Added: 4 years ago
From: metalmasher
Views: 201,753
Sort by time | Sort by thread (beta)

Link to this comment:

Share to:
see all

All Comments (312)

Sign In or Sign Up now to post a comment!
  • greatest drummer to ever live.

  • I think the best way to describe this is.... Random musicality! Rock on bill! Fragile is by and large the greatest album I've ever heard , and the drums on it are completely unbelievable! Why did you have to leave yes?????

  • I think Bill Bruford is more a jazz drummer than a rock drummer,But Bill can play anything.He is just that good.Keep on playing Bill,I love the way You play......

  • Hello Bill, Love the new kit, I need a few rack toms myself but................

    I bet you'll be back on tour again soon.

    G

  • love Bill Bruford!!!

  • Hey, if anyone has the time, do you think you could check out my drum solo and tell me what you think, what needs work, etc.? Thank you.

  • Now I see why he's Danny Carey's favorite drummer.

  • bruford blows peart outta the water. in my opinion brufords parts are so much more creative and original. indiscipline, red nightmare, heart of the sunrise. peart is so robotic. to me it seems like he has no dynamic and all his parts sound the same. but then again wut do i know

  • Not that impressive

  • @MikeLamb24 you're kidding right? I'd like to see something you think is impressive. Also I checked on your page the first thing was nickleback so that means you have zero taste...

  • @Xenoka911 Yea whats your point. Nickelback sells way more records than Bill Bruford. Also, Nickelback look way cooler and get all the ladies. Nickelback is the greatest Canadian act of all time and arguably the best band alive.

  • @MikeLamb24 You fail and so does nickelback. Rush is way better than nickelback, and Bill has more talent than their entire group combined

  • @MikeLamb24 bullshit

  • @MikeLamb24

    Nickelback is a group of inbred hillbillies compared to Bruford .

    How old are you ? 12 ! -LOL

  • @MikeLamb24 As a Canadian I find that statement to be not only false, but absolute BULLSHIT. Rush blows them away, as do The Guess Who, Blue Rodeo, April Wine, Harlequin, The Tea Party and the Tragically Hip! Nickelback are just tragically SHIT.

  • @MikeLamb24 Nickelback is ok, but what you have to understand is that what they do is extremely SIMPLE. And Bill Bruford most likely has sold more records than nickelback, Because of bands like YES and King Crimson. They are nowhere close to the best band alive, i would like to see their singer sing like Jon Anderson, or Bruce Dickinson by hitting that high A note, Their Bassist play like Chris Squire of Flea, Their Guitarist play like Steve Howe, or their drummer play like Bruford or Peart.

  • @elitespartancrust Well singing a high note doesn't mean ur a better singer or anything... i mean it's just a matter of what your pitch is... if ur a baritone u'll never hit an A like ur saying. I'm not defending Nickelback which i find to be pretty bad but it's just that ur argument doesn't make any sense...

  • idk if its fair to even say prog genre(Neil Peart takes that most def)...i think he's just a great overall drummer and is definitely more technically advanced than most

  • and this man beats up on himself at the end of his fantastic autobiography as not being able to compete w/the young drummers today etc....geez Bill, this clip is epitomal proof of your legacy in performance, innovation (kit setup) and originality...I rarely find any of those traits (let alone all 3 together) in ANY drummer under 50 at present. Bravo sir...another brilliant video performance to enjoy...THANK YOU!

  • gavin harrison second?? WTF? HAHA

  • Amazing. That is music if I ever heard it.

  • THUMBS UP IF U THINK THAT BILL LOOKS LIKE A BIRD!!!!! NO OFFENCE HE IS PREETY GOOD THOUGH.

  • Does a hi-hat set up like that have awkward mechanics? It seems to me like it would be so weird to do a shup or even a splash if it wasn't straight up and down.

  • haha everybody's just staring at him like "....what....?"

