Tool-Stinkfist-Johnkew Drum Cover

This is a song that takes me back to my college days, and I still feel that Ænima is one of the best albums of the 90s. I remember that everyone was wondering if Tool could put out an album as successful as Undertow, and this album exceeded everyone's expectations. As the first single, and the opening track, Stinkfist reminds me of the whole phenomenon of Tool blossoming and taking music to a whole new dimension.
This song is not one of Tool's most complicated pieces, but it is masterfully composed and executed. One of the things I always notice when trying to learn one of their songs, is the great work ethic of Danny Carey. He refuses to use the same fill twice in a song, and even the accents are varied to freshen up the drumming. It makes for very complex drumming, even on seemingly basic pieces.
Anyway, I think you can tell that I had a lot of fun playing this. Highly recommended!
Follow me on Facebook: / johnkewdrums
and Twitter @JohnkewDrums
Thanks to William Cameron for the video intro and logo!
Recorded on Sonor Select Force maple drums, DW Steel Performance Series 14 x 8 Snare, Evans G2 batter drum heads and G1 resonant drum heads, Sabian HHX Evolution 14-inch hi-hat; Sabian AAX-plosion 14-inch hi-hat auxiliary; Stacker with Sabian 19-inch Paragon china and 18-inch AAX O-zone, Paiste Dark Energy 8-inch splash; Sabian 21-inch Holy China, DW 9000 double bass pedal, DW 3000 hi hat stand, Tama drum throne, Vic Firth Danny Carey signature sticks, Audix Fusion overhead microphones, Apex 435 room mics, Audix D-series mics on toms and kick, Audix i5 and Shure SM57 mic on snare, M-Audio Profire 2626 interface, Logic Pro X, Sony Alpha 6000, Canon T2i, Canon Vixia HF M40, and GoPro HD Hero cameras, Shure in-ear monitors.

[@mr.bonez3150]

This guy is underrated he deserves more subscribers

[@evanmitchell770]

Cameron Myers he deserves more than that, I went to tool earlier in june and they played stinkfist and Danny Carey was sweating profusely but this man plays this song easy without breaking a sweat. Honestly he deserves more than subscribers.

[@Claypoool]

+Evan Mitchell that's bc Danny Carey plays 10+ songs in a row!!!

[@deegz3078]

@@Claypoool and if it was outdoors it was probably like 90+ degrees

[@nickavenoso7851]

@@evanmitchell770 They usually play Stinkfist at the end of their concerts. So he probably played about 10 or more songs before playing this song, so that’s probably why he was sweating.

[@rolandcarlos765]

i guess it's quite off topic but does anyone know of a good place to watch newly released tv shows online ?

[@dimetilldeath]

always loved the fill at 1:35

[@ownTer]

Yea, its one of those you always take the time to really enjoy when it comes up....

[@jeffgoulding3786]

Has anyone suggested you do Jambi? I think you should do Jambi. Did I mention Jambi?

[@aubrianaronnie5842]

you know what he should cover next?? Jambi!

[@kreisplatz5154]

I think he should do Jambi!

[@benjamin4190]

please please

[@MrDieseldog]

yep i think you should........Jambi it is

[@TheRansyn]

By the way....Jambi

[@Bervick]

I used to be enamored by Cobus and some other girl drummers. They were all good. But John is definitely better than them and sadly, he does not get enough views. While they get far far more. Then again, McDonalds gets the most customers. Another excellent cover, John. Thank you.

[@OHG1997]

+Bervick It is indeed sad to see when their attractivness plays a major role when it comes to their views.

[@combatfitness7092]

especially that metal cohen girl.. using her tits and body to gain fame..

[@crypto1300]

Your great

[@zachneptune1838]

Cobus is an excellent drummer. He has come so far. It's all about entertainment and exposure vs personal taste at the end of it. Cobus may not cover songs of Danny's technical level, but he is certainly a very technical drummer. I feel like he's quite expressive in his playing as well. I think his visual emotion is more in how he does his own rendition of a song, as opposed to an exact cover note for note.

