I've been playing drums for 40 years & I can tell you that John Blackwell was head & shoulders above the rest... absolutely the best to ever play with Prince & among the greatest ever.
I like Michael Bland too.. Bland's harder hitting so, for that deep pocket, I think Bland's pocket is deeper… Blackwell has more chops, but not as deep of a pocket..
@@Oneness100 Agree!! Bland was and is great in his own right, he played with Prince, so that tells you all ya need to know!! EVERYONE that he ever had playing with him was amazing!!
I think Blackwell is right after Bland. I've seen Bland play with Prince live well over 40 times and I've seen Bland play with Dr. Mambo’s Combo/Combo, Sons of Almighty and others, Bland kills and shreds everything.
@@JayKilgore He's not as chops happy as Blackwell, but I look out for standout originality.. That drum fill on Diamonds and Pearls is one of my all time favorite fills.. it kills me every time I hear it...
Yes yes someone gets me I'm a soul sister I know the beat I'm on when it comes to the Beat of the Music I'm on it Sheila mad crazy on the Latin Style she's great with it, but I have to say Blackwell he's the greatest the greater the man. I have my little baby nephews watching him for his skill and his style and his rhythm and his Beats💕💕💖
HELLO ! You obvisously do not know that PRINCE gave an interview where he answered that question. We have to admit that this interview was given before Hannah joined the camp. PRINCE: "Sheila E." Than he hesitated and said: " Michael Bland and Sheila E. for percussion!" Question answered by the PURPLE ONE himself. No further discussion required! The Purple Love Assistant
I think his best drummers were Sheila E., Michael Bland, & John Blackwell. I have a hard time with Bobby Z, because for one, most of the stuff on the albums between 1980-86 is drum programming, with prince still playing the actual set on most of those albums. I can’t really name one song that is Bobby Z actually playing on the studio track. Bobby Z is like the Ringo in the group, Well known drummer, but not the most technically skilled.
Absolute Friggin Beast. I've said it b4 in comments on someone else's posting; I saw JBJ on tour with Cameo around 96-97 when Cameo released that live album. Up close to the stage. If you know anything about Cameo, Larry Blackmon was merciless/ relentless on drummers. If you didn't cut it then you were sent home. Sum stories can get exaggerated over time but this is vetted regarding LB. Being Cameo's original drummer LB knew what the band needed. I believe at the time their original drummer, legend Jonathan Moffet was out on the road with MJ. JBJ ..was BRUTAL. With a dose of craZY.
Before I even listen to this I’m going to add in my $.50.... Hands Down, unequivocally, John Blackwell (RIP) is & was Princes Greatest Drummer of All Time.... Michael Bland comes in as a very well deserved second... Now I’ll listen and see what others have to say... Thanks for posting...!!!
Bland is a beast....I got the pleasure to play bass behind him a few years ago at a club called Bunkers in Minneapolis,with a house band called Dr.Mambos Combos....many of Prince players came out of that house band.
John Blackwell and Michael Bland. Michael is my personal fave and played in my fave band (NPG95), but, unfortunately, he was forced to play over loops and such. Blackwell had more freedom, and his more busy style was great for Prince´s music. And I really love Prince´s drumming, specially on some songs, like ´Crystal Ball´ and ´Glass Cutter´.
Jack Azz In 2002 John was playing for Patti Labelle and Prince happened to be at that gig. He was amazed by John. He said that he was the best drummer he has ever seen. Also, once John joined Prince NPG band Prince said that John helped him take his sound to another level.
Bobby Z was criticized by Jazz Smith and Morris Day from the very beginning. Gotta give Bobby his due respect for the role he Played in a special chapter in Prince's life.
I knew John Blackwell when we were students at Berklee College of Music. While attending Berklee, I did a Prince tribute concert that he begged to be a part of. I had already committed to using another drummer, so John didn't play in the tribute show that I led. Blessedly, he got to play for the man himself!! I was fortunate enough to meet up with John during the Musicology Tour. He got me backstage, but unfortunately, I didn't get to meet Prince. Still, it was a fantastic show and he was definitely a phenomenal drummer! Even when John was a student at Berklee he would twirl his drum sticks around. I was proud of his success and saddened by his passing. R.I.H.
NOTE: I haven't watched the clip yet but being a professional drummer myself here's my opinion. It all DEPENDS on what style were talking about.... For keeping the pocket.... Bobby Z For electrifying energy.... Sheila E For OVERDRIVE PHAT-BACK Funk.... Michael Bland For Superior Technical Funk...John Blackwell l
love your break down..." It depends"...they all were GREAT...timely and consistent...Prince knew how to pick them...No Want-to-Be's...But...Michael Bland for me...love this guy.
