Drum Teacher Reacts to Virgil Donati - Drum Solo 

The fluidity and the complexity of this man is just out of this world

Virgil is the guy who makes even well educated, skilled and experienced drummers constantly go "wtf".

35 years ago when Virgil lived in Melbourne he was playing in local type bands playing regular pop,jazz and what ever else but he stood out.He was so good at that "flat-flam" thing;when you hit 2 drums at the same time.It sounded so fat and acurate....he blew our minds..I'm so lucky I saw Virgil playing back then in normal type gigs.he is a really nice gentle person.Virgil plays like Virgil and that approach is fearlessness. Good on you VIRGIL .from down under, JASON.YOU MADE IT.Australians can play too.He played my drum kit once and said my snare sounded good...........that made me haPPY...............

Saw virgil 3 months ago.....its incomprehensible lol

I watched him since the early seventies he played in our school social and I was fortunate to meet him a number of times and had a few lessons. In my opinion, the greatest drummer.

Virgil Donati is from another galaxy ... far, far away.

You guys have to listen to Planet-X, awesome instrumental fusion project with Virgil Donati, Tony Mccalpine and Derek Sherinian

While everybody are in 2000s this guy is in 3000s already. When you hear Virgil you feel that you are missing out on a brain.. or two.. :D Unbelievable limb independence added to the musicality and complete awareness of things he is doing!

I have enjoyed drums solo's so much more when I hear your commentary. It helps me to appreciate the artistry of these drummers when I have things pointed out to me.

I remember listening to a podcast or radio show where Mangini said that there were some guys who he considered "better" than him, and the first name he mentioned was Donati. And I believe it. Another fun anecdote, when Dream Theater auditioned for the new drummer, back in 2011, Big guys like Thomas Lang, Mangini, Minnerman, among others went for it. And so did Donati as well. One of the parts on the audition was about throwing at the drummer some very weird patterns, like a whole loop of composed by 5/4, 6/8, 7/7 and so on. Very complex loop. Some drummers had to listen to it several times to kick in, some others couldn't do it. Donati's approach was asking Jordan Rudess (the keyboard guy) for the music sheet. He read it once, jumped into the drumset and played along it graciously, like if he knew it. At the end, Jordan said : "You clearly eat this stuff for lunch"....

Power drumming indeed, those BACKBEATS! 💪🏿👊🏿💥

Virgil Donati is the GOAT.

have seen Virgil numerous times, he IS an absolute beast!

Virgil Donati is an alien, the best drummer in this universe! He literally strikes fear into the heart of musicians regardless of what instrument you play

Incomprehensible genius !

Planet X is one of the most skilfull bands out there...and the drummer is Virgil Donati.

Love your stuff Garey!!

Mr. Donati's musicality is on par with any of the great Jazz pianists: Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson, Bill Evans...

I was at the drum fest with him.. he had some if the worksheets for the crowd to " try and follow" lol.. MAN i miss the drumfest being in that little auditorium

A Beast, so tehnicaly advanced drummer, it's crazzy. But so much musicality to him, so much feel and power. Top of the crops for sure.

I dont feel so bad as a drummer watching Donatti anymore. This dude is a teacher and he said the same words I did watching him.. Here are the stages of watching him play 1-) woah 2-) wow 3-) Im not sure what he did there 4-) Did he just?.. 5-) Go...lly... 6-) He still not tired?. 7-) Im tired... 8-) I dont want to play the drums anymore..God come get your brother..

Thanks a lot- the dude is a beast and some of the things he does is almost unteachable. Just really cool odd time stuff. Thanx

This is older Virg. His Holdsworth stiff is inspired. Of course, Planet X and even his pop-prog Icefish stuff is awesome. He plays so hard, with huge bats and is so musical. My current fav. My last 7 or 8 years I've become a Virg stalker... eating up everything I can get from him. His clinic stuff... which is for an audience filled with drummers, is truly where he shines. Maybe Virg and Thomas Lang... their DW tour was insane.... TL has feet and independence that are friggen amazing. His control for such a bull is remarkable. Thanks for this, Garey. We need to get you to some fresher Virg... and soon we need to get you into some Matt Garstka for some more mind twisting polyrhythm solos... :)

I am guitar player. Once you upload a reaction video , I push like button instantly! Your positive approach is something we all need!