  • @BDizDaBest.....I rarely get into musical disputes w/ people, its all music, everyone has an opinion....its all cool......but DUDE, if you can't even recognize artistry & talent and give credit where its due....then your not really listening.....hard to truly listen with a closed mind......you may not like , that's cool, we're all entitled......but if you can't even SEE or HEAR it? The way you completely dismiss every one who appreciates Mr. Bruford's work is horribly arrogant and rude

  • LMAO listen to this fool beneath me

  • Boring, unimpressive, and overrated. The only reason everyone praises this guy is because it makes them feel like some enlightened, privileged few who can appreciate his "tasteful genius." Well, I'll take Neil Peart over this fool anyday. At least he plays real notes.

  • @BDizDaBest What are you even talking about when you say "real notes"?

  • Very nice, very tasteful, and a nice-sounding kit. I'm not a fan of Brufor's in general, but this was nice a sharp and very enjoyable.

  • I saw John Hernandez (Oingo Boingo drummer) do the central hi-hat thing in the 80s, and it does make sense, especially for plain-Jane timekeepers like me. The only reason the hat is on the left is tradition. Until the cable hi-hat, that's the only place it COULD be. If I air-drum, I don't cross my hands. If you're used to one rack tom, it can be weird, but it's just a matter of moving the toms a few inches to either side. And I'd float a Roto or a piccolo tom above the hats. Ergonomics rocks.

  • Comment removed

  • where is the rest of that concert ?

  • this guy is the reason I play drums

  • Bill is the best drummer in the actuality, he's very talented and have perfect skills.

    He kick ass in King Crimson and Yes.

  • oh shit, this guy's fuckin' nasty at drums. no wonder he's danny carey's (my personal favorite drummer) favorite drummer

  • @ledzeprocks21 Danny carey's can't play with elegance neither technique he only uses a single strike can't compare with Bruford of Phill collins or Carl palmer or Gavin Harrison or Akira Jimbo or Terry Bozzio they have a lot of technique Daniel and Porntnoy have the awful single strike even chad wackerman plays better

  • @ledzeprocks21 Danny carey's can't play with elegance neither technique he only uses a single strike can't compare with Bruford of Phill collins or Carl palmer or Gavin Harrison or Akira Jimbo or Terry Bozzio they have a lot of technique Daniel and Porntnoy have the awful single strike even chad wackerman or chester thompson can defeat them

  • @Satiaraha I'm going to take a guess that english isn't your first language and not rip on you for your bad grammar, but anyway, all great drummers have their own styles, and none are better than the other. I would take danny carey any day over any of those guys you mentioned, not that I don't like the other guys, but just because danny's style appeals to me more than those other guys. and what the fuck are you talking about with elegance and technique? have you even listened to Tool?

  • @ledzeprocks21 to me, tool don't represent nothing new in the horizon. they just try to conceptualize anything that they do. by the way about my grammar i'm just tired

  • @Satiaraha that doesn't really make much sense, but okay. I just hope that you are aware that there is no such thing as a "better drummer" or a better person on any other instrument for that matter. it all depends on perspective.

  • @ledzeprocks21 you're point of view it's right

  • @ledzeprocks21 I'm agree with you

  • by the way...... don't you get it? what means technique? economic strike in drums or sweep picking on guitar or bass?

    that's mean technique and elegance try to compare the way that play Allan Holdsworth vs Jimmy Page maybe there you can find what i mean? same thing on drums or any other instrument

  • not the most technical solo but he has such a good feel and sound

  • HOLY SHIT! un-fuckin-believable!

  • Bill is the man!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • i wonder how it feels to completely own something. know that it is completely yours and no one can ever take it away.

  • What a setup! I couldn't imagine playing with my drums setup like that. It would definitely take some getting used to. Bruford, please come out of retirement! You know you want to!

  • Bruford's my favorite percussionist after Giulio Capiozzo. Alas, the latter is gone now.

  • One of the best drummers out there.

  • 1:24 - 1:31 is from B'Boom !!!!

