Buddy Rich Parkinson the last interview 1987 Part 1

This is Buddys last televised appearance before he died. It is a great interview and carreer retrospective. I have put it up in 3 parts. Enjoy, fellow sticksmen !

[@reneemoorephoto77]

I literally thought Buddy died from Parkinsons reading the title.

[@Prenom_Dotcom]

Alzheimer??

[@renmoo2438]

Prenom Dotcom LoL

[@beccadabeast5013]

He died from congestive heart failure.

[@renmoo2438]

Rebecca Anderson yes, that’s right. Just saying the title made me think for a second that this was Parkinson’s.

[@john-carlosynostroza]

You don't die from Parkinson's. I used to think that you did as well but dying directly from Parkinson's doesn't happen. It's a bit more complicated than that I learned. Anyway, this dude was a bad ass!

[@erikrupp692]

I had the good fortune to see Buddy three times, and each time he and his band was simply incredible. He, of course, was amazing on the drums - but his band was incredibly powerful and tight, but still played with feeling. I feel really lucky to have been able to see Buddy in person. I still remember watching Buddy and his band playing at the San Diego Zoo in their amphitheater one afternoon (it was PACKED), and he saw me wearing my KISS T-Shirt and had a mildly disgusted look on his face (giving a brief eye roll), and then he proceeded to play the most amazing drum solo I have ever seen or heard in my life (and I was a drummer, so I have a little knowledge of just how impressive his playing was). It was like he was saying, "Kid, that ain't music - THIS is music!" While I've always believed there is room for someone to love both Jazz and Rock (I'm a good example), I've also acknowledged the superior sophistication of Jazz over (most) Rock. Buddy and his band played with the energy and explosiveness of a Heavy Metal group, while showing the dynamics, musicality, and sophistication of the best Jazz. That's probably why my favorite Jazz albums are all Buddy Rich albums (although I love a lot of Jazz artists - Woody Herman, Chick Corea, etc).

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Nice memory to share. What year would this show have been?

[@erikrupp692]

@@MENFUSSMIKE - If I remember right it was around June of 1983. (Could have been '84, but I'm pretty sure it was '83.)

[@tipniskids2210]

There's a lot of negative stuff out there about him. I saw him many times; found him kind of arrogant and almost insecure. But there's a story about him being brought into the hospital for the last time on a gurney w/ intravenous and the works and a nurse running beside him asking loudly, "Mr. Rich, Mr. Rich, are you allergic to anything". He sits up-looks at her and grabs her saying ' country western music1'"

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

Being a drummer myself, Buddy mentioned that once you start drumming, you can't stop, this is very true! Forty-four years later, I'm still at it, I hope I have another 44 years of playing drums. I would like to make it to 100 years old and still playing drums. It's good to see Buddy in good spirits, cool and calm in this video. Thanks for uploading.

[@nickstrapko7549]

I believe that

[@RedBud315]

Have you ever seen the video of this 80 something lady going into this music store almost every day and play the drums because she was in an all girl band in the 60's. She always played Wipeout and eventually the store gifted her a set.

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

@@RedBud315 No, I haven't seen that video. I'll definitely have to look that up. Thanks for the heads up. Joey.

[@boomer3150]

@@nickstrapko7549 It's true, though arthritis affects me.

[@johnkingsley9525]

I agree once you start hard to stop. My first bongos were out of Cuba just before Castro took over and I am still playing bongos now in a church band here in Costa Rica 🌴😎🌴

[@DaveRodway]

The title should read something like "Buddy Rich on the Michael Parkinson's show, the last interview". Reading the current title, young, newer drummers may think that Buddy had Parkinson's Disease. Thank you for posting this interview.

[@kare2much]

+Dave Rodway I thought for a minute Buddy's full name was Buddy Rich Parkinson.

[@BigBillLucas]

+Dave Rodway Well actually Buddy did suffer from Parkinson's (the truth) However the title is written badly and should read "Buddy Rich's last interview from the Parkinson show 1987 part 1

[@DaveRodway]

+BigBill Lucas please send along your sources for that. I've looked everywhere and can't find anything on Buddy and Parkinson's. Thanks.

[@BigBillLucas]

+Dave Rodway Ok i was told by some guy on YT who had read the book on BR's life story called "Traps - The drum wonder" by Mel Torme

[@alvinhasal2391]

+Dave Rodway Yes, at first I thought he had Parkinson's, the second thing I thought his real name is Buddy "Rich" Parkinson (When in real life his real name is Bernard "Buddy" Rich) and I was like WTF.

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

This drummer walked off stage after a 10 minute solo. The pianist said "Who the fuck does he think he is - GOD?" The bassist said "No, he IS God, he just thinks he is BUDDY RICH!"

[@euanmendoza6498]

That's bassist

[@StewartNicolasBILLYCONNOLLY]

lol

[@graemeclarke4268]

Yes Billy he sure was the farther of Mary!!

[@Nellynoodlebums]

euan mendoza Bass guitarist.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

No, the joke is a guy gets to heaven and hears a phenomenal drummer. He says Buddy Rich is here? No, that's God. He just thinks he's Buddy Rich.

[@Kaffyboy]

I saw his crypt in Westwood Memorial in 2011. His headstone said it all..."One of a Kind".

[@aovint63]

Funny he even has a beat to the way he talks, as if he drums words.

[@royfowler1583]

Very interesting observation! I would NOT have come up with that but VERY true! Thanks!

[@SonnyGTA]

aovint63 it’s called ‘drum talk’. 🙄

[@MissMichSan]

I hear ya I was thinking the same thing brotha 👊

[@stuartewoldt1513]

He probably wasn't taught that but radio personalities and news broadcasters are taught a rythme to a point to mesmerize you

[@sadakichihartmann1827]

wow!

