The guitar part that begins at about 4:12 is some of the best guitar I've heard played by anybody. Eddie was what, 22 when he wrote that? Dude was a freak on that instrument. The best ever, IMO.
@gr5382 I’d the tone of his kick drums made up for it. He was the first one to use those kick triggers if I remember correctly. Birth of the heavy metal sounding kick drum
@@benburnett8109 Wait are you saying you did not know Mike Portnoy is a drummer let alone having been the drummer for Dream Theater, with some of the hardest Drum parts ever?
Me as well. I had that iconic Paiste fold out poster on my wall! It was a pic of him with every single cymbal they made at the time. Oddly enough I cant seem to find it on the internet. Alex and Steve Smith were my two biggest early influences In the late 70s and early 80s. Then I discovered Bonzo.... Huge fan of MP of course but much later in life. We are about the same age. :)
@@RU-HDD-4-HVN I’m not a drummer, so I don’t really know but to me a part of his recognizable sound, and just a part of his sound to me because there’s more… but he makes his kit sound very shimmery. Which always sounds like a cymbal is constantly being attacked/used?
@@michaelpalermo354 I agree with you, but his snare is his very distinctive voice and a sonic signature like no other. We can add his kick drums too. 💪
hell YES!!! its a bullet train on high that never slows down but for a brief nanosecond giving you a chance to take just one more breath before they go into overdrive.... unbelievable playing... just unbelievable...gosh
Exactly, maybe because of all those years in so many different bands and away from Dream Theater. Even John Petrucci said that his playing is so much refined now.
I'm expecting great things from Mr. Portnoy & Dream Theater in the coming months. Could this new album be their "Dark Side Of The Moon" moment? We shall see...
I see all these comments saying Alex was... Al IS one of the best drummers of our time. He's still alive and still a drummer. Even though people don't see him in public much anymore. He has taught me a lot. I am grateful for his contributions to music.
When you watch an absolute beast like Mike Portnoy get down on a track like this and you see how hard he hast to work to pull this off, it really makes you reevaluate the fucking epic nature of Alex Van Halen. Truly, an underrated master
I love watching Portnoy play, he's always entertaining on top of the fact he's a virtuoso on his instrument. When it comes to VH, everyone is always talking about Edward, but Alex was just as incredible. Early VH is legendary.
@@nytess2 Sept 1978 Anaheim Stadium (Orange County CA) Sammy Hagar opened up then VH with Roth, then Black Sabbath with Ozzy, Boston headlined. Juss like dat! Thee most interesting part for me was Sammy, he blew me away and was just as good as everyone else, he really held his own, and you can tell that day all the bands were in competition with each other, have been a major Sammy fan since. Interesting the guy is *still* going at it with the same fire and passion he had back then. Peace
Damn, Mike that was fantastic! Any guitar player worth their salt will tell you that the groove on I'm the One is one of Eddie's hardest to duplicate rhythms. The swing and feel is off the charts good! Glad to see Alex getting some love showing how locked into the groove he was with Eddie. Also give credit to Michael Anthony. He's so in the pocket with Alex. Just drives this whole song forward at breakneck speed feeling like you're going to fly off the rails at any second, but always in complete control. Just shows why Van Halen I was one of the greatest first albums of any band and why we're still talking about it 46 years later!
I bought VH1 pretty much in its 1st week of release after hearing running with the devil and eruption on the BBC radio 1 friday night rock show. No way that was 46 yrs ago - what are you talking about! Oh yeh, just checked, you're right. Oh god I feel old all of a sudden 😵😦.
@@weeklyfascinationI seek out VH tribute bands on RUclips. None of them are even close to the original. Saw them on the women and children first tour at the Toledo Sports Arena. I was 15 and went with my older brother. We spent 2 hours clung to the handrail on a concrete wall just above the floor because the general admission show was over sold. One butt cheek on the wall, arm wrapped over the bottom rail. It was July and it had to be 120 degrees F in that place. People by the dozens being hauled out on stretchers from too many drugs and too much heat. My brother Keith said, I'm going to get us something to drink. He came back with 4 draft beers in plastic cups. To this day, the most delicious beer I've ever tasted.
@@mojodojo5533dumb comment. Taylor has been recording professionally since she was in high school and Drake has been a major player in his genre for 15 years. I'm not a fan of either but it's obvious they have talent. VH doesn't need to put anyone down to make their legacy look better. Their work stands on its own.
