Those 80s years! Working with Townshend & The Who: Simon Phillips

Drummer Simon Phillips to discuss his experiences working with rock legend Pete Townshend of The Who. Phillips shares fascinating insights into his collaborations with Townshend, including their work on the 'Empty Glass' album.
The conversation delves into the unique circumstances surrounding Townshend's life at that time, as he grappled with addiction and personal challenges. Despite these hurdles, the 'Empty Glass' album became a massive success, showcasing Townshend's undeniable talent and Phillips' remarkable drumming skills.
Phillips recalls his first encounter with Townshend, which began with a call to work on the record at Wessex Studios. Their initial meeting was filled with warmth and admiration, as Townshend expressed his appreciation for Phillips' playing. From there, their collaboration continued on subsequent albums, such as 'Chinese Eyes', solidifying their creative partnership.
The discussion also shifts to Phillips' involvement with The Who's reunion tour in 1989. As the conversation unfolds, Phillips describes his approach to playing the iconic Who songs, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the essence of each track. While he does pay homage to Moon's unique style with a few select drum fills, Phillips doubles down on his commitment to serving the songs and playing from a song-centric perspective.
The episode concludes with Phillips reflecting on the exhilaration of touring with The Who, performing in front of tens of thousands of fans every night. He shares anecdotes about the extensive rehearsals and the incredible stamina required to deliver electrifying three-and-a-half-hour shows.

[@SteveBoltz]

I played guitar on the '89 tour...it was a real pleasure to have Simon as the foundation/engine room x

[@VRPRocks]

Ah, Boltz! I interviewed you last year, hope you are keeping well my friend! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3-4noeYid2Haq8si=Glgl91M0O7ZsvWKT

[@VegasAlien1]

I watched the Tommy tour Laserdisc dozens of times while serving in Germany. I couldn't get enough of watching Simon bring fresh, new life to those songs. Helluva band. You were a great asset in that line-up. Your hair was cool, too.

[@SteveBoltz]

ah yes!! of course you did!! I'm doing fine and thanks for asking...have a Happy Christmas and best for 2024! :)@@VRPRocks

[@cubstransplant1361]

I saw you on that tour and thought you did a marvelous job in a tough position. You added nice touches without taking away from Pete.

[@SkateOrDie666]

Wow that was you!! That was my first intro to music. My dad had recordedt LA show on TV and I first saw it when I was 6. I vividly recall your whammy bar work and denim.

[@terryasheim9038]

I was lucky to see The Who with Keith, Kenny, Simon and Zak. All great Drummers.

[@Steve24527]

You missed out Scott

[@scottmoyer1357]

Simon is, hands down, one of the very best in the world of drumming. His level of accuracy and authenticity for every artist and genre of music he has played with is nothing short of brilliant and remarkable. No one takes the art and craft of drumming as seriously as he does. He is among the giants in the field.

[@Neil-pv8pw]

no hes not hes an averaage player that why he plays with bands on the career slide

[@davidmichaels8563]

Fool-

[@Neil-pv8pw]

Sorry but I don’t rate him he’s unoriginal and static and has no flow and struggles to drive the band and connect with the music sorry to upset you girls but music is subjective and he’s way overrated

[@Neil-pv8pw]

@@davidperez5089 I I empathize with your brain problem and your inability to think

[@philippusviridi6527]

He truly is one of the greats.

[@folkme3042]

What a lovely guy Simon is. He has achieved so much and played with the greats through his career but is still so humble and respectful of his fellow musicians.🙂

[@p47paul]

As Townshend has stated, "Simon is a drumming God!", and I totally agree. Not many drummers I can actually listen to without any other music. He is such a musical drummer and I just cannot get enough of his playing. He's also badass and one of the very best. No question.

[@analogalien]

We met Simon back in the early 90's when he was on tour with Pete Townshend. My brother and I got back stage and hung out with Simon for quite a while. Pete even came over to hang with us, too. That was a night to remember.

