As we just passed the 21st anniversary of Mr. Rich's passing - I very much enjoyed hearing this story is actually true (I had heard this many years ago, but thought it to be a myth)
I am a drummer who worked at the Tonight Show as a Music Supervisor and was a former student of Ed Shaughnessy. I never said I was the Tonight Show drummer.
Hey Don... I love your style, character and passion. I've seen some great drummers like Dunlop, Papa Jones, Rich, Deems, Morello play...and too I like your interpretation of sound signatures coming out of your play. Wunderbar!
Yes, you are right about him giving away coutless drumsets. However, this is the drumset he played on whenever he visited the Tonight Show and the drumset that Johnny Carson used and had set up in his den for several years.
i would never sell those drums! one of the drums (the snare) is a drum that you cant even find anymore that is a FIBES ORIGINAL...BOBBY GRUASO INVENTED THAT DRUM AND DOESNT MAKE IT ANYMORE DONT SELL IT!!!!
@spankcaster I realize that you wrote this 2 years ago, but you are mistaken. The snare drum with this Ludwig set is either the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 or the Ludwig SuperSensitive.. ( can't be sure because there isn't a clear shot of the strainer ) .. it IS NOT the "prototype" Fibes snare made by Bob Grauso, which by the way Buddy was playing for a short time back in 1967 originally, then again but with the full production model in the mid 70's. This is clearly a Ludwig 400 or SuperSensitive!
Bidding starts at $100,000. Proof is two articles in Modern Drummer and one of those articles the story of me getting the drums is told by Ed Shaughnessy, plus there are several videos from The Tonight Show.
These drums are priceless and I know Mr.Sweeney, you could never sell them. This is a great video! Wonderful story and your playing brings Buddy's spirit right into the room in the greatest way. Thank you for this video. GREAT playing! Anthem
For those who might be interested, I have written a book about my 20 years of working at the Tonight Show entitled "Backstage at the Tonight Show, from Johnny Carson to Jay Leno." It includes stories about Buddy Rich (and many other celebrities) and how I came to obtain this drum set.
Great story! Thanks for sharing...and nice work on the Magical drumset.
yogibret 9 months ago
Nice work there...what a great experience for you. Very enjoyable clip, just not long enough!
Drumminman4U 2 years ago
Wow, you're the best!
Jaimsatthecar 3 years ago
love the "stumble style" at 1:13
zgo280 3 years ago
I wish someone would give me one of John Bonham's old kits...
Although I got 2 Luddy kits already so I should get by with those!
Great story Don!
Phrase 3 years ago
As we just passed the 21st anniversary of Mr. Rich's passing - I very much enjoyed hearing this story is actually true (I had heard this many years ago, but thought it to be a myth)
slingerlandcraig 3 years ago
Priceless!
ckorch 3 years ago
Buddy is the man. And you dont sound far off. Rock on
KcuFeM2 4 years ago
Just out of curiosity, what did you do with Johnny Carson? Ed Shaughnessy was Doc's drummer for 20 years. Where did you fit in?
meanwiddlekid 4 years ago
I am a drummer who worked at the Tonight Show as a Music Supervisor and was a former student of Ed Shaughnessy. I never said I was the Tonight Show drummer.
DonPSweeney 4 years ago
Hey Don... I love your style, character and passion. I've seen some great drummers like Dunlop, Papa Jones, Rich, Deems, Morello play...and too I like your interpretation of sound signatures coming out of your play. Wunderbar!
Standardfrank 4 years ago
What does it matter? The man can PLAY!! :^)
One time when I was young (and poor) I wrote to Johnny Carson asking for a set of drums.
I got a reply but it wasn't happening.
tubbers20 8 months ago
I have a Ludwig :D
TySlipknot666 4 years ago
Buddy gave away countless drumsets because he never paid for them. Steve Maxwell has his last documented Slingerland set.
drumminman49 4 years ago
Yes, you are right about him giving away coutless drumsets. However, this is the drumset he played on whenever he visited the Tonight Show and the drumset that Johnny Carson used and had set up in his den for several years.
DonPSweeney 4 years ago
sold... how much do you want for it? name your price, as long as tere is proof that it is a legit BR kit.
iwarner09 4 years ago
Bidding starts at $100,000.
DonPSweeney 4 years ago
too little!
fknavid 4 years ago 2
i would never sell those drums! one of the drums (the snare) is a drum that you cant even find anymore that is a FIBES ORIGINAL...BOBBY GRUASO INVENTED THAT DRUM AND DOESNT MAKE IT ANYMORE DONT SELL IT!!!!
spankcaster 3 years ago
@spankcaster I realize that you wrote this 2 years ago, but you are mistaken. The snare drum with this Ludwig set is either the Ludwig Supraphonic 400 or the Ludwig SuperSensitive.. ( can't be sure because there isn't a clear shot of the strainer ) .. it IS NOT the "prototype" Fibes snare made by Bob Grauso, which by the way Buddy was playing for a short time back in 1967 originally, then again but with the full production model in the mid 70's. This is clearly a Ludwig 400 or SuperSensitive!
TJS916 1 year ago
@iwarner09
Bidding starts at $100,000. Proof is two articles in Modern Drummer and one of those articles the story of me getting the drums is told by Ed Shaughnessy, plus there are several videos from The Tonight Show.
DonPSweeney 11 months ago
good drummer for an old man no offence
drilleth 4 years ago
That set must be worth so much! Not anything I would ever sell though.
shoelessdrummer 5 years ago
he is ok..
tinotako124 5 years ago
These drums are priceless and I know Mr.Sweeney, you could never sell them. This is a great video! Wonderful story and your playing brings Buddy's spirit right into the room in the greatest way. Thank you for this video. GREAT playing! Anthem
anthematica 5 years ago
For those who might be interested, I have written a book about my 20 years of working at the Tonight Show entitled "Backstage at the Tonight Show, from Johnny Carson to Jay Leno." It includes stories about Buddy Rich (and many other celebrities) and how I came to obtain this drum set.
DonPSweeney 5 years ago
Just wanted to say, "Thanks! so much for sharing this way cool bit of music history."
Tyllannon 4 years ago
WOW. A buddy rich AND johnny carson kit.
rossvz 5 years ago
over use of snare but still pretty cool
cfigley 5 years ago
Would you ever consider selling those drums?
RedHand2000 5 years ago
Maybe, if the opening bid were $100,000 or more.
DonPSweeney 5 years ago
To be a good drummer... right arm
To know Johnny Carson and Buddy Rich... two arms and two legs
To own a drumset once owned by Johnny Carson and Buddy Rich... Priceless
RatPakFan 5 years ago
Wow,that was a great story.What a great looking drumset.Congrats Don and very nice playing!Buddy would be proud.
ddeluca123 5 years ago