Tool-The Grudge Drum Cover-Johnkew

This is the last video I'm going to post for a while, and I wanted to go out with a bang with one of my favorite Tool songs. I'll be taking a hiatus for a few weeks to build the new drum studio (see the 'making of' video for more details).
More than 10 years after first listening to this song, Carey's drumming at the end still gives me chills. And playing along with it on the drums is one of the most exhilarating feelings ever. Learning the rest of the song was a great journey too - there are so many subtleties and nuances that I never knew existed. It wasn't until I really peeled back the layers while learning it that I gained a true appreciation of this piece of art. It really is impossible to heap too much praise on Carey for his artistry and drum mastery in songs like this. I also really appreciate the musicality of the song as a whole and how it heralded a new age for Tool - Maynard got rid of some of his inner demons and the message of their music switched from angst and rage to more esoteric ideas and mysticism.
This isn't one of those songs where you learn two or three parts which repeat themselves throughout the song. A couple of beats repeat themselves to provide some cohesion, but there are SO many distinctive drum parts in this song...and the ending...wow.
This song was another great humbler. It was my outlet during the past few weeks while I've had an insane work schedule trying to get a big report finished. When I was overwhelmed with work, I would go to the practice kit and learn a new part to this song. It was so gratifying to put all of the parts together and record the whole thing after finishing the report.
It was important to me to record this one all in one take - so that's what this is. Also, there is no sampling or replacement of the acoustic drums - they're all-natural.
I hope that watching this video brings even a fraction of the joy that went into the making of it. Thanks so much for watching, and thanks in advance for your feedback - it's always appreciated.
Twitter: / johnkewdrums
Facebook: / johnkewdrums
Recorded on Gretsch Catalina and Renown maple drums, Pearl 14" x 6.5" Free Floating Maple Snare, Evans EMAD bass drum head Evans G2 batter drum heads Evans G1 resonant drum heads, Sabian Paragon cymbals (16, 18, 20-inch crashes; 19 China; 22 ride), Paiste Novo 20-inch China, Paiste hats, Sabian 10 inch paragon splash, DW 9000 double pedal, DW 3000 hi hat stand Orange County drum throne, Pro Mark 747 sticks (Neil Peart signature Japanese Oak), Apex 435 overhead mics, Audix D-series mics on toms and kick, Audix i5 and Shure SM57 mic on snare, M-Audio Profire 2626 interface, Logic Express 9, Canon T2i, Canon Vixia HF M40, GoPro HD Hero 2, and iPhone cameras, Shure SE315-CL in-ear monitors.

[@johnkew]

I'm glad that the time I spend on these little things like tuning is not lost on others. It makes me sad when I see/hear good drummers who don't bother to tune their drums.

[@matmirza5376]

How can I tune my air drum?

[@justsomeguywhowatchesyoutu5550]

@@matmirza5376 hahaha nice one🤣

[@justsomeguywhowatchesyoutu5550]

I'm a better drummer than a tuner🥺 I just don't know how to tune

[@omememe]

Would you tell me why is your cover of Reflection down?

[@younggod4634]

@@justsomeguywhowatchesyoutu5550 have the note you want to tune to playing near you while you tune the drum. tune the lugs at tiny increments and hit the drum with the note playing along side. if they are close you will hear a pulse. that is the sound of the frequencies clashing. the closer the notes are together, the slower the pulse. if you cant hear a pulse after slowing it down, youve tuned the drums.

[@pabzoid]

That ending is unbelievable

[@dooberheim]

Watch this guy: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rH67d42om72LaJI

[@adamdrouin2295]

It really is. He nailed it

[@derrickjivery6933]

At certain points it looks like the recording is sped up, but he and Danny are just so god damn fast.

[@chadbaptiste4227]

The Grudge has got to have one of the most difficult drum outros in existence. I commend the shit out of your skill mate!

[@storm7empest]

Heard Pneuma before?

[@julienchaput2230]

Interestingly, the outro isn't nearly as hard as it sounds. The tom patterns are quite a bit trickier. You want some real contorted stuff, check the Rosetta Stoned polyrhythms.

[@Dennis19901]

@@storm7empest No, he didn't hear of Pneuma 3 years ago. It didn't exist by then ffs.

