Virgil Donati Throwback Thursday From the MI Vault 8/18/2005

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[@mellowtron214]

*this dude may be the best drummer whose ever lived. As far as ability to play, and more importantly, the ability to think up, Virgil is certainly amongst a handful of true legends, if not THE LEGEND. This shit is insane, the more you know about drumming the more insane you realize it is.*

[@hazardeur]

i'm a drummer and a guitarist. only donati can blow my mind with drumming in a way that holdsworth did with guitar. most of the time i dont really fully get what he's doing, i'm mostly just amazed by his command of the kit, his fluidity, dynamics, creativity. if he'd be a boxer with that same mindset and skill, he'd be undefeated for decades

[@revyu6754]

That’s true. There are a lot of really amazing drummers out there… Well, maybe not “a lot” of them, but there are some really amazing drummers out there. There are the speed masters, and guys who do incredibly complex stuff, with tons of independence. There are guys who play very musically and their playing is very beautiful. There are guys who have amazing chops and fills. And then, there’s Virgil, who sort of combines all of those things, with super-healthy doses of odd-meter polyrhythms thrown in.

[@SteliosSioulas]

After he is gone, Virgil is certainly going to be remembered as one of the truly greats.. he has brought so much innovation to the instrument and also rythm in general, that i feel he is going to be studied much more than he is right now

[@krioni86sa]

RIP

[@MrDaveaccord]

The drumming on his solo records In This Life and Ruination are some of the greatest recorded drum tracks ever. Simply one of the greatest of his generation or any generation for that matter.

[@gonzameza5198]

Amazing polyrhythms and in the public only a few crickets can be heard...then Virgil make rolls and the public ''wooaaahhhhhhh bravo bravo!!!''

[@jimhaglund597]

a true God of drums... so damn far beyond any other drummer, its scary

[@kylecomerie_drumtuition]

A Step well ahead of his time in 2005 and still people in 2021 trying to figure out what concepts he is using and just how talented this guy is. A true genius. Thank you Virgil.

[@amargnwalkr]

It's a damn shame Virgil doesn't get the cred from the general (musician) public that others do- IMO, he might be the greatest drummer ever. There are many truly great drummers that openly admit they can't do what he does.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Virgil is one of the few technical virtuosos who I can actually listen to because he thinks in a musical context. Most are too rigid, but he always seems to find a nice groove no matter how far "out there" he goes.

[@hermanmelville3871]

Tom Floor I fully agree. I have no reason to believe that Minneman, Lang, Mangini et al can't groove, and I do try to contextualize the solos they play as they are often in clinic setting where a bunch of percussionists are demanding serious drum porn. I think that's why Donati and Sucherman are so nice to see because they are musicians first, and drummers second. That sort of philosophy permeates into their clinics as well, so their chops and technicality is more "groovy." I greatly appreciate your thoughtful response. Very refreshing. Also, you have the best username of anyone I've come across. Happy drumming!

[@cephoras]

I agree! His musical concept is quite advanced.

[@revyu6754]

@@hermanmelville3871 I agree, as well. I really like Sucherman, and he has very nice fills that he blends together very musically. I wouldn't put him in the technical category of Virgil or some of the others you named.

[@ownall]

This video should have trillions of visualizations. Simply amazing...humble person with an extraordinary talent.

[@chrisc3223]

Someone's been holding this guy's beer for over 3 decades.

[@mineheadX1]

his opening improv is a stunning display of virtuosity...

[@Bonerhed1968]

This guy does not impress me one bit. I'd like to hear him on a 3 piece kit.

[@Hhhlll7778]

Why do you even comment since you are not a drummer@@Bonerhed1968

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Hung out w Virgil around this time. He was interested in my friend's sister which got me a hang for lunch before a show to see Vinnie. That led to backstage hang with Virgil and Vinnie...power V2 for drumming. Both men are great human beings first. Vinnie's mother was sick so we talked about that and did not talk drumming at all which was refreshing. Virgil's greatness is in his sensitivity as an artist. He is also superman when it comes to discipline. This is what really makes him stand out...discipline with all caps! He was running 5 miles a day and his piano skills are crazy good as well similar to Gary Husband.

[@sticktrik]

Jeff Porcaro Groove.. Piano was his first instrument which he has been playing from a very young age!!!