As a guy who’s not a drummer but is a massive fan of the instrument and many of the incredible musicians all of us appreciate that play it, I love this video as it really gives you an appreciation of just how good Alex’s playing is. Don’t get me wrong, I always appreciated his skill set listening to those records, but when you have a visual of what he was actually doing it takes that appreciation level to a higher level. Bravo Mr. Portnoy 👏🏻
I'm 66 yrs old . Been a guitarist for 50+ yrs.. Multiple album appearances and I just decided I need to learn the drums.. This fascinates me. I'm breaking things like this down to simplistic levels and then slowly adding/looking at the augmentations. I wish I'd taken the drums up yrs ago.. Having a blast tho I still suck compared to this but, I will fix that ;) This is inspiring..
the groove in this is unparalleled and seeing this makes me realise how overshadowed his talent was - MP looks like he’s having to work for this one 🤯😍👊🏼
Alex went directly to the heart, not into the mind, thats why he is so underrated!Wonderful Video, perfectly explained! thats the DNA of Van Halen!!!Thanks Mike!
In 1978 rock was changed forever! The live show was unforgettable! The Energy from the drums was relentless Eddie, changed the world, Vocal/ bass legend Michael Anthony! What can I say, still Blown Away
I remember an arrogant drummer's comments when I made him hear Van Halen's outta of love again, he just said "well without all of the embellishments he puts when playing the drums it is just a simple drums song"...and I thought "yeah smart ass those embelishments are what make Alex Van Halen an extraordinary drummer"
LOL. Outta love again is like THE most underrated and unplayed VH song and its so perfect. Easily my favorite song on VHII. To your point about embellishment though - the quarter note ride bell and bass drum hit on 3 and 4 just before the guitar solo is what seals that song for me. All that exquisite embellishment and he finishes with two notes that clearly say "fuck... you..." to the critics.
it all began with "Quadrant 4" October 1 1973 release from "Spectrum" Billy Cobhams first solo album. Three years before Alex played his version.......VERY WELL played, Mr. Portnoy and the Ludwig kit sounds BEAUTIFUL !!
Yes you are absolutely correct! I was going to cite that as well as that was a landmark album and I remember it well as I saw Billy a couple years after that live. But you beat me to it!
You know, you could have NEVER found a more experienced master percussionist than my friend from the past, Mike Portnoy, to demonstrate Alex's shuffle groove technique. Mike is absolutely beyond description, and a brilliant mathematician. He has to be in order to lay down the progressive rock tracks required he's performed for so many groups, especially his decades with Dream Theater. Not to mention one of the most brilliant people I've met on the road in my lifetime. Way to lay 'em down, Mike! Yeah baby, Yeah!
Alex always seems to fall under the radar when best drummer conversations happen. Mike and Alex were a killer rhythm section. That's a beautiful kit you have there!
My favorite drummer who played in a band that had my other favorite drummer (RIP rev) covering one of my other favorite drummers. The trinity is complete.
Besides his drumming of course, I just really admire and appreciate Mike's detailed encyclopedic knowledge of so many different kinds of music, artists and bands.
How many your tube queens have you seen drum cover this song or any Alex VH song? This is how it is done. MP is the real deal. In my opinion, Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He truly understands how it’s done. Thank you Mike for your years of awe.
@@truthseekerKJVYou are right about that. Some of these videos on RUclips though of these kids who learn how to play a song but Don’t have the understanding of what they are doing and it shows. I’m a guitar player who really loves and appreciates good drummers. I wish I could play drums but know my place. I have a few Slayer cd’s in my collection. And he could tell you all the ingredients of the sandwich while he’s doing it😂
he shouldve been the drummer for the hagar fronted best of tour... like him over chad and bonham... no comparison... dont want to hear someone elses TAKE on a particular song.. i want to see/hear the song AS RECORDED. .
First record I bought was Fair Warning, 1982(still have it). The snare and overall sound of the kit got me and to this day is my "deserted island" album. Hear about it later was the first VH song I heard. I lived in Costa Rica at the time so the earlier records didn't make it down here and nobody knew about VH until 1984. And yes, been a drummer shortly there after.