  • While guys like Danny carey and gavin harrison take the cake for prog for me....bruford is total class.

  • ONE OF THE BIGGEST REASON I PLAY DRUMS ^^^^^

  • Flam Tripletts!!!! You don't see those anymore. Clean and Beautiful. Master of the Rudiments

  • Comment removed

  • glad he's not still on that electronic kit

  • It's called economy of motion. Playing from the wrists is effective. Using the arms is more showy, but I've seen drummers hit hard with just the wrist.

  • @Bobbbd I can see the Bruford influence in Danny Carey's playing, he has also mastered economy of motion but he does so with more power. Both outstanding drummers.

  • @grahamccollins thoose are his two favorite drummers ;)

  • Yeah. That kid has some energy. Not afraid to wear his influences on his sleeve neither. I give him a thumbs up.

  • can anybody tell me about his sig snare drum? i'm thinking of buying one :D

  • All that he plays is always so special and innovative...He really speaks with the instrument in a different language (nothing of conventional type of drumming here).I love his drumkits of all eras too,including that early 80´s King Crimson from Discipline to Three Of A Perfect Pair (acoustic drums mixed with Simmons,Rototom Octobans or Boobans,Log Drum etc)

  • i like drum solos that have a beat to them, not just a bunch of crazy toms and cymbals. hes got talent though

  • Why do his wrists look like pivots for the sticks? Is this a special technique thing or just how he plays? Also is his left hand as fast as his right?? He plays like a robot (i mean perfection like). I just started drums and bill bruford is my fav drummer.

  • its just the way he likes to play them. notice that all the drums are flat and just below his elbows. you hardly ever see drummers play like that.

  • best drummer in the prog genre, followed by gavin harrison

  • pip pyle from national health/hatfield and the north

  • @paisteguy799 :)

    best drummer in the world.

  • I don't know dude. I prefer Brann Dailor over both of them.

  • @paisteguy799 Neil Peart

  • @paisteguy799 Agree 100%

  • @paisteguy799 i think you spelt danney carey wrong..

  • @paisteguy799 I don't know.. I think Danny Carey would give Gavin a run for his money.

  • @paisteguy799 Do not forget Neil Peart :)

  • @paisteguy799 Gavin Harrison second?! NO WAY! Are you forgetting Terry Bozzio, Mike Giles, Tim Alexander, Neil Peart, and Carl Palmer?

  • @paisteguy799 Who the fuck is gavin harrison?

  • @jsilence418 Watch your words. He is a great drummer, check out Porcupine Tree.

  • @Tomaxzo Sure, just give him another 30 or so years maybe his name will mean something .

  • @jsilence418 Seriously, have you ever listened to something by him?

  • @Tomaxzo Lol I am just kidding ,yeah They are really good i hear them a lot on Morow .com!!

  • @jsilence418 Oof, alright!

  • @paisteguy799 dont forget carl palmer

  • I swear Bill Bruford makes his work look extremely easy, damn you Bill!

    I love his work though, I try to learn it, but I find it rather... esoteric.

  • ya same with niel peart and sometime mike portnoy there so fluid and calm when they drum

  • I almost never see the man with the same kit setup. Crazy

  • Bruford is probably the most economical drummer I've ever seen....soooo effortless. Amazing live, I've seen Earthworks once and King Crimson several times, and each time I am blown away by his ability.

  • so effortless and technically perfect! love it.

  • Great

  • Bruford's kit should be called 'New standard drumset', like Fripps 'New standard tuning' on guitar.

    The hihat in front of the snare is totally brilliant... He says that its easier to play there, and he's right. But it does require a cable hihat-stand.

    And the toms flat on the side are beautiful....

  • @aakkoin I like it to but my left mounted tom is already as far away from my 16 floor as I would want it. For the left hand it's brilliant but the right, it seems restrictive in the sense that I would have to bring my right hand over for the right stroke then jump the snare for the second right stroke. (single stroke roll) If I ever get a cable hh I'll definitely give it a try though. I've been playing with the same set up more or less for 20 years so a change would be nice.