[@MetricMod]

I will never understand how Virgil is not on the top of every single list there is. He can play any style at any time. This is just “his thing” he’s doing here. Imagine that. This is just ONE EXAMPLE of what he can do. On top of that he’s a wonderful man, amazing family man and a person that will give you his time with no expectation. Lucky to call him a brother at arms.

[@krioni86sa]

He is boring and overrated

[@eggmcfoff]

@@krioni86sa go back to your video games, nerd

[@franciscojavier9739]

@@krioni86sa Ok Jordinson fan. :D

[@krioni86sa]

@@franciscojavier9739 lol im not even a jordison fan.. i hate him too. the artist we like are subjective and it is okay if you like virgil or not. i just love from like drummers vinnie colaiuta, benny greb, larnell lewis, chris coleman and you

[@ajdrums8075]

I didn't think he had a wife and kids? I'm prolly wrong

[@jplindsay8322]

The dude's a MACHINE!! 👍🙂

[@davidpardy]

I saw someone on the Drummerworld forum say this: "Virgil has amazing skills, but I never thought he stood out." How can you see Virgil play like this and not think he stands out? I have never thought of drumming or musicianship of any kind as a competition, but out of all the many brilliant drummers out there, I can honestly say I've never seen anyone do the everything Virgil does or do it as well as he does it.

[@c.l.368]

I'll tell you how. There's a very small percentage of people, yes, even in the drum world, that can actually follow what Virgil does and really understand, or "feel", the rhythms he plays. And there's a few that will go so far as to say something isn't good (or doesn't stand out) because they don't get it, which in Virgil's case, I imagine its most of the time.

[@flyingmammoon4442]

Thats a typical drummerworld jazz elitist comment. Those guys would never understand a drummer of the depth of a donati, not in a million years.

[@davidpardy]

@@UR_Right24 I'd genuinely love for you to name some of these other drummers. I've seen plenty of amazing drummers doing amazing things, but the only one I've seen come close to a close emulation of Virgil Donati is Thomas Lang. There are plenty of guys out there who emulate Virgil and do a great job but hardly any of them can do it with his power, precision, and finesse. I don't even really listen to much of Virgil's stuff these days (I'm more into emulating guys like Blake Richardson and striving to play Nile songs) but I give respect where I know it's due

[@davidpardy]

​@@UR_Right24 Ok, so I understand now that you're simply in the "I don't like Virgil Donati" camp, and that's fine. You might want to re-watch that DT documentary as well, because they actually explain that he showed them he could play the parts perfectly but was trying to improvise and play new things... But we can't let the facts get in the way of personal opinions, right? :) It's ok if you like other drummers more than you like Virgil, there's no problem with that. But you're missing the point here. Virgil pioneered many of the things he does. I would love to see Joey Jordison or Keith Moon duplicate what he does, that would certainly be a unique experience given neither of them play anything Virgil does. And again, that doesn't take away from their abilities as drummers, but just because you like someone doesn't mean that they can do something better. It just means you prefer what they do and how they do it.

[@janetremsing6988]

👍🙂 He's doing it NOW!!! (Stand out, man!!!) 😮🙂👍

[@stirfinan1]

Simply staggering virtuoso performance . Virgil can move easily between genres Panzer Ballet to Alan Holdsworth !!!!!! Genius at work 👌

[@KevWhitehead]

Blows my mind every time I hear him play! A lot of the time I have no idea what he’s playing ... 5's with the right hand and 4's with the left ... over a shuffle groove with the feet haha!! This guy is from another planet!!

[@ericocccams5865]

@7:44 The Impossible Independence moment

[@user-wh6sp6st8s]

His kit sounds phenomenal

[@nemesisinvidia5792]

Virgil still at the top !

[@roopemakela2984]

He knows it all. And he can play it all at once.

[@Mooi957]

How can anyone give Virgil a thumbs down, a whole '22' of you! Gotta be jealousy, it's just gotta be!

[@PrometheanBlade]

Damn it Virgil don't ever die. You deserve both literal and figurative immortality for the work you've put in, and for the spectacle that you create.