[@VRPRocks]

Very cool experience and great memories!

[@analogalien]

@@VRPRocks They sure are. Simon is such a nice person and was very kind to us. And what a great drummer! Man, he was on fire that night. Pete and the band played for over 3 hrs that night! Your interviews are fantastic. I just subscribed.

[@robcurtis1779]

One of my favorite drummers. I’ve been fortunate enough to see him with Jeff Beck, and the Who

[@simonmurray8220]

Imagine playing with all the greats your whole career yet remaining largely unknown by the public. What a legend!

[@sabian5393]

Phillips is not unknown to the music aficionados 😊

[@joecap2919]

The irony is that despite a largely hidden public name, Simon is one of the worlds best and most versitile drummers.

[@sabian5393]

@@warrenstrong8615 On what planet?

[@andersdo2925]

Give Blood is one of my all time favorite Simon performances ever! I remember Modern Drummer had the transcript and it was intimidating to look at from the start. I use to look at it just to look at it!! It gave me inspiration to learn it and play along with. To see it transcribed makes it even more special. Simon is one of the greats for sure, unknown to the average music fan unfortunately. At least he is able to do what he loves and go out in public like the rest of us. 😊

[@petejones879]

Yes in my ignorance I do not know this guy and not heard of him

[@jcsolomon6470]

I Saw Simon first,on MtV,on the the Petes,song,Let My Love Open the Door.So,found out who,Simon,is!Still a Cool Drummer that's Greatly Talented,and played with,Some of the Great Bands of History!Take care,now!

[@rogerbranton1752]

It's really nice to hear another drummer put Kenney Jones in such a positive light. I think Kenney is shockingly unrecognized!

[@ashleyjwilliams8943]

Kenney was strong and steady, many fans always unfairly compared him with Keith. Roger never liked his playing, but I'll bet the other guys liked how solid he was.

[@mejsmith1]

@@ashleyjwilliams8943 Pete liked his playing.

[@hubbsllc]

@@ashleyjwilliams8943 I thought Kenney was really good with the band. I really like most of IT'S HARD and the drumming is a big part of why.

[@Jonskful]

Kenny's Small Faces drumming was wonderful too! He sat in for Moon for the Tommy sessions so was already known to the band

[@hubbsllc]

@@Jonskful I think you mean the TOMMY *soundtrack* sessions? Yes, Moon isn't on many of those tracks.

[@TheSolidheroes]

Drumming for 3.5 to 4 hours straight man that’s incredible, you must have the stamina of a professional athlete to do that what a musician!🙏🏾

[@ArtCultureTravel]

I was so happy when you asked him "Do you remember which song's they were?". Most interviewers would have let that moment go and that was the first thing that popped into my mind when he mentioned his the drum fills that he kept. Brilliant! Bottom of my soul is my favourite performance of his. What a talent. Thank you!

[@mattwarbuckle]

In 1989 I was 15, and I was obsessed with The Who and Pete's catalogue. And I knew about Simon, of course, because he was all over Pete's stuff AND played with the Who! I saw them in Giants Stadium, from like 2 miles away, but I'll never forget it. What a wonderful look inside. Thanks Simon and thank you for the interview!

[@malcolmlarri9073]

He has a million stories ! Legend

[@VRPRocks]

Indeed he does!

[@deanbeckworth1053]

What a down to earth and humble man 👍🏼

[@ronschwolsky1626]

I saw Simon with The Who a few times, and he was fantastic!

[@divittokelly5603]

He was great on the 1989 tour.

[@melindakelley8979]

I saw Simon with The Who in '89. He was fantastic!

[@malcolmlarri9073]

I saw Simon play in stockholm recently at a jazz club and of course it was awesome. After the show - I was waiting in the hotel across the street for an Uber and in walks Simon. He was very kind and stopped for a quick chat and a photo with me with I really appreciated ❤ An absolute gentleman

[@DrTomoculus]

I echo the sentiment said by others. It's really nice to hear Kenney Jones get some applause from another drummer. Especially when that drummer is Simon Phillips. I absolutely love Kenney's drumming on Face Dances and It's Hard.

