Added: 3 years ago
From: KRO222
Views: 74,899
Sort by time | Sort by thread (beta)

Link to this comment:

Share to:
see all

All Comments (186)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • Thank you so much for sharing.

  • HES STILL GOT IT!

  • Those look like Tama Spartan Warlords. The Drum Heads are by Remo.

  • @TheRevLives360 The Drums were made by Remo too. I set them up and tore them down on several occasions. They had the heavy "Acousticon" shells (resin and paper construction). I don't remember what series they were from Remo but probably the top of the line. You don't see Remo drums very much any more although they do still make them. I think Jeff Hamilton still endorses Remo drums.

  • He's amazing! Impressive bio in Wikipedia .

  • Amazing how Louie could make that kit sound so good, even at age 83. There was just something about the way his sticks stuck the cymbals and drum skins that made a distinct sound. Men like him are sorely missed.

  • Wow, best sounding drum kit I've ever heard.

  • well at 1:43 he still does the job, sounds good to me. RIP Louie

  • Dude i was there. I watched you set up the camera on the railing overhead

  • GOD R.I.P.

  • For me this is a heartbreaking performance of the Great Louie Bellson. I saw Louie many times in concert & drum clinics back in the 70's & 80's and to watch something like this is totally depressing. It’s a shame that some of you young drummers who never saw Louie in his prime would even think of measuring his masterful drumming ability like this. Bottom line. If this is the rewards of old age it’s a real shame. Check out Louie playing with the Boston pops back in the late 70's. THAT'S LOUIE

  • How great was he... .sheer pleasure to listen to, trouble s everyone seems to give the credit for Woody Herma's Golden Wedding to Gene Krupa, when it was louie all the way..

  • GOTTA LOVE IT!!!

  • Wow. Obviously not Louie in his prime, but he's still great, and tell me this video doesn't show heart! It actually made me want to cry. Thanks for posting this.

  • Big respect to Mr.Bellson...RIP...!!!

  • Big respect to Mr.Bellson...RIP...!!!

  • I was there:?) It was an amazing show and such a blessing to see Louie, not long before we lost him. It was my first time out of my house after my dad died and it helped me feel human again:?) Louie loved my little boy (6 at the time) and asked specifically to see him, to encourage him in his drumming:?) I have a wonderful picture of them together, signed by Louie. You are missed, Mr. Bellson.

  • Wow.. this is incredible. Thank for sharing one last glimpse of this drumming legend. I had no idea he did a show at this age. Just awesome... I hope to be doing this in my 80's....

  • its funny he almost starts off his solo as if he's never played drums before hehe then he lets it rip... what an absolute champ I hope I still play drums when I get really old

  • wow!!! what can you ask for..i want to be like this before I die..drums is my lifesalute to you Sir Louis Bellson!!!

  • wow louie bellson!!

    you still got it!!!

    louie bellson battle buddy rich back then!!

    since louie is still alive i guess he won the battle!! lol

    jk

    R.I.P Benard Buddy Rich!!!

  • @DjABBlends what are you talking about louie died in 2009 welcome 2 2010 omg

  • GOD Bless him!!!!

  • sad to watch

  • i love long jazz solos, mmmmm! :D

  • Cod bless his soul ...

    he was the greatest ....

  • hes 83 and has parkinsons disease and is better than many drummers today! now thats whatbyou call talent!

  • He sounded like that at age 83 -- wow. 'Nuff sed. :-)

  • Holy shit Lombardo's kit

  • he was always about finesse.smooooooooooooooooooth­!

  • RIP Louie Bellson...the man who inspired John Bonham = thus the man who inspired us all (drummers)

  • wow this man is a god. still playing at his age. he's one of the very greatest of all time.

  • Louie, you might of had departed from this world ,but your outstanding work and great showman ship stays here with us, to admire .From the hearts of a nations drummers "Long live Louie Bellson!'

  • -tear-.....this man was the drums..

  • What Kit is that!!???

    its all metal?

    also i think drums keeps your mental state focussed which helps in old age

  • Louie used Remo drums. The gold is a plastic wrap over their proprietary acousticon shells.

