Virgil Donati & Thomas Lang Jam Track

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Ask Thomas Anything: www.drumchannel.com/askthomas Watch the incredible Virgil Donati & Thomas Lang jam along to a track from their drum duo- only on DrumChannel!
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[@IRLguy777]

They did Virgil dirty, his drums are mic'd to like half the volume of Lang's.

[@nickstanley396]

Facts

[@TheACDrummer]

Or he hits half as hard as Lang? 👀 Could have boosted Virgil's output a bit more if that was the case tho

[@2an_sound]

@@TheACDrummer Virgil's kit seems to be only overhead/room mic, while Thomas' kit has full mics in close

[@MrSiah007]

Thomas Lang plays baseball bats for sticks dude trust me. I bought a pair of his signature sticks and thought I accidentally bought marching snare sticks accidentally. Dude is gonna have some fucked joints when he’s older lol

[@2an_sound]

@@MrSiah007 would big sticks explain why Lang's kit is close with good EQ and Donati's sounds dry with lots of room/distance? Or are u replying to someone else haha

[@thedudeyo101]

Thomas got that unmistakable flow. His fills just so well into one another, the progression in his soloing feels so natural and effortless and his stick control is unbelievable. He’s a human power station, delivering such energy into each of his hits while appearing like he’s not even trying. This dude is on a whole other level Virgil is just... his brain is just wired differently. His dynamic control is otherworldly and just changes polyrhythms mid-section seamlessly and probably has the best stick control of any drummer. Normal 4/4 measures seem to bore him and just creates 4 separate beats with each limb.

[@baton.ballet]

Y en verdad el ⁴/4 es aburrido

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

True. If you're not a drummer, it's easy to miss the inner dynamics from Virgil. His technicality is unsurpassed. The problem is he makes it look so easy that the average Joe wouldn't be able to pick it up. It's otherworldly.

[@hazardeur]

@@BaconIsNotBicepsone of the few drummers that i dont get, i never know 100% what he's doing. and if i do, usually i realize there's something stupidly difficult going on in the background that i just missed. like holdsworth on the guitar. never quite understood what he's doing either. i do like it though.

[@enijize1234]

Virg is the best who ever lived. Noone is even close

[@wildmike951]

This is probably the 2 best guys around...even match up in my book. Virgil needs more volume on his microphones

[@TheMatyas23]

there are no microphones for Virgil, xD if heard him live , no words .... just beauty

[@robertabbott8091]

​@@TheMatyas23nah, Thomas just has so much more power to his playing.

[@kensurrency2564]

@@robertabbott8091 no he doesn’t. i’ve seen virgil live up close. he’s a powerhouse. virgil and mangini are the two big drummers right now. lang is great yes but i’d rather listen to vinnie colaiuta any day.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

@@robertabbott8091 Not at all. I've watched Virgil for decades and when the music calls for it, his power is up there with the best of them. He is perhaps the most technical drummer of all time. In fact, he's the only drummer to ever stump Austin Burcham. Obviously, Thomas is one of the best to ever live as well but to stump Austin is saying a lot since he covers all the greats. it boggles the mind how good these dudes are. LoL

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

@@kensurrency2564 Vinnie is ridiculous and one of the best of all time. Weckl is as well and has been my #1 for 40+ years.

[@ProgresivePrototipe]

Lyrics: 1:19 - 2:29 Thomas 3:10 - 4:20 Virgil by John Myung

[@funkyfillbeats]

@Tony Smith and a brain.

[@JakobStrand]

I see what you mean and I think it´s hilarious but fact is that John is an excellent lyricist and has been for as long as Majesty and DT has written music.

[@dinospumoni5611]

The way a heart sounds Makes all the difference It's what decides if you'll endure the pain that we all feel The way a heart beats Makes all the difference in learning to live

[@Jberniee]

Considering that there are not enough microphones for both. Thomas' sound is huge. People often don't value this enough. Every move and hit is very precise and powerful. He makes it look easy. He is a showman. In these types of videos it is not possible to fully appreciate the difference in sound and power. However, Virgil is one of those drummers that we will hardly see again. He is incredibly good, creative and very technical. Such a beast!

