@@denisegilliam-sweet8116 if you are on instagram look phil up...he played a piano piece dedicated to Boon...Phil plays piano beautifully too...he has been playing a lot in 'lockup' ..we all miss Boon so much. 💞💔
Phil’s last Level 42 project was Forever Now in 1994. Check it out. Then, do yourself a favor and get his solo Watertight, and Terraforming (Gould-Brown-Black). His latest is out soon so that’s a bonus! As far as early chops: Level 42 early tapes, The pursuit of Accidents, and a song called The return of the handsome rugged man.
Hi rob love level 42 especially the early years such as songs like are you hearing what I hear and starchild and love games you check out narada Michael Walden drum solo on you tube plus topper headon from the clash now he can play punk reggae funk almost anything very good 👍
I agree! Phil was one of the musicians who changed my Life! There’s No question about it! And how he held Level 42 together! A parallel to this was how Jeff Porcaro held Toto together! These 2 bands never sounded as good again, in My opinion! Phil is Right Up there as a drummer! Definitely within Top 5 of all time! Totally underrated by many! I think some of my top guys would be Carlos, Vinnie, Jeff, Phil and JR. Maybe Carlos and Phil could be my Top 2, I don’t know! Incredible stuff!
You've just made my day, Rob. Phil Gould is the man who got me on the road to drumming. My ultimate musical idol. Not enough people know him and he has some serious, serious chops. I could go on and on but you've already said it all. Incidentally, the late, great Jeff Porcaro was a fan....that speaks volumes for Phil's talents!.
I don't know. I think amongst fans, we know how good it is. Just like Level 42 was never popular until TH-cam and millions of bass players discovered Mark King.
I played a gig with a friend of mine last summer, who happens to know Phil and he brought him down to the gig. Phil ended up sitting in on a couple of tunes, on MY kit - I couldn't believe it was happening, I was star struck as I was brought up on his playing. Really nice guy too, very happy to share stories and take the time. Anyway I will pass your video onto my friend who hopefully can get it in front of Phil. Great video Rob.
Strongest Groove Player... You said it! Phil's playing is pure genius. I always liked the groove for Children Say-what a great track that was! A truly inventive drummer, and with Mark King, well, what a rhythm section(!) In a class by themselves, really. Great video! I'm also a big fan of Mark Brzezicki and Stewart Copeland-thank you for making and posting these videos!
My all time favourite band... The album that I always listen to for all their best musical tracks is the early tapes... Met Level 42 personally and the passing of Boon has left a big whole in my heart.... Just a great band..... Your video here is tops... Great praise for a great band.....
Superb analysis. Indeed Phil is so underrated. He is by far the tightest, pocket drummer of recent times. Truly magnificent. Thank you for this insight.
Omg! Thank you! I think Phil is one of the most underated drummers of the last 30-35 years! He always gets too little credit in my eyes. BTW have you ever listened to the Forever Now album from 1994? That is an absolute masterpiece. That album saw Phil return behind the drums of L42 after 7 years. Only on the album, not on the road but nevertheless you could hear it straight away! It has that great and groovy vibe that they had in the early years. Like for example The Sunbed Song, Immediately reminds you of Turn it on. It even hints towards that at the end. Such a shame Mark and Phil could not get along anymore. They were making musical magic together for many years me thinks!
Forever now is one of my favourites too. The drums sound soooo good and the feel is incredible. Hundreds of hours spent trying to play as cool as that.
I am a keyboard player and I totally agree with you. Phil is one of my favorite drummers ever and he is so underrated! I find that he is excellent on the Early Tapes album too. He did a very good job also when he came back for one album around 1993 : Forever now.
Absolutely agree I saw level 42 about 30yrs ago in London and Phil's groove just blew me away and playing open handed remind me at the time of how Billy Cobham plays ..seeing level 42 later this year at The Royal Albert hall in London so can't wait ..one my favourite tune is good man in a storm from world machine...groove groove pocket pocket..Great tune ..love your drum sound Rob..keep it up
Hey Rob, I'm really glad you rate Phil Gould. I've been watching your videos for a fair while now, and this is great. Phil originally went to Bob Armstrong, a fabulous drum teacher in East London, who taught most of Britain's greatest players. I had the good fortune to study with him for over 8 years. Unfortunately Bob passed away a couple of years back, but I'm sure he would love to see this tribute. Thanks Rob, keep up the good work mate. Kind regards.
I couldn't agree more with you. People have heard Phil drum because of the great songs by Level 42 but not know much about him. He is a very decent, honourable and respected man and like you say one of the greatest groove 🥁 of all time. Phil never played on a bad track and was a co-writer with his brother Boon on many hits by the band. Everyone needs to listen to this band ... and enjoy! Great video dude!
I totally agree with you about Phil. His 'time feel' was almost unbelievable! I am a bassist and while there are drummers i like to hear, drummers i like to watch. Gould is one of the first drummers I would want to PLAY with.
Great shout out. I too wore that VHS tape out, back in the day. I seem to recall Phil had an open-hand style, which at the time, I'd never really seen before. Great rhythm partnership, Gould/King. As I write this, I remember endless sessions, myself and a bass player friend, hacking our way through "Chinese Way". Happy days.
Fantastic upload again. Phil was a huge influence on my playing. I would cut out photos of him out of music magazines and tape them on my bedroom wardrobe. Back in 1985 L42 were basically unknown in Australia I would boast to all my drummer friends that he was by far my favorite drummer and I would get blank stares. I still study and use things I learnt by playing along to Phil this very day. I read that Porcaro was also a huge fan and told Toto members to recruit Phil if anything happened to him. People in the know recognize his brilliance.
What a wonderful heartfelt tribute to Phil Gould and Level 42 from somebody who really knows what they're talking about. Absolutely spot on. I was privileged to see them live in Dublin, Ireland in the mid 1980s and they were unbelievable - really talented musicians.
