that dudes feel is impeccable. He treats the drums as in instrument instead of something you just hit. He makes sure every hit counts. Hes got serious skill
Congrats Tony! It was a pleasure to meet you and hear you play that night! You definitely played well and executed. Keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing your success/career grow. Bravo! The future generation is in good hands people. #respect
Clean clean clean! Such a solid performance, especially in a room full of drummers- literally judging your every note. Some impressive confidence and execution Tony!
Here's my dream for 2016's drum-off. Some long-haired ginger with corpse paint and studded arm bands plays lots of syncopated pianissimo jazz fills on the acoustic kit, gets the back tap and then blasts at 260 bpm for a solid 55 seconds using only the octopad.
Tony Taylor Jr. You are an excellent drummer and deserved that win. All I can say is WOW. Cant believe I am just now discovering you and your smooth drumming style and the great use of the Octapad. I started playing in bars and clubs at 13 yrs old. I'm 52 now. And you are incredible. Smooth sticking, definitely gave me some great ideas for my octapad, I had an original octapad, and octapad 2. And 16 piece set roland electronics. Not like these today but old school. Anyway I recently retired, bought new set of the new Tama star series all maple shells 7 piece, great sound and the new Alesis electronics 2 sets of those. But man I am sure glad that I found your videos. I give lessons and now have some homework for some to go home and study. Cant say enough about you buddy. You've been blessed with an incredible talent, and very relatable to some of the kids i teach, they probably already heard you before me. But just keep doing what your doing that's a God given talent. Would love to no what's been going on in your career in past 4 years. I'm sure the stars are with you. This ol Hillbilly Drummer bows and congrats for the win. Thank you. And Keep The Beat Going For All Those That Love To Play. Your an inspiration for all. HillbillyDrummer out. Have a blessed night my friend. 👍😎🤝🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🤘🙏🙏🙏
Yea, because the Octopad doesn't make ones performance better. it's an enhancer just like that of a trigger. Old school drumming required drummers to be creative without the aid of electronic devices outside of microphones... The allowance of the Octopad was one of the dumbest ideas yet for the Drum Offs. Very glad to see them go. It requires more from drummers and allows the judges and audience to see the originality of what it takes to be truly creative with a drumset and only a drumset. I remember when tom tuning was your "Octopad". It's high time that said ideology came back and they knocked out the Octopad. So yes. Yes, the "Get rid of the Octopad" comments are strong and will continue to be within every video containing one lol.
I have to say I'm 1 of those old school drummers. I moved up to triggers, very iffy alot of times, then Then The Roland R8 Drum Machine with the Triangle shaped roland electronic and octapad, then octapad 2, then gotta go. The electronics then got to hurting my wrists and arms. Then I finally retired after 40 years. Teach on the side nothing I promote just people that no me. But I do have to say I now own a new 7 piece Tama Star series all maple shells. Incredible sound, but i also bought 2 of the new Alesis electronics, do nice love mesh heads totally nice, and kids love to play them. Have them connected so they hear what I play I hear theres. Love them. But I cant get away from the new Tamas. Great drums great sound. But to keep up with the kids and the new ways I have to have them. Keeps there attention and midi threw laptop. Far more advanced than old school. I feel you but that's the way it's going. Wish it wasn't but gotta keep there attention and mix them in with acoustic. Jam on. Hillbilly Shine Time. Relaxing time. Hope all have a blessed night sorry for rambling, I get both sides. Neil Peart used them cant be that bad. Drum on😎🤝🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🙏🙏🙏
That's someone that spent a lot of time working on every aspect of the craft. Enjoyed the performance. Also, two thumbs up to the sound engineer. Those drums and all around mix sounds marvelous!
I love the Octapad! Especially when guys like Tony, Juan, and JP have used it in years prior to make a VERY musical solo! Most people are just salty about it because they don't know how to use it well, can't afford it, or because most finalists abuse it...totally understandable! BUT, when used properly, (as demonstrated above) it totally takes your solo to the next level! You're not JUST playing drums anymore, you're making music!!