I'm a drummer myself. And I think Sheila E is the best and so is Michael Bland. I like all the drummers that played for Prince especially Bobby Z. Bobby is the first one that mix it from electric to acoustic drums and it made it sounded so unique. Sheila E and Michael Bland to me it's like the power of rock mix it with funk. And Sheila what I like it about her she'd add it up a little with some latin beat and sound it so awesome.
Sheila E of course!!! There is music in her whole family. I hope she wins, check her out in Sign O The Times concert video and that drum solo. So sexy and strong. Cheers
Prince's Friend Yes...i was right! Her drum skills are extraordinary. It's also great to support more women in music. Fun game. She's a great role model for young girls everywhere.
Good Prince topic...I'm surprised that Sheila E. live drum performances on "take the place your man " was not mentioned ...At the time hearing Prince's recorded drum version blew me away but Sheila E. took this great Prince classic to another level in the Sign O' the times concert film...
Michael B for the feel, John Blackwell for overall skill. Not that it gives my opinion more weight but for what it’s worth, I’ve been a drummer since I was five years old, so knowing the ins and outs of it I would have to say the most talented drummer he ever had was pretty clearly John Blackwell just because that guy could do everything. The other people were awesome at what they did but what they did was what they did.
Thank you for inviting me to judge on this video was great fun but so hard to rate them all!! Great job in putting the video together and editing my ramblings. 😁
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this. You have done a simply superb job putting this all together, worked really well. Thank U 4 everything.
Brother PF, I often watch your posts. I love that you keep the focus on the positive aspects, and impact of Prince on our lives, in a space where there is so much negativity. This post is phenomenal :) Thank you for making the time to reach out to the other judges, and to compile their input. Love and Blessings : Dale :)
Purple Madness ...and even though he was only with Prince briefly, mononeon was really about to make waves with him! After Prince passed, he was really really heartbroken and told me that the music that they were recording together was really about to take the World by storm!
The top 3 John Blackwell, Prince, and Sheila E no particular order. Not taking nothing away from the other drummers they are very talented and deserve recognition.
I like Michael B and John Blackwell, iconic drummers, expressive in their artistic deliverance. Unforgettable and outstanding performances. However, the other drummers are all worthy artists in their own right, and all participated in the creation of the fabulous and inspirational music of Prince .
I knew it would come down to Sheila E & Michael B! With John Blackwell coming in real close! This is a hard one to call! They all brought something unique to the table that made Prince, “Prince!”
Great collaboration Prince Friend. This was fun to watch, however my list is as follows: (Hee-Hee, not that you asked, or did you?). 1. Michael B. and John Blackwell 2. Prince 3. Sheila E This was nice! You guys should get together on Prince’s bass players like this...
No doubt...Sheila E. She is a machine! Her timing is out of this world and demonstrated in the raw Trojan Horse concert ( also know as The Small Club concert Holland)
I'm sure you've seen it, but just in case. Watch the 2007 ALMA Awards performance. Sheila E was on the tamales in heels and she just smoked everybody. And overall, I thought that was a fantastic freaking live performance. One of my favorites.
Bobby Z ofcourse. Anyone before or after him didn't have the percussion talent he did. He was very creative and different. His sound was his own. To me he IS the true beat of Prince and The Revolutions sound.
(Not watched video yet)..Michael B & Jonny B said that Prince was the best drummer in the world ... Shiela E is said to be the best drummer alive... its all personal opinion when it gets to that level of brilliance - I wouldve said it was johnny Blackwell but he said he learnt so much from P... i think the drums in Shhh are phenomenal Jonny used to kill that on stage but of course it was Michael B who did the studio version and earlier stunning live performances - and we go full circle !! Well for me Jonny was sensational and also Michael B! But Michael and Jonny both saying P was their inspiration and the best there was ill take their word for it... lets see what you guys think teehee... incidentally i met Michael B - what a gent - he was a really generous and friendly man as well as astonishingly talented
Good brother, if Prince had a hall of fame for his drummers, I believe John Blackwell would be at the top. Of course all of them were great, but I really appreciate Cora Dunham and Michael Bland.
John Blackwell because his performance at Hop Farm & Montreux 09, there all talented drummers each performing at great gigs ,C C Dunham at the Brits 06, Super Bowl press conference,Hannah Welton Manchester Academy ,great show .
