Virgil Donati drum solo @ Alteisa Drumfest Zamora 2021

On September 12, 2021 Virgil Donati premiered in Zamora his new DW Drums kit, imported directly from Los Angeles. We leave you the drum solo with which he delighted us for sixteen minutes on the stage of the Teatro Ramos Carrión. #AlteisaDrumfest2021
Virgil Donati's set is composed by:
- DW Collectors Laquer Speciality with cherry-mahogany shell: 22x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 toms, 18x16 base tom, 20" gong, 18x18 tom bass drum, DW Collectors Edge 14x5x5 snare.
- Sabian AAX and Artisan cymbals.
- Remo Ambassador Coated heads on snare, Ambassador Cear on toms, Powerstroke 3 on bass drum.
Audio recording: Héctor Herrero.
Audio editing: Virgil Donati
Video editing: Jose Martínez de Vega
Our website: alteisa.com
Festival website: alteisadrumfest.com
Our outlet store in REVERB: reverb.com/es/shop/alteisa
Our store in Zamora: alteisa.com/contacto
We are on Facebook: / alteisa
We are on Instagram: / alteisa

[@AlteisaSonido]

🎟Alteisa Drumfest 2024 vuelve a Zamora el sábado 9 de marzo de 2024 🥁Compra el kit que han usado los artistas del festival durante una hora a un precio rebajado 🔗 Enlace de compra: link.alteisa.com/productos_drumfest

[@loud7070]

This man has always been and still is at the highest level. He was actually overqualified to be the Dream Theater time keeper. Amazing!

[@edengarden8815]

I agree 👍. Surely they were paid for turning up to the Audition?

[@sticktrik]

Eden Garden I don’t think they were paid for the audition. I think just for their expenses to get there!!!

[@Erotified]

@@jleffel6969 I don't know that Aquilas Priester guy was hardly even under qualified.

[@drachenfeuer7410]

Not overqualified, 'cause if you analyse musically speaking, there id Jordan Rudes who is a classical musician highly trainned. James Labrie, voice is another subject because os age, healthy etc. But the singer won the position over other 200 hundred candidates. John Myiung is a bass virtuoso. John Petrucci is a monster. They would explore other possibilities with Virgil, because they can.

[@fourthlayer]

and now listen to the drums in the Dream Theater mix. May as well be hitting cardboard boxes!. The audio engineer sucked the life out of the kit! NO EXCUSES!!! We are in the digital era where as the dynamic range is so much wider than vinyl. Compress compress compress till it's all one dynamic. How fkn stupid!!!

[@jazzpianoman01]

63 years old and playing better than most younger drummers; incredible

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

He's sounding better than ever.

[@g32.recitales]

could it be becase he has played all his life while younger drummers haven't? haha, your comment is so dumb.

[@impactfuse674]

@@g32.recitales You obviously have zero knowledge about human physiology. To perform at such energy and endurance levels at 62 years old, you're not just world class, you're a straight up anomaly.

[@bencausey]

Most? How about all, maybe?

[@g32.recitales]

@@impactfuse674 you guessed it! I'm an alien.

[@Dankmangolion]

Met him twice and had a short chat. What a nice wholesome dude. Mind blowing to witness his playing in person.

[@queenday15]

virgil is the sun that shines upon all the drummers and makes them grow.

[@t3hgir]

nice

[@queenday15]

@@minus_zero good one!

[@luisvillar2585]

@@minus_zero I really don't think so, I am a drummer but I respect your opinion

[@almightyhotdoglady5383]

@@minus_zero Opinions are not facts, but ok.

[@ramijarrous1983]

@@minus_zero as a drummer i can tell you he's better than gavin harrison , but i don't know about thomas lang , they may be on the same lever

[@jamesblack7348]

Absolutely no drummer on earth like this guy... mind boggling..

[@MoonmanSpacejam]

And he’s 64 😮

[@joshlicht1359]

Virgil just keeps pushing boundaries - his dedication is inspiring - it will be interesting to see what he's doing at 90.....

