Van Halen - Pleasure Dome & Drum Solo

[@rcskins]

Alex doesn’t get near the recognition he deserves. This guy is a monster.

[@SidLaw500]

Criminally underrated! So musical, one of greatest snare sounds ever. Classic fills...

[@loumason6120]

that's an understatement He's a God

[@richevans609]

He isn't underrated! He is Alex Van Halen!!!!!

[@jumpinjojo]

TheBrandon425 Underrated? What the fuck are you smoking?? He played with one of the greatest rock bands of 20th and 21st centuries.

[@swordmonkey6635]

@@jumpinjojo I think he's saying that in any other band, Alex would've gotten a lot more attention because of his technical abilities, but because of his brother's guitar ingenuity and Dave's stage presence, Alex was a "3rd". Most drummers appreciate Alex, but casual fans think "oh yeah, Eddie's brother and the guy who played Hot For Teacher" instead of bowing down to the talent he showed on "Outta Love Again".

[@Sunbeard.9]

One of the great drummers in rock history, bar none!👍👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@a.s.2426]

Agreed.

[@499370mlw]

nobody but Alex Van Halen can keep a rythm section strong behind Eddie! Thats why Alex is one of the best in history! His double bass has been a inspiration to many great drummers that's came after him!!

[@truthseeker4841]

Wow. Just wow. Alex is just as good on drums as Eddie was on guitar.

[@alholds]

No he was not you liar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@joncgillies]

Eddie was originally the drummer when they were kids. AVH is criminally underrated.

[@Ram44]

Not on his best day. Alex was solid but not a top drummer.

[@TheMarksman0415]

​@@Ram44 He is personally my favorite drummer of all time.

[@sw1tched]

Ok even i will admit this is a stretch beyond anything i've ever heard. Alex is a BEAST .... but he's behind about 100 other drummers. Edward on the other hand is standing at THE TOP of the guitar god mountain.

[@blica1]

Alex's playing is unique, powerful, and unsurpassed in rock..His playing stems from many greats including, John Bonham (ofcourse) Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Michael Shrieve (Santana's original drummer) Carl Palmer, Max Roach,Gene Krupa & Louie Bellson (referring to his signature double kick swing) No other drummer in rock has such a wide spectrum of different influences like Alex.It shows in his technique, versatile playing and uniqueness..He's definitely in the top 10 of great rock drummers !

[@surfinwax58]

What a voice his drumming has! Even before the vocals, just a few taps and I always know it's him!

[@gmrios]

A true master of his craft guided by the greats before him. For sure. You said it!

[@brendan_allard]

Also some carman appice in there too

[@jamesmagario5124]

Buddy Rich as well... Alex is my absolute favorite, topping even the redoubtable Neil Peart only by style points. He and Eddie invented riffs that metal bands borrowed from for decades to follow when they wrote the song "Loss of Control ".

[@demonicsweaters]

Totally, but the double bass swing he picked up from Cobham. He's even said so in interviews. If you listen to Spectrum you can hear a lot of Alex's licks he picked up from Billy.

[@LightningFire]

I've been a drummer for 37 of my 59 years. Alex was the first drummer I saw live and 5 more times. Alex has been such an inspiration to watch and be influenced by. I was in a bad car accident in 2000 that took 70% use of my right arm forcing me to retire my drumming career, and that was the hardest thing I had to ever do...but through the years of watching Alex n Eddy, they both as a duo are the best there ever was. Now for the last 7 years I realized I could play guitar because I still had that itch to play, so I've taught myself to play the guitar and shred it pretty good. I have still them both to thank for keeping me wanting to play music...and now I am halfway through my 5th self made album of Metal that was Van Halen brothers inspired. I have many influences for drummers and guitars and it has proved invaluable to have paid attention to music the way I hear it and I owe most of to Alex n Ed! Thanks

[@jamesmedina2062]

Damn bro where can I find your music?

[@bellerazi70]

He is absolutely freaking incredible

[@josephgengler7258]

This guy pays better respects to John Bonham than any drummer that ever picked up a pair of sticks out there and should be applauded for this, it is a true inspiration to have witnessed him do this through out the years and I hope he continues even though his brother went to be with Jesus!!! He is a true, true talent among drummer's ( We Love You Alex!!! )

[@PipeChoir]

A drummer that changed almost everything about drumming...but never talked too much about it...and had some of the most amazing drum set ups ever...and let's not forget the snare sound...a true one of a kind...

