The older I get the more I realize how underrated Alex Van Halen was

@poindextertunes

Ай бұрын

@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

@danender5555

Ай бұрын

"Underrated", such a meaningless pathetic junk word.

@peternorthe1912

Ай бұрын

Buddeh… he was always very highly rated. And still is!

@casanovafrankenstein8538

Ай бұрын

Especially when you try to play this song, it's a doozee

@dreadbull5039

Ай бұрын

@@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.

@benburnett8109

Ай бұрын

I thought portnoy just did the "barstool podcast" stuff. I had no idea he was an amazing drummer as well.

@ben1ben

Ай бұрын

​@@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?

@Jimmy-yq5kg

Ай бұрын

@@ben1ben It went right over your head!

@Jimmy-yq5kg

Ай бұрын

@@benburnett8109 How else do you think he stays in shape from eating all that pizza?

@ben1ben

Ай бұрын

@@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.

@tm71100

Ай бұрын

Nice

@matthewdriggers2928

28 күн бұрын

YES SIR!

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. 🤟👍🔥

@richevans609

26 күн бұрын

Mean Street and I'm The One

@thomhagan8297

25 күн бұрын

@@richevans609 Man, the remastered Mean Street is TIGHT.

@blak1lyte

14 күн бұрын

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

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.

@bishopoftroy

Ай бұрын

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.

@leddygee1896

Ай бұрын

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...

@FinnGamble

Ай бұрын

He does a pretty good Ringo impersonation as well. There are some live recordings on KZread, definitely worth checking out!

@arsonne

Ай бұрын

He’s doing the opposite of Lars Ulrich and just getting better.

@unluckykeys

Ай бұрын

never heard anyone claim that there's pocket in a Van Halen song before, that's interesting

Not too many drummers can say they had an identifiable sound. Alex is an incredible drummer.

@RUHDD4HVN

25 күн бұрын

It's the snare for sure......

@michaelpalermo354

25 күн бұрын

@@RUHDD4HVN 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?

@RUHDD4HVN

25 күн бұрын

@@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. 💪

Alex is the most underrated drummer of that era

@ArjanSnijder

Ай бұрын

alex and eddie where both top notch musicians. Alex indeed is underrated.

@humanactivated1017

21 күн бұрын

Steve smith is most underrated drummer of thst era , listen to Journey escape album

@82mangini

19 күн бұрын

Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever. No doubt

@82mangini

19 күн бұрын

Jason Rullo is by Far The most underrated drummer ever because Rullo is much more technical and skilled than PeArt, Portnoy and Alex

@RUHDD4HVN

18 күн бұрын

@@ArjanSnijder I think Eddie Van Halen is the most underrated guitar player, just saying.

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.

@keithstone7323

Ай бұрын

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.

Alex is a Legend. But, make no mistake, Portnoy is a LEGEND in his own Right!!!

@mr198221

29 күн бұрын

Facts. I'm a major DT fan since I&W.

@alancolazzi4975

28 күн бұрын

Massive MP fan!!!!

Alex is one of the best rock drummers ever

I'm the One has to be the undisputed example of how rhythm and lead guitar is just so seamlessly together its criminal!

@dwightvoeks9970

21 күн бұрын

Atomic Punk is another one

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.

@jsleeio

23 күн бұрын

yeah EVH/AVH/MA were sensational. Roth ... meh, I'd be just as happy with instrumental versions of the albums

Portnoy is AWESOME.

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!

@Iceni007

Ай бұрын

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 😵😦.

@mojodojo5533

Ай бұрын

47 years! Wow. Let's see the Drake or Swift do that.

@weeklyfascination

Ай бұрын

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.

@youropionmattersnot

Ай бұрын

​@@weeklyfascinationI seek out VH tribute bands on KZread. 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.

@tanktuba

Ай бұрын

​@@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 🤘🏼

I can watch Portnoy play all day.

This man Is the reason I play the drums. I will love him forever!

@texxhexxmm

Ай бұрын

NICE! What Bass dream head is that on Alex Kit Here? Ambassador Coated?