[@JohnnyVelazquez]

Thank you so much. My idol. First heard him in the late 40s. I tried to emulate his style as a young drummer. There will never be another, as great as him.

[@martinpidhany8278]

Still the best drummer ever. His legacy unsurpassed.

[@BGoldtone]

Very much a musical snob but aside from that he was a great drummer.

[@1houroflove186]

When I saw the title "Buddy Rich Parkinson the last interview" I thought he DiED of Parkinson's.

[@moneybagshastings2247]

Me too. He better have died of Parkinson's, it would suit him because he drums like a motherfucker.

[@irishguy977]

Thank God I wasn't the only one that thought this.

[@BadRonald1]

me too.

Heart Attack idiots.

[@BadRonald1]

Bob NA Hey Bob Notable Asshole. If we want to hear a word from you we’ll let cha know. In the meantime go fuck yourself.......... idiot.

[@conniebarnes9274]

His last words: Getting ready for surgery, the nurse asked him if there was anything he couldn't take. He said "country music". I think that's pretty damn funny. He was great.

[@erraticboss168]

Yea my teacher in jazz told us his last words were "i hate country" and he died

[@stephenaustin8153]

no, he was an intolerant bigot. there is good country. Check out Good ol' Boys Like Me (Don Williams). Don didn't bash Buddy.

[@KStewart-th4sk]

He was an ignorant asshole on a talk show I watched. Moronic comments about country music. I like many styles of music but not the SHIT HE PLAYED.

[@isorokudono]

Yeah, real funny....you know Ray Charles played country music, right?

[@isorokudono]

@@KStewart-th4sk You just made me realize I can't name a single song or album of Buddy's. Thank you!

[@wythetrumpet6419]

Without a doubt one of the worlds finest drummers. I still have his album called "Stick It" and continue to play it! What a drummer, what at band!

[@petethescalemodeller6130]

Ok before i get roasted .. THIS IS MY OPINION OK .. I think buddy is sometimes misunderstood the guy loves his drums , craft , his music , yes he can be arogant sometimes , cant we all , miss you buddy ..

[@MrFchank]

The best drummer of all time. I met him once,sat on his bus and talked to him. He was warm and kind and I left with his autograph. A prized possession of mine.

[@johnjoevilla]

Can we see?

[@jefflewis5546]

You are a fortunate man. You met the king of drummers bar none. If he wanted to do rock, None of the best could touch him. He was a master of the instrument. !! And is greatly missed !!

[@dantheman3825]

The word bus brings me trauma

[@SongJLikes]

Just don’t be a player in his band…

[@TabRoss1st]

Saw Buddy 3 months before he passed and sat on stage next to his floor tom. I had no idea how lucky i was at the time. He was so cool and friendly. He knew i knew his chops and he smiled and played looking at me while i was jamming along. I got to say hi and could have talked and got his autograph but i was too intimidated. I got to shake his hand and say thank you Buddy. He replied, thank you young man. I melted and he got up and started talking to his road crew. I was mesmerized. I've met and played with alot of rockstars but Buddy is the only one who left me at a loss for words besides Prince.

[@stevemills1593]

Hi

[@TheFreemanuk]

Met him 4 times on his uk tours. Always a smile a joke and some good advice. Was a tough band master from a time where being hardcore was the norm. RIP BUDDY x

[@paulwall1981]

Weather you like Jazz or not, one has to stand and admire what a true talent Buddy was. R.I.P MR RICH.

[@markdemell3717]

He was Rich in talent ,,,,get it ,hahaha.

[@cecillunsford3679]

Buddy one of the best

[@slicksnewonenow]

Rich was incredibly talented. Unfortunately he was a real prick to most of the people around him. I know that Genius is always accompanied by odd traits... But to be nasty to others shouldn't be one of them.

[@davidrpriest]

I only own one jazz album but Buddy Rich is the greatest drummer of all time.

[@opale1572]

​@@slicksnewonenowY ¿cómo sabe usted eso?

[@bryanrmcf]

Most people think Gordon Ramsay is a dick, but he's a passionate chef that has high standards. Buddy Rich may be the Gordon Ramsay of the music world, passionate about music but always with high standards, maybe not the best comparison, but GR is the first one that came to my mind.

[@screeeeeeeeee962]

+Bryan Bello thats actually one of the best comparisons ive heard haha

[@zyxwut321]

Except Gordon Ramsay isn't the chef that Buddy Rich was as a drummer. Ramsay is all about self-promotion. Rich was the best jazz drummer by far the world has ever seen and probably the best drummer ever period. Rich was more like Mozart or Einstein then an overheated buffoon in the kitchen.

[@MichelLinschoten]

zyxwut321 You're an idiot, no chef in the WORLD has obtained the amount or Michelin stars for his cuisine standards...

[@keithlsherman]

Not even remotely true. Joel Robuchon has the most, Alain Ducasse is second.

[@emlix1]

I worked for Gordon Ramsay. He was a total dick.

[@razakrahman110]

Buddy Rich is a Legand Drummer!

[@JoeNocella]

He must've died shortly after this interview. He died on April 2, 1987. I loved and still love Buddy. There will never ever be another...He was a true showman with superior talent. I'll never forget the NY newspaper's headline after his first heart attack "Big Band Drummer Misses Beat"..crude...

[@ajcook68]

His technical skills and mastery just blows me away every time I've watched him play. The speed of his hands and fingers, not missing one beat, playing a roll with one hand, and being able to play a such a high level right up until he passed away.

[@markdemell3717]

That's love man ,passion ,dedication .

