The truest statement ever, ‘you can have the talent & technique but that’s just 50% of it, the other 50% is are you a good guy.’ Another great interview with an awesome musician.
How can you not love this guy? He’s got all the technical stuff… All the enthusiasm… But the endless boundless passion of a 13 year-old who can’t wait to get home from school and play. Beautiful… Good work, Rick! ❤️❤️❤️
I clicked on this thinking "I don't really have time to watch this whole thing." I sat here smiling the whole time - then when it ended, I thought "More. I want more." What a great guy.
Gregg is one of my oldest and dearest friends. A true friend and salt of the earth. He called me last week to invite me to the gig when they played outside of Boston, but I was out of town. Love him and can't say enough about him.
gregg is one of those drummers i wouid love to grab a cup of coffee and just chat about everything in general, but drums would surely come up.he's the best!!
I've never played drums in my life. After listening to this guy, I feel like I know everything about drumming. What a teacher he must be. Cool dude. I like him.
As a drummer, I'm amazed at the drumming legends Rick has interviewed. I still tend to think of drummers as being under- appreciated by other musicians. When i see Steve Jordan, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, and now Gregg here for interviews, Rick's knowledge of our standard bearers always impresses me.
As a guitarist, I have to say drums are probably more important. A keyboardist can replace a guitarist or bass player, but nobody can replace a drummer
...and the grace to thank the man behind the scenes, Billy. What an enjoyable interview of an interesting and talented man by an interested and talented man!
@@peterhaan9068 Yes, I heard that too. I just finished the interview. Man, I really gotta get caught up on Greg. I’m an old 80s rocker, and actually have a picture with my friends and I and Greg, backstage at the first David Lee Roth tour, here at the forum in LA. He had a big smile then too! Great guy! 👍🏻🥁
Gregg was over in the UK back early 2000 and came to my music academy to perform a drum a clinic. Not only did he blow all us drummers away, but he was also super nice and friendly to everyone before and after...taking photos, answering questions and signing autographs. What a super guy!
You reminded Me of a great clinic I had the pleasure to attend with Simon Phillips, same deal, great Guy with a huge beautiful heart. Never lose Your heart Folks. 💚💚💚 Rock On!
This may be the most entertaining video I've seen on this channel. I've watched it multiple times (the Winnie the Pooh bit has me almost in tears from laughter each time). I think Gregg should be a regular guest, say...once a month. You can't go wrong having a fun chat with this guy! I'd never heard the name Gregg Bissonette before this week but now I'm a big fan!
Many years ago, I attended a drum clinic by Gregg. I came very early and was literally the first person in the audience. Out of nowhere, Gregg comes up to me and says "Hi, I'm Gregg!!!" with such infectious enthusiasm. I couldn't believe it. We then had a short conversation and asked him questions about what it was like playing with Joe Satriani, etc. The clinic was awesome and I got some tips for my own drumming which I still apply to this day. It was a day I'll never forget. So glad you got such a great musician and overall dude, Rick.
He is the biggest example of the “half pie” he mentions. Being a nice guy. Besides all the musicality, knowledge and his ingenious playing, he is really into the interview. It really shows that he pays attention, he listens and gives his attention to the other person. And of course, he is a drumming beast!
100% agree! I started to have a lot more success playing music when I finally figured out that playing MUSIC with others is roughly 50% good quality drumming and like you said, "pays attention, he listens and gives his attention to the other person" and by this I mean personally while in conversation and also while playing the music listening to what the others are playing to make the other musicians and over all music sound great. Drums are an accompanying not solo instrument.
@@Nagroddy absolutely, could not agree more! When I started studying music at the uni, I think we all had to learn that important lesson somehow. We all thought we could play. We all thought our ideas were the coolest. We all wanted to steal the show. But then, when you see how much you can learn when you start listening to everybody, when you play for the song; then, not only you but the audience will also feel the connection. The same thing transfers to any other type of human connection. Listen. Learn. Don’t judge. Having a beginner’s mind usually helps more.
I met Gregg once at a clinic in Atlanta. He was SOOOOOOO nice to my 11 year old son! I have nothing but praise for Gregg's playing and character. He's a fantastic ambassador for the percussion industry.