Early Van Halen was so great because they had that swing and boogie element to their sound. Even though still amazing during the Sammy years they lost that swing. Ever evolving.... Mike is in my top 5 drummers all time.pp Neal Peart, Alex VH, Scott Rockenfield, mike Portnoy, Stewart Copeland. Loved this video!
Sick... just f'in sick. My favorite VH tune for a long while. I was like 6 when this came out and my older brother got me hooked BIGTIME. LOVE DLR era VH. The whole nasty edgy package!
Funny thing is I don't remember hearing this song ever, and a friend who's now a commercial airline pilot (Hi Brian!) and I listened to VH all the f'in time.
I just love Mike Portnoy. He is beyond technically proficient. Looks like he still absolutely loves playing. And, he seems like one heck of a likable person.
When you are mentioned by Mike, you are a great drummer. When Mike plays your songs and enjoys it like this, you are the man in the hot list of best drummers ever. Rock on Alex!!
When I was a kid all my friends loved Eddie because, let's face it, he was the man, the master, but I always loved Alex's style pounding those drums. Can't recall how many VH cassettes I wore out in my Walkman and later my truck. It always felt to me as Alex was overlooked in his own band by Eddie and Dave. He and Michael Anthony are 2 of the most underrated musicians I can think of. Excellent explanation and drumming on this video! Thank you!
Mike, you are the best. You are #1 in my top 3 drummers of my personal favorite bands! Can't wait to see/hear you and your "BROTHERS" back in the one and only DREAM THEATER!!! Thank you!
VH was literally just big band swing with rock instrumentation. No one ever got close to how good they were at heavy swing. And Dave was just their Cab Calloway chewing up the scenery. AVH is my absolute favorite drummer in a list of greats.
I've been watching Mike with a winery dogs all through the years then came the audition for dream theater he's gone through some cool changes he influenced me awesome great drummer. Modern drummers I'm a subscriber the cool program. 🥁😎👍
Imagine being Michael Jordan's brother. You can handle yourself on the court pretty good and are recognized as being a very decent player, maybe even a few All Star Games; but again your brother is Michael Jordan. Alex is that.
What a debut album!!! It was EPIC when we ran home from Disc Jockey and loaded it on the record player!! We must have played this album all weekend long!
@@frankburdodrums8984 I know that well...I have done it myself. Just thought you'd like to that factoid...I think the tune was called "Quadrant 4"....cheers!
When they were young, Edward would sit on the edge of his bed and practice the guitar for hours at night. Alex, who was a couple of years older, would sneak out of the house and sit in at some of LA's jazz clubs during after hours jams. That's where he learned his swing. Most of the time, when Alex would return home around 4 or 5 a.m., Edward would still be sitting on his bed practicing.
Portnoy is legit. My personal fav drummer of all time. My first drum set was a tama rock star set and we got a vhs tape of portnoy showing double bass tutorials. I had no idea who he was then but he taught me how to play double kick patterns. Thanks bro
AVH and Bonham are my top 2 best rock drummers all time. Alex’s phrasing is genius. Forget chops and time- which is a given at that level- His phrasing is what makes him so unique. This is musicianship. How he phrases over bar lines and contrapuntal to what Eddie and the rest of the band is doing. Always pushing the music forward.
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
Van Halen always had that unmistakable "swing" in their music.
Thier Dads influence for sure
The guitar part that begins at about 4:12 is some of the best guitar I've heard played by anybody. Eddie was what, 22 when he wrote that? Dude was a freak on that instrument. The best ever, IMO.
R
Breed and raised by a pro jazz performer since day 1. Go figure 😅
Yeah, I think that came from playing with their Dad's band.
@bodystomp5302 if Eddie never recorded Eruption,this wouldve been "the song"
The older I get the more I realize how underrated Alex Van Halen was
@gr5382 I’d the tone of his kick drums made up for it. He was the first one to use those kick triggers if I remember correctly. Birth of the heavy metal sounding kick drum
"Underrated", such a meaningless pathetic junk word.
Buddeh… he was always very highly rated. And still is!
Especially when you try to play this song, it's a doozee
@@danender5555That’s a weird overreaction lol
When you see intensity in Portnoy's face and playing when covering another drummer, you know the original drummer was bad ass.
I thought portnoy just did the "barstool podcast" stuff. I had no idea he was an amazing drummer as well.
@@benburnett8109 Wait are you saying you did not know Mike Portnoy is a drummer let alone having been the drummer for Dream Theater, with some of the hardest Drum parts ever?
