians out there ... Thanks Mr. Aldridge !!!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Couldn't agree more!

[@fifahmi]

I saw him with Whitesnake live in Yogyakarta Indonesia last March. He's 70 and still rocks.... unbelievable, really amazing!

[@dledge1]

He's the Mechanic. Constant power, flow, motion. Your eyes are just drawn to him. One of the top 5 best drummers in the world... Ever.

[@jaredts3785]

I’ve run in to Mr. Aldridge a few times while living in the same town (great guy!) and have been a big fan of his bands. With that said, you need to listen to a LOT more drummers before labeling him “top 5 in the world...ever.” It’s almost laughable to claim such.

[@fatalvision2]

@@jaredts3785 good drumming is an opinion. He can have his.

[@jaredts3785]

@@fatalvision2 There are opinions and then there are *informed* opinions (based on research, experience, trying, etc.)

[@fatalvision2]

@@jaredts3785 of course there’s informed opinions and then there’s personal taste. I go with personal tastes. As a drummer I could care less about the guys elitist love to name. Like Terry Bozzio. I’ll never see what others see in him.

[@Jmdeclue]

@@jaredts3785 When drumming becomes science rather than art you may have a case, until then, none of that is applicable to the subjective. IMO

[@duanemcknight3895]

Followed Tommy all throughout his career. Bravo!!!!

[@Malama_Ki]

TOMMY!!! Please write a book! Don’t spare feelings; you are consummate professional who’s lifestyle and talent have led to a an example for anyone to follow. Get technical on the details both on and off the stage or recording studio. With covid, now is the time!!! Your loyal following awaits. When I started, I couldn’t comprehend what you were doing; with time, the appreciation grew more. Your integration of double bass in fills is so tasteful, bar none. ‘Tribute’ was my doorway, thank you.

[@FreeMTrider]

I saw Tommy with Pat Travers a few times and it was nothing short of a badass group of musicians that jammed. Go For What You Know is like everyone playing a solo that keeps you in the pocket. Those dudes were fun to see live.

[@MrSteveC]

I’m a drummer I’ve been playing more than 30 years now. The first clinic I ever went to was Tommy Aldridge in 1984 at Atlanta Pro Percussion I was 14 years old and I learned things that I’ve carried with me to this day I had just started playing and what he did that night inspired me in a huge way I’m not famous but I went on to have big gigs, small gigs, and everything in between but even if there were no gigs it wouldn’t matter I’d still be playing and I know that night played a big part in that so I say thank you Mr. Tommy Aldridge you are greatly appreciated.

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

We gotta cherish the greats while we still have them. They are gifts from the music Gods!🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@carlosnovaes6993]

Great human being and Great Drummer👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@k1kevin619]

Amazing Drummer. Always has been and will be. The very first concert I went to as a super young lad was Pat Travers with Tommy on the Drums. I always remember talking about him,how this super skinny guy with a mountain of hair ....he was like the Energizer on stage ,just amped up and full throttle ,just bringing the drums like he was his own orchestra. It was an amazing introduction to the Rock and progressive Jazz music that has inspired me throughout life. Thank you Tommy for not only being a great musician but an even better human being.🍀

[@paulhodges5186]

Why would anyone dislike this? Come on man!!! Hes a legend!

[@besteverepicmillennial5927]

Ah the "legend" comment has arrived! Yes we know...

[@chadro_g1145]

Forget the wonderful music he's brought us over the years, the man himself is even more inspirational! What a fantastic human being and example of how we all should aspire to be! I feel luckier as a person just for having heard this to be honest. He shows that there are some truly good people in an industry, hell, a world, slipping further away from where we need to be. Good health and fortune to you sir, thank you for everything!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for sharing! So glad you enjoyed it, Tommy's a great guy!

[@leddygee1896]

Tommy has a youthful exuberance when expressing himself!! I love it... 70 years young😎

[@musicM0VESme]

Such a stand up guy. Thanks Tommy.

[@gw3705]

Tupelo late 60's, I came with our singer to the Hwy 45's Gold Room. Your Shades of Antebellum band lost a guitar part and only found it when the owner came up with your $600. It was on one of those bass drum rims. I also remember the owner requesting "Heartbreaker" and then saying "not THAT one". Then you also played Grand Funks' waltz. You were better than Ginger Baker. We played later that night, in a soul club and came by your Alamo motel room after we finished. I was 16, and sat against the door. Lately I thought of you when my neighbor cranked his new racing engine. That cam sounds funky. I made regular local money on guitar and drums and Jim Mangrum of BOA even sat in couple of nights 18 years ago. I wish you the best!

