The Mars Volta Medley Drum Cover - Jon Theodore by STAN BICKNELL

[ArmenianBlueberry]

This honestly blew my mind, like it's on the floor in pieces. 

[The4thGuy]

You should do a Pridgen-era Mars Volta video next!

[stanbicknell]

@Izak80 Hello, I do occasional session work but I also own and operate an organic espresso bar based in Melbourne CBD. I have not studied drums. Maybe one day... Cheers

[Izak80]

@stanbicknell What is your occupation, do you work with drums for a living as a percussionteache rmaybe? Have you sudied drums on a university level maybe?

[groundzerorocks]

At the end was totally ready for more!!!!!

[groundzerorocks]

When you see a great cover like this in good quality from all angles u realize how awesome the original drums are!!!

[groundzerorocks]

awesome idea of doing medley keeps is fun and fast!!!

[shengges]

dude... well chosen parts! 4:12 is the shit! hardest part!

[BepoLongJohnBepo]

like!! sick cover!!

[Cataclysm31]

Awesome job! I'm having trouble with 1:00 - 1:20 immensely... You totally nailed it.

[stanbicknell]

@gobluteam Thanks man, Jon Theodore was great at choosing the right parts for the time... Extremely tasteful. And goddam groovy!!!!

[gobluteam]

@stanbicknell Very true! I'd better hit my copy of Stick Control if I ever wanna see ghost notes like that heh.

[gobluteam]

You've really brought to light the genius of Jon Theodore with this. I don't think everyone really understands the complexity and variety of all his grooves just by listening to the album. Cheers!

[TheMirooo95]

what the hell...awsome is not a word for this!

[stanbicknell]

@By1000ARG Thanks man, got to love ghosting...

[stanbicknell]

@japoint5 Glad to hear it man, cheers

[bourland27]

sweet jesus that was awesome. What sticks do you use?

[By1000ARG]

i have to say... i love your ghost notes man... really hard to play with that kind of ghost notes at that speed

[japoint5]

Delosoused, that is

[japoint5]

Nailed it. Thank you for this, you've reignited my love for this album!

[flamchopzz]

@alistilla2 This man is an amazing drummer, but noone could adequately replace Thomas. Just my opinion, but you can't deny Thomas's groove. It can not be replicated.

[alistilla2]

@flamchopzz hmmmm i think JT was better than thomas and this guy is better than JT

[alistilla2]

@prouck for me JT was better on albums and had more of an oldschool groove, which is what i like

[marsvolt]

I am so inspired. Thank You. Best fucking drum cover ever

[aleio16]

@marsvolt ur gay



[alistilla2]

@aleio16 lel

[marsvolt]

@aleio16 i hate u troll

[aleio16]

@marsvolt haterz gonna hate

[odecahedron42]

if those heels were up any hugher id swear u were a ballarina... nahjokes too miuch cuz

[stanbicknell]

@odecahedron42 Maybe I've missed my true calling??

[italianstal1ion]

This is by far the most accurate cover of The Mars Volta songs I've seen on youtube. You got all of the ghost snares in there and covered the songs perfectly. The only thing that could make it better is to find and use Jon Theodore's unique stack of china cymbals! Awesome cover though, really captured the dynamics and everything.

[alistilla2]

@italianstal1ion dude just watch 4:11 and repeat it over and over

[stanbicknell]

@italianstal1ion Thanks mate. I've used my stack for 9yrs now, I'm gonna play it until it dies, I wouldn't use anything else.

[trulyfeproject]

YOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! You killed this track man...and whoever mixed the audio I WANNA HIRE THEM!!!!! (If I had the money LOL) Your kit sounds AMAZING!!!!!

[davyancowboy]

This is my favorite video. Ever. I can't stop watching. The amount of work you put into this piece is incredible. <33

[alistilla2]

1:08 - 1:52 was fucking intense and perfect

you could honestly replace any drummer that mars volta has ever had and you would be better

[flamchopzz]

@alistilla2 He could replace Thomas????

[alistilla2]

@flamchopzz yes and jon

[ChompsterChomp]

jesus christ. you're awesome

[ithemachine]

 Seven people only watched the first ten seconds.

[TheCuriosityMeetsCat]

Kimbra's Interview Brought Me Here, I love it! Best Drumming, <3 Mars Volta, Medley's Awesome!

[maciekdzikdrums]

Pretty tight man!

[stanbicknell]

@alistilla2 Thanks for the help :)

[stanbicknell]

@nazisarereallycool Not sure mate, I haven't figured it out yet either!

[nazisarereallycool]

What time signature is 4:11 in? I've never really been able to work it out.

[alistilla2]

@nazisarereallycool 4/4 and 11/8

[Cring0r]

dude that was fucking incredible

[stanbicknell]

@alistilla2 I would say the Roulette Dares And Take the Veil sections.

