Billy Cobham is one of the greatest drummers to ever live. Can’t believe he is 78. He’s played with so many bands and his solo work is incredible too. It’s incredible that he is still with us.
Billy Cobham is so humble and classy to be SO talented. Amazing. Every time you see the discussion of who's the greatest drummer ever, you always see Peart's, Bonham's and Buddy's names mentioned but never THIS guy and I am always left scratching my head and wondering why not.
Congratulations on getting your GRP era kit back Billy! Dom is a dear friend of mine. When I was lucky enough to meet you in NYC at Cutting Room and Blue Note we had a great conversation. Thank you for continuing to inspire ALL of us with your amazing playing!
'Warning' was my first introduction to Billy Cobham. I know they album was recorded in Suffern, NY where I had my high school sweetheart. I still have the cassette and it introduced me to researching and being blown away by the totality of his work. I wish I could thank him for his humility, talent, power and grace. Wishing him well!
78 and still playing like crazy. I met you at, “My Father’s Place”, in Roslyn LI, NY. You were so gracious and signed two heads for me. I asked you about who influenced you to be a band leader. You said, almost before I finished the question, Roy Haynes. Thank you for your graciousness. You’re one of my drum idols!
He looks like could play middle linebacker. This man is THUNDER. I'm still not over Birds of Fire, and that was just the beginning. So glad he got these drums back. Great story.
What a wonderful story, amazing drummer and beautiful style. When I was in the 4th grade my parents were already sick of me banging on everything (trying to play drums), so they signed me up for violin lessons. I walk into my first lesson and my instructor had just dropped the needle on Quadrant 4 from Spectrum. I told him immediately that I wanted to play drums like that and NOT violin, so he pulled out a snare and started teaching me drums professionally right there on the spot. Thinking now of all the things that had to line up for that to happen - love you Billy!
Billy plays the smoothest, solid, perfect single-stroke rolls. Also got my mind blown, seeing him with the Mahavishnu Orchestra 1973. The smoke-tinted Fibes kit. Still haven't seen anyone yet who compares to him. Rhythmic genius.
That one bit near the end about drawing the sound out of the drums and cymbals, and only what you need, that alone is worth the price of admission. Thank you Billy Cobham (and in particular for Spectrum :) )
I was lucky enough to see Billy Cobham with McLaughlin/Santana and with the Maha Orchestra back in 1973. I think I saw him at the Roxy in L.A. with John Schofield once as well. One of the greatest drummers that ever lived and still is. SEVENTY EIGHT...can't believe it. What an inspiring musician...always came across with class and dignity and some of the greatest chops I've ever heard.
Hi Mr. Bill.. you are one of my favorite drummers, really nice to see you here.... I especially & maybe some part of this world wanna say thanks to you for your inspiration & drumming... from time to time, you are a living legend ... GBU Mr. Billy
Saw Billy in Phoenix this year and he was amazing. He is and will always be an inspiration. Keep up the great work Billy and thank you MD for this interesting interview with Billy.
I was first awed in high school by Inner Mounting Flame. Over the years, when seeing or hearing "Billy Cobham," whether on TV, other recorded media, or live, my world stopped spinning on its axis till the final note--one heck of an influence on my life. I'm now 68 and hanging on to cymbal mindedness. Thank you, Sir.
Thanks, Modern Drummer, great video once again. Billy is so lucky to have gotten his drums back, usually drummers never get their stolen equipment back, it's an amazing story.
When I was 12 years old I heard a live album by Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie. Mr Cobham whooped my ass that day and left me laid out on the floor. And every day since. A living legend.
Definitely remember seeing this kit when Billy played at Gilly's in Dayton,Ohio when I was in high school.Would have been most likely in '87.Great show and glad he is still at it!
Good to see you found your old set Billy. I saw you with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when you toured with Eric Clapton back in the 70's. Your incredible performance made me decide to give up drumming as a vocation and go back to school. I'm retired now, and getting back onto the drums.Keep jammin'!!!
Saw him recently. I asked the host if I could sit as close to the drums as possible. He sat me right infront of the bass drums. The stage was elevated and my head was maybe two feet from the bass reso heads. I couldnt even see any part of Billy. lol. That set is a MONSTER!
I was on that tour, Tim Landers on Bass, Scott Tibbs on keys, sorry im a little fuzzy on the sax player... Billy was such a great dude to work with! we worked 2 nights at that venue in Boca Raton. Great Times
Would have been a dream Tama artist showcase if in early 1980s with Mr Cobham Mr Phillips Mr Peart and Mr Copeland all did a drum show together Imagine that 🥁
Those Tom toms man, some of those guys are as deep as my PDP Concept Maple 16' floor tom that drum set looks like it's a lot of fun, nice job preserving it Billy .👋❤
I remember buying Warning! on vinyl back when it came out. Somehow that record disappeared from my collection so I bought it again a little while ago. The man is a legend!