[@itz_premium]

Cobus is a great player. And his band plays some solid stuff (Venture heights i believe its called) And cobus had a huge influence on me in my developing years. But John here is a drummers drummer (much like our beloved D. Carey). And while youre right Cobus has never really covered anything of this skill level, (Stinkfist really isnt THAT hard comparatively), both of these guys are great players and I wish them both many years of great playing and progression.

[@roehrc]

I love watching drum covers. I mean, take for instance in this video: At some points he's doing one rhythm with his right leg, another with his left, a different one with his right arm and a fourth with his left. The timing, stamina and endurance, concentration and ability to do multiple things with legs and arms at the same time is amazing. I mean, when I got out of bed this morning I almost lost my balance for no apparent reason; this is why I don't play drums.

[@amneenja5720]

Stella Perkins or maybe why you SHOULD play drums!!

[@drummaboi5879]

only drummer i've seen on YT cover every tool song flawless, amazing bruv

[@kingadalou]

the transition from the first 3 albums was really like watching a evolving species. just brutal at first, then the 2nd is angry, but understands why and what needs to happen. By Lateralus they were just like, scientifically breaking it down to a spiritual level while the instrumentation became great as ever. Anyways.... Nice cover

[@johnkew]

+kingadalou Agreed, Lateralus was transcendent, both for Tool and anyone lucky enough to listen to the album.

[@federicoresendiz3617]

+johnkew love coming back to this channel time and time again to find you've only gotten better (against seemingly harsh odds)! I can think of very few KZbin musicians who appreciate the detail and subtleties in others' work the way you do man. Inspiring!

[@metaprog46and2]

+kingadalou Excellent comment - definitely agreed. I apologize in advance for the lengthy comment below - usurping your post isn't my intention. Just thought the placement would be appropriate. Opiate was adolescent anger, frustration & disillusionment at society & the general level of emotional immaturity at which it predominantly exists...an angst-ridden social critique from the mind of an outcasted & angry intelligent man. Undertow channels that anger & frustration into more of a psychological expose while starting to shift the critical eye inward for further introspection. Aenima is the result of that introspection...years of Tool refining their understanding of human nature, their own personal emotional voids, dreams, desires, mistakes - reflection & introspection towards increased self-knowledge...the first steps towards reprogramming one's own identity & self-identity...moving towards the re-creation of who they are, how they perceive themselves & learning how these reality-tunnels are relative - be pliable...reprogram at will...self-evolution. Then Lateralus - the zenith of TOOL - the ascension. Maynard & Tool have broken through the lower states of consciousness into the higher...the worldly into the spiritual...the material/physical into the energetic/etheric. The critical mind is now devoted solely to introspection & the vantage point is no longer psychological but spiritual. The psychological topics of ego, arrogance, isolation, power dynamics, subjugation, psychedelics have all become spiritual/inward - analogously ego-death, kundalini rising, ascension, the Will, sacred geometry, meditation, etc. This is the peak of their inner search...everything prior was intended to culminate to this point - as is everything that happened before was merely a test, merely a compass to guide to this moment of ascension - of the unification of atma with paramatma - to see oneself & one's divinity without the tainted & limited lens of ego. I consider Lateralus a gift...and Tool at their best. 10,000 Days is the resolution...the reflection & cleansing after the climax. The inner journey has reached its peak - found what it was seeking its entire life. But work remains to be done...the work of cleansing remnants of the past, relationships, unfinished work, further development of one's spiritual powers & further exploration of that which is now known to exist. What comes next? Hopefully the coming months will tell as the next album finally gets released!

[@kingadalou]

+metaprog46and2 .... hmmm well. yes... essentially that is right. although 10,000 days definitely has great records on it. Ænema is just an amazing vibe and really ahead of its time... Btw, ever listen to gojira? Terra Incognita a listen... then listen to everything after, they evolved in a a similar fashion.

