Tommy Aldridge turns 70 this year (2020) and is still touring the world playing drum solos every night, making real his own advice: "every time you play the drums you should play like it's your last time". I don't know of any other drummer who plays with that passion and giving it all in every show and at that level of power and musicality. No other drummer can play with such fire in a double bass kit at his age. And no other drummer has done it before. Tommy Aldridge is such an important drummer in music history. A tremendous inspiration!!!!! 🔥🥁🎶
Neil Peart was exactly the same way,giving it all in every show at such a high level of musicality,but he is the only other one besides Tommy that I can think of that was like that
One of my biggest drum heroes and influences. This interview literally brought a tear to my eye, with it's gratitude and humility. God bless Tommy Aldridge!
Amazing Drummer. Always has been and will be. The very first concert I went to as a super young lad was Pat Travers with Tommy on the Drums. I always remember talking about him,how this super skinny guy with a mountain of hair ....he was like the Energizer on stage ,just amped up and full throttle ,just bringing the drums like he was his own orchestra. It was an amazing introduction to the Rock and progressive Jazz music that has inspired me throughout life. Thank you Tommy for not only being a great musician but an even better human being.🍀
Tommy is the quintessential drum instructor that every beginner wishes they had - myself included. He's the Dolly Parton of rock. Just a humble decent human being. Not that this makes a difference (actually it does) He's not all tatted up which proves, in my mind, he shows good moral judgment and has his head on straight and seems very comfortable with himself. Great interview.
My older brother (also a drummer) and I wore out an instructional Tommy Aldrich video we had when we were young. I'm nearly 58 and this guy is still a huge inspiration.
Tommy Aldridge is the first drummer that I ever knew of. He has been the biggest influence on how I play drums. I first heard him when he played for BOA. I lived in the same town that BOA lived in until I joined the US Army in 1976. He was a very kind person when I met him, I was 15 or 16yo and he made a big impression on me. He is still the "gold standard" for a drummer to me all these years later.
Dom got an Introvert ,to talk .Tommy is usually the guy in the back ground not saying much.If you can get an Introvert to talk ,you better get ready for a marathon session.
After listening to this interview, I felt it was my duty to go back and listen - as I do from time to time - to the entire "Live! Go For What You Know" album by Pat Travers Band. As humble as Tommy is here, his playing on that album is indeed complex, heavy yet funky, totally exciting and singularly unique...perhaps the greatest testament to Tommy's playing style and lasting influence. In my opinion, Tommy Aldridge is the greatest heavy rock drummer - post John Bonham.
Thats why he played with all the bigs. Class Act. To be that bad ass and that humble at thw same time. We all need to be nicer to one another. After seeing this interview, I like him even more.
Nailed it! His fill towards the end of the breakdown/bridge in "Snortin Whiskey" (studio version) was probably my favorite hard rock fill as a young drummer, and still hits just so herta - hard!
This is the first interview anybody has done with Tommy, where he actually got EXCITED to talk music. That's how good Dom is about making interviewees comfortable.
I’ve run in to Mr. Aldridge a few times while living in the same town (great guy!) and have been a big fan of his bands. With that said, you need to listen to a LOT more drummers before labeling him “top 5 in the world...ever.” It’s almost laughable to claim such.
@@jaredts3785 of course there’s informed opinions and then there’s personal taste. I go with personal tastes. As a drummer I could care less about the guys elitist love to name. Like Terry Bozzio. I’ll never see what others see in him.
I saw Tommy with Pat Travers a few times and it was nothing short of a badass group of musicians that jammed. Go For What You Know is like everyone playing a solo that keeps you in the pocket. Those dudes were fun to see live.
Saw Tommy at 17 years old play with B OA in 1971 and I've seen him with Nugent, Pat Travers, and Whitesnake down through the years. Missed him with Ozzy but I can honestly say Tommy don't take a backseat to no one. Believe me I seen plenty of rock's finest. Bonham 5 times, Appice, Alex Van Halen, Bill Ward, Don Brewer, Buddy Miles, and many more that I can't remember off the top of my head. He just brings it every time. 110%. Legend in Rock. 🥁🥁🥁
Most folks who watch this weren't even born when Tommy started out his career. In either 69 or 70, I saw BOA on a triple bill. Tommy definitely shown and we were amazed at his double bass work. He has risen far above the early days of Jim Dandy and Ruby Starr. Now days, I try to see Whitesnake every year for Tommy and Reb.
Tommy's drumming on Speak of the Devil's "Fairies wear Boots" - "The Wizard" and pretty much the whole fucking album are one of my top favorites EVER!!!!!!!!!
Tommy Aldridge. Not only a total double kick innovator, but a full on Class Act. Tommy imparted some seriously valuable information that you aren't going to get in school.
I saw Black Oak Arkansas, Golden Earring, and Robin Trower and the thing I remember most through the show was Tommy’s drum solo. Of course I’m a drummer so I’m partial, but always loved you Tommy and always will.