[@storm7empest]

@@Dennis19901 yes i am aware

[@storm7empest]

@Teeth Bison I was aware moments before I has sent the comment, and I was too lazy to delete afterward

[@Linkubiss]

DUDE, I need to go to bed... stop killin tool

[@johnkew]

Haha, thanks for watching!

[@osmansabillon6751]

johnkew this was beautiful.😢😢

[@zakaryedwards5978]

It's currently 530am and I can't stop watching either.

[@bgmac1219]

frickin' algorithm, this guy's been out there this whole time and they've been feeding me parkour videos for months...

[@naruto58136]

me too mannnnnn

[@johnkew]

Thanks so much for leaving this awesome feedback. It really is humbling to drum along to Carey's drumming.

[@wakeupmofoers691]

than u in the contrary since i can only do the vocals

[@L.A.W.Studios]

As a musician that has been playing for over 35 years, I've played with some great drummers, but you sir, are par excellence! Thanks so much for this, the time and effort put forth in learning Danny's part itself is beyond what most people would even attempt, and you nailed it!. Also setting it all up to sound that good, to filming at all the angles, to syncing it all up with the track ...sheeezz.. I'm just blown away ...don't know what else to say, Thanks again!

[@johnkew]

+Steve A Thanks for taking the time to offer such great feedback!

[@capo_di_capi]

Steve is absolutely right, thank you kindly!!!, I was wondering johnkew, are you running Battery on your Mac as Danny does? and the tuning waaaaay down to get that particular sound for your 14" tom in the beginning of Lateralus, that was genius!

[@hookedfz1]

can i just say that last comment from Steve A is the best feedback you will ever get

[@rescobar8572]

That was an amazing comment. Thank you for sharing.

[@ryanhutchinson9657]

@@johnkew nice job on your tool grudge drum cover

[@tagalong2313]

10 years later, here I am still loving this. Wherever you are dude, keep killing it

[@Wayne-Kerr_Rudy-Zarzoff]

Wear the grudge like a crown 👑

[@samy6465]

Maynard stepped on a Lego at 7:08

[@IIgREyIIwaRdENII]

+Sam Y I suppose at the end he's saying Lego, Lego, Lego, Lego, Lego, Lego, Legoooo!!!!!!!!!

[@j.t.8093]

One of the best screams, ever.

[@tretre3892]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@gotdjent7906]

AHHAAHHAHAHA MAN I DIED

[@b1_ferg]

This killed me

[@lewy_g_official]

How this doesn't have a million views is beyond me. What a fucking cover!

[@uristeinfeld]

The original only has 4, that prooves how stupid humanity is.

[@javierrueda1228]

Because the young men like rap, trap or other´s shit´s, only artists can recongnice this kind of music!

[@MrDslfast22]

That was, quite simply, THE best drum cover I've ever seen anyone on KZbin pull off. I'm truly speechless. If Tool ever loses Danny Carey for a time due to illness or injury, they should definitely look you up.

[@johnkew]

Thanks man - you're too kind, and I would never compare myself to Carey's level, but your encouragement is very much appreciated.

[@erezventura2112]

Although indeed great cover, its one thing to do a cover, but to invent this is a whole new ball game.

[@StinsonTango]

Every single one of his Tool covers are annoyingly flawless. Such talent

[@dillonsnyder1172]

Danny Carey is a monster. There is no way to make his frenetic style look easy, but you do it flawlessly.

[@brucestubstad7096]

DC has nothing over you thanks

[@christopherkowalski9971]

12 years later and this is still the greatest thing i have seen on KZbin!

[@johnkew]

Thanks so much - that end always stood out in my mind too, and it's so much fun to play.

[@JamoonXerxesSauber]

Danny Carey said this is the hardest song to play live as its brutal on the hands

[@genckemalist9712]

best The Grudge drum cover. thanks

[@benrobinson9473]

On behalf of all TOOL fans, thank you so much for doing this

[@johnkew]

Thanks man, I'm always blown away by people who get chills from the video - it's the same feeling I get when playing it.

[@Mike_HuntizWet]

Danny Carey said in an interview when asked which song has the most technical or hardest drum work (something to that nature) and he said The Grudge

[@stockman214]

Just when you think you've heard it all... that ending is out of control!!!

[@Ellingmint]

Incredible ferocity and precision. I can't wait to see more.