@@ben1ben It went right over your head!
@@benburnett8109 How else do you think he stays in shape from eating all that pizza?
@@Jimmy-yq5kg is that like an Insider on the Podcast or sum? What did i miss
Alex is the reason I started playing drums. Mike is the reason I still do.
Nice
YES SIR!
and Nicko MCBrain.
Me as well. I had that iconic Paiste fold out poster on my wall! It was a pic of him with every single cymbal they made at the time. Oddly enough I cant seem to find it on the internet. Alex and Steve Smith were my two biggest early influences In the late 70s and early 80s. Then I discovered Bonzo.... Huge fan of MP of course but much later in life. We are about the same age. :)
a million drummers thought they could play this until they watched you nail it
Not too many drummers can say they had an identifiable sound. Alex is an incredible drummer.
It's the snare for sure......
@@RU-HDD-4-HVN I’m not a drummer, so I don’t really know but to me a part of his recognizable sound, and just a part of his sound to me because there’s more… but he makes his kit sound very shimmery. Which always sounds like a cymbal is constantly being attacked/used?
@@michaelpalermo354 I agree with you, but his snare is his very distinctive voice and a sonic signature like no other. We can add his kick drums too. 💪
pateneted his drum "sound" eg.
Vinnie paul and Terry Bozzio are prolly the only two I can identify as they sounded drastically different from any other drummers
To me, "I'm the One" is Van Halen's most "Van Halen" song. It's got everything that made the band over-the-top next level badass. 🤟👍🔥
Mean Street and I'm The One
hell YES!!! its a bullet train on high that never slows down but for a brief nanosecond giving you a chance to take just one more breath before they go into overdrive.... unbelievable playing... just unbelievable...gosh
100%. Imagine writing that song. Hard enough to play with the same swagger but writing it? Genius.
Agreed. I mean that freaking song is almost perfect
Even Mikes bassline is unreal good. As a unit they just dominate on this song. Chemistry unmatched
Alex is one of the best rock drummers ever
This is one of the first times Mike Portnoy hasn’t sounded like Mike Portnoy. He nailed the parts and was completely in the pocket.
Exactly, maybe because of all those years in so many different bands and away from Dream Theater. Even John Petrucci said that his playing is so much refined now.
I'm expecting great things from Mr. Portnoy & Dream Theater in the coming months. Could this new album be their "Dark Side Of The Moon" moment? We shall see...
He does a pretty good Ringo impersonation as well. There are some live recordings on RUclips, definitely worth checking out!
He’s doing the opposite of Lars Ulrich and just getting better.
never heard anyone claim that there's pocket in a Van Halen song before, that's interesting
I see all these comments saying Alex was... Al IS one of the best drummers of our time. He's still alive and still a drummer. Even though people don't see him in public much anymore. He has taught me a lot. I am grateful for his contributions to music.
They say was because he hasn't played or been seen in public since the last VH show. It doesn't mean he's dead.
He isn't playing anymore he sold all of his equipment
That's because he sold all his gear and is pretty much retired. Where have you been, man?
@detroitdiezel7856 your obviously not a drummer...
Yeah true, I actually just did it.. he's definitely a living legend.
Alex is a Legend.
But, make no mistake,
Portnoy is a LEGEND in his own Right!!!
Facts. I'm a major DT fan since I&W.
Massive MP fan!!!!
I'm the One has to be the undisputed example of how rhythm and lead guitar is just so seamlessly together its criminal!
Atomic Punk is another one
It's the song I point to when I tell people that Eddie is primarily a rhythm player who also works a mean lead.
When you watch an absolute beast like Mike Portnoy get down on a track like this and you see how hard he hast to work to pull this off, it really makes you reevaluate the fucking epic nature of Alex Van Halen.
Truly, an underrated master
@@EarCandy-kg6di ya like 1978 early 80’s ? I think many drummers patterned him and didn’t even realize it!
And he's also speeding..
That first VH album had it all - one of the best debuts ever - in my humble opinion !!
Yes! A classic.
Greatest Record of All Time.
