Drum Teacher Reaction: GAVIN HARRISON | ''Quite Firm'' Modern Drummer Festival 2008 (2021 Reaction) 

Thanks for this reaction... Not seen it before.. I'm a guy who found Porcupine Tree by complete accident 2 years ago..... and i'm 71 for goodness sake and i've just been devoring them and spreading the music all around as much as I can... Steven Wilson I had heard of... but as this guy who did all the sonic remastering.. and I listen to Aneathsetize and I am drowning in a gorgeous pool of PT and Gavin Harrison has been part of that... I've appreciated drummers ever since Ringo, after all I grew up with them and I love them all... but this man is just special.. You are able to vocalise why for me... I can just feel it, which is what music is all about really isn't it... Keep on rocking.

Ever since I found Porcupine Tree and Gavin Harrison, about 10 years ago, he has been my all-time favorite drummer. The man is a drummer's drummer par excellence!

Mike Mangini is a great example of someone who plays incredibly intricate parts flawlessly, however has almost no soul or groove. Gavin executes with groove, style and insane amounts of tasty drumming. His signature tom rolls just give me goosebumps everytiime.

I've been singing his praises for over a decade. Gavin is THE MAN. Apart from being technically great, the one word that always comes to mind when I hear him play is tasteful. Everything he does is just so on point, and even though there's a lot of cool fills and stuff in his playing, it's never showy, never overpowering the song. Like I said: tasteful.

Shout out to that bassist as well. As I age as a drummer I come to really appreciate the bass when played this well

I had the sheer pleasure of seeing Porcupine Tree live in a much smaller intimate venue they liked. Great acoustics, small crowd of dedicated fans and just a wonderful night of music. But man I gotta tell ya, I've never been so wowed by a drummer live nor had my jaw drop so many times. He's an absolute titan of drumming and i cherish having watched his genius unfold live twice. My personal rock/metal drummer goat.

People: "How many memes can you put in a reaction video?" Rooney: "Yes"

Gavin is the most musical and tasteful drummer i've ever heard. He is amazing, with an unique sound. Like you said, pristine. That kit sounds perfect! ❤

Isn't it amazing that he sounds just as brilliant playing big band funk as he does prog rock/metal With the same exact kit? I mean, you could plug this guy into anything and he'd level it up. I just can't get enough of his phenomenal precision and articulation. Just a wonderful musician to listen to, and on top of it he seems like a real normal down-to-earth guy. AND he's a freaking monster.

I actually saw Gavin with Pineapple Thief in Oslo Norway a few years back, it was magnificent. I was filled with a weird sense of gratitude for his and their hard work and hours of practice.

I saw KING crimson with Gavin, pat mastelloto ans bill rieflin, 3 drummers, just incredible, very high level.

Friday evening, a beer, some pizza and a new Rooney video. Can things get better? Maybe in an alternate dimension, but not here in the real world. 😎

I saw him live a couple of years ago with King Crimson in Liverpool, England. 3 drummers on stage at once, Gavin was the stand out drummer of the 3. I was about 6 rows from the front, facing him, he was incredible. Best gig I've ever been to.

Andrew, l really like your videos and the way you are carefully approaching the work of the chosen artists. I wish I‘ve had a drum teacher like you. It would have made me a better drummer, if not a better person. 🥁🙂 Cheers mate, greetings from Hamburg/ Germany

I went to see Porcupine Tree about 13 years ago or something like that. They had a band called Pure Reason Revolution opening for them. I had not heard of them before this gig. They where okay for the most part of the gig. But suddenly Gavin joined for their last song and elevated the level of PRR so much that I'm certain it gave me the opportunity to still be listening to them this day. That's how good Gavin is.

Gavin Harrison and Marco Minneman, that's where it starts and that's where it ends beacause that's all you need!

