Tommy Lee

[HurdyGurdyMan]

[edit: What's the point of starting a thread to say how much you don't like someone? Maybe others will have something more positive to say. DB]

[Superlow]

Please... you're going to start another Travis Barker type post. Tommy Lee is an OK drummer. Drumming is something secondary to his personal life and his career as a 2-bit celebrity. He is a lucky guy who was in the right place at the right time. You should spend less time worrying about what goes on TV. It seem's that "reality TV" has very little to with reality.

[hotsauce3n]

Please... you're going to start another Travis Barker type post. Tommy Lee is an OK drummer. Drumming is something secondary to his personal life and his career as a 2-bit celebrity. He is a lucky guy who was in the right place at the right time. You should spend less time worrying about what goes on TV. It seem's that "reality TV" has very little to with reality.


You said it best, he's an OK drummer...nothing special so dont go see motley crue for the drum solo's

[Drummer_Boy]

Tommy Lee is just ok. I like Motley Crue and their music a lot, but I can still understand how Tommy Lee isn't great, or even good. I think he's a good showman though. But not technically a good drummer. Alright.

[SheekLucci]

and zildjian designed the thrasher series for tommy lee??

[Plook]

You said it best, he's an OK drummer...nothing special so dont go see motley crue for the drum solo's

I remeber back to when Motley Crue came through in June of 1990. The thing everything was talking about was the upside down drumming. How many regular people do you know come back from a concert and talk about the drum solo? That was the only time I remember plus the huge percentage of people that brought it up was amazing. He deserves some credit for that. Yeah he isn't the most technical but when it comes to rock, he seems to get his point across.

[Thinshells]

I remeber back to when Motley Crue came through in June of 1990. The thing everything was talking about was the upside down drumming. How many regular people do you know come back from a concert and talk about the drum solo? That was the only time I remember plus the huge percentage of people that brought it up was amazing. He deserves some credit for that. Yeah he isn't the most technical but when it comes to rock, he seems to get his point across.

I have a video of Buddy Rich that did the inverted kit playing (simple riser with cables) and toasted Tommy Lee's solo. Toomy's rig looked cooler. He said it was a nightmare, and that a "Drum solo is such a waste of notes."

Listening to some of Motley Crue's stuff, Tommy sounds like he has kind of a disco-rock beat on a lot of tunes. He fit that band though.

[HardRockDrummer]

i saw tommy lee talking about his show the other night on 'late night with conan o'brian' and it was pretty funny when he confessed he couldn't read music because he only learnt it in high school, and how his band never used music (which is fair enough). i would like to see how bad he is at reading music, but i live in europe so i can't watch that show.
he also has a fetish for toes and likes to lick people on their faces.

hehe thomas lee bass!

[Sticksman]

He is a good example of a decent drummer. His playing is ok, his fills are ok, his feel is neat, his live performances are fun... he's very much an icon to non-drummers, but to those of us who know what to look for, he's just ok. Nothing special, but he's definately "great" to people at large.

[Jaymasta]

I think hes better than what you guys are saying about him I'm sure hes great I bet he can do alot of stuff but I never heard his drumsolo's so if anyone has make an attachment because I would like to hear it thanks...

[jamsjr44]

I have some old solos on tape I will try to get them up into a wav file...

I have always liked him he is a very good drummer, just because you may not like his tv show or Motely Crue does not mean he is as bad as some of you think.

I don't care for Blink 182, but I can admit Barker can play better than me, just like Tommy Lee can play better than more than half of you that are bashing him.

Just my opinion....

[Jaymasta]

I found one drum solo by Tommy I'm sure there's more if anyone can find any but this one is pretty cool the interesting thing about Tommy's solo's is he's doing something cool with his drumset it's amazing he played a solo 50 feet above the audience It's not that he wants to make his solo's sound perfect he just want's to have fun and make his solo's look cool by either playing upside down, in a cage, Fire etc..... although his solo's (musically) didn't really impress the crowd. He's a good drummer If I ever do a solo live I would want to be upside down or above the crowd in this globe thingy that would be so cool :D anyways check his solo out...

[jamsjr44]

I found one drum solo by Tommy I'm sure there's more if anyone can find any but this one is pretty cool the interesting thing about Tommy's solo's is he's doing something cool with his drumset it's amazing he played a solo 50 feet above the audience It's not that he wants to make his solo's sound perfect he just want's to have fun and make his solo's look cool by either playing upside down, in a cage, Fire etc..... although his solo's (musically) didn't really impress the crowd. He's a good drummer If I ever do a solo live I would want to be upside down or above the crowd in this globe thingy that would be so cool :D anyways check his solo out...


It's not a bad solo in my opinion but listening to it and the speed of some of his double bass patterns incorporating the cowbell is very cool and something that I would love to hear the others on here that are bashing him, try to duplicate.

[Jaymasta]

It's not a bad solo in my opinion but listening to it and the speed of some of his double bass patterns incorporating the cowbell is very cool and something that I would love to hear the others on here that are bashing him, try to duplicate.
Yes I loved how he did the cowbell. His solo's are all about fun and they are fun to watch. I think the solo's are the funnest that happens at a motley crue show Tommy is a good drummer everytime I hear him play he gets me to run for my drums and just play a bunch of random stuff. :)

[scarlit]

I gotta say he's one of my favourite drummers. He's always tried his best to make the drums seem like an exciting and fun instrument, whether its playing upside down in a cage or flying above the crowd. Those are the kinds of things that make people want to play drums.

[Edward]

is tommy lee even on this site?

[h3lli0N]

i do not find tommy lee impressive or even a good drummer. i don't even lik motley crue. i think they r a bunch of sell outs. i personaly think he was at the right place at the right time nd got lucky. especially after that band tryout on his t.v. show. i KNO i couldve done better. nd as far as tommy lee playin better than half of the ppl baggin on him i highly doubt that. nd if its tru thats sad nd im not 1 of them.

nd i think travis barker is a fine drummer.

[h3lli0N]

is tommy lee even on this site?

good question. i azwel would lik 2 kno.

[Jaymasta]

i do not find tommy lee impressive or even a good drummer. i don't even lik motley crue. i think they r a bunch of sell outs. i personaly think he was at the right place at the right time nd got lucky. especially after that band tryout on his t.v. show. i KNO i couldve done better. nd as far as tommy lee playin better than half of the ppl baggin on him i highly doubt that. nd if its tru thats sad nd im not 1 of them.

nd i think travis barker is a fine drummer.
You can't just judge tommy now you haven't seen everything he can do on drums and I think he is an excellent drummer he can do alot of stuff. His solo's are mainly about fun and he probably is better than most here that are bashing him he started playing when he was four and he's pretty damn good. Before you say you could of done better you should try out for yourself It's harder than it looks. Travis Barker is also a fine drummer he's got alot of talent but his latest solo on drummerworld was also about the fun of it! Flashing lights and a spinning drum platform that goes high it more about the visuals for that solo In my opinion And Tommy Lee is on the site just look! or type it....

[DogBreath]

is tommy lee even on this site?
good question. i azwel would lik 2 kno.
Right here, guys. (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tommy_Lee.html)

.