[@NintenDub]

@@markdemell3717 , and coke

[@chrisknight3734]

"Kurt Cobain Shotgun the last interview"

[@triggerhappydad65]

Y'all are ......STONE COLD!!😂😂

[@ovaisnaqvi1965]

Chris Knight Elvis McDonalds The Last Interview.

[@LoyalOpposition]

I asked Buddy who the best drummer was in 1973, and without hesitation he said, "Danny Seraphine from the band Chicago" and told me to listen to the new album (Chicago VII)

[@ShelleyLevyMusic]

Lol

[@Asymmatrix]

Great interview thanks for posting it. He doesn't come off as arrogant at all, he leaves the impression of a real musician who had a deep respect for music.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Really, giving a singer 3lbs of broken glass, inferring they should ingest it because you don't like them? Well he has deep respect for his music - anybody elses is rubbish in case you missed that bit.

[@EvanDahill]

Cheepchipsable “Implying,” not “Inferring.”

[@no1shere710]

I heard that when he died he was buried fifty feet below the surface of the earth because everyone knew that "deep down he's a nice guy".

[@MrJoeythebabykangaro]

LMAO

[@jerrydevan7947]

Hilarious!

[@acedrumminman]

@April Ames In 1976 I played a sound check rehearsal with his band at the Waldorf in New York for his upcoming engagement with Mel Torme, word got to him and he hired me that week...I played all the rehearsals and sound checks, he brought me up on occasion to play for the audience...for two years I watched, listened and rested on every piece of advice he gave me...he treated me like a son, critiqued me, praised me and yes scolded me...it was an experience that can't be measured. He was the most generous mentor...when ever he was close I would visit him at home and on the job...we never lost touch, I cried for days after he died.

[@markdemell3717]

@@acedrumminman Very touching ,I am welling up as i read.Take care .

[@AlmegaMedia]

I started to get upset when I saw the title. I'm 70 years old this year. And, as a matter of fact, I was the last person to interview Buddy Rich on this planet. I have photos. When I saw that it said last televised, I thought well, ok. Mine was not televised. I interviewed Buddy at what was called in those Days, 'Anderson's 5th Estate' in Scottsdale, AZ for my own magazine, 'Music Interview Magazine'. Two weeks later he performed on the Tonight Show. The next week he passed away. His heart had been bothering him for some time, and he had; had a number of strokes. In fact that night at Anderson's he had a 16 piece band with him, but they only played 5 songs. He was worn out, and they left with the usual Buddy protocol, no apology, and 'That's it folks!' He turned his back and walked out. The crowd was pissed, of course, but he didn't care.. lol! Big Surprise! lol! He knew he was the best and took great advantage of it! lol! R.I.P., Buddy ;)

[@Datsun510zen]

Unfortunate that instead of inviting people to experience jazz on it's own merits, Buddy wasted so much energy "fighting" other genres of popular music. It's ironic that in it's inception jazz was an affront to the dogmatic classical establishment, and that establishment looked down on jazz as a base degenerate form of music. By the early 60s, jazz had become the very thing it had rebelled against. Buddy.s form of mid century modern jazz band had become the neo-establishment and it's form of dogma set the stage for Rock N Roll. Rock's explosive popularity drove Buddy up a wall and I remember cringing when he would rail against country and Rock. His insecure blathering marked the death nail in jazz for a generation. If we're judging the greatest drummer purely on technical skill, Buddy Rich would be high on that list, but skill is a cheap substitute for real innovation and expression. In terms of their contribution to the craft of jazz expression, Max Roach, Art Blakey, and Elvin Jones tower over the lifeless ego driven style of Rich. To the general public, Buddy's self promoting wind up toy persona made for good TV, but the jazz community saw him not as an ambassador but as an embarrassment.

[@clutchcargo5259]

@@musopaul5407 thank you

[@jennifer86010]

There never was and never will be "the best jazz drummer in the world". Jazz is an art form, not an Olympic contest. Jazz musicians make records, they don't hold records.

[@isorokudono]

You ever hear Chet Baker and Paul Desmond do Atumn Leaves with Steve Gadd on drums??? Have a listen and get back to me...

[@chrisdaniel7256]

well said

[@Blackgeoff1]

Isoroku -- thanks for the tip. I'd never even heard of Steve Gadd before; he's bloody brilliant

[@Sirgromulus]

@@thomassimmons9839 Concur. Add Gene Krupa, Joe Morello. (papa) Joe Jones, and probably a few others!

[@johnmooter2300]

I agree. He was opinionated, put down other music, and there were many jazz drummers that were great; Art Blakey, Mac Roach, so many.

[@nitropost]

Great drummer, the best really, still, could be a prick, he did not like Dusty, OK, putting her down for really no reason was pathetic, besides, she did not need is endorsement to succeed.

[@Dentspeed]

He was obviously a great drummer, but he was very closed minded and snobby. Jazz is great but is not necessarily the pinnacle of music.

[@canturgan]

What an arrogant man. Buddy Rich was too.

[@junebabymf]

I loved to watch him play and talk, especially on Johnny Carson, great, confident man!

[@MattSmith-iq1ld]

06:45 as Rush drummer Neil Peart once said, who was the only drummer in the world to have the financial resources as well the respect of the Rich family and record company clout to put together the two volume Buddy Rich tribute records, this is the "Less Is More" crowd. As Neil said, less is and always will be less because if you choose less, you must be exceptionally great, and the difference between drummers like Buddy and some punk drummer is that when Buddy played something simply, he did it with craftsmanship and dedication of a master. I have a profound dislike of the people who are a critical of Neil's performances at the Rich tribute concerts. First of all, such people discount the massive growth in Neil's playing that was the result of taking lessons in between Rich tribute concerts. Also, no matter how much he practiced, his primary job was to drum to Rush CD's. He wasn't big band jazz drummer. Also, I resent the fact that so many Rich fans fail to understand we wouldn't have those Rich tribute records if it wasn't for Neil. As Modern Drummer said, Neil was the only drummer who had the respect and yet the record company clout to produce those sessions, regardless of how much the CD's sold.