Miguel Gutierrez Wonder if most of the guys like Neil Peart here and would the same be said about Neil and the items he uses during Rush's show and Neil's solos?? Just a thought, not putting anyone down
Well done young man. Such a great gift and examples to other young folk out there. Pushing the boundaries and taking drumming in another direction. Well done 👍
the negative comments on here are ABSOLUTELY hilarious...you can tell immediately who plays drums vs who plays at drums LoL...Tony is an incredible drummer...he beat out 4,000 + drummers proving so and all you guys can do is talk about an Octopad....technology is here people....its not going anywhere....wishing it away won't change anything either. KEEP KILLIN TONY!
+Darius Kirksey Too true, for me the most telling of the lads skill is his HH adjust near 1:26, super smooth, and if you're not into technology rather play a Djembe.
+Darius Kirksey THANK YOU, if you get rid of the octopad, you need to add a keyboard and a bass player, I'm a drummer and I love drum solos but dam just drums come on put some flavor in it everyone in the room isn't a drummer you got to fit the even for everyone involved. hello to do all of that and still incorporate an octopad manually is incredible to me.
The OCTOPAD and TRIGGER are no longer allowed in the competition. GC finally woke up and realized the purists were no longer paying attention. It was a terrible idea to begin with. Nice solo btw, very talented kid.
+Abel Quintero Someone who went to school with this amazingly talented drummer. I was crazy excited to see him win the drum-off because I discovered him back in 2012 on youtube. I wonder if he still is in high school because if he is just imagine how he will be when he get in college.
th3 GreAtMan _LOVE He's at Berklee College of Music now. I believe he's a freshman there, but he's been doing a lot of studio work and live shows even since high school. I can only imagine how many job offers he's getting after winning this, and I'm hoping to see him tour with a famous artist some day!
Rusty MrHoppy agreed and it may not have the same notes but it definitely has the same feeling 99% he watched him still a great drummer mad respect for tony
All the drummers that make it to the Drum Off finals are really good drummers. It just saddens me that we really can't see their true voice on the kit because they are hand cuffed by the Octopad. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to have one myself, but for this competition, I think it robs the drummers of showing off their true stuff.
To those complaining about the octopad..... It takes a lot more skill to create music with it while still maintaining a steady beat. If you ask me, it's a brilliant addition to the kit. Any drummer can play a beat....but try do that while playing something musical on the octopad. Technically speaking...you could also say that you only need the ride and the crash... the extra cymbal isn't necessary. If they add an extra tom, nobody says anything lol...but God forbid them adding an octopad LOL...Learn to adapt.
+Kirk Anderson The boy ain't even 20 yet. And he's already winning drum offs, cut him some slack give him sometime he'll be great one day as well don't sleep on him. Everybody ain't Tony Royster everybody's play style isn't the same every drummer is different you really can't compare any of the guys.
+Kirk Anderson don't worry i agree with you! like Tony Royster Jr. won the drum off at 16 and the hand speed and technicality of TRJ is insane. Don't get me wrong, I've played for 14 and still can't touch these two. Both incredible drummers
extremely solid drumming, there's no doubting that. but whatever happened to just "drumming"? you and your kit; no gimmicks. I've seen John Bonham performances more impressive with a 5 piece kit and two bongos.
thank you! idiots get on here hating! they will always b negative ppl who sit back and judge otherS.. dude can shut DA FCK Up! He's a very young kid,cumin n2 the very early stages of manhood. win its all said n done,his performance was in front of the who's who of drummers' AND celebs were there . So anyone who wants to pick apart him are fckin haters and jealous. BTW! He fckn won! so thnx for tellin that clown to stop hatin...IF U WANNA GIVE SUM1 CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM'INBOX HIM AND SEND HIM A POS-MESSAGE WHILE LENDING ADVICE..OTHER THAN THAT STFU N GO GET YOUR SELF SUM HELP ON BUILDING ,NOT TEARING DWN. LAST THING,ITZ OBVIOUS SUM OF THE TOP DRUMMERS THOUGHT IT WAS ENOUGH TO GIVE HIM THE VICTORY-
+Roberto Lozano The few drum off's I competed in I was told you could not play known parts of popular songs. So what he did, at least when I was up there was enough ground to be disqualified.
Dear octopad haters, Music Directors are going to see his use of the octopad in addition to his skill set and be reassured that if they hire him, they are also hiring a drummer that has a high skill level, can a play a pocket AND CAN PROGRAM! Also, playing melodies on an octopad while playing drums is indicative of great skill. Get over it.