[h3lli0N]

You can't just judge tommy now you haven't seen everything he can do on drums and I think he is an excellent drummer he can do alot of stuff. His solo's are mainly about fun and he probably is better than most here that are bashing him he started playing when he was four and he's pretty damn good. Before you say you could of done better you should try out for yourself It's harder than it looks. Travis Barker is also a fine drummer he's got alot of talent but his latest solo on drummerworld was also about the fun of it! Flashing lights and a spinning drum platform that goes high it more about the visuals for that solo In my opinion And Tommy Lee is on the site just look! or type it....


ur right as far comparing goes he has his style i hav mine...but what bout this ^ (bold) ^. i shur could've done better than him nd i hav tried it. i played snare nd quads for 3 yrs. (8th-soph) nd im planing on playin hem this junior yr. azwell.

note: i was one of the best snare drummers at my old highschool. it was a private school not huge, but filled w/ talent.

[jamndrummer]

Yesterday I spoke with Skillets Drummer - Lori Peters and she told me she recently seen Tommy Lee performing at a concert. She mentioned that during the show, Tommy was lifted off the stage into the air where 2 more drum kits and percussion instruments were stationed and he played on them for part of his drum solo. She rather enjoyed his drum solo.

She also stated that on his stage kit, he actually used a 31" kick drum....is that HUGH or what?

[Jaymasta]

Yesterday I spoke with Skillets Drummer - Lori Peters and she told me she recently seen Tommy Lee performing at a concert. She mentioned that during the show, Tommy was lifted off the stage into the air where 2 more drum kits and percussion instruments were stationed and he played on them for part of his drum solo. She rather enjoyed his drum solo.

She also stated that on his stage kit, he actually used a 31" kick drum....is that HUGH or what?
Yeah man just look at his live performances you'll see it!

[cjl71178]

Tommy Lee was one of my major influences growing up as a kid; he definately made me want to pick up a pair of sticks. I have to laugh at the comments about him being "mediocre", "a nobody", "not impressive", or "not even a good drummer". As far as the bashers, and I'm not saying this just because of Tommy's influence on me, he's sold millions of albums with Motley Crue, toured all over the world and is still selling out shows on Motley Crue's reunion tour...but I guess that's what happens when you're a nobody.

I have to agree with Jaymaster that if it weren't for most bands, the drummers would be nobodys.

I don't like Blink 182 at all...but I think that Travis Barker is a great drummer.

Oh, I'm sure that h3llion would've done better on that college marching band tryout than tommy did on his TV show...even if he hadn't picked up a set of quad toms in 20 plus years! I started marching band when i was 11 years old and played all the way to my graduating year of high school; If i were to pick up my quad toms now after being away from them 10 years...it wouldn't be easy either.

If you've really listened to Motley Crue's stuff...Tommy's drumming is killer...both his sound and his playing...he was perfect for the Crue. His solos and his drumming might not have been very "technical", but his solos were fun to watch and his drumming definately inspired me. And I'm sure they've inspired others.

Not bad for a "medicore" drummer.

[Jaymasta]

I don't understand what people got against him He's an entertaining drummer very good to. He has a good show I watch it every Tuesday. He's in a great band. He tours across the world. He get's good pay for what he does. And he's a really really nice guy I never met him but I've seen how he acts when meeting new people. And he has two solo records that other successful singers/bands helped him out with I just don't like that music. So what do people have against him?.

[scarlit]

I thought I was the only one on this forum who was a Tommy fan. Serously, as far as rock drummers go, I think he's one of the best. Check out the Crue's live album, there's some cool playing on it.

[iamanditwill]

I think its Tommy Lee's passion for the music that makes him great.Just like Lars and Travis.The exact opposite would be like the drummer from the Rolling Stones who looks like he is thinking about what he's going to watch on tv later while he's playing.

[iamanditwill]

I thought I was the only one on this forum who was a Tommy fan. Serously, as far as rock drummers go, I think he's one of the best. Check out the Crue's live album, there's some cool playing on it. The double bass roll he did on the first song was sick!One of the baddest things I have ever heard.

[Drummer_Boy]

I don't like tommy lee, which I stated before. But, I will give him this...him, and Motley Crue played a version of "Hot For Teacher", by Van Halen...and Tommy did a pretty nice AVH impression.

[JohnMunsey]

Tommy played the opening of Hot for Teacher!!!!????

[MECHT4NK]

as many said before I don't think his drumming is bad but not great either. however he does know how to put up a great show (which probably also makes a lot non-drummers like him more) and also plays a quite impressive set-up.

http://www.dwdrums.com/artists/backstagepass/tommylee_pix/lee1.htm

[DrumNut]

Top Notch Heavy Rock drummer who made a lot of money and fame doing what he loves. Not a Marco Minnemann or Lang by any means, however.

[Drummer_Boy]

Tommy played the opening of Hot for Teacher!!!!????

Well yes from what I heard. Although, his bass drum doesn't sound like it has anything inside of there. Sounds almost like a rally really low tom-tom. He might've just played that instead.

[on_the_one]

geez, a lot of haters on the board here. i'd say T.L. isn't mediocre at all. a great rock drummer who played his parts with the crue perfectly. lot of cats talking a lot of BS about how they could do much better etc. same guys you'll never see post any soundclips of 'em selves i'm sure. how does it feel to be so jealous?

[Jaymasta]

Hey did any of you see that episode of Tommy Lee goes to college there's a part where he's messing around on a drum set It was pretty damn cool what he was doing he was like soloing and it was very impressive especially for a 4-piece when he plays on a bigger set!

[BAM BAM]

geez, a lot of haters on the board here. i'd say T.L. isn't mediocre at all. a great rock drummer who played his parts with the crue perfectly. lot of cats talking a lot of BS about how they could do much better etc. same guys you'll never see post any soundclips of 'em selves i'm sure. how does it feel to be so jealous?


Couldn't agree with you more bro. Stay Loud .

[Drummer_Boy]

Hey did any of you see that episode of Tommy Lee goes to college there's a part where he's messing around on a drum set It was pretty damn cool what he was doing he was like soloing and it was very impressive especially for a 4-piece when he plays on a bigger set!

I wish I could've seen that. I haven't seen his show yet.

[Krupamoon]

Seems like some folks are jealous of Tommy Lee. If you are so much better of a drummer, how come no one has heard of you?

[Drummer_Boy]

Seems like some folks are jealous of Tommy Lee. If you are so much better of a drummer, how come no one has heard of you?

Most of us weren't in a real popular Hair Metal band...

[yakbutter]

Tommy Lee is a solid rock drummer. Period. I don't understand what you guys want from him. Terry Bozzio coordination? Dennis Chambers speed? It's all totally irrelevant in the context of the music he's chosen to play. Which he plays well.

It was amusing to watch him fumble around on the quads, though. But you do have to realize that they edited out 99% of the rehearsals and threw in the shots of him blowing it. And it had been twenty years and is a totally different instrument than the kit.

[drumbig]

i saw motley crue this summer and tommy lee diddn't miss a beat in facti think he held the band together he plays just a little bit on top of the beat and it creates a cool tention. his drum solo (though i would only call it that because he was playing by himself) left much to be desired. i think in terms of playing solid hard rock drums tommy's great. did you know tommy played drums on most of rob zombie's solo stuff.

[sloppyjoe]

Wow my freind is a better tenor drum player than him.