[@VRPRocks]

Kenney is a great man too, he was my first guest on VRP Rocks 3 years ago!

[@DrTomoculus]

Yes i watched that episode ;)@@VRPRocks

[@jamesburbidge7056]

Simon is an awesome drummer 😎

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

He seems such a nice fella. And what a drummer!

[@drvee1983]

I saw Simon with Tears for Fears for the " Seeds of Love " tour in Atlanta. I've played drums since the 60's. He went into my top 10 by the end of the show. Phenomenal drummer. People know his sound and licks over the years, but don't know who he is. Thanks for posting! I LOVE his t-shirt.

[@derekmmmm]

I believe it was Jim Copley who drummed on that tour. Simon Phillips was touring with The Who around this time.

[@jamesbatcho]

I'm not aware he toured with TFF, but if so I'd love to see some of that footage. He recorded a fantastic drum track on "Year of the Knife".

[@drvee1983]

@@jamesbatcho I think he only recorders on the album. I think I was mistaken.

[@russellolenick5642]

That was a great interview because Simon answered the exact questions and also shared his enthusiasm about what it was like playing with Pete and The Who. Empty Glass is just an incredible album. So many melodies and Pete's singing was excellent. Clear and genuine. Simon's drumming was totally varied I think from song to song. And lots of subtle moments of cool peppering like hits of the drums. What a unique and intoxicating like song that's A Little Is Enough - totally a song i jump into with my crazy desire for the woman I love. It totally spells out my enthusiasm for her. Sometimes listening to it again i hear some subtle affect of a drum I didn't remember. I think Pete landed on Simon as the perfect drummer for his early 80's stuff. Which is totally escaping into something different than The Who.- after the millions of hours of listening to them. Pete does have so much going on in his brain lol there's nobody like him.

[@crazyralph6386]

Jeff Porcaro loved this dude, cause he was a student of the drums and came from rich musical lineage, just like the Porcaro bros.

[@VRPRocks]

Simons history is crazy, he was touring as a drummer in his famous dad's band when he was just a child, really. A very talented guy!

[@skinner5334]

Jedi. Wonderful spirit, skill, and attitude. World class.⚡️

[@lukedumet4359]

I saw (and heard) Simon on Jagger's Primitive Cool tour in Sydney. Fantastic concert ❤

[@russellolenick5642]

And i forgot to say thank you for posting this interview! It's really cool to imagine how it was.

[@dougc5880]

Saw Simon Phillips give a drum clinic in Glasgow promoted by Bradley’s (loved that drum heaven of a shop). He was absolutely amazing! He asked the audience if there were any requests,I asked could he play the start of ( and I think this is the correct title) Would you rather be or a wasp. He was so humble saying it was along time ago he played it and he might not get it right - he nailed it!! Great exhibition of drumming from a lovely man.🙏🏻

[@duppykitoon]

One of my favorite people in the world.

[@rj7826]

Saw Simon play with the Who on the '89 tour in Vancouver. What an amazing show. I don't know if there's another drummer who could replicate Keith's parts as Simon did.

[@user-cz2ce2jb1k]

I was there both nights. Huge crowd, great atmosphere, great show.

[@detonator2112]

Join Together 1989 live version of Tommy is my all time favorite. Simon on the drums is absolutely magnificent. This live album doesn't get the respect it deserves. Same for Pete's solo album Iron Man, which imho, is a great, great album. Simon should be considered one of top drummers with the likes of Bonham, Peart and Moon. Amazing drummer.

[@MrMjolnir69]

Spectacular drummer. The 'orrible ones at Dodger Stadium / Universal Tommy orchestra gigs on consecutive nights if O remember were seriously ridiculous. Bloody hats off.

[@richeaton5752]

Saw you twice in '89. Thank you, Simon!