Eh, aside from the end, a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, this killed and I could probably never do it, but it seemed kinda bland compared to previous years. But then again im sour on anyone using the octopads
+Jared Wildberger That is such a silly thing to be sour about. you literally said you could probably never play it, but still have no appreciation for the orchestration is takes to implement a foreign instrument like the octopad? to be clear, I mean foreign to most players. not many own Octopads and have to go to a GC to learn how to use it or even practice with it.
+Randall Flores And therein lies the problem with the drum-off. It's become more about the octapad than what you do on the drumset without it. I have to spend 700 dollars to stand somewhat of a chance at the drumoff. Without it, I will never advance above those that use it. Sorry, I don't have time to learn it at GC and I don't have 700 dollars to spend on a piece of equipment I won't use outside of the GC drum-off.
+trmnatr21 I can agree with that. That, however, doesn't diminish the difficulty of incorporating it into a solo. Weather you acknowledge it or not, it takes a bit of technical know-how to use an octopad and drum simultaneously. None of what you see in these videos is "easy" per second. Sometimes the time and rhythm they keep on the kit while playing the pads can't be accomplished by the average player. Not to mention the rudiments or patterns they might be doing with their hands on the pads at the same time.
+Randall Flores Agreed. Solo was great and I was impressed. Can't do it myself. The competition is bullcrap though. I'm mad at guitar center and the creators for making this about the octapad in the recent few years. It's a hassle to a bunch of people like me who can't afford it and can't afford to learn it. I just have a drumset haha. You'd think that'd be enough in a DRUM competition...
+trmnatr21 Well you know Guitar Center feel like they need to market or advertise their brands to sell.. that's all it is ... to trick foolish customers... flash it like it's a must have for any *serious drummer, when truly it's not
Tony "Royster" Taylor Jr.? 😂 He even has the same Snapback Hat Royster used in his opening performances on the 26th Annual Drum Off! Any resemblance is a coincidence. Just stayin...
LMAO.....I see a lot of people hating on this young man. there's no way he's hiding behind Octapad! Do your homework.....This young man have some serious skills! Chicago, Atlanta, LA, New York, and Detroit will continue to bring out the hottest musicians around!
More of the same! Great Technique and creativity. But where's music? Where's groove? I can't imagine a music like that! BENNY GREB, PLEASE!!!! PLEASE SAVE US!!!
Israel Daluran, yes!!! U're right! But he's good just because I can't play like him? This means that music is a competition? I can play all the song of Beatles. I'm better than (or equal) Ringo? A robot can create those patterns!
songs of Beatles? the 70's ?? my grandgrand father can play them. common men? its a drum off? that's the way to show skills in drumming. stop giving negative feedback on his performance.
songs of Beatles? the 70's ?? my grandgrand father can play them. common men? its a drum off? that's the way to show skills in drumming. stop giving negative feedback on his performance.
Israel Daluran, kkkkkk. Music is timeless. Ok! You like circus drummers! Great! I don't like. I like grooves and feel something! Like I sad: a robot can play those patterns!
I'm glad they finally fixed the EQ. Last year sounded like they were hitting paper bags -__- this year's sound is absolutely beautiful. And to all the people complaining about the octopad, it's just an auxiliary percussion instrument. And he MORE than proves his ability to play the drums by... Well... PLAYING THE DRUMS.
hmm.. black guy, generic gospel chops, over use of playing octapad (especially playing a michael jackson bassline on the octapad) the past 4 winners basically played the SAME solo
Brett Hawkins they are, generally, sextuplets or double tempo licks used on the church drumming. Their beauty is that, if they are well placed, the lock creates a rythm tension on the music. The problem is that the gospel chops are not gospel chops anymore, that language has trascend his core and now you see them in all genres. The overplaying is true, but that problem is created by the drummer, to chop doesn't mean overplay...
Many people in the comments are hating because he used an octopad. Everyone and their mothers used octopads in this competition for years and it's not going to change. He's hella talented even without the octopad. Get over yourselves.
It seems that If your name is Tony and also a Jr.... You're bound to be a world class drummer...
All we need is the singing fish on vocals and we are set
that dudes feel is impeccable. He treats the drums as in instrument instead of something you just hit. He makes sure every hit counts. Hes got serious skill
Congrats Tony! It was a pleasure to meet you and hear you play that night! You definitely played well and executed. Keep up the great work and looking forward to seeing your success/career grow. Bravo! The future generation is in good hands people. #respect
Yessir bro!!! Thanks man!!! I appreciate it!!! Hopefully will see you again soon!!!