[NaturalRaz]

Man...its a shame that alot of people here are so judgmental. Its almost like highschool. It appears that its not cool to like Tommy Lee...or Motley Crue for that matter and everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. Probably 1/2 of the people in here were not alive in the Crue's peak years so they never saw his contribution to rock drumming and never had the privilege to witness. But....infact....he is on the top 3 of my favorite drummers and Motley Crue is one of the greatest rock bands to ever walk the earth. To all the people that say that he isn't that good.........lets see you play a simple 4/4 while spinning upside down in a drum cage...let alone do a solo in the midst. When you do that...then you can say he sucks. Granted...he doesn't do alot of fancy stuff in his songs with the Crue...but that man is a rock beat master!! He plays what fits Motley Crues sound! He is there for the music and is not always trying to dominate the songs with fancy fills and technique. Has anyone ever watched him play alone...probably not! I have seen video of him just messing around on his set...and I can't even begin to describe what I saw. I have been playing 24 years....and Tommy Lee does crap on a set that I haven't even seen or thought of yet. People probably have no idea about his double-bass technique or any of his playing for that matter. Just becuase you heard a couple Motley Crue songs and didn't like it....doesn't mean that you heard Tommy Lee the drummer. Go and see him play live....he is on tour right now with Motley Crue! And...uhhhh....its been over 24 years and these guys are still selling out arenas more than the Rolling Stones. Lets see "Blink 182" or "Lamb of God" or any band that is out these days do that 24 years from now!!! After 24 years...your opinon might have some stability.

[NPK]

I agree with NaturalRaz. Is Tommy the most technically proficient? Probably not, but Motley's music doesn't really lend itself to that type of playing. That said, most of Tommy's licks on the Motley records are heavy, in-the-pocket type grooves that are perfect for the song. Stick a Mike Portnoy or someone of that caliber behind the kit on a Motley song and you're not going to get the unique feel Tommy's playing has. I think his best playing is done on the '94 album with John Corabi (songs like Hooligan's Holiday and
Misunderstood are super challenging to play and worth a listen). It's a shame his personal life overshadows his playing. I guess that's what you get for marrying Pam Anderson. Is he the best rock drummer out there? Obviously not. However, I'd argue he's one of the better rock drummers of our time and he's perfect for the Crue. Anyway, my two cents are in.

[NouveauCliche]

Man...its a shame that alot of people here are so judgmental. Its almost like highschool. It appears that its not cool to like Tommy Lee...or Motley Crue for that matter and everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. Probably 1/2 of the people in here were not alive in the Crue's peak years so they never saw his contribution to rock drumming and never had the privilege to witness. But....infact....he is on the top 3 of my favorite drummers and Motley Crue is one of the greatest rock bands to ever walk the earth. To all the people that say that he isn't that good.........lets see you play a simple 4/4 while spinning upside down in a drum cage...let alone do a solo in the midst. When you do that...then you can say he sucks. Granted...he doesn't do alot of fancy stuff in his songs with the Crue...but that man is a rock beat master!! He plays what fits Motley Crues sound! He is there for the music and is not always trying to dominate the songs with fancy fills and technique. Has anyone ever watched him play alone...probably not! I have seen video of him just messing around on his set...and I can't even begin to describe what I saw. I have been playing 24 years....and Tommy Lee does crap on a set that I haven't even seen or thought of yet. People probably have no idea about his double-bass technique or any of his playing for that matter. Just becuase you heard a couple Motley Crue songs and didn't like it....doesn't mean that you heard Tommy Lee the drummer. Go and see him play live....he is on tour right now with Motley Crue! And...uhhhh....its been over 24 years and these guys are still selling out arenas more than the Rolling Stones. Lets see "Blink 182" or "Lamb of God" or any band that is out these days do that 24 years from now!!! After 24 years...your opinon might have some stability.

I enjoy Tommy Lee as a public figure. He's lead an interesting life and he's probably one of the nicest people I've ever met. My friend and I ran into him at a Planet Hollywood in LA last summer and he was super nice and down to earth. He talked drums with us and gave us each a pair of Ahead sticks which I still have on my wall. Having said that...I think he was great in Motley Crue..he played for their songs and you can't really expect more from a guy. I don't think, however, that's he's anywhere near the technical level of a lot of drummers out there but he'll be the first guy to admit it. He's a decent player in a cool band that got lucky and has made a great life of it.

As for spinning in a cage, I'm not sure that's really the measure of a great drummer by any means...give most drummers a big rotating platform and they could more than likely play. It's not like the guy is moving it with his mind/pure drumming ability. Also....most of us aren't comparing him and the Crue (at least I'm not) to guys like Travis from Blink or whoever from "Lamb of God". Personally, I'm comparing to guys that have already been playing for 24 years...guys like Weckl and Colaiuta, and in THAT respect he doesn't stack up. But like I said...I enjoy a good rock beat from a fun and flashy drummer any day of the week.

I'm not going to bash a guy for playing the best he can for as long as he has with that much passion and humility. Rock on Tommy.

[NaturalRaz]

I think his best playing is done on the '94 album with John Corabi (songs like Hooligan's Holiday and
Misunderstood are super challenging to play and worth a listen).

Very good point! He really showed a different style to his drumming. Quite a bit more technical and rough sounding.

And...NouveauCliche....I do agree that the drum-cage s not a way to measure a drummer skills. It is a tribute to how awsome of a showman he is and how he thinks...which is something to say about the type of drummer he is.

Wether or not people want to admit it....Tommy Lee has had a larger influence than most on rock drumming. When I mention Blink 182 and Lamb Of God...I should have been more clear in my statement by saying.......I have seen T.L.'s name appear on threads with these guys in a comparing battle. Not just T.L., but alot of drummers. And....you can try to compare them....but its not going to go anywhere...cuz you could never settle that debate becuase they are totally different styles, and its opinons that flare on questions of comparisson.

All in all......I think the best drummer on the planet...is the one "who is having the most fun and has the largest smile on his face."

[onemat]

OK, Here's another point of view. I'm almost 50 years old. By the time Motley Crue hit, I was what in my thirties. Did I spell their name right? I dunno. I hardly know any of their songs. Let's see "Girls Girls Girls", and didn't they cover "Smokin' In The Boys Room" and "We're Not Going To take it? , no that was Quiet Riot, I think. As for Tommy, I like his drumming. I've seen and heard him on MTV. Last year sometime Direct TV ran a Crue concert but Tommy was missing. They had that beautiful girl Samantha playing pink sparkle Sonors. She was delightful but she was not filling Tommy's shoes. I like Roxy better, she's hot. I have to admit that I watched "Tommy Lee Goes To College" too. Well as a TV show, it was pretty funny and way better then the Tommy & Pam video...jeez. I never had Band in High School. We were so poor we didn't even have a football team. So I never got the advantage of being in marching band. Tommy seemed like he did. He strapped on those five drums and after a day of being a little rusty, he was playing as tight as the rest of the drumline. It seemed to me anyway. I think he's a pretty good drummer and he thinks young which I think more of us older guys should do. Now where the hell is my custom set of Tommy Lee DWs I was supposed to win? Did anybody actually win that kit or what? Matt

[Jookbox]

Well yes from what I heard. Although, his bass drum doesn't sound like it has anything inside of there. Sounds almost like a rally really low tom-tom. He might've just played that instead.

the pattern he plays also sounds nothing like hot for teacher.