Thank You Rob, Phil Gould is a drum god of mine. He is so strong , groovy and steady yet with light touch, and a wonderful soung of his own. He plays things that I hardly never heard since and before : his hi hats accents and variations between footplate pressure and two-hands patterns. ,
Love Games on the live album Physical Presence. Wow firstly Mark's solo What the Hell!! Just beautiful. Then, Phil comes in and you ride it all the way till the song comes drops. OMG!! WHAT A GROOVE!!! Im listening to it now. I have tears. All time fav. Ive enjoyed all the Level 42 albums. Major Influences in my music career. Enjoy
Rob I really think the last album he did with them "Forever Now" was a good sampling of his drumming chops. I love the jazzy beats on a lot of those songs. I too love Level 42 - I have all their albums/cds.
One of my earliest influences along with Stewart Copeland. Incidentally they toured together in the early years. And mark king is now in a supergroup with Stewart called gizmodrome. Anyway love Phil’s drumming in. “Heathrow “. And “eyes water falling “. Actually ton of great tracks. “ I sleep on my heart”. and “ love in a peaceful world”
heck yeah, so glad i found this. i started playing drums late in life and have been at it about a year and a half. few people know that the band was a fusion/acid jazz band before they pivoted to more commercially viable music. world machine is such a beautiful album and had a huge impact on my musical taste, it's the "B" side tunes that really shine. you're so right about "physical presence." such an underrated band that was held hostage by a huge hit with "something about you," but their library especially the early years is just amazing music. world machine definitely in my top 5 records, play it to this day. "leaving me now," "good man in a storm," and "lying still" are perfect. so glad someone is giving phil the respect he deserves.
You nailed it. I always felt it was all about what he didn't play. He had that Jeff Porcaro poise and taste thing going on, and you won't hear me say that about a lot of drummers..
I'm a keyboard player and I never cease to be amazed by Phil Gould's playing to the point it distracts me from watching Mike Lindup.......I have done just as you have and watched him many times on the Wembley video and even to this day, it still is one of the best things I have ever seen
Rob, you are the man! Level 42 and Phil are the reason I got into drumming/music 35 years ago. Phil's grooves, creativity and dynamics are unmatched! Every time I listen to his drumming I learn something new... Thanks for doing a video on this amazing drummer.
What a great upload. I so much agree with you. Much too few people mention PG. Phil is in a league of his own when it comes to groove and great ideas to suit a song. Absolutely one of my greatest inspirations of all time, along with Jeff Porcaro, Vinnie Colaiuta etc. Again, great upload and thanks for that. Love and groove:)
YES!! One of my influences as well (along with Will Calhoun and Lee Harris (Talk Talk)). I played along to A Physical Presence until the tape wore out! Thanks for posting this!!
What a fantastic post. Phil Gould is a phenomenal drummer, and his playing with Level 42 was one of the main reasons I started drumming in the first place. You can hear the influences quite strongly (Tower, Mahavishnu etc) in his style, but he took it all and made it his own. My mum used to joke that if ever he broke a finger on tour, they should call me, as all I did for two years was play along to 'A Physical Presence' (badly, obviously!). It remains for me one of the all-time great live albums. The musicianship was incredible, as was the way they adapted their songs for the Live environment. I know he's still highly respected to this day by many professional drummers, and rightly so. Tried to buy a Tama Bell Brass the other day. Eight thousand dollars. That's the price of even attempting to sound like Phil Gould these days....
Yes Men, I've started following them in the early 90's. Level 42 is such a unique band and Phil's grooves are like walls. Happy to watch this video. Thanks, Bro.
Phil's drumming was a favorite of mine back in their heyday in 1980s when I first heard Level 42. What was distinguishing was the sound of his snare and small cymbals like splashes. Phil had a really great groove with that band.
I was influenced to play the bass from this band level 42, and yes Phil Gould enhanced Mark King's playing and that's why I've always appreciated good drummers. Thanks Rob.
Awesome, Rob. Two of my faves from the 80's -- Mark B and Phil G. I cant agree with you more about Phil being underrated/unnoticed. Heroes is a Great series. Love your sincere enthusiasm about the music!
Lovely to hear. I was at both those live concerts Physical Presence live (Woolwich+2) and Wembley and many more before and after! I live and breathe for the early line up x..
First saw them at Guildford Civic hall back in 1987/88 I think. I was front of the stage with Mark above me with Rolled up Jeans and Dr Martin's on. Fooking ace band. Never forget them. They were my songs for decades and still are. Respect!
I am also a big Phil Gould fan.It's November of 2020 and Level 42's music is still tasty and relevant.Thanks to You Tube,I watched several Phil videos just last week.I remember seeing him on the cover of modern drummer wearing that Tama T-shirt back in the early 80's.He made a serious impact on my playing as well.Thankfully, he's well and still playing.Suggested viewing: Level 42 live in Montreux 1983
I listened to these guys all through college. Songs like It's Over are mandatory listening for how to phrase the bass drum with a vocal line in a ballad. It's beautiful. Doesn't get much better than that!
Rob, another great profile of one of my greatest drumming influences (I've just seen the Mark Brzezicki profile)! Phil introduced me to the concept of 'less is more' when it came to putting down a groove! I've had the pleasure of seeing him play a couple of times and always cite him as one of the best live drummers I've ever seen from that period (in addition to Jon Farriss from INXS!). He's still playing here in the UK and still laying down grooves with his head held back!
Rob, thanks for pointing out this drummer. As someone who LOVES groove, Phil gets past the notes and really enters into the music. This gives me another great player to imitate. Thanks again!
Awesome!! He’s in my top 5 list too. I was there at both the physical presence and Wembley concerts. Both excellent! Also, he came back for the Retroglide and did a solo album which has a great song called colour of my pain that has Mike Lindup on keys and vocals! Great solo and great groove.