Jay Foxley - To me Blackwell's performance at Montreaux '09 was an absolutely legendary, iconic masterpiece!! The band around him is also my favorite live band Prince ever had... PHENOMENAL!!!
Ok I agree with the list but I disagree with #2-3 it should’ve been John Blackwell @#2 then Michael Bland #3 I jammed with Prince twice in Las Vegas before his epic Super Bowl performance and at that time he had Cora on drums and her husband was playing bass at The Rio in Las Vegas Now I am a drummer and Cora even told me the stuff John Blackwell recorded with Prince was amazing and prince himself was kinda Torn between Michael B & John Blackwell because they both played with so much power it sparked some serious jams I hope One day we will get to hear....
That was a lot of fun! Hope to see one on the bass players. Btw, for me its Sheila . She is an all around fantastic performer. If you haven't seen the video of her tribute to Prince then you need to see it. She will leave you sobbing...
Drums impress me the most when they're not necessarily doing flashy solos, but when the drummer's pure skill and musicianship makes a whole song better. Michael Bland is a genius at that -- something like, say, The Morning Papers isn't a drum showcase, but it's full of moments from him that make you think 'wow, that was just PERFECT'
Sheila E I think probably was the best!! She was an amazing drummer with a BackBeat if you would close your eyes you would think you were listening to a male drummer!! Plus none of these drummers could play percussion the way she can play!! $o I got to give her that on top!!
Cool vid but the right order should be 1. Either John Blackwell or Michael B 2. Either John Blackwell or Michael B 3. Sheila E 4. Cora Dunham 5. Hannah Welton 6. Prince 7. Bobby Z or Kirk Johnson 8. Bobby Z or Kirk Johnson
Cora is ridiculously underrated. I rate her far above Bobby, Sheila, Hannah, Kirk. And she played for him for over 5 years. It's between 2005 and 2010 instead of 2006-2009
I like Blackwell. His style was ferocious. But Michael B is probably my favorite. His style seemed to complement the whole band. And nobody keeps time as good as him. He's lightning fast and his drums were tuned to perfection. His three chains of gold solo was crazy.
Unfortunately, some people "listen" with their eyes when it comes to Blackwell (rip).Blackwell was def dope, (and was a really cool guy...he once jumped on drums while I was playing bass at NAMM and told me he jumped on the kit cause I was playing the right bass line!)😂😂, but his pocket was not as solid as Bland's was...I'll take solid, funky pocket over flair...Bland is that dude!!
I always liked Bobby Z...maybe he's not the highest ranked on a rating scale but the sound of his drums was always extraordinary & its a trademark sound to my favorite prince tracks, Sheila E as my next favorite
This was a fantastic video! Great to see the collaboration with the UK's Mr Ant who has an amazing channel and has done some brilliant reviews with the Nightchild. Of course Prince choose to work with all of the drummers which gives him 10/10 for taste!
Kingford301 I saw MIchael Bland on the Gold tour and the POD aftershow in Dublin, Ireland back in ‘95..was happy to see Michael Bland still drumming with the English Beat here in Denver the year before last, he was killing it still!
OMG!! I really liked this one!! While Prince could definitely play drums, the drummers he had in his bands out did him in that lane. I think John Blackwell Jr. was an amazing drummer that complements Prince so well and was just raw and fierce in his delivery. I saw clips from Musicology and Montreoux 2009 and I was very impressed by his skills. RIP brotha John. Michael B. is a stellar drummer, and he was one of the reason why I love early NPG. His ferocious sound and the funk in his playing was effortless. Shhh alone that drum sequence was just masterful!! He was great and Prince's best band drummer. But, hands down Sheila E. is the best ever. Her drumming and percussion skills are a masterclass!! Her sense of sound and urgency and how she attacks a song is just mind blowing. Working with Prince only brought her playing to a higher level and she's still doing it. The best and baddest drummer/percussionist on the face of the planet!!
Yes!! Those 2009 Montreaux performances were unreal!! The clip of "All the Critics Love You in Montreaux" is an all time favorite!! The whole band was cookin'!!
Morris Day is the best at capturing the true Prince sound. The raw attitude that is not too technical, thus rough enough to perfectly complement the style of his defining early 80s sound.
Other than Prince himself Sheila E . She had the chemistry with something which despite the talent of others . She has a style very distinctive she has sensuality . Fusion and Latin , funk , she could also give also a run for thrash drummers of the era s money ..see solos on 1987-1988 era .