[@andrewcomplainer]

Thomas Plays very safe perfect and prepared. Virgil goes just improvising like he doesnt care. Thats why Virgil is so AMAZING

[@arydjiwandono5296]

Two most incredible drummers who auditioned for DT playing together. Crazy

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

DT should have rotated drummers from month to month and used all of them. LoL

[@TylerHNothing]

Virgil's solo is fucking insane

[@edwinmclean6775]

Watching these 2 beasts in a same stage is really a rare opportunity. Very cool!

[@natangloeh5806]

Gavin harrison and simon philips

[@LimpBizkit999]

@@natangloeh5806 Just recently discovered Gavin. I love his style 🥁

[@kskslslslsoooao]

This is basically Thomas trying to impress Virgil, and Virgil just at ease being Virgil.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@orangemanbat9043 Yeah I don't think i've ever heard a drummer _quite_ so absolutely on the beat and smooth whilst making it look effortless and *EASY* as Thomas.

[@freeyoutube8298]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJCqZot9na2NkM0 pleaseee mdfkr please! don't get me wrong. virgil is one of my top fav. but you are clearly just born yesterday.

[@Legnica148]

they are really both the best... but thomas is the best drummer that was ever born. I love challenges so please if you dont think so, tell me.

[@rbuk2112]

@@orangemanbat9043 i didnt see this moronic comment, lol yea ok morbid man u know nothing about drumming period then

[@met1589]

Thomas is awesome but Virgil is on another level .simple.

[@acjohn6995]

Virgil is the drummer I've been searching for.

[@kensurrency2564]

you gotta see him live while he can still rip. he’s out of this world.

[@hazardeur]

@@kensurrency2564it's unreal. saw him with holdsworth the last time and i had to pick up my jaw from the floor after the concert

[@robd3529]

Hard to believe both these guys were overlooked by dream theater when they auditioned, their skill level is off the charts

[@Brian28021]

Were they overlooked, or did they say no? I'm not sure. Lang doesn't seem like a joiner.

[@paterpen9832]

​@@Brian28021 I think he didn't want to drop all his other/solo stuff like they demanded.

[@kensurrency2564]

mangini is pretty darn good, though. i would’ve picked virgil. mike is more of a machine whereas virgil is more musical.

[@robertoricci3393]

The whole DT audition is bs. Thomas has a crazy story about it.

[@DarthMuse]

They didn't suit the band let's be real MM was the perfect fit at the time, not that it matters with Portnoy back in the band.

[@frelopermanboy7426]

it is insane how much more original Virgil is.

[@Bateroandres10]

Virgil is from another planet... What a beast...

[@crossteel]

From Planet X..😬😬

[@TheMatyas23]

Virgil !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! its not a human, there must be some alien in his head a puling the strings . I wish I was next to the drum set and feel that dynamic of drums ..... .,., much love and respect !

[@stroll8522]

I literally cannot believe people are bashing two of the best modern drummers out there. Its like walking up to fucking Buddy Rich and telling him, "Hey man! You play too fast and I'm just not digging it. Maybe you should listen to my opinion and take my advice?"

[@adrianolima3965]

"Thomas is like a power house, OMG" J. Labrie

[@Dmytroboyco]

Well said 👍

[@GGrev]

Lyrics by John Myung

[@Selkirk69]

"..." ...a freakin' powerhouse.."