Both if you guys are great. I found them both to be very, very similar
Wow! Never noticed this comment. 2 of my favorite drummers. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the drummer community.
My name is ashani I am a drummer
Hey Juan Carlos, your performance wasn't bad either. lol Truly amazing. Well done, snare sound was perfect
Clean clean clean! Such a solid performance, especially in a room full of drummers- literally judging your every note. Some impressive confidence and execution Tony!
Please vote my channel))))))
+Константин Кириченко Nigga stop promoting your shit......no one what's to "vote your channel"
+Adam Tuminaro true!!!
wow men I want you to teach me you great
no lie, this has to be the best grand winning performance ever.
Damn, his right foot is outrageous...
+Tesla Nick Thats why people call him Tony kick drum Taylor
th3 GreAtMan _LOVE
A well deserved title...
Tesla Nick Yeah I'm still working on getting my foot like that
th3 GreAtMan _LOVE
Haha me too... for the last 20 odd years !
+Tesla Nick It's cause of those Jordans he's got on...
Footwork is off the charts!
Charlie's Drum Corner it is good
True that.
After watching the other finalists i can say im pleased with the winner, fantastic!
same he deserved to win
Extremely clean performance. Every note incredibly well executed!
+Maximiliam Andersson Agree, friend ;)
+Maximiliam Andersson Very true my friend. Better than the last couple of years, definitely. Still too much octapad in my opinion.
The only time you can truly count on the audience to clap in time and not lose the beat.
Here's my dream for 2016's drum-off. Some long-haired ginger with corpse paint and studded arm bands plays lots of syncopated pianissimo jazz fills on the acoustic kit, gets the back tap and then blasts at 260 bpm for a solid 55 seconds using only the octopad.
Garrett O'Donnell LOL
Brilliant
it's gotta be the Jordans
joefabuloso r they probably creased up like crazy now
be like mike.
lolol
😂😂😂😂😂
his right foot...holy shiiiiiit.
Tony Taylor Jr. You are an excellent drummer and deserved that win. All I can say is WOW. Cant believe I am just now discovering you and your smooth drumming style and the great use of the Octapad. I started playing in bars and clubs at 13 yrs old. I'm 52 now. And you are incredible. Smooth sticking, definitely gave me some great ideas for my octapad, I had an original octapad, and octapad 2. And 16 piece set roland electronics. Not like these today but old school. Anyway I recently retired, bought new set of the new Tama star series all maple shells 7 piece, great sound and the new Alesis electronics 2 sets of those. But man I am sure glad that I found your videos. I give lessons and now have some homework for some to go home and study. Cant say enough about you buddy. You've been blessed with an incredible talent, and very relatable to some of the kids i teach, they probably already heard you before me. But just keep doing what your doing that's a God given talent. Would love to no what's been going on in your career in past 4 years. I'm sure the stars are with you. This ol Hillbilly Drummer bows and congrats for the win. Thank you. And Keep The Beat Going For All Those That Love To Play. Your an inspiration for all. HillbillyDrummer out. Have a blessed night my friend. 👍😎🤝🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🤘🙏🙏🙏
1:20 He fixes the hi hat without hardly missing a beat! Mad skills to be able to do that on the fly!
Here come the "Get rid of the Octopad" comments
emmittsmith482 YEA...and it worked..👍
Yea, because the Octopad doesn't make ones performance better. it's an enhancer just like that of a trigger. Old school drumming required drummers to be creative without the aid of electronic devices outside of microphones... The allowance of the Octopad was one of the dumbest ideas yet for the Drum Offs. Very glad to see them go. It requires more from drummers and allows the judges and audience to see the originality of what it takes to be truly creative with a drumset and only a drumset. I remember when tom tuning was your "Octopad". It's high time that said ideology came back and they knocked out the Octopad. So yes. Yes, the "Get rid of the Octopad" comments are strong and will continue to be within every video containing one lol.