It's between Shelia and John Blackwell.. I am rolling with John, heck Bobby Z was good, but I don't know if it was Prince playing on the tracks or Bobby 🤷🏾♂️
While I think John Blackwell is probably Prince’s best drummer, my heart goes with Sheila E. People often forget that Sheila often was also singing behind the kit too, she’s an amazing showman and her chemistry with Prince was unrivaled! ... and she’s not bad to look at LOL!!!
I like Bobby Z, bc of "when doves cry", the unusual beat and timing if it, plus his flair of his performance. No doubt Prince was the greatest single musician ever. He could do it all, what a talent. He is missed.
Great video! My favorite is Michael B. Such a powerfull drummer. Sheila was always more than a drummer with the band. An extention of Prince. She's amazing.
Prince's Friend, thank you for putting together such a fun video! Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. My personal pick would be Michael B., but what I found interesting with the top three is that they each brought their own individual style that complemented Prince's musical direction so well.
Michael B...Prince was asked in an interview. if he put together his favorite band who would it b composed of..When he named the drummer.. It was None other than M .B
WATCH NEXT: Prince: Best Bass Player He Ever Had? - Judge's Panel th-cam.com/video/0lyj1wSSi44/w-d-xo.html
My fav is Rhonda
Absolutely John Blackwell was phenomenal
@@stixx316 totally agree!
Mr. John Blackwell, the greatest. R.I.P. Brother Blackwell
I totally agree
Yes, he and Michael Bland ... hard to pick one!
I've been playing drums for 40 years & I can tell you that John Blackwell was head & shoulders above the rest... absolutely the best to ever play with Prince & among the greatest ever.
I like Michael Bland too.. Bland's harder hitting so, for that deep pocket, I think Bland's pocket is deeper… Blackwell has more chops, but not as deep of a pocket..
@@Oneness100 Agree!! Bland was and is great in his own right, he played with Prince, so that tells you all ya need to know!! EVERYONE that he ever had playing with him was amazing!!
I think Blackwell is right after Bland. I've seen Bland play with Prince live well over 40 times and I've seen Bland play with Dr. Mambo’s Combo/Combo, Sons of Almighty and others, Bland kills and shreds everything.
@@JayKilgore He's not as chops happy as Blackwell, but I look out for standout originality.. That drum fill on Diamonds and Pearls is one of my all time favorite fills.. it kills me every time I hear it...
@@JayKilgore Dayum!! How many times did you see Prince? I was lucky enough to see him just 3x!
John Blackwell... without a doubt !💜💜💜
Yes yes someone gets me I'm a soul sister I know the beat I'm on when it comes to the Beat of the Music I'm on it Sheila mad crazy on the Latin Style she's great with it, but I have to say Blackwell he's the greatest the greater the man. I have my little baby nephews watching him for his skill and his style and his rhythm and his Beats💕💕💖
HELLO !
You obvisously do not know that PRINCE gave an interview where he answered that question. We have to admit that this interview was given before Hannah joined the camp.
PRINCE: "Sheila E." Than he hesitated and said: " Michael Bland and Sheila E. for percussion!"
Question answered by the PURPLE ONE himself.
No further discussion required!
The Purple Love Assistant
@@MichaelMyers07 I remember that interview and you are correct.
@@MichaelMyers07 if that was the interview with Chris Rock, it was before John Blackwell joined the band.
I think his best drummers were Sheila E., Michael Bland, & John Blackwell. I have a hard time with Bobby Z, because for one, most of the stuff on the albums between 1980-86 is drum programming, with prince still playing the actual set on most of those albums. I can’t really name one song that is Bobby Z actually playing on the studio track. Bobby Z is like the Ringo in the group, Well known drummer, but not the most technically skilled.
Michael B without a doubt. Dude was like a powerful metronome, so versatile as well.
JOHN BLACKWELL WAS A BEAST
but Sheila was the beauty
Absolute Friggin Beast. I've said it b4 in comments on someone else's posting; I saw JBJ on tour with Cameo around 96-97 when Cameo released that live album. Up close to the stage. If you know anything about Cameo, Larry Blackmon was merciless/ relentless on drummers. If you didn't cut it then you were sent home. Sum stories can get exaggerated over time but this is vetted regarding LB. Being Cameo's original drummer LB knew what the band needed. I believe at the time their original drummer, legend Jonathan Moffet was out on the road with MJ. JBJ ..was BRUTAL. With a dose of craZY.
John Blackwell all the way!!......May he rest in Peace☮️
Before I even listen to this I’m going to add in my $.50....