[@rafanj824]

That ending is one of the most brutal, intense and raw moments in music history. It's a freaking workout!!!

[@nealh5117]

I go to TOOL show to watch Danny C. Dude, I could watch u do this song all day. Well done.

[@jordansmith5539]

Howlee sheet! This is so god damn impressive. Thank you sir for all your hard work 🙏🏼

[@lanceconley8300]

Dude, this cover is fucking flawless...mind-blowing talent

[@dokanyon]

Danny Carey is a fucking genius.

[@dokanyon]

@Bill Gonzo indeed!

[@leeklip]

Its dannys hardest song, his words. Hats off to you sir.

[@brianburcham5710]

I'm a 55 year old man and been a metal head since I was 13 in 1975 (Sabbath, etc.). You are one of the most amazing drummers I have ever seen in my life. How do I see you live? I am about to call a few friends at 12 midnight to tell them about you! UNFUCKINREAL!!

[@jiminthecountry3849]

so sick

[@shaneroney2916]

Dude I've been a tool fan for as long as I can remember. and as a drummer of over 20 years I idolize Danny. His imagination makes my heart flutter. most drum covers on KZbin are a giant waste of time. I would never attempt it. but you sir are a champion. I think if Danny lost one of his arms they could call you up from the bullpen to save the show! you nailed almost every fill and the fact that you took the time to do all the auxiliary parts is quite impressive. and whoever mixed this and set up the mics nailed it. I love your channel cause you and I have the same taste in music. When this song ended after all the build up I had yell whoooooo! great job dude, I don't say that often cause I'm picky as hell. Do you learn these songs by ear or do you dig up music somewhere?

[@danilorocketsmile]

Totally agree! Danny is my favourite drummer, and watching a cover like this shows even better the extremely difficulty of this song. Good job dude, jelaous about your skill

[@brucestubstad7096]

You tube favorite musician ,love your tool drumming.

[@RhileyNone]

Naw then Danny would just play all of this with one hand

[@스콧버클리]

툴의 노래는 들으면 들을수록 빠져드는 중독성이 있다 처음 접하는 사람은 귀에 붙지않을것이다 하지만 듣고 듣고 또 듣다보면 한곡에 만족하지 않고 툴의 다른곡들을 찾아듣게 된다!!! 툴을 처음 알게된건 2006년도에 있엇던 메탈리카의 한국 공연때 오프닝 무대를 장식햇을때엿다 그땐 별로 맘에들지 않앗엇다 메탈리카에 비해서 너무 심심한 음악이라 여겨졋고 그후로 한동안 툴을 찾지않앗다가 우연히 어떤 노래를 듣게되고 빠져들고 다른 노래들을 찾아듣게되고 급기야 앨범들을 모조리 사버리게 되엇다 툴은 정말이지 내 인생 최고의 밴드가되엇다 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnkew]

Crank it up my friend - I worked hard on the mix for this one, so it should sound good coming through the loud speakers :-)

[@elixir9013]

I'm an absolute pedant when it comes to picking up on all the intricacies and nuances of people doing covers 'oh they didnt play that bit' or 'they missed a triplet on the kick drum there' but this is just incredible. Absolutely spot on all the way through. What a performance.

[@rickfan7]

Holy shit dude! This was awesome. The best drum cover ive ever seen!

[@chenille28]

That bass drum crescendo, that scream, that outro...

[@cristianriutort1]

Holy mother fucking shit!!! You have Danny Carey's soul inside of you... This is incredible. Absolutely amazing..

[@jiminthecountry3849]

i never get tired of watching this... unbelievable!

[@silentrev_7360]

The way Danny composed is pure art, and you mate, totally caught it and nailed it. Awesome!

[@christopherkowalski9971]

I am not a drummer but I love JohnKew's attention to detail! The tone, the feel, the fills and the tunings!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@teet0n]

All your tool videos are amazing big props!

[@abledrummer]

So jealous right now. I know that was hard work, patience and dedication. Peeling back those layers Danny created to find those nuances within the music is definitely challenging. Played this for years but still struggle with those nuances. Hats off (again) to you brother...by far the BEST interpretation I've seen...and to those 67 thumbs down.....dumbfounded

[@sNNNNNable]

Man you actually nailed that outro, shit must be so fun to play

[@citizenplane5840]

Johnkew is by far the best online drummer....id love to hear some original music...i mean hes on another level.

