VINNIE COLAIUTA - Session Drummer (Frank Zappa, Sting, Joni Mitchell, Jeff Beck)

Vinnie's spectacular skills and finesse can be heard across many genres of music, as a sessions drummer and while touring with Frank Zappa, Sting & many more. Hear about the moments that changed his life & set his path to success! Tips & powerful insight for musicians for your successful future in the music business....Powerful!!
The Sessions Panel shares music industry knowledge to musicians across the country! Includes Entertainment Law, Marketing, Networking, Artist Relations & Motivational skills and experiences from professionals and experts who have been "on the road" and are successful in the industry.

[@anykmusic]

Every single spoken word in this interview is inspiring!! His passion and discipline for the music and instrument! Living legend!

[@mathbeause706]

Cool to see you here anika!! Cheers!

[@Fervillasmil]

A living legend indeed!

[@prajnachan333]

Your drumming with Our beloved Jeff Beck was and is truly powerful, creative and inspiring Anika. Thank you so much. 🕉

[@zolarczakl3880]

23 year old Vinnie gets his first recording sessions playing with Frank Zappa on the Joe's Garage album. His first work. That's a badge of honor.

[@barkofink]

Well no first "work" circa winter 1978/79 European Tour (England/Germany mostly) where FZ took materials from for _Joe's Garage_ and later _SUNPYG_

[@McLainCausey]

@@barkofink Technically both statements are true based on the xenographic mix of the album.

[@barkofink]

@@McLainCausey No because extract from SUNPYG and YCDTOSA are literally his first work ( while released later) and zappa xenochrony on Joe's Garage refers only to his solo during previous European tour (England, Germany mostly).

[@johnkru1295]

Drumming on Joe's Garage is unbelievable!!

[@dexters711]

@@johnkru1295.... Frank always has the most dynamic drummers. I am a huge Bozzio fan and i would have to say Vinnie Colaiutos work on Joe's Garage is over the top!

[@alansweet7171]

For many years I've been a drummer and songwriter. I was in AFM local 47 for years but I never got any calls for session work in the 80's & 90's. So I then decided to become a "Contractor" in the union. Meaning, I would be the one to hire great talent on the same level; as the Great Vinnie! What he says later in the video about bringing 3 or 4 musicians in the room at the same time to play your music is the best way to produce music! When I officially release these magical music recordings I do with my simple little songs, it will be incredible! I will NOT release my music with the hiring of these God gifted players on the internet without me having COMPLETE control over the sales no matter what platform it appears on within the internet or live performances! What Vinnie is teaching here is: Be your own record label. manager, agent, promotion, etc.!! Love him! TY & God bless you all! Alan Sweet of ASp band/productions featuring the REAL STARS of Music! ;)

[@user-cq5yd1tv8l]

R.I.P.dom thank you for this interview

[@scottharrison9083]

Sting chose him for his dream team. So underrated.

[@marktorres8114]

The interviewer is the real star here you allow guest to speak andwhen you interject its always perfect

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you! Be sure to subscribe to our channel & see 100's of other interviews!

[@GeoffGillDrums]

“I’d be AMAZED if *anybody* could come up here and cut you…” this says it all for me. At age 21 (?) Vinnie auditions for Zappa…and amazes HIM. Bad a$$ & creative legend. ❤

[@GeoffGillDrums]

Just re watched this again today (for the 10th time) after Dom’s sudden passing. I am gutted. Dom & Vinnie here just so joyful & positive about the art of drums, music & life. Blessings Dom. 🙏 Blessings Vinnie. ❤️

[@martinmees878]

Vinnie is amazing on so many levels. Unlike so many other in this industry, he's fully awake.

[@silvanoolalla]

This video is just pure gold. I'm a teenager who wants to make a living by being a musician, in fact, a session drummer. Just like my heroes, including Vinnie. His words have helped me to clarify the future I want to have.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Excellent! Be sure to watch our other videos on this channel to be inspired & learn from others in the industry!

[@danielstevenson2772]

I've always known Vinnie is one of the greatest drummers ever just by listening to his playing. I had never seen him interviewed before and have now learned he is very intelligent and articulate about music as an artform and his fears of the trends of the music industry and the commerce of it. Brilliant man, genius drummer.