Hands Down, unequivocally, John Blackwell (RIP) is & was Princes Greatest Drummer of All Time.... Michael Bland comes in as a very well deserved second...
Now I’ll listen and see what others have to say...
Thanks for posting...!!!
Bobby Z
Bland is a beast....I got the pleasure to play bass behind him a few years ago at a club called Bunkers in Minneapolis,with a house band called Dr.Mambos Combos....many of Prince players came out of that house band.
John Blackwell. The. Best. Drummer. PERIOD! He was brilliant. The most incredible drummer I have EVER seen/heard in my life!!! 💜🥁
Its not even arguable. Blackwell was crazy good! 🎯
John Blackwell and Michael Bland. Michael is my personal fave and played in my fave band (NPG95), but, unfortunately, he was forced to play over loops and such. Blackwell had more freedom, and his more busy style was great for Prince´s music.
And I really love Prince´s drumming, specially on some songs, like ´Crystal Ball´ and ´Glass Cutter´.
John Blackwell was the best drummer ever . Prince even said he was the best.
Jack Azz In 2002 John was playing for Patti Labelle and Prince happened to be at that gig. He was amazed by John. He said that he was the best drummer he has ever seen. Also, once John joined Prince NPG band Prince said that John helped him take his sound to another level.
Exactly! Prince said it himself!
Bobby Z was criticized by Jazz Smith and Morris Day from the very beginning. Gotta give Bobby his due respect for the role he Played in a special chapter in Prince's life.
John Blackwell was great but Michael Bland was so good and so fast that at times he sounded like a drum machine.
Rockzilla404 👏
John Blackwell and Michael Bland
Hispanic Catholic Sheila is awesome on Dance On, but that drum into to Shh...pure 🔥lol
Charles Drake John Black well
John Blackwell, (10) best skilled in your list.
FYI: Morris Day did a lot of the drum parts in the recording studio ( 80s) !!
As a bassist,I feel Michael Bland had the deepest pocket of all em...that's what matters to me most.
As a bass head that must be the reason I put him at the top.
I knew John Blackwell when we were students at Berklee College of Music. While attending Berklee, I did a Prince tribute concert that he begged to be a part of. I had already committed to using another drummer, so John didn't play in the tribute show that I led. Blessedly, he got to play for the man himself!! I was fortunate enough to meet up with John during the Musicology Tour. He got me backstage, but unfortunately, I didn't get to meet Prince. Still, it was a fantastic show and he was definitely a phenomenal drummer! Even when John was a student at Berklee he would twirl his drum sticks around. I was proud of his success and saddened by his passing. R.I.H.
NOTE: I haven't watched the clip yet but being a professional drummer myself here's my opinion.
It all DEPENDS on what style were talking about....
For keeping the pocket.... Bobby Z
For electrifying energy.... Sheila E
For OVERDRIVE PHAT-BACK Funk.... Michael Bland
For Superior Technical Funk...John Blackwell
l
Good perspective. I’m a drummer also.
love your break down..." It depends"...they all were GREAT...timely and consistent...Prince knew how to pick them...No Want-to-Be's...But...Michael Bland for me...love this guy.
I'm a drummer myself.
And I think Sheila E is the best and so is Michael Bland. I like all the drummers that played for Prince especially Bobby Z. Bobby is the first one that mix it from electric to acoustic drums and it made it sounded so unique. Sheila E and Michael Bland to me it's like the power of rock mix it with funk. And Sheila what I like it about her she'd add it up a little with some latin beat and sound it so awesome.
I think Sheila is a much better percussionist than a drummer, her timbale playing is incredible!!
Micheal Bland, John Blackwell, Sheila E.
Michael bland
Prince was Prince's best drummer, hands down.
I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT T! How you just gon bypass the cat who created all that CLASSIC shit!
Absolutely.
Beat me to it by almost a year.
@zoey princelover 💜
Prince was his own best drummer.
Sheila E of course!!! There is music in her whole family. I hope she wins, check her out in Sign O The Times concert video and that drum solo. So sexy and strong. Cheers
I think you’ll be interested in the results. :)
Prince's Friend Yes...i was right! Her drum skills are extraordinary. It's also great to support more women in music. Fun game. She's a great role model for young girls everywhere.
Sheila
She doesn't touch John sorry not sorry
Micheal bland hands down
Good Prince topic...I'm surprised that Sheila E. live drum performances on "take the place your man " was not mentioned ...At the time hearing Prince's recorded drum version blew me away but Sheila E. took this great Prince classic to another level in the Sign O' the times concert film...