[@gzablodski]

I just love Vurgil's paying style with traditional grip. It looks natural and sounds snappy. I don't even mention his dexterity and ability of keeping different time signatures simultaneously. It is beyond human.

[@bryanrosa5281]

This is such absolutely astonishing command of time, rhythm, and technique I don't even know what to say.

[@nathanatkin1984]

The greatest drummer of all time (just my opinion).

[@Philrivera8842]

If there was a boxing match to take away Virgil's title as "best technical drummer of all time" Danny Carey would hear about it and show up (all 6'5" of him) in a giant faux fur and coyote leather jacket, black sunglasses, black trunks walking out to the ring with 46 and 2 playing , and shadow box insane combos in an alternating 6/4 and 5/4 timing, trying his hardest to intimidate and take the title from Virgil with speed and accuracy of his sick polyrhythmic punching warm up. He would spray water disgustingly out of his mouth into the air like Triple H, and it would be a battle.. but that wouldn't happen because Virgil ( wearing a backwards surfing hat, blue board shorts and black chucks) would just be sitting in the center of the ring behind his kit , play a 20 minute drum solo with 13 different time signatures , play as much bass hits as Danny does but with a single foot pedal matching Danny's every move but with less drums and holding the sticks all funny. Danny would simply applaud Virgil (realizing that he has come down from the acid and is not in fact at a boxing match but a concert) and dramatically (as in a spaghetti western movie) go back the way he came, stepping on and destroying his sunglasses having already dropped them on the ground behind him due to sheer amazement and his eyes being full of wonder.. Because even the drummer for TOOL knows what's up .

[@blakewarrens3925]

@@Philrivera8842 what

[@ricibatera]

Virgil is not just a drummer, but a exemple of person, fantastic guy.

[@tyronejefforeillyramirez7961]

Peter Criss is the goat!!! Jk

[@pavloskaramanis2207]

Man these incredibly controlled ghost notes on the snare!! What a contrast with the accented throughout the kit!! Master of control!!

[@onemoremisfit]

With perfect control of the accented rim shots on the snare as well.

[@monkeyrilla]

All while doing crossovers and whatnot o.O

[@mauricerodriguez5685]

Absolutely phenomenal on every level... and the very reason why Virgil Donati stands alone..

[@skipperry63]

This guy is on a whole different level than most.

[@wandersonmourao1527]

one of the biggest inspirations in the world of drummers

[@rhythmicbeast]

The greatest drummer ever!!!!

[@alexandertaylor1745]

Virgil is the Jaco Pastorius of drums. The greatest.

[@sleuth2077]

This dude has been playing drums longer than most of us have been alive. I love how powerful that snare sounds.

[@Chrime71]

What an incredible technic performer !!!! Virgil forever :-D

[@DrumApe]

A friendly reminder that Virgil is 63 years old! Look at him play wow..

[@kspocketngroove3973]

what????👀👀😱🤯

[@DrumApe]

@@kspocketngroove3973 yes, he was born in 1958! Absolutely phenomenal.

[@manictree5436]

What's the point? Another age hang-up?

[@MacMic333]

Drummers are getting older as well as younger!

[@simonscherer2821]

So that's why he plays french haha

[@danielmadariagavaldes893]

Virgil isn’t my favorite drummer only because I’m not able to understand all he does. His understanding of the rhythm , polimetrics, insane combinations, it is too much ahead that my brain is able to process. It is like listening someone extremely smart, knowing he is a genius but understanding only 40% of what he says.

[@theatremad9797]

Same here. Virgil has been down this road now for too long. I am finding that I am listening to the same stuff as I was from him 10 years ago. Nothings changed with his playing. He’s a fantastic drummer and better than I will ever be but I am not a fan of the finished product. All this odd time just does my head in and tires me out just listening. No doubt he is great at what he does.