[@metaprog46and2]

+kingadalou Indeed it does - the denouement comment wasn't intended to imply otherwise. Though in comparison to Aenima & Lateralus, I do think it somewhat pales a tad bit (with the exception of Wings For Marie 1&2, Jambi & Intension). Re: Gojira - no I have not. I'll put Terra Incognita on my short-list...thanks for the rec.

[@michaelcrandall6399]

Flawless. Mad respect for anyone who attempts a tool drum cover.

[@DRUMMERMIKE]

jesus christ man, these tool covers are pretty spot on

[@Blablablarandomguy]

Signed in just to post this. John, you're amazing!! It's a real treat when a new Tool song pops up covered by you. Please do Jambi next!

[@johnkew]

+- Jai Thanks man! Jambi would be a lot of fun.

[@heyshwa5102]

+johnkew yes Jambi!

[@ODIOPOWER]

+johnkew Rosetta is waiting for you John! JUST DI IT :P

[@drewbly5144]

Heard this song on the radio a few months ago and loved it. As a fellow drummer and fan, I knew your love of Tool so I searched for you covering this song. Didn't have one, but today that changed! Great job on a killer song!

[@yousuxalot]

I'll never attempt another tool song again after watching this! new sub, and love the vids man!!

[@johnkew]

Thanks for the great feedback!

[@waynekerr4141]

johnkew, have you ever met the sweet prince Danny Carey?

[@waynekerr4141]

johnkew, fark me fella u nail it. killer.

[@baconpicker123]

that snare is on point. Such weight. much yes. yes gud.

[@tommyowen8583]

I can’t imagine the practice that went into this. Freakin’ amazing.

[@crypto1300]

Absolutely love your drumming! My 6 year son can't stop watching your videos. He's now taking drum lessons and loving it!

[@coopersimmsvlogs498]

Dude, perfect cover! I love this song and I'm currently obsessed with Tool! Love the enthusiasm of your playing. Please cover 10,000 Days!

[@chrisdickenson8116]

This never gets old... I wish I could thumb up every time I watched. One thing that makes me enjoy it so much, is seeing you smile throughout most of the song. Shows you enjoy the music you make.

[@marcusking8507]

Great job again John Williams! Watching you replicate Danny Carey's drumming makes me realise how textual and musical it is; even during a simple-sounding part, he always adds a little something else that unveils itself on multiple listens. That's why he's my favourite drummer!

[@johnkew]

+Marcus King Well said!

[@NikhilSharma-Capt]

Their are very few Drummers on the internet who try to cover Tool but, johnkew really pull the strings high enough by playing the songs so well and satisfyingly good to hear just the drums , which I feel you are the most top-notch drummer on youtube I've enjoyed all the TOOL covers that you carried out keeping the songs where they deserve to be on the high level, as a drummer myself I triped over on some of your drum Technics which is helping me improve myself by being a strong backbone of my band I've seen your Band playing and really looking forward to it.. super cover by the way

[@TruthbtoldMD]

In my honest opinion , stinkfist is the most epic drumming of tool, not excessively hard nor complicated.. it is just right and this guy nailed the essence of this song.

[@romuloceretta3019]

Great job John! You totally naild it, very accurate and power play. Thank you for sharing! Greetings from Brazil!

[@MariusViken]

1:48 - Lovely touch!

[@jt203]

Awesome stuff as usual John. Keep up the good work.

[@MikelangeloYoutube]

That's a nice room. Like the paint job and the door, and with the lighting too.

[@Ypsksfgos]

Fantastic job per usual, you may as well do an entire album cover at this point!

[@PPSChadwick]

I watch all your tool videos over and over again. Thumbs way up dude!!

[@johnkew]

+PPSChadwick Thanks man!

[@MJAce85]

I can run heavy equipment, which requires precision with more than one limb at the same time, and im good. But watching any drummer doing any song blows my mind. Especially anything by Tool

[@123cillitbang]

I have a habit of checking out what I THINK as difficult drumming in my favorite songs...I find it adds to it. I'm like "how da fuck they make those sounds " kinda facination. Happens ALOT with the type of music I listen too

[@gste7240]

favorite Tool song. Great cover

[@mfKr-cl4rl]

4:00 yeaaaaahhhh! Well done, great cover!😊

[@CristianFernandez-eu3cm]

You are THE beast! Thanks for making this awesome videos.