[@tonelli6224]

Truly one of rocks music's greatest drummers.

[@dondeestacoconut]

I always wished they'd have played a full length version of Pleasure Dome on this tour. It's a great song. I don't know much about drumming, but Alex sounds pretty good to me here

[@rushaholic]

Me too, it's one of my favourite songs and Eddie's solo is magical!!

[@breauxcewayne1971]

Cause he is good. Real good. He got better with age which usually doesn’t happen with bands that successful. He was always talented but it was when he sobered up he started playing up to his full potential. His best years were in the first half of the 90s. Unfortunately after 1996 Van Halen went to crap. Balance, the Twister song and the 2 new ones with Roth showed his playing going to a whole new level. Me Wise Magic was awesome the way the guitar and drums sync up. Amsterdams intro and other things. Real creative stuff. Lots of changes going on yet still keeping that straight ahead hard rock feel Van Halen was known for. Hard Rock with progressive changes thrown in. I wouldn’t call it progressive rock but something between hard rock and progressive. Anyway once Hagar left and the Roth reunion fell threw it all went to crap. Yes Alex can still jam today but those late 90s and early 2000s could of been some of his best work if they had kept up the a steady work pace of one album release every 2-3 years.

[@giuseppe397]

@@breauxcewayne1971 I've just read your comment. What you wrote is interesting,thanks. I don't know much about drums and drummers but I find them interesting. I've been a vanhalen fan for years and I've seen a few concert videos. I think Alex sounds awesome but sometimes out of rhythm,well at least on one of his solos. I think it was on the Live without a net show? Maybe I'm wrong but it sounded like a noise and wasn't in sync. I've seen it with a few live drummers. They seem to be out of rhythm but surely they're professional enough to know more than me. Maybe they've been pissed or drugged up,or both lol.

[@edwardwaldron7813]

donde esta coconut? Check out on you tube look up Oakland 81 concert there’s 3 videos that will blow your mind on how good Alex is a great drummer it never gets old watching them

[@MentalInstru345]

Check out this drums only version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqndGWmeNqHadE

[@crdnlsyn13]

Greatest underrated drummer in history ...

[@roba1899]

This shows the band's ability to attain both complexity AND the darkness that we feel in the raw track Girl Gone Bad .. genius.

[@swordmonkey6635]

Girl Gone Bad was the best drum song on 1984. Most people point to Hot For Teacher, but Girl Gone Bad was VH doing prog rock... which carried over to Pleasure Dome 3 studio albums later.

[@ohsorrypluto]

Wolfgang Van Halen has the coolest dad and uncle in the whole fucking world!

[@scottquick4429]

Saw them 9 times...Alex, Eddie & Mike were always great! Alex is a WILLLDDD MAN!!!

[@nareshgb1]

Loved the pep talk in the end - lovely guy Alex. One of my favorite drummers.

[@GoodSneakers]

Alex is forever on my Top Drummers Ever list together with Peart, Porcaro, Collins, Copeland and Bruford. The very best. Alex was such a good compositional drummer and just like his band mates he had both the chops and the party. What Van Halen did between 1978 and 1991 very few bands came remotely close to.

[@valeriemilano2530]

Alex, an insane talent and a wonderful man. Miss him terribly - we were very happy for the one year around 1981 when we dated.

[@twown]

Tell us more, Val. Please.

[@thehollywoodtimes3299]

@@twown a great year for them and for all the weddings. I was with Al at Lisa and Steve Vando wedding (their road manager) at the time. Their merch girl Renee's. Michael Anthony and Sue's wedding and also Valerie and Ed's the year I was with Al. Wish I could find him to send my condolences

[@danielzalevsky3414]

Phenomenal song from a phenomenal album. Van Halen are the band equivalent of the 1995 Chicago bulls. World class at every level from the bass, guitar, drums, to vocals.

[@twown]

The Bulls while Jordan was playing baseball? Interesting.