Two national treasures here, charismatic, professional, great educators and flat out the best in the business. I've never met Rick, but I feel like I know him. Met Gregg and he makes you feel like he's known you all of his life.
What a ball of fire! Gregg's ability to verbalize drum grooves and parts is phenomenal and mesmerizing. And the big question- "Are you a good person". What a great interview!
Man! Gregg is really animated and his passion for drumming is second to none... This interview made me think of my cuz Randy Caputo (r.i.p.) he was an amazing drummer.
I've never met Gregg in person, but I've met many who have and this video exactly how they describe him: hyperkinetic, happy, cheerful. It does my heart good to know people like this do well in the biz.
I went to a drum seminar with Greg back in 1989 in Houston Texas. When he was playing he broke the snare drum head; in a room full of drummers you would think okay just stop and swap it out everybody will understand, nope he kept the jam going and the crew brought him another snare. Without missing a beat he swapped out the snare and lit up the room, Greg hasn't changed a bit, he's still full of energy and he truly is an awesome person. to be around.
I loved this guy all the way back when he played with that clown David Lee Roth. Now he has the best gig in the world playing with Ringo’s all star band. I love how he talks about Ringo, so many people say Ringo was too simple but Greg knows better. He knows Ringo’s drumming made so many classic Beatles songs.
I met Gregg after he did a guest performance with a local college jazz band and we went out for a couple of beers a few years ago. His performance was jaw-dropping. He has over-the-top energy, just never stops. Such a joyful person.
My Uncle was a producer at A&M RECORDS HOLLYWOOD from 1969~1999. Loved hearing Gregg mention the A&M Studios! I spent 30 years of my life in those studios and grateful to Herb Alpert for allowing me to come to work with my Uncle! Gregg is a legend...one of my fave drummers along with Jeff Porcaro.
Now that I'm in my mid fifties, my opportunity to nerd out with musician friends is limited to say the least. My favorite part about this is the unbridled enthusiasm you guys have.
One of the best, and frankly surprising, parts of your interviews is just how amazingly personable, humble and fun so many of these legends are. I’ve met a handful of folks over the years and they’ve run the gamut from total jerks to sweethearts - you must choose well! Greg is just a supernova of positivity. I had a dumb grin postered on my face for the whole thing. From Ringo Starr to Winnie the Pooh? It gets no better. Hope the show was a blast!
Great interview. I’m a drummer and Gregg is a drummers drummer. He’s a fantastic musician, and seems like a great guy. And yes, I play because of Ringo - a seriously underrated drummer.
That’s what music is all about! To see the honest, unadulterated joy in someone who’s been in the business as long as Gregg is so cool! What a great interview! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
You ain’t kidding!!! I mean, as an enormous OG Van Halen fan, I have to admit I was disappointed with most of DLR solo stuff. It just seemed to schmaltzy & campy etc… but the musicianship in that lineup is without par! Bisonnette is so underrated!!!
I'm a guitar player. Many MANY years ago (1990'ish) I went to one of Greg's clinics with my good friend and drummer and was blown away not only by Greg's playing but his mannerism and way of teaching was just enthralling. Guitar players can learn a huge amount from a good drummer and Greg is undoubtedly one of the all time greats.
Greg made me appreciate Ringo just a little more. When he was air drumming and humming to all those Ringo licks... it dawned on me that I could actually recognized all of those licks. Proof of Ringo's tremendous and under-rated contributions to all those unforgettable Beatles classics!!
This ruled! Why is it that drummers of this caliber are always so amazing to hang out with? The energy, the stories, the vibe, the musical depth, all so infectious!
Gregg’s energy is infectious! And his memory for all those moments of recording and touring and playing is unbelievable! Thank you Rick and Gregg for that interview!
Looooooooved this episode. Been around music, musicians, recording, etc. for most of my life. This episode is just like meeting a "name" for the first time, hitting it off, the conversation goes everywhere, and the time just flies!! Thank you for this!!