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 👏🏻

@johnlopez4089

Ай бұрын

Agree 💯%👍👍🔥🔥🤘🏿🤘🏿

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.

@jmbs9833

29 күн бұрын

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...

@deeayeveeeyees

29 күн бұрын

my little brother plays drums, i asked him about your little brother and he said your brother's wrong.

@dbc105

6 күн бұрын

LOL funny how since Trump you never have to look far to find a arse hole.

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..

@TheAqualegend

29 күн бұрын

Progress update?

@jsleeio

23 күн бұрын

@@TheAqualegend dude only commented 8 days ago, give him some time! 🤣

@TheAqualegend

21 күн бұрын

@@jsleeio Young people's brains are like a sponge. I'm sure he's made progress!

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 🤯😍👊🏼

@christopheroliver148

27 күн бұрын

I suspect anyone who plays this song including Alex has to work hard for it.

Thanks for shining the spotlight on Alex Van Halen. He was my first favourite drummer. My brother and I modelled ourselves on Eddie and Alex.

Alex VanHalen is a genius. Snare tone is iconic and matched.

Prime era =VH= is still my favorite live band. Reign in peace, Eddie! We’re still practicing.

incredible battle of endurance on this one! Wow...

Everyone was amazing on this track, the bass really sticks out on this recording and of course the guitar is impossible to duplicate too.

Alex is a beast on the drums 🥁

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.

@bigmetalglenn

Ай бұрын

He is not beyond technical.

@reactions4u438

Ай бұрын

@@bigmetalglennhis technical playing is by no means up there with some players, but his choice of parts is that makes him so great

@jbw9999

Ай бұрын

@@bigmetalglenn Nor is he a likable person.

Good shit, Maynard! I'm smiling uncontrollably.

The swing makes it better for me than typical metal that is straight, like a jazz drummer playing rock. He lights it up!

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!

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 !!

@jameszeiger8533

Ай бұрын

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!

@GeoffBosco

Ай бұрын

Came here to say this too.

@HenritheHorse

Ай бұрын

Carmine Appice did it in 1970 with Cactus Parchman Farm.

@5150mili

Ай бұрын

Without forgetting Simon Phillips in 1980 with Space Boogie

@davidperez5089

Ай бұрын

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!

Mike The Great. 👏🤟👍🥁

That is a f@#$in workout !! Nice job Mr. PORTNOY !!!!

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.

@truthseekerKJV

Ай бұрын

Dave Lombardo would play this tune with a sandwich in one hand.

@redryder8622

Ай бұрын

@@truthseekerKJVYou are right about that. Some of these videos on KZread 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😂

@chrisslooter2825

Ай бұрын

@@truthseekerKJV It's hard to properly play Alex Van Halen, and Lombardo does a great job.

@chrisberg2083

Ай бұрын

​@@truthseekerKJV Watch Dennis Chambers play Danny Carey's stuff. This is average at Best for a Pro.

@blak1lyte

14 күн бұрын

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. .

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!

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.

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!

@christopheroliver148

27 күн бұрын

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.

The EVH striped shoes were on point. And... Using Alex's actual drum kit... perfect.

@ramongoroth

Ай бұрын

Its an absolutley stunning looking kit

Mike you are the man. This just showed me how good Alex Van Halen is and you nailed that song. Great job.

Sickness! Right on Mike! Alex is the most under rated drummer ever.

Alex is one of the best and most underrated and I love Mike Portnoy; what a fitting tribute!

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!

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.

I'm the one is one of my favorite Van Halen songs,,,AlexVan Halen is a great drummer for sure,,,Mike Portnoy is a great drummer too 🥁

A DRUM GOD playing & talking 'bout a DRUM GOD 🤘🏼🤘🏼🍻🔥🇧🇷💚

My God, I love Van Halen. Thanks Mike.

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.

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....

Fluid city... nice job Mike.

mike always has the coolest shirts ever.

Alex was always in his brothers shadow, but he was an excellent drummer that should have gotten some recognition.