Not just a great drummer but a great human being. He was my intro to double kick playing in Black Oak Arkansas. Thank you Dom Famularo for a great interview
I saw Tommy with Black Oak when they came to my hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. I was 14 years old, was blown away with Tommy's unique hard hitting style with double bass , large drum sizes, multiple crash cymbals,sticks twirling, playing with his hands. He put on a show that I could never forget. I'm now 62 and havent forgotten that performance. Rock on Tommy!!!
"I played on a record, Bark at the Moon, or something like that" "And I played on a live album I think..." Tommy's playing on that live album is his best work IMHO.
His work on Vinnie Moore's "Mind's Eye" is absolutely brilliant. The Octopus. My God... I love Tommy.....what a great spirit.....I'm a huge fan of this channel... thank you for your positivity.
the guy is 70 and I saw him still playing wild while making his drum shells wobble... I mean... what else can be said about dedication and pleasure to play?
I was blessed with the opportunity to attend Tommy's clinic in Palm Desert in the early 90s. It was fascinating! He told us funny stories about recording with Ozzy: Each song would have a fast, slow and medium tempo to fit with whatever different buzz (Pot, speed or alcohol) Ozzy had going on. Hahah! We got to play on his carbon-fiber kit, and he played his solo from the Randy Rhoads Tribute album....it ripped our faces off! We were only a few cats sitting 2 feet away from all of this! Tommy told us how he was hearing the bass drums of the drummer at a certain venue that echoed perfectly and how he thought he could duplicate that sound with 2 bass drums. Amazing!
I first saw Tommy onstage with BOA. I wasn’t even a drummer then. Hadn’t touched a pair of sticks. But halfway through that show I thought “that drummer is amazing. Way too good for this band.” Next time was with Pat Travers. I had just started playing. When they rolled Tommy’s badass double bass kit onstage and got it set up my friend said “It takes a lot of confidence to sit behind that kit.” I nodded in stunned agreement. Then Tommy started playing. My god. The power. The speed and precision. The swagger and confidence. The sheer...arrogance? Not him, but what he was playing. It blew me away and I still think about that performance all these decades later. Mr Aldridge, thank you.
I saw Tommy play in 1984 in Jackson, MS on the Bark at the Moon tour. Tommy was born in nearby Pearl MS where I played youth baseball. The Jackson crowd erupted with cheers when Tommy was announced. Accept opened. Fantastic!
Tommy Aldridge has been one of my favorites for decades. I always said if I could form my dream rock band, he'd be hitting the drums! I haven't seen a lot of interviews with him, and I'm happy to say, he seems EXACTLY how I imagined he would be! He'll be 70 in August and I wouldn't be surprised if he's still doing this when he's 90! Bless you, Tommy! 🙌🏻❤️
My Introduction to Tommy, saw the Pat Travers Band live on 1980, did his head and hands solo! Everyone should have Live Go for what you know in their collection!!
Tommy seems like a lovely human. That he survived the Ozzy years is testament to his core beliefs. It could not have been easy with that management & the carnage that nearly every artist experienced. Well done Tommy, you have played on some memorable albums & your contribution to music is massive. Thanks to The Sessions Panel for another fantastic insight.
I knew of Tommy, because I grew up with MTV, and through voraciously reading modern drummer. When I actually got to see him play live, with Whitesnake, I was totally floored! I still have never ever seen someone play with such feeling and power! Plus, the showmanship of this guy was jaw dropping! He is the reason you should never try to mug a drummer, because we might be an Aldridge fan. Also, thanks Dom! Great interview and your clinic in '90 I attended changed my whole outlook on drums.
I could actually sit and listen to this cat all day. the patients this cat has telling a story is just awesome. I sat though this interview like Randy'was with Gary Moore . just in awe what he saying. I'm a HUGE RANDY FAN. so I could sit and hear him talk about Randy all day . I loved how he talked about the music of Randy's riffs. but I am jealous of this cat hair. Man great hair at 71 . awesome on that to.
Tommy still has such a passion for playing the drums. He's got to be right up there with the all time best. Can't be many with a career as long as his!!! Could watch this guy play all day.