Cheers Rob - also love Phil Gould's playing! So slick. He often plays in a lesser know jazz club in West London (606 Club) where I've seen him play a few times. If I manage to find my iPhone footage I'll post it!
Hello Rob, pretty nice walkthrough! I am from germany, i was drummer in a metal band in the early eighties. Someday i heard a tune from the other room, named Starchild and i was flashed.. I left the band same day and asked that group in the complex to stand up my drums and had a go for it. They had a Simmons dru, a sequential cicuit, leet guitars and on. On 29.10.1983 we went to the Bochum Zeche to watch them live. The Bochum Zeche is a small gig station, i guess there were 600 people when hell breakin loose. Never in my live, i have seen such a fantastic performance. Level 42 was new here, and they fired it up godlike. No surprise, this gig "little" gig became history, as you can find it several times on yt.. Then i went to the German Rockpalast gig, -big time- , and made it to backstage. It was funny, mo one had an eye on me so i went on and had a good time. What most people don't know, Mark King was an asshole towards Boon Gould yet that time. No idea why, big ego or underfucked, u name it. He acted like an asshole that time. Mark King is an alpha ass in my book, so the split became a point of the time they produced and toured. The Gould brothers are my fav. boys, the lack of respect ny Mark King is history. My special three drummers: #1 : Omar Hakim #2 :Phil Gold #3 : Poogie Bell nice channel Rob. Greetings from Germany
Just catching up with Ep2 and agree that Phil's work was solid and rhythmically diverse. The L42 live album and now YT shows from the early period, including Montreux, give plenty to feast upon - another great live band in their day and tight as the proverbial. Similarly the 'pop' feel that emanated after Phil's and Boon's departure is one reason the early stuff appeals to me more. Phil also started off as a keyboard musician but glad he moved onto the drum stool for his and our benefit.
I agree with you.....my drums hero are Stewart Copeland ,Jeff Porcaro,Phil Gould....and Phil Rudd.....all four with a groove in their music.....I've seen Phil Gould two Times in Milan(Italy...lol) 1985 and 1989 and Phil was amazing....please Phil come back!!!!!
Hi Rob. Love your video! Like you I've been listening to level 42 since I was 16 (34 now). I'm a bass player and Mark and their music is without doubt my greatest inspiration ever. I still listen to them almost daily
Hey Rob, your words about Phil Gould seemed so personal, as he was an extraordinary influence on me. I auditioned for a band in the 80’s that played hot water and mr pink, with an incredible bass player. I took to it like glue, and found myself mimicking his style and chops, without being that aware of it. They weren’t very well known in Australia so it was like my little secret :) I think it also explains why I was so drawn to your playing and groove, and use your Videos to keep on top of things. Cheers Chris
I'm 61 year old and still listening to level 42 what an amazing band Phil Gould is also one of my best loved drummers as I'm also a drummer but work most time is studio
And i was lucky enough to see Level 42 in Copenhagen in 1985 and 1987. Great concerts. Please don,t forget to check out the great version of Microkid. It is the b-side of the 12" of To be with you again. Incredible great performance by PG.
His intro to Children Say on the Wembley concert is epic. I seem to recall he used some electronics on his kit and had some of those giant, hexagonal, simmons pads on his kit at the time. BTW loved the videos on Mark and Stewart. You obviously have good taste.
A cool dude like you diggin the 42! No, seriously it's really refreshing that you like it. My bro in law gave me a tape back in the early nineties of Level 42 live featuring a Phil Gould drum solo that was just ridiculous! I wish I still had the recording. Bless you for appreciating proper music. It makes you a true musician my friend!
I was late to the game with level 42 and now they are about all I listen to. Always loved Something About You, but never pursued the rest of their stuff. Absolutely killer stuff. All musicians are top notch.
After watching this video I immediately jumped to search Level 42 on Spotify. You're right!, Phil Gould is/was a missing piece in every drummer's influences catalog. Thanks for sharing and keep it up with these HEROES videos.
Hi Rob. Just saw your video, thank you so much for this statement! You are 1000% RIGHT!! Phil is one of the best groove drummers in the world. The day I heard their first album, I went nuts!! The way he supports Mark is amazing!! I am one their biggest fans. I think the first album is one of the best, also for groove playing. I have a big request, can breakdown some of his grooves? Just like the one in the beginning of the video.
HI,rob,I meet phill about 30 plus yrs ago plus ,at there first gig in Ipswich England,where I'm from,and his brother boon,he had time to talk to me,they were lovely humble fellers,im a hard working drummer here in Essex England,and a massive fan of phill,let me say rob your vids on here are tops,exelent mate,and thank you for explantion,ples take care man,i wish you lived nxt door mate,Chaz,,,,,
Great choice Rob,both Mark and Phil are a big influence on my playing too.Have you checked out Kevin Wilkinson of ChinaCrisis.unfortunatly he passed away to young.Neil Peart spoke of him in modern drummer interview.cheers for now.
Posted this to his facebook page! I think the first two albums are certainly worth listening to as well. BTW, if you remember the song Pop Muzik by M, that was Mr G
Same with me Rob, Phil was a HUGE influence on me. Changed the way I played drums - especially the way he used his left foot doing the 2 + 4's on the hi-hat. So much control and tasteful playing. He's got a solo album out too from 2009 called Watertight.. lots of grooves in 7/4!
You, Sir, have impeccable taste! Absolutely love L42 and Phil's drumming. Apart from his groove, I love his fills. He was the first drummer I ever heard do a double crash, a 16th note apart, at the end of a fill: on the "4e&a" and the "1" of the next bar.
Funny you mentioned that small detail. That’s the one cool thing I’ve heard him do that I always wanted to copy. Not to mention he looked super slick doing it...with those round dark sunglasses and everything 😎 Phil was actually super touched by this video and he sent me the nicest message, man. We’ve been chatting privately occasionally over Twitter.