[@jdheere]

I've watched quite a few of your other videos and I have to say this is the best - the tone of your instrument, timing, attention to detail, and balance are the best I've seen from you here. Multiple views from me sir.

[@johnkew]

Thanks for watching, and for your great feedback!

[@sebastianarmani333]

Incredible job sir Danny Carey is one of the best to ever play the drums and tool is so hard to play well done

[@jackstellar2144]

Just absolutely mind blowing. You have got some crazy talent, Man. Thanks for uploading this. It was a joy to watch.

[@aginggergown6303]

Doing a difficult drum cover is great, but making one of it is TOTALLY ON A WHOLE DIFFERENT LEVEL. Danny is one hell of a genius

[@tool4010]

Absolutely jaw dropping , you have some serious talent

[@johnkew]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@tool4010]

johnkew Was it challenging to learn??

[@caleb7mm]

HOLY SHIT! As a 31 year drummer and a very large TOOL fan, you my friend nailed it! Well done sir

[@SoOouL13]

I was listening this song on my way home and I cheked here if there was a drum cover of it because it would be awesome. Well, I guess this hasn't disappointed me. This is completely awesome man, good job.

[@seanhungerford2293]

Those last 20 seconds are among the most beastlyiest of all musical seconds.

[@the-yomma]

You look like you're having a great time in this video. This is a great drum cover. Tool are my favourite band and Danny Carey a personal hero of mine. He's a real artist and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and hearing your interpretation of this track and your words about it in the description. Great job, the energy you're putting out there in this video is really enjoyable to watch.

[@jonbeta3031]

The most accurate Tool - The Grudge drum cover that exists online

[@albertomassidda]

The explosion at the end of the song of the grudge feelings, the grudge itself released, it's amazing and it has been well executed here! Compliments!

[@ProgrammedForDamage]

Why can I only give this one thumbs up? There needs to be exceptions made to KZbin in cases such as these. The precision, timing and effort... just wow!

[@WormStomperTV]

Good sir, you are a freak of nature. I don't know how you did that, but it was an absolute pleasure to watch, and awesome to hear. Kudos.

[@marknoll943]

Jesus man. This was incredible.

[@facedspaced]

8:09 on, perhaps my favorite drum "solo" ever. Way to go dude.

[@boblindstrom9735]

Kewl & Hooray!!! Although you kind of missed the doubles on the bass drum at 4:51. I'm not sure if you noticed or not, just thought I would let you know : /

[@cesarmella8062]

awesome dude no words , just wow , great work , detail , perfection, a hug from Chile...

[@tonyliang8099]

Lifetime achievement award! Dam you killed it!

[@Gibson1961SG]

Someone, for the love of god, needs to have this mans babies asap!

[@aceshighest]

I could spend 10,000 hours practicing and never hope to be half as good as this guy. So much fun to watch.

[@blahblahblah48504]

epic, maybe the best drum cover i have seen. good to see you enjoying it too!

[@SnapperFish]

Right on brother. That was awesome!!

[@MrAnimal1971]

Very good technique. Excellent cover. Much props. Very nice kit too!!

[@johnkew]

+MrAnimal1971 Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated.

[@nickpaternostro2611]

Danny Carey lives within you. If Danny Carey had to be our for a tour, you would be the first replacement. Your drumming has more feeling out of any drummer that I have ever seen. You send chills throughout my body. You're the best drummer on KZbin. Cheers.

[@TheDivergentDrummer]

Yup, still the best out there 10 years later. AceS John!

[@NooDLES411911]

8:08 BEAST MODE FUCKING ENGAGED

[@jeremyunderwood302]

The relief on his face he finally finished his one take... 👌😂 Bloody excellent! 👏

[@misscreant]

No need to go to a gym if you can play this song. My arms are burning just watching it! Bravo, sir.

[@dukeofdeath276]

well...tool knows what to do if daney carey ever dies or quits.

[@airwann]

They'll split up and stop creating.

[@christopherjones8367]

Tom Atans didn't they already?

[@mistajerka5221]

Christopher Jones no they just take 10 000 days to make a new album

[@christopherjones8367]

HAHAHA!!! You're awesome.