more like i cant afford an octopad so it probably sucks, or i cant use it or ive never used an octopad
Fer cris'sakes that debate harks back to Neil Peart 35 years ago lol
I have to say I'm 1 of those old school drummers. I moved up to triggers, very iffy alot of times, then Then The Roland R8 Drum Machine with the Triangle shaped roland electronic and octapad, then octapad 2, then gotta go. The electronics then got to hurting my wrists and arms. Then I finally retired after 40 years. Teach on the side nothing I promote just people that no me. But I do have to say I now own a new 7 piece Tama Star series all maple shells. Incredible sound, but i also bought 2 of the new Alesis electronics, do nice love mesh heads totally nice, and kids love to play them. Have them connected so they hear what I play I hear theres. Love them. But I cant get away from the new Tamas. Great drums great sound. But to keep up with the kids and the new ways I have to have them. Keeps there attention and midi threw laptop. Far more advanced than old school. I feel you but that's the way it's going. Wish it wasn't but gotta keep there attention and mix them in with acoustic. Jam on. Hillbilly Shine Time. Relaxing time. Hope all have a blessed night sorry for rambling, I get both sides. Neil Peart used them cant be that bad. Drum on😎🤝🤘🥁🥁🥁🥁🙏🙏🙏
One of the best GC winners in my opinion... amazing coordination and groove, and he is able to replicate a double kick with a single foot.
I absolutely love the Chris Coleman vibe near the end, this guy is great!
Olivier Coppens that’s exactly what I said!
Plus, the kid's only 18. You know for a fact he's gonna chop a lot. Let him have fun
man his chops are so solid and his time is even...
THAT WAS DOPE...Are u serious..Great performance man..Very unique style & he sets himself apart from other drummers with his identity..🙌🙏✊🗿
His dynamics sets him apart and above the majority of drummer s. Simply impeccable
Guitar Center's 27th Annual Octapad-Off
Good goddamn wtf did I just watch?!😳😳😳... I haven't seen a performance and actual drumming in the drumoff in YEARS!! That was just awesome!!!
His right foot is the best I've ever seen or heard.
That's someone that spent a lot of time working on every aspect of the craft. Enjoyed the performance. Also, two thumbs up to the sound engineer. Those drums and all around mix sounds marvelous!
I love the Octapad! Especially when guys like Tony, Juan, and JP have used it in years prior to make a VERY musical solo! Most people are just salty about it because they don't know how to use it well, can't afford it, or because most finalists abuse it...totally understandable! BUT, when used properly, (as demonstrated above) it totally takes your solo to the next level! You're not JUST playing drums anymore, you're making music!!
Miguel Gutierrez Wonder if most of the guys like Neil Peart here and would the same be said about Neil
and the items he uses during Rush's show and Neil's solos?? Just a thought, not putting anyone down
Finally a drummer worthy enough to listen to
the drum off has turned into a sound board competition
but tony can out chop you with just drums tho!?? facts
Well done young man. Such a great gift and examples to other young folk out there. Pushing the boundaries and taking drumming in another direction. Well done 👍
Not that this guy isn't awesome but I feel like the drum offs were better before they added the octopad.
+sox0017 Well you know Guitar Center feel like they need to market or advertise their brands to sell.. that's all it is
+sox0017 agree with that...... and for me, that was ok..........
i agree
Shut up
You plan on making me
Fuck I am always blown away at how crisp the kits sound on the drum offs. Sound guys and drum techs are on point, that snare is God-like.
he killed it!!!
Ive known this guy for a few years now. he is SO AWESOME! YOU GO TONY!
that groove at 2:40 had every hip hop artist in the room taking notes
I was definitely like that groove must be learned. lol
Cameron Lee is this a hip hop contest now!
Nick Smith already did something like that
Tony is an awesome drummer, his fills and combos are great, nice solo arrangement...
Been watching his youtube videos and periscope. Seems like a really nice dude. Super clean on the drums too. Nick Smith style fo sure
Wow man!! I have no other words.Tony has the Rhythm. Blown away I was...Mic Dropped
the negative comments on here are ABSOLUTELY hilarious...you can tell immediately who plays drums vs who plays at drums LoL...Tony is an incredible drummer...he beat out 4,000 + drummers proving so and all you guys can do is talk about an Octopad....technology is here people....its not going anywhere....wishing it away won't change anything either. KEEP KILLIN TONY!
well said.
Yessir man!!! Appreciate it!!!
+Darius Kirksey
Too true, for me the most telling of the lads skill is his HH adjust near 1:26, super smooth, and if you're not into technology rather play a Djembe.
+Darius Kirksey Thank you.
