Virgil Donati & Thomas Lang Jam Track 

Lyrics: 1:19 - 2:29 Thomas 3:10 - 4:20 Virgil by John Myung

They did Virgil dirty, his drums are mic'd to like half the volume of Lang's.

Thomas got that unmistakable flow. His fills just so well into one another, the progression in his soloing feels so natural and effortless and his stick control is unbelievable. He’s a human power station, delivering such energy into each of his hits while appearing like he’s not even trying. This dude is on a whole other level Virgil is just... his brain is just wired differently. His dynamic control is otherworldly and just changes polyrhythms mid-section seamlessly and probably has the best stick control of any drummer. Normal 4/4 measures seem to bore him and just creates 4 separate beats with each limb.

This is probably the 2 best guys around...even match up in my book. Virgil needs more volume on his microphones

Considering that there are not enough microphones for both. Thomas' sound is huge. People often don't value this enough. Every move and hit is very precise and powerful. He makes it look easy. He is a showman. In these types of videos it is not possible to fully appreciate the difference in sound and power. However, Virgil is one of those drummers that we will hardly see again. He is incredibly good, creative and very technical. Such a beast!

Watching these 2 beasts in a same stage is really a rare opportunity. Very cool!

Thomas Plays very safe perfect and prepared. Virgil goes just improvising like he doesnt care. Thats why Virgil is so AMAZING

Two most incredible drummers who auditioned for DT playing together. Crazy

I think what people need to know about Virgil is that his playing is coming from a really honest place. He is beyond the need to impress or to totally cut loose at every opportunity. His playing is primarily deliberate and designed for a specific cause. Where most will solo freely, Virgil will solo deliberately, in relation to something and play accordingly. Thomas is an absolute machine also and these guys are the best drummers on earth today. I really enjoyed this. Have to thank these two monsters for giving us a look at cutting edge drumming!

Hard to believe both these guys were overlooked by dream theater when they auditioned, their skill level is off the charts

Virg is the best who ever lived. Noone is even close

I tend to click this every time it comes up on my feed; it features my two favourite drummers after all. It also shows, and makes me think about, their contrasting styles and methods. Thomas is my favourite drummer as he was the first of the “uber-drummers” I discovered. Virgil is the best drummer in the world today. Thomas is the most fundamentally sound drummer in the world, so it’s no wonder he makes a brilliant educator. Virgil is unique, often copied but never equalled. Virgil has better hands; Thomas has better feet. Virgil wins on polyrhythmic playing; Thomas can create denser phrases with his multi-pedal, four-limb co-ordination. Virgil is a more complex, challenging soloist; Thomas is a more relaxing soloist to listen to, and combines the ferocious technique and speed with a little bit of that Terry Bozzio-style ability to “jam” on drums. Virgil writes deeper and ultimately better music; Thomas puts more of a focus on the drums, and writes stuff that allows him to occasionally just have fun without being too fussed about deliberately killer playing. (Anyone who thinks Lang can’t play musically or only knows one style should download Yumaflex and Progpop now and evaluate their position). End of the day, they’re both legends and I adore them both. May they continue to inspire and amaze. (Also, opinions above - don’t get offended 😂)

This is basically Thomas trying to impress Virgil, and Virgil just at ease being Virgil.

Virgil !!!!!! !!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!! its not a human, there must be some alien in his head a puling the strings . I wish I was next to the drum set and feel that dynamic of drums ..... .,., much love and respect !

Virgil is from another planet... What a beast...

Virgil's solo is fucking insane

Mr. Lang so fluid, it's seems like its not a conscious thing for him. MASTER!

Two of the best drummers in the galaxy!

Thomas: "Bonzo only needed one rack tom, i don't need more either" Also Thomas: 3 Bass drums, 14 cymbals, 8 pedals and a crap ton of percussion

Just seeing them hang out is very wholesome for some reason.

Again: This is Serious Playing at the highest level with Thomas and Virgil play very different styles and Killin it! Whats not to love about THIS!!!!!!!!!!! Hey, DrumChannel Thanks for all you are doing for the drum community!!!!!! God Bless you!

"Thomas is like a power house, OMG" J. Labrie

Thomas in my opinion a freak of nature, phenomenal player.

Virgil is the drummer I've been searching for.

I literally cannot believe people are bashing two of the best modern drummers out there. Its like walking up to fucking Buddy Rich and telling him, "Hey man! You play too fast and I'm just not digging it. Maybe you should listen to my opinion and take my advice?"

it is insane how much more original Virgil is.

I saw many guys play over the years and I still remember that moment I came across Donati watching some Steve Vai live performance... Virgil was playing w both sides of the sticks at a great speed. I was like... Who's THAT guy? 😂

From 3:53 to 4:05.. How beautiful is that.. All the rest is superb too of course, but this sequence is so inspired.. It's not a drum solo anymore, that's Art. Virgil is phenomenal, unreal drummer.

Two Legends of the modern drumming...! 🤘

It's great to hear the "Masters" and Thomas Is having way too much fun. which is what makes this so great!

2 monsters, enough said!!

Thomas like JP on guitar: powerhouse! Virgil like Steve Vai on guitar: unique feel

thomas lang is phenomenal

Now that was a lot of fun to watch. I was a drummer in school and a few years after but sold my set and haven't touched a drum for about 25 years. I regret it, I wish I would've kept going with it. Thanks for the entertainment guys.

this shit needs an "epic" like button.

