Lombardi Live! featuring Virgil Donati and Terry Bozzio (Episode 43) 

Donati is the most advanced drummer ever. You can like his style or not, but from a technical point of view, that's a fact.

These two gentlemen came to Belgium during a clinic tour, some 25 years ago. I waited for them at the end along with a bunch of fans, and when they finally got out we had a chance to chat while they were waiting for their cab. Both were legendary nice and humble (and confessed to some of the Italians in there that they only knew the bad words :) but I specifically spoke with Terry. I don't think I had ever met such a gentleman before. He was so nice that at some point I told him "You are the star here. You could so easily be an asshole" to which he answered "You know, I think it's easier to be a nice guy". And just when I thought I was taught out for the night, I learned my biggest lesson. When the cab arrived I started walking away, unable to process my own luck. Then I heard "Bye Nick", turned around and saw Terry wave at me as he was getting into the cab. What a freaking class act... That night changed my life as a drummer and a person. I walked back home 2 feet above the ground. So I don't know if you'll ever read this, but thank you so much. These things mean a lot more than we think. PS: to the fans, I recently rewatched Twins with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Watch it again (or just the dance scene in the bar) and you'll know why I am mentioning it here :)

That was great watching 2 world class drummers discuss their music. Perhaps you could even follow this up with them PLAYING their music together.

The best of the best

Terry gives us pure high-grade gold, no, platinum, between. He’s kind of giving you his entire improvisational ‘language’ concept-if you strip away the huge orchestral drum set and the 7 bass drums and distill what Terry does into a few sentences, he’s giving it to us, right here-I’ve listened to that 2-minute section 5 times and will listen again and maybe even transcribe it. I’ve been digging Terry’s stuff since Bongo Fury (1976) so I’ve been exploring his work for a long time (I’m 58 now)-so: THANK YOU great man, Mr. TERRY BOZZIO and Virgil and Don for making this all possible!!!

Both huge influences to me. Great chat!

3 Great Italian musicians!!

Two huge players wow!! I saw Terry at a clinic in Toronto in the early 90’s. I saw Virgil playing with the late Allan Holdsworth at The Tralf in Buffalo.

Thank you Lombardi Drum Channel, met both of these fantastic Musicians in Cardiff many moons ago

Wow.... I've never seen an interview that made me feel like waching an amazing concert like this one.. The level of the depth and wisdom of the individuals featuring on this video.. is simply amazing.

Virgil Donati’s discussion of the fundamentals-of going really deep with the rudiments and basics-was also enthralling and is sending me back to my Henry Adler ‘Buddy Rich Book of Snare Drum Rudiments’-I studied with Henry back during the Chang Dynasty (712-715 BC)…Anyway, I’m also starting all over again and learning traditional grip seriously for the first time in 50+ years as a drummer-I was inspired by TERRY BOZZIO to be a full-time matched grip player in my teens but trying trad grip as a sort of ‘new’ creative challenge.

GREAT conversation, THANK you guys !!!

Great interview. Thanks!

If Terry can let the beat turn around, don't beat yourself up when it happens to you one day! What a humble GOAT!

This is incredible. What a cool conversation! Thanks Drum Channel.

Virgil looks like he's in great shape

2 of drumming's most fertile minds ..... amazing men and musicians

Very inspirational. Thank you!

Was wondering what happened to Terry over the past few years especially since there wasn't any news. I'm glad he's alive and well. Wonderful guy and a monster musician.

Nice to see you guys are so down to earth.

Zappa was at Apollo Stadium in January 1976. I know because I was there. I was nineteen and it was the only time I ever got to see him live and he was not happy with Adelaide. I found out later why he was so pissed off he wouldn't do an encore, but on the night I was baffled.

EXCELLENT !

Great conversation, thanks guys

I met Virgil Donati twice during his drum clinics he dose. He's a beast on those drums.

That was a real treat! Man I really loved that!

Giants!!!....'nuff said....❤

Often I have no time for this sort of interview, but I wish this had lasted for another 2 hours. Inspiring and affirming

I love drummers

These guys are really honest artists - total high-level masters who maintain total humility and creative hunger too.

Thanks

I’m a bass player, but these are two of my all-time heroes (one for a long time, the other more recently). What they have to say is almost as important as their playing. They both approach their playing and music with full artistic intent. Feels like a baton pass.

Punky's Whips!!! THE rictus is very STRONG HERE

[in my comment below I was referring to Terry’s explanation of his improvisation concept as a sort of ‘language’ and vocabulary and building blocks, starting at 14:30]

have the advantage born in Q ueens n.y. seeing Tony Williams Lifetime at Unganos with Jack Bruce,John Maclaughlin and Larry Young, think I was 15 .we sat on the floor right in front of them.Tony did patterns on the sides of the floor toms.Blown away till today

Terry is 71??!!?!?!?!... Wow - cannot believe it... where did the time go - He was just a kid playing with Zappa a few years ago!!! Except for a bit of a belly and receding hairline - He looks great!!!

Fasting from your instrument is important as far as your reapproach goes

"Constant acceptance"...playing with other musicians, regardless of the skill level...Awesome

I would never have recognized Terry

I agree with Virgil. There are many large and small muscles involved. I would love to ask him how he lifts weights and plays traditional grip. What weight lifting exercises does he do.

Bozzio been hanging out with Vinnie 🍔🍗🍟🌭🍩🍭🧁

Is there going to be footage of the epic jam?

I wanna see Bozzio and Grant Collins collaborate. But I doubt that would ever happen bcz they're endorsed by different drum companies. But you know it would be epic AF.

Terry is 71..o.g

Jeez, Bozzio is 71?? Wow. Still plays his ass off though.

Omg I did not recognize Bozzio

when did bozzio get so big? Too many pies during pandemix?

Both great drummers. Bozzio is a major influence. I bought his triple VHS set and learned a ton. That said - his gum chewing was almost unbearable for me and I had to fast forward. Covid took a toll on him. Hope he takes better care of himself.

Put bozo at a 5 piece and whoever Elise in same said set then see what’s what .

You can hear Bozzio chewing his gum…

Errm, how big is the rock I've been living under? How did I not know that Virgil is an Aussie. Shame on me.........

I know what one of them has "been doing for the last couple of years", and that's eating pies.

Not as much as a drum stick picked up lol

That gum chewing is brutal

No one hire these dudes for their talking omg 😭😣😡

Vinnie, and Bozzio, (2 greats) but they need to hit the gym. Those guts don't look healthy or drum worthy.

Is Bozzio pregnant????!!

There's nothing dumber than a drummer getting "intelectual" over drumming

Bozzio is mediocre now and always was

Virgil with Frank Zappa ? I don't know . I am thinking not and don't know why . Love Virgil . What does an expert think ?