  • Geez, dude was like 83 when this video was recorded. The family I have that made it that long were in assisted living homes long before then. The precision and quality of his playing is even more amazing when you consider that. RIP Pearl and Louie

  • I bet Roy Haynes feels pretty fortunate right about now. >.>

    RIP, Louie. I wish I'd known before now!

  • Reapect to that man, playing that good, plagued with high age and desease.

  • There's a line with a cross on it, you'r not supose to go that close to him, or? xP

  • They were doing a play on that stage, probably a stage mark for one of the actors...nothing to do with Louie.

  • Ok sorry, just a joke

  • well idk the guys worth gold really , well was

  • Thanks for posting this - really great to see Louie playing right up almost to the very end. Obviously at 83 & with Parkinson's disease his solos were restrained, but he still sneaked in a little glimps of magic with the double bass drums :-)

    But really great to see him swinging along with the band - nothing was diminished in his musicality.

    I never understood why Louie was overshadowed by Buddy. Buddy had incredibly fast hand technique, but Louie was the greater musican & innovator IMHO

  • Agreed!

  • @SAHBfan I agree, to me Louis Bellson has the upper hand over Buddy Rich. Buddy was more of a powerhouse drummer and Louis was the more innovative swing jazz drummer. Both brilliant.

  • @SAHBfan Can't even see how you guys even compare him to Rich. Buddy Rich played his tail off right up until he passed. Louis could barely play here and I saw him live about 4 years before this and it was painfull to watch (this video and the live performance I saw 4 years prior) because he just sounded like a beginner. I hate to see that but c'mon Buddy always smoked Loius both in their prime and especially in their old age. Loius just didn't have it.

  • @spercoco

    "Buddy always smoked Loius both in their prime & especially in their old age."

    That's a daft thing to say. Buddy died when he was 69 of heart failure, Louis died when he was 84 from the complications of Parkinson's disease. Obviously Buddy was playing better just before he died than Louis was in his 80s . ^_^

    As for saying Buddy 'smoked' Louis - please remember they're playing musical instruments, not racing a go-karts.

    Louis wasn't just a great drummer, he was a great Musician.

  • @SAHBfan Have you ever transcribed and then played a Bellson solo or a Rich solo? I would guess not. Unless you have you shouldn't even try and argue this one because I've done both. To say that Bellson is not only a great drummer but also a great musician is true but Buddy was better in both regards. If you are a drummer at all then sit down and transcribe or use your ears to try and play each one of these guys on your own. Elvin Jones as well. Its got nothing to do with go-karts my friend.

  • @spercoco

    Don't bother reading my last reply, read your own original post. Buddy hardly reached old age, he died when he was 69. Bellson was lucky enough to live much longer but suffered terribly from Parkinsons towards the end. You compared the two of them 'In their old age'.

    That was a daft thing to say and you know it. No one needs to be able to transcribe charts to see that.

    As for Buddy being a better musician, how many compositions did he write? How many arrangements did he publish?

  • @SAHBfan You just keep repeating what you've already said and none of it holds water. How many compositions did he write? How many arrangements did he publish? Apparantly you're confusing being a great musician and player with quantity of publishings. In that case Tre Cool from Green Day has them both beat! Buddy didn't even read mucic; didn't need to; he was a monster, period.

  • @spercoco 3

    You're typical of the 'Buddy is the greatest' brigade. You visit videos for other drummers making disparaging remarks. When picked up on it you claim 'special knowledge' - only you are clever enough to understand why Buddy was so great.

    Jeez - if you think the sun shines out of Buddy's arse - why not go and say so ON A BUDDY RICH VIDEO? I'm sure it would be appreciated there.

    This video is for the appreciation of the great Louie Bellson - if you don't rate him, WHY ARE YOU HERE?

  • @SAHBfan Buddy is only about 20th on my list of all time greats. I have Elvin ahead of him andTony Williams as well. It's only idiots like you that I need to point out to about the great difference between Loius Bellson and Buddy Rich. You need to be educated son and it all started with a comment you made saying:But really great to see him swinging along with the band - nothing was diminished in his musicality. What????

    I never understood why Louie was overshadowed by Buddy. What??? Wake up!!

  • @spercoco

    You do nothing but damage to the reputation of Buddy Rich by association and you are being insulting and disingenuous to the memory of the great Louie Bellson. I have no interest in hearing any more of your puerile and offensive bullshit and I doubt anyone else here has either.