To this day, Spectrum is still one of my very favorite albums. And Billy is in my all-time 3 best drummers (maybe #1). The other 2 being Bill Bruford and 70s Phil Collins. Not saying there aren`t better drummers out there, but as they were forefront in so much of the music I listened to growing up, that`s my list.
Does anyone know what china-type cymbal Billy used when he was with The Mahavishnu Orchestra? It just seems that the sound cannot be recreated with currently available cymbals. I want to think it was an oversized, riveted swish cymbal, but I cannot find any documentation of what it might have been. I just love the sound of that cymbal.
What is the purpose of that big 15 tom on the left? I too am a natural "open handed" player. The only thing I would use it for is a "high to low tom" sounding triplet lick. My problem is I start my triplet with my right hand, which means on a right handed kit, I hit floor tom, high tom, kick which is ascending vs. descending high tom, low tom, kick, which sounds better to me.
The B.C. was born under the sun sign of Taurus The Bull. That logo is a geometric bull.(that's my guess) He use to wear a matching medallion necklace of that same design back in the day.
@@borgullet3376Yes , that's right ! But there's also on the drums the capricorn's graphics (into the upside down triangle) , because B.C. is taurus ascendant capricorn !
I WISH EVERYBODY WOULD STOP SAYING BILLY COBHAM IS ONE OF THE GREATEST DRUMMERS THAT EVER LIVED❓❓❓❓❓❓❓ BILLY IS THE GREATEST DRUMMER THAT EVER LIVED AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE AS ❗❗❗❗❗❗❗...AS HIM..NUFF SAID
@@NAAMshow420 Yes I know he had a signature model with Vic, but he switched to Vater within the last 2 years. That was the whole point of my post because he was once again holding the Vic’s
Billy Cobham is one of the greatest drummers to ever live. Can’t believe he is 78. He’s played with so many bands and his solo work is incredible too. It’s incredible that he is still with us.
it's A Blessing for sure.
@williamperri3437 most definitely
Been following his technique for years the smooth groove goat
I’m 42. Seeing these older drummers still “having it” like him and Tommy Aldridge, Simon Phillips and others is incredibly inspiring
Billy Cobham is so humble and classy to be SO talented. Amazing. Every time you see the discussion of who's the greatest drummer ever, you always see Peart's, Bonham's and Buddy's names mentioned but never THIS guy and I am always left scratching my head and wondering why not.
Yes!!!!!!!!!!
Most of the music is jazz and fusion - forgettable. Music for musicians. That’s why,
What an absolute legend Billy Cobham is ❤
Thank you Mr Cobham for being an amazing artist and true example of class and humility 🥁👍🙏
@williamperri3437 that's The Dream.. or is it "Dreams" , lol 😊
Killer! 78 years young! Master drummer, awesome kit!
This man it's a LIVING LEGEND. We all must paid tribute to Mr.BC, no matter the style that you play! Thank you Billy!
Congratulations on getting your GRP era kit back Billy! Dom is a dear friend of mine. When I was lucky enough to meet you in NYC at Cutting Room and Blue Note we had a great conversation. Thank you for continuing to inspire ALL of us with your amazing playing!
'Warning' was my first introduction to Billy Cobham. I know they album was recorded in Suffern, NY where I had my high school sweetheart. I still have the cassette and it introduced me to researching and being blown away by the totality of his work. I wish I could thank him for his humility, talent, power and grace.
Wishing him well!
78 and still playing like crazy. I met you at, “My Father’s Place”, in Roslyn LI, NY. You were so gracious and signed two heads for me. I asked you about who influenced you to be a band leader. You said, almost before I finished the question, Roy Haynes. Thank you for your graciousness. You’re one of my drum idols!
I'm so happy that Billy is still around doing his thing after all these years. We are so lucky.
Amen
He looks like could play middle linebacker. This man is THUNDER. I'm still not over Birds of Fire, and that was just the beginning. So glad he got these drums back. Great story.
What a wonderful story, amazing drummer and beautiful style. When I was in the 4th grade my parents were already sick of me banging on everything (trying to play drums), so they signed me up for violin lessons. I walk into my first lesson and my instructor had just dropped the needle on Quadrant 4 from Spectrum. I told him immediately that I wanted to play drums like that and NOT violin, so he pulled out a snare and started teaching me drums professionally right there on the spot. Thinking now of all the things that had to line up for that to happen - love you Billy!
Quadrant 4!!!
I remember seeing that kit on the cover of his album warning, and couldnt wait to get it home to listen to. I still have the original vinyl today!!
Thanks, will check it out!
I saw him on the tour for that album, bought the CD at the show.
Billy plays the smoothest, solid, perfect single-stroke rolls. Also got my mind blown, seeing him with the Mahavishnu Orchestra 1973. The smoke-tinted Fibes kit. Still haven't seen anyone yet who compares to him. Rhythmic genius.
