I am always amazed at how sweet this man comes off, how normal, rational, and intelligent he is. He just slams the rock and roll image with a gentle and humble personality.
Simon is simply one of the best drummers you could ever wish to hear. Just listen to his playing on "Sukarita" by Judy Tzuke. Everything he plays is so crisp and 'right'. An absolute genius.
I look upon Simon as an icon in drumming, but one things struck me when going through in my mind my fave, not just drummers but other musicians, Simon Phillips, Gary Husband, Gavin Harrison, and the late Jeff Porcaro, that they've all had a kinda head start in music business by having a parent in the biz, It makes you wonder if they never had this exposure to music contacts in there background when growing up, would they be where they are today without this unique early help.
I really like that Alan Parsons has to act as all this stuff is new for him (for those who do not know, that fat guy recorded some of the greatest sounding albums of all times)
Saw Simon many years ago in a clinic. He convinced me right then to not dampen my drums. I agree with him. Drums should be wide open and the entire set should work as one instrument
Simon wonders who it was who first took off the reso kick head. In his book "Here, There and Everywhere - My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles", Geoff Emerick describes taking the front head off of Ringo's kick for the Revolver sessions.
Hal Blaine, the 60's studio legend, was the one who started experimenting with taking off the front head on the bass drum mostly for definition. Geoff Emerick, The Beatles' recording engineer then, liked and suggested it, and the band loved it; like with so many things they did, everybody copied the idea.
It would be cool to hear the different sounds in a recording, especially with the bass drum. I want to hear examples of with the head, the hole in the head, without the head.etc
There is a close up of a Ludwig tom when he shows the interviewer the vent hole. They must have just used a clip of a drum they had lying around during editing and didn't think anyone would notice, LOL.
It's full of either paint or sand .... anything that give's it some weight! Many years ago people used stage weight in a kick and it does make a difference!
Those Bubinga Elites are beautiful. Simon, just out of curiosity, have you played the new TAMA STAR's? Are you contemplating switching to the new flagship? I'm curious of your opinion and perspective on the new STAR drums in comparison with the Starclassic Bubinga Elites / Maple.
+joey handeland Certainly sounds full when he pats it. Looks full given how much the foam depresses underneath. But, what is it full of? THESE ARE THE ANSWERS WE NEED, SIMON.
+joey handeland Yes, full... You may want to experiment with differing amounts of paint (although I prefer a full US gallon). I was surprised, however, that Simon didn't devote any time to the TYPE of paint. Water vs. oil based paints sound VERY different. And -- depending on the genre -- I like to carry a gallon of slate blue and one of tobacco. They give a real "smokey" sound. Whatever you do, don't use white or eggshell; they have no character at all. ;^)
I've seen the "ASSR" videos, and I wish they would've touched on recording drums with only 2-3 or 4 mics. that way you record the drums as one instrument. in these videos they choose to only tell you how to record with a hundred mics, as if dozens of mics is the best and only way
Is that a full or empty paint can?. Either way it does not make to much sense. I have not tried this. Has anyone else?. Let me know how it worked. I do not have any paint cans and don't know if I should spend the 12 or so dollars on a gallon of paint. I think he is pulling our leg on that one. Let me know. Cheers.
![Gavin Harrison & Simon Phillips [Part 4] Guitar Center's Drum-Off 2010.](/img/n.gif)
I am always amazed at how sweet this man comes off, how normal, rational, and intelligent he is. He just slams the rock and roll image with a gentle and humble personality.
6:45 and on... Man I could listen to this for hours. Such a great sounding kit, so much feel in the playing..
Incredible drummer and one of my favourites. He has just about the best tom sound I've ever heard.
Simon is simply one of the best drummers you could ever wish to hear. Just listen to his playing on "Sukarita" by Judy Tzuke. Everything he plays is so crisp and 'right'. An absolute genius.
I look upon Simon as an icon in drumming, but one things struck me when going through in my mind my fave, not just drummers but other musicians, Simon Phillips, Gary Husband, Gavin Harrison, and the late Jeff Porcaro, that they've all had a kinda head start in music business by having a parent in the biz, It makes you wonder if they never had this exposure to music contacts in there background when growing up, would they be where they are today without this unique early help.
Great video!!
Notice the windy sound effects at 4:00 (LOL!!)