[@stecumo6459]

i don't know why they parted ways but the who should have never let him go,his work on the tommy(live)dvd is just jawdropping.especially on "the amazing journey/sparks" his rolls sound like incoming thunder

[@ashleyjwilliams8943]

My earliest memories of seeing live videos of The Who was with Simon and his big red Tama kit. Absolute monster.

[@straightpipec6099]

Saw him in Cleveland with The Who. Fantastic show.

[@richardgeorgeallen6323]

Phillips played on Gordon Giltrap's Visionary and Fear of the Dark albums. The song he talks about is Heartsong, which was the theme tune to a BBC holiday programme. Listen to the whole song, the last fill is notable in the extreme.

[@morganneher8643]

That’s a cool analysis of how Keith orchestrated! Who’s Next start to back is like Keith following and accenting the music more than drumming to it, it’s pretty amazing 🔥🔥🔥

[@mtadams2009]

I was able to attend one of those concerts back in 89, they played great. The concert went on for a long time. Great memories

[@jublaim]

Watching and hearing Simon here I totally understand why he's the recognized drummer he is. He's happy that someone likes his work, he's happy to learn something more, he's happy to hear musicians views other than music. I still go back and listen to his Sin After Sin with Judas Priest or How's Tricks with Jack Bruce; that hint of jazzy touch I think he also had with Mike Oldfield and Jeff Beck. Love it!

[@ToddRock16]

Great Interview. Love the way Simon talks about music. And plays it obviously 🎉 I saw the final show of the 1989 WHO Reunion. Cottonbowl, Dallas Texas ( check it out on Westwood 1). Stevie Ray Vaughn & Double Trouble the opener. ( My buddy flew us iin a private plane from a small Oklahoma college town- I was on a small musician/ drmmer scholarship actually that year) We made it just in time! Stevie had just started. He was sober and on fire and 📢 loud! Simon provided so much punch, and vitality. And joy and fun And it worked well with The Ox style! ❤Just killer playing. Tasteful, the fills His tuning style... I Can See For Miles.... INSANE version. Actually there's a lot of it was all great r. Dalterys voice VERY strong this Tour. I think it was a 3 hour show.. Pete sport in the ponytail. Hearing aidsin his ears. Bandaged wrist . act Bleeding on his guitar about halfway through the show after some windmills. DYNAMITE SHOW. Seen many since but this one was special.. his plexiglass and his acoustic guitar but make no mistake he was there and you know it he was very focused on on the band and on the hey neighbor and Simon Philips is a " lovely lovely" player. Love the channel ❤

[@VRPRocks]

Wow what a great experience and great memories! Thanks for sharing 👍 🤘

[@kimberknutson831]

Brilliant. This is truly excellent in every imaginable way. Thank you. : )

[@kimberknutson831]

: )

[@vinceventresca6763]

I’ve watched this video a few times. The first time I saw The Who was in Philly on July 9, 1989 and had a blast (I never saw them with Keith or Kenney; I was eight when Moon died). Simon was ridiculous! I’d been watching him for a few years at that point, and while I was already overjoyed that The Who were touring in 1989, I became even more excited when Simon was announced as their drummer that summer. To see one of the greats (and Simon Phillips is one of the greats) compliment Keith Moon as much as he did here is gratifying, as it seems that Moon never gets enough credit for his greatness, especially as he was part of a drumming landscape that included John Bonham, Ian Pace, Ginger Baker, Billy Cobham, Cozy Powell and other powerhouses. Musical snobs seem to want to dump on Keith as being nothing more than a drunken slob while ignoring what he did with The Who. Hearing no less an expert than Simon Phillips speak as glowingly as he did about Keith Moon here is absolutely wonderful.

[@VRPRocks]

Thanks for the great comment and sharing your memories. Glad you enjoyed the interview 👍🤘

[@gregorylumpkin2128]

"I found this humerus" and the bone just sums it all up very nicely. Very interesting, thank you for posting this.

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it! More still to come from Simon too 👍🤘

[@robertnobody]

Great interview with Simon, thanks for sharing.