I would say that they're a dynamic duo, but I think actually Virgil handles most of the dynamics himself 😉! Jokes aside though, they're both damn good!

Anything Lang does wether polyrhtms or speed/power, i am amazed, but i can understand, Donati even on 4/4, i Don't even have a clue, and it has been that way since his first instructional tape in 85, This guy is out of this world !

both are great in their own right.. as a guitarist, I can see Virgil is more like the Greg Howe of guitar because of the fusion like jazz chops while Thomas is like the Petrucci because of the melodic shredding chops but both are great of course, amazing

All their chops are great, and VD's perfect command of time over any tuplet and subdivision wherein he does all his chops are jaw dropping. What really impresses me is how the two of them, when playing in unison, hit the beats and subbeats without any serious flamming between their snares and kicks. That's some serious phase locked metrical precision!

I saw them together in Adelaide South Australia, it was an amazing experience I love how precise Thomas is 🥁 👌

Two incredible players. Mind blowing!

Virgil's cymbals are gorgeous. very nice selection and use of them

I dare anyone to find more fluidity or effortlessness than what Thomas has. He makes everyone else look like they are struggling and he is just killing it laughing.

Thomas Lang is a freaking machine!

Thomas is a machine..Virgil is an alien!!!

Who ever gave this a thumbs down must be some jealous folks man because this was beyond awesome

Virgil is LEGEND❤️

looks like Thomas stole a bass drum from the other set lol

All us musos used to hit The Grain store every Wednesday night to see Loose Change to see how it was done. The sound in that place was amazing Go Virg

Both of these guys are absolutely incredible

Great to see this vid, very significant. This drum bro I have looked up to Lang when he was growing up, having matured on the drums his heart was set on Virgil's playing. Great capture.

This is awesome!! Love both these guys! Monster players

Thomas Lang......king of coordination . I met Virgil at a hands on clinic where he taught us around 50 permutations to the standard 26 rudiments. He was awesome too.

Just had to watch this again! Just no words!😳😁👏👏👏👏👏

I love how Lang is total showbiz and Donati is all business. Not a single smile😂

Virgil is like, what is this 4/4 crap. lol

That track is killer!!

I'm a guitarist, and over the years I have learned the difference between "A guy who can hit stuiff" and "A drummer". Wow.... the older I get, the more I'm impressed, and moved, by a really great drummer. This is like ear candy :O)

Amazing watching one of the 2 best drummers

Not a Dream Theatre fan, but would’ve become an instant one, had Thomas joined. I still find it hard to believe that he didn’t pass the audition.

How fun!!! Enjoyed watching, gotta love the drum channel!!!!

It appeared to me they were having a lot of fun doing what they did. That's really what it's all about guys. Think about it. Why did we start playing drums in the first place. We saw our heroes and it looked like they were having so much fun that we picked up a pair of sticks and the rest is history!!Always share what you have learned. Keep your chops up and never stop playing. Have fun!!

Virgil and Thomas worldclass

Amazing. 2 superb drummers having fun.

I could listen to that a million times.

Lang is outta this world...

Guys drumming is art, playing music is art, don't make it a race!!! These two are artists, don't start comparing.

26 Dr Who Doctors disliked this video because these guys are the true time lords.

That was unreal guys. Just great . Loved it.

Thomas is in a different galaxy than everyone else.

I think it's fair to say the "V" is on another level.

Awesome duet !!!

both badasses for sure. no need to compare them. appreciate them for their skill is all.

This is not a competition. Enjoy the both great drummers.

Incredible drummers!!!

These monsters killed it!!!!

My favorite drummer with my #8. What a treat.

Virgil is the best ever !

When two get together it brings out ones best ! I like the Funkiness.

2 Stars ... Shining in different ways ... but every one with it´s own unique way!!! LoVe 4 u´s 🌈

Speechless, Abosolutley awesome!!

DONATI exelent musician, tomas.... great rock star.

A couple of ;my favorites on one stage. Cool.

wow best drum video i've ever watched.

Oh the madness! The Sickness!

PHENOMENAL!

Amazing drummers!

I first saw Virgil Donati play at a small gig at the Grainstore Tavern in Melbourne with Evripidou whatever his name was on bass. I stood there in absolute AWE as he continually blew me away with his drumming magnificence. That was about 25 years ago, and I presume he has only gotten better over the years... I spoke to him briefly after the gig and soon realized his ego was as great as his drumming talent - oh well. But still, fantastic musician.

2 monsters no question...Thomas: chops all around (impressive), Virgil: lets the music breath (ultra musical)...the track isn’t great tho. What a treat seeing them together!

Was just looking for a video of Thomas Lang to compare to Virgil, then this video showed up! Thanks drum channel

Two of the BEST Ever! \m/ \m/

Two masters!

Both are great. Enough said

Thomas the best to me, very powerful and very clean fill in

Virgil's playing is so much more interesting sounding to me and so much more visually interesting as well.

Thomas Lang is a freakin powerhouse

thomas killed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

World drumming headquarters people !! Wow with extra cap W.

Thomas !!

Left eye - virgil Right eye - Thomas 😎