[@deanhall6045]

He shared Frank Zappa's views on the commercial side of music.

[@ChromaticHarp]

The interviewer is great, he gets out the way and let’s Vinnie talk, he doesn’t ask dumb questions.

[@shamusenright5387]

Vinnie: “I slept in my car at some point” Dom: “hahaha” Vinnie: “I was schlepping my drums around with no cases” Dom: “Oh my God”

[@MyTEEsharp1]

Hahaha!

[@ChristopherBix]

I did that for years. (The no cases part. Only a few times sleeping in my car. 😊)

[@javiceres]

The world needs V.C. on TED raising awareness of the hopeless situation of musicians

[@vincentfeitsma]

Actually, the world needs Vinnie doing seal calls again like when he did with Zappa! ,😅 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHzTdoWKrJ13qac

[@DVOID1]

Yes, we need that in 2020 especially!

[@rodneygetkate258]

@@vincentfeitsma 0вь о

[@rodneygetkate258]

Vinnie Colaiuta the greaterst Drummer of all Time. ask Frank Zappa" Jeff Beck and many other awsome musos!!!!

[@StevenLeahyArt]

What I absolutely love about this interview is that so many people think that it is some magical overnight success miracle. Vinnie shows how much work and passion it takes to get to that level.

[@VeraFigueiredo]

A wonder to watch Dom Famularo and Vinnie Colaiuta. What a conversation!

[@nicklangmusic]

Vinnie lays out some absolute TRUTH about the music industry in the last 15 or so minutes. What a sobering yet inspiring message!

[@AltGrendel]

12:37 I just love the Zappa story.

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Vinnie, is such a beautiful soul & an octopus on the drums! 🙏🏽

[@iamjezuzchrist]

What I find interesting about Vinnie is that even his hand movements, as he talks, it is almost deliberate with accuracy.

[@rmoraespinto]

For people who thought that Vinnie was a madman, this interview must be a surprise -- he is articulate and his thoughts about the industry -- as it is today -- are so wise. I enjoy Vinnie's playing a lot, and realize the incredible amount of work that he has put in it. I also admire the PERSON he is. Thank you for upping!

[@percussion7853]

Vinnie talks like he plays - deep and varied!

[@MyTEEsharp1]

Damn! Good observation! 👍🏽

[@guitargod6997]

Great interview! I am a retired physician / lifelong musician. It is remarkable how, in the span of a person's lifetime, the terra firma beneath your feet can shift like an earthquake. Believe it or not there are parallels in my professional life with the talented musicians in their profession who have seen their business model subverted by technology and change. Not always for the better. Dom and Vinnie are both passionate and articulate spokesmen for a calling which is threatened with near extinction. We need to take a stand now or be swept into the dustbin of history. Or that creativity and inspiration which has produced such inspiring music will by stifled by greed and power.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Jay DeLuca very well said. Thanks

[@stephenphillips2333]

Well done.Vinnie,Love your playng man.And so humble.You are an inspiration! You have worked so hard at your drumming! Well done.

[@user-jh5dv7ee9z]

I found myself "Glued to the TV", as they would say, while watching this intierview.. Vinnie is not only a world-class drummer, but articulate beyond measure,and a fascinating FACTUAL story-teller with a high-level of intelligence that is just off-the-charts. Interviewer Dom Famulero (who passed at the age of 72) is one of the BEST. His questions are very precise and focused. He was ALSO a world-class drummer, as can be found here on KZbin. Not to mention, Dom authored a great book titled The Cycle of Self-Empowerment".

[@HenryColeOnDrums]

This made me cry...Vinnie's heart is right there..

[@drumqtips]

Cozy Cole! I see you dude:)

[@jonathanmiles4401]

Yeah. So articulate and utterly inspiring. I’d never heard him talk before.

[@jeffdeponte]

Man, if Vinnie made you cry, have a look at the Jim Keltner interview, you will be bawling!

[@stuartgreen7809]

I don’t even play drums and I got a chill when Zappa hired you.

[@crioni]

44 minutes that felt like a full action movie! so interesting!