    Stop being rude, grow up and kindly go forth. Hopefully the video poster will delete this thread along with your bullshit and childish insults

    Troll.

  • @SAHBfan As if people want to hear your bullshit either. I certainly don't and any educated drummer or other musician doesn't either. I'll say whatever I want and you can't do a damn thing about it although you can try all you want. How would you like to settle this? A drum battle perhaps or maybe a little MMA? Either way you don't have a chance so lick your wounds and shut your mouth already.

  • @spercoco

    It is obvious to anyone that in this vid Louie’s great years are long behind him, yet the audience & the comments to this vid pay homage to the great man’s legacy & make allowances for his ill health & frailty at the end of his life and career. It is called ‘RESPECT’. You wouldn’t understand.

    Only a total asshole would criticise Louie on the basis of this performance, yet we can all see that is exactly what you came on this thread to do in your first post.

    Shame on you.

  • @spercoco

    I don’t know if you can really play, or just run your mouth & I don’t care, but I am certain you are not fit to lick Louie’s boots.

    You clearly need the last word. Go ahead, I won’t be back.

    Maybe you’d like another go at telling us how clever you are? Just remember, Louie’s fans included Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Dizzie Gillespie etc. Duke Ellington described him as the world greatest drummer. I suppose they all need you to educate them to your superior level of understanding?

  • @SAHBfan Let me ask you a question Mr. "asshole". What do you call someone who keeps perfoming publicly long after they suck? Answer: an egomaniac. Athletes are not allowed to continue as big as their egos are because no one wants to see some one up there slopping around which is what Bellson does in this video. I certainly wouldn't pay money to see this bull shit. There's plenty of young talent out there. Support that Mr. ASSHOLE!

  • @spercoco Hey guys, why so heated? Louie was a great drummer in his own right. I don't think Buddy and Louie discussed the matter. I think they both loved and respected each other for what they could do. Everyone has their favorites when it comes to drummers. I happened to have idolized Rich for his brashness and take no prisoner attitude. I understood what it took to be able to do the things Buddy did. Louie was a great drummer as well. I met Louie in 1973 in Dallas. We took a picture together.

  • @SAHBfan Go watch the youtube video Buddy Rich Meets Loius Bellson with he tonight sho band. Don't take my word for it; read what the majority of drummers say. It's more than clear which drummer is better and who kicks the band and can swing better. If you don't see it then I just really feel sorry fo you.

  • Louis was never overshadowed by Buddy. Buddy may have been more popular but neither overshadowed the other.

  • MTOO BOm esse video!

    For us (drummers), its very important be inspired in "old school" drummers, 'cuz they are responsible 4 the most of grooves that we use 2day!

    Great video!

  • Ow, tu sabe quantos anos ele tem hoje?

  • Puta mano , nem sei velho =/

  • Ow, tu entende de bateria?? Se sim, me recomenda a melhorzinha daas baratas que tem por ai, to tocando faz 3 semanas e ja to MUITO animado a talz!!!!!! E muito bom! Me ajude se puder :D

  • A ten piece double bass set in mirror chrome? If that's not heavy metal I don't what is!

  • @Viper668 haha thats exactly what i thought

  • Great video thanks for posting................

  • OMG....he is 80+ and he is great on drums maaaaaaaaaaan that was great.

  • My first snare drum was a14" Remo PTS, that Louie created.. Thanks Loiue!

  • I enjoy the drumming of Travis Barker and Aaron Gillespie is the greatest modern drummer around. But Louie Bellson and Buddy Rich are the guys that started it all. In my opinion you wouldn't have metal without Louie because he started the double bass setup. Just a thought.

  • Wow at 83 he could still hammer em... Amazing...

  • With all due respect guys.. why are you you even talking about Travis Barker at all here? Just appreciate good music... and go play... stop this who's better thing... it's a waste of time.

  • omgg he died and i was in the dark about it!!! What a tragedy... Much love to his family, gone but not forgotten :'(

  • he was sweet in his day.. shame you lose things when you get older.. but it's a credit to him seeing him play at this age.. mad fella, drums for life <33.