[@MrDuds1984]

96 Bulls

[@GuitarGangsterArmi]

@@twown😂😂😂😂😂

[@GuitarGangsterArmi]

No we all know the Bulls dynasty is the sports equivalent of Scorpions.

[@dennisn1672]

Top of his game here. Alex is truly one the best drummers ever. I consider alex and eddie the best duo ever. They put rock and roll back on map and have never been outdone to this day. And i doubt they ever will be. R.I.P. Eddie. And thank you guys for the years of great music and showmanship above and beyond.

[@morbidmanmusic]

What makes you able to say he is one of the best...... ever!? Lol. My god, people. Get straight.

[@blica1]

I think that Alex single handedly kept Ludwig steadily in business throughout the 80's and 90's, when they weren't doing to well..During that time, they must have made at least 10 custom kits for him, all probably taking about 6 months to a year to produce.. I think that Ringo, Bonzo, and Alex are the top 3 Ludwig endorsers in rock history..Yes, there have been countless other rock drummers who endorsed Ludwig for many years, but none so significant as those 3 drummers..

[@graemeclarke4268]

Tom Frost What about Carmine Appice!???

[@slappyboxer]

Corrie Morrison i bit out of place,great wig n all but the window is closing.great player if u can get him to shut it up

[@paulie0706]

I believe Neil Peart used all Ludwig until 1994 when they did Test for Echo.

[@blica1]

***** Lol !.. Read carefully.. I did mention him..

[@crazycooper1024]

blica1 Most Likely yep

[@Gitfiddle]

Pleasure Dome is just one rhythm guitar hook after another after another! No one wrote songs like Ed. No one ever had the magical ear of that man.

[@breauxcewayne1971]

Alex also deserves a lot of credit on this song. Not only because of how good the drumming is but according to Eddie it was Alex that put this song together and arranged it from different guitar parts Eddie had. Which after reading your comment it makes even more sense because you said its one rhythm guitar hook after another. Each rhythm part was written on its own and I’m meant to be the main seed for a future song. Alex took all those parts and arranged them into one song. =\/ |-|= FOREVER

[@ferjam7489]

I'm 48 now, and still think of this man as the supernatural man of the kit. Thank you so very much Alex.

[@davidfounds7026]

Neil Peart, Buddy Rich, Bonham and Alex. These guys are incredibly talented. And who is more stylish and fun to watch than Alex?

[@jamesmagario5124]

Ummm... Nobody. IMO, he's the Freddie Mercury of drumming: talented enough to easily rank among the greats, creatively unique, acutely aware that not all the audience members are sober, knowledgable or even musically talented, so he decides to just have fun and let everyone in on it. And people think DLR was the only showman in the band...

[@BRO77TX]

You listed (in no particular order) the greatest drummers that ever lived!! All of them were stylish in their own way.

[@michaelhicks5150]

Buddy, Bonzo, and Bocephus are my drum trifecta! 🤘🏼

[@Matty0923]

No doubt about that. Neil Peart in my opinion is the GOAT. RIP Professor!!!!!!!

[@mikefields4136]

This is my favorite kit Alex toured with. Something unique about the kick here...and this was the SMALLEST kit he probably toured with as well, but man, he has ALWAYS had that amazing snare sound!

[@treyman6899]

Loved the way his kit sounded on this tour!

[@bunsenn5064]

Just an absolute monster of a drummer. He hits those things so hard, so fast, for so long.

[@sergiocarlos5395]

Alex Van Halen is a monster on the drums. Very underrated rhythm machine. 🤘😌

[@mhathaway35]

One of the underrated drummers. This guy is amazing. As much of an influence as Peart, Moon , Rich and Bonham.

[@Matty0923]

Peart the GOAT in my opinion

[@robertbudil532]

Don't forget Billy cobham and Carl palmer!

[@Matty0923]

@@robertbudil532 Carl Palmer a beast; so underrated!!

[@theyoungone8872]

Never say never...but...we may never see a rock n roll band like this ever again...

[@BRO77TX]

Naaaa...you can safely say never to that!! VH is forever in a league of their own!!