Legend.... I could sink in to a chair, and just watch and listen to Cobham play all day... "pull the sounds out"... Yes sir...
I’ve been listening to Billy Cobham since ‘77. He was the first drummer I listened to. A true legend and fantastic man!
One of my all time heroes of the drums! Got a chance to meet him and he's also a really nice guy!
How cool for Billy to get this kit back! 78 and touring! good for him!
That one bit near the end about drawing the sound out of the drums and cymbals, and only what you need, that alone is worth the price of admission. Thank you Billy Cobham (and in particular for Spectrum :) )
I was lucky enough to see Billy Cobham with McLaughlin/Santana and with the Maha Orchestra back in 1973. I think I saw him at the Roxy in L.A. with John Schofield once as well. One of the greatest drummers that ever lived and still is. SEVENTY EIGHT...can't believe it. What an inspiring musician...always came across with class and dignity and some of the greatest chops I've ever heard.
Hi Mr. Bill.. you are one of my favorite drummers, really nice to see you here.... I especially & maybe some part of this world wanna say thanks to you for your inspiration & drumming... from time to time, you are a living legend ... GBU Mr. Billy
God’s favorite drummer. Bubble wrap this man😂😂 almost 80 and could shred us all under the table
100%
Saw Billy in Phoenix this year and he was amazing. He is and will always be an inspiration. Keep up the great work Billy and thank you MD for this interesting interview with Billy.
Master Class!! Seen him back in the 80's at the Ballard Firehouse in Seattle 🔥
Looks and sounds great, God bless him.
Amazing kit! Amazing, legendary, drummer. I love the live open sounding sustain mix of the drums.
Those are some big @££ drums
BILLY THE LEGEND 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
The Original Taurian Matador Steel Blue Tama Wrap Around rig rundown..
My childhood dream comes true.
🔥🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🔥
I was first awed in high school by Inner Mounting Flame. Over the years, when seeing or hearing "Billy Cobham," whether on TV, other recorded media, or live, my world stopped spinning on its axis till the final note--one heck of an influence on my life. I'm now 68 and hanging on to cymbal mindedness. Thank you, Sir.
“A TRUE GENTLEMAN”
B.C. Will always be one of my favourites…
So cool Uncle Bill 😊
Thanks, Modern Drummer, great video once again. Billy is so lucky to have gotten his drums back, usually drummers never get their stolen equipment back, it's an amazing story.
My man,you don't look or play like your 78.A gift to the drumming world,thank Billy Cobham 👍⭐🦾🤘🌠🌎
Fantastic as always Mr.Cobham!
I love Billy! This is the kit I've always said is Billy's floor tom kit! I'm stoked he got them back! Billy is a Legend!❤
I remember drooling over his kits in magazine back in 1980 legend
He doesn’t look like 78 years old 😂 great drummer! Living legend! Love from Taiwan!
He doesn't look it at all!
WOW. I remember that kit! Man, I love Billy Cobham. Glad he's still playing!
When I was 12 years old I heard a live album by Billy Cobham's Glass Menagerie. Mr Cobham whooped my ass that day and left me laid out on the floor. And every day since. A living legend.
A beautiful kit and an absolutely wonderful man.
I bought some of Billys yamaha oak customs he used in Adelaide Australia at a drum clinic many moons ago fantastic Drummer and a true Gentleman
Definitely remember seeing this kit when Billy played at Gilly's in Dayton,Ohio when I was in high school.Would have been most likely in '87.Great show and glad he is still at it!
Good to see you found your old set Billy. I saw you with the Mahavishnu Orchestra when you toured with Eric Clapton back in the 70's. Your incredible performance made me decide to give up drumming as a vocation and go back to school. I'm retired now, and getting back onto the drums.Keep jammin'!!!
A true master of music!
Wow they came home great video..🥁😎🥁.
Holy crap, this guy looks great for 78!!!!
@@JDubzDrumz also Tai Chi & Impeccable Nutrition
Black don't crack.
Saw him recently. I asked the host if I could sit as close to the drums as possible. He sat me right infront of the bass drums. The stage was elevated and my head was maybe two feet from the bass reso heads. I couldnt even see any part of Billy. lol. That set is a MONSTER!
I could listen to this guy talk drums all day
Glad you got them back,very cool.
Looks so great and healthy for his age. Live on Billy, would love to see you at the Montreal Jazz fest or any time in the Montreal area
Go for it Billy!
I was on that tour, Tim Landers on Bass, Scott Tibbs on keys, sorry im a little fuzzy on the sax player... Billy was such a great dude to work with! we worked 2 nights at that venue in Boca Raton. Great Times
The Master! Crazy to think he is 78!