Michael B for the feel, John Blackwell for overall skill. Not that it gives my opinion more weight but for what it’s worth, I’ve been a drummer since I was five years old, so knowing the ins and outs of it I would have to say the most talented drummer he ever had was pretty clearly John Blackwell just because that guy could do everything. The other people were awesome at what they did but what they did was what they did.
Michael Bland is the only Prince drummer that stood out for me and I like him heaps.
Thank you for inviting me to judge on this video was great fun but so hard to rate them all!! Great job in putting the video together and editing my ramblings. 😁
My all time pick from the beginning is was and always will be, Sheila E.
John Blackwell was the best. Hands down!!
John Blackwell a "9"? and Bobby Z and "8"? .. Wow !! It's amazing what people hear. RIP Blackwell.
I would have to give a slight nod to Michael Bland, then John Blackwell, then Ms. Shelia E.
Thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this. You have done a simply superb job putting this all together, worked really well. Thank U 4 everything.
Thanks for being a part of it! I hope you get tons of subs!
Prince's Iconic drummer was that Linn LM-1
facts
This was a lot of fun! Love the panel concept/other channel concept!
Thanks! Definitely something I want to continue. Cheers!
Regina Fris Real fun to do. Incredibly lucky to be asked ☺
Sean here from Purple Current. This was the most fun I've had in a long time watching this!!!!!! Thank you!
Thank YOU for watching. :)
Heiruspecs Loved being a part of it. Huge respect to you ☺
Brother PF, I often watch your posts. I love that you keep the focus on the positive aspects, and impact of Prince on our lives, in a space where there is so much negativity. This post is phenomenal :) Thank you for making the time to reach out to the other judges, and to compile their input. Love and Blessings : Dale :)
Thanks for that. I appreciate your comment and I’ll keep making them if you keep watching. Cheers!
Sheila E.
Sheila E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But which drummers to put next is tougher.
That was really Good! I agree with Sheila E. as #1.
U should who was prince's best bass player and rhythm guitarist as well and keyboardist
Purple Madness his best players to me hands down were Andre Cymone and Brown Mark
Don't forget about Sonny T!
im a bass player and guitar player my self
Purple Madness ...and even though he was only with Prince briefly, mononeon was really about to make waves with him! After Prince passed, he was really really heartbroken and told me that the music that they were recording together was really about to take the World by storm!
Renato Neto was his best keyboard player by far.
The top 3 John Blackwell, Prince, and Sheila E no particular order. Not taking nothing away from the other drummers they are very talented and deserve recognition.
I like Michael B and John Blackwell, iconic drummers, expressive in their artistic deliverance. Unforgettable and outstanding performances. However, the other drummers are all worthy artists in their own right, and all participated in the creation of the fabulous and inspirational music of Prince .
This was a VERY GOOD idea and an excellent video. They're all great drummers but I'll have to go with John Blackwell(RIP).
Pretty impressive how on the same page we all were on these!
I knew it would come down to Sheila E & Michael B! With John Blackwell coming in real close! This is a hard one to call! They all brought something unique to the table that made Prince, “Prince!”
Great collaboration Prince Friend. This was fun to watch, however my list is as follows:
(Hee-Hee, not that you asked, or did you?).
1. Michael B. and John Blackwell
2. Prince
3. Sheila E
This was nice! You guys should get together on Prince’s bass players like this...
I agree totally Michael B and John B-Well are #1 and Sheila E a close 2nd (IMO)
Ecnirp7, Ikr? I just don’t want to choose between those two..if I had to, it’d be Michael B. RIP John Blackwell...a phenomenal drummer.
No doubt...Sheila E. She is a machine! Her timing is out of this world and demonstrated in the raw Trojan Horse concert ( also know as The Small Club concert Holland)
I went to Berklee with John Blackwell. He was not only an amazing drummer, but he was a very down to earth, good person. RIP John
I'm sure you've seen it, but just in case. Watch the 2007 ALMA Awards performance. Sheila E was on the tamales in heels and she just smoked everybody. And overall, I thought that was a fantastic freaking live performance. One of my favorites.
Oh haha.. TIMBALES. Speech to text is sometimes not my friend.
Bobby Z ofcourse. Anyone before or after him didn't have the percussion talent he did.
He was very creative and different. His sound was his own.
To me he IS the true beat of Prince and The Revolutions sound.
saw Prince play drums at a 3121 aftershow. Highlight of the night for me... so. Prince!