+Darius Kirksey THANK YOU, if you get rid of the octopad, you need to add a keyboard and a bass player, I'm a drummer and I love drum solos but dam just drums come on put some flavor in it everyone in the room isn't a drummer you got to fit the even for everyone involved. hello to do all of that and still incorporate an octopad manually is incredible to me.
that right foot kick is awesome!
The OCTOPAD and TRIGGER are no longer allowed in the competition. GC finally woke up and realized the purists were no longer paying attention. It was a terrible idea to begin with.
Nice solo btw, very talented kid.
Yeah i heard theyre also making every single contestant tune the set by ear and name 687,000 jazz drummers before playing
TRUE, KAT!
i hope you're not serious
Tom Floor
+Kat V lmaoo
honestly one of the best i've ever seen in the youtube drumworld...
That "Beat It" version sounded like some track from Crash Bandicoot soundtrack
that was insane. dunno how I missed this over the years!
His triplets and quadruplets are on the money!!!
J.D.
Q q q q q e.
Qnnwajnwn
holy crap...amazing footwork and very clean off-beat hits.
yo i met this guy at namm he is crazy with that foot man
I had the privilege of playing bass with Tony in high school. I knew he was a special talent, and it's so great to see him taking off!
+Abel Quintero Someone who went to school with this amazingly talented drummer. I was crazy excited to see him win the drum-off because I discovered him back in 2012 on youtube. I wonder if he still is in high school because if he is just imagine how he will be when he get in college.
th3 GreAtMan _LOVE He's at Berklee College of Music now. I believe he's a freshman there, but he's been doing a lot of studio work and live shows even since high school. I can only imagine how many job offers he's getting after winning this, and I'm hoping to see him tour with a famous artist some day!
Abel Quintero Dang this boy got talent and he's at Berklee. Inspirational
***** Ooooohhhhh ok, well he gonna have to make his mind up because with the talent he got he can do anything.
This guy's Octopad sequence starting at 3:07 has practically the same notes as Juan's in 2012. Just sayin'
Listened to it. Same Octopad sound, but different sticking....
Rusty MrHoppy agreed and it may not have the same notes but it definitely has the same feeling 99% he watched him still a great drummer mad respect for tony
Truee
This was AWESOME!! He's awesome!! I liked this better than some of the past winning performances, even though those are good too.
I've about had it with the Octapad. Great drummer! Probably well deserved winner. But, damn that Octapad!!
Coming after Tony Royster Jr's Throne!!! This kid got kicks like no other.
Lil home is a beast, for a young cat he's playing like he's seasoned, and yes his right foot is ridiculous
this dude is a beast his footwork omg
I like that nick smith groove.
I like the fact he didn't really rely on the double kick pedal so much.
All the drummers that make it to the Drum Off finals are really good drummers. It just saddens me that we really can't see their true voice on the kit because they are hand cuffed by the Octopad. Don't get me wrong, I'd like to have one myself, but for this competition, I think it robs the drummers of showing off their true stuff.
tought the same ,but its like having an extra percussion instrument , just see neil peart on his solos he had a mini xylophone i think ?
Love that groove that starts at 3:08. Super tight solo!
Pad or not- this dude rules. Bravo.
Magnificent
To those complaining about the octopad.....
It takes a lot more skill to create music with it while still maintaining a steady beat. If you ask me, it's a brilliant addition to the kit.
Any drummer can play a beat....but try do that while playing something musical on the octopad.
Technically speaking...you could also say that you only need the ride and the crash... the extra cymbal isn't necessary.
If they add an extra tom, nobody says anything lol...but God forbid them adding an octopad LOL...Learn to adapt.
I'm sure this guy didn't wanna use the Octapad, with out it he's still a MONSTER. But he played by Guitar Center's game of using it and won.
great drummer. do you know what drum off needs? more octapad and bad MJ riffs
Very nice, Tony. Chops galore. Innovative ideas using the Roland.
The guy is a killer drummer no doubt, I just can't help but feel like the octopad is getting in way of the craft.
congratulations from Boston, Tony you are fantastic, good luck with your future.
Why does everyone hate the Octopad?
David McAninch cause they wish they could use it as good at these guys
bwahah.....exactly. ..