Them some BIIIIIGGGGG drums. So cool he got them back and brought them back to like. Floor toms... 16 18 20. JAYSUS!
Thanks for this great video! What a historical kit!
I hope I’m blessed to play that long
Would have been a dream Tama artist showcase if in early 1980s with Mr Cobham Mr Phillips Mr Peart and Mr Copeland all did a drum show together
Imagine that 🥁
God Bless Billy Cobham
So awesome!!
Those Tom toms man, some of those guys are as deep as my PDP Concept Maple 16' floor tom that drum set looks like it's a lot of fun, nice job preserving it Billy .👋❤
Best looking kit ever!
I first noticed him when he was playing with the Fania All Star 1973 I was just a little kid
Cool you still have that kit. WARNING is a great album and I saw you clinic that year.
I remember buying Warning! on vinyl back when it came out. Somehow that record disappeared from my collection so I bought it again a little while ago. The man is a legend!
“Spectrum” with Tommy Bolin of guitar! I love Cobham!
These old Tama (Imperialstar?) drums sounds great!
Legend
I was blessed to see him perform with Mahavishnu and. When he played with John mcgluphin he was and s still is. Sensational
Legend 💥💥💥
Absolutely incredible I met you at the bottom line NYC 84 warning god bless
Classic drums recovered
😎👍💓🇺🇸💪🥁💣🔊🎼BILLY!!!
I miss the triple bass setup...
Legend.
Nice to see a drummer using proper sized drums
Glad to see him after cancer!!!!winner all the way around
magnifico.⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔
78?! the rumors are true - drumming IS the fountain of youth!!!!
To this day, Spectrum is still one of my very favorite albums. And Billy is in my all-time 3 best drummers (maybe #1). The other 2 being Bill Bruford and 70s Phil Collins. Not saying there aren`t better drummers out there, but as they were forefront in so much of the music I listened to growing up, that`s my list.
“Of course their Sabian’s” and the smile on his face. That’s exactly how I feel about my Sabian’s. AAX till I die. Love it
Mere mortals are unprepared for the mighty power of Billy Cobham, who is still match fit to slay godzilla bare handed.
Hell yeah
Billy's a national treasure! Nah, a global treasure! He's the Dylan or Willie of the drums!
👍🏾👍🏾
Does anyone know what china-type cymbal Billy used when he was with The Mahavishnu Orchestra? It just seems that the sound cannot be recreated with currently available cymbals. I want to think it was an oversized, riveted swish cymbal, but I cannot find any documentation of what it might have been. I just love the sound of that cymbal.
It was probably custom made by Zildjian back in the early 70's
Have a few yr recordings yr a great drummer how come you switch over to Sabine from zildjian,frank in Oswego,ill
Interesting.
What is the purpose of that big 15 tom on the left? I too am a natural "open handed" player. The only thing I would use it for is a "high to low tom" sounding triplet lick. My problem is I start my triplet with my right hand, which means on a right handed kit, I hit floor tom, high tom, kick which is ascending vs. descending high tom, low tom, kick, which sounds better to me.
What is that ride? 😮
Dancing on Air
Honestly, he turned 79 in May ...
That kit has more land than Brazil.
If you need any evidence that playing drums keeps you young, check out Billy Cobham. 78 years old!
Anyone know what the logo painted on the drums represents?
The B.C. was born under the sun sign of Taurus The Bull. That logo is a geometric bull.(that's my guess)
He use to wear a matching medallion necklace of that same design back in the day.
@@borgullet3376Yes , that's right ! But there's also on the drums the capricorn's graphics (into the upside down triangle) , because B.C. is taurus ascendant capricorn !
I WISH EVERYBODY WOULD STOP SAYING BILLY COBHAM IS ONE OF THE GREATEST DRUMMERS THAT EVER LIVED❓❓❓❓❓❓❓
BILLY IS THE GREATEST DRUMMER THAT EVER LIVED AND THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE AS ❗❗❗❗❗❗❗...AS HIM..NUFF SAID
Yr a great drummer,but how come you don't use zildjian again,frank in Oswego,ill
Dammmmm Billy's 78? Tempus Fugit.
He's under contract for 120. So we have him for a few more albums and world tours😉
He switched to Vater Drumsticks a while back but he has Vic Firths in his hands here 🤔
Probably just filmed before made the switch
Its his signature model with Vic hes been using em for a while
@@NAAMshow420 Yes I know he had a signature model with Vic, but he switched to Vater within the last 2 years. That was the whole point of my post because he was once again holding the Vic’s
@@james10890 I guess that’s possible but that would be a mighty delayed video release
Super toms
Haha Billy is trolling all us cymbal nerds who only came here to find out his cymbal setup.
He says these were painted recently. I assume they were originally YELLOW... RIGHT?
IMHO
NO ROCKING GRANDPA CHAIR FOR BILLY❓️👍👀