[@farshimelt]

@@theatremad9797 He has changed a lot. I first heard him in 1985 or 86. Since then he's become more musical by incorporating a wider dynamic approach, greater use of silence, and advanced compositional skills. Don't try to figure out the time changes, just listen.

[@theatremad9797]

@@farshimelt Not really a fan of this soloing George. I’d rather listen to Peart, pocarro, Gadd and the like. But I do like the guy as a person and I know he has the ability to play what I like to hear but I just can’t hear it.

[@DionAlbers]

Same here 😂

[@kayned47]

I get ur point, being the most technical doesn't make u the best, I prefer marco minneman, he has a better feel and in my opinion is more musical

[@ChristopherDillman]

Virgil gets the ring for best sounding drums out there on YT. Bar none. 🔥

[@tshddx]

Seriously, I don't even understand how fast straight stuff on closed hi-hats can sound amazing, and yet here he is at 6:25.

[@calmac9720]

I totally agree. I think if anything his sound just continues to improve, but he seems to get a fantastic sound on whatever he is playing. It seems that whatever I am listening to him on, all his drums always have amazing tone, and pitch, his cymbals and drums always working in harmony. Ha ha I could go on all day!!

[@dcmastermindfirst9418]

DW sound like soleless crap and Thomas lang would annihilate him

[@tshddx]

@@dcmastermindfirst9418 You're actually allowed to like both, and your identity can be totally unrelated to which drummers you like and hate on KZbin!

[@rminter44]

this new Drummer who came out not too long ago who plays in sleep token is someone to pay attention too right now he's very technical as well

[@JA-io8nx]

Greatest technical drummer alive

[@chriscarney5374]

Virgil is like Weckl in 1986 under appreciated and a head of his time. 2022, Mark it

[@behzadheidari5674]

Sorry dude to break it to you but in my opinion , Virgil is NOTHING like Dave. Virgil is soooooooo ahead of Dave that there are no words for it. 😜

[@teslapox]

He is a true master of rhythms and dynamics. He makes the drums sing with polyrhythms. Thanks for the guide Virgil.

[@bryanmunroe4593]

After all these years, still an inspiration.

[@ricibatera]

Increadible musician, and a HUGE person. Always Amazing

[@edwardwilliamsams6589]

Best Drummer Alive.

[@treefrog3560]

I agree

[@ricibatera]

I agreed too

[@Anonymous-mu5bl]

Mike portnoy is the best

[@grandmestredespoulpes2435]

@@Anonymous-mu5bl Mike Portnoy is an amazing drummer, but I wonder if they can really be compared. Mike is really explosive, Virgil is much more old school.

[@adamz3090]

This was something different! He is getting more calm somehow. Years...But still amazing and unbelievable powerful!

[@Ticonderous1]

I saw Virgil drum at Drum Expo in Melbourne .. way back in the 90s .. Dude blew everyone else away .. Brilliant drummer and all round Great Guy .... Still blowing my mind all these years later...

[@onemoremisfit]

I saw him live in 2004 at a small venue doing a thing called Planet X. I recall thinking "not humanly possible".

[@TruthSeeker-rn1tm]

I was lucky enough to be front row at London Drummer Live Event some years ago, which Virgil headlined. I had been watching world class drummers all day. Virgil blew every one of them out of the water.

[@krisdieber9459]

Dallas Brooks Hall baby

[@Ticonderous1]

@@krisdieber9459 Hell Yeah it was Man ....seems so long ago now hey ..

[@krisdieber9459]

@@Ticonderous1 yep, but I still remember it well. Just incredible

[@Captain-Mayday]

His solos are phrased and conceptually explored differently now. Very refreshing to see this reinvention.

[@drumjosh1987]

That one thing I’ve noticed. He has definitely been reinventing his playing. It use to be a huge showcase for all his independence and layered grooves, I’m noticing his going away from that now.

[@brownriceprod]

thank god he didn't get stifled playing dream theatre. he's too good

[@treefrog3560]

For sure

[@ricibatera]

Virgil is much good for dream theater.