Seriously Awesome Performance... You know its good if it gives you chills.
oops. I thought they said Tony Royster, Jr. my bad
this guy couldn't touch Tony Royster Jr
+Kirk Anderson The boy ain't even 20 yet. And he's already winning drum offs, cut him some slack give him sometime he'll be great one day as well don't sleep on him. Everybody ain't Tony Royster everybody's play style isn't the same every drummer is different you really can't compare any of the guys.
+Kirk Anderson Are you kidding me. Tony Taylor would kill Royster Jr on kit!
Lmfao
+Kirk Anderson don't worry i agree with you! like Tony Royster Jr. won the drum off at 16 and the hand speed and technicality of TRJ is insane. Don't get me wrong, I've played for 14 and still can't touch these two. Both incredible drummers
Wow this guy and Tony Royster Jr....The Two Talented Tonys!!
Kyla M. Tony jr's
Kyla M. tony williams..
extremely solid drumming, there's no doubting that. but whatever happened to just "drumming"? you and your kit; no gimmicks. I've seen John Bonham performances more impressive with a 5 piece kit and two bongos.
It's called a "drum off" Cornball.! It's a competition...
What a sick footwork!!! Hats off, guys!
Better than Shariq for sure.
I agree. shariq is great but I think he could've had a better finale
Ian Asibey wxxwe
this 18 year old has a bright future ahead of him, don't be hating
thank you! idiots get on here hating! they will always b negative ppl who sit back and judge otherS.. dude can shut DA FCK Up! He's a very young kid,cumin n2 the very early stages of manhood. win its all said n done,his performance was in front of the who's who of drummers' AND celebs were there . So anyone who wants to pick apart him are fckin haters and jealous. BTW! He fckn won! so thnx for tellin that clown to stop hatin...IF U WANNA GIVE SUM1 CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM'INBOX HIM AND SEND HIM A POS-MESSAGE WHILE LENDING ADVICE..OTHER THAN THAT STFU N GO GET YOUR SELF SUM HELP ON BUILDING ,NOT TEARING DWN. LAST THING,ITZ OBVIOUS SUM OF THE TOP DRUMMERS THOUGHT IT WAS ENOUGH TO GIVE HIM THE VICTORY-
Rolling my eyes at those covers bits on the octo. Lame!
+Alex Z same here
+Roberto Lozano The few drum off's I competed in I was told you could not play known parts of popular songs. So what he did, at least when I was up there was enough ground to be disqualified.
+Alex Z u mad or nah? cop a octopad buddy. time to evolve!!!
+loudman23 yeah, bc everyone wants to spend $800 on an octopad LOL
+Jay Northrop I'm sure those rules don't apply anymore. Or else he woulda been .....
This held my attention the whole time. All I can think right now is just OOOOOOO WEEEEEEE OOOOOOOO WEEEEEEE
Dear octopad haters,
Music Directors are going to see his use of the octopad in addition to his skill set and be reassured that if they hire him, they are also hiring a drummer that has a high skill level, can a play a pocket AND CAN PROGRAM! Also, playing melodies on an octopad while playing drums is indicative of great skill. Get over it.
Awesome!
Eh, aside from the end, a little underwhelming. Don't get me wrong, this killed and I could probably never do it, but it seemed kinda bland compared to previous years. But then again im sour on anyone using the octopads
+Jared Wildberger That is such a silly thing to be sour about. you literally said you could probably never play it, but still have no appreciation for the orchestration is takes to implement a foreign instrument like the octopad? to be clear, I mean foreign to most players. not many own Octopads and have to go to a GC to learn how to use it or even practice with it.
+Randall Flores And therein lies the problem with the drum-off. It's become more about the octapad than what you do on the drumset without it. I have to spend 700 dollars to stand somewhat of a chance at the drumoff. Without it, I will never advance above those that use it. Sorry, I don't have time to learn it at GC and I don't have 700 dollars to spend on a piece of equipment I won't use outside of the GC drum-off.
+trmnatr21 I can agree with that. That, however, doesn't diminish the difficulty of incorporating it into a solo. Weather you acknowledge it or not, it takes a bit of technical know-how to use an octopad and drum simultaneously. None of what you see in these videos is "easy" per second. Sometimes the time and rhythm they keep on the kit while playing the pads can't be accomplished by the average player. Not to mention the rudiments or patterns they might be doing with their hands on the pads at the same time.