Hey Rob. I just took up learning to play drums aged 53! Growing up in the 80’s my friends and I were aware of Level 42 but in 1984 Channel 4 (we only had 4 tv channels in the uk) had a show called “play at home” and one episode was level 42 inspiring some local kids. They played some live footage of Phil’s drum solo in the song 88, and that was THE life changing moment for me, when the penny dropped and I truly discovered music. Went out next day and bought every album. Went to see them live that autumn at Portsmouth guildhall. Mark King is a legend but Phil Gould was and is The One!
I absolutely, unequivocally have to agree with you. Phil's playing absolutely changed my pocket for pop/ r and b groove and funk playing. The songs are great too. Phil can lay it down and Mark King takes a fills in everything else. Brit Funk yes!
I grew up listening to Phil Gould, and i saw them live many a time.The brother is one of the best. Everything you have said is as if you took it out of my head! his brother Boon died today RIP
First Mark then Phil. These are two belters right out of the gate ! So great that they influenced you over the Atlantic at the same time they did me in the Uk
I like that spiky haird drummer with a round red shades. Hes so cool during his stint with level 42. Best drummer during the ,80s. New wave dominated scene.
So cool to know he's a favorite of yours, as well! A HUGELY-underrated player! I listened to World Machine every day when it came out (and also got to see Level 42 a few times on that tour). "Physical Presence," "Leaving Me Now," "I Sleep On My Heart," "It's Not The Same For Us," "Dream Crazy" - all exemplars of serious behind-the-beat pocket voodoo. What great drum sounds, too.
Good call, man. I discovered Ray's playing back when I got hooked on a band he was in called Salvador Dream. We ended up hangin' out for a day several years ago at a (long time defunct) music trade show up here in Toronto called MIAC. He was a sweet dude. Smokin' drummer.
Rob - don't know if you had the double album the live "A Physical Presence" - the last track on the second album is an instrumental called "88" and he does a fantastic solo there as well.
Hey Rob, massive fan of Level 42 and have been since the world machine album. His drumming in every song is amazing. The tightness of his snare and the intricate things that you miss were just top notch. The album you didn’t mention, which is another good one to listen to and they got Phil back for in 1994 is Forever Now. Listen to some of his playing in that. It’ll make your hair stand on end!!!
Sooo dig your channel! Phil knocked my socks off when I was just an 18-year-old puppy. Just solid. But if there’s one thing that I worked on, walked away with was his hat work on tracks like TC’s “Hot Water” and “True Believers” ... keep that left foot movin’!!
What Phil plays on the epic Level 42 track 'leaving me now' from the equally epic World Machine album,is pure genius...just listen to that hi-hat and Bass drum phrasing man...pffft...off the scale!
Phil Gould, defintely one of the most versatile and accomplished drummer/percussionists IMHO. Totally agree with Rob B on this. Certainly one of my biggest influences. I even had a copy of his drum-loops CD (early 90's), loaned it to a drummer friend and never saw it again :( Would love to get that back if anyone knows where I can get.
Nice words ! I like the motivations and I certainly agree it all ! " I love the sound of the first Album " - with the Band name "Level 42" ! That snare sound on "Love Games" is fantastic. Great recording techniek :-) But how they get that great snare sound is a mystery to me. I've tryed within Logic Pro X and the Drummers VST/AU. I didn't come close : - (
*Sincerest condolences to the Gould family and close friends. RIP Boon Gould* 🙏🏽😔
It's been a year now, and I'm still deviated.😔
@@denisegilliam-sweet8116 if you are on instagram look phil up...he played a piano piece dedicated to Boon...Phil plays piano beautifully too...he has been playing a lot in 'lockup' ..we all miss Boon so much. 💞💔
Phil’s last Level 42 project was Forever Now in 1994. Check it out. Then, do yourself a favor and get his solo Watertight, and Terraforming (Gould-Brown-Black). His latest is out soon so that’s a bonus! As far as early chops: Level 42 early tapes, The pursuit of Accidents, and a song called The return of the handsome rugged man.
Hi rob love level 42 especially the early years such as songs like are you hearing what I hear and starchild and love games you check out narada Michael Walden drum solo on you tube plus topper headon from the clash now he can play punk reggae funk almost anything very good 👍
Thank you for that. Goulds drumming on 'To be with you again' is nothing but supreme. The hi-hat intro fill....
Phil played on the 80's single, "Pop Musik" by "M" and that was during the lead up to Level 42. Not a lot of people know that!
The original lineup of L-42 is legendary.
I agree! Phil was one of the musicians who changed my Life! There’s No question about it!
And how he held Level 42 together!
A parallel to this was how Jeff Porcaro held Toto together!
These 2 bands never sounded as good again, in My opinion!
Phil is Right Up there as a drummer! Definitely within Top 5 of all time!
Totally underrated by many!
I think some of my top guys would be Carlos, Vinnie, Jeff, Phil and JR.
Maybe Carlos and Phil could be my Top 2, I don’t know! Incredible stuff!
You've just made my day, Rob. Phil Gould is the man who got me on the road to drumming. My ultimate musical idol. Not enough people know him and he has some serious, serious chops. I could go on and on but you've already said it all. Incidentally, the late, great Jeff Porcaro was a fan....that speaks volumes for Phil's talents!.
SuperGForce01 I always rated Phil as the English version of Jeff Pocaro, same type of grooves
When Jeff passed, I wanted to see either Phil or Vinnie sit in for him.
All three of them are HUGE influences in my playing.
42 likes ! DON'T add anymore :) We know you like it.
Phil's drumming on "MACHINE STOPS" from Standing in the Light is AMAZING !!!!! That high hat hook rules !!!