[@TomBaddley]

Loved Tommy's playing with Pat Travers Band!

[@john-xc3iy]

He has found the fountain of youth, just as articulate and present as people half his age. Rock on Tommy!

[@johnbratton8420]

Tommy Aldridge is one of the top 10 Great drummers Thank you for all the Great Music over the years.

[@LA_Viking]

Pay close attention kiddies! This is really one of the great ones.

[@robbygaume600]

This was a pleasure to watch. Tommy Aldridge seems really humble to be such a titan.

[@randykirby2326]

I used to go to the same church as Tommy. Ran the sound system once with him on the drums. Very friendly.

[@TheBrightSounds]

His work on Vinnie Moore's "Mind's Eye" is absolutely brilliant. The Octopus. My God... I love Tommy.....what a great spirit.....I'm a huge fan of this channel... thank you for your positivity.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Glad you're enjoying it! We appreciate your support & sharing our videos!

[@starrdogchamp1]

How can you not like this guy

[@Cincinnatus1869]

Tommy was one of the drummers I have seen live that really blew me away. I'd always seen his name in rock magazines or in the liner notes in cassettes so I knew he had been in some great bands. But seeing and hearing him live was a revelation.

[@geopwr5077]

Great Man! 70 yrs old. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@andrewyka]

I meat him in Clearwater Fl.Great person Great!!! drummer .Yamaha!!!

[@ladeseddy5994]

Most folks who watch this weren't even born when Tommy started out his career. In either 69 or 70, I saw BOA on a triple bill. Tommy definitely shown and we were amazed at his double bass work. He has risen far above the early days of Jim Dandy and Ruby Starr. Now days, I try to see Whitesnake every year for Tommy and Reb.

[@oz_medias]

Really well interviewed!

[@honestspirit56]

Tommy, we thank you for so many years of amazing performances. You’ve done it all….. and it was awesome.

[@ironmax3724]

ICON of Heavy Metal drums !!! One of the best !!!

[@robertvaladez4185]

Tommy your the Best, my favorite Drummer, I’ve seen you many times, simply The Best, God Bless You 🙏🏼🙏🏼🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@giannibadeau3344]

Tommy! The man! Humble and amazing! Great interview! Super nice person! Gotta love him!

[@danar.6037]

I saw him do a drum solo with Whitesnake ! unreal! one of the best ever!

[@Tropihouse_media]

Tommy's drumming on Speak of the Devil's "Fairies wear Boots" - "The Wizard" and pretty much the whole fucking album are one of my top favorites EVER!!!!!!!!!

[@justrobocon6538]

Exactly!! Much respect to Tommy, much respect.

[@Mike-ie8np]

I love the intro to" over the mountain "

[@ironhide8491]

He absolutely slays on “War Pigs”, those drum fills are brutally freaking awesome

[@drj3033]

My dad was friends with Tommy . They both auditioned for black oak . I got to meet him in the 90s he’s a great man !

[@madjik2517]

Take credit Tommy. You deserve it.

[@flamecolumn]

I first saw Tommy onstage with BOA. I wasn’t even a drummer then. Hadn’t touched a pair of sticks. But halfway through that show I thought “that drummer is amazing. Way too good for this band.” Next time was with Pat Travers. I had just started playing. When they rolled Tommy’s badass double bass kit onstage and got it set up my friend said “It takes a lot of confidence to sit behind that kit.” I nodded in stunned agreement. Then Tommy started playing. My god. The power. The speed and precision. The swagger and confidence. The sheer...arrogance? Not him, but what he was playing. It blew me away and I still think about that performance all these decades later. Mr Aldridge, thank you.

[@artfleming6657]

Even in his late 60's almost 70 he hits harder than ever , the man defies all the years and rigors of the road and will continue to stay in the game !

[@paulrhall]

I saw Black Oak Arkansas, Golden Earring, and Robin Trower and the thing I remember most through the show was Tommy’s drum solo. Of course I’m a drummer so I’m partial, but always loved you Tommy and always will.

[@simonnorthdrums]

Brilliant Dom! Thank you for inviting Tommy!