  • what the hell is all this hype over travis fuckin braker. hes good, but all he does is play fast. hes terribly over rated

  • This is how I want to go out, still playing at his age. Anyone who says that "travis barker is better than bellson was in his prime" either doesn't play drums, or doesn't play drums well and is a complete moron. Travis is decent, but far from the best

  • the point is that travis barker is a drummer like thousands around today and a less than mediocre musician, Louie Bellson was ahead of his time and a true genious. Stop.

  • agreed. Bellson destroys. Travis has good beats, but that's about all. Barker is good, dont get me wrong, but no where bear Bellson.

  • it really pisses me off when i read these comments and there is always one moron that compares travis barker and joey jordison to these legendary drummers. educate yourselves

  • Early 70s (Robin Hood Dell East in Philly), he did a phenomenal single/double roll combo. Both hands & sticks were a steady blur for over 5 minutes. His double-bass also sounded like a big choochoo train or rapid cannon shots whizzing by. The audience was spellbound!

    Naturally, by 2008 at age 83, he lost a lot of his skills, tho I still can see the blazing sight & sound of him up on that stage.

  • Thank you for posting this. I didn't get to see him much in his last few years and it was great to see him doing what he loved best.

  • if this guy would destroy travis barker sub me and spread the word on good drum vids im sick of travis barker

  • No question Louie and Buddy some of the best drummers of all time

  • 83 years old in this vid? Fucking hell hes amazing

  • WAT ARE YOU SERIOUS 83!!! my grandpa isnt that old and he cant fucking movie i hope im like that when i reach 83

  • Louie Bellson...a humble example of ellegance, taste, finesse, and showmanship to be observed and followed by all.

  • nice vid nice drummer thanks god, that he invited the doublebass

  • One of the best big band jazz drummers of all time...but he was always in Buddy's shadow...but a great drummer non the less ...his longevity and creativity and pure knowledge of drums made him a hall of fame drummer..one of the greatest without doubt!....RIP : (

  • A big loos to the world of music R.I.P. Louie, the world is missing you

    BTW a great video :D

  • 1:06 You just know he's thinking, "Fuck you guys." And he's got a point, too.

    Great drummer. Its terrible that he's gone.

  • Thanks for passing this along, great that you got one of his last performances.

  • hands down, one of the best drummers ever?? i think so

  • He is what 83 here? WOW! He played for almost 70 years. Nice Job Mr. Bellson, God Bless, you are a class act, RIP.

  • Louis Bellsons accolades are way to many to mention. He is a integral part of a handful of real drummers that brought the drummer out from the back of the band stand to the forefront. When real drummers get together to discuss great drummers of the past Bellsons name will be the first, secondor third name out of their mouths. R.I.P. Louie you are missed.

  • that was wicked its as if at first he trys to pretend to be old a not with it but he has still got it here ! R.I.P Louis

  • God help us, the idiots on these channels are beyond belief

    Who gives a shit who is better, this guy was a pioneer of drumming and 2 bass drums, show some respect for these guys he is 80 in this clip and still playing ,do you want to see him doing death metal 64ths on the bass drums ?This is about Louie Bellson not Pert /Barker/etc.

    ,

  • I agree with you jazzysnaps!! I hope I can still play if I live to be 80!

  • I thought he might have gone fast, but he's good.

    I'm glad he came along with double bass

    I'm a double bass crazy person.

  • listen to the faceless. lyle cooper makes joey jordison look like a baby. none of slip knot's member have shit. and of course you drop neil peart's name. didn't see that coming

  • ??????????...please realize too he's about 80 yrs.old now...really.I seen him twice in the 70's...he just about ripped my face off...he an Buddy...who I've seen 18-20 times..watch all their stuff you can.....you'll see shit 90% of todays pounders can't do in their dreams,and this stuff is 35 years ago,for the most part.

  • Damn what a great sound Louie has got here!! His drums sound so sweet, like any where he hits the drum it's just sweet!! There you go all you bashes and crashes, look what touch and feel can do to the drums!

  • the master

  • i have ti say the start of this was kinda dissapointing..

  • Let's see what any other drummers can do at age 84 and while suffering from Parkinson's disease.

  • joey cant play like this nor thomas,jason,or even adler

  • are you refering to a handful of metal drummers?