"A Physical Presence" is a massively under rated live album
MASSIVELY 😑🤘🏽
Incredible drumming
It’s not only my favorite Level 42 album but also one of the best live albums ever made.
I don't know. I think amongst fans, we know how good it is. Just like Level 42 was never popular until TH-cam and millions of bass players discovered Mark King.
I still have the double cassette somewhere. That thing got played so much!
Phil said in an interview that other than a few starter lessons with a local drum tutor he was self taught. Guy is a genius
I played a gig with a friend of mine last summer, who happens to know Phil and he brought him down to the gig. Phil ended up sitting in on a couple of tunes, on MY kit - I couldn't believe it was happening, I was star struck as I was brought up on his playing. Really nice guy too, very happy to share stories and take the time. Anyway I will pass your video onto my friend who hopefully can get it in front of Phil. Great video Rob.
WOW
I kinda know Ash Soan (his best mate is a good friend of mine) and he put on a very cool evening last year which Phil played at..
Strongest Groove Player... You said it! Phil's playing is pure genius. I always liked the groove for Children Say-what a great track that was! A truly inventive drummer, and with Mark King, well, what a rhythm section(!) In a class by themselves, really. Great video! I'm also a big fan of Mark Brzezicki and Stewart Copeland-thank you for making and posting these videos!
Children Say is an awesome track. They really knew what they were doing in the studio..
Phil Gould in my Top 5 as well! Good Man in a Storm is badass!
My all time favourite band... The album that I always listen to for all their best musical tracks is the early tapes... Met Level 42 personally and the passing of Boon has left a big whole in my heart.... Just a great band..... Your video here is tops... Great praise for a great band.....
Superb analysis. Indeed Phil is so underrated. He is by far the tightest, pocket drummer of recent times. Truly magnificent. Thank you for this insight.
Omg! Thank you! I think Phil is one of the most underated drummers of the last 30-35 years! He always gets too little credit in my eyes. BTW have you ever listened to the Forever Now album from 1994? That is an absolute masterpiece. That album saw Phil return behind the drums of L42 after 7 years. Only on the album, not on the road but nevertheless you could hear it straight away! It has that great and groovy vibe that they had in the early years. Like for example The Sunbed Song, Immediately reminds you of Turn it on. It even hints towards that at the end. Such a shame Mark and Phil could not get along anymore. They were making musical magic together for many years me thinks!
Why do Mark & Phil can't get along anymore ?
Forever now is one of my favourites too. The drums sound soooo good and the feel is incredible. Hundreds of hours spent trying to play as cool as that.
I am a keyboard player and I totally agree with you. Phil is one of my favorite drummers ever and he is so underrated!
I find that he is excellent on the Early Tapes album too. He did a very good job also when he came back for one album around 1993 : Forever now.
Absolutely agree I saw level 42 about 30yrs ago in London and Phil's groove just blew me away and playing open handed remind me at the time of how Billy Cobham plays ..seeing level 42 later this year at The Royal Albert hall in London so can't wait ..one my favourite tune is good man in a storm from world machine...groove groove pocket pocket..Great tune ..love your drum sound Rob..keep it up
Pete is really, really good. You'll enjoy him a lot.
The drums on Leaving Me Now and It's Over are so perfect and laid back for the songs!
Phil is one of my favourite drummers , lucky to see the original line up back in 1987
Hey Rob, I'm really glad you rate Phil Gould. I've been watching your videos for a fair while now, and this is great. Phil originally went to Bob Armstrong, a fabulous drum teacher in East London, who taught most of Britain's greatest players. I had the good fortune to study with him for over 8 years. Unfortunately Bob passed away a couple of years back, but I'm sure he would love to see this tribute. Thanks Rob, keep up the good work mate. Kind regards.
Great words Rob. Phil is the reason I started playing drums and I agree with all you said. I wore Live at Wembley out too!!! Respect man.
I couldn't agree more with you. People have heard Phil drum because of the great songs by Level 42 but not know much about him. He is a very decent, honourable and respected man and like you say one of the greatest groove 🥁 of all time. Phil never played on a bad track and was a co-writer with his brother Boon on many hits by the band. Everyone needs to listen to this band ... and enjoy! Great video dude!
I totally agree with you about Phil. His 'time feel' was almost unbelievable! I am a bassist and while there are drummers i like to hear, drummers i like to watch. Gould is one of the first drummers I would want to PLAY with.
OMG Phil Gould, so it's not just me! Another awesome choice, respec Mr Brown!
Great shout out. I too wore that VHS tape out, back in the day. I seem to recall Phil had an open-hand style, which at the time, I'd never really seen before. Great rhythm partnership, Gould/King. As I write this, I remember endless sessions, myself and a bass player friend, hacking our way through "Chinese Way". Happy days.
Fantastic upload again. Phil was a huge influence on my playing. I would cut out photos of him out of music magazines and tape them on my bedroom wardrobe. Back in 1985 L42 were basically unknown in Australia I would boast to all my drummer friends that he was by far my favorite drummer and I would get blank stares. I still study and use things I learnt by playing along to Phil this very day. I read that Porcaro was also a huge fan and told Toto members to recruit Phil if anything happened to him. People in the know recognize his brilliance.
What a wonderful heartfelt tribute to Phil Gould and Level 42 from somebody who really knows what they're talking about. Absolutely spot on. I was privileged to see them live in Dublin, Ireland in the mid 1980s and they were unbelievable - really talented musicians.
Thank You Rob, Phil Gould is a drum god of mine. He is so strong , groovy and steady yet with light touch, and a wonderful soung of his own. He plays things that I hardly never heard since and before : his hi hats accents and variations between footplate pressure and two-hands patterns. ,
Love Games on the live album Physical Presence. Wow firstly Mark's solo What the Hell!! Just beautiful. Then, Phil comes in and you ride it all the way till the song comes drops. OMG!! WHAT A GROOVE!!! Im listening to it now. I have tears. All time fav. Ive enjoyed all the Level 42 albums. Major Influences in my music career. Enjoy
Mark King one of the best bass players on the planet.