[@bladeMatster6]

i knew all the comments i left for "drums only please John!" would pay off! thanks heaps, you're the man, they're so good to play along with. Your TooL covers are the real deal

[@sebastiangoldinger8484]

I love the snare sound.

[@MidaBrg]

one of the most accurate covers! Finally!

[@drumkiller2247]

I learned thus song from watching this, thanks, its also very fun to play

[@quihongchao5898]

Part from 3:50 ... stunning!!!

[@johnstahrstartcleanfitwell1051]

John you are TOTALLY AWESOME man!!!! I think that's cool that you're an archaeologists but you can play Danny Carey perfectly note for note it's amazing!!!! I watch you all the time so keep it up!!! In fact I actually like watching you more than I like watching Danny lol lol 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@123cillitbang]

My GOODNESS. THAT is sooo in my mp3 player #youknowthatRAREmomentwhenLIVEisbetterthanalbum.................... YOU ARE VERY GOOD. I only stumbled across this. Very good.

[@mattlawson714]

Amazing. The verse is one of the only Carey parts I can play... forget the chorus. That double hit on the snare gets me every time, it’s so nuanced and powerful.

[@alchase5062]

Beautiful as always, sir. Thank you

[@imalings]

John that was amazing as always. People you must support this KS campaign. This project has to happen. Pledge today!!

[@johnkew]

Many thanks for the support my friend!

[@rogersgonc]

again nice drum playing dude. awesome work!

[@THIGGEH]

Damn that kit sounds good, well done my guy didn't miss one note. Viva la tool

[@Luke-ofStoke-Factor]

Amazing

[@renatoyeahh]

I think i have never seen toms sounding so good on youtube videos, great job.

[@mysteriousflamz]

Omg still following...not stalking ....just a tool fan and love watching you more than the videos if any made for song....

[@sonicchasmrecords3551]

the bass line is also incredibly fun to play

[@aquawicket]

Nice setup.. good lighting.. revolving cameras.. expensive drums.. great room... seems like you have it all.. join a band.

[@seanysean6183]

best guy to cover DC on the drums on youtube hands down...

[@markokampfelt3298]

Just Fantastic drumming.......🖤

[@luisferreira4243]

Very nice indeed.

[@FreshCutFrenchFries]

Spot on! Kit sounds great!

[@drummerguy187]

Damn brother. That was an awesome cover. I love this song and have been a huge fan of Tool since 1994. I've watched a lot of Danny Carey drum covers and I have to say that this is one of my top 5. Nice job man!

[@travisdelee8647]

The look at 3:46 tells it all. That "in the pocket" look. There's no greater feeling in the world.

[@tschamp2020]

john you are second to none. its a shame that you have to have double D's to get views on here.best drumming ive ever seen, keep em' coming brother. cant wait.

[@frankduffy6464]

Very tight! Sweet kick sound bro.

[@bubza37]

Holy moly that was an amazing rip of that tune. Wow. Incredible.

[@briantripoli5348]

Geeeeezzz bro!!! Danny has to smile seeing someone kill it with his art he created

[@cinatit48]

You sir... Are awesome. Nicely done

[@tutucaman8496]

Absolutely flawless!

[@gladysrabnott6708]

One of my all time favorite songs!! Great cover!!!

[@TheDutchMusician]

amazing drumcover man keep it up with the tool videos :D

[@ChristianBjork]

Amazing playing. Thank you!

[@ObedMiramontes1]

Badass cover and technique you have, brother! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Amiga500_User]

My most favorite song of all time and you just nailed it perfectly! Awesome job!

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

Wow! You really nailed that!

[@9786EVL]

amazing work sir! my favourite Tool song done perfectly.