[cjl71178]

Man...its a shame that alot of people here are so judgmental. Its almost like highschool. It appears that its not cool to like Tommy Lee...or Motley Crue for that matter and everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. Probably 1/2 of the people in here were not alive in the Crue's peak years so they never saw his contribution to rock drumming and never had the privilege to witness. But....infact....he is on the top 3 of my favorite drummers and Motley Crue is one of the greatest rock bands to ever walk the earth. To all the people that say that he isn't that good.........lets see you play a simple 4/4 while spinning upside down in a drum cage...let alone do a solo in the midst. When you do that...then you can say he sucks. Granted...he doesn't do alot of fancy stuff in his songs with the Crue...but that man is a rock beat master!! He plays what fits Motley Crues sound! He is there for the music and is not always trying to dominate the songs with fancy fills and technique. Has anyone ever watched him play alone...probably not! I have seen video of him just messing around on his set...and I can't even begin to describe what I saw. I have been playing 24 years....and Tommy Lee does crap on a set that I haven't even seen or thought of yet. People probably have no idea about his double-bass technique or any of his playing for that matter. Just becuase you heard a couple Motley Crue songs and didn't like it....doesn't mean that you heard Tommy Lee the drummer. Go and see him play live....he is on tour right now with Motley Crue! And...uhhhh....its been over 24 years and these guys are still selling out arenas more than the Rolling Stones. Lets see "Blink 182" or "Lamb of God" or any band that is out these days do that 24 years from now!!! After 24 years...your opinon might have some stability.


RIGHT ON NATURALRAZ!!!!!

[NaturalRaz]

RIGHT ON NATURALRAZ!!!!!

I just get so tired of everyone saying that he sucks, or that he isn't good, or that he is mediocre....but never comming to the table with solid facts about thier so-called opinon. Especially when they have never truly heard or seen him play. Like I said...I think most of it is a bandwagon deal. Its seems to cool to bash him and his lifestyle! Heck, thats what happens when someone is as huge as he is. Kinda like that highschool way of thinking. I have looked at the "ages of most" of the people making the negative comments and they are in thier low 20's or teens. Also they are growing up with a diffent era of drummers too and that has alot to do with taste. If they think that he isn't very good or just medioce.....why aren't they on tour selling out arenas or amphitheaters with thier band? And don't say to me that you got bills to pay, or you don't have the time to practice, or its a fad, or that your band hasn't been found yet, or the music industry isn't ready......just simply say...that you and your band are not that good and Tommy Lee and his band are. "Welcome to the world of Motley Crue." 24 years...and still selling out arenas. Why don't you go and see why they are.....you will come back with a different opinon. Make your dreams come true instead of bashing those that have!

[cjl71178]

I just get so tired of everyone saying that he sucks, or that he isn't good, or that he is mediocre....but never comming to the table with solid facts about thier so-called opinon. Especially when they have never truly heard or seen him play. Like I said...I think most of it is a bandwagon deal. Its seems to cool to bash him and his lifestyle! Heck, thats what happens when someone is as huge as he is. Kinda like that highschool way of thinking. I have looked at the "ages of most" of the people making the negative comments and they are in thier low 20's or teens. Also they are growing up with a diffent era of drummers too and that has alot to do with taste. If they think that he isn't very good or just medioce.....why aren't they on tour selling out arenas or amphitheaters with thier band? And don't say to me that its a fad, or that thier band hasn't been found yet, or the music industry isn't ready......just simply say...that you and your band are not that good and Tommy Lee and his band are. "Welcome to the world of Motley Crue." 24 years...and still selling out arenas. Why don't you go and see why they are.....you will come back with a different opinon.

I couldn't agree with you more. It gets me how one can go bash someone like TL, especially ones who were in diapers when Motley Crue was in their prime! I've replied before to this thread...in regards to him selling millions of albums and shows.

There are a few drummers that I could care less for, but I'm not going to bash them and say they suck or that they're horrible just because I don't like them. I guess that's just me.

Tommy Lee was a HUGE influence on me growing up and I KNOW that I'm not the only one. He might not have been the world's most technical drummer, but he did what he did best with the Crue and is such a great performer and showman.

That's my opinion (and like I said about him being an influence, I'm not the only one).

[JohnMunsey]

Mediocre drummer?

I was just listening to the Dr. Feelgood album, Ok.

And - not only does Tommy incorporate some R&B inflected hi-hat openings on the down beat, but also on the upbeat within the context of a syncopated, funky bass drum pattern -- Meanwhile - this is with a heavy metal band. That's tasty.

And, he was doing a lot of syncopated fills on the cymbals.

Look - the guy is either overrated or underrated, just like Alex Van Halen. I'm not over-rating him, just saying he's a very good rock drummer.

[Milo]

It doesn't matter, IT IS ALL OPINION. And the one thing I noticed here is that not a single person can say something negative about a drummer. One comment that's negative and it's instantly branded "bashing". Do I say you're "kissing a**" when you remark positively about a drummer and praise his name?? NO. If i dislike a drummer, his style, grooves, technique, solos, face, whatever I should be able to say that.

I've made sensible and defined negative comments about a drummers ONE SOLO video and I was threatened in so many words to stop insulting members and pro drummers alike or else..... I never said "I think that drummer sucks big time", I just didn't like one solo I've seen. I'm allowed to dislike it and talk about it. Someone doesn't like your favorite drummer? GET OVER IT. You think I have to say something every time a person says "Peter Criss sucks"? Not at all because I could care, I know he was good for the band.

It doesn't matter what age you are....you can dislike a drummer. I don't care if you were a fetus when a band had their biggest hit...you can dislike a drummer. Just because you were an old man or infant or saw them live 10 times doesn't mean anything because it's still that person's opinion. If someone makes a credible argument and God forbid you disagree, you can respond with someone other than "I'm so sick of people bashing!" or "He was such a HUGE influence on my playing!", etc. Another member may not feel that way so once again...get over it - they don't agree.

It's ok to say "Right on!" or "Amen!" but saying something like "I don't care for his playing at all, he's very mediocre" is grounds to jump down someone's throat? I didn't join this forum to hold hands with everyone and tongue b*** of every drummer listed on the page. It's good to see educated arguments taking place here. I've read some most interesting posts here describing why people do or do not like a certain drummer, and of course the ones who don't agree get chastised. That is wrong. It's called criticism people and it's a normal part of everyday life.

I happen to like Tommy Lee but I've also agreed with things said in the "negative" and "positive" posts alike. That should tell you something....

[NaturalRaz]

It doesn't matter, IT IS ALL OPINION. And the one thing I noticed here is that not a single person can say something negative about a drummer.

Bingo....if you look at all my threads....I will never criticize a drummer. Who am I to criticize them? Sure, I am a human being and entitled to the right of opinon................but thats B.S. If I had any leg to stand on when it comes to judging or criticizing a drummer my face and name would be on the front page of DrummerWorld. I always like to play the devils-advocate and stick up for the underdog..........especially when it comes to people like Tommy Lee.

I still stick by what I originally said....................."If you think a proven professional drummer is mediocre or sucks..........why isnt' your name and face on the front page of DrummerWorld?"

[DogBreath]

It doesn't matter, IT IS ALL OPINION. And the one thing I noticed here is that not a single person can say something negative about a drummer. One comment that's negative and it's instantly branded "bashing". Do I say you're "kissing a**" when you remark positively about a drummer and praise his name?? NO. If i dislike a drummer, his style, grooves, technique, solos, face, whatever I should be able to say that. . . .

. . . I've made sensible and defined negative comments about a drummers ONE SOLO video and I was threatened in so many words to stop insulting members and pro drummers alike or else..... I never said "I think that drummer sucks big time", I just didn't like one solo I've seen. I'm allowed to dislike it and talk about it. Someone doesn't like your favorite drummer? GET OVER IT. You think I have to say something every time a person says "Peter Criss sucks"? Not at all because I could care, I know he was good for the band. . . .