I totally agree sir. Gavin has to be one of my favorite drummers right now. Not saying there no one better, but to me, his technique, style, musicianship and absolute precision and mystery of his instrument just blows me away. I look forward to seeing more reactions of him. If you haven't yet, you should look up 19 days. Peace and God bless From Georgia, U.S.A.

I have known Gav since the early eighties, he was a phenom then! He did a little get together at the local music store in Watford and used some electronic pads, he switched up upper body stuff for lower body stuff and then back again, ridiculous now never mind then! Lovely fella too!

Watch his whole performance at MD fest 2008, its well worth the hour. His drumming left me speechless

I've said it a thousand times before, and I'll say it a thousand times more: It's always difficult, if not impossible, to say there's a "best of" in any category/discipline/skill/etc. That being said, I would name Gavin Harrison the best Drummer ever any time. Precision, technique, musicality, creativity, control, the right mindset. The guy has it all.

Gavin is a phenomenal player! I am impressed that you named him as your favorite drummer! Gavin is so versatile and always impresses! Such smooth and precise playing, and is so RELAXED when he jams! Believe me, the first time I saw this, I was firm too!!! 😜😜😜😂

Absurdly brilliant and creative. It’s always the same reaction look of disbelief and excitement. Keep up the good work Kind Sir

Cool review, Gavin is my favorite drummer without a doubt, been lucky enough to see him live three times with Porcupine Tree and once with PineApple Thief. I get to see him again in June 2022 in Seattle playing with PineApple Thief.

The pros like Gavin are not just masters of playing the instrument but they are masters of the instrument. They know the drum composition, hardware, how to tune, etc. We don't often talk about their overall expertise as we focus on their playing. I recommend people watch some of the educational videos and one on one chats these professionals put out where they dive in to much more than just playing. Great stuff if you are a die-hard drum geek and want more than just seeing them play. Rock on!

@AndrewRooneyDrums Mate! Your Stank Face is the perfect representation of how one should respond to Gavin Harrison, a true magician of the kit! Keep the great vids coming. As always much love and respect from Perth,Aus

By far one of the greatest drummers of now and ever. I love porcupine tree and Gavin Harrison is the reason I stuck around listening to them and now I'm in love with them. You know when you hear "solid in the pocket"and this guy gives a master class on it...

Love your attitude Andrew, the dead memes and pasting explainations of some musical terms are something that make you different from other reaction channels

I love the question you asked "If I hit his snare drum, would it sound like that?" A bad drummer could make a great kit sound crap, and a great drummer could make a crap kit sound amazing.. He plays many complicated parts, but he also plays many parts that myself and a lot of other drummers can play. But It's the *way* he plays them that brings the part to life. I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but like you've said, just an absolute privilege to watch and learn from one of the greats.

Gav’s a monster. A true technician. I was lucky enough to see him live many times with Porcupine Tree but I actually think my favourite live performance from him was a couple of years ago drumming with The Pineapple Thief. His style is really set free within their musical landscape.

Im just hammering in on a specific thing here... hands down as a proggy extreme metal drummer myself always trying new things I'd love to be able to play and think like nick barker and Gavin Harrison, Nick's not musically trained whatsoever hes just a really big guy who shouldn't be able to do what he does...he's ridiculous=feel groove chops speed unexpected ,insane tom work, weird placement of splash accents etc and then Gavin whos not a double bass player as stated yet pulls out some damn nifty patterns that compliment the material instead of controlling it ,inverted fills, some jazzy flash and when riffs are heavy it all just makes sense -these 2 are musicians from completely different worlds yet intriguing and tasteful not easy to achieve

Saw him 5 times with crimson 2014-21, pineapple thief 2018 and going to see with porcupine tree in September. He never disappoints.

Absolutely love Gavin, the finesse and musicality of his drumming never ceases to blow my mind. Going to see him and his current band The pineapple thief in October, cannot wait.

Gavin is Gavin. Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio, Billy Cobham, Vinny Colaiuta, Marco Minneman, Narada Michael Walden. Those are the drummers who come to mind as drummers who are in a similar/comparable style who I like as much. His tuning/sound- killer.