@jonnuanez7183

Ай бұрын

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.

Mike, thank you for featuring my favorite Van Halen song. Damn!

That was amazing. There is a lot more going on there that I realized. Love that whole album.

So glad to see you back with DT!!

My dream is to record one song with Mike Portnoy some day...We can dream, right?!

Portnoy + Van Halen. Does it get any better than that? - Nope! Killer!!

@RavelShreds

27 күн бұрын

Portnoy and Petrucci ;)

I never knew I needed a Mike Portnoy VH cover band in my life until now.

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.

And to think that Alex was on guitar and Edward was on drums when they first started 😂 still my favorite band of all time, it just doesn’t get any better than the MIGHTY VH for me!

God, I love Paiste 2002 cymbals SO. FREAKING. MUCH. I had this 17" crash that was just ... ~*chef's kiss*~ so good. And then I realized they all sound amazing.

@KitWriter

11 күн бұрын

Okay, hol' up, Mike. You got a double kick pedal in front of your second bass drum. Am I missing something here?

The Halen's Were Just Masters at an Early age. Portnoy, Always a pleasure to hear as well!

Born to play drums. Viva Portnoy Viva AVH!!

Alex Van Halen is finally this Year in the Drum Hall of Fame!!!

Mike may be my favorite drummer

I always know when it’s his greatness playing drums in a song because of his distinctive swing- sound just like Mije sayss/shows. This is one of the reasons i like VH so much and always will. He is just like the others a legend!! Respect!! 👍👍👍 a VH fan for life and beyond, frim The Netherlands, yes, land if woodwn shoes, windmills, gouda cheese. 🇳🇱🧀🙌🤘🤘

Tremendous. Amazing strenth

What a Beast Mike is!!! WOW. And yeah Alex was rarely mentioned as the drummer he was. Spot light was in the front, but he's one of the greats and everyone knows that

This is why they killed so hard, it's rock, metal and even big band( and even some Barber Shop thrown in here for good measure!) elements all combined. Alex is an absolute beast.

Fantastic cover ! Alex is truly one of the greats ! Mike Portnoy is also one of the best around. If would have had the opportunity to be in a great rock band who knows how famous he would be today !

Love Mike's Drumming...Collected, sociable, super technical, musical

Alex's dad was a jazz guy. All the great drummers have jazz chops.❤

great teacher, great explanations. clear understanding.

Alex had the coolest drum kits of all. The FW kit is my all time favorite.

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.

That was just amazing. Sounds so good! Thanks!!!

Edward and Alex. The kings of swing for sure!!!

Love that song and Drum set

Even Alex isn’t that smooth bro so glad your back in Dream Theater!

I always love hearing an awesome Van Halen song, because you really do get it all on a high musicianship level.

Good God Man!!! Perfection. I expect nothing less...🥁

Too good!!!!!

No doubt that Mike killed it on this one but that kit!!!! 🔥

Cool! Thanks Mike for sharing.

The fact that they were that tight, creative and insanely talented in the 70s as teenager's

One of the best drum covers I've ever seen and heard. Brilliant!

Such a good groove! Thank you for explaining and then playing it.

Great feel Mike

Alex is an amazing drummer and so is Mike.

FANTASTIC!⚡️

love it, Mike !!

It’s nice to see Mike jamming behind those Ludwig’s and those Pies 😎😎😎😎

Such a bad ass tune and drum track, Mike killed it.

What a jewel amid The Mighty Van Halen dynasty! Thanks!

That was cool. That is one of my favorite Van Halen tunes ever. Nice job Mike.

This song is easy to play too fast as you can see Mike struggling a little not to rush it. It sounds easy till you actually try it. Alex was one of the best at what he did, no doubt about it. Good job, Mike 👍

Excellent performance!! Mike, just as you explain all the shuffle stuff and then seeing you play, one realizes that Alex Van Halen was innovating as his brother Eddie did. This song has some important snare work too! Really enjoyed it!!

All right, all right I’m digging out the kit again. I just need to loosen up and then dig in nice job. You make it look so easy.