[@kennethkunie4978]

I bought the double bas drum freedom book and it the hardest book I have ever come across. you think you can you think you can, then you realize no I can't. it would take years to be able to get through the book. especially the exercises with paradiddles with the feet while doing something like inverted diddles and other stickings with the hands. I highly recommend this book. ( not for beginners or people who think they don't need rudiments)

[@Slipstream0001]

Excellent book. My tip - don't worry about the doubles and paradiddles etc on the feet, that's only going to be useful if you're going to practice 5 hours a day and play outlandish ostinato's etc etc. I have pretty much completed the book otherwise, it's not bad if you work hard at it.

[@keithparker8299]

Saw him in Australia in the late 90s and he was a power house then.

[@hectorroca8824]

No puedo cerrar la boca....es absolutamente increíble.!!

[@markpeytonennis149]

FANTASTIC THANK YOU VIRGIL!!!

[@sonarpirate6171]

Love the snare sound! (and everything else I'm hearing)

[@evensteven8129]

baddrummer07 Yes! although the ride cymbal is a bit tinny, everything else sounds sick.

[@rufusedge11]

The man is truly amazing.

[@TheSetite]

+CHC4669 Allan Holdsworth, Tony Macalpine, Steve Vai, Bunny Brunel, Scott Henderson. All these guys have hired Virgil.

[@martindavies7993]

+CHC4669 haha what an ignorant comment . Love KZbin . There's always one :/)

[@fedexrrico]

+CHC4669 ure an idiot.

[@ddrum1090]

The beast has been awoken 11:12

[@carpedei_]

lol what was that???

[@AJDOLDCHANNELARCHIVE]

Hahaha... wow.

[@gabrielgsouza28]

LMAO 🤣

[@bad_keyzi]

11:12 didn't know bigfoot liked drums and actually had become a fan of virgil.

[@The0987yuio]

Lol 🤣

[@The0987yuio]

He makes another brief sound at 19:38 lol

[@MrSiah007]

Lol what the hell 🤣😂

[@bad_keyzi]

@@The0987yuio lol true XDD

[@ericsurana5941]

i was here in this building when i was a pit student!...thanks MI for bringing back my memories...

[@MrThuggery]

Excellent tutorial lesson for any level!

[@erikondrums]

That main snare is amazing!

[@ljcaballero3428]

Mr. Independence!!! #1!

[@travisbickle131]

The fucking Micheal Jordan of drumming. This man is a complete BEAST.

[@janetremsing6988]

😂👍

[@SuperJazzhead]

Speechless

[@robster4ever]

This guy is so versatile...

[@bryanrosa5281]

This is a once in a generation talent. Decades from now, many will truly realize what this man did for the instrument. There will be college courses based on him. Now go watch him play fluent Debussy on piano.

[@ghdrum]

Absolutely phenomenal!

[@alihamid5455]

That's just So So sweet ....its al lsome ...cold Dude

[@PrometheanBlade]

Wow, thanks for the masterclass, Virgil! Lots to think about there, and of course the playing was nuts...

[@davidbrugman2171]

This guy is just unbelievably great!

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

great work over many many years love virgil.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love your work!!

[@pelhamonetwothree1239]

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE

[@ljcaballero3428]

Absolutely incredible! Virgil, the best!

[@messerschmittme-1098]

Virgil's playing inspired me to never pick up a set of sticks again 😥

[@coffiekofi7134]

It's very true my brother

[@erikondrums]

So good!

[@eriksortvik]

maybe the most underrated drummer

[@jumpinjojo]

Erik Kristiansen In what media publication is it stated that he is underrated?? Enlighten us with some data, rather than just throwing out your opinion. Thanks.

[@eggmcfoff]

@@jumpinjojo what a stupid reply

[@tonyclement221]

Awesome!

[@vadimg5993]

Fantastic clinic...

[@TempoDrift1480]

He always has some kick ass sounding drums. His DWs are fucking killer sounding too.

[@awangendahl]

he is so amazing daaaaaamn!!!!

[@natfingerboard]

HOLY FUCK that last bit with the singles and doubles, just, wow!

[@batera1435]

Meu Mestre!!! O Melhor Batera, Incomparável!

[@NEUQUlNO]

Un verdadero atleta de la batería, su mente es su límite

[@wj5108]

ESSE VIRGIL É DE OUTRO MUNDO, MEU...

[@denny791011]

VD é diferente dos outros bateras.Impressionante... É Mito.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Virgil has a brain for each limb.