I love watching Portnoy play, he's always entertaining on top of the fact he's a virtuoso on his instrument. When it comes to VH, everyone is always talking about Edward, but Alex was just as incredible. Early VH is legendary.
yeah EVH/AVH/MA were sensational. Roth ... meh, I'd be just as happy with instrumental versions of the albums
Incredible song. And the guitar is ONE TAKE. He just starts playing and doesn't stop. And it's utterly perfect. I still can't wrap my head around it.
Eddie had a right hand of doom when it comes to the swing groove.
Exactly. That first album, there were no overdubs. No punch ins. Essentially a “live” album so to speak. Amazing work.
Portnoy is AWESOME.
Mike Portnoys love of drumming is apparent in the adoration he has for other drummers.
This is how you become great.
Alex VanHalen is a genius. Snare tone is iconic and matched.
Ludwig Supraphonic, just got one, it's a beast!
Saw this played *live* in Sept of 78 right when their first album was released. I was 15
Me too VH was "special quest" on $5 ticket to warm up Journey
@@nytess2 Sept 1978 Anaheim Stadium (Orange County CA) Sammy Hagar opened up then VH with Roth, then Black Sabbath with Ozzy, Boston headlined.
Juss like dat!
Thee most interesting part for me was Sammy, he blew me away and was just as good as everyone else, he really held his own, and you can tell that day all the bands were in competition with each other, have been a major Sammy fan since. Interesting the guy is *still* going at it with the same fire and passion he had back then. Peace
@@toothnail605 The First Day of Rock and Roll tour! Blue Oyster Cult and Heart were there too.
Perfection
Saw em in Knoxville that same year. I was 16. Saw em 3 times more after that...
Alex is the most underrated drummer of that era
alex and eddie where both top notch musicians. Alex indeed is underrated.
Steve smith is most underrated drummer of thst era , listen to Journey escape album
Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever. No doubt
Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever because Rullo is much more technical and skilled than PeArt, Portnoy and Alex
@@ArjanSnijder I think Eddie Van Halen is the most underrated guitar player, just saying.
Damn, Mike that was fantastic! Any guitar player worth their salt will tell you that the groove on I'm the One is one of Eddie's hardest to duplicate rhythms. The swing and feel is off the charts good! Glad to see Alex getting some love showing how locked into the groove he was with Eddie. Also give credit to Michael Anthony. He's so in the pocket with Alex. Just drives this whole song forward at breakneck speed feeling like you're going to fly off the rails at any second, but always in complete control. Just shows why Van Halen I was one of the greatest first albums of any band and why we're still talking about it 46 years later!
I bought VH1 pretty much in its 1st week of release after hearing running with the devil and eruption on the BBC radio 1 friday night rock show. No way that was 46 yrs ago - what are you talking about! Oh yeh, just checked, you're right. Oh god I feel old all of a sudden 😵😦.
47 years! Wow. Let's see the Drake or Swift do that.
Been tinkering on the guitar for 40 years, and I can confirm that "I'm the One" is one of the most difficult grooves to get right.
@@weeklyfascinationI seek out VH tribute bands on RUclips.
None of them are even close to the original. Saw them on the women and children first tour at the Toledo Sports Arena. I was 15 and went with my older brother. We spent 2 hours clung to the handrail on a concrete wall just above the floor because the general admission show was over sold. One butt cheek on the wall, arm wrapped over the bottom rail. It was July and it had to be 120 degrees F in that place. People by the dozens being hauled out on stretchers from too many drugs and too much heat. My brother Keith said, I'm going to get us something to drink. He came back with 4 draft beers in plastic cups.
To this day, the most delicious beer I've ever tasted.
@@mojodojo5533dumb comment. Taylor has been recording professionally since she was in high school and Drake has been a major player in his genre for 15 years. I'm not a fan of either but it's obvious they have talent. VH doesn't need to put anyone down to make their legacy look better. Their work stands on its own.
AVH is a brilliant drummer 🤘🏼
As a guy who’s not a drummer but is a massive fan of the instrument and many of the incredible musicians all of us appreciate that play it, I love this video as it really gives you an appreciation of just how good Alex’s playing is. Don’t get me wrong, I always appreciated his skill set listening to those records, but when you have a visual of what he was actually doing it takes that appreciation level to a higher level.
Bravo Mr. Portnoy 👏🏻
Agree 💯%👍👍🔥🔥🤘🏿🤘🏿
I'm 66 yrs old . Been a guitarist for 50+ yrs.. Multiple album appearances and I just decided I need to learn the drums.. This fascinates me. I'm breaking things like this down to simplistic levels and then slowly adding/looking at the augmentations. I wish I'd taken the drums up yrs ago.. Having a blast tho I still suck compared to this but, I will fix that ;) This is inspiring..