[@markdemell3717]

@Robby I am Canadian so ,I say he was the Bobby Orr of drums.

[@11UncleBooker22]

Angry little man

[@drdonrs1]

Buddy gave us many years of great pleasure. The swing and jazz era was unique.

[@770WT]

I can't believe the British audience laughing when he dumps on Dusty Springfield .

[@davidbaines1425]

Springfield's funeral service was attended by hundreds of fans and people from the music business, including Elvis Costello, Lulu and Pet Shop Boys. Iam sure my own acidic sense of humour made more of that than I should have.. You can't knock a guy for wanting to be the best.

[@dkj4183]

Yes indeed Buddy Rich epitomized the usual self-serving celebrity status of most professional musicians. Why are all the pro musicians so creepy regarding their personnel lives? Why are they all so odd? Why do they all do the heavy alcohol? Heavy drugs? Under educated and simply ignorant men and women of whom only knew one thing. How many pro musicians can carry on a decent higher-order discussion? Not many. Dean Jackson Seattle

[@ikobashi]

and is 2022 and we still think you are the best drummer ever

[@jeffreybilkanich2886]

Krupa was the best!

[@davidyates1860]

I'll check him out

[@jameszinsmeister5930]

@@jeffreybilkanich2886 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqWTgXWNrphoqNE

[@vilhola2187]

I cant decide if Bonham or Buddy was better

[@Scrayfish0]

Who is this plummy fop to proclaim Buddy Rich "THE GREATEST jazz drummer"? Is it only Englishman who get to proclaim their undisputed authority by virtue of...what exactly?

[@josephagnello9335]

You DO NOT get great by NOT WORKING HARD !!!! 95% HARD WORK,5%TALENT !!!!!!!

[@billbobaggins801]

Yes you CAN!! just ask a politician.

[@mattg3537]

Take nothing away from this man he was THE drummer of his time and he was an Icon for a lot of Rock, Jazz, Funk, etc. drummers but I hate when artists say things like only an elite group of people can appreciate the art they make... it sounds like an excuse for their art form just being uninteresting to some... they feel that if someone doesn’t listen to what they make and enjoy it they must be less than or unworthy of hearing it... just because a chef makes a plate of mashed potatoes and sprinkles gold leaf on it and calls it fine dining doesn’t mean it’s truly fine

[@donbray9213]

Sounds like he's more pissed off about the money the rock guys were making than rock music itself. I can see where he is coming from. He's seeing these great jazz musicians playing coffee shops for pennies while circus show bands like Motley Crue and Kiss are making millions with not even a fraction of the talent all fucked up drunk or OD n on heroin. I think if he was honest he would admit that rock is different music than jazz and there were a lot of talented rock musicians.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Nacho Lago I'm gonna pray for you

[@TheReagorBrothers]

There are plenty of very talented musicians that play pop and rock, in a lot to cases they don't get to showcase their abilities but it doesn't mean that they don't take their art form seriously. I think buddy was kind of a jazz snob as most jazz players are. But there is no denying his talent.

[@billconserva1461]

He wasn't doing well at all even at this interview. Sweat is coming off his head and he just sitting and talking.

[@claystaggs8908]

He was a great drummer yea but I personally think a little overrated. I mean c'mon I see guys on here commenting like they would take this guys you know what down their throats lol. Some ppl...

[@MICHAEL20012]

Frank,you must be thinking of Charlie Rich,because Max couldn't hold a close 2nd to BR. Ive known a lot of drummers who can read charts,but have NO clue about playing in the pocket or on top of the beat,and their timing is worse than a 2 year old. Not sure if Buddy could read a chart,but who cares---he influenced more Drummers today than any drummer on the planet---you don't ever hear that of Max,and I like Max's drumming---but hes not even in the same class as Buddy---not even close. Maybe Buddy couldn't read,but he played every rudiment known to man,and had a feel that only a Monster Player could have. Ive played for over 55 years and I know a killer drummer when I see and hear them----Buddy invented Drumming DUDE! Mick B

[@AlexinoJazz]

Bro u r so wrong.... So wrong... U don't get it... Max roach is the father of bop drumming, he invented that shit... It's not about playing fast,or how may notes u can play ... Its about what sound u bring out from your instrument. They all shared their art of playing.. Everybody got inspired by each other.. And if u think buddy rich is on a higher level than max roach, u r just not too deep enough to get it... Sorry

[@MarkR1957]

Colleen Booska Not to mention - - - - nobody, but nobody, drove a band, big or small, like Buddy Rich.

[@MarkR1957]

AlexinoJazz He is 100% correct in everything he said. Even in his prime, Max was not up there with Buddy. No one was. Listen to Rich vs. Roach and if you have ears that work, you can hear Buddy's dominance over Max. And as I mentioned, no one ever drove a band like Bernard Rich. Period.

[@AlexinoJazz]

+MarkR1957 To be honest, it's a matter of taste... How can u say that nobody had the drive like buddy rich, no matter if big band or small group. There is nobody who had more drive than art blakey!! Don't forget the great Elvin Jones, or the great great Tony Williams, who had for me and drive on the cymbal like other guys don't even have on full drumset! For small settings buddy rich was way to ruff, Tony had everything...