. . . It's ok to say "Right on!" or "Amen!" but saying something like "I don't care for his playing at all, he's very mediocre" is grounds to jump down someone's throat? I didn't join this forum to hold hands with everyone and tongue b*** of every drummer listed on the page. . . .

. . . I've read some most interesting posts here describing why people do or do not like a certain drummer, and of course the ones who don't agree get chastised. That is wrong. It's called criticism people and it's a normal part of everyday life.
Milo, I deliberately quoted the parts of your post that I would like to respond to.

First of all, it does matter what you say here. Yes, it's all opinion, but the fact is there are some opinions that we really don't want to hear on this forum. Sorry if anyone has a problem with that, but that's the way it is. The rules are spelled out quite clearly. If you wish to state your opinion and it breaks the rules, you aren't chastised for stating your opinion; rather you are chastised for breaking the rules. Can you see the difference?

When you stated your opinions about the one solo that you didn't like, you were using words like "silly" and "pretentious" to describe the drummer. Maybe you don't feel like that is bashing, but I do. Not to argue with you but simply to try to explain. You say "I'm allowed to dislike it and talk about it." I would agree that you are allowed to dislike it, but no, you are not allowed to talk about if the talking becomes bashing, at least not here.

Of course you don't have to respond every time someone says, "Peter Criss sucks!" That's my job. I will let them know that language like that is inappropriate and unwelcome here, and I'll edit or delete their post, and if they argue or continue then I'll ban them.

Like you, I also didn't join this forum to hold hands with everyone here, but it's sad that you see stating admiration for a drummer as a "b*** tongue," and it's sad that as an adult you can't find a more appropriate way of stating that thought. We have members here as young as nine years old, and we ask that you use language that is appropriate for all ages. Adults generally have a large enough vocabulary that they aren't hampered by that rule. Hopefully you'll find a way to work within it as well.

Yes, criticism is a normal part of everyday life, but so is following the rules. When someone invites you into their home, do you argue about their rules and insist on doing what you consider to be normal? Bernard has invited you into his "home" and asked you to follow some simple rules.

Yet another rule that you have seem to have missed here is keeping a thread on topic. This thread is in the Drummer topic, and it is specifically about Tommy Lee, and yet here you are discussing how you feel about the moderating on this forum. If you wish to have a conversation about a new topic, please go to the place where that topic is best discussed and start a new thread there.

None of this is intended as an argument. I only posted this because you seem to be confused about some basic issues here. I hope this helps.

[geek_boy_in]

couldn't help but put in my 2 pence :D .....

before criticizing a drummer please try NOT to forget that what he plays in a band or for that matter on stage is 1/4th of what he can actually do when he is alone or in a studio with the needed ambience, peace and time ...

and also one more thing .... in such big venues and the type of music that Motley Crue played ..... simplicity and straight ahead beat is what suits best ... delicate work would go unobserved and would not put in that PUNCH in the chest of 1000 people who are jumping around you ........ (personally thats why i don't like stadium music )


So, i guess seeing his achivements one should give him his well earned benifit of doubt and respect ..

and now My personal taste:

I haven't heard much of his drumming and the ones which i heard does not put him amongst my favourite drummer ....

To some members here:

When you criticized/voiced your opinion about a government policy does it really make sense if someone says that "You should become the President of the country and then would have the right to criticize " or something in that line ?? .......

One need not have to be on the front page of drummerworld or for that matter even a good drummer to say what he likes or dislikes ..... (but offcourse in the socially acceptable way)
A musician not only plays music for himself but also for the normal public to hear so he should value their opinion ......

[NaturalRaz]

Ignorance? I don't think you understand people dude. Just because he sells out arenas to people that think hitting hard, and having a big drumset, n' flippin a couple of sticks is amazing drummer, than sure, I can see him being so great. But the fact of the matter is his drumming is VERY mediocre. His career has been based on showmanship, and i have yet to hear a good groove for him to play. He's just one lucky guy, who to me... plays drums for all the wrong reasons.
peace

LOL....that is one of the greatest things I have ever heard. I'll just ask you this........How you do you know that he plays drums for all the wrong reasons? Did he tell you this? Do you know him or his friends? How you do know that he doesn't have a love for drumming?

Your opinion is your opinon...but Im sure that anyone with common sense knows that the things you just said are very out of context. You don't know him...so you can't say those things with any type of stability.

Oh......also, if he is so mediocre....what is it that you do and he doesn't to allow you to feel that you have a solidified and educated opinon on his playing? Post your playing for us! Let us see how good you are. In a sense...you are saying that you can play better than him. Show us!

[NouveauCliche]

LOL....that is one of the greatest things I have ever heard. I'll just ask you this........How you do you know that he plays drums for all the wrong reasons? Did he tell you this? Do you know him or his friends? How you do know that he doesn't have a love for drumming?

Your opinion is your opinon...but Im sure that anyone with common sense knows that the things you just said are very out of context. You don't know him...so you can't say those things with any type of stability.

Oh......also, if he is so mediocre....what is it that you do and he doesn't to allow you to feel that you have a solidified and educated opinon on his playing? Post your playing for us! Let us see how good you are. In a sense...you are saying that you can play better than him. Show us!


Raz, buddy...stop taking this thread so personally. You're ALL over it as if you were being attacked or they were saying that they didn't like your playing. So some people don't like how he plays, that's their opinion, and it's their right to have it. Once you start saying stuff like "Post YOUR playing!" then you're going to get into the realm of personally attacking THEM...and that's not what this forum is about.

[LiquidSoul546]

LOL....that is one of the greatest things I have ever heard. I'll just ask you this........How you do you know that he plays drums for all the wrong reasons? Did he tell you this? Do you know him or his friends? How you do know that he doesn't have a love for drumming?

Your opinion is your opinon...but Im sure that anyone with common sense knows that the things you just said are very out of context. You don't know him...so you can't say those things with any type of stability.

Oh......also, if he is so mediocre....what is it that you do and he doesn't to allow you to feel that you have a solidified and educated opinon on his playing? Post your playing for us! Let us see how good you are. In a sense...you are saying that you can play better than him. Show us!
Alright, there is your opinion, and may i quote myself.."and TO ME....plays the drums for all the wrong resons." Look if you wanna question my drum education, that's wack, I've been drumming for 7 years, since i was 9, and not just chillin at home playin, i mean taking lessons, studying music theory in grade school and now in highschool. I'm not saying I am an almighty professor, and all i say is right, I'm just saying I don't like his drum style, his life style, or his attitude twoards that matter. So, is it absolutly wrong for me to say that i dont' like tommy? Nope, and tell you the truth, I personally would rather see most of the drummers on this site play a set, than that guy.
peace
ps. How is my statement out of context. What do you see him do during shows? Has a rediculus sized bass drum for show, flips his sticks, and uses sparklers for a solo, I will never put that under the context of a great drummer in my book. He hasn't done a thing to impress me, and probably never will. So that's my opinion...

[NaturalRaz]

Raz, buddy...stop taking this thread so personally. You're ALL over it as if you were being attacked or they were saying that they didn't like your playing. So some people don't like how he plays, that's their opinion, and it's their right to have it. Once you start saying stuff like "Post YOUR playing!" then you're going to get into the realm of personally attacking THEM...and that's not what this forum is about.