[@theyoungone8872]

@@BRO77TX When I listen to the first 2 albums from VH it is so well done...I guess that was what I meant...will we ever see a "new" band that is as explosive as early VH?...probably not...but maybe...

[@humbucker01]

This is amazing to watch!!!Alex is a machine; smooth,yet so powerful. He always has a good groove too!And his kit always sounds really good especially his snare He clearly is THE BEST drummer

[@johnnyd63]

I agree...He was the best drummer in Van Halen.

[@GuitarGangsterArmi]

@@johnnyd63 the only drummer you ass

[@VeRTiGo9191]

This song, and album is always overlooked. Great memories when it came out, just graduated from high school. The album was my summer soundtrack. F.U.C.K. forever!!!

[@STIXAHOY]

Something about Alex's drumming that...........well......... has a mind of its own. So very very original

[@drumsanddrumming]

His playing is very attractive in many ways, like his sound and energy. amazing he manages to play on that level still

[@jts400hp]

His snare always has that "crack"

[@kevinwilkins3248]

Jeff Smith Alex Van Halen Snare- the GREATEST snare tone ever, IMO.

[@jts400hp]

Kevin Wilkins Yep.. One hit of his snare and you can tell it's him, high end pop with body.

[@breauxcewayne1971]

I think he used tape. Either duct tape or electrical to give it that pop

[@sparrovski]

His custon designed snare! A1 alright.

[@SidLaw500]

On the Mount Rushmore of snare sounds.

[@richevans609]

Alex definitely brought the 60's and the 70's to the 80's/90's and beyond...

[@quatrodenovembro]

One of the best of all times.

[@supertruckertroy]

i cannot believe there isnt more views than this man is a F'n genius, ive listened to ass loads of drum solos, i havent heard any of them that have the pure speed as him. like I read on a comment He gets no where near enough recognition.

[@ididyermom3273]

I actually love the fact that he used triggers. He blended acoustic and the future way before anyone else!

[@jimbro650]

Awesome Alex reinvented the drums just like Ed reinvented the Guitar 👍 Rest in peace Ed🙏

[@nissansentraglx]

pleasuredome as an instrumental isn;t long but man is good!! first time ver hearing mike, alex and eddie just jamming! mike holds down such a solid bass as a bass player should.

[@michaelturner4357]

Such a great drummer 🤘🏻. I haven’t watched this video in so long. I’m now reminded why I love this band. This is how I prefer to remember them. So good

[@vandavis2182]

I'm so excited see Al play man is the bestest

[@rockingsteady4019]

Without doubt one of the best drummers on the globe: ultimate muscle control building flashing speed to develop a huge variaty of beats that are added to the rhythm. This is definately topsport ❤

[@thekalaoakidd]

I always loved the long intros and outros when it's just Ed, Mike and Al.You really get the groovy-ness of the music

[@daveghaxton]

As a power trio they were up there with Rush,Cream and The Police

[@jackaubrey3037]

as power trios, Rush, Cream and the Police were right up there with Van Halen.

[@pdxaviation]

Rush, Cream, and the Police wish they could come anywhere close to Van Halen

[@jeffcharlton9660]

@@pdxaviation I love VH, but as far as power trio's go, nobody was better than Rush IMO.

[@joshuamasciek1582]

@@jeffcharlton9660 Rush had its signature dynamic, VH had its signature dynamic. Depends entirely what you're in the mood for, whether you want a tuxedoed martini-sipping assassin or a shirtless, vodka-sloshed assassin; both will keal

[@MentalInstru345]

Check out this drums only version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWqndGWmeNqHadE

[@treyman6899]

used to have this on VHS, need to get it on DVD!

[@DavidMiller-jo5qb]

For some reason I have always loved how these 3 guys were locked in together.

[@MegaVince09]

Thank you Alex! You have been always been an inspiration to me and my drumming. Long live rock 'n roll. VicenteCoco.

[@downincognito72]

People seem to forget how brilliant he is due to his bruv, this song is a masterpiece which wld have made zep proud.

[@iess2006]

Tough song to play after a 10 minute bass solo....props to Mikey on this one, great chops. Alex amazing and Ed on fire as usual, damn those 3 guys were incredible in their prime.