[@maurizio7188]

Virgil Donati. Here he is.🇮🇹

[@Gevoltful]

Watching this today in 2021 , thought then it was a top of him and he's now joking on himself doing far more complex stuff ! *)

[@misterfunnybones]

The former Tina Arena drummer. I say that because some people may not be aware of the great drumming he provided in the late 90's for the TA live tour.

[@samtraygis1337]

I seen him at a drum seminar in Connecticut and I remember him saying he used to play 20 hrs a day

[@thayanesi2]

Esse cara vai ser a lenda dos bateras, muito fera

[@GabrielMariachi]

+Paulo Moura hahaha definitivamente!!!

[@backbeatbobby]

Thayane Santiago

[@rhythmicbeast]

THE GREATEST!!!!!!!!!

[@robaobaterafreitas5265]

excelente baterista referência mundial

[@SuperGeo1987]

I think I like Virgil better than Mike Mangini in terms of touch and style. MM is great no doubt, but Virgil's dynamics and his independence are actually insane. I know Mangini is no slouch in either department and I know he has crazy speed, but Virgil just seems to be able to separate his limbs more naturally, and in more interesting ways.

[@dougmorato]

I dont know any other drummer at Virgil's level... what he does is unique and super developed. He's waaaaaay bigger than Dream Theater as well...

[@drum4fun969]

The only but big problem with Donati is that he's so used to play alone that he can't play with a band like Mike.

[@caratcranker5874]

@@drum4fun969 Really? that's a BIG problem? He has CHOSEN to play his own solo music, to get AWAY from bands and their obvious leader control issues. He played for years in the bands you talk about, Southern Sons, [i don't need to even say anymore]. Oh, Steve Vai..............etc, etc.

[@augusttwosix8477]

@@drum4fun969 He was planet X drummer

[@EsaelPaggin024]

@@drum4fun969 Virgil also played and/or toured in pop and rock bands during his earlier career. He played with Southern Sons as well, who had multiple top-10 hits. He has a DEEP pocket when that's what the music calls for. Otherwise, he chooses to be creative and explorative (which is something to be admired, not shunned because it's not the norm).

[@Diakonov29]

otv native metal is my favorite donati song.

[@Basskat100]

Great Drumming

[@margovallen]

Virgil is the bomb. A bad-ass drummer who is gifted like no other. He is gifted and blessed with HIS gifts and talents and gifts. Nobody has his... and he has nobody elses. God blesses us as HE sees fit. For His own pleasure... and for His own Glory. Perhaps--- Virgil went to the line two or three times? lol.

[@farshimelt]

His gifts cost him 16 hrs. a day practice.

[@Gharacol]

Cara, sei lá, Virgil é um alien? Virgil é uma maquina?, não sei, só sei que é absurdamente um baterista único!!!!!

[@sasquatchpatch]

Pretty sure Virgil applies his philosophy to love making in a similar way, rawr!

[@cymatic83]

Dude is fucking silly insane nasty. But I'd also love to hear how deep his pocket goes. Nothing cooler than when a drummer goes from polyrhythms at a zillion miles an hour to Jeff Porcaro land and just lays down some tastiness. Anyway, off to the chopping block!

[@Calebhd_]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/emfCl4R_prGXotU

[@stevenkorenek389]

Virgils playing. reminds me of a John Bonham that had 3 lifetimes to combine all these different elements. Virgs pocket is ridiculous. Listen to his ‘In this life ‘ album. Insane.

[@blackl1steddrums]

Holy shit I might of been there 😳 been a while..

[@drum4fun969]

Back in the days when I was a young, a drummer told me: The material that guitarist have to study are endless, at the time i believed that, but after years of studying the drums, I realized that what I was told about guitar was a false statement and the reason why is simply because drummer have to train, develop every single limb and muscle in order to execute this amazing instrument, and I say instrument because you drummers don't just "play drums" you play music!!

[@HughMorristheJoker]

Any instrument can be studied endlessly.

[@janetremsing6988]

👍MR. INDEPENDENCE!!! Geeze! 🥴😮👍 MUTANT LEVEL BEAST!!!!🦧

[@DWKing1000]

I always wonder what Buddy Rich would have said about this new generation of players.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Dan Laurin Probably would have ran his pretentious mouth something disrespectful and done some lame ass snare drum noise fest on an out of tune drum and smiled like he was something.