There are some speakers in the world where whatever subject you ask them about, they have something insightful and exciting to say about it. Gavin Harrison is like that with drums. All throughout his songs I'm excited about his fills, his grooves, his takes on things

That’s a tough one Gavin is in a category of his own never heard anyone play quite like him

This vid is soo good. 🤘 You definitely should listen (and make a video) from Porcupine Tree's Anesthetize live at Tillburg. You did a shorter, drumfest version yeah but hearing Gavin as a part of the whole is awesome. I saw Porcupine Tree live at that same tour and it was like all your memes. Good channel, hoping you will continue making vids. Thanks. 🙂

Answering the question “who is your favourite” drummer has always been a challenge and will vary on different days. Partly depending on perspective - for example my heart says Jeff Porcaro who has had the greatest influence on my own playing style and whose brilliance was in my ways more subtle. And my head could pick several among the many who have pushed the technical limits of our art over recent decades and whose playing leaves me gobsmacked! But right now, here in 2022 I can’t think of anyone who impresses me more than Gavin. Some may argue - perhaps with justification - that there are other drummers that push the technical side even further. But drumming is an art, not a sport, and service to the music must never be eclipsed. From that dual “head+heart” perspective Gavin’ s playing is a thing of utter beauty - sublimely fusing the musical and technical aspects in a way very few if any others on this planet can achieve. And though I have never met him personally he also seems like an incredibly likeable and humble human.

I’ve seen Gavin live at a few Pineapple Thief gigs. Incredible performance, my favourite drummer by far. Wish I could have seen him in the Porcupine Tree days

If you want to see Gavin with a band, check out the 17-minute video of Anesthetize live in Tilburg. There are other videos from the same concert as well. It's not drum-cam footage like this or the Danny Carey video, but Gavin gets lots of attention from the cameras with multiple camera angles, so it's awesome to watch. And the whole concert is absolutely mind blowing from a musicianship perspective for all the players in the band. I saw a couple of the YT clips and had to hunt down the out of print Blu-ray Disc to see the whole thing at maximum quality. Totally worth it.

I’m so glad you reacted to this. An absolutely stunning performance! There’s so many subtle beat transformations. I did want someone to explain what he does at 7:34 (on your video). I can’t seem to count what he’s doing. Can you (or someone!) explain that part at all?

WHOA!! That was phenomenal!! When we think we saw them all. Maybe there are so many and some still haven't had a chance to leave their rooms or a Rockstar / Celeb haven't had their BIG break into the music industry; yet!? Hmm.... Gavin is Great along a slew of drummers; percussionists & maybe a Marcel Lightning Dube pill as well!? Hmm....

when you hear and see that, you think "drumming sounds fun, I can do that'... and then you try.... and realize that this guy is a God!

Personally I would put Larnell Lewis at the same level as Gavin Harrison...both my favourites

I saw Porcupine Tree live on one of their last tours in 2009 and Gavin was absolutely the stand out highlight for me. I was completely star struck listening to him play live. It was amazing.

when I listen to Gavin I always hear little bit of Mr Weckl in the back... that subtle finesse...sophisticated. Absolutely love it

Didn't know if you noticed, this is from the same drum clinic as the first video I requested! I can't get enought of Gavin!

At the 8:29 mark, he drops a stick, picks up another one, and still pulls off that sweet fill! Outstanding!!

Gavin has gigged with Iggy pop, Sam Brown, Level 42, Incognito, and many more, He's so versatile.

Matt Garstka from Animals As Leaders and another very very underrated drummer is Carter Beaufort from Dave Matthew's Band that alot of people overlook and don't give credit to.

Really he is unbelievable ❤️

Gavin Harrison!! Love him 🙏👏👏👏

This is one my favorite performances of him - this track has such a groove. The thing I dig about Gavin is the versatility - he came play what the song needs in virtually any style/genre. Would love to see him on the Zildjian live series w/ The Ghost Note Band.