[@AlexinoJazz]

+MarkR1957 There is to much to say about this, and it is way to deep for KZbin.. There will be always some guys, they prefer jerking on instrument than making music.. To discuss about Max Roach is ridiculous, especially when u talk about his prime. So checked out max roach? Or maybe u played or studied with him? Tell me some of the remarkable shit... Respect the masters...and learn... Its nothing about tempo or notes...

[@ABranOfManyHats]

People gotta really understand that your arrogance would skyrocket too if you spent your whole life with people telling you you're the best ever at something.

[@tompo010101]

buddy is just an old school guy, enough said

[@markdemell3717]

He did not suffer fools lightly.

[@tested123]

incredible drummer....but he took a little cheap shot at metal or rock music in the begining of this interview. that pissed me off.

[@Ben-Jamminalot]

I met him the summer before he passed away. He performed drum rudiments I have never seen before or after from anyone drummer/Percussionist. Of any type of music( jazz - speed metal) I do believe that he had Satan's help like Robert Johnson. Believe it.

[@cr3979]

I had lunch with Louie Belson while attending a stage band camp in Portland., I was alone at my table and he just appeared and asked to sit with me. Sure...and then he proceeded to teach me (several on-lookers) a paradiddle excercize structured around 5/4 measures with accents here and there. I did not eat lunch. Buddy would never do this kind of thing, but I don't think less of the guy.

[@onebigkahuna69]

I saw a Mike Douglas interview with him and just hated country music and called out names and called them all hillbillies and such and now talk about Dusty Springfield?I think I finally understand? If you have been told by so many people how great you are for a long time you believe it and those are the people you hang with you have your own reality?I'm not saying he was good or great.But look at in the context of generations?people before him would of listened and thought what is this noise.?Why is he playing so fast?If he had been young and wanted to play that fast he would of been a speed Metal band at the time this was recorded.?He came about in his generation and that what he knew.

[@sr633]

Buddy Rich got along with Carson

[@veranka3]

He's unquestionably a great technician, but his views on music border on the moronic. The idea that a straight-forward rock song with great lyrics isn't "music" or that Sly and the Family Stone, The Kinks, Al Green, or The Beatles have never produced a good song is simply stupid.

[@andypalmieri2800]

I Had the privilege of seeing buddy at toad’s Place in New Haven Connecticut when I was in my late 20s till this day I still tell everyone he was by far the best drummer in the world he brought tears to my eyes with his incredible sensitivity speed and stamina for an older gentleman. He did 3 solos that night a snare drum solo a cymbal solo and a complete drum solo which till this day are embedded in my mind 😭❤️🙏

[@TheJester134]

I saw him in Colorado Springs, CO about 90 days before he passed. He was KILLING it! He was kind and gracious back stage. That was a cool ten minutes I was privileged to spend with him.

[@opale1572]

Y eso que, según algunos, tenía Parkinson. ¡Si no llega a tenerlo...!

[@bmasencup]

Not sure about Rich's story on Dusty. Read, on the contrary, that she experienced first hand from Rich some of what's been described below & let him have it, accidentally knocking his toupee off. His band reportedly gave her a pair of boxing gloves afterward in appreciation for doing what they'd wanted to for years.

[@brianburk2559]

Buddy was absolutely spot-on when he said that he is playing in a kind of music that the world will probably never see again. he was the Pinnacle of talent. you can say what you want about his ego and his beliefs opinions Etc but as a drummer myself who has studied my whole life and seeing hundreds if not thousands of different drummers I always gravitate back to Buddy Rich.... because his abilities hit on so many levels not just percussion. music will never be the same and there will never be another Buddy Rich.

[@gilmangus83]

Dusty is soulful and unrequited. Buddy is unrelenting boom-boom boom. To each their own and R.I.P. Mr. Rich.

[@jasaggio]

Who cares about Buddy's arrogance? Really...the guy was/is the greatest drummer in the world...and there is no other drummer in the same league as buddy. So just enjoy and learn from the drumming greatness and recognize that he has earned the right to speak his mind. Usually he is right

[@Cheepchipsable]

All of the talent isn't worth a squirt of piss if you are an arsehole.

[@Dyingsociety38]

A poignant opening line from Michael here. RIP

[@edman6968]

Spent time with Buddy over the years as a young boy when he use to tour High Schools and do clinics. He inspired me to become a fine Swing/Rock drummer with the ability to fill the holes for the absence of the proper personal. 35 yrs of great Gigging and allot of musicians. Thanks Buddy ! You were the Master of Taps & Strikes !

[@ivorhill1279]

zora folley vs henry cooper

[@RSR423]

Buddy was a great "jazz" drummer, but there was one who came before, and was always better than Buddy. You rarely hear him mentioned in mainstream, like Rich is, but Gene Kruper was the best "jazz" drummer ever born. He was mostly known for being the drummer in the Benny Goodman Orchestra, but also played solo and in other outfits. Here Rich talks of Dusty Springfield being rude, in real life there was no ruder, bigger asshole than Rich himself.

[@lawsonj39]

Krupa. But, yeah.

[@rct0725]

Back in the 80's I was a music student at a local college when I learned Buddy Rich would be holding a clinic nearby. Over a nearly four-hour session he not only told stories, answered questions both trivial and technical, but demonstrated his extraordinary talent. He finally ended, bathed in sweat, with the entreaty we continue in our studies and learn to appreciate the artform. I was in absolute awe during the entire experience. I miss this man; a giant.

[@Cheepchipsable]

Sure he wasn't trying to get close to the female students?

[@markdemell3717]

Music is all ways young ,,,,haha , I say that often.