[@cephoras]

I've never heard Buddy be complimentary of any other drummers

[@spark_6710]

cephoras that's not true...he loved Joe Morello.And he introduced many drummers for positions w/ big bands!

[@spark_6710]

Wizzle Buddy Rich was NEVER LAME.!!! LOL.

[@sticktrik]

Dan Laurin He would have respected that Virgil played everything with traditional grip!!!! He may have also frowned on the style, but definitely would have given props for Virgil’s facility on the drumset!!!!!

[@iamscythed]

Hello Berklee student from 2070.

[@Theolonius-ov1ij]

Grande batterista

[@iCe1984zz]

I can't believe it... 13:13 Proof that Virgil IS human xD

[@gregoryrogalsky6937]

This shit hurts my brain.. Loving it Inspiring .

[@girlplanetboy]

virgil, wooten, govan. hiromi and me singing. What a fucking line up!

[@dynasticlight8706]

This ,is all the Basic approach to Drumming . Time, feel , control on and on. You , also realize He studied w/ Jazz Drummers and all the levels of Drumming that were around before all was born.

[@o0Donuts0o]

How is this guy independently moving each limb to a different time signature!!!

[@ddave1234]

I´d be happy if only I could play half of what he plays at the beginning.

[@daviddicara991]

Yeah, so, I speak with some knowledge of drumming and there are and have been some unbelievable drummers thruout history. Its hard to say who the best is becaus its a subjective thing...But, I will say this. When you want to compare who can play what, the stuff Virgil is doing, no one else can do. There are some guys who can get close but then he can play faster. From a technical standpoint, I believe we are blessed to be witnessing the very greatest drummer who has ever lived, up to this point.

[@marlachristensen2076]

I am just pausing here @ 5:44, I find it interesting how he is holding the drumstick in his left hand. He is holding it like a pencil.

[@marlachristensen2076]

I wonder when he writes, if he is left handed or right handed. My best guess would be he is left handed.

[@marlachristensen2076]

When I was on contract with Cigna as an Enterprise Data Architect, I stayed at this three star "Quality Inn" type hotel when working at the client site. I would not rate it all the best, though, it was adequate. Anyway, I was at their business computer checking on a Progressive Rock website called "Progressive Ears". I was reading through conversation regarding the band "Planet X"; a band of which Virgil was a drummer of at the time. After signing off from the computer and starting to walk away, I noticed two dudes at the check-in reservation desk of whom looked like prog rockers. So, I bellied up and walked to the reservation desk and looked at the two of them and stated "You guys look like proggers to me". And, indeed they were. It was Virgil Donati himself checking in to the same hotel I am staying in. I asked them their purpose of their stay at this hotel. They stated they were there for a drum clinic. This sounded interesting and I attended. It was really good! I believe there might be a photo of Virgil and myself floating around out there somewhere.

[@5starcomment]

Wish it went for another hour or two...

[@sergiotoledo2987]

The guy is living legend. (O cara é uma lenda viva)

[@andreharpa3769]

Isso é insano igual nunca vi Power root Virgil o Mas CompletO possível!....Tank Foi Man!!💗💗😲quialteras/Poliritmias é Ritimos Compostos sem Dever Nada o Sr. poderia Tokar menos está Além da média mundial!!!😍 (BRASIL🇧🇷)Faz um Samba Virgil???🎶🎶🎶Grato

[@lt.frankdrebin743]

I can't wait until we find a habitable planet outside of our solar system -- Mr. Donati can finally go home then --

[@jimmyrodriguezpower1405]

Abril 2020 . jim.

[@JRock1900]

55:00 Crazy cool Left = double paradiddle - Right = single paradiddle

[@farshimelt]

Then he alternates them.

[@alanFconrad]

damn

[@evensteven8129]

The Million Dollar Drum Clinic.... Holy moley...

[@konadam2769]

I cant speak for the rest of the world but in Australia the guy is a drum god

[@jazzfusionsoul]

Kon Adam why just Australia?! Coz He's way up there along side many of Drummers (MD) hall of fame.

[@HughMorristheJoker]

This guy is an apex musician.

[@Bateroandres10]

Alien...!!!!

[@adjidaksi]

Beast of Bass!