+Joe Nelson damn man..i have watched this several times over the years..this is the first time i noticed it after your comment..thanks :-)
haha came here to comment that! amazing
Me too !!! He's one of my great heroes...but I didn't think his hands were THAT fast. lol
Simon really does get one of the best drum sounds around, he has good ears
fantastic interview!
best sounding drums ever!
Life is just a game with Stanley Clarke is one of my favorite performances to watch Simon go to work. Kick Ass!!!
It is Bill Bob Thorton.
Frozen Rope Also sounds like Al Kooper!
I really like that Alan Parsons has to act as all this stuff is new for him (for those who do not know, that fat guy recorded some of the greatest sounding albums of all times)
I really like his drumplaying. Especially in the song "Poison arrows" with Mike Oldfield.
He's one of my heroes....he's an incredible musician....and he has GREAT hair! :):)
Great Simon !!!!!!
Simon is the man!!!
Saw Simon many years ago in a clinic. He convinced me right then to not dampen my drums. I agree with him. Drums should be wide open and the entire set should work as one instrument
It's like a seven minute commercial for Tama drums, and then the second they should a grommet inside a badge, it's the Ludwig keystone.
I like how Alan Parsons pretends like he doesn't know any of this stuff for the video.
he's not pretending lol
JGMiller Wasn’t he Nick Mason’s drum tech for years? Helped mix everything, fine tune his set?
I don't think Alan was acting thick.
Hell yeah hahahaha, as if he didn't know xD. Alan rules!! 🤟🤟🤟
Hey, thanks for posting the knowledge.
LOVE THAT BASS DRUM SOUND MAN! THE PERFECT AMOUNT OF BOOM!
The gong bass drum within the groove at the end - that's just cool.
@AustinGraggmusician You are talking about Simon's voice? Yes, I agree about that. His voice is very clear and relaxed.
@maelstone Yes, I do believe it is Alan Parsons, of Alan Parsons Project fame and also also one of the assistant engineers on Dark Side Of The Moon."
Simon wonders who it was who first took off the reso kick head. In his book "Here, There and Everywhere - My Life Recording the Music of The Beatles", Geoff Emerick describes taking the front head off of Ringo's kick for the Revolver sessions.
this guy was great on the Judas priest albums, bets drummer they had
They didn't even pay him.
Simon and Les Binks. Phenoms, both!
I think you have done a superb job covering for jeff in toto ! i love and miss jeff but i give you credit my friend
with that voice drums seem to be part of those stories of pararell universes. awesome!
The paint can trick is awesome! :)
the man ...got his loops today ....happy bout that
What a STUD!
Is that Alan Parsson?
Yep!
Great!!
4:02 is the best thing ever
Hal Blaine, the 60's studio legend, was the one who started experimenting with taking off the front head on the bass drum mostly for definition. Geoff Emerick, The Beatles' recording engineer then, liked and suggested it, and the band loved it; like with so many things they did, everybody copied the idea.
Simon Kicks ASS!!!!
It would be cool to hear the different sounds in a recording, especially with the bass drum. I want to hear examples of with the head, the hole in the head, without the head.etc
My guess is Hal Blaine, he's the one who popularized it for recording, but he was doing it long before Ringo did it for sure.
Nice info about kick drum recording :)
@0509killer It's added when the vid was edited...
Hola buenisimo video!! pregunta para afinar toms y snare utiliza el parche de arriba mas tenso que parche de abajo de abajo?
There is a close up of a Ludwig tom when he shows the interviewer the vent hole. They must have just used a clip of a drum they had lying around during editing and didn't think anyone would notice, LOL.
I don't know if you noticed, but whoever is interviewing is Alan Parsons.
I'd agree with you, but the problem is the brand at 6:11 . Go take a look
@AustinGraggmusician That's the voice of Billy Bob Thornton :) /check the website/
From reading Hal Blaine’s autobiography, I think he claims that it was he who first removed the front head on his bass drum.
As much time as Hal spent in the studio he probably knew lots of tips and techniques for changing drum sounds.
i think you mean 6:48 and thts taylor hawkins... the drummer for the foo fighters, you may have heard of them
Best instrument ever, the drums.
@shardennefroider Totally agree.
@AustinGraggmusician The guy in the beginning sounds like Billy Bob Thorton.
Dude ! I just tought the same thing, haha.I looked him up, he actually plays drums and has a band.
Is that Billy Bob Thorton talking in the beginning?
Haha... I had to rewind it a few times to try and figure out if that sound was added in. weird!