[@emil25558]

@@Cheepchipsable explain??

[@adamchurvis1]

I sat ten feet from Buddy Rich when he was headlining at London House in Chicago back in about 1970 when I was a little kid just getting into drums. To this day he is the only musical act, which includes his top-flight band, that sounded better live than mixed in a studio. My father, also a former amateur drummer, and I sat next to Morrie Lishon, the owner of the legendary Frank's Drum Shop in Chicago. It was a magical night before he cut his set short due to an OBNOXIOUS woman who kept badgering him with "Play a solo!" She was outside smoking a cigarette five minutes later when we left (his second set was much later). I felt like doing a Dave Chappelle on her.

[@jackthebassman1]

I wonder if Buddy realised that so many of us "rock & rollers worshipped him?

[@michaeldifede4904]

Hell yes he did. He loved that people worshiped his as they should.

[@dcore64]

He hated us but we loved him. Haaha

[@holygroove2]

That's a very interesting comment - rock and roll and jazz drumming are absolutely connected.

[@dcore64]

Sure but I doubt very seriously if you said that to Buddy that he would find your comment interesting. He would tell you it is a lazy half assed version at best. I'm being nicer than he would be you can be sure.

[@holygroove2]

I'm sure you're right. I wish that you were wrong, but the historical documents agree with what you're saying...it's better to extract the positive from what he was trying to say on this end.

[@tonytraguardo4408]

No matter how many 'problems' that Buddy Rich may have had with the amazing Dusty Springfield during his run of shows with her ... and I find it hard to believe that all of them were Dusty's fault ... his response, and what he and his 'guys' did to her show what a P.O.S. this guy really was. I have now lost whatever little respect I ever had for this idiot. And why is it that guys like Rich always seem to be so high and mighty with regards to their dedication to their 'art'? I guess that if a musical form like Jazz (which I enjoy, by the way) doesn't attract nearly as many people as pop music does, it must mean that those who are attracted to it are somehow more elite and sophisticated, right? What a load. If you want to hear from a super-talented Jazz drummer with a way better attitude than Heir Buddy, listen to any comments from Matt Wilson.

[@simonfbaker2654]

How much must the drummer in the house band have shat himself on that night !

[@lcjennings4971]

Simon F Baker facts 🤣🤣🤣

[@michaelmcinerney4273]

Would've called in sick then sat in the crowd & watched!😂

[@kodaiantiguar8401]

You can put many names on the Greatest Drummers of All Time List. Neal Peart, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Stewart Copeland, etc. Buddy Rich paved the way for those people and the fame they've enjoyed. Rich can be called Angry, Driving, Hard, Difficult and many other things. Whatever term chosen, they all come from the same Passion that gave him the high standards that made him as good as he was, whether you think he was the best or not.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Buddy was born in 1917, played snare drum before he was 2 years old, got into broadway, toured the world as a single act before he was a teen. Got into jazz at 17, pioneer in big band drumming, swing, into be bop, led his own band going into modern swing, rock, funk charts, played elaborate suites and odd meters. He basically invented new ways to play the instrument. He was the source of everything he did. Makes "whos better" discussions pretty lame;) He was unique in the whole world of music. The Mozart of drumming.

[@LoyalOpposition]

Funk? Where? I had this VHS where it showed Buddy playing rock for 2 seconds, and always wanted to see his non-jazz playing. I wonder if he played Middle-Eastern or Indian rhythms (or many others) like John Densmore from The Doors

[@eriksmithdrummer]

@@LoyalOpposition try the album «man from planet jazz»

[@LoyalOpposition]

Thank you so much! @@eriksmithdrummer

[@LoyalOpposition]

The live album, right? @@eriksmithdrummer

[@margovallen]

Referring to Dusty Springfield as a "guy" is kind of crappy.. and classless. Shes got a wonderfully extraordinary voice. Buddy must've hit on her hand had gotten cast to the gutter.

[@rooseveltnut]

My heart goes out to his wife. There's a halo in heaven for her!!!

[@jadezee6316]

you have no idea what his relationship with his wife was like...nor do you start with any understanding of rich himself....dip stick brain

[@earlofmar7987]

I went to jr. high school in Las Vegas, NV. with his daughter Cathy. ( 1967-1969).

[@tomjones239]

@@jadezee6316 Buddy "Bitchboy" Rich was an abusive, rude, idiotic, violent asshole. He treated everyone like garbage.

[@calderdale6795]

Rhonda Crockett She features on a Rich album I have singing exceptionally well. I think the song was “That’s Enough” , still one of my favourite tracks. Great voice.

[@ianbracey8954]

Thank you Buddy, you inspired me to go out and play my kit, But also to listen and learn.

[@michaelvaladez6570]

When he was asked if he had anybody that he liked in the Rock music scene.He said his favorite Rock group was ELP. It was Carl Palmer that caught his attention.I thought wonderful. I had seen ELP many times and Carl Palmer was of the old school of drumming ala Buddy Rich and the like.Thank you for this post of Buddy Rich. May he rest in peace.

[@peterwrohr1388]

It took me all these years to discover this interview.

[@leonardohummel8658]

Yes. He had an enormous {and at times} difficult ego. but he was A UNIQUE person and a genius at what he did best. tremendous energy and dazzling talent.

[@michaelwalker7570]

Just say it. He was a POS. That technical jazz puts me to sleep. Fk him and his expetise.