[@davidcoulter1058]

I tend to click this every time it comes up on my feed; it features my two favourite drummers after all. It also shows, and makes me think about, their contrasting styles and methods. Thomas is my favourite drummer as he was the first of the “uber-drummers” I discovered. Virgil is the best drummer in the world today. Thomas is the most fundamentally sound drummer in the world, so it’s no wonder he makes a brilliant educator. Virgil is unique, often copied but never equalled. Virgil has better hands; Thomas has better feet. Virgil wins on polyrhythmic playing; Thomas can create denser phrases with his multi-pedal, four-limb co-ordination. Virgil is a more complex, challenging soloist; Thomas is a more relaxing soloist to listen to, and combines the ferocious technique and speed with a little bit of that Terry Bozzio-style ability to “jam” on drums. Virgil writes deeper and ultimately better music; Thomas puts more of a focus on the drums, and writes stuff that allows him to occasionally just have fun without being too fussed about deliberately killer playing. (Anyone who thinks Lang can’t play musically or only knows one style should download Yumaflex and Progpop now and evaluate their position). End of the day, they’re both legends and I adore them both. May they continue to inspire and amaze. (Also, opinions above - don’t get offended 😂)

[@Tanildes]

David Coulter Resume:VIRGIL IS A MUSICIAN. Genius Composer Musician. Thomas.....a clínical mechanical drummer with impressive skills

[@Inchronious]

Virgil is like, what is this 4/4 crap. lol

[@livendihp8768]

Inchronious hahaha TRUE

[@bad_keyzi]

ahahahahahaha hahahaha bro, that's it

[@BrainEquation]

Hahaha!!!!!!

[@normanwilmoth7404]

Y'all do know Lang is seriously holding back! He's not trying too humiliate Virgil but he could easily do it. Matter of fact anyone who sits beside Lang and tries to solo him would loose, there's know doubt about it!

[@8HellOweeN8]

@@normanwilmoth7404 we all know virgil is beyond langs skill although lang is one of the best anyways

[@deanpana7576]

I think what people need to know about Virgil is that his playing is coming from a really honest place. He is beyond the need to impress or to totally cut loose at every opportunity. His playing is primarily deliberate and designed for a specific cause. Where most will solo freely, Virgil will solo deliberately, in relation to something and play accordingly. Thomas is an absolute machine also and these guys are the best drummers on earth today. I really enjoyed this. Have to thank these two monsters for giving us a look at cutting edge drumming!

[@marcusmcclelland]

virgil is a great drummer, its just that thomas power speed and accuracy are unmatched

[@dr.strange.2655]

marcus mcc Unmatched? Marco Minnemann?

[@EthanS1481]

Hmm... Ok. But in the bottom line he used to be 50% more powerful. Lang eats him alive in this video.

[@c.l.368]

@@marcusmcclelland Dafuq you on about. Speed..... Maaaaaybe. Power, no fucking way, have you even seen any of Donati's videos. Accuracy???? LOOOOOOOOOL. Are you deaf? Did you listen to the video? Does 1:10 sound accurate? Sloppy as fuck. Even when he's soloing, it doesn't sound super tight. Not like other drummers sound. Like Donati. Like Colaiuta. Like Weckl. Etc... Lang's a legend, but he's not one of the GREATS

[@c.l.368]

Oh yea, and speed.... He's not faster than Donati. If anything, as fast, which I also doubt. Would love to see Lang doing those single drum rolls all over the kit like Donati does. He's never been seen doing anything even close to that speed. Look, I really don't wanna put Lang down, it's just there's so many teenage drummers out there who think Lang's the absolute drum god and it's just laughable. Maybe once you wrap your mind around what Donati's actually playing (cause it will sound like gibberish to most - all that quintuplet stuff in the video for example - I bet that shit went over 99% of Lang fans' heads), or when you actually start listening to the REAL legends out there, you'll grow out of Lang. --> Donati. Colaiuta. Weckl.

[@johnnyb357]

Two of the best drummers in the galaxy!

[@michaelwolfe4999]

Mr. Lang so fluid, it's seems like its not a conscious thing for him. MASTER!

[@fitzcaraldozito]

From 3:53 to 4:05.. How beautiful is that.. All the rest is superb too of course, but this sequence is so inspired.. It's not a drum solo anymore, that's Art. Virgil is phenomenal, unreal drummer.

[@6912305277]

Thomas in my opinion a freak of nature, phenomenal player.