That track on that album is absolutely incredible. It stands up to this day.
Rob I really think the last album he did with them "Forever Now" was a good sampling of his drumming chops. I love the jazzy beats on a lot of those songs. I too love Level 42 - I have all their albums/cds.
One of my earliest influences along with Stewart Copeland. Incidentally they toured together in the early years. And mark king is now in a supergroup with Stewart called gizmodrome. Anyway love Phil’s drumming in. “Heathrow “. And “eyes water falling “. Actually ton of great tracks. “ I sleep on my heart”. and “ love in a peaceful world”
heck yeah, so glad i found this. i started playing drums late in life and have been at it about a year and a half. few people know that the band was a fusion/acid jazz band before they pivoted to more commercially viable music. world machine is such a beautiful album and had a huge impact on my musical taste, it's the "B" side tunes that really shine. you're so right about "physical presence." such an underrated band that was held hostage by a huge hit with "something about you," but their library especially the early years is just amazing music. world machine definitely in my top 5 records, play it to this day. "leaving me now," "good man in a storm," and "lying still" are perfect. so glad someone is giving phil the respect he deserves.
One of the greatest drummers of all time and unique in his phrasing. Listen and weep
You nailed it. I always felt it was all about what he didn't play. He had that Jeff Porcaro poise and taste thing going on, and you won't hear me say that about a lot of drummers..
What a wonderful, commentary and wonderful tribute. Us L42 fans definitely agree.
I'm a keyboard player and I never cease to be amazed by Phil Gould's playing to the point it distracts me from watching Mike Lindup.......I have done just as you have and watched him many times on the Wembley video and even to this day, it still is one of the best things I have ever seen
Rob, you are the man! Level 42 and Phil are the reason I got into drumming/music 35 years ago. Phil's grooves, creativity and dynamics are unmatched! Every time I listen to his drumming I learn something new... Thanks for doing a video on this amazing drummer.
Really miss Phil's groove with Level 42. Great to hear your enthousiasm for his talent.
What a great upload. I so much agree with you. Much too few people mention PG. Phil is in a league of his own when it comes to groove and great ideas to suit a song. Absolutely one of my greatest inspirations of all time, along with Jeff Porcaro, Vinnie Colaiuta etc. Again, great upload and thanks for that. Love and groove:)
YES!! One of my influences as well (along with Will Calhoun and Lee Harris (Talk Talk)). I played along to A Physical Presence until the tape wore out! Thanks for posting this!!
What a fantastic post.
Phil Gould is a phenomenal drummer, and his playing with Level 42 was one of the main reasons I started drumming in the first place. You can hear the influences quite strongly (Tower, Mahavishnu etc) in his style, but he took it all and made it his own.
My mum used to joke that if ever he broke a finger on tour, they should call me, as all I did for two years was play along to 'A Physical Presence' (badly, obviously!). It remains for me one of the all-time great live albums. The musicianship was incredible, as was the way they adapted their songs for the Live environment.
I know he's still highly respected to this day by many professional drummers, and rightly so.
Tried to buy a Tama Bell Brass the other day. Eight thousand dollars. That's the price of even attempting to sound like Phil Gould these days....
Yes Men, I've started following them in the early 90's. Level 42 is such a unique band and Phil's grooves are like walls. Happy to watch this video. Thanks, Bro.
Two Solitudes - From Running In The Family. Phil and Marks Groove interplay is phenomenal and sublime on this track
Phil's drumming was a favorite of mine back in their heyday in 1980s when I first heard Level 42. What was distinguishing was the sound of his snare and small cymbals like splashes. Phil had a really great groove with that band.
I was influenced to play the bass from this band level 42, and yes Phil Gould enhanced Mark King's playing and that's why I've always appreciated good drummers. Thanks Rob.
Awesome, Rob. Two of my faves from the 80's -- Mark B and Phil G.
I cant agree with you more about Phil being underrated/unnoticed.
Heroes is a Great series. Love your sincere enthusiasm about the music!
Lovely to hear. I was at both those live concerts Physical Presence live (Woolwich+2) and Wembley and many more before and after! I live and breathe for the early line up x..
First saw them at Guildford Civic hall back in 1987/88 I think. I was front of the stage with Mark above me with Rolled up Jeans and Dr Martin's on. Fooking ace band. Never forget them. They were my songs for decades and still are. Respect!
I am also a big Phil Gould fan.It's November of 2020 and Level 42's music is still tasty and relevant.Thanks to You Tube,I watched several Phil videos just last week.I remember seeing him on the cover of modern drummer wearing that Tama T-shirt back in the early 80's.He made a serious impact on my playing as well.Thankfully, he's well and still playing.Suggested viewing: Level 42 live in Montreux 1983
I listened to these guys all through college. Songs like It's Over are mandatory listening for how to phrase the bass drum with a vocal line in a ballad. It's beautiful. Doesn't get much better than that!
Rob, another great profile of one of my greatest drumming influences (I've just seen the Mark Brzezicki profile)! Phil introduced me to the concept of 'less is more' when it came to putting down a groove! I've had the pleasure of seeing him play a couple of times and always cite him as one of the best live drummers I've ever seen from that period (in addition to Jon Farriss from INXS!). He's still playing here in the UK and still laying down grooves with his head held back!
Rob, thanks for pointing out this drummer. As someone who LOVES groove, Phil gets past the notes and really enters into the music. This gives me another great player to imitate. Thanks again!
Awesome!! He’s in my top 5 list too. I was there at both the physical presence and Wembley concerts. Both excellent!
Also, he came back for the Retroglide and did a solo album which has a great song called colour of my pain that has Mike Lindup on keys and vocals! Great solo and great groove.