[@philosopher0076]

michael walker He was a POS?? He gave his last 5 dollars to a guy who needed a ride home on a bus and something to eat. Rich was flat broke. He loaned friends money who needed it constantly and because of it died with little money due to his hospital bills for treatments and surgeries. He helped countless young guys with advice for their drumming technique. He did benefit concerts every year. He served in the US Marines. He was a loving husband and father and grandfather and behind closed doors all acquaintances and friends have said he was very kind, polite, caring, ever generous person. He grew up before and during the depression having no formal schooling...education...forced to work for his parents stage show since he was FOUR years old working all his life. Busted his ass self educating himself and trying to survive as a young musician. He was a New Yorker and grew up hard and on the road constantly and took no shit from anyone. He was a survivor. Do you know how hard it is to play drums like he did? Do you know the mental and physical effort it is to do that in a complex jazz big band? He couldn't read music and had to learn all the charts, music, breaks, pauses, accents, time changes, etc., etc....by ear and memory only. He played with the best musicians in the world, the top echelon and drove them with his intense playing. He worked his ASS OFF night after night, city after city, traveling the road all his life. He had a heart attack when in his 40's and kept playing for 30 years after it. He had 2 other heart attacks and kept going. He was a tough, old school man who demaded perfection and 100% effort from people who worked for his band. If a musican played shitty on stage it reflected directly on Buddy because it was the Buddy Rich band. No matter his age he gave 110% effort every damn night onstage no matter how old he was....all the way till in his 70th year when he died. So he got pissed off like hell when he saw 20 and 30 somethings in his band hitting sour notes and just going through the motions playing sloppy and lazy. He was 60 and even just about 70 killing it every single night so that broke his heart seeing such underachievement from such talented, young, healthy, energetic men. It made his blood boil. It was HIS reputation on the line too. Remember that...his band, with his name. He had a New York restaurant business too...that's a lot of responsibility while you're also running a band. He lost a 1/4 million dollars back in the 1940-50's !! Because of jazz music waning in popularity. He worked for a decade paying it all off. And even after that was on the road 270 to 300 days per YEAR...every YEAR playing his ass off with passion like no one else on a drum kit. He sat on busses and planes for 9 and 10 months every year for 20 years with his own group. He earned a black belt in Karate at age 50. He made some of the greatest big bands in jazz history better with his outstanding, driving, playing, power and precision. He was very intelligent but uneducated... only educated on the streets, on the stages and on the touring roads...and by reading books. He was hard because of all that, and a Marine which made him harder. He gave men JOBS...employed a full band and always paid them on time and in full, even when he couldn't pay himself. He was a professional as a musician and business man. He was never late to a gig....and played many, many, many THOUSANDS of them in his life. He felt guilty to the audience if one band member played poorly. His temper flared in such cases. He felt he owed it to the audience who took their valuable time away from family, hired baby sitters, took a night off from a job shift and spent their hard earned money to see him and his band perform great music for a few hours. He CARED and held himself responsible for his bands performances night after night. That is no easy thing and very stressfull. Do you even have a clue how stressful that is? He missed his wife and daughter due to being on the road so much for decades working to support them and pay the bills and give them a good life. Again...he worked fucking HARD...and never retired after heart attacks and old age. He did huge favors for tons of people around him and throughout his life. He screamed and yelled because that's what he knew and grew up with....but he was gentleman most of the time and a good friend with a kind heart according to those close to him. Don't judge a book by its cover. You never knew the man. You never met the man....never walked a mile in his shoes, in his life, knew what he went through so...stfu and go watch a drum solo of his on KZbin...the Paris solo #2....or any solo of a hundred on here....and see how fucking hard and passionately he killed himself night after night till he died. So again...STFU and grow up and watch what you say before you say it and get a clue about life and people before you go calling someone like Buddy Rich a " piece of shit. " F U. and have a nice day.

[@TimXJ]

A legendary troubled and arrogant bastard, but truly a gifted drummer. Genius is not always pretty, I guess.

[@armoredmetalhead1257]

He didnt seem arrogant here...but ive seen many ppl say he was a dick...idk

[@ChristopherSackett]

@@armoredmetalhead1257 he was, there are audio tapes of him swearing at his band. My drum teacher said he was an amazing drummer and he was the biggest douchebag in the music industry

[@naniroo]

Sorry you didn't really know him. He was a friend of mine. Funny and fun to be around. He just was a keen judge of assholes.

[@depaola63]

well put !

[@rickbours197]

He was highly intelligent, very self-assured and extremely passionate. Nothing wrong with a strong personality...

[@johnjacobjingle7177]

He was the best what? Joe Morello was the best drummer.. Buddy was really great though but don't throw the best around like that ...I here up with Buddy and he was great...My do dad loved him

[@marceibel1131]

Rest in Peace to the God of Drumming.

[@moshepotts]

You're half right.....Buddy was an amaaazing player who played by ear (he didn't read!!!) since he made his first professional performance as an 18 month old drummer (Traps - the Drum Wonder) in his parents Vaudeville act.....he was an absolute freeking freak player.....no-one comes near him for technique...no-one. But alas, alack he was also a complete arsehole most of the time..how do I know this?...cos his best friend Mel Torme told me in Buddy's authorised biography which Mel wrote.

[@bluegtturbo]

Michael Parkinson is such a mumbler...

[@georgeosborne3303]

Agree. I remember watching the Carson spots in the 70's when he would play with Carson's drummer (Ed Shaughnessy). Shaughnessy just died 5-24-2013. It's great having the You Tube clips to watch and enjoy.

[@MENFUSSMIKE]

Yea that clip is INCREDIBLE. I think maybe even Ed outshined him

[@sessionstu]

I had tickets to go see Buddy in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1987. He passed a week before the show. Sad. He was and still is the greatest drummer and showman.