(Not watched video yet)..Michael B & Jonny B said that Prince was the best drummer in the world ... Shiela E is said to be the best drummer alive... its all personal opinion when it gets to that level of brilliance - I wouldve said it was johnny Blackwell but he said he learnt so much from P... i think the drums in Shhh are phenomenal Jonny used to kill that on stage but of course it was Michael B who did the studio version and earlier stunning live performances - and we go full circle !! Well for me Jonny was sensational and also Michael B! But Michael and Jonny both saying P was their inspiration and the best there was ill take their word for it... lets see what you guys think teehee... incidentally i met Michael B - what a gent - he was a really generous and friendly man as well as astonishingly talented
Who says that Sheila is the best drummer alive? Just curious.
I’d love to hear/read when Michael & John said Prince was the best drummer
As a drummer I say Michael B. for the way he powered/drove the band but if you're looking for "Flash" then you go with John B.
Good brother, if Prince had a hall of fame for his drummers, I believe John Blackwell would be at the top. Of course all of them were great, but I really appreciate Cora Dunham and Michael Bland.
One thing for sure a Bunch of Amazing Drummers played with P!!! 777
John Blackwell RIP
John Blackwell because his performance at Hop Farm & Montreux 09, there all talented drummers each performing at great gigs ,C C Dunham at the Brits 06, Super Bowl press conference,Hannah Welton Manchester Academy ,great show .
Jay Foxley - To me Blackwell's performance at Montreaux '09 was an absolutely legendary, iconic masterpiece!! The band around him is also my favorite live band Prince ever had... PHENOMENAL!!!
Ok I agree with the list but I disagree with #2-3 it should’ve been John Blackwell @#2 then Michael Bland #3 I jammed with Prince twice in Las Vegas before his epic Super Bowl performance and at that time he had Cora on drums and her husband was playing bass at The Rio in Las Vegas Now I am a drummer and Cora even told me the stuff John Blackwell recorded with Prince was amazing and prince himself was kinda Torn between Michael B & John Blackwell because they both played with so much power it sparked some serious jams I hope One day we will get to hear....
This is a hard one to answer! It’s a toss up between Michael Bland and Sheila E. John Blackwell is in the mix too!
That was a lot of fun! Hope to see one on the bass players. Btw, for me its Sheila . She is an all around fantastic performer. If you haven't seen the video of her tribute to Prince then you need to see it. She will leave you sobbing...
Sheila John then Michael
Hanna Welton from 3rd Eye Girl is amazing 🤩🤩🤩
Drums impress me the most when they're not necessarily doing flashy solos, but when the drummer's pure skill and musicianship makes a whole song better. Michael Bland is a genius at that -- something like, say, The Morning Papers isn't a drum showcase, but it's full of moments from him that make you think 'wow, that was just PERFECT'
Exactly!
Great video! :) can’t wait for more videos from the judges panel
Thanks! Maybe you can be in the next one
John Blackwell and Micheal B. 💜💜💜💜
Sheila E I think probably was the best!! She was an amazing drummer with a BackBeat if you would close your eyes you would think you were listening to a male drummer!! Plus none of these drummers could play percussion the way she can play!! $o I got to give her that on top!!
Cool vid but the right order should be
1. Either John Blackwell or Michael B
2. Either John Blackwell or Michael B
3. Sheila E
4. Cora Dunham
5. Hannah Welton
6. Prince
7. Bobby Z or Kirk Johnson
8. Bobby Z or Kirk Johnson
Math is math lol.
Sheila E hands down, after seeing her perform on Signs of the Time (AMAZING)!
Cora is ridiculously underrated. I rate her far above Bobby, Sheila, Hannah, Kirk. And she played for him for over 5 years. It's between 2005 and 2010 instead of 2006-2009
Oh pleeze!! Sheila E is the greatest drummer in Prince's band. Not only was her drumming awesome but nobody looked as hot in that tight leotard
I like Blackwell. His style was ferocious. But Michael B is probably my favorite. His style seemed to complement the whole band. And nobody keeps time as good as him. He's lightning fast and his drums were tuned to perfection. His three chains of gold solo was crazy.
Unfortunately, some people "listen" with their eyes when it comes to Blackwell (rip).Blackwell was def dope, (and was a really cool guy...he once jumped on drums while I was playing bass at NAMM and told me he jumped on the kit cause I was playing the right bass line!)😂😂, but his pocket was not as solid as Bland's was...I'll take solid, funky pocket over flair...Bland is that dude!!
This right there!
Very accurate assessment.
Correct!