[@waynekerr4141]

Only 113k views, da fark is wrong with people this is as good as it gets unless you are Danny himself. Awesome job young fellow

[@nickybu_]

Another impeccable Tool cover. Keep it up, fucking beautiful.

[@johnkew]

+Nicky Buttigieg Glad you like it my friend.

[@problemaddict4461]

Nobody separates your foot and your high hat hand like D.C. great performance

[@msjche]

so good. Love me some Tool

[@felipevera2513]

from Puerto Montt, Chile....amazing cover! i haven`t seen another interpretation like this, great job!!!

[@s0p1s]

wow..this is so accurate..my band is about to play this song...I will learn from you...cheers!

[@NappingWanderer]

This is incredible! You got that snare on point, sounds just like the original. Wonderful cover, you've got a new sub, my friend :)

[@mschmuck2]

Hey John. What's up brother! I just found your KZbin channel. Just wanted to say awesome skills. I'm a drummer myself and I very much appreciate you sharing your love for the craft with us all. Subscribed..

[@tannerjmewborn7470]

John, you are one of the best drummers on KZbin and you do a fantastic job with every song you play, especially this one! I've been watching all of your covers, but as a drummer whose favorite band happens to be Tool, you are one of the best people to help me learn these songs. For example, I never would have figured out that insane beat in "Eulogy" around the 6 minute mark. Keep up the amazing work! Btw, love the new setup/cameras

[@johnkew]

Thanks for the feedback Tanner, and I'm glad to hear that my videos are helping in some way.

[@tannerjmewborn7470]

No problem John! I would love to see Aenema next or Rosetta Stoned maybe!

[@KillingJoke95]

Kickass drum cover of one of my favorite tool songs! Great job dude, you're one of my favorite drummers on youtube.

[@johnkew]

+John Ramirez Many thanks for your encouraging words.

[@vivekteega]

Absolutely sick cover dude!

[@turbu2000]

You're the best in covering tool's songs! I love the way you play man!

[@joshuajacob6402]

Nothing less than extraordinary from you John! Great cover as always! Cheers!

[@gawd0r]

Amazing work! Thank you!

[@ivanjosipovic7206]

this guy is an awesome drummer, he got it down to a beat awesome song

[@theultrabluegiraffetv1765]

This is my favourite video on youtube.

[@BrandonofRedemption]

Great song to cover!

[@spencerbarclay9341]

great cover man i want more!!!!

[@davidcopperfieldslovechild1924]

I wish I could air drum as well as John actually drums! Love the videos, keep on jamming!

[@zmajo33]

great work Jonh. Seriosly you've made a huge progress. Tool songs are really very challenging to play but I think after all those years I can see progress also in feeling. Really a great cover and the sound is just amazing !

[@johnkew]

+René Zmajkovič Thanks for the great feedback; I'm glad the progress in the overall feel of the song is more apparent.

[@smithnwesson990]

In high school I used to put on Aenema or Lateralus while smoking and meditate. Incredible..

[@alexjackson4299]

It frustrates me how flawlessly amazing your covers are! Nice job man :D

[@frankrizzo442]

Wow. Very nice work John.

[@jerokrapo]

Beatifullllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!

[@robertfaithful81]

I freaking love this, in the past week my next door neighbor's have told me to turn it down 3 times lol

[@thesoapster]

Awesome! Loved it.

[@InAverySilentWay]

Fantastic cover!

[@chancedillbeck]

One of my favorite tool jams :D Nice job as always and best of luck with the project!

[@iconcustomsports9993]

I didn't realize Ryan Fitzpatrick was that good at the drums!! NICE JOB!

[@flacche]

Great playing and production as always John! Rock on!

[@johnkew]

+Matt Flacche Thanks Matt! Hope you are doing well.

[@johngavin1448]

Well done John!

[@st3althyone]

Fucking amazing flawless technical drumming full of emotion and raw power! You are so fucking talented my friend, I wish you only the best in your life! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Kilroyan]

Your kit sounds stunning as always :) Great job!