[@christopherkowalski9971]

as awesome as John Kew undoubtedly is, being able to play Tool songs is one thing. Being able to CREATE Tool songs is an entirely different kettle of fish. From what I have read, a lot of Tool songs are based are rhythms that Danny lays down first.

[@tooldaniellateralus9298]

11years later....I found it.....thanks man.....very intelligent and vicious drummer....nice 👍

[@wolfslayer2337]

8:09 I've mentally and physically been trying this part for about 3 years and i still just cant. Help?

[@nTime77]

HOLY SHIT!! To get through that IN ONE CONTINUOUS TAKE with no edits is BEAST mode! Danny is my favorite modern drummer - hands down, and anyone who can replicate his parts as well as you did deserves major recognition. Thanks for the inspiration!! Please post more - the sound and recording is phenomenal.

[@BritishJenniPixieExplorer]

Absolutely brilliant! Danny Carey would be proud. He could still steamroll your arse, (lol) bur he would definitely be pleased. Great camera work as well. Cheers to whomever did the recording for you. Thanks for sharing, I personally learned a great deal watching this as well as some of your other clips. Well done. Keep them coming. (subscribed)

[@KilnerKlan]

He did the recording himself, he's got a bunch of go pros and cameras, one is on a pivoting tripod above his toms, you can see the cameras.

[@bemeek]

Your timing is something else. I can’t believe I just found you tonight.

[@timkavna_art]

The outro is even more difficult than I thought, well done!

[@NooDLES411911]

There isn't a single 10 second part of any tool song that I could play on drums lol

[@gregorystark3763]

The last 20 seconds of that performance...I literally peed myself with how powerful that was.

[@TooMid]

When asked what is the hardest TOOL song to play, Danny said The Grudge for physicality and Invincible for trickiness. This guy nailed both! 🙌🏾

[@resin8woodworks933]

Just watched that clip of Danny saying this one was the hardest, which is what prompted me to look for someone covering it and 🤯🤯

[@TooMid]

@@resin8woodworks933 yes it’s awe striking and also extremely rare!

[@stonefarm]

How the F? I haven't played in years and don't even own a drum anymore, but it's stuff like this that keeps the beast alive. Truly inspirational.

[@incubusfan182002]

Wow! There are no good words other than truly epic to describe this cover! Incredible job and the comments below comparing you with Danny are not too far off; mad respect!

[@mattyjenninz]

Never gets old. That roll at the end is gold

[@martyshrekster]

Danny Carey is an incredible drummer, and this cover is top-notch. High five! Also, I'd like to say how awesome it is to see you having so much fun with the heavy part at 4:00. Sometimes the slower parts can be the most fun to play.

[@mattiabeccari]

This is the greatest drum part of all times, bar none. What a song. And this guy absolutely killed it, nailed it out of the park, wow!

[@JonSudano]

Holy fuck

[@Gmork-The-Nothing]

Wow. The last minute. Seriously, that is the most intense piece of drumming I've ever seen.

[@JJsiN84]

8:28 That has got to be one of my favorite drum fills of all time. Holy S#it

[@stonefarm]

I'm so happy to finally have found you and the way you hammer and grace Tool. Thank you. "Epic" is this.

[@JohnPaulHare]

That kick drum roll that comes in first at about 1:20 is killer. The way it sounds as the speed ascends is probably my favorite thing about Danny Carey's drum work.

[@1superchief2much]

the biggest problem with this is that at the end you don't lose your mind with celebration! Epic play through, really great to see it played so well!

[@munshiji1]

this man deserves nothing less than a standing ovation...

[@larrytate1657]

Best tool covers period. If Danny ever has to miss a show expect a call.

[@allamericandude15]

Man this song is a workout, and I'm just learning it on bass. Your rhythm and counts have to be on POINT or you're fucked.

[@AndrewRedskin]

Seeing this, only makes you realize how crazy Danny Carey is. Insane cover man , insane.

[@ls.vinicius]

This song has the best drums ever. The after scream part is breathtaking.

[@paulj1058]

So....10 years later--still beautifully fkn amazing. The precision, the passion, the perfection. Unbelievable. You may never see this but I hope all is well and you're still being wicked 😁🙏👌 Thank you. 😊

[@CareyPortnoyBeauford]

8:22 O_O

[@chenille28]

I hope that drumset is over 18...

[@MilesWilliams88]

Came here after heading Danny Carey say its his hardest song to play. You killed it!