[alistilla2]

hey man just wondering what was the hardest part to get down 100%?

[BaRteq90]

Amazing sound, amazing skills. Gratz!

[patmanser]

8:03 - 8:10 : supernova.

[OCcoDrummer]

so I just quit drumming for the rest of my life

[Nitzanp]

i got here from kimbra's page

[ALEXXvsZOMBIES]

The DC snares sounds KILLER well done!

[stanbicknell]

@vauhko93 Hello, I really liked this snare, it really captured the sound I was after. It's loud, big, full of body and has a nice crack too. It also has a great range of tuning too. My only criticism is its not a seamless shell and I feel that dulls the sound slightly. I only used it for this session and I all in all I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cheers

[vauhko93]

Hi Stan! I just noticed you used Danny Carey signature snare in this video. How would you describe that snare? Is is enough sensitive for ghost notes and subtle playing?

Cheers!

[ZonderZout]

Wow, that's some kickass tight drumming! Awesome job! Interesting foot technique on the hi-hat. Looks like you are dancing ballet! :P

[stanbicknell]

@unliborator By 'he' do you mean me? Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it. I don't really sit that high but I do tend to play from my thigh rather than my ankle so straighten my lower leg. Thanks for looking :)

[achorn]

@stanbicknell Great Job Stan.  Nice to see drummers that take their time to play and make a great video. I think I have to get me a Carey snare, love it! Take care!

[stanbicknell]

@davidoff86 Haha, very kind, not sure I have a stamina Jon did though. Cheers

[unliborator]

awesome drumming, hes barely touching the pedals though! if he sat any higher he couldnt reach em

[davidoff86]

Absolutely nailed it. Very good my friend, maybe TMV should contact you you next time they decide to swap drummers :P

[bergenart]

Hi! Good drumming

Would you like to send me the play along?

[650447]

Question:

Witch head do you use on this video as a batter head on a snare.

Nice video.. nice drummnig. :)

[650447]

Fuck, snare sound is fuckin' amazing. :)

[Brettski87]

I'm a guitarist myself but I hear the segment from Take the Veil at 4:11 - 4:40 is one of the trickiest and most complex parts of JT's works. Seemed like you did it flawlessly. Much respect to you! 

[pearldrummer1157]

Great drumming man, I'm a huge Theodore fan too. I'd love to see a Pridgen cover medley though, for pure entertainment. Love the stack too. I subbed

[stanbicknell]

@axedstoninst Mine is an X-ray, 22x22,12x10,15x15. Can't wait

[axedstoninst]

@stanbicknell Sexy! It's gonna sound great, sonor acrylics are amazing

[Allenshand]

are you human?

[madamimadamk1]

4:11

Jezzzus....

[TheGoliathsound]

Coolest thing on YouTube. Jon Theodore tribute was sick!!

ePeace

[Aberinkulas]

You fucking beast....

[stanbicknell]

@DonatiStudent Thanks mate, my SQ2 turns up in 2wks. I've been waiting for 6mths. I will be filming my next video with it. Can't wait!

[axedstoninst]

@stanbicknell Sweet man! SQ2's are the best! What type did you order? Beech? Maple? Birch? X-ray? and the finishes. Gah, they are amazing, can't wait till I can buy a set.

[DonatiStudent]

Love your sound... your musicallity.. your technique... your insane accurate performance from both Messhugah and TMV meddleys... and your kits !! Sonor Rules!!

(I´ll be getting my SQ2 set in a few months .. so exited!!)

Greetings from Argenitna... Facundo Negri

[DandelionVolta]

@DonatiStudent Club De Fans De Stan Bicknell - Argentina jaja

[vinsbmx]

My friend, you have just earned another subscription, terrific drumming!

[HARON08]

I could never compare to these kind of skills in my entire lifetime... even with countless hours of practice. :-/

[thenewnoisethriller]

How did you manage to play exactly all of my favourite parts from all my favourite songs!? Awesome video!

[6xico5]

what is the name of the cymbal that is beside the ride? it sound amazing XD

[coldfuse]

Just Creamed bro... That was Mars Tastic

[coldfuse]

@coldfuse Man obviously hard work and practice has gone into your drum skills. Seriously inspiring!

[stanbicknell]

@Tetramputechture Cheers, please see description for gear details

[Tetramputechture]

Can I ask you what your stack is made of? That is literally the only thing from making videos exactly like this; I just use a tight hi-hat using the side of my stick when I cover parts like the Eriatarka chorus. Good job though. You're misinterpreting the break in Roulette Dares though; JT plays with no accent, but you did, and IMO that gave it a whole new feeling, but not one I liked (e.g. didn't bode too well with the music).