I don't take it personally. If it does come off that way....I don't know what to say. I just like to play the devils-advocate as I have stated before. I do understand what you are getting at though. Thanks Nouveau!!!

[NaturalRaz]

Alright, there is your opinion, and may i quote myself.."and TO ME....plays the drums for all the wrong resons." Look if you wanna question my drum education, that's wack, I've been drumming for 7 years, since i was 9, and not just chillin at home playin, i mean taking lessons, studying music theory in grade school and now in highschool. I'm not saying I am an almighty professor, and all i say is right, I'm just saying I don't like his drum style, his life style, or his attitude twoards that matter. So, is it absolutly wrong for me to say that i dont' like tommy? Nope, and tell you the truth, I personally would rather see most of the drummers on this site play a set, than that guy.
peace
ps. How is my statement out of context. What do you see him do during shows? Has a rediculus sized bass drum for show, flips his sticks, and uses sparklers for a solo, I will never put that under the context of a great drummer in my book. He hasn't done a thing to impress me, and probably never will. So that's my opinion...


I didn't question your drum education. I asked you a very simple question. What does he do drum-wise that shows that he is mediocre? I'm asking you a very pin-pointed question. And.......regarding his private life.........the only thing you know about it...is what the media tells you...right? So again.....all I am doing is asking you pin-pointed questions on your opinons.

Maybe this will help to settle this matter...cuz people are starting to think that I am taking this personally. What I am doing is playing the "devils advocate". That means that I am objectively taking a different side to the forum for amusment. While...I do like Tommy Lee and his playing...I'm just simply asking you how does HIS PLAYING sound mediocre....you haven't answered that or any of my questions.

I'm not attacking you Liquid......Im sorry if it comes off that way. I just asked you some pin-pointed questions on your opinon considering where you facts come for your opinons. Having an opinon is wonderful. I am just wondering where it comes from....and playing the "devils advocate" as well. Sorry if I offended you or anyone else.

Also....he does use that huge bass drum! All you have to do is listen to his playing...and its very noticeable...so its not just there for looks.

[LiquidSoul546]

Mkay, things all cleared up now, the full reason I dislike Mr. Lee's playing is his obviously simple play tactic. The simple 2 4 snare, and 1 n' 3 bass doesn't appeal to me. Sure he may try and get a little more technical ever couple of songs, but that grunge feel he gives off is not my thing. I just hate his technique, and have yet to hear one good grove, to me he sounds like any 80's loving garage band drummer. I just do see what is so amazing about him. I mean it's fin eyou like him and all, but i think it's funny to come on this site, read a dave weckl forum and people bashing him on his "too technical" drum style, but people love this guys simple style. Yes, I know it is a matter of opinion. But just a reminder, this is mine.
peace

[NaturalRaz]

Mkay, things all cleared up now, the full reason I dislike Mr. Lee's playing is his obviously simple play tactic. The simple 2 4 snare, and 1 n' 3 bass doesn't appeal to me. Sure he may try and get a little more technical ever couple of songs, but that grunge feel he gives off is not my thing. I just hate his technique, and have yet to hear one good grove, to me he sounds like any 80's loving garage band drummer. I just do see what is so amazing about him. I mean it's fin eyou like him and all, but i think it's funny to come on this site, read a dave weckl forum and people bashing him on his "too technical" drum style, but people love this guys simple style. Yes, I know it is a matter of opinion. But just a reminder, this is mine.
peace

Thankyou! Yes...I do agree that he can be very simple. He plays what fits Motley Crue's sound and doesn't stray or dominate the songs. He sticks to the sound.

When he plays solo of Motley Crue or he plays in his basement.....there is a completely different side to his playing which most people never get a chance to hear...unless they search it out. Drums are not his only thing which I'm sure you know....and he hasn't dedicated his life to them. He has been all over the place.........as a guitarist/vocalist, writer/author, let alone trying to maintain his crazy personal life....which is where most people it seems begin thier thier criticizm of him.

I do agree that the stuff that he plays with the Crue is not very technical, but... he is very good at it. Playing for as long as you have...you have to admit.......that these days, alot of the younger generation is in-capable of holding a simple 4/4 for 3 minutes without a fill or some fancy tactic. And, if you don't agree..ok. He is a drummer that grew up in the 60's and thats where his influences are attained.

Thanks for your views Liquid.

[jumping joe]

you guys have to stop being so critical. sure productive critisizm but theres no need to bag him. he's the guy with the fans. he's the guy that influences a huge amount of todays drummers. he's famous for a reason. u dont have play complicated to be a good drummer. he plays a similar role to Ringo Star. he pionered that style and took a new level of showmanship to the stage. after all....... good musicians dont bag other musicians. if he's not ur thing well so be it but whats bagging him going to acheive?

[DrumGod]

Give Tommy a Beark sure he wasnt the best and aint the best but how many o the Tommy Haters can say they made millions of $$$ , got so much women , lived a great ife and had fun for so long touring etc doing something he liked playin music so y dont yal give him a break and realise you may be a better drummer then him but he got so much more outta playin drums then most people do!!!!

[DrumGod]

yet to hear one good grove


DR FEEL GOOD!!!! Great Groove!!!!!!!!

[billy ward]

DR FEEL GOOD!!!! Great Groove!!!!!!!!

yeah, it is! Tommy influenced an entire GENERATION of drummers. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and say he's not good or whatever, but he's a "main cat" no matter how you slice it.

[Derek Matthews]

The fact is, how one feels about Tommy is irrelevant, when someone mentions motley crue the first name that pops is Tommy Lee. Motley crue had a great moment in the sun and will be remembered for ever. I remember listening in the '80's crue was cool and Tommy's rotating solo was a major event for metal heads. Tommy deserves big credit for influence alone!

[LiquidSoul546]

yeah, it is! Tommy influenced an entire GENERATION of drummers. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and say he's not good or whatever, but he's a "main cat" no matter how you slice it.
Well, yeah, I most definatly respect that Billy, but I mean, that doesn't make him a good drummer. I mean i got kids at my school that were inspired to pick up a pair of sticks due to the fact of seeing some guy hittin his drums as hard as he could. I mean rich and fame good for him, but that doesn't make him any more talented.
peace
ps. Mucho respecto on your videos on this site, if I weren't and unemployed 16 year old i'd buy your dvd.

[swiNg]

Well, yeah, I most definatly respect that Billy, but I mean, that doesn't make him a good drummer. I mean i got kids at my school that were inspired to pick up a pair of sticks due to the fact of seeing some guy hittin his drums as hard as he could. I mean rich and fame good for him, but that doesn't make him any more talented.
peace
ps. Mucho respecto on your videos on this site, if I weren't and unemployed 16 year old i'd buy your dvd.

If u ask me, tommy is one of the best drummers ever, he`s got the same swing feel to his playing as john bonham had, and the things he came up with on the early stuff just amaze me. Yes, he´s the reason i picked up the sticks, after i´d bought my first record, shout at the devil , and couldn`t understand how he did those nice little breaks the record i s full of.
still today , after playing for 20 years he´s one of my maine influences.

[brocke66]

Can you do this?? Dont think so!!