Progress update?
@@TheAqualegend dude only commented 8 days ago, give him some time! 🤣
@@jsleeio Young people's brains are like a sponge. I'm sure he's made progress!
This man Is the reason I play the drums. I will love him forever!
NICE! What Bass dream head is that on Alex Kit Here? Ambassador Coated?
the groove in this is unparalleled and seeing this makes me realise how overshadowed his talent was - MP looks like he’s having to work for this one 🤯😍👊🏼
I suspect anyone who plays this song including Alex has to work hard for it.
Prime era =VH= is still my favorite live band. Reign in peace, Eddie! We’re still practicing.
My little brother plays drums, I asked him about Portnoy and he said Mike is easily one of the top 5 drummers of the modern era.
My little Brother plays Basketball, i asked him about Jordan and he said Mike is easily one of the Top 5 Basketballplayers in modern History...
my little brother plays drums, i asked him about your little brother and he said your brother's wrong.
LOL funny how since Trump you never have to look far to find a arse hole.
incredible battle of endurance on this one! Wow...
Such a beast!! That´s a statement to Alex's playing and creativity.
Everyone was amazing on this track, the bass really sticks out on this recording and of course the guitar is impossible to duplicate too.
What makes VH great is 3 of the best ever musicians at their crafts....one of the few great bands that the front man isnt needed up front
Alex went directly to the heart, not into the mind, thats why he is so underrated!Wonderful Video, perfectly explained! thats the DNA of Van Halen!!!Thanks Mike!
In 1978 rock was changed forever! The live show was unforgettable! The Energy from the drums was relentless Eddie, changed the world, Vocal/ bass legend Michael Anthony! What can I say, still Blown Away
I remember an arrogant drummer's comments when I made him hear Van Halen's outta of love again, he just said "well without all of the embellishments he puts when playing the drums it is just a simple drums song"...and I thought "yeah smart ass those embelishments are what make Alex Van Halen an extraordinary drummer"
LOL. Outta love again is like THE most underrated and unplayed VH song and its so perfect. Easily my favorite song on VHII. To your point about embellishment though - the quarter note ride bell and bass drum hit on 3 and 4 just before the guitar solo is what seals that song for me. All that exquisite embellishment and he finishes with two notes that clearly say "fuck... you..." to the critics.
it all began with "Quadrant 4" October 1 1973 release from "Spectrum" Billy Cobhams first solo album. Three years before Alex played his version.......VERY WELL played, Mr. Portnoy and the Ludwig kit sounds BEAUTIFUL !!
Yes you are absolutely correct! I was going to cite that as well as that was a landmark album and I remember it well as I saw Billy a couple years after that live. But you beat me to it!
Came here to say this too.
Carmine Appice did it in 1970 with Cactus Parchman Farm.
Without forgetting Simon Phillips in 1980 with Space Boogie
U got it, but those floor tees are lost in the mix, especially during the harmonic breakdowns.
You know, you could have NEVER found a more experienced master percussionist than my friend from the past, Mike Portnoy, to demonstrate Alex's shuffle groove technique. Mike is absolutely beyond description, and a brilliant mathematician. He has to be in order to lay down the progressive rock tracks required he's performed for so many groups, especially his decades with Dream Theater. Not to mention one of the most brilliant people I've met on the road in my lifetime. Way to lay 'em down, Mike! Yeah baby, Yeah!
Alex always seems to fall under the radar when best drummer conversations happen. Mike and Alex were a killer rhythm section. That's a beautiful kit you have there!
Alex is one of the most underrated drummers in rock. He is so great.
lets not forget the amazing bass work from M. Anthony!!
Mike Portnoy is one of the most properly rated drummers of all time!
I can watch Portnoy play all day.
Mike you are the man. This just showed me how good Alex Van Halen is and you nailed that song. Great job.
My favorite drummer who played in a band that had my other favorite drummer (RIP rev) covering one of my other favorite drummers. The trinity is complete.
Alex is one of the best and most underrated and I love Mike Portnoy; what a fitting tribute!
Alex was never underrated, where did you get that idea from
The swing makes it better for me than typical metal that is straight, like a jazz drummer playing rock. He lights it up!