The height of limb independence. Started to sound the same after awhile. Still, insane skill. I like the minimal cymbal setup.

Outstanding.

Amazing control, power and dynamics

What i love about this guy's videos is there is no ego when analysing other drummers, fun to watch. Recommend searching up Pete Zeldman for an analysis video too

That didn't take long awesome ! So much power and finesse...damn I knew this would be good.

READING ALOT OF THE COMMENTS ABOUT VIRGIL. Virgil is himself all the time of the day=never deviates from where he is choosing to go. Respect to this man is all that is needed . ON weather one likes his drumming or not is not important =this guy is the same guy 24 hours a day=SUPER SOUL PERSON=TRUSTWORTHY=CONSISTENT.no fake. real deal.

You remind me of myself when I watch amazing drummers especially Virgil!

MAAAAAANN, I didn't see his 2nd hi hat set either until you expanded. I was wondering what in the world he was doing. I was watching his hands but couldn't figure it out. WOOOOOOW. B

Going on your reaction he must be one of your favorites. WOW...

The acoustics of that room are insane!!!!!!

BEAST MODE!!!!

Holy shit! Virgil is amazing.

I love how you "Woo and woah" at the same points as I do. Synchronised woahing.

Can we coin the word "drumgasm"? I love how into it these reactions are 😂

Well that's a proper reaction:)

Every time I see Virgil play I shit my pants.......and I've been listening to him play for about 20 years lol

He’s from another planet! Virgil is the top of Mt. Everest for drummers

I was exposed to VD (pun intended!) through modern drummer magazine & discovered his unique combination of natural talent & copious practice. The Tina Arena gig is always good to watch if you'd rather hear his groove vs mind-blowing chops.

Check out Bobby Jarzombek with the song Peppered Cancer!

Check out Virgil's video playing concerto for drums ....unreal

Danny Walker-Virgil Donati-Matt Garstka....ALL TOP MUSICIANS.

The thunder from down under

Virgil donatis playing hurts my head, there's so much goin on my brain doesn't know which rhythm 2 follow lol

Yea his feet are insane!

Great technical ability...stamina, power....and flow. He's surely a beast and while a bit intricate and absolutely a creative guy....I just am not grabbed or entranced by his composition...I almost felt bored after a bit. Though as I said, an absolute beast.

One of the greatest drum soloists I ever saw was the late great Jon Hiseman and an analysis would be truly fitting for such a great musician and ambassador for music.

This is the entire drumscore and full music for a terminator IV movie.

He is better than I thought

That multi drum trad.

Hey garey... Luv yr videos. your dedication n discipline to guide us... ... Hooked to it...... How about tony royster jr., eric moore, chris Coleman.......

Thanks so much Gary for a great review on Mr Virgil Donati. I was a drummer for many years so can understand listening to all those moves . ..playing them was another thing. ..HA.

Great video:: Please do a video on the amazing drummer w Chris Botti: Lee Pearson

If I was listening to this rather than watching I would swear he was playing 2 hands on the hi hat 4 mins 30 Stewart Copeland esque but to watch and see one hand is impressive and not something I could do without 2 hands. Talk about dexterity and must be over 60 now. Also some nice polyrhythms at times too. No idea what he is playing at the 9 min mark. Sounded like he was in 9/8 or 11/8. Very impressive. I have his double bass drum book. I remember that modern drummer stuff when I was a student so circa ‘97 and groundbreaking. This is why drummer polls are based on popularity rather than ability as how many top 50 drum lists include Virgil Donati? I rest my case.

Hold on......... Is he playing 3 sets of hats?