  • @TheReligionkills I stand corrected. I realize that his toms alternate instead of linearly hi to low. Very nice.

  • @aakkoin I'm sorry. you may think i sound stupid but what is a cable hihat-stand?

  • @MrYes69 i'm too lazy to explain, google it

  • @MrYes69 instead of an actual stand holding the hi hat vertically in place, a remote hi hat is a pedal with a cable attached to the hi hat where the cymbals sit, and you can move that piece anywhere you want, so that it can be over your bass drum, over cymbals, ect. bottom line, it gives you mobility and options as to placement

  • @aakkoin

    I agree 100% about the placement of the hihat. I try to put my hihat as much 'in front' of the snare as possible.

  • does he play on Tama ?

  • I just realized that Bill Bruford must have inspired to be Steve Gadd.

    If you like Bill, you'll love Steve Gadd.

  • i've heard Steve Gadd, he's awesome too, but Bill is better

  • he was better with YES. This is a bit boring.

  • can't believe he's not gonna perform anymore...

  • small bass drum, what is that an 18''?

  • es un kapo

  • My favorite drummer. I'd give anything to jam with Bill for even just 10 minutes

  • He and Cobham

  • is this his signature snardrum??

  • did he drop his stick in the end?

  • no, he probably was doing a stick trick with the bass drum

  • hes good

  • Yeah, kind of.

  • i love how he slips in b'boom in there. great solo!

  • Is there anywhere on YouTube where people aren't arguing!!!!??

  • YOU TELL ME NOOB!!!! j/k..

  • I agree, why can't they just enjoy all of this? This is some great music and it's free!

  • Nobody can touch his shit.

  • June 1st 2009

  • Comment removed

  • There's a pretty big difference between double strokes and buzz rolls (and there's a lot more of the former than the latter in this solo). And no, Buddy, JoJo, Chambers and Weckl don't just play singles. A good solo is a good solo and it doesn't require you to play "lightning fast singles". Making everything a competition is as anti-musical an approach possible.

  • Comment removed

  • SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!

  • insane musicality! probably the nicest jazz kit I've ever heard! :)

  • scary technique but a he's very approachable in listening terms. A lot of drummers overshadow the music with showmanship. Bill is the real deal

  • Holy shit!! hae freakin rocks!!

  • 1:20! I love this!

  • One of the best alive. Too bad greats like him and Billy Cobham seem to be forgotten.

  • Ha, the rest of the band is just like....uh,..what now?

  • he  is amazing !!!!

  • nice shirt haha. this is actually a Goodwill promotion commercial

  • my Dream Team Drumers from all of time

    BILL BRUFORD

    NEAL PREAT

    TERRY BOZZIO

    CHRISTIAN VANDER

    PHILL SELWAY

  • Christian Vander, right on man

  • Ahhh Bruford......

    So effortless, So musical and So melodic! This is what real drumming is!

  • he must have a remote hi hat pedal...

    too expensive for me x(

  • he does. he's talked about his unique setup in an interview with modern drummer, and said that it requires a remote hat

    it's a really good idea though, having everything symmetrical around the snare and hats

  • very interesting. I agree. Danny Carey seem to have hats in the middle of drumset. I like these setups as a drummer.

  • such a cool setup. He's very tasteful and creative. Top notch stuff.

  • Have to agree with you. Been listening and sometimes admiring him for years. Bill strikes me as VERY studied, thoughtful, but just not so special with regard to touch, technique, or spontaneity compared with the cream of the jazz and fusion elite. His "incredible" polyrhythms are nice but not incredible, his touch is over-controlled, and he stays within a very narrow dynamic range. His "jazz" sounds almost programmed, not swinging. He's been an important drummer, but the hero-worship is goofy.