[LiquidSoul546]

Can you do this?? Dont think so!!
Haha, thanks for the laugh brocke, it just proves my point even more.... Just a showmanship drummer. So what he can hang upside down and play drums, i bte both of us could too. But i can understand what your tryin to say.
Peace

[jumping joe]

More to the point he came up with the idea and did it first. He made it even more exciting to the crowed and the world, he's really the main man of motley crue and hes the drummer! (not the leed singer) just proves to us all we dont have to be the insignificant guy up the back. As drummers we need to entertain. Most drummers dont relize that live enertianing is about 50% of our job! WE HAVE TO ENTERTAIN! Tommy does that and the crowed love him for it. Hes style of music requiers that and he is pionering that area of drumming. Wheres the respect. Bet ud like to trow ur sticks 5 stories high and catch it again whist playing! And u must keep in mind its not what you can play, its how you play it. Thats why he's there and were not.

[DogBreath]

Just a showmanship drummer. So what he can hang upside down and play drums, i bte both of us could too.
More to the point he came up with the idea and did it first.
Tommy Lee came up with the idea first? So I guess this is Buddy Rich ripping him off (http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichflying.html).

[0neyellowdrum]

DogBreath- 100 All others- Zip Game over. Next......!!!

Nice post DB

[NaturalRaz]

Tommy Lee came up with the idea first? So I guess this is Buddy Rich ripping him off (http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/buddyrichflying.html).

Hahahaha.......I like when someone comes up with factual material.

Actually..........Mick Mars (Motley Crue's Guitarist) was in a band back in the day where the drummer was on a platform and it was tilted upside down. I wish I could remember the name of the band that he was in. There is video of it on the net and its pretty crazy........cuz it looks like the kit is about to collapse any second.

[LiquidSoul546]

More to the point he came up with the idea and did it first. He made it even more exciting to the crowed and the world, he's really the main man of motley crue and hes the drummer! (not the leed singer) just proves to us all we dont have to be the insignificant guy up the back. As drummers we need to entertain. Most drummers dont relize that live enertianing is about 50% of our job! WE HAVE TO ENTERTAIN! Tommy does that and the crowed love him for it. Hes style of music requiers that and he is pionering that area of drumming. Wheres the respect. Bet ud like to trow ur sticks 5 stories high and catch it again whist playing! And u must keep in mind its not what you can play, its how you play it. Thats why he's there and were not.
Very true Joe, but I just feel i shouldn't have to do that kind of stuff, i thought when people came to one of my gigs, the music was entertainment enough. I can understand getting into the music which happens when you play. If they wanted a show, they should have went to a play or something. That's why I am not a big fan of this genre of music, nor this drummer. But that's just my opinion, and i should stop posting haha, cause i prolly made my point across amillion times now.
peace

[jumping joe]

sorry i mean the showmanship and the image he set to the world. i agree hes not the best drummer in what he plays but he did things differently. and when the name motley crue comes up the name most people think of first is tommy lee. sorry didnt mean to offend anyone.

[rockstar69]

Man i ont get it. I grew up listening to Tommy Lee and he is a great drummer. maybe some of you guys dontlike him but that is no reason to hate him or diss him. no drummer should diss any other drummer that is a rule. we should all help eachother. I met tommy lee in toronto and he was the coolest guy if you listen to his new albums like "Never A Dull Moment" or "Tommy Land' hes got some good fills and beats in the cd. And there is not alot of drummers who can come back and play the guitar and sing like he does. i think he is an amazing drummer and song writer but if you guys dont think so please keep it to yourself.
Every person who plays drums and has a passion for it, is great drummer in my eyes.
Thanks

[jumping joe]

Every person who plays drums and has a passion for it, is great drummer in my eyes.


true, very true.

and good musicians dont bag other good musicians. we all have different knowledge as this thread points out. no one can agree on much. were all different. were all here because we like drumming and have a passion for it.

[hateplow]

Back in the Crue days he ways pretty cool...revolving kit and all. And I definately respect him for slamming Pamela Anderson on video. But there is no excuse for his latest album...they can't even GIVE it away at Guitar Center...I wouldn't use it for a coaster.
"Everybody's got a cell-phone camera"...wow.

[nate]

B And I definately respect him for slamming Pamela Anderson on video.


are you for real?????

[DTKBigDawg]

I'm not really impressed with his chops, but he's a pro and I don't get ill when listening to him.

But I do like his stick spins....uh oh, here comes another topic. :-)

[tbart16]

Joe you are exactly right TL has brought the drummer to the front of the stage people go to motley shows just to see him and what he is going to do. I feel TL has some great grooves and think his showmanship is off the charts. Ive always admired his drumming

I love that Pearl AD with the upside down drumkit!!!! If any one has one I have a fist full of cash to trade!!!

[candlemass]

Whoever says that Tommy Lee sucks has to say the same about Alex Van Halen. to me they sound the same, never change the 4/4 straight beat. BUT you gotta think that he does what the songs ask, and he's fun to watch. IF Mike Portnoy was in Mötley it wouldn't be the same.

[rjlee]

How anyone can say that Tommy Lee is a mediocore, or ok drummer is beyond me. The thing about being great drummer goes way beyond speed or the difficulty of what you're playing. Tommy has a very unique style of drumming that is not easily duplicated. Case in point if you hear Samantha M. from Hole playing on the first Crue live DVD you can easily tell that she doesn't even compare to Tommy. He brings something to the music that makes it better. Randy Castillo played on a Crue album..and you could defineately notice that Tommy's playing was missed. He has a straight forward type of playing but his technique, and the sound he gets helps him stand out. He's got the kind of sound that you can pick out that it's him, even if you didn't know who was playing. Kinda like Bonham you know it's him right when you hear him play, some guys just have it, Alex Van Halen is like that too. There's lots of guys who can play fast or difficult pieces but they sound just like everyone else. When you can bring something that makes a piece of music better and stand out because of what you played even if it's simple then I think that's what makes you great and influential. And for anyone who thinks that Tommy can't play anything difficult listen to the Crue album with Corabi singing on it...he shreds the hell out of the drums!!!!!

[sly1965]

How anyone can say that Tommy Lee is a mediocore, or ok drummer is beyond me. The thing about being great drummer goes way beyond speed or the difficulty of what you're playing. Tommy has a very unique style of drumming that is not easily duplicated. Case in point if you hear Samantha M. from Hole playing on the first Crue live DVD you can easily tell that she doesn't even compare to Tommy. He brings something to the music that makes it better. Randy Castillo played on a Crue album..and you could defineately notice that Tommy's playing was missed. He has a straight forward type of playing but his technique, and the sound he gets helps him stand out. He's got the kind of sound that you can pick out that it's him, even if you didn't know who was playing. Kinda like Bonham you know it's him right when you hear him play, some guys just have it, Alex Van Halen is like that too. There's lots of guys who can play fast or difficult pieces but they sound just like everyone else. When you can bring something that makes a piece of music better and stand out because of what you played even if it's simple then I think that's what makes you great and influential. And for anyone who thinks that Tommy can't play anything difficult listen to the Crue album with Corabi singing on it...he shreds the hell out of the drums!!!!!

You just read my mind dude, i would say the same..

[t-bone]

Seems like some folks are jealous of Tommy Lee. If you are so much better of a drummer, how come no one has heard of you?

amen, brother.............for a guy who is supposedly so mediocore, he seems to be doing pretty good for himself....i highly doubt he needs help from anyone......

and btw, i'm a huge tommy lee fan....he's another huge influence on my style.....not just his playing, but his whole attitude......he just goes for it.....and takes chances, and isn't afraid to fall flat on his ass....and isn't that what rock and roll is all about??