  • wqell ya this guy is better than all of them combine

  • How can you even compare him with them, Bellson invented double bass drumming if it wasnt for him all of your other drummers would not be known.

  • With all due respect, you need to listen to more drummers. Start with Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Roy Haynes, Harvey Mason, Max Roach et al. Then see how Joey Jordison and the others sound.

  • what about Samus danarchrist7!?

  • this is like watching a classic sports car doing a slow victory lap ... hope i'm still playing when im that old..... r.i.p louis

  • Sure you can, I was amazed when I saw Art Blakey just before he died, he would have run circles around me and I was in my 20's!!

    When did Louie die? I saw him once too so now this news saddens me.

  • A totally amazing drummer forever!! He passed away in Feb of this year on St. Valentine Day. He'll truly be missed.

  • R.I.P louis :-( you where a awsome drumer;-)

  • Louie are the sunshine of dummers!

  • Louie é eterno !

  • As long as you have fun and what you do why quit? and it look like he had fun till then end!

    rock on! Louis

  • Exactly - these types of people I admire / envy.

    When Buddy Rich passed away, I remember reading in Drummer's World magazine Louie's comments - it was something like he 'wanted to die playing drums, hit some drums, then that's it, light's out, gone'.

    These people are in 'heaven' when they're doing what they love, and can not conceive retiring / lying on a beach !

    It's as though everyone in that video knew the score and was letting the ol' man have his fun!

    Any why not !!!!

    R.I.P. Louie

  • I saw Louis in London at a Drum Clinic in the 80's.

    He *jumped* on his drum kit, and I can ONLY describe it like he 'slipped on a glove', he'd jumped on that kit a million times.

    And he started his drum solo waaaaaaay toooo fast, and the first thing I thought was 'this man has made a mistake, there is NO way he can go anywhere from this start"......

    Erm, WRONG!!!

    He got faster, and faster and faster !!!

    It was SO amazing.

    And what clearly came across was his WARMTH Man.

    R.I.P. Louis.

  • Correction - Louie.

  • one has wonder, is it better to fade out or quit when you are still acceptable. This is a faint and weak shadow of what this man was most of his life. RIP BRO'

  • the best!

  • My grandfather just turned 80 recently. I look to men and women of this generation with the utmost respect and admiration. Louie was one in a million. Rest well Jazz Man and God speed.

  • he looks like a young man from the longshots (sob)....wow....

  • why do humans honor more in death than in life .......... Louies music will live on 4ever though!!

  • RIP Louie... it was truly an honor meeting you. You were (and still are) the best man.

  • Considering Louie was really old by then that was a great solo. Hes probably having a drum battle with Buddy and God himself up there now...wish I were there to watch XD!

  • RIP dear Louie. You were the best!

  • RIP Louie, you were an inspiration and still much better than i ever played.

  • at least he played drums almost until the day he died

    a true master and a HUGE inspiration

    peace mr. belson!

  • One of the most amazing drummers ever is left us behind!!! R.I.P. oh great Louie, may God bless you and your family, cause you blessed us with such inspiration, thanx Mr. Bellson. Here in Mexico city we'll miss you too!

  • Louis Bellson One Of The Last of The Great Drummers From The Greatest Jazz Eras! 1924-2009 Last One Left Of The Big Drummers Is The Great Chico Hamilton.

  • Thank you for the inspiration and all that you have taught me. Forever the man, Forever a fan. You will never be forgotten. May God bless you and your family...

  • drum god!

  • the father of double bass drumming ! Rest in peace louis

  • I will never forget the drums clinics I attended - L.B. was truly amazing.

  • sorry that was a slip ,meant to give a thumbs up! for sure , will fix it.. Yes ,been to clinics and LOUIEwas there reaching out to Drummers ,and helping where He could , He started early Drum competitions back in the 70s.way before the stores doing it now [which,are not at that level ,sorry] a particular clinic was louie / lenny white; just GREAT ..

  • louie the drummer till the very end,r.i.p. louie ,you won,t be forgotten,your new audience awaits you in heaven my teacher

  • rip in peace my friend. the good lord has one hell of a band now your there

  • Rest in Peace Louie! We miss you!!

  • RIP Louie. There must be some jam session going on up there! I love his snare sound....