And they never talked Whitesnake - his longest, most successful gig to this day, but so glad Tommy wanted to highlight Randy Roads the way he did....with collaborations such as Steve Vai, Gary Moore etc... woulda been cool to hear more about his career post 1983. Great interview ✌️
Tommy was one of my heroes growing up , the first time i ever heard double bass drums drive the beat was him ,and Cozy Powwell in the 70's, & 80's. They used two bass drums, not just for drum fills,( as most drummers used em' ) they used them to power the groove through the song. Before them, i'd never heard anyone play like that. It was a huge influence on my drumming, and so many others started utilizing that style, it became (and still is) a must know for any hard-rock (metal) drummer. Along with Tommy, & Cozy, others like : Simon Phillips (Judas Priest, MSG) , Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) , Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) , and Les Binks (Judas Priest) , set the standard for this heavy-driving sound. Any hard rock- metal drummer should be familiar with them all (any drummer should, for that matter) they are the godfathers of double-bass drives. Notable others- Mikky Dee , Deen Castronova , Vinnie Paul , Stephan Kaufmann , Scott Travis , Mike Portnoy , Charlie Benante , Gene Hoglan , Ted McKenna , Lee Kerslake , Snowy Shaw , & so many more , would say that Tommy Aldridge (& Cozy Powwell) were an influence in their playing . Thank you ,Tommy, You (still) Rock ! Much Respect, Bob.G
Tommy is a hard hitting dynamic drummer that has made millions of people buy Lps and concert tickets for every band he toured with. The ironic thing is most of the fans had no idea who he is except for musicians.
My first clinic was Tommy in New Berlin Wisconsin. The room was comparable to a 4 car garage. The show already began when I arrived. It was too late to enter the room. He was playing with his hands. I peaked inside the door from stage right. It was around 5’ from his set. Incredible memory. Pre-internet days, didn’t have a clue who Tommy Aldridge was, or what I was about experience
One within my favorite two drummers. Double bass triplets, combined symbol excursions, also extraordinary endurance, Aldredge, also Travis. Two best closers within metal history. They capture, also close a tract with mastery.
One of my ALL-TIME favorite drummers; first heard Tommy on the Pat Travers album Crash & Burn, been hooked ever since! THANKS TOMMY FOR THE INSPIRATION OVER THE YEARS!!!
Loved this cat since "Jim Dandy". Bought the 45 in 74"..lol. Loved his playing on "Speak of the devil".. I dig how Tommy incorporated toms and kicks into his fills.. Class act!
I love the credit Tommy gives to the guys writing the tunes, mostly from a guitar standpoint. So very humble and massively capable at the same time. He revved PT's tunes up to the moon with Mars.
I heard Diary of Madman first in the early eighties and when the drums started on Over the Mountain I nearly passed out ! We were heading out of state in my friends Chevy Blazer that had the two front seats and some bean bag chairs in the back and a massive stereo ! Those DRUMS sent me into orbit...and then Randy Rhodes started playing HOLY GOD !!!!!!!!! NOTHING AND I MEAN NOTHING COULD TOUCH THAT ALBUM ! We let that tape play for hours ! PK
Yes!!!!!!! Great player cool guy. My old Buddy Uriah Duffy was playing with them. Thanks Sessions.. Love when he said Bonham was a funk drummer. Awesome.
Forget the wonderful music he's brought us over the years, the man himself is even more inspirational! What a fantastic human being and example of how we all should aspire to be! I feel luckier as a person just for having heard this to be honest. He shows that there are some truly good people in an industry, hell, a world, slipping further away from where we need to be. Good health and fortune to you sir, thank you for everything!
Fantastic interview. Dom is so respectful and asks all the right questions. To me, Tommy is the godfather of rock drumming. First time I heard him play was on Snorting Whiskey Drinking Cocaine, a tune by Pat Travers, back in 1980. Somewhere in the middle of that song, Tommy comes up with this snare drum / double kick / tomtom variation, and it absolutely blew me away. Never heard anything like it. It gave me huge inspiration for years to come, I basically just rediscovered the instrument. Tommy's my eternal drum hero.
That fill inspired my young drumming quite considerably as well! Comes at the end of the breakdown/bridge of "Snortin Whiskey" (studio) ..and still hits just so herta-hard!
I'm an old guitar junkie, been playing since the mid 70's. Seen all the greats many times and countless interviews. None of them have the energy, inspiration and the sheer joy of playing than Tommy. Absolute legend👍
Tommy you are so humble and you sir are the reason bands that you played in were successful. Your a living legend and thatnks for making Ozzy, Pat Travere, Whitesnake etc RADIO WORTHY BANDS.
What a musician, and what a class act. So cool, so articulate, and so respectful of everyone, plus incredibly talented. Not showing his age at all, either - he's got the energy, focus, and clarity of someone twenty years younger.
❤❤❤I REALLY ENJOY LISTENING TO TOMMY'S INTERVIEWS. HE IS ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL AND POLITE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE HAS NEVER BEEN PULLED DOWN BY ALCOHOL/ DRUGS. VERY INSPIRING. HE DOESN'T BURN BRIDGES. THANKS TOMMY. ❤❤❤
I’m a drummer I’ve been playing more than 30 years now. The first clinic I ever went to was Tommy Aldridge in 1984 at Atlanta Pro Percussion I was 14 years old and I learned things that I’ve carried with me to this day I had just started playing and what he did that night inspired me in a huge way I’m not famous but I went on to have big gigs, small gigs, and everything in between but even if there were no gigs it wouldn’t matter I’d still be playing and I know that night played a big part in that so I say thank you Mr. Tommy Aldridge you are greatly appreciated.