It SHOULD swing like jazz. He played drums for his dad’s (Jan Van Halen) jazz band growing up.
Besides his drumming of course, I just really admire and appreciate Mike's detailed encyclopedic knowledge of so many different kinds of music, artists and bands.
How many your tube queens have you seen drum cover this song or any Alex VH song? This is how it is done. MP is the real deal. In my opinion, Portnoy is one of the greatest drummers of all time. He truly understands how it’s done. Thank you Mike for your years of awe.
Dave Lombardo would play this tune with a sandwich in one hand.
@@truthseekerKJVYou are right about that. Some of these videos on RUclips though of these kids who learn how to play a song but Don’t have the understanding of what they are doing and it shows. I’m a guitar player who really loves and appreciates good drummers. I wish I could play drums but know my place. I have a few Slayer cd’s in my collection. And he could tell you all the ingredients of the sandwich while he’s doing it😂
@@truthseekerKJV It's hard to properly play Alex Van Halen, and Lombardo does a great job.
@@truthseekerKJV Watch Dennis Chambers play Danny Carey's stuff. This is average at Best for a Pro.
he shouldve been the drummer for the hagar fronted best of tour... like him over chad and bonham... no comparison... dont want to hear someone elses TAKE on a particular song.. i want to see/hear the song AS RECORDED. .
First record I bought was Fair Warning, 1982(still have it). The snare and overall sound of the kit got me and to this day is my "deserted island" album. Hear about it later was the first VH song I heard. I lived in Costa Rica at the time so the earlier records didn't make it down here and nobody knew about VH until 1984. And yes, been a drummer shortly there after.
Mike nails it! great drum sound too....
Early Van Halen was so great because they had that swing and boogie element to their sound. Even though still amazing during the Sammy years they lost that swing. Ever evolving.... Mike is in my top 5 drummers all time.pp Neal Peart, Alex VH, Scott Rockenfield, mike Portnoy, Stewart Copeland. Loved this video!
Sick... just f'in sick. My favorite VH tune for a long while. I was like 6 when this came out and my older brother got me hooked BIGTIME. LOVE DLR era VH. The whole nasty edgy package!
Funny thing is I don't remember hearing this song ever, and a friend who's now a commercial airline pilot (Hi Brian!) and I listened to VH all the f'in time.
I just love Mike Portnoy. He is beyond technically proficient. Looks like he still absolutely loves playing. And, he seems like one heck of a likable person.
@bigmetalglennhis technical playing is by no means up there with some players, but his choice of parts is that makes him so great
@bigmetalglenn Nor is he a likable person.
When you are mentioned by Mike, you are a great drummer. When Mike plays your songs and enjoys it like this, you are the man in the hot list of best drummers ever. Rock on Alex!!
Alex is a beast on the drums 🥁
Good shit, Maynard! I'm smiling uncontrollably.
When I was a kid all my friends loved Eddie because, let's face it, he was the man, the master, but I always loved Alex's style pounding those drums. Can't recall how many VH cassettes I wore out in my Walkman and later my truck. It always felt to me as Alex was overlooked in his own band by Eddie and Dave. He and Michael Anthony are 2 of the most underrated musicians I can think of. Excellent explanation and drumming on this video! Thank you!
When ever I watch Mike play a Dream Theatre song it always looks like virtuoso level playing, watching him play this feels the same way.
That was amazing. There is a lot more going on there that I realized. Love that whole album.
Mike, you are the best. You are #1 in my top 3 drummers of my personal favorite bands! Can't wait to see/hear you and your "BROTHERS" back in the one and only DREAM THEATER!!! Thank you!
Nearly 60 as well...
Alex has always been one of my favorite drummers... and you picked a great song to feature his sound!
Good God Man!!! Perfection. I expect nothing less...🥁
That snare is 🔥. Awesome song performed with exceptional skill.
VH was literally just big band swing with rock instrumentation. No one ever got close to how good they were at heavy swing. And Dave was just their Cab Calloway chewing up the scenery. AVH is my absolute favorite drummer in a list of greats.
Alex would very proud Mike! Tremendous job on I'm the one bud!! Keep Rocking bro!!🤘
The EVH striped shoes were on point.
And...
Using Alex's actual drum kit... perfect.