[@SouthernMBRacing]

I've seen VH once during the Balance tour and the other for f.u.c.k. tour. Unbelievable such a amazing show.

[@rickknutson6540]

It's hard to get the respect you deserve specially when you're in a band whose main focus is it's guitar player hearing pleasuredome reminds me back to those days of its recording up at 5150 I heard Michael Anthony's bass guitar more prominent than ever being that Eddie's guitar overpowered everything else in the group Alex is humble and professional and he knows what he means those around him cheers..

[@ghostlandgrand64]

Nothing but respect and admiration for the legend AVH. One of my all time fave rock and roll drummers 🥁🔥🤘🏾

[@donaldkoszowski3789]

I agree, underrated#! Great solo, focus on dynamics, not just show!✌

[@thomasgray7128]

The song Pleasure Dome was a drum solo in itself!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘Great work on that song for sure!! There’s only one Alex and that’s it😁😁🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘✌️

[@joeljones3368]

This gentleman is one of the most elite percussionists of all time. There are very few who can be mentioned along with him. Such would include Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Ginger Baker, Frank Beard, Ian Paice, Keith Moon, John Bonham, Rick Allen, Lars Ulrich, Tommy Lee, and the professor, Neil Peart. This man has got more talent in the end of his big toe than Travis Barker will have in this lifetime..

[@discernment8963]

It's nice coming across someone who actually knows what they're seeing &or listening to. As opposed to either an emotional fanboy, groupie, or hater.

[@Matty0923]

Neil Peart The GOAT, RIP Professor!!

[@rongourdin9598]

I love him ,saw him at folsom field

[@richarddonegan4666]

My favorite. Excellent demo of Bonham and Baker. With a touch of Alex...

[@jamesmedina2062]

What a humble honest and amazing man always sharing his passion and joy. ❤️🤘

[@gregoryandrews8481]

Tremendous stuff. A unique style of drumming for sure.

[@Kevin-dx6co]

I remember the 1st album & going like wow, this guy's really good, his tonality & how he "plays" the drums...wow ! Shit, "Outa Love Again"..fuckin' crazy drumming. And then you have the greatest (hands down) guitarist this world will ever see...we all hurt with the loss of our friend Edward Van Halen !!!

[@TheSexiMexi]

Greatest rock trio ever!

[@SLiMCHiCKeN5150]

Amazing underrated song. Awesome tune 🤟

[@blica1]

those weird looking "claws" is basically remnants of his earlier accordion tubing air tube ventilation that he had coming in and out of his bass drums..The reason for that is to get that air flowing to have enough attack from a larger diameter kick drum..in this case , it's less conspicuous, as was indicative of the 90's..

[@b.p.879]

What an incredible and awesome guy and drummer!

[@rhythmista7707]

This is a set up I like to to see him with. No nonsense, quadruple bass drums for show, and all other bells and whistles. Just a straight forward 6 piece kit, does the job Just fine, especially for such a drumming machine as Alex is.

[@Terribleathletes]

I never understood many of his drum setups. More drums than he could ever hope to utilize, 75 percent of it went untouched during the show. I have to believe that Alex carried more than one technician for those, otherwise what a nightmare lol

[@kevinwilkins3248]

@@Terribleathletes That's simply not true, of the classic era. Sure, by 1984 and 5150, the Octobans were sadly just for show to fill out the tiny look of the Simmons pads. But, listen to bootlegs of the 1979, 80, 81, and 82 tours and he was all over those kits. Just an Animal.

[@lorenhooke8986]

Wow brothers...in since with each other.. amazing always ❤️😎👍🤘

[@robbierussell9536]

alex plays most of us drummers..CRAZY..hes dam good..hes in my top 5 bonzo,moon,powell,sandy nelson an then there was ALEX..LOVE YOU MAN

[@JokersWild70]

+Robbie Russell You wouldnt include Peter Criss on that list? LMAO. J/K. PC fucking sucked balls.

[@robbierussell9536]

As i said Alex top 5

[@GuitarLen75]

It's Bonham and Alex for me. These two guys had the best sounding drums. You knew exactly who they by their tone. I really can say that about anybody else.

