Life is a Carnival - Levon Helm instructional drumming

From his instructional drumming video, Levon Helm explains how he and The Band attempted to come up with innovative drum parts for their songs. Life is a Carnival is deconstructed here. Pretty cool!

[@dbldee22]

one of the best groove drummers ever. it's very hard to play an off beat rhythm like this & sing on top of it. amazing feel & talent.

[@pac401]

Imagine playing that beat and singing lead at the same time. Just amazing.

[@danbowman9103]

And Levon was the best at it

[@robertbruce8492]

I have a brother who’s a drummer. He is simply in awe of Levon’s ability to do these amazing licks while singing as well as he did. Watching him perform the intricate pattern of Life Is A Carnival WHILE singing is simply awe-inspiring.

[@zfuzzballer]

and Robertson, doesn't think he deserves any credit for so many tunes (this one being a rare exception)... I really don't see how writing credits only extend to words and chord progressions and "structure". Garth and Levon had parts that were as equally iconic as any words or progressions that were played.

[@pac401]

@@zfuzzballer You don't get royalties for arraignments.

[@jonnydrummer6342]

so much love for this guy! Thanks Levon

[@janetadams514]

Never saw this one. Thanks for posting. He is the best. Whenever I think I can play, I am humbled by him.

[@itsmytch]

Damn. Lesson from the Legend. Grove of the gods

[@JVW325]

All about feel. This dude had it most definitely.

[@jeremymullins1294]

well, I've always been told, "the lighter the shoes the better", but Levon is wearing cowboy boots!! Must be the secret to findin' that Levon groove!

[@RockandrollNegro]

Cowboy boots are fairly light. And they're not laced at the ankle, giving you ease of movement. Guys like Levon, Ringo and Buddy Rich that played a heel-stomp hi-hat style all favored boots due to the stacking of the heel. Gives you some leverage.

[@krisscanlon4051]

All those old school rockers wore them I believe

[@joemuldune354]

just an amazing down to earth normal great American!! miss ya Levon.

[@irok75]

He is the groove!

[@MrGandharva108]

You're the best Levon. God Bless you.

[@HagbardCeline42]

This and the Jeff Porcaro video about Mushanga are my favorite drumming instructional vids on RUclips...so good.

[@flybar3344]

Simply the best

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

instructions from the master!!! how can you not love this guy!!!!

[@steveschmitz2839]

This is GOLD. Thanks Levon.

[@danielroik2074]

It's nice two here some really, Nice and Awesome master's at work, with great music.

[@MrBlueSkyMrNight]

Thanks for breaking it down Levon - I love this song.

[@BarstoolBlues33]

RIP, legend.

[@homefront3162]

Miss Levon... RIP

[@homefront3162]

I hope he is looking down from heaven and knowing he is missed

[@davebowman6497]

I just love how he gets that cowbell in occasionally! And this drum pattern also remind me of Up On Cripple Creek by having a similar "funky'ness". In that case of course the clavinet stuff that Garth does adds to that feeling.
The brilliance aside, Levon was one of those drummers that was just perfect for the band he was in. And being that _and_ doing great vocals at the same time is just stunning.
It's significant that when the Beatles had erupted most all they had and where seeking new directions at the end of the sixties, George brought up The Band as something to look to.
And speaking of a perfect drummer for a band, there's of course also Ringo. And if you haven't found the "Playing for Change" take on The Wheight, with Robbie and Ringo (among others) then locate it here on RUclips. Now!

[@terrymcmahon7395]

great piece about a great tune

[@dylandeadguy]

RIP Levon. Thanks.

[@PaisleyPatchouli]

Priceless

[@headedhead]

i miss you so much...
RIP

[@MrBluoct]

This is great insights from a leged

[@FACTSHACK]

Whoever thumbs downed this video is a disappointment to humanity.

[@byTjo]

O! Jeeeezuz THIS man Levon!

[@SBL-Unofficial]

Amazing!

[@DinorwicSongwriter]

I see why Levon was so upset with Robbie. Those songs would never be what they are without Levon’s creativity and voice.

[@tacey01]

Levon = rare rare genius

[@drummer78]

I have both the book and VHS. I am pretty sure that Hudson Music has the instructional tape now on DVD.

[@cartwright420able]

I got six on each arm and two more on my feet !

[@MuensterQ]

Starts off singing kind of talking... then slowly turns it into the real song. amazing.

[@patrickselden5747]

Levon SWUNG!!
☝️😎

[@MilesSaysWords]

I'm going to have to set everything up differently to even get my arm up under to reach the tom.

[@samdill36]

sorta that way.......whoa

[@robertbruce6865]

I am in absolute AWE.

[@RonnieDillJrLoveIsADarkPlace]

Legend

[@fess04]

that was SWEEEET

[@markroffe3967]

Always wondered how he played that tune!

[@grantmarshall3026]

Fuck yeah

[@star3710]

WOW!!!!!!!!!

[@equallyeasilyfuqyou]

love when he messes up slightly "HO" lol

[@flotuc]

very !!!!

[@krisscanlon4051]

Amazing he could feel that beat change cuz its seems complicated

[@nivagsmada2854]

Fuckin brilliant

[@franoputica7448]

2:10 the best moment in drumming history

[@GSchool007]

I'm gonna miss you sir...
P.S. I stole this from you...

[@MaryGerdt]

Drumming is rough on your hands, gotta wear a glove.I love Levon and this is really cool.

[@owenkeler748]

As someone trying to learn to play like Levon all I can say is WTF

[@LesterBrunt1983]

You don't see drummers wearing those boots anymore.

[@fUP420babe]

maybe you do, in nashville!

[@tonys2898]

and a Speed King to boot.

[@nathanyazzie9044]

✌😃🚬👍

[@fcernig33]

no they do not

[@Deadleg]

What's the dealio with the glove? He steal it off Jackson? A wanking glove per-say?

[@leeschmitz993]

Probably arthritis

[@robertbruce8492]

First, it’s per se.
Second, hands get sweaty. He wore one for that reason.