Best Drum Performance Videos: Amazing Solos, Creative Grooves

There are tons of tutorials and you can play along to almost any song you want to drum to. But the performances of the actual drummers inspired us first and foremost. Let’s take a look at what we think are the best drum performance videos. Because at some point we will miss a few.

Best Drum Performance Videos: Why One Drummer’s Performance Sticks and Another’s Doesn’t?

The fastest, hardest, grooviest, most amazing polyrhythmic or the best demonstration of technical excellence are just a few ways to view the best drum performance videos. There are also drummers who may not fall into one of these categories, but who entertain in a way that other more technical drummers perhaps wouldn’t.

This list of the best drum performance videos is just a starting point. Because we all know the rabbit holes you can fall into when it comes to YouTube. I also limited the selection to YouTube videos and excluded other social media platforms to make it accessible to all ages. Also, very few videos from before 2005 are of sufficient quality, so most of the videos on the list will be newer.

Note that this list is in no particular order and includes all performances. We’ll get back to the eternal question at the end, but I’m sure many readers already have their favorite drum performance video in mind. So let us know in the comments!

Everlong cover by Nandi Bushell

If there was ever just one video that showcased the joy of drumming, this would be it. It’s not about replicating the original exactly and matching Grohl’s timing or fills, it’s about jamming along and feeling the groove. And Nandi did it.

It looks like this video spawned a career, as Bushell has both a massive YouTube channel and a touring band – as well as the epic battle this video sparked between her and Dave Grohl. If you want to show someone what it feels like to play drums, show them this as one of the best drum performance videos – in my opinion, it counts more than any flashy drum solo.

Larnell Lewis listens to “Enter Sandman” for the first time.

Drumeo has found an absolute gold mine with “….hears XYZ for the first time”. Seeing how professional drummers react to songs they don’t know, learning them and then interpreting them – what a joy! This is music Manufacturing looks like.

Larnell Lewis’ learning process Enter Sandman is the best. While this video is about much more than just Larnell performing the song, one could argue that it is a video about a professional drummer learning a song. It’s just amazing to see Larnell hyper-focused while acting and smiling in the moments when he gets the role right.

Benny Greb drum solo at the Meinl Drum Festival 2017

I have to admit, I’m not the biggest fan of drum solos, just like guitar solos. Because for me it’s mostly just showing off. Sure, you’re the fastest and most powerful drummer in the room, but does that benefit the song? But every now and then there are performances by really innovative drummers. And that is one.

The way Benny bends the snare head with his elbow and hits almost any cymbal stand or drum shell, sometimes with sticks, sometimes with his hands, while maintaining the groove is simply impressive. Plus, it’s another perfect example of watching a drummer joyfully do what he loves.

Meg White in The White Stripes – From the Basement

I really don’t understand the hatred or contempt for drummers like Meg White (or Lars Ulrich) who play for the song and not for themselves. The conviction and enthusiasm with which Meg has always drummed in the White Stripes are perfectly showcased here.

She means every single hit. She lives in every song just as deeply as Jack. Their sense of timing and groove ensures that you’re constantly nodding your head. This is groove.

El Estepario Siberiano – Cover of “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd

We can’t make a list of the best drum performance videos without mentioning El Estepario. Few drummers display such determination when playing and occasionally poke fun at the whole drum solo thing as well as he does. He’s pretty fast too.

But playing a pop song like “Blinding Lights” with sounds like Siberiano means you just have to fill in the gaps. But El Estepario makes it so musical that this anthem grooves even harder.

Anika Nilles – “Wild Boy”

If you look up “effortless drumming” in the dictionary, chances are this performance will come up first (since we all obviously do it). If you’re a drummer, you’ve probably heard of Anika. If not, take a look:

The beginning feels so low-key that Anika’s lightning-quick fills and transformations go almost unnoticed. It’s one of many great drum performances she has to offer, so I highly recommend “Rabbit Hole”!

The runners-up (drummers?)

So many other great videos with the best drum performances that I couldn’t list. Josh Freese, Domino Santantonio, Gavin Harrison, Questlove… there are videos of great performances for each of them and many more. I’ll list a few:

Diploma

There are so many more drum performances to see, so little time. Now it’s your turn: which clips do you turn to when you’re looking for the best drum performance videos?

Please let us know in the comments!

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