[oindgf]

Oh my fucking GOD ! You are a beast ! CONGRATULATIONS ! One of the best videos I've seen !

Start your on work and let me know ! Greetings

[jamietrhcp17]

Take the Veil was absolutely incredible.

[putnamizer]

Kimbra sent me here!

[ricardoieci]

How is DC snare tuned, can explain?

[DillingerEscapeMan]

My band is covering inertiatic

[okbrianb2]

and you're hitting the crazy 'uncountable' parts in roulette dares and cerpin taxt?!? hats off, man.

[okbrianb2]

seriously man, this is amazing. he's such a monster drummer, and you just killed it! this unfortunately is my only opportunity to see his parts played live, so i guess i'll just have to watch it a whole bunch of times.

[stanbicknell]

@okbrianb2 Hey man, I was very fortunate to have seen him back in the early days of the Volta. He was a force. Definitely left an impression on me. Im glad you enjoyed the vid. Thanks for looking.

[TheDrummerKick2]

This is the best drumming video I've seen on youtube.

[Yoitson1]

very cool bro

[magikarpp]

whoaaa...

[stanbicknell]

@magikarpp dude...

[MikeTheFunkyDrummer]

Awesome work on both your videos Stan. When can we expect your next one and who will you be covering mate? Nice to see a Melbourne drummer kicking arse.

[stanbicknell]

@MikeTheFunkyDrummer Hey mate, cheers for looking. Im currently editing my latest vid which I filmed 2 days ago, same format with the hd camera's, this time its some of my own material. Keep an eye out, I hope you enjoy

[MikeTheFunkyDrummer]

@stanbicknell Looking forward to it mate. My next question was going to be what bands you were in currently, if any? Very impressed you covered two of my top ranked favourite drummers and did it superbly. I'm not sure if you were considering doing it again in the future with different artists, or just a way to showcase your skills to a wider audience as a way of promoting your work. Either way, I'll be sure to subscribe and check it out as you release it.

All the very best mate!

[stanbicknell]

@MikeTheFunkyDrummer I did these medleys to challenge myself, I really enjoy both drummers styles. Im not sure if I'll do another medley at this stage, I had a Danny Carey one on the go but wasn't really enjoying as much as the last two. The latest major project I was apart of was playing for an up and coming female artist Kimbra. Shes fantastic. Check out 'Kimbra Sing Sing' for some studio live performances I did with her.

[MikeTheFunkyDrummer]

@stanbicknell Yeah I know Kimbra's music, I have her album. :) She's very talented. Kimbra is almost a household name now because of the whole Gotye colab. Been a fan of Wally's since I heard Boardface and his other band The Basics. He's a great drummer himself.

Do you teach Stan?

[stanbicknell]

@MikeTheFunkyDrummer Oh cool, I played on the album also. No, I don't teach.

[MikeTheFunkyDrummer]

@stanbicknell How did you land the Kimbra "gig"?

[stanbicknell]

@MikeTheFunkyDrummer I have known her for a while now, since we both lived back in NZ.

[benzos27]

There's a lot of great things about this. 1) drumming skills, 2) the musical edit is so well done that it almost sounds like one song, 3) great cinematography. Bravo, buddy.

[benzos27]

@benzos27 Was this your audition video when they were looking for a new drummer? Should've been. You'd be manning the kit for them as we speak.

[stanbicknell]

@benzos27 Nah that was a bit before this, thanks though

[stanbicknell]

@benzos27 Cool thanks man, Im glad you enjoyed it

[uelop]

what is your stack cymbal made up of? brilliant cover! :)

[stanbicknell]

@uelop Just an old crash and china, check my description for full details of gear, cheers

[mariorossipuzza]

oh my god. your snare! it sounds awesome! is it danny carey's signature?

[stanbicknell]

@mariorossipuzza Yeah, it was great for this session

[TheAtomicLad1996]

Can you do a Pridgen medley next man? Killin it.

[cal0121]

If you close your eyes during this, i bet you get chills.

[pedromau]

Awsome ghost notes!!!

[Gzusfreakk]

You're now my favorite drummer.

[Madvillian01]

4:11 to 10:10 you played two of my favoirte parts. oh and from 0:00 to to 2:28 too

[KidHollywoodCA]

Amazing job man! You killed it! :)

[mattemusso]

i miss john soooooooooooo much... you took out the best of him, grat job

[jay34chavezez]

hell yea fantastic job

[FRIESENZA]

Wonderful job! 5:11-6:05 is gold! What are your thoughts on the Pro V-1 Bigfoot pedal by the way? I'm thinking of getting one.