[@AndrewLoukidis-jr2bp]

Saw that Who tour, great job Simon Awesome career

[@kavousniamir2375]

I have heard Simon's drumming only on Pete Townsend's albums and to me, he's absolutely one of the best! I just love him

[@highwaystar3780]

"Lost Horizons" and "Into The Arena" with MSG !

[@bertbecker7532]

Oh you must listen to his work with Jeff Beck!

[@mifunegoh4773]

I was stunned when I heard him play on Judas Priest's Sin After Sin album

[@highwaystar3780]

MSG...Into the Arena and Lost Horizons!

[@jaycoleman8062]

My favorite JP album...

[@mifunegoh4773]

@@jaycoleman8062 since we're discussing favourite JP albums, mine is Killing Machine 😜👍🏼 but yeah, Sin After Sin is my 4th favourite (Screaming and Defenders are above in my book)

[@jaycoleman8062]

I think Simon formed the JP "bones" that they still use today. The man gets around for sure.

[@budgiemcleod4443]

​@@mifunegoh4773 The first 3 Judas Priest albums are the best!🤘

[@muchmorecoffee]

Thank you. Delightful interview! Subscribed!

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it and welcome aboard 👍🤘

[@greensombrero3641]

Simon Phillips is a superstar. Empty Glass is not a good record. It's a remarkable album....fantastic

[@sabian5393]

Absolutely

[@markjohnston1813]

I was getting a bit worried when I first saw you said it wasn't a good album,my apologies my friend,its a fantastic album,

[@williammckay9229]

I played "A Little Is Enough" live 2 days ago. I love Empty Glass also.

[@arm5080]

Great interviews

[@VRPRocks]

More from Simon still to come 👍🤘

[@grahamallen9393]

Great interview questions and seeing Simon tomorrow night at the Mo Foster tribute gig

[@kevbob]

The 1989 kitchen sink Tommy tour got a fair amount of flak for the size of the band, Pete not playing an electric and with a plexiglass sound baffle but I had a great time at those shows and Simon was awesome. He’s such a good drummer.

[@jonathangreenfield7343]

Fabulous insight from Simon, brilliant and really enjoyed it !

[@VRPRocks]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍 🤘

[@jonathangreenfield7343]

Great interviewer as well !

[@VRPRocks]

Thank you 😊

[@MrChopemup]

i was 13 row aisle sea for tommy radio city, new york , 89 great show

[@Ian-bq7gp]

He was great with jeff Beck, Tony Hymas Mo Foster on that great album and There and Back tour.

[@19Willy67]

Saw them in Tampa. Excellent show. We had a preppy looking couple sitting next to us. When the lights went out they started chain smoking joints with me When the intermission started we introduced ourselves and found out the gentleman of the couple was a lawyer. Great times. They played a smoking version of Hey Joe. Pete praised the size of our mosquitoes lol.

[@marcbolan1818]

Simon was phenomenal

[@linda5381]

Simon Is Phenomenal

[@dougpeters1625]

@@linda5381Correct!

[@latexsolarbeef4990]

...a true music legend...the 1989 Tommy show from Radio City with this guy is really something else....nothing against Kenny Jones....but Simon Phillips should have been with The Who from the time Keith died....

[@Luileadolfo]

After Keith dies, i though Simón was the best drummer for the WHO. I went to see them play in Miami, 1989, and it happened that Simón, walked to the stage from the stadium s ground so i saw him, and was able to salute him. That night they play 3 rarely played songs (by then): Join Together, Dig and John Entwistle s "Trick of the Light"

[@tonygower7380]

Best drummer The Who ever had!

[@GlennPowell-ls3lg]

I could never have been a drummer because I am so right handed but love a good drummer.Even working with tools my right hand leads and my left just helps hold something while I am working on it.I guess to be a good drummer both left and right hands and feet are all good in equal amounts.My favorite drummer is possibly Clem Burke still but thats open for actual drummers to discuss.