[@mineheadX1]

Vinnie is the master, the drummer's drummer, absolutely one of the top few living drummers.

[@dtdrummerlady]

Yes! I agree fully!!

[@joeltlong]

I'd never heard him talk. Vinnie is brilliant, inspiring, effervescent!

[@davidbusby2550]

I had to revisit this interview. One of the best.... Rest in peace Dom.

[@aaronzachary8851]

I always heard Vinnie was anti-piracy in regards to music. Hearing him speak about it, he is right on the money and incredibly articulate about it.

[@jmonkreltub9824]

Vinnie is such a wise man. Thanks for your wisdom brother.

[@music-collective]

I had a privilege working with Vinnie on my album Sometime Soon. What a person, what a musician.... I love Vinnie for who he is what what he represents.

[@javiceres]

I barely knew this man but this interview makes obvious that he’s got the mind of a genuine, true genius.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Wow. He's two years older than me but his beginings are the same as mine. Pots and pans, toy drum sets, the music on the radio being so unbelievable, the first drum lesson, ect. When I first saw drum music and started learning to read it, I couldn't get enough!!

[@ernestlmorellsr]

....This is one of the best interview I've ever heard by a musician of any caliber, talking about how the digital industry has rip off the hard working musicians, the musical industry need to be change...it's a crime, where is the money going too, because too many recording artist are hurting.This is indeed a very good interview.

[@danielbagutti]

Here I am in 2020 watching this interview for the 194729 times... keep inspiring me

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks! We'll be releasing the full NAMM 2019 event with Vinnie Colaiuta., Steve Vai, Dom Famularo & Paul Quin soon for more inspiration!! Be sure to subscribe to our channel so you don't miss this one!

[@josefinacupido9872]

Young kids! I’m ‘old’ retired and love this! The Philosophy of Study, Creativity & Skill, Result? Genius!

[@drgeorgetayloriii4280]

Stewart and Vinnie = the gods of pop-rock drumming (influenced by multiple genres especially jazz). Another interview that can be applied to multiple areas of one's life.

[@juxtaposeism]

I love Vinnie for being a sensitive and complete human being and one of the most intense musical drummer/musician in every setting without breaking the said "code". Great interview, thanks for sharing.

[@abbdrums]

Brilliant interview!

[@alexbaum2204]

Austin Burcham brilliant in the same vain that your videos are! Love your work! Please keep it coming, Austin!

[@domfamularo1204]

One must watch this a few times!!!

[@mangalarobertwatling9168]

He said the band director gave him a pad, sticks and what kind of book? Thanks.

[@domfamularo1204]

Haskel Harr. An old starter book

[@mangalarobertwatling9168]

Thank you and thanks for a very interesting interview with Vinnie Colaiuta. I learned from it.

[@mariorossi5059]

Damn! I never realized what an intelligent dude Vinnie is! Great interview!

[@EvanJr]

It's no wonder that Vinnie Colaiuta is the king of this whole world of drums, studio drumming, versatility, creativity and an impetus that few people have.

[@lvb1770]

Thank you Dom Famularo for doing these amazing interviews!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thank you for your support to continue to Empower Artists!

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

One of those amazing people who can talk for 10 minutes straight, about himself, and it’s just SO entertaining and inspiring !!!!!! Love it !!!

[@MrGroovepig]

This interview is beautiful. I never comment on videos. I was so inspired after watching this that I had to say something. I came across Vinnie when I was was in 7th grade (1993). I make my living playing because of his influence and to hear him talk about about his story really is awesome. I hope someday I can be as cool as him. This whole interview is fantastic.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks Dan & hope you enjoy the entire Artist Series on this channel or our website www.thesessions.org . Our mission is to enrich*educate*empower musicians!

[@pibba]

I met Vinnie at SRI next door to OceanWay wile my band was recording there. He was rehearsing with Joni Mitchel - very sweet guy. I was inspired. Thank you VC - your are the man!

[@keithpasculli7465]

I feel like I became a better musician just by listening to this interview. I had the opportunity to see him and other great players in a master class; amazing.

[@SpiritOfRadio2112]

Vinnie Colaiuta mentioned Maria Schneider in an interview. My brain just exploded.