[@hannes1734]

Thomas: "Bonzo only needed one rack tom, i don't need more either" Also Thomas: 3 Bass drums, 14 cymbals, 8 pedals and a crap ton of percussion

[@chaseanderson4345]

LMAO!! Killer!!

[@tayrenae11]

These two are way more advanced than bonzo

[@hannes1734]

@@tayrenae11 I'm just quoting Thomas here. Yes, those two are better than Bonham, but that's literally what Thomas said.

[@tayrenae11]

I see what you mean and i dont know if i would say better maybe its the recording and i dont think you can hear the greatness of bonzo i think it might be lost in the recording but these 2 are great

[@hannes1734]

@@tayrenae11 Yes. Of course you can't compare these two with Bonham, but in terms of technique, those two are far more advanced. And who knows what Bonzo could have done if he hadn't died at such a young age

[@patmorley4396]

I would say that they're a dynamic duo, but I think actually Virgil handles most of the dynamics himself 😉! Jokes aside though, they're both damn good!

[@luisjacob725]

this shit needs an "epic" like button.

[@pmcgb]

Just seeing them hang out is very wholesome for some reason.

[@Roma-di5xf]

Thomas is a machine..Virgil is an alien!!!

[@mikyc.6215]

Two Legends of the modern drumming...! 🤘

[@edgarpuls6023]

2 monsters, enough said!!

[@marioburger67]

Virgil and Thomas worldclass

[@celestia911]

Virgil is LEGEND❤️

[@lathanlongenecker5278]

Thomas Lang is a freaking machine!

[@redman1434]

Thomas like JP on guitar: powerhouse! Virgil like Steve Vai on guitar: unique feel

[@christiangasior4244]

Who is JP? Jimmy Page?

[@franciscojavier980]

Steve Vai? Naaaa... Brett Garsed or Allan Holdsworth...

[@TheBuckAK]

@@christiangasior4244 john petrucci

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

@@TheBuckAK Jimmy page hahahahahaha PETRUCCI smh

[@MalFunktion2024]

dogshit comment

[@CultureShockGaming]

Anything Lang does wether polyrhtms or speed/power, i am amazed, but i can understand, Donati even on 4/4, i Don't even have a clue, and it has been that way since his first instructional tape in 85, This guy is out of this world !

[@luker.6967]

You might like Matt Gartska.

[@c.l.368]

@@luker.6967 I love Gartska, AAL all the fucking way brother. But Donati is absolutely untouchable. His polyrhythmic accuracy is off the charts. That's why it sounds like gibberish to most. Cause he can play quintuplets over a 16th note subdivision no fucking problem, and that's just for a start (that's what he's doing this video).

[@smilingdrum]

Again: This is Serious Playing at the highest level with Thomas and Virgil play very different styles and Killin it! Whats not to love about THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, DrumChannel Thanks for all you are doing for the drum community!!!!!! God Bless you!

[@border66]

thomas lang is phenomenal

[@marcusmcclelland]

i cant beleive dream theater didn't take him.

[@bobayersquebec]

no he simply really fast on single strokes, thats his only trick !

[@stevenmorley7774]

Absolutely years ahead

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@ Bob Ayers dude please...

[@TripleFermentation]

@@bobayersquebec Not even close to his only trick. But okay.

[@elsoundgarden]

I saw many guys play over the years and I still remember that moment I came across Donati watching some Steve Vai live performance... Virgil was playing w both sides of the sticks at a great speed. I was like... Who's THAT guy? 😂

[@Danfromoverthere]

Who ever gave this a thumbs down must be some jealous folks man because this was beyond awesome

[@axe2rock]

both are great in their own right.. as a guitarist, I can see Virgil is more like the Greg Howe of guitar because of the fusion like jazz chops while Thomas is like the Petrucci because of the melodic shredding chops but both are great of course, amazing

[@MrVyrtuoso]

Nah. The differences between them is more along how different they think over how to fill the canvas of time with their rhythms is akin to how different Allan Holdsworth and Steve Vai think over melodic contours and the harmonic progressions that contextualize them.