It's full of either paint or sand .... anything that give's it some weight! Many years ago people used stage weight in a kick and it does make a difference!
That random Taylor Hawkins shot at 6:50 had kind of a homoerotic vibe, wtf was that? lol
yeah wtf.. where did he came from hahaha
Bravo à Simon Phillips le drums de Toto.
Man, i got the exact same thought... the do look similar though
anybody know where i can find instrumentals like this to jam to? thanks!
question: is the paint can in the kick drum full?
Those Bubinga Elites are beautiful. Simon, just out of curiosity, have you played the new TAMA STAR's? Are you contemplating switching to the new flagship? I'm curious of your opinion and perspective on the new STAR drums in comparison with the Starclassic Bubinga Elites / Maple.
what's with the short clip of Taylor Hawkins @ 6:48?
sorry my english, but, what microphones is on the tom and floor tom?
@maelstone Yep!
who first took the front bass drum off? Geoff Emerick thats who!
Is the paint can; empty or full?
+joey handeland Certainly sounds full when he pats it. Looks full given how much the foam depresses underneath. But, what is it full of? THESE ARE THE ANSWERS WE NEED, SIMON.
+joey handeland Yes, full... You may want to experiment with differing amounts of paint (although I prefer a full US gallon). I was surprised, however, that Simon didn't devote any time to the TYPE of paint. Water vs. oil based paints sound VERY different. And -- depending on the genre -- I like to carry a gallon of slate blue and one of tobacco. They give a real "smokey" sound. Whatever you do, don't use white or eggshell; they have no character at all. ;^)
+joey handeland Its filled 3/4 of the way with sand. Its a "trick" he learned from Eddie Kramer
Both. It's a Schroedinger's Paint Can.
Wow ll these open toms, already give the drum reverb. similar to plate reverb. They resonate when he is playing. you can hear it when he speaks.
Yes. It's Billy
What does Billy Bob Thrornton know about drums?
Most guys use different snare drums in the studio. Or maybe there is a Ludwig snare close by.
I don't get why Taylor Hawkins was in two shots in the end of the video. What was that about?
At 4:01 you can hear the wind of his hand swatting by...
I thought the same thing!
BTW, Simon, Sin After Sin is STILL a great work! #judaspriest
i believe it was ringo who first took the resonant head off
Whats wirh the bizaree Taylor Hawkins fade ins....?
is that the asset from Jason bourne?
@rareinc7794 Simon's hand is so dang fast, he created a breeze of wind past the mic.
my thought exactly! It really sounds like him!! haha
I've seen the "ASSR" videos, and I wish they would've touched on recording drums with only 2-3 or 4 mics. that way you record the drums as one instrument. in these videos they choose to only tell you how to record with a hundred mics, as if dozens of mics is the best and only way
Ludwig badge @ 6:12.
eric idle look works
Paint can full or empty? Or have to play with it
LOL! whats that sound at 4:01?
I swear Simon is the Bob Ross of drums
Hal Blaine. he was doing it before Beatles had an album out
What kinda paint in the can enamel or latex? Water based or oil based? LOL!!!!
Is that a full or empty paint can?. Either way it does not make to much sense. I have not tried this. Has anyone else?. Let me know how it worked. I do not have any paint cans and don't know if I should spend the 12 or so dollars on a gallon of paint. I think he is pulling our leg on that one. Let me know. Cheers.
Is the narrator Billy Bob Thorton?
is that billy bob thornton narrating?
I LOVE JAZZ !!!
The intro voice sounds like Billy Bob Thornton. Which is strange coz I just finished watching Fargo... haha
thought that exact same thing when I heard this
Anybody else notice Billy Bob Thornton's voice at 5;45?
apparently so (just finished reading the comments below...)
That's Alan Parson's, the random guy who recorded Dark Side of the Moon...
harpo marx is a great drummer !
Why does Simmon remind me of Eric Idle?
I think he means Taylor Hawkins? Drummer of the Foo Fighters? But he is at the end of the video:)
I think that's Dave Weckl narating. :)
ovo nisamja It's actually Billy Bob Thornton.
Hmm... Now that you said it, it kinda sounds like him too. Are you sure it's him?
ovo nisamja I'm 100% sure.
ovo nisamja Yeah, it's Billy Bob, he's a drummer as well....
Marvelous fucking drummer, and he was from a young age .
Who are you exactly talking about?
is that billy bob narrating?