[@PhilRounds]

Back in "the day" there were maybe a few dozen great drummers in the world. Now there are at least tens of thousands of them. The market is literally saturated with incredible musicians. I think we've gotten to the point where no matter how great you are it's become a lottery. These days, more than ever, you need to be unique.....and yet this is what the media and the industry try to stifle. In order to get anywhere you need to swim against the current and damn the torpedoes!

[@chancejohnson8504]

Not many are master readers of hard music like these guys

[@Nickcave1994]

@@chancejohnson8504 totally agree.. and also, most of the "great drummers" drive they craft only through gospel chops.

[@ZMIJUSH]

It depends what you think great drummer is.For me lets say Chris Coleman or Benny Greb are not great drummers.Excellent but not great.I wont even mention YT drummers without a band chopping all day long in basement.Someone who can shred his instrument does not mean he is a musician.You ll see in 20 years when all the Greats die how many incredible musicians are there.

[@thibodaux3424]

I have to disagree. I think by great you mean great chops. Sure there are lots of those guys today because the amount of information on how to get good technically is huge. But I would say only a very few would be in the great category like a Tony or a Vinnie. And as Vinnie says the opportunities for truly talented people to work professionally is dwindling. That's the big take home message in this interview.

[@davidjoseph67]

since he mentioned both guys.... it was wild to hear him play for Sting on a Sting / Peter Gabriel tour!

[@timpricedrums]

Vinnie is a God! I often wonder how these musicians who are at the very top of their profession suffer on a personal level to get where they are. There has to be a lot of sacrifice. It’s rare that the really groundbreaking players have a normal family life, due to the sheer effort and focus required to achieve total mastery. I know it’s none of my business, but I’m often intrigued to know what these musicians have missed out on to be where they are. I know a lot of us more mediocre players at some point may have made a conscious decision to play a little less and commit to raising a family (and being there!) etc... there’s always a price to be at the top of any profession.

[@4444colin]

I always thought these famous session studio guys were all ego and elitist. Vinnie seems like Jerry Lewis. Like child like innocence. Very cool video. So refreshing. Thank you.

[@syn707]

Great interview. One thing I’m hearing in many interviews is the impact of the digital domain has had in the music industry. As Zappa stated, “Music is a business.”

[@TerryFlynn-df2gy]

I'm a drummer and first introduction to Vinnie was I'm thinking was with Zappa, but loved him with Jeff Beck,and when Sting played in France! The guy is a legend!

[@dirk-lorenz.matthiesen]

His account of the Zappa-auditon is so funny!!!

[@latexsolarbeef4990]

...his FZ audition story is GOLD......

[@ciadella1971]

Vinnie played the Black Page by memory...unreal. Pure Genius.

[@erpaloinen]

What, someone’s supposed to sight read that tune?!

[@erpaloinen]

Cassandra Garcia yes, just like everyone else! 👍

[@peterdent2019]

I've met Dom. He's done more for the drumming world than anyone

[@tjroy]

Excellent interview. The part about file sharing & making a living in music, SHOULD BE AIRED, SHOWN, & HEARD IN A CONGRESSIONAL SETTING. 💯 ABSOLUTELY 💯

[@tomcoryell]

Vinnie tells the story of the demise of the music industry so well. Where do we go from here?

[@JamesVandevanter]

He's a genius,there has to be a new model for business that includes actual humans playing,creating and being paid fairly.

[@dieconashi]

For some reason I always felt like Vinnie was arrogant when I watched him play. I have seen videos of him playing for years, but I have never heard him talk before. He seems like a very down to earth guy. I'm glad I watched this!

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Vinnie's a fantastic guy and musician! Just had him on our panel at NAMM with Steve Vai, another down to earth and fantastic being! We will will have some highlights up soon!

[@JayeYates]

Vinnie is extremely intelligent and an amazing human being in every way and yet very humble and down to earth.