[@thediehardarkansasrazorbak7288]

Its Peart and Alex for me

[@Matty0923]

@@thediehardarkansasrazorbak7288 Absolutely RIP Professor!!

[@devinaxtman6171]

Michael wasn't boom booming here. They all did great! Love this song.

[@skootr924]

Definitely channels his inner animal. Always reminds me of the old Muppets skit; "EAT DRUMS, EAT DRUMS" (Animal), mouthing a cymbal .No no no no, Animal not eat drums, BEAT DRUMS (Dr Teeth). AAAAAAaaaah BEAT DRUMS BEAT DRUMS {Animal) furiously starts beating the drums. Classic

[@5150atthewhiskybar]

LOVE YOU ALEX!!! YOUR THE BEST AT WHAT YOU DO BROTHER!!! THE BEST!!

[@matthewflair1919]

Yes he his bro

[@perryangelone9503]

Top 5 best drummers just doesnt get the recognition he deserves, fits him thoughy being low key guy and more reserved. Love his work this band is all time great with all the members in the band being top musicians in there fields. VH lives in there playing

[@tdunph4250]

It can't be disputed. Alex is among the Greats of all time. Maybe and most probably not the greatest but in the top 12-15 of all time!

[@garo52]

Man they sure layed the Fk;n boots to that tune !!! VH was on their game that night :)

[@KatO-k7d]

Alex and Ed were extremely talented musicians from a very young age.🤘

[@Koffieleuter]

That year I went to see them live. Absolute treasure!

[@jamesdeluca6657]

He never gets tired

[@scottspencer979]

To me when I listened to Alex on the cds his snare didn’t have much power but live it’s the most powerful thing ever and I love it

[@rongamble9884]

I remember that tour in 93 came through okc in Aug with vince Neil opening called it hot summer nights tour

[@omarquezada3279]

Alex Van Halen es una máquina. Ese in crescendo que hizo con el pedal del bombo 4:42 me mató. Y ese cambio en 7:04. Mi ídolo desde 1991 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻.

[@lamplighter2085]

Lots of jazz techinique and rudiments inner-twined with stadium thunder double bass enough to interest all parties!

[@jironthunder7519]

First time I heard this song was at the show. Alex is so underrated

[@PackRipperJohnni]

Pleasure Dome is a great song

[@capnmo6718]

Alex's syncopation is brillaint on Pleasure Dome, I'd say the second best example of it on a VH tune after Outta Love Again.

[@danielcooper7271]

Ginger + John + Keith = Alex

[@shanegriffin2215]

Been listening to him since the beginning. What a beast!

[@ludwig947]

Great performance!!!

[@terryhorton817]

Absolutely Phenomenal✔ 💯💯💯💯💯 Alex is a BEAST ON THE DRUMS 🥁🪘! Perhaps The Greatest Drummer Globally ✔💯💢💥🏴‍☠️

[@whistleblower3516]

Sad that every comment section in a drum video HAS to turn into who the best drummer was/is. I will say this. Alex is probably one of the most underrated drummers. He is talented. In the 80s when electronic drums developed into something a drummer could actually use, Bruford showed drummers HOW to use them. Alex followed suit and turned them into something POWERFUL for Van Halen. Always admired Alex. You have to give him props for his feet strength alone!

[@MrMikerk]

I believe, alex VH is on of the best drummer of all time🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@CptMunson15]

This is a sick drum solo...and I'm an avid Neil Peart fan. Not comparing...they both had their super human qualities and unique ways about them...but kudos to Alex !!

[@Matty0923]

RIP Professor!!

[@matthewlevett968]

My favourite drummer ever.

[@muhdsaiful3098]

My idola drummer in the world elex van halen salute I'm respect skill and discipline

[@FoiledByFame]

The bad-asserie is off the charts.

[@stephenszklarski5446]

One of the best drummers in rock F in bad ass

[@falconmami7901]

He is very cool in this era. Now　He is 61　years old and also cool. 兄ちゃんガチでかっちょえぇえ！！すっきだー！！

[@rodrigoabisaber5806]

RIP LEGEND!!!! EVH FOREVER G.O.A.T!!!

[@turnyernie]

No faking it with this boy. Always loved Alex’s percussion, led me to become a drummer for a little while too.