[@ivanbajovic3476]

@@ricibatera DT don't deserve this level of drumming.

[@daynelawless]

This is absolutely incredible. Technically, artistically, sonically and conceptually. Bravo Virg. To infinity and beyond!

[@kristapspucens]

i think he broke time and space in the Universe with this performance.

[@AlteisaSonido]

In fact, a wormhole appeared in the theater after his performance

[@fitzcaraldozito]

That is.. So Beautiful.

[@robertpien8708]

Ty for posting this Virgil donati is amazing he just keeps improving and creating so many get feels. I have been following him a long time . He keep me inspired as s Drummer and a Musician I love his concepts and phrasing such an incredible explosive Musican his playing and composting is top notch. GO Virgil!! :)

[@jazzpianoman01]

He relentlessly strives to complete the next step in his playing and has evolved; yes he is an inspiration.

[@drumz47]

He is truly amazing and so fluid,those DW's sound pretty good but I still have not played one of those sets that really moved me but to each their own. This art is becoming so interesting with so much to learn one can never be true to it if you ever think you got it... LEARNING NEVER ENDS .....LOVE THIS THING OF OURS.... DRUMMERS RULE........ MOST OF THE TIME LMAO..BE WELL ALL

[@met1589]

The master of drums. Second ti one.

[@danielchanderstruck]

His precision is incredible! Awesome modulations

[@francescobreda3782]

The BEST. The BEAST!!!

[@bonsaibobby1]

Rich,Weckl,Donati....My best of the best list...

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

Just incredible!😲

[@KONAMAN100]

Laughably brilliant. He's in a club of 1.

[@jm.martin4609]

Una gran inspiración para cualquier batería, hay mucho, mucho , mucho, mucho trabajo, sacrificio y talento detrás de todo esto.

[@MrDAVIDIANS79]

Y encima enterarse que es pianista...

[@albertogalvan2444]

@@MrDAVIDIANS79 y un excelente gran compositor orquestal todo una gran maestro que ha aportado mucho en los últimos años .

[@FrancescoPinetti]

Great control, great dynamics, super fast... perfect!!

[@magic80just14]

Those 32nd notes what a beast 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@curtpyro1518]

Man..I dig that snare sound..🙆‍♂️

[@marktheelf53]

I saw him live 2 times..is an astonishing experience...4 indipendent brains to command his body!

[@edellis7691]

Buddy would love him

[@treefrog3560]

Buddy would prob want to take some double bass lessons from him

[@mjollner23]

Virgil, it's a joy to hear you play! I've never understood your songs, but I always show up when you play a solo. This was absolutely amazing! Mad technique, yet musical...

[@mjm5081]

Thanks so much for sharing!!!

[@atumarunahermeticoentrance8892]

Cuanta maestría en la batería 🔋 👍🏻👌🏻😉💥🔥👊🏻😎😌👏🏻🥳💣

[@GamesMusic-cs7uc]

My good sir, all your hard work shows! 👏 Simply amazing! 😮

[@Alexdrumms]

Siempre haciendo que mi mente trate de comprender que está haciendo y admiro la Fluidez con que lo hace!! He is the man

[@justinvyborny6793]

Wow, completely awesome!!!

[@paulbentley2709]

So groovy as well as just completely incredible. How!

[@Quientocaque]

Gracias como siempre por compartirlo, enhorabuena al tecnico de sonido, suena de escándalo! Queremos mas!

[@vincgordo5861]

Just Amazing.

[@eloyblanco2823]

Gracias a Alteisa por organizar un festival con baterías tan buenos y a un precio asequible. Nos vemos en 2022!