Cheers Rob - also love Phil Gould's playing! So slick. He often plays in a lesser know jazz club in West London (606 Club) where I've seen him play a few times. If I manage to find my iPhone footage I'll post it!
Hello Rob, pretty nice walkthrough!
I am from germany, i was drummer in a metal band in the early eighties.
Someday i heard a tune from the other room, named Starchild and i was flashed..
I left the band same day and asked that group in the complex to stand up my drums and had a go for it. They had a Simmons dru, a sequential cicuit, leet guitars and on.
On 29.10.1983 we went to the Bochum Zeche to watch them live.
The Bochum Zeche is a small gig station, i guess there were 600 people when hell breakin loose. Never in my live, i have seen such a fantastic performance.
Level 42 was new here, and they fired it up godlike. No surprise, this gig "little" gig became history, as you can find it several times on yt..
Then i went to the German Rockpalast gig, -big time- , and made it to backstage.
It was funny, mo one had an eye on me so i went on and had a good time.
What most people don't know, Mark King was an asshole towards Boon Gould yet that time.
No idea why, big ego or underfucked, u name it.
He acted like an asshole that time.
Mark King is an alpha ass in my book, so the split became a point of the time they produced and toured.
The Gould brothers are my fav. boys, the lack of respect ny Mark King is history.
My special three drummers:
#1 : Omar Hakim
#2 :Phil Gold
#3 : Poogie Bell
nice channel Rob.
Greetings from Germany
Just catching up with Ep2 and agree that Phil's work was solid and rhythmically diverse. The L42 live album and now YT shows from the early period, including Montreux, give plenty to feast upon - another great live band in their day and tight as the proverbial. Similarly the 'pop' feel that emanated after Phil's and Boon's departure is one reason the early stuff appeals to me more. Phil also started off as a keyboard musician but glad he moved onto the drum stool for his and our benefit.
I agree with you.....my drums hero are Stewart Copeland ,Jeff Porcaro,Phil Gould....and Phil Rudd.....all four with a groove in their music.....I've seen Phil Gould two Times in Milan(Italy...lol) 1985 and 1989 and Phil was amazing....please Phil come back!!!!!
Hi Rob. Love your video! Like you I've been listening to level 42 since I was 16 (34 now). I'm a bass player and Mark and their music is without doubt my greatest inspiration ever. I still listen to them almost daily
Man... We truly have the same influences. I've never met anyone that knows these guys.
EXCELLENT!
Sleepwalkers. Is. Sick. That whole album is one of my favorite. Fashion Fever is such an incredibly SICK tune!
Nailed it again Rob. Phil and Level 42. Huge influences. Absolutely HUGE.
Hey Rob, your words about Phil Gould seemed so personal, as he was an extraordinary influence on me.
I auditioned for a band in the 80’s that played hot water and mr pink, with an incredible bass player. I took to it like glue, and found myself mimicking his style and chops, without being that aware of it. They weren’t very well known in Australia so it was like my little secret :)
I think it also explains why I was so drawn to your playing and groove, and use your Videos to keep on top of things. Cheers Chris
I'm 61 year old and still listening to level 42 what an amazing band Phil Gould is also one of my best loved drummers as I'm also a drummer but work most time is studio
Thanks Rob for talking so well about this wonderfull musician and drummer ! I am obviously not alone to miss him....
I love Phil Gould. I am new to drums and the first 2 songs I learned to play was Something About You and Lessons in Love!
And i was lucky enough to see Level 42 in Copenhagen in 1985 and 1987. Great concerts. Please don,t forget to check out the great version of Microkid. It is the b-side of the 12" of To be with you again. Incredible great performance by PG.
His intro to Children Say on the Wembley concert is epic. I seem to recall he used some electronics on his kit and had some of those giant, hexagonal, simmons pads on his kit at the time. BTW loved the videos on Mark and Stewart. You obviously have good taste.
I grew up with Level 42 - I love them - great to see they made it across the Pond
A cool dude like you diggin the 42! No, seriously it's really refreshing that you like it. My bro in law gave me a tape back in the early nineties of Level 42 live featuring a Phil Gould drum solo that was just ridiculous! I wish I still had the recording. Bless you for appreciating proper music. It makes you a true musician my friend!
Great video Rob, Phil's feel is amazing. When he returned to Level 42 to record Forever now the old groove returned
I was late to the game with level 42 and now they are about all I listen to. Always loved Something About You, but never pursued the rest of their stuff. Absolutely killer stuff. All musicians are top notch.
Phil is a seriously nice guy to boot, I was very lucky to have a few lessons with Phil. Eye opening....
After watching this video I immediately jumped to search Level 42 on Spotify. You're right!, Phil Gould is/was a missing piece in every drummer's influences catalog. Thanks for sharing and keep it up with these HEROES videos.
level 42 changed my life. Phil has always been a great influence in my drumming
Hi Rob. Just saw your video, thank you so much for this statement! You are 1000% RIGHT!! Phil is one of the best groove drummers in the world. The day I heard their first album, I went nuts!! The way he supports Mark is amazing!! I am one their biggest fans. I think the first album is one of the best, also for groove playing.
I have a big request, can breakdown some of his grooves? Just like the one in the beginning of the video.
Saw the band in '83. Went because of Mark King. But was blown away by Phil. Insane grooves. And that snare sound !!!
HI,rob,I meet phill about 30 plus yrs ago plus ,at there first gig in Ipswich England,where I'm from,and his brother boon,he had time to talk to me,they were lovely humble fellers,im a hard working drummer here in Essex England,and a massive fan of phill,let me say rob your vids on here are tops,exelent mate,and thank you for explantion,ples take care man,i wish you lived nxt door mate,Chaz,,,,,
The thing I love about Phil Gould's playing is how far back behind the beat he plays the snare drum. Amazing effect.