[@axe2rock]

@@MrVyrtuoso agree to disagree, its completely subjective.

[@jayklesdrumchannel-drumsan9782]

I saw them together in Adelaide South Australia, it was an amazing experience I love how precise Thomas is 🥁 👌

[@roadglide]

Oh the madness! The Sickness!

[@pauljon2239]

All us musos used to hit The Grain store every Wednesday night to see Loose Change to see how it was done. The sound in that place was amazing Go Virg

[@bugproductions9050]

I think it's fair to say the "V" is on another level.

[@roloduarte5007]

I could listen to that a million times.

[@dinogiacchitti5784]

thomas killed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@4seasonsbbq]

Now that was a lot of fun to watch. I was a drummer in school and a few years after but sold my set and haven't touched a drum for about 25 years. I regret it, I wish I would've kept going with it. Thanks for the entertainment guys.

[@abelriquelmevalencia]

Awesome duet !!!

[@GMDCymbals]

Not a Dream Theatre fan, but would’ve become an instant one, had Thomas joined. I still find it hard to believe that he didn’t pass the audition.

[@samowensdrums]

I love how Lang is total showbiz and Donati is all business. Not a single smile😂

[@jeroromouse9699]

looks like Thomas stole a bass drum from the other set lol

[@TomMcAlindonOfficial]

:')

[@Tio-Nino]

Shhh don tell!!!!

[@zcustomcarnesi]

😁😅😅😂😭

[@alisaiterkan]

Dude that's funny!!

[@RodrigoRaez]

Hahaha!

[@robbyboy03]

Thomas Lang......king of coordination . I met Virgil at a hands on clinic where he taught us around 50 permutations to the standard 26 rudiments. He was awesome too.

[@DanielSilva-fq1oz]

Thomas is in a different galaxy than everyone else.

[@francescocastro4748]

Guys drumming is art, playing music is art, don't make it a race!!! These two are artists, don't start comparing.

[@taunokekkonen5733]

I dare anyone to find more fluidity or effortlessness than what Thomas has. He makes everyone else look like they are struggling and he is just killing it laughing.

[@RandomlyDrumming]

Dave Weckl? :) Dave's playing is like a water running and you don't get more fluid than that. But in all honesty, you can't compare musicians like that. :)

[@c.l.368]

@@RandomlyDrumming Weckl, Colaiuta, Donati, so many more before Lang. Lang's sloppy and boring compared to these three for example. He's a legend but he can't touch the real GREATS

[@kensurrency2564]

Colaiuta, hands down.

[@TronciM]

Two technical monsters

[@smilingdrum]

It's great to hear the "Masters" and Thomas Is having way too much fun. which is what makes this so great!

[@mukakinman]

This is not a competition. Enjoy the both great drummers.

[@UR_Right24]

Virgil's playing is so much more interesting sounding to me and so much more visually interesting as well.

[@alejandrodrums3464]

DONATI exelent musician, tomas.... great rock star.

[@yahirave]

You're not a musician, right?

[@Tanildes]

Yahir Avendaño Why ?? It’s a true ,REAL facts

[@Tanildes]

Lang is not a músician.

[@johnz4412]

Two incredible players. Mind blowing!

[@EthanS1481]

Lang is outta this world...

[@shawndrumm3090]

Thomas is KING

[@MrVyrtuoso]

All their chops are great, and VD's perfect command of time over any tuplet and subdivision wherein he does all his chops are jaw dropping. What really impresses me is how the two of them, when playing in unison, hit the beats and subbeats without any serious flamming between their snares and kicks. That's some serious phase locked metrical precision!

[@johnmercurio340]

It appeared to me they were having a lot of fun doing what they did. That's really what it's all about guys. Think about it. Why did we start playing drums in the first place. We saw our heroes and it looked like they were having so much fun that we picked up a pair of sticks and the rest is history!!Always share what you have learned. Keep your chops up and never stop playing. Have fun!!