  • i just found out that his funeral is being held at my church in rock island, IL I never got the chance to meet the guy but i am happy to pay my respects to him, he was such a great man.

  • R.I.P

  • My dad grew up with Louie here in Moline and took accordian lessons from his dad. He was a wonderful man from a wonderful family!

  • Absolutely the nicest man,whoever picked up a drumstick.If you ever met him.He made you feel like,you were special.I will never forget him.Thanks for posting.Love Ya Louie!

  • i lived in rock island until a couple years ago and have never heard of him. a fellow drummer will be missed!

  • He was playing that well just recently? R.I.P. Louie, from a fellow Quad-Citian, Davenport, Iowa

  • I'm from Davenport, too. My brother and a friend of mine have seen him at at least one drum clinic held in the Q.C. area. R.I.P.

  • You will be missed Louis.

  • Listen,

    Fernando ...

    :-)

  • I was saddened to hear that another great drummer has left us..Louie Bellson paved the way for rock drummers with his invention of incorporating two bass drums..He had such passion,creative flair and could swing a band hard! He will be missed in the drumming community...R.I.P. Mr. Bellson!!

  • Thanks Louie for all the inspiration....a big fan in Texas..

  • Men, Drummers like him are a dying breed. There aren't many cordial, sweet, easy-going, non-egotistical musicians like him anymore. This is a call to all drummers...carry on the torch...because, I, like many of you out there, love it when your heros are approachable and human like he was.

    RIP Louie Bellson....The Duke has got your chair waiting.

  • mr. bellson was a beautiful man and a wonderful musician. my dad would take me to see him play with his big band at dontes jazz club in n. hollywood ca. after the set he always made the time to talk to everyone, even a starstruck 12 year old kid whom would go on to have a career as a drummer. his spirit and kindness towards me had everything to do with making music my passion. thank you louie, you will be sorely missed.

  • RIP....A man of great character and style....

  • wow excellent.! what is this drumset made of? I ask because finish brights like bronze...but i don´t think it is...

    Which cymbals is he using? avedis specials?

  • He used Remo Drums and Zildjian cymbals. The gold finish is just a wrap over the acousticon shells. There are further details about Louie's drums at his website. R.I.P. Louie, He was a very sweet man.

  • When i was really little i went to a drum clinic with my dad and got a drum head signed by Louie. R.I.P

  • 1 of the greatest drummer alive!!...he has been a big influences for a lot of drummers...i wana give my last respect to Louie Bellson!...Louie,you Swing!!!...God bless Louie!

  • Thanx Mr Louie, giant of drums... goodbye!

    :o)

  • rip louie great artist

  • Comment removed

  • R.I.P.

  • Louie's gone.

  • If we all as drummers and musicians can accomplish what Louie has in his lifetime it would be nothing short of a miracle. He is a great musician, composer, arranger, and teacher. To still be playing at his age should be applauded, not scrutinized. God Bless you Louie. Thank you for the years of great playing and inspiration.

  • I know it is a terrible to say but i would have loved to remember bellson as i remember rich:still playing at the top of his game.Ah well,He's still one of the greatest ever.Thanks Louie for inspiring me to play better.Long Live Louie!

  • I was on the NIU band with Ron Modell in about 1978 when Louie toured with us then. We were all 30 years younger then, but seeing this video takes me back like it just happened. Hearing him now with the band made me flash back to hearing him from the stage way back then. He's amazing, and the band sounds great. Cannonball on Alto.

  • Always a joy to watch a drummer that truly loves his role in life...an amazing entertainer that smiles, concentrates, and plays like a kid on Christmas morning... all while pulling out the best from his fellow musicians!

  • God Bless Louie!

  • hes not as fast as he used to be but hes 81 so give him a break

  • Mr.Belson will always an inspration to me.I just hope I can keep time at 81.

  • Does anybody no where I can purchase this big band chart arrangement of "Give Me the Good Time"

    What a great swingin chart and Bellson is THE MAN!

    Thanks so much for the posting

  • I'll be lucky If I'm still alive at 84 or 85 let alone still playing drums.

  • I like the way Louie tunes his drums a lot better than Buddy did. Amazing drummer at 84 or 85! Thanks for the video...really enjoyed it!