I watched this ... waiting to post a comment, but minute after minute, there was more interaction that made me smile, or Gregg brought up more techniques, examples, experiences ... 🥁 And the Drum-Speak!!! 🥁 My heart is full of joy! So glad the stars aligned and this interview happened! 😘🥰
This is pure gold... what a joy !!! as I've said before - these are now part of the Historical Record of great musicians of our generation (Thank you, Rick)
Whenever that question “What rock star should write a book?” Comes up, I always say Gregg because of all the people he’s worked with. The amount of stories he has could probably fill volumes
Best interview ever. I have never seen an interview with Gregg in which he didn't share some increbible and often bizarro-world factoid or story. And now the greatest of them all... Winnie the Pooh! What?!?
Best interview I've watched in recent memory. I'm not a drummer but this was fantastic to listen to. I love how many Drummers give it up for Ringo, especially the ultra talented ones like Gregg.
That interview was so much fun. Gregg is super entertaining, so much passion for everything, imagine having a music teacher like that. Super inspiring!
You know Rick is a little bit in awe when Gregg says, _"I tell Ringo this all the time. I'm gonna tell him this next week."_ Again, great job Rick - in bringing us these intimate interviews with these LEGENDS of music. 👍👍
That was some of the best musician interview gems I have ever heard. Fantastic questions! Rick, you allowed Gregg to keep talking and stay out of the way. The excitement, energy, substance..? Wow. Is there an award for YT musician interviews? Now we know the gold standard.
Love Gregg!! A great thrill of mine is playing with him when he sat in with our band a few times. And he really is that positive and happy. Thank you Rick!
Gregg is the sweetest guy. The whole family. Matt is a great bass player and a really good singer. And Bud, RlP, always had a joke at the ready. I've played on a couple of records with Gregg. Latin ones. Wish I could remember the artists, I love the Winnie the Pooh story. The story about how he got the David Lee Roth gig is amazing too. Rick needs to have him on again.
When world class musicians are excited to see you, you know ya got it goin on. And the level of humility is highly commendable. Every time an artist commends Rick he gets past it with no real comment.
In one of my encounters with Gregg I asked him, How's the Ringo gig treating you? to which he responded, "Great, just great." Are you learning anything? "Everyday, Wayne, every day." A great player, a great person...and a great interview that could have been ten times longer. Thank you, gents.
Can`t remember the last time I smiled non-stop for over a half hour, what an inspirational guy Gregg is, I never picked up a drumstick in all of my 65 years but that could change very soon, great interview Rick, loved it.
I was fortunate enough to spend quite a bit of time with Greg’s brother Matt when our boys played baseball together. Got to meet Greg briefly in 2009 at a birthday party. He did a rendition of AC/DC Back in Black that was amazing! Listen to his voice, a little scratchy…perfect! Both Matt and Greg are very special people! Great interview, so fun!
Everytime I hear Steve Lukather get mentioned I get so excited because when most people think TOTO they think "rains in africa" and that's it...And that's SO UNFORTUNATE because TOTO is a wealth of great music and Luke is an unsung guitar hero. His DiMarzio Transition pickups are so good too
I was extremely fortunate enough to take a Master Class from Gregg back in the 90s, and he's as awesome as he comes across here. Very giving with his time, and his overall positive outlook is truly infectious. Reminds of a younger Dom Famularo (another great drummer).
My wife and I saw Gregg at Mozingo's Music in O'Fallon, Missouri, for a drum clinic a few years ago. Super-colorful dude, electric personality, helluva drummer. And the work he did on Satch's "The Extremist" ~ absolutely perfect!
I consistently can't believe who Rick gets on the show. Without embellishment or exaggeration, I feel like rick's channel might be as important to music history as any of the individual players that he interviews, even the greatest ones.
Rick gets them because they have realized he's not one of those "media interviews." He's about the music and asks real questions about the music. The Sting interview shows that. You can literally see Sting and Dom realizing that. It's awesome!
This is awesome! I LOVE Gregg Bissonette and it makes GIGGLE how much of a Beato Fanboi he is! Just goes to show how far Rick goes and how his sincerity hits everybody! All the pros need to come through rick and share their experiences because they are "moving on" the longer we go.