[@rickyb5062]

💯%

[@hugorezende199]

Virgil's cymbals are gorgeous. very nice selection and use of them

[@rubenhdezdiaz]

2 monsters no question...Thomas: chops all around (impressive), Virgil: lets the music breath (ultra musical)...the track isn’t great tho. What a treat seeing them together!

[@e.g.systems6146]

I'm a guitarist, and over the years I have learned the difference between "A guy who can hit stuiff" and "A drummer". Wow.... the older I get, the more I'm impressed, and moved, by a really great drummer. This is like ear candy :O)

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

disco has made a comeback...drum disco virtioso

[@peinningshen576]

Left eye - virgil Right eye - Thomas 😎

[@killyourtv4579]

Thomas SMOKED Virgil. Period.

[@marshaltito7369]

I'd say they were even, Thomas looked more flashy.

[@franciscojavier9739]

hahahahaha... What a clown. Lets go to educate, kid. Virgil is on another different level.

[@markdemell3717]

When two get together it brings out ones best ! I like the Funkiness.

[@WaxDat8800]

These monsters killed it!!!!

[@ProgSnob14]

Both of these guys are absolutely incredible

[@gustavoazem]

Incredible drummers!!!

[@jlescault1983]

This is awesome!! Love both these guys! Monster players

[@shizi]

Great to see this vid, very significant. This drum bro I have looked up to Lang when he was growing up, having matured on the drums his heart was set on Virgil's playing. Great capture.

[@traindawg21]

That track is killer!!

[@bpooboi]

Wild. Just wild.

[@U2WB]

Amazing. 2 superb drummers having fun.

[@1slippy]

Thomas is just on a level no one can touch

[@thomasbenoit5826]

Thomas Lang is a more-than-incredible drummer. But I think Virgil is the most advanced drummer on earth. He is less showy than Thomas Lang, but if you take time to understand what he does, you will get what I mean..

[@pjbuma13]

There are actually many drummers that can touch him or are even better than him.

[@charlenedrums9406]

Amazing watching one of the 2 best drummers

[@samuelthorn408]

Holy mother of chops

[@saulogustavo8826]

Amazing drummers!

[@bonnielasalle9248]

Thomas !!

[@dannybarichello1575]

A couple of ;my favorites on one stage. Cool.

[@jamesgilgannon4164]

Just had to watch this again! Just no words!😳😁👏👏👏👏👏

[@jbooks888]

I first saw Virgil Donati play at a small gig at the Grainstore Tavern in Melbourne with Evripidou whatever his name was on bass. I stood there in absolute AWE as he continually blew me away with his drumming magnificence. That was about 25 years ago, and I presume he has only gotten better over the years... I spoke to him briefly after the gig and soon realized his ego was as great as his drumming talent - oh well. But still, fantastic musician.

[@bfarmer1647]

You must be another Melbourne resident. A punter below made a comment that he would have been a fan of Dream Theatre, who I saw a few years back, had Lang got the gig. Well that's selling Mangini short surely. Therefor on the day, MM got the gig and the two lads in this video didn't. Simple. But there's more to the team and me reading your comments suggests ego lost Virgil the gig but maybe nerves and fitting in and overtaking the other 3 lads in DT may have caused Lang to miss out. Oh well, all of them are the best but sometimes technicals alone don't bring the 'feel' to the group.

[@yidyb2862]

Was just looking for a video of Thomas Lang to compare to Virgil, then this video showed up! Thanks drum channel

[@drums4lyfe0987]

I want to live in this room forever.

[@christiancea6]

PHENOMENAL!

[@dorian2112]

both badasses for sure. no need to compare them. appreciate them for their skill is all.

[@divontuli7561]

Thomas Lang is a freakin powerhouse

[@ReICARDuH]

2 Stars ... Shining in different ways ... but every one with it´s own unique way!!! LoVe 4 u´s 🌈

[@peterkos1034]

Speechless, Abosolutley awesome!!

[@ebaykevin]

Beautiful!

[@claudiobirnbaum3943]

Two masters!

[@FritoBanditoMusicVideos]

How fun!!! Enjoyed watching, gotta love the drum channel!!!!