Donati's solos prove that speed and power can be achieved without the use of the Mohler technique. Nothing wrong with Mohler but it isn't necessary. After all, if your getting and extra note from a rebound how can you control the dynamic of that note? Donati makes every note happen and is in complete control of his dynamic range.. No free notes! I've always played that way myself though I'm nowhere near the level he plays at. Donati is indeed a beast. Very inspirational player.

What happened to your critique of Tom Brechtlein?

Progressive drumming GOAT.

You are like me when I have to watch someone fish, but you cannot fish yourself. I often said it's what hell must taste like 😂

Still waiting for a Bobby Jarzombek reaction.

You don't play for Vai if you're a slouch! Your pantomiming of the various limb rhythms almost gets me to believe I could play a set (I'm voice/woodwinds/guitar&bass). Some of your general comments on musicality remind me of my band director in HS. Good vibes! Lastly your enthusiasm is just phenomenal. Ooh that double pedal work is something!

Great use of dynamics,incredibly talented Drummer and should have got the DT gig in my opinion.

EXCELENT...PLEASE ANALIZER A CHRIS COLEMAN... GREETINGS FROM ECUADOR....

How about a review of Bobby Rock! Tommy Aldridge!! Or Eric Carr!!

Virgil Donati and Gergo Borlai are from the same Distant Planet (^::^) !!!!!

Can you please react to Baard Kolstad - "Mirage" or "Bonneville" playthrough? You won't regret. :)

it looks to me like he is hitting the highthat from top and buttom when he is going up and down with the stick

Bro….you counting his left hand and foot or his right hand and foot?

Maybe some people who dont understand what is drumming about, they thought virgil just robotic drumming. But in fact he has dynamic rhytm best limb coorsination and also play alien type of music.he is non earth drummer.

React brazilian drummer, Ramon Montagner.

React to Senri Kawaguchi

Virgil est le meilleur batteur au monde.

Virgil donati, JoJo Mayer and Chris Coleman are from different star systems

A Melbourne boy with some talent...😂

Good pairing with Allan Holdsworth . Made for an even Math equation .

Please react to Gary Novak!

Check out Dylan Elise, a street drummer who freakin would make Buddy Rich proud, think Brazilian, and yes you will get up and dance or just plain move🖖

Love to see you in a tight black T-shirt saying "not quite my tempo" once in a while. Maybe toss a cymbal too.

People who don't play drums look at Virgil Donati play and think "I would LOVE to play drums like THAT!!!" People who DO play drums look at Virgil Donati play and think "I'm going home to burn all my drums!!!"

Dude please check out Mario from gojira’s solo London Brixton Keep up the good shit lad

Garey -- You are much too cool to be wearing prison-striped t-shirt. Neckline also too scoopy. I used to be a stylish & jazzy international diplomat, and now mostly dress like a farmer -- which is OK because I spend my days chasing my turtles (faster than you'd think!) and growing a spectacular garden in Albuquerque. All the best to you, and thanks for your superb videos. Regards, Lynn

Make a vídeo about Kiko Freitas, brazillian drummer.

Portnoy when he plays with Derek Sherinian ,(Keyboards),Tony Macalpine ( guitars 7 strings and 8 ) playing a Planet X song and portnoy get tired of playing Virgil song !

Please react to travis barker

Peter Szendofi

Nobody knows what Donati does there xD.

Anton Fig Please!!!!!!

One does not analyse Virgil Donati...he is a fact of life, like sunrise or sunset...you just enjoy his musical existence, or not ...but DO NOT TRY TO ANALYSE HIM

O CARA É BOM, MAS O SOLO É CHATO.

Stop reacting to people you have already seen before, and you will get more views.

What is this guy doing that Neil Peart hasn't already done better. . . Just asking

great demonstration of skill just lacks "flavor" kinda bland, too much technique and not enough emotion for my taste

Very overrated one trick pony. Holds no candle to Buddy, Morello, Porcaro, Bonham, Steve Smith, Erskine, Gordon, Blaine, Purdie, Cobham, Weckle, Wackerman, Husband, Wertico..........