[@bobito8997]

The true story is that Rich was his usual obnoxious self to Dusty Springfield and the gift she actually received was from his band, a pair of boxing gloves in honour of her punching him in the mouth.

[@oldiesgeek454]

Great story... Love it!

[@naniroo]

Actually it was a box of broken glass (subtle jab at her husky voice, in revenge to her asking "is the "drummer" through setting up"?

[@rapidride2]

Ironically I am watching this the day after Neil Peart's passing and as Rock is in threat of fading away for the Rap agenda. Sad.

[@alexanderyaroslavich2703]

Except Neil wasn't an arrogant asshole who was stylistically ossified like buddy. He was an actual seeker of knowledge, and broadened his musical vocabulary over the years, which is why he is one of the greats. Your comment is interesting, because Neil embraced lots of music, and you lamenting "the Rap agenda" makes me think you're more of the mind of Buddy...

[@byrongaum]

Worked three months playing with one arm! Love it.

[@vincentschaffer7930]

Why to you have to fight the rock n rollers? Buddy was a great jazz drummer probably the best, but he was a smacked ass, I’d rather have seen Gene Krupa in person. Although Rich was probably faster, Gena was cool, had a lot of style and charisma. Rich was arrogant and full of himself.

[@connorleasonharcott3809]

Buddy was lucky he died before witnessing the horror of his grandson playing in a shitty scene kid band.

[@MrJoeythebabykangaro]

Who is his grandson and what band did he play in?

[@connorleasonharcott3809]

MrJoeythebabykangaro Forgot the name, but he played for FALLING IN REVERSE which is shameful.

[@MrJoeythebabykangaro]

connor Leason Harcott Oh, thank you.

[@naniroo]

Buddy's grandson Nick, is now a born again Christian and pastors a church in Chicago. Had a hard time living up to the talent. Sunk low, had serious addictions, and came to his senses and serves the Lord with gladness!

[@michaelmcinerney4273]

Doesnt matter what, how or where he played...he played. Imagine the weight he had to carry, not being just a musician but being the grandson of THE BUDDY RICH & also playing drums. Jason Bonham went through the same thing..."he'll never be as good as his Dad"! So what, he keeps playing because it's about the music, not listening to peoples judgements.

[@normt6226]

I like his talent...didn't like his attitude...Thinking only he knows what's good and what's not...he had a rigid mindset...he wouldn't have been able to play like Bonham because he was not Bonham and didn't understand Rock&Roll or Rock...There is place in this world for many techniques,styles and tastes...

[@thanmaibindi17]

Whiplash brought me here!

[@royfowler1583]

Ditto!

[@thedolphin5428]

Outside of his drumming skills, the one term which comes to mind -- which is so often misused these days, but which 100% applies to Buddy Rich is Clinical Malignant Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Or more commonly a totally egotistical prick. He seriously thinks he knows and is right about everything. He confuses his opinions with fact. He has a serious superiority complex, little empathy for anyone who doesnt think like him. If he couldn't play drums, he'd have no friends and probably be in a psych home.

[@rightcoast4983]

Being a dick is just the side effect of being incredibly passionate about what you do. Yeah he took it too far sometimes, but most of the guys that played with him benefitted from the push to be the best they can. I can't say I wouldn't have decked him at times, but he was a gifted drummer indeed.

[@josephagnello9335]

Right Coast You would have got DECKED back and KNOCKED OUT !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@oldiesgeek454]

+Joseph Agnello Really? Was he really that strong? He doesn't look that big to me. If some dude like Marciano had hit him, he would've never gotten up... And it might've humbled him a bit too. I would've paid to see someone stand up to him... I wonder if anyone ever did? If so, I hope he gave Buddy the ass kicking he deserved.

[@andya2665]

No, being a jerk is being a jerk. no excuses. He was a primadonna with power, AKA a bully. But a brown-noser to folks like Johnny Carson, Jack Parr, Steve Allen, and whoever else could promote him.

[@keithferris9574]

@@andya2665 sounds like a douchebag.

[@Eric-vv6ov]

Incredible drummer, but very stuck up. He thinks rock and pop is garbage, and only his jazz is the only good music, when in fact it is slowly dying. There's some incredible rock drummers out there, but he would never acknowledge them, because they are rock drummers.

[@johndoe-rp3hz]

Good for Buddy ... one of the GREATS!

[@godwhyisthistaken]

explain your time, Buddy is such a great musician, he speaks so well here, Love Jazz

[@jimroveto1543]

As a life time musician, this man's disrespectful treatment to his band members, totally ruined my enjoyment of his technical ability on the drums. balls on him, to call ANYONE rude, ain't that a laugh? Anyway, I'll take Gene Krupa in a heartbeat., I like Gene's style better anyway, not to mention his personality. Watch some of Gene's early footage, I promise, you will not be sorry, Gene was simply amazing.

[@johnharpdalton4092]

Hear the rhythms running through his speech patterns, triplets, paradiddles, flurries.. a great artist, modest where it matters.

[@Joshualbm]

Buddy always had shitty things to say about other musicians as well as Miles Davis. They both relentlessly disparaged pop, rock, country performers, many of whom were terrifically talented. The high art of jazz is not the only legitimate way to express authentically. Buddy disparages Dusty Springfield in this interview. And for whatever childish reasons he felt were prudent to send her a box of broken glass was pretty stupid. She was an amazing and flexible singer who deserved her accolades for what she was able to deliver in her long and successful career. Donny Osmond and his entire family, on the other hand, are some of the most nauseating creatures to ever creep out of music's underbelly. So there is some truth there.

[@holygroove2]

What a beautiful thing he does when he mentions his influences - he says that he knew them, learned from them, and they gave him advice. What an awesome thing!