  • Comment removed

  • Check out Bill's son Alex- he's with a London band called Infadels, a very hard working band who clock up loads of gigs and have some very good records.

  • Its a damn shame that he has retired from live performing :(

  • Thank God there's a guy like Bruford with brains who stays with the drums.

  • I'm using a symmetric drum kit like he is now, mostly influenced by him. I absolutely love it. I've already done a few gigs with it, and people tell me it makes me play in a more interesting way.

  • Bill's such a unique drummer! I've always loved his style of playing. He ventures where no other drummer would venture.

  • cool

  • Comment removed

  • very nice

  • oh shit he hit the rim of the floor tom at the end! Just joking, this is sick. very very feather-like ghost notes of snare rudiments.... tasty stuff

  • thats unreal to watch so fast and precise but it seems to come so easy for him I'm jealous

  • No Bill plays on every Yes album from '69-72 last album being Close to the edge!

  • i love phil with genesis, not so much solo. Bruford is consistantly mega awesome.

  • Yep. Phil Collins also exceptional.

  • back in the old Genesis days he was...that's about it imho :)

  • agreed

  • Check out Phil's work with Brand X, particularly on Unorthodox Behaviour. Good stuff.

  • Alan White plays on Yessongs, not Bruford.

  • Bruford plays on Perpetual Change, Long Distance Runaround and The Fish on Yessongs. Alan plays on the rest.

  • You're right, mate. Cheers for correcting me in a non-flaming fashion. That's more than you usually get in here.

  • FUCK YES YOU ARE AN AMAZING DRUMMER

  • The only other Bruford Drum solo I've ever heard was the one on Perpetual Change on Yessongs, and I have to say I like this one a lot more than that one.

  • The Perpetual Change solo was when Bill was just beginning his musical career. It is, bad. But if that's the only one you have heard you need to get up to speed. Bill turned out to be one of the finest drummers of all time

  • He was amazing even then. He was one of the best drummers of all time in the 70's as well. Just listen to his mindblowing performance on Red if you need proof of that. Perpetual Change was just one solo that wasn't all that great.

  • Oh hey, you're preaching to the choir my friend :) Bill is my All-Time most favorite drummer. I liked Red but it wasn't my favorite early Crim. My favorite early Crim was Starless and Bible Black. My favorite late Crim was Beat.

  • His soloing may not have been great in those days, but his Yes days are the stuff of legend.

  • great drum solo

  • Geez, those drums sound good! Odd set up, but hey, It's Bill....He's great.

  • look up indiscipline live  his solo in the beginning is mindblowing!

  • never liked him always respected him

  • I will be honest in the fact that I haven't heard Bill in a while, but it is still a pleasure.

  • tasteful,Musical..

  • huge change in technique from the old days

  • I disagree, vehemently. Bill Bruford was always a "jazz drummer"! Any "jazz" drummer will tell you that! He was always into Tony Williams :-) You guys have got to let go of those "pre-conceived notions" of these classic drummers! They (including Buddy Miles, Mitch Mitchell, etc.) were all heavily inspired by "jazz drummers", which is why "pioneering" guitar players like Hendrix and Allan Holdsworth chose them! Even John Bonham was inspired by "jazz drummers" :-)

  • Too many misplaced quotation marks.

  • lol looong comments. im too lazy to read them.

  • Agreed.

  • there are some drummers who are better than others. Period! But music is an expression of self so it shouldn't be judged. Now, I think early Bozzio is good, I liked his energy with Zappa, it was wild. Tony Williams in my opinion kicks ass. He leaves my mouth wide open every time. I like Bill B. and he has great work with King Crimson, but my mouth doesn't drop but it's good. Some drummers are boring and you can't deny that. Ringo is also one of my fav drummers and people.

  • HMMM... Never was to keen on Bruford. Seemed like everyone shuffled him around to. (ex; Chester Thompson, Alan White) I think he just had a problem implementing his "jazz-fusion" influences to each band he was in...