[@bertbecker7532]

Clem Burke is still amazing and would have been a great addition to the Who. He is still going strong with Blondie. So underrated!

[@GlennPowell-ls3lg]

@@bertbecker7532 I find it surprising that its always the likes of Bonham ,Moon and Paice etc that get the attention yet Burke is a drummer that almost leads the band and in Blondies case arguably is the sound and therefore is the band.I have watched many videos of him and he still mesmorises me.He is just so busy behind a kit and the hy hyat.

[@randyzeitman1354]

Kenny was such a fantastic drummer on face dances. It’s really just the reincarnation of a great group into a great 80s group.

[@randyzeitman1354]

Kenny was definitely not Right for Pete Solo stuff.

[@HarryJoiner]

9:10 - speaking as a fan of Simon, Keith, and Kenney - Keith‘s best drumming is on the film (Tommy) version of Sparks

[@cyrillmcduff6723]

it was kenney jones that played drums on the tommy film

[@5jerry1]

@@cyrillmcduff6723 ~ Many tracks on the soundtrack are credited to The Who with Keith Moon. Jones played on it, yes, but so did several others, including Moon, who played "Sparks" on that soundtrack.

[@justinherbert9146]

I saw Simon play with THE WHO - he was beyond brilliant and he was the perfect player for their material - he should have been made a permanent member of the band -

[@hubbsllc]

I’m glad I saw the Who for that tour. I was a fan of Simon’s before that; I’d heard him on a Stanley Clarke album and Pete’s solo stuff (“Give Blood” is a masterpiece).

[@p47paul]

I love Zak Starkey with The Who. I also LOVED Simon with The Who. I have to admit I was highly disappointed when Simon signed on to Toto, as I hoped The Who would reform with Simon behind the kit. However, timing was bad. I think Simon joined Toto in '93 and The Who didn't reform until 1996 and have been going ever since! Simon did play a 1 off show with The Who when Zak could not in 2000 I believe.

[@hubbsllc]

@@p47paul I'm fine with Zak Starkey but what I'm less happy about is how Roger and Pete have pushed Zak and whoever their bass players have been into sideman status as opposed to full participants in the process. I felt like when I saw "big band Who" in the late 1980s I was really seeing the Who because Simon's drumming personality was just uncontainable, and John was still there and in peak form. Pushing the bassist to the backline seems to diminish Zak to me for some reason. Not a fan of using video of John and Keith in live shows either. They were doing this thing where they put on an old video of John doing this unreal bass solo while the band played along but when I saw that I felt like geez, I'd hate to be the actual live bassist at that gig.

[@p47paul]

@@hubbsllc I hear you. I get what you are saying. The other challenge I have with them today is that Zak is playing an electronic kit. This is because of lowering the noise levels on stage due to hearing issues with both Pete and Roger. I get it. Just diminishes the experience for me. Plus, Simon tunes his drums better than most. They ring out... okay, I'm going off on a tangent. LOL

[@hubbsllc]

@@p47paul Even as a former (recovering?) drummer, Zak's electronic kit doesn't bother me per se. I do wish, though, that electronic kits were better conceived and used in general. I know modern equipment is better than that of, say, 20 years ago with respect to sounding like authentic acoustic kits but I feel like, if you're going to go electronic, *go electronic* - either take an approach more like an electric guitar does where you're transducing physical vibrations or alternatively flat-out synthesize something. In retrospect I feel like the Simmons kits of the '80s onward had the right idea even if the whole system was relatively crude. I do agree, though, that Simon's acoustic drum tuning is a big part of his whole value-add so if I had Simon I wouldn't want to put him on an off-the-shelf electronic kit.

[@RichardNixonsHippieRemoval]

Learned so much from trying to copying SP from the September 1989 Who LA show and the later Join Together album. Was 14/15, so it sunk in and still enjoy listening to it now.