[@andrewmortensen5411]

Just amazing

[@dannydyer3062]

Fantastic drummer...his control is unbelievable

[@DWKing1000]

I'm was very fortunate when living in the Toronto area,Folks I can honestly say that I've seen ALL of them!!.. Marco M, Mike Mangini,Thomas Lang Vinnie C.Now there is no best in my book but this man is not of this earth.Saw him with Planet X and later at a drum clinic.The precision,endurance and sheer power while playing with traditional grip is like watching Bruce Lee.Don't even try to steal anything from this man,as 90% of what he executes really has no practical application so good luck trying to put one of his fills in Mustang Sally lol..

[@vidsforsquids]

Serious, serious talent and commitment. A dynamo.

[@child7of7christ]

So absolutely clean in every note placement and sticking/footing, just wow, superhuman lol

[@carmeloreyes2789]

really flavorful!!! still is one of the best!!

[@fourthlayer]

Even when he's not playing he's amazing!!!

[@roryoconnor861]

Amazing stuff!

[@loucontino4804]

I met him on the street one evening in NYC along with Neal Schon. Virgil was a very kind man and I appreciate him taking the time to talk with me.

[@dariomaqueda1347]

¡¡Excepcional!!

[@zenchan332]

AMAZING MIRACLE

[@jvillegas4624]

The most spectacular drummer ever known...as simple as that..

[@nonesovile8812]

That snare sounds incredible

[@tophatjohnny]

Best drummer on the planet! PERIOD !

[@laurentohannessian9948]

For me one of thé greatest

[@gymahjussi]

leaving humanity behind

[@DrumDroches]

Master. Brilliant. Perfect. Father

[@adityatyagi4009]

This guy is insanely great.

[@drumsjackson2022]

Damn right!!! Incredible

[@JBPerraudindrummerOfficial]

Fantastic!!!

[@victorlipman]

Toujours aussi incroyable. A partir de 10 min c'est la guerre...

[@RjBenjamin353]

Totally in another dimension

[@Manup2day]

My nephew has Virgils drum kit that was gifted to his dad Tom Hanlon. R.I.P. back in the late 80s. Beautiful sounding kit.

[@BurrenSHdrums]

Viva Alteisa!

[@tanyolv]

Truly Amazing best ever ❤️

[@MegaMelker]

Outstanding!

[@BORNFREEITALIA]

Italian pride 🇮🇹

[@mattgonano9741]

Same

[@AlteisaSonido]

🤌🤌🤌

[@FusionHowie]

Amazing!

[@hmcdonnell23]

The Roger Federer of drumming.

[@Drumzylvania]

Thank you for wearing Norway on your chest ❤

[@LisaBellaDonnaMusic]

ONE AND ONLY ❤️

[@fidelty2427]

This guy blows me away than even the most talented gospel type drummers.

[@farshimelt]

He's more musical. The gospel drummers are all chops.

[@sticktrik]

George Neidorf Gospel drummers are are all about speed!! Play as many notes as you can as fast as possible!! Bullshit!! Have you ever heard one of them leave any space in their playing????? No????!!

[@christofferberntsen1008]

I appreciate the shirt! Representing my home land 👍 He's an incredible player 😁

[@john-ck8sw]

Wow awesome 😎

[@luisvillar2585]

Years are passing by and I really consider Virgil is not a normal human being. He is a super man!!!!

[@vincentwinner]

Awesome, great inspiration for solos in 3/4, never seen something like this before

[@stevedriscoll2539]

So I was gonna say "am I hearing swing time throughout the solo" Excellent, Virgil, well done

[@farshimelt]

@@stevedriscoll2539 Yes you are. Virgil is a great straight-ahead Jazz player.

[@georgecannella3936]

The best...

[@michealmccoy9249]

Greatest Aussie drummer

[@Raphaeldrums]

Impressive, as usual. Keep it up virgil!

[@asegal4677]

Damn good drum sound.

[@paulohenriquesantos7227]

Que tec. Precisão! Muito bom Mestre Donati

[@davidgoode7416]

Awesome!!!

[@fredjeannieschultz1251]

I wonder if he ever hits a rim? Everything is so fluid, and he makes it look so darn easy.