[@weschilton]

Vinnie is a really great guy. I had the fortunate opportunity to drum tech for him once in Boston in the early 1990s when he was playing with John Pattituci at the Regatta Bar. I was super nervous to meet him, but he turned out to be a very friendly, generous and down to earth person.... they old saying goes, "You don't ever want to meet your heros" but this doesnt apply to Vinnie. I'll always cherish that memory. :)

[@fivebyfivesound]

Likewise. I think confidence sometimes gets interpreted as arrogance, especially in performative contexts. Also, I remember reading a Modern Drummer interview from the late 90s or early 2000s where Vinnie spoke on going through a personal spiritual transition at some point; maybe that shifted things for him as well. So grateful to hear him here in conversation. Many thanks!!!

[@michaelledford4751]

When you are the king of what you do you can be arrogant .

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Again, what a gem Dom! Thanks! I met Vinnie a few times in the early to mid 90s when he would come to Norway with Sting. He was with Yamaha at the time, like me, so it was always time to hang out and talk. He combined the Sting gig with clinics when he visited Oslo and it was of course a jawdropping experience every single time. At one of the clinics, he came in late and the kit was set up for him in kind of a weird way by one of the Yamaha reps. He went straight to the stage, adjusted one of the splash cymbals slightly, then went off to play like he always set up that way. Thanks again!

[@conga205]

Even at 64yrs old, this inspired me....

[@nimblemedia]

Today, I learned the word, "Pedagogy" the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept. "the relationship between applied linguistics and language pedagogy"

[@RussPaladino]

The other side of the coin here is that when "we" we're young there were so many more live venues to play in. Things have gotten so expensive in venue/restaurant/bar ownership that it's made live music very expensive. Too expensive for the average music lover. So venue owners either struggle or decide that it's not feasible to pay entertainers on top of all the other expenses. Many owners get into it with a love and passion for live entertainment but are only able to allow us to play with a tip bucket in front of the stage. I have no answers, in only pointing out that even being a live performer has become unsustainable these days. Hopefully answers will follow and better days are ahead. Great interview. Vinnie and Don you're both awesome. Much love.

[@farshimelt]

The Comeback Inn that Vinnie mentioned, was a "tip bucket" club. After each set a waitress would pass the hat and at the end of the night, the musicians would also receive 10% of the bar. If you could fill the club you could make a decent wage. Also the food, wine and beer was free for the musicians. I played there Fri's., Sat's., and Suns. from Nov. '77 to Mar. "80. We never made less than $100 a night each. I used to hear Vinnie with the Fowler Bros. one night a week, in '78 or '79. He was a phenomenal drummer then too.

[@sammyscellojourney3851]

Not only is Vinny a kick ass drummer, but he's a smart dude! Awesome....

[@JoEsp]

On a Zappa recording Vinnie was credited as “ Vinnie on booklet” lol. Cause he reads alot of books during rehearsal breaks.

[@tjroy]

Thats EXACTLY how i was. 5th grade band i was hooked. I was a poor kid so every musical opportunity thru school I was there. Took it thru 12th grade. 4 yrs college on a scholarship from state University jazz contemporary music program. Love it.

[@burgerbobbelcher]

You know you've done a good interview when someone who has basically been at his peak for a few decades now just sits and starts complaining about everything. That's a level of comfort you don't see in interviews.

[@dtdrummerlady]

Vinnie is on top of my list of favorite drummers. I love this interview and learning about his early years as a new drummer starting out on his journey.

[@misterfunnybones]

Vinnie is the drummer's drummer. Articulate & flawless on sight-reading sessions, & yet amazingly creative & musical within an improvisational setting. Jazz, metal, big band, pop, & everything inbetween - it seems he can play anything & everything & do it very, very well. Presently, EDM maybe the preferred flavour of the masses, but that can change...

[@Headstrongny]

Just incredible, Dom this is a FANTASTIC interview and Vinnie your words are so profound with respect to the business of music. THANK YOU both!

[@MrChasalopolis]

Two smart guys. Vinnie's view on the paradigm shift is accurate.

[@borgullet3376]

Unequivocally the best Vinnie interview I have ever seen..... Dom Fam, you've done it again !

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Vinnie is a legend and one the greatest drummers alive. I heard some great stories from the late Jeff Porcaro about there early days playing at the Baked potato.