4 me the GOAT today that is on another level is Matt Garstka..🤪🥰🎶🥁❣️ Peace&Love from Sweden 🥰👊

Saw him live in front row with the pineapple thief......omg! Right before covid.....what an experience......I will never forget it!

Who is better? No one. He’s perfect. He can do everything and he always takes everything to the next level of enjoyability. Greatest of all time.

Gavin is fantastic! Who else? Not similar, but I like Jojo Mayer a lot for his vibes and music feeling. So pleasure to hear as Gevin as Jojo! I think these two guys are the best in their musicality.

You might want to purchase his drum dvds. He plays a lot of his own compositions on it and of course the obligatory teaching stuff. Found him when Porcupine Tree released Fear of Blank Planet (a progressive conseptual masterpiece) and seen him live 3 times. There IS no one better. You are quite right, sir. Love the channel.

1st there was Stewart Copeland for me. Then i got introduced to pink floyd and Nick Mason. Now there's Gavin Harrison the Liam Neeson of drumming!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Neil Peart. His timing is impeccable

I encourage checking out the 'Bonnie The Cat' video from (I think) the same performance/show - it's the brain-bendyest 4/4 groove you will *ever* hear.

Well that was insane. Cheers.

I would strongly suggest you watch Matt Garstka's VF Jams' live video (drum cam version) if you're into this kind of tasteful playing.

His playthrough of Threatening War, by the Pineapple Thief, is full of tasty bits and consistent musicality! Additionally he has a playthrough of Bonnie the Cat, by Porcupine Tree, that's absolutely electrifying! Heck, I remember getting several of their live concert DVDs and just being floored by how much Gavin brings to their songs.

Has anyone else noticed he broke his stick and switched to a new one at 8:29? Crazyyy

I just totaly agree with all the comments below. I was lucky , and happy , when I learned that Pineapple Thief came to town, wow, I v got to see Gavin in my hometown Haugesund in Norway. (20 march- 22) Check X.

I love Gavin's playing. In my favorites list along with Benny Greb, Dave Weckl, Dennis Chambers, Aquiles Priester, and probably my current favorite of Thomas Lang. They are all so amazing. There are many other modern drummers I love as well, too many to mention.

this mans my idol

In your reaction to "Anesthetize" you suggested he reminded you of Dave Weckl, and maybe it's the number he's drumming to here, because this is sooo Dave's genre, but Weckl came immediately to mind. Love Dave, and Gavin is relatively new to me, but love his drumming as well

Gavin is amazing & a favorite of mine.

Most of my go to's are generally the nick barker and the gene Hoglan type of drummers but gavin has always stood out amongst them for me always

Gotta be some of his best work right there

I'm seeing him with a band called pineapple thief, his drumming on those albums is amazing! You should check it out. I can't wait to see him!!

And yes Gavin is the master on another level completely 100%. He's absolutely phenomenal to listen to and watch,precision is 2nd to none 👌🏼

Gavin did a great live stream where he explained how he tunes his drums, worth a look.

I was there.. AMAZING!!

Fun fact about this performance: The presenter was Simon Phillips :-)

You’re right Andy. I a drummer and I get it. Second to none.

I don't know how one person can inspire me so much and make me want to quit drums at the same time.

Danny Cary same level. Just different styles and both insane.

One of the most underrated drummers are pop drummers and especially David Palmer. The drummer of ABC, The The, Julian Cope, Al Green, Billy Squier, Bryan Adams, Danny Wilson, Paul Young, Sting, The Art of Noise, Pet Shop Boys and Rod Stewart.

Nobody can do it as musical and technical as him

Better check out "19 Days" to. Gavin Harrison is one of a kind!

Hey JAFA!!! The only Current player (who I have seen drum battle with) who could match him is Simon Philips. Both have amazing pocket, groove and technicality.