[stanbicknell]

@FRIESENZA I really like the Pro V-1 but I think the Bigfoot has better feel and my foot tends to stay on the footboard more as there is more playing surface area. I cant speak more highly of them. Cheers

[bourland27]

What heads do you use on your snare, toms, and bass?

[stanbicknell]

@bourland27 Snare- Remo Ambassador (I think, I changed it a couple of times on the day), Toms- Evans Coated G2's, Bass- Emad. Cheers

[bourland27]

holy shit. you are great, but the sound of your set is even better

[stanbicknell]

@bourland27 Thanks man, im glad you enjoyed it. More vids to follow soon...

[owtinoz]

im in love with those ghost notes

[stanbicknell]

@owtinoz Thanks man, I REALLY love ghosting and think its essential for every drummer. Cheers

[PourAnotherIcepick]

Amazing video and great idea - but can you listen to the songs now without thinking they're going to do go into each other as this medley does?! ;)

[stanbicknell]

@PourAnotherIcepick At first all I hear are the medley changes but then it goes back to normal. Great question! Cheers

[FRIESENZA]

Wonderful! Love the transition from Cicatriz Esp into Cygnus. Best sounding licks in those songs

[75Stylist]

You have skills, sir! Absolutely love Jon Theadore and I've never seen anyone reproduce his chops with such accuracy and feel. Plus your stick control is bloody excellent. I salute you!

[ElBastardoAlmeida]

Aw, you forgot Viscera Eyes. Great job man.

[stanbicknell]

@ElBastardoAlmeida Forgot? Nah dude, didnt make my cut... Cheers

[MPrint666]

You're really good, but nobody can get all of Theodore's intricacies right except him. Not even Pridgen could get it and he's arguably one of the best drummers in the world.

[stanbicknell]

@MPrint666 ok



[ShaunDnBdrums]

Are you in a band? what do you do to maintain the endorsements?

[stanbicknell]

@ShaunDnBdrums Im in projects and do session work. Cheers

[TheAnti1337]

I fucking love Jon Theodore's playing all the way through deloused. Props to you man!

[DrNorubber7]

oh yea meant to comment on your groove face. that's the only thing i can criticize cause you did look a little silly at certain moments. like you were holding your breath or something

[DrNorubber7]

there aren't very many youtubers posting good volta covers, let alone medleys of some of theodore's most difficult rythms. and you play them almost flawlessly. really liked how you still made it your own, especially at 8:04-8:10 i don't remember that being theodore but i could be wrong! keep it up

[BiDrummer]

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO­OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW

[Tamadrummer006]

Your left hand is unreal.

[LuisnaRys]

4 envidiosos! XD

[thebassmath]

Very impressive and spot on. Your played the pieces flawlessly while still sounding like you. Very nice.

[floyd4224]

i was about to like this, saw that it had 420 likes, refrained from liking to sustain the awesomeness

[a23b23x]

your stack is sexy. i want it.

[neelshiv]

Man, what are the other specs on that snare (saw that you have an ambassador). I don't know how you're tuning it, but it sounds amazing.

[stanbicknell]

@neelshiv Thanks man, its Danny Careys snare, 14 x 8. I used Jon Theodores Deloused snare as a reference. Im happy with the results. Cheers

[DaneboJones]

No wonder that snare sounds so good, its Danny Carey's

[theresignation00]

You must sit up incredibly high on your throne, judging by your feet throughout the entire medley. What advantages would you say this gives you, why do you do it?

[stanbicknell]

@theresignation00 Believe it or not I dont actually sit that high I just seem to play the power from my legs which makes me want to stretch my foot out. I wouldnt say I it serves me in a positive or negative way, its just the way I play. Cheers

[theused4lifebaby]

do a Thomas Pridgen medley

[stanbicknell]

@theused4lifebaby I can't, Im white! ;-p

[theused4lifebaby]

@stanbicknell I can relate :p typical black drummers and their gospel chops.

[Schmalven]

@stanbicknell whaaaaat?

[Creativesnare]

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuccccccckkkkkk­kkkkk.

[RobboBxNy]

For the love of God man!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome playing.

[spicyMcHAGGIS9green]

That looked like it hurt...

[stevefoxthebox]

you kick sooo much ass dude! wish i could play like you. i work on tmv stuff everyday

[stanbicknell]

@stevefoxthebox Thanks mate

[chadrummer]

buen trabajo ;)

- good job dude -

[thorkos]

Damn good. I'm a mars volta fanboi, also watched your meshuggah medley. Good stuff. Give me a thomas pridgen medley.

[taxIN7]

amazing medley! very well mixed and played

[thetasurfers]

beautiful set...and well played.

congrats!

[chase2034]

dude these videos are amazing. thanks for breaking everything down by track and time. dillinger next? tool? thanks for this.

[lucianodato]

que maestro!