I always liked Bobby Z...maybe he's not the highest ranked on a rating scale but the sound of his drums was always extraordinary & its a trademark sound to my favorite prince tracks, Sheila E as my next favorite
my greater drummer will always be the purple one prince but and they is all number 1 🎹🎸🎵🎤🔥🎶🎼🎻💜💜
I miss YOU Prince.
John Blackwell.
Sheila E has my vote....she can play for me anytime ❤😊
I'm all about the Revolution so Bobby Z
Shiela E . Dance ON,Alexis De Paris she was the most passionate. Next Johny Blackwell technically untouchable. Excellent topic.
This was a fantastic video! Great to see the collaboration with the UK's Mr Ant who has an amazing channel and has done some brilliant reviews with the Nightchild. Of course Prince choose to work with all of the drummers which gives him 10/10 for taste!
Mandy. Watts Any chance I get to collaborate with people I admire so much is an absolute treat. These guys are all stars ☺
Mandy. Watts was an honour to be in such company for this video. #blessed
Michael Bland!!
Kingford301 I saw MIchael Bland on the Gold tour and the POD aftershow in Dublin, Ireland back in ‘95..was happy to see Michael Bland still drumming with the English Beat here in Denver the year before last, he was killing it still!
OMG!! I really liked this one!! While Prince could definitely play drums, the drummers he had in his bands out did him in that lane. I think John Blackwell Jr. was an amazing drummer that complements Prince so well and was just raw and fierce in his delivery. I saw clips from Musicology and Montreoux 2009 and I was very impressed by his skills. RIP brotha John. Michael B. is a stellar drummer, and he was one of the reason why I love early NPG. His ferocious sound and the funk in his playing was effortless. Shhh alone that drum sequence was just masterful!! He was great and Prince's best band drummer. But, hands down Sheila E. is the best ever. Her drumming and percussion skills are a masterclass!! Her sense of sound and urgency and how she attacks a song is just mind blowing. Working with Prince only brought her playing to a higher level and she's still doing it. The best and baddest drummer/percussionist on the face of the planet!!
Yes!! Those 2009 Montreaux performances were unreal!! The clip of "All the Critics Love You in Montreaux" is an all time favorite!! The whole band was cookin'!!
This was fun
I enjoyed this very much.
Thanks!
My favorite was Sheila E and I’m not surprised she won although I was a bit worried at first.
Morris Day is the best at capturing the true Prince sound. The raw attitude that is not too technical, thus rough enough to perfectly complement the style of his defining early 80s sound.
I was gonna say that, too! PRN said that he was one of the best funk drummers ever- *STRAIGHT BEAST ON THE SKINZZZZZ!*
Other than Prince himself
Sheila E .
She had the chemistry with something which despite the talent of others .
She has a style very distinctive she has sensuality .
Fusion and Latin , funk , she could also give also a run for thrash drummers of the era s money ..see solos on 1987-1988 era .
SHEILA
Sheila is the the number 1 drummer hands down the real catglover next is jhon Blackwell! Boom!
Boom!
Good video. I have;
Sheila E. & John Blackwell: 10
Michael Bland: 9
Prince & Kirk: 7
Bobby, Hannah, & CC: 6
Please do bassists next.
This was really great video love 2 see more of this!!
Also Sheila E is my fav!
It's between Shelia and John Blackwell.. I am rolling with John, heck Bobby Z was good, but I don't know if it was Prince playing on the tracks or Bobby 🤷🏾♂️
While I think John Blackwell is probably Prince’s best drummer, my heart goes with Sheila E. People often forget that Sheila often was also singing behind the kit too, she’s an amazing showman and her chemistry with Prince was unrivaled! ... and she’s not bad to look at LOL!!!
I like Bobby Z, bc of "when doves cry", the unusual beat and timing if it, plus his flair of his performance.
No doubt Prince was the greatest single musician ever.
He could do it all, what a talent.
He is missed.
All the instruments on that song were by Prince?
Oh yes, so love the reviews by all here & thankfully as always spot on with this 1 ... I so miss & Love John B. myself ... really missed ...
Great video! My favorite is Michael B. Such a powerfull drummer. Sheila was always more than a drummer with the band. An extention of Prince. She's amazing.
Prince's Friend, thank you for putting together such a fun video! Thank you to everyone involved in making this happen. My personal pick would be Michael B., but what I found interesting with the top three is that they each brought their own individual style that complemented Prince's musical direction so well.
Michael B...Prince was asked in an interview. if he put together his favorite band who would it b composed of..When he named the drummer.. It was None other than M .B
And Prince as always was great