[HurdyGurdyMan]

I really don't think Tommy Lee has any great musical qualities, because he has admitted he can't read music, his solo work is horrible and doesn't sell, he's singing and playing guitar which he doesn't sounds to good at, and in my crazy opinion 80's metal is some of the worst music ever created. It seems these days he is just a has-been, because he does less drumming.And Motley Crue just seems like an oldies review, have you ever seen a picture of those guys?Man, they look 10 years older than they should.But thats just my opinion.

[BackInBlack]

I really don't think Tommy Lee has any great musical qualities, because he has admitted he can't read music, his solo work is horrible and doesn't sell, he's singing and playing guitar which he doesn't sounds to good at, and in my crazy opinion 80's metal is some of the worst music ever created. It seems these days he is just a has-been, because he does less drumming.And Motley Crue just seems like an oldies review, have you ever seen a picture of those guys?Man, they look 10 years older than they should.But thats just my opinion.


Someone's ability to read music does not AT ALL determine whether or not they are a good musician. Many good musicians can't read music. Tommy Lee has achieved a lot of sucess and done a lot (including Pam Anderson on tape), and though i don't listen to Motley Crue (or TL's music) I couldn't say he's a bad musician.

TL is a lot of things, but he is most certainly NOT a has-been. Look at Vanilla Ice....that's a has-been.

[Latin Groover]

Yea his show has just come to AUS and from wat i can see of him, he doesnt seem to have much talent. Of course hes a good drummer but he doesnt seem very amazing/great/good. I find it funny when he tries to play in the drumline, we dont have anything like that in AUS but i hear that those things r pretty hard to play, and even when he was practising the drumline all night he still coundlt get it. And then finally on the show day he was still lokking at the other drummers! I hate it when people do that tho. Mainly its in dancing, theres always someone that has to look at everyone else, cause they dont know it, but then when they do know it off by heart like everyone else, therey still look. I like Tommy Lee, hes funny on his show but he doenst seem like a good drummer, but he seems like a good guy. U gotta admit hes got it with the ladies.

[TOMANO]

Tommy Lee is, hands down, the ONLY TALENT in Motley Crue. In my not-so-humble opinion, of course. I've always felt that band lacked a sense of melody; and, the one album I actually sat and listened to, Theater of Pain, seemed to be a song-for-song rip-off of Aerosmith's seminal "Rocks" album from '76. That "Home Sweet Home" is a direct emulation of "Home Tonight." I've met Nikki Sixx and he is an extrememly nice guy, but his songwriting ability is barely a step above that of Gene Simmons. I've seen Vince Neil on television and he comes across as a heckuva fun guy...but I'd rather listen to a box of kittens on fire than to hear him sing. The guitar player is just spooky. Tommy has talent, albeit most of it in the showmanship area. His solo efforts, while sophomoric and trite, still beat the Crue catalog by a long shot.

And that's all I have to say about that!

[Slayer_metal_head]

Yes but he is a gooddrummer i was watching live aid on the tv and he was doing alot of crazy stick flipping and stuff his playing is quite alright but im not a big fan of the band .....

But at least i can read music

[Stu_Strib]

Hmmm...seems when I was in high school in 1984-88 that Tommy Lee was the best thing since sliced bread...I mean come on just listen to those killer beats on Shout at the Devil and Smokin' in the Boys Room....

Then on second listen, 20 years later......what do we have hear? Ahhhhh pure CRAP.

I guess when we grow up, we actually become better listeners, and stop worrying about gimmicky tatted up upside down baseball bat for drum stick wielding clowns.

Actually, I think Tommy was a better drummer back then. It is like the Hollywood lifestyle has robbed him of any ounce of musicality he may have once had.


Oh yeah, and great post Dog Breath. Slowly we WILL let these kiddies know that the old dogs rule the forums ;-)

[Stu_Strib]

I just get so tired of everyone saying that he sucks, or that he isn't good, or that he is mediocre....but never comming to the table with solid facts about thier so-called opinon. Especially when they have never truly heard or seen him play. Like I said...I think most of it is a bandwagon deal. Its seems to cool to bash him and his lifestyle! Heck, thats what happens when someone is as huge as he is. Kinda like that highschool way of thinking. I have looked at the "ages of most" of the people making the negative comments and they are in thier low 20's or teens. Also they are growing up with a diffent era of drummers too and that has alot to do with taste. If they think that he isn't very good or just medioce.....why aren't they on tour selling out arenas or amphitheaters with thier band? And don't say to me that you got bills to pay, or you don't have the time to practice, or its a fad, or that your band hasn't been found yet, or the music industry isn't ready......just simply say...that you and your band are not that good and Tommy Lee and his band are. "Welcome to the world of Motley Crue." 24 years...and still selling out arenas. Why don't you go and see why they are.....you will come back with a different opinon. Make your dreams come true instead of bashing those that have!


Selling out arenas??? This is a joke right? Just 2 years ago, Vince Neil was playing venues in West Texas to 500 people for $10 a ticket. My band would draw nearly that many people on a Thursday night. So what if they 'suddenly' have had a "reunion" tour? Its a gimmick, and skanky 35 year old women just want an excuse to break out their acid wash jeans and bandanas one more time.

I hate to break it to you, but the Crue has not been together for 24 years. They took a 15 year vacation recently.

As far as proof goes to his mediocrity; the proof is in the recordings.

With that said, "Shout at the Devil" is still one of my most favorite albums of all time. Its when Theatre of Pain hit that I lost any and all interest in the boys from Crue.

And Tommy's solo effort back around 2000 was one of the best rap/rock style albums I ever heard (best being a relative term).

Face it, he's a rockstar first, a porn star second, a party-boy third and then somewhere down the line, a drummer. He's not terrible, he's just not worth the praise as a musician on an internet forum that consistently features the likes of Vinnie Coaluta, Steve Gadd, and friends.
-----------
update:
And his show Tommy Goes to School is now on BBC in the UK! So I can watch all the episodes I missed when I moved here in October.

[Tommy Lee is #1]

Im going to see Motley Crue live on Valentines Day. I have never been more excited about anything in my entire life.

[Tommy Lee is #1]

Has any one seen the dvd Motley Crue Live carnival of sin?

[drummss]

Great pics indeed. This guy definately has fun while playing which is big!

Kevin www.ugoddawanna.com




Right here, guys. (http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Tommy_Lee.html)

.

[Pocketman]

I heard from someone who knows the Band Director at the U of Nebraska where the show was filmed. He said that Tommy was very nice to everyone and really did work hard to learn the MarchingBand show.

[2fast4love]

Haha, thanks for the laugh brocke, it just proves my point even more.... Just a showmanship drummer. So what he can hang upside down and play drums, i bte both of us could too. But i can understand what your tryin to say.
Peace

Hahahaha, you know damn right you couldnt play upside down...or how bout, playing upside down while spinning your sticks?!?!?! exactly like t-bone does it in M0TLEY CRUE's "WILD SIDE" video! i think tommy lee is an extremely talented drummer. and maybe a reason for his technique/dynamics not being as good as many of you think they should be is that because most drummers focus on there technique/dynamics. but thats gotta be kinda hard cause when he plays: he sings back up, does acrobatic drum solos, and still manages to stay in time while drumming. most drummers just sit behind the kit and play all night(and thats not hard to focus on if thats what your doing all night), but not tommy...t-bone has to be thinking on whats coming up in the show, and what stunts he's going to be doing that night...TOMMY LEE IS A GOD IN ROCK HISTORY!!! nuff said