8:49 XD I love those funny memes in between, lol.

jojo. Greysdon Nekrutman, Darnell Lewis, Gergo borlai... there are many... but his style.. Incredible

Gavin Harrison the master! Hope his legacy stay in this world forever.

This message thread might be the best in existence. You guys make my day 😂👌💯

Great Gavin Harrison reaction! Re the snare, yes, it probably would sound the same because he creates his sound - and that goes from the choice of rim, heads and his tuning, and to his jealous guarding and management of his own EQ. As for the rest, like you say, his solutions come from thousands of hours practising rudiments - until the point he judged that focusing on them alone (or solely) would begin to restrict his interpretations of what to play. So we’re seeing someone who has years upon years of hard core technical practice, then releasing that to his brain, which is steeped in math (music is math, right?) and discipline, and then to his heart, which is musicality in every direction. Some people say he’s too much of a calculating machine, but the reality is that he’s created, then tamed that machine, to let loose upon the soul of the music he plays (whatever the style). I defy anyone who has seen him play live to say that he doesn’t have soul to his playing. Yes he almost always plays to click (look at half the time signatures he plays to and tell me you wouldn’t :) and that he seldom just improvises in live tracks (other than embellishments) - but he does that so the punter gets to hear the same thing they do on the studio track (no shortcuts). I’m a prog drummer, and though there are a lot of drummers I love and respect, he is the absolute all-time stand out for me - and that remains whether he is playing Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief - or O5Ric, jazz or anything else. His approach to rhythmic solutions manifestly changed the way I play and, even as a long time prog drummer, rescued me from years of circular playing (a rut). I still recall the day, after listening to one of his video lessons, I realised that you didn’t have to play beats on the kick, as just beats on the kick; anything is fair game - because its just a bloody great instrument with parts that can interplay wherever it fits. We’re the luckiest of musicians with all the things we have to work with - thanks to people like Gavin Harrison showing us the way. Maybe in another 100 years I might approach 1/5th of his ability in execution. Thanks fo the vid, keep em coming. (Oops, this is bloody long, sorry :) PS: oh, and re the snare sound; you’ll notice that Gavin’s fulcrum for his snare backbeats (rim shots etc) is, for the most part, right back on his little finger.

Nobody tops Gavin Harrison in my opinion. His compositional approach and dinamics are unique.

The one person who comes to my mind is Benny Greb.....his grooves are also frickkin' tasty. :-) I wouldn't say better.....but pretty much at the same level as Gavin.

I'm embarrassed to say I've never heard of Gavin. I know of his work, but never specifically knew his name or sought him out. What a monster on the kit...thanks for introducing me to this guy!

8:18 that DISCPLACEMENT

You should react to Anesthetize again but this time the full version live with Porcupine Tree. If you want to see him live with a band.

Gavin is such a tasty drummer- don't know about the coffee but the guy who sent it has good taste in drummers!

he uses different grips with his left hand. when hitting a backbeat/rimshot he holds the stick very firmly with his pinky finger. so basically he chokes the stick at the bottom end. this is part of his 'dead' sound he wants to achieve. also hits the drum as in the centre as possible so that the waves can cancel each other out. he doesn't like ringing drums

Please check out Gavin Harrison - 'Threatening War' also 'White Mist' The Pineapple Thief - he also has this really old track called 'Slipping away' looks like he's horsing around in some studio, it's really fun (Especially when, midway he goes on this miniature symbol run , Theres also a version in some Modern Drummer Comp ??? Also 'Futile' & 'Bonnie The Cat' from same show as Quite Firm'

I'm no drum afficionado, but I was pretty impressed by Clay Aeschliman, the current drummer in the band Polyphia.

Gavin is the Floor Jansen/Usain Bolt of drummers. Very special. VERY.

I can really only think of two or three drummers who are up there at this level: Danny Carey, Jojo Mayer, and Thomas Pridgen

He’s so good. Virgil is that guy though, a man on a tier of his own.