[@ericwilhelm2941]

Im gonna watch it 10 times , already repeated the 'Zapp" audition section 3 times ....... Dom you just tickle it out of Vinnie . That is such an amazing Story telling Dom

[@danjtomlinson]

Dom and Vinnie, this is the best drumming plus the business of music interview I have ever seen. I will have to watch this about 6 times plus get out my dictionary to look up around 12 words I have never even heard of before. Such a stellar and profound amount of information, Vital Information👏 Cheers

[@domfamularo1204]

Dan, Thanks so much! What fun to sit with Vinnie and capture his deep passion!

[@CheshireCatband]

pedagogy, time immemorial, qualitatively, equanimity (he misused I think)... lol

[@groovolog]

Mr Famularo please make interview with Brian Blade and Jeff "Tain" Watts.

[@jubankta1627]

Dan Tomlinson right?!

[@yonickyg9719]

@@groovolog 1000 likes!

[@troutstudio]

God bless Vinnie (and Dom for his many years of education)

[@sethcashman1011]

This is SUCH an engaging interview! It went above and beyond the greatness that I was expecting, which is saying something.

[@georgehudson1991]

Watching Missing persons on youtube Bosio ----- then to you ...thank you both for a great session of insight long life

[@JamesVandevanter]

This conversation is brutally honest, with an intelligent,plea to the next generations this is required listening that should inspire hope.

[@lockdownmytownbykevinjohns6224]

.......................................................LEGEND.......................................................

[@JFK1180]

Vinnie Colaiuta speaks the utter truth about the music business! Refreshing! Signed as a signatory-done.

[@bobbymars403]

This is super Dom. I met Ike Willis in LA around 2011. I'm such a Zappa fan, and Vinnie among other drummers became fantastic because of FZ. Great interview Dom.

[@snorhyveln]

Best interview ever! Vincent Colaiuta is a wise and magic man! Dom Famularo is famous for his playing and expressions in word, maybe He shall be called Dom Fabulousaro?

[@davidbeckertribune607]

The DBT had a steady gig at the Comeback INN from 1983-1984! Great place!! I'm glad Vinnie appeared on Siberian Express!!!

[@spyderlogan4992]

The first time I saw and heard Mr. Colauita's work, up close and personal, was with Jeff Beck. But to have him sit down and be interviewed and explain 'where he's coming from' and the 'origins' of his skill and talent is really a fabulous experience. The only other 'modern' drummer with all these credits that comes to mind is Kenny Aronoff. Both saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and both had their lives changed because of that single historical musical experience.

[@mirthkon]

My favorite living musician, period. He is as insightful as he is talented. Sui generis.

[@petermccool9396]

I usually don't watch interviews till the end. This was captivating.

[@TheSessionsPanel]

Thanks for watching & subscribing....btw, our Artists usually share great tips at the end!

[@rickfulkerson308]

Ain't nothing anybody can say or add.....the guy could play them drums!! He held stick in Left hand like a jazz drummer....he was fast and pretty quick too!!!

[@GiannisVeronis]

He sounds such a nice and humble guy, no doubt he is world class

[@thibaultverhamme]

Brilliant stuff - looks like Vinnie really is speaking freely - i loved it

[@theloaner4378]

And, more than equally noteworthy, Drummer with Jeff Beck.

[@drgeorgetayloriii4280]

No matter what your genre or background, Vinnie is in your top five. He is a beast!

[@paulpollan5307]

Vinnie's technical ability along with the taste to support the musicians he played with is, next to Rich and Weckl, nothing but jaw dropping outstanding!

[@bafattvahetere]

Hmm... Rich didn't support anyone but himself.

[@tzavarious81]

What a great interview with one of the greatest!!! Much love and respect to Master Vinnie Colaiuta! Thank you both! Peace!

[@shockwave5150]

The best interview yet. Never ever heard of Vinnie Colaiuta before until now, Wow!

[@ericwilhelm2941]

I'm at 38 minutes ..... GOD BLESS VINNIE

[@ChromaticHarp]

Dom, you are the BEST interviewer!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks! Keep sharing these...!

[@prickyX]

Vinnie is truly an eloquent speaker.

[@danielbagutti]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard and his answers made me very positively impressed...