Its an absolutley stunning looking kit
Mikes got a Bonham kit,too,perhaps amongst more
Great song for drums and guitar players. It’s 100 mph pedal to the metal start to end. The brothers killing it. Nice work Mike, love your playing.
My God, I love Van Halen.
Thanks Mike.
HELL YEAH! Awesome recreation and an eye opener to how good Alex is!
Shows how underrated Alex Van Halen was
Actually it shows how uninformed most listeners are
Mike absolutely smoked it!! 🔥🔥🔥 He showed Al's genius.
Portnoy + Van Halen. Does it get any better than that? - Nope! Killer!!
Portnoy and Petrucci ;)
I've been watching Mike with a winery dogs all through the years then came the audition for dream theater he's gone through some cool changes he influenced me awesome great drummer. Modern drummers I'm a subscriber the cool program. 🥁😎👍
Alex was always in his brothers shadow, but he was an excellent drummer that should have gotten some recognition.
Imagine being Michael Jordan's brother. You can handle yourself on the court pretty good and are recognized as being a very decent player, maybe even a few All Star Games; but again your brother is Michael Jordan. Alex is that.
Alex had the coolest drum kits of all. The FW kit is my all time favorite.
ALEX WAS A MACHINE
What a debut album!!! It was EPIC when we ran home from Disc Jockey and loaded it on the record player!!
We must have played this album all weekend long!
great teacher, great explanations. clear understanding.
VAN HALEN, (Alex) & HOT FOR TEACHER, IS WHAT MADE ME START PLAYING DRUMS IN 1984.
Alex "borrowed" that drumming from Billy Cobham
@@davebasch5995 Every drummer borrows from someone.
@@frankburdodrums8984 I know that well...I have done it myself. Just thought you'd like to that factoid...I think the tune was called "Quadrant 4"....cheers!
The cymbal work is what always impressed me with Alex. He really knew when the song needed air or a light rapid crash for the rhythm.
When they were young, Edward would sit on the edge of his bed and practice the guitar for hours at night. Alex, who was a couple of years older, would sneak out of the house and sit in at some of LA's jazz clubs during after hours jams. That's where he learned his swing.
Most of the time, when Alex would return home around 4 or 5 a.m., Edward would still be sitting on his bed practicing.
And you know this for sure? Were you there? I'm not trying to be critical..but you make it sound like you were the babysitter or something...
You know Eddie started on the drums and Alex on guitar. Never heard this jazz club thing...doesn't add up
@@gusgarcia4884
No, just a fan since I was in High school back in the '70s.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥absolute brilliance. And DLR killing it!
Rushed, pushing the one, stiff, lack of swing and absolutely zero feel.
Great drummer, but Alex Van Halen is not his wheelhouse.
FANTASTIC!⚡️
I'm not sure what everyone else was hearing, but that was relatively mediocre. The feel subtitles dynamically just weren't there.
What’s mediocre is your comment. Pull your panties out of your ass and upload your version. 🤘🏼
Awesome! The thunder behind EVH
dude...... wow Wtf , may the good Lord bless you, beautiful drumming... Portugal-Lisbon
Such a good groove! Thank you for explaining and then playing it.
Mike really nails that sort of staggered, breathy style Alex played on this. The fills had an almost show tunes feel. Love this whole album so much.
The Halen's Were Just Masters at an Early age. Portnoy, Always a pleasure to hear as well!
That was just amazing. Sounds so good! Thanks!!!
That my friend was completely badass!!! Thx!!!
The fact that they were that tight, creative and insanely talented in the 70s as teenager's
Love Mike's Drumming...Collected, sociable, super technical, musical
Portnoy is legit. My personal fav drummer of all time. My first drum set was a tama rock star set and we got a vhs tape of portnoy showing double bass tutorials. I had no idea who he was then but he taught me how to play double kick patterns. Thanks bro
AVH and Bonham are my top 2 best rock drummers all time. Alex’s phrasing is genius. Forget chops and time- which is a given at that level-
His phrasing is what makes him so unique. This is musicianship. How he phrases over bar lines and contrapuntal to what Eddie and the rest of the band is doing. Always pushing the music forward.
Sickness! Right on Mike! Alex is the most under rated drummer ever.
AVH has always been underrated- thanks for showing everyone that, Mike!
Wow...old school..absolutely killed it bro
That put a huge smile on my face!