[@rolffiesel2558]

What a monster this guy is ..good to see yeah >> yup down load !!!

[@supreethkurthukoti9851]

Such a brilliant interview 🙏

[@WALLOFDAMAGE]

Not just a great drummer but a great human being. He was my intro to double kick playing in Black Oak Arkansas. Thank you Dom Famularo for a great interview

[@charltonpeoples1117]

I saw Tommy with Black Oak when they came to my hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. I was 14 years old, was blown away with Tommy's unique hard hitting style with double bass , large drum sizes, multiple crash cymbals,sticks twirling, playing with his hands. He put on a show that I could never forget. I'm now 62 and havent forgotten that performance. Rock on Tommy!!!

[@donalddevito8144]

Tommy I'm sure all the guitarist with them great riffs felt the same about you ! Having you drumming behind them.

[@TRUTH4U2NO]

Tommy is a hard hitting dynamic drummer that has made millions of people buy Lps and concert tickets for every band he toured with. The ironic thing is most of the fans had no idea who he is except for musicians.

[@michelebrian4698]

Just checked him playing with the reformed Thin Lizzy, just awesome!

[@damagedbyus]

My favorite drummer of all time. I love little Tommy. Always humble and a class act.

[@iccarman]

Knew this guy when he was 14 playing at the Hullabaloo in Jackson, MS. Was a phenom then.

[@DAaronSmith]

That’s great! Why don’t you expand on that story. I would find it fascinating!

[@tomw9875]

Yeah, lets hear a sentence or two about that.

[@sambobobo9383]

This is a great interview with an awesome musician thanks ........Bobby rondinelli next please

[@danriley5848]

Tommy is such a legend and just a nice humble man but a beast of a drummer. 👍🤘

[@rowdyroddy519]

TA in The Pat Travers Band. with Mars Cowling. Top shelf stuff.

[@stevesnvegas9040]

So glad that I got to see that version of Pat Travers play live.

[@frehleysboots]

My Introduction to Tommy, saw the Pat Travers Band live on 1980, did his head and hands solo! Everyone should have Live Go for what you know in their collection!!

[@RandyWillcox]

Tommy Aldridge has been one of my favorites for decades. I always said if I could form my dream rock band, he'd be hitting the drums! I haven't seen a lot of interviews with him, and I'm happy to say, he seems EXACTLY how I imagined he would be! He'll be 70 in August and I wouldn't be surprised if he's still doing this when he's 90! Bless you, Tommy! 🙌🏻❤️

[@bobbyboombatz1489]

I lived near where he used to practice and would listen every time id hear him playing. He was my inspiration to play.

[@johnworden312]

Tommy was so badass in the Pat Travers band... I knew he would always be relevant in any of his endeavors. I was always a fan.

[@troymoody3258]

Love this onterview saw tommy countless times complete proffesdional hard core break sticks wouldnt miss a beat ever thank you tommy

[@dsmith3351]

Unquestionably one of the greatest , and a jolly nice guy to boot. Colossal talent, and a bad ass rocker.

[@DavidCannales]

Amazing and beautiful interview! Thank you very much for inspiration! 🙏

[@darthslater6077]

HE ROCK HALL OF FAME NEEDS TO HAVE LEVELS....FOR EACH MEMBER GUITAR, SINGER, DRUMMER BASS KEYS..ETC....TOMMY WOULD BE ON LEVEL ONE WITH BONHAM.

[@gregoryhuffman3071]

I knew of Tommy, because I grew up with MTV, and through voraciously reading modern drummer. When I actually got to see him play live, with Whitesnake, I was totally floored! I still have never ever seen someone play with such feeling and power! Plus, the showmanship of this guy was jaw dropping! He is the reason you should never try to mug a drummer, because we might be an Aldridge fan. Also, thanks Dom! Great interview and your clinic in '90 I attended changed my whole outlook on drums.

[@johnlascko5485]

What a great interview of such a humble man. A++++++ !!!!!

[@bonzo713]

Tommy has been one of my favorites drummers since the early 80's...love this dude.

[@USM3C]

Tommy is easily one of the best live drummers I've ever heard.

[@nizzaman63]

The drum work he did on the Travers '79 live album is sick.

[@axxessmundi]

Tommy is a powerhouse drummer. He is viciously dynamic on the drums. Tommy is genuine and you know his sound.