[@lib556]

I caught the 89 show in Vancouver. My first time seeing the legendary band. Unfortunately, without Keith, but I had no issues with Simon's drumming. Next time I saw them was minus John... 😪. I'm fairly certain Kenny joined in 79 vice 80. He was playing for the Kampuchea benefit.

[@user-ov5dq8wz1b]

A good place.

[@robsco1249]

That's the exact reason why the master Ian Paice refused to play with the Who before Simon...

[@jamesryan5499]

Really, love Ian's drumming style, Deep Purple..and to present...interesting

[@robsco1249]

Simon Phillips is a member of the Deep Purple family. Roger Glover helped to make him famous.

[@terrybrodsky4948]

If simon phillips is in your band you are going to sound fantastic.

[@admarhermans1]

If you want to hear ‘Tommy’ in its best way possible and some of The Who’s hits played at 100%?? Listen to the ‘Join Together’ double album by The Who!! Way better than any other! Yep, way better than the band with Keith and Kenny. And, John Entwistle in top condition and with his best tones. Same goes for Roger and Pete, and a great band to top it off! Best drum work for these 40+ songs I’ve ever heard! And, the playing did go 100% together with the whole band. That’s one thing Keith could not do... 🖖

[@bertbecker7532]

I believe Simon could fill the drummer role in Rush that’s how precise he still is. But maybe he wasn’t quite the right guy for the Who, go figure.

[@hubbsllc]

I agree. Although if L&L carried on with Simon I’d probably appreciate it if the Rush material were left behind - at least the concert staples like “Tom Sawyer.”

[@wowwhywow]

I wish you asked him about playing on the L.Shankar album produced by Zappa...I think it's one of his first recordings.

[@VRPRocks]

We spoke for over an hour in total, fascinating life and career he's had. I'll have a look back to see if it's mentioned. The full interview will be available in podcast form next week if podcasts are your thing?

[@robsco1249]

Please ask something about recording for Deep Purple members and Roger Glover who produced them... Coverdale, Gillan, Glover, Lord solo albums, Juda Priest etc.

[@VRPRocks]

I did speak to him about him working with Roger Glover and Coverdale and Priest. Video to come 👍🤘

[@robsco1249]

@@VRPRocks He played on Roger Glover and Ian Gillan album too...and his best studio performance ever is on the Jon Lord track he guested imo. Thank you.

[@atticusfinch4687]

I've always wanted to hear someone ask Simon about what it was like working on Judas Priest's Sin After Sin album sessions

[@VRPRocks]

We spoke briefly about it, I'll see if I can dig it out for you 👍🤘

[@atticusfinch4687]

Thank so much! I really appreciate that! I just found your channel and subscribed. Great and interesting interviews! 👍🏽

[@VRPRocks]

Thanks for the kind words @@atticusfinch4687 ☺ Nearly 100 different classic rock stars interviewed, lots of great stories!

[@cubstransplant1361]

This is guy who also drummed for Jeff Beck and he didn’t take just anyone.

[@VRPRocks]

Indeed! Here's Simon talking about his time with Jeff: kzbin.info/www/bejne/amOQYWV3jdGpd7c

[@trento777]

Simon's drumming on Judas Priest's Sin After Sin is a "must listen to" for "metal drummers". Get some groove!!!!

[@cnm2908]

Simon Phillips' intro on "Starbreaker" is killer.

[@CoCotheTurtle]

The t-shirt is more interesting than the interview.

[@VRPRocks]

Thanks 😥

[@davidmontgomery5047]

Sad that pete says Keith Couldn't Play the Drums ...