+Randall Flores Agreed. Solo was great and I was impressed. Can't do it myself. The competition is bullcrap though. I'm mad at guitar center and the creators for making this about the octapad in the recent few years. It's a hassle to a bunch of people like me who can't afford it and can't afford to learn it. I just have a drumset haha. You'd think that'd be enough in a DRUM competition...
+trmnatr21 Well you know Guitar Center feel like they need to market or advertise their brands to sell.. that's all it is ... to trick foolish customers... flash it like it's a must have for any *serious drummer, when truly it's not
really 99 people gave this performance a thumbs down..smh...I mean really
Tony "Royster" Taylor Jr.? 😂 He even has the same Snapback Hat Royster used in his opening performances on the 26th Annual Drum Off! Any resemblance is a coincidence. Just stayin...
LMAO.....I see a lot of people hating on this young man. there's no way he's hiding behind Octapad! Do your homework.....This young man have some serious skills! Chicago, Atlanta, LA, New York, and Detroit will continue to bring out the hottest musicians around!
More of the same! Great Technique and creativity. But where's music? Where's groove?
I can't imagine a music like that!
BENNY GREB, PLEASE!!!! PLEASE SAVE US!!!
Israel Daluran, yes!!! U're right! But he's good just because I can't play like him? This means that music is a competition?
I can play all the song of Beatles. I'm better than (or equal) Ringo?
A robot can create those patterns!
songs of Beatles? the 70's ?? my grandgrand father can play them. common men? its a drum off? that's the way to show skills in drumming. stop giving negative feedback on his performance.
songs of Beatles? the 70's ?? my grandgrand father can play them. common men? its a drum off? that's the way to show skills in drumming. stop giving negative feedback on his performance.
Israel Daluran, kkkkkk. Music is timeless.
Ok! You like circus drummers! Great! I don't like. I like grooves and feel something! Like I sad: a robot can play those patterns!
Just when I was about to say how I only thought his cleanliness was impressive, he shredded the kit to end the piece. It was sick. Bravo my friend.
Not a fan of the octopad honestly.
I'm glad they finally fixed the EQ. Last year sounded like they were hitting paper bags -__- this year's sound is absolutely beautiful.
And to all the people complaining about the octopad, it's just an auxiliary percussion instrument. And he MORE than proves his ability to play the drums by... Well... PLAYING THE DRUMS.
hmm.. black guy, generic gospel chops, over use of playing octapad (especially playing a michael jackson bassline on the octapad) the past 4 winners basically played the SAME solo
I want more chops jordan .. buddy rich and carl palmer drum solos
buddy rich wouldn't make it past store level the way the drum off is
Jordan Johnson
thats 100x more entertaining to me than a dude fucking around on the octapad . cool solo
wow.. that solo was terrible.. I couldn't get past 30 seconds... sorry.. but true
+Jordan Johnson lol lol lol dude you really think that was a ripping solo? Some people are really delusional holy crap.
Tony Taylor Jr. you are one of the best drummers I ever see
This kid is nasty. With that said I am getting tired of gospel chops.
derek motta, I here you brother, a lot of great drummers don't stand a chance, if you know what I mean!
define a "gospel" chop, please.
To me gospel chops mean overplaying too much. I'm generalizing of course but can someone else clarify? That's what it seems like to me.
Brett Hawkins they are, generally, sextuplets or double tempo licks used on the church drumming. Their beauty is that, if they are well placed, the lock creates a rythm tension on the music.
The problem is that the gospel chops are not gospel chops anymore, that language has trascend his core and now you see them in all genres.
The overplaying is true, but that problem is created by the drummer, to chop doesn't mean overplay...
Oh. My. God. INCREDIBLE! I have a new person in my "Favourite Drummers List"!
This kid has been on the scene for YEARS underground. Trust me, even without an octopad, he was going to kill the others.
wow .. never seen anything like this before this is crazy .. wow .. God bless u tony.
Absolutely Fantastic!!!!!!!
Not sure how you could possibly give this a thumbs down. Solid!
Many people in the comments are hating because he used an octopad. Everyone and their mothers used octopads in this competition for years and it's not going to change. He's hella talented even without the octopad. Get over yourselves.
Drumming from another planet! TALENT!
People who are complaining about him using the octapad are just jealous. This guy killed it plain and simple.
The best one since 2012.
dude, that was impressive ! you played really clean, very balanced performance, every note you did perfectly! great man :)
awww man. I was just hoping to see Mr. Mangini play. Back to searching.