Great choice Rob,both Mark and Phil are
a big influence on my playing too.Have you checked out Kevin Wilkinson of ChinaCrisis.unfortunatly he passed away to young.Neil Peart spoke of him in modern drummer interview.cheers for now.
Posted this to his facebook page!
I think the first two albums are certainly worth listening to as well. BTW, if you remember the song Pop Muzik by M, that was Mr G
+Patrick Anderson No way! Really? I loved that tune 🙂
Same with me Rob, Phil was a HUGE influence on me. Changed the way I played drums - especially the way he used his left foot doing the 2 + 4's on the hi-hat. So much control and tasteful playing. He's got a solo album out too from 2009 called Watertight.. lots of grooves in 7/4!
Not only Phil but Mark King is on M , too!
@@zebonaut Yes. I found out from Phil not long ago.
You, Sir, have impeccable taste! Absolutely love L42 and Phil's drumming. Apart from his groove, I love his fills. He was the first drummer I ever heard do a double crash, a 16th note apart, at the end of a fill: on the "4e&a" and the "1" of the next bar.
Funny you mentioned that small detail. That’s the one cool thing I’ve heard him do that I always wanted to copy. Not to mention he looked super slick doing it...with those round dark sunglasses and everything 😎 Phil was actually super touched by this video and he sent me the nicest message, man. We’ve been chatting privately occasionally over Twitter.
Hey Rob. I just took up learning to play drums aged 53! Growing up in the 80’s my friends and I were aware of Level 42 but in 1984 Channel 4 (we only had 4 tv channels in the uk) had a show called “play at home” and one episode was level 42 inspiring some local kids. They played some live footage of Phil’s drum solo in the song 88, and that was THE life changing moment for me, when the penny dropped and I truly discovered music. Went out next day and bought every album. Went to see them live that autumn at Portsmouth guildhall. Mark King is a legend but Phil Gould was and is The One!
I agree. No disrespect to Gary but I stopped buying albums after Phil left.
You are so right! I love early Level 42 - Phil Gould is the man!
I absolutely, unequivocally have to agree with you. Phil's playing absolutely changed my pocket for pop/ r and b groove and funk playing. The songs are great too. Phil can lay it down and Mark King takes a fills in everything else. Brit Funk yes!
I grew up listening to Phil Gould, and i saw them live many a time.The brother is one of the best. Everything you have said is as if you took it out of my head! his brother Boon died today RIP
First Mark then Phil. These are two belters right out of the gate ! So great that they influenced you over the Atlantic at the same time they did me in the Uk
HI Rob. Thanks for the recommendation. Gonna check em out right away. Never heard of them before.
I like that spiky haird drummer with a round red shades. Hes so cool during his stint with level 42. Best drummer during the ,80s. New wave dominated scene.
Thanks Rob! I I discovered this group for myself recently. Amazed, listen. I'm fond of drums myself. Best greetings from Russia :)
So cool to know he's a favorite of yours, as well! A HUGELY-underrated player! I listened to World Machine every day when it came out (and also got to see Level 42 a few times on that tour). "Physical Presence," "Leaving Me Now," "I Sleep On My Heart," "It's Not The Same For Us," "Dream Crazy" - all exemplars of serious behind-the-beat pocket voodoo. What great drum sounds, too.
I Sleep On My Heart! 😩 Maaaaaan. That’s in my top favourite L42 tunes EVER.
You forgot The “Early tapes” album. Greetings from Holland. Love your vids!
Lovely illustration of The Chant Has Begun to begin with.
Someone i discovered WAY WAY too late was Ray Garraway. (RIP). Instantly became one of my heroes, what an amazing human being.
Good call, man. I discovered Ray's playing back when I got hooked on a band he was in called Salvador Dream. We ended up hangin' out for a day several years ago at a (long time defunct) music trade show up here in Toronto called MIAC. He was a sweet dude. Smokin' drummer.
Rob Brown He had the concept of space down to a T. Beautiful grooves. And from what everyone says an even more awesome human being.
Rob - don't know if you had the double album the live "A Physical Presence" - the last track on the second album is an instrumental called "88" and he does a fantastic solo there as well.
Hey Rob, massive fan of Level 42 and have been since the world machine album. His drumming in every song is amazing. The tightness of his snare and the intricate things that you miss were just top notch. The album you didn’t mention, which is another good one to listen to and they got Phil back for in 1994 is Forever Now. Listen to some of his playing in that. It’ll make your hair stand on end!!!
Sooo dig your channel! Phil knocked my socks off when I was just an 18-year-old puppy. Just solid. But if there’s one thing that I worked on, walked away with was his hat work on tracks like TC’s “Hot Water” and “True Believers” ... keep that left foot movin’!!
Thanks for the reminder. Never a Level 42 fan particularly but Phil Gould’s playing was always mind blowingly tight. 😎
What Phil plays on the epic Level 42 track 'leaving me now' from the equally epic World Machine album,is pure genius...just listen to that hi-hat and Bass drum phrasing man...pffft...off the scale!
I've never heard of him til this post... checked out his UK 2017 youtube clip: Awesome! I will follow up after checking out more. Thanks Rob!!
My number 1 drummer, influenced my playing no end. I'd recommend any album he plays on. Phil Gould is a true master.
Phil Gould, defintely one of the most versatile and accomplished drummer/percussionists IMHO. Totally agree with Rob B on this. Certainly one of my biggest influences. I even had a copy of his drum-loops CD (early 90's), loaned it to a drummer friend and never saw it again :( Would love to get that back if anyone knows where I can get.
Nice words ! I like the motivations and I certainly agree it all ! " I love the sound of the first Album " - with the Band name "Level 42" ! That snare sound on "Love Games" is fantastic. Great recording techniek :-) But how they get that great snare sound is a mystery to me. I've tryed within Logic Pro X and the Drummers VST/AU. I didn't come close : - (