[@robertbartholomew7183]

Depends on which interview you watch or read with Pete. He has contradicted himself so much on the value he thought Keith and John brought to The Who. His opinion has varied from fabulous to lousy. IMO Keith and John were the heart and soul of The Who

[@DG-sf9ei]

Anyone from a fan and/or drummers perspective would say that you are replacing (covering) for Keith Moon, albeit that's nearly impossible with Keith Moon's drumming style. Reason for that is you are recreating music and sound tracks on stage that were created by Keith Moon's drumming. Keith Moon's drumming was 1/4(since 4 musicians in band)of what propelled the band and made a vast majority of their music and anything that a fan would like to hear live stage. No one is dumb enough to argue that, and Pete Townsend personally referred to that in a recorded interview. So Simon Phillips : you are replacing/filling in/covering for Keith Moon, without question and no matter how difficult or judgemental Who fans might be about it. From another drummer's perspective I'd give at least 500% every show on stage and not throttle back or get spiralled into the politics of who's replacing the next person, because even on Keith's worse performance - he still gave it all and was more energetic, creative, and progressive than most his counterparts in the drumming world.

[@kiereluurs1243]

Just leave the blurry shaking head out, please.

[@latentsea]

Sin after sin!

[@pascaljeanne8002]

and left handed drummer ! not too many !

[@Jimbo-rt3lu]

He’s not left handed, he plays open grip.

[@JB-ku5ml]

RD wasn't greatly lit up by him though

[@davehooper6481]

I would ask Simon how often he's mistaken for Gene Wilder

[@kimfreeborn]

Keith Moon should have been replaced by B. J. Wilson from Procol Harum.

[@VRPRocks]

Pete wanted Kenney though. Here's a clip of me interviewing Kenney and him telling the story of joining the Who: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3WmlJKid9Sticksi=SApsqF2n7geJnux9

[@kimfreeborn]

Thanks@@VRPRocks

[@wonderwoman2997]

swing your daddy Gordon gillsrtap

[@CBCycles]

Simon Phillips, whose net worth is at least $10 million, set up a GoFundMe page a couple years ago after his fully insured house burned down. What a lowlife

[@tommybotts]

How do you know Simon's financial worth?

[@randyclere2330]

What an incredible talent!!! A certified ICON!!!! Lovely humanoid as well

[@normanhacker3588]

Rocks pebbles and Sand, first time i heard Simon.a fan since !

[@123spleege]

I saw Simon in NYC and Passaic New Jersey in 1980 on the There and Back tour. The Palladium and the Capital theatres. I had a Nikon F and took some great pics that I still have. To me, Simon had the biggest kit I had ever seen. I hadn't seen Rush yet!! LOL. Got some great picks of Simon as well as Jeff Beck beating the shit out of his 50's sunburst Stratocaster. Then I got White City and wow. It wasn't just Give Blood. Second Hand Love. Not sure who handled all the programming on Second Hand but man it's so tasty.

[@hubbsllc]

Simon’s playing on “Give Blood” made me decide to start playing open-armed, being able to ride with either hand. Did the full-commit by sawing several inches off the hi-hat center rod. It took a while to get proficient that way but I felt so much more balanced and capable.

[@123spleege]

@@hubbsllc My "open" player was/is Carter Beauford. I was too new to drums in 1980 and didn't clue in until I watched Beauford. When I saw Simon I was more blown away by his huge mounted toms. Monsters. he was the reason I got Artstars. But then I sold them because too much metal on the shells and for me they were a bitch to tune

[@brandon1351]

Why not post the entire interview?

[@VRPRocks]

Honest answer... not enough people watch them. I had Steve Vai, 3 short videos with a combined 800,000 views, the full hour long video... 800 views. Same story with other guests. I do use the full interviews on the VRP Rocks podcast episodes though. So check those out if you're a podcast fan.

[@geruto17760]

Tells you something about our attention span these days.

[@VRPRocks]

Sadly 😥

[@brandon1351]

@@VRPRocks i could sit through interviews exceeding 3+ hours if the content is really interesting and going through a lot of your videos they are very interesting.

[@VRPRocks]

@brandon1351 thank you for the kind words 🙏 glad you enjoy the interviews. Sadly the shorter videos seem to work the system better for whatever reason, but as I say, if you do listen to podcasts check out VRP Rocks because all 100+ classic rock stars I've interviewed, the full interviews are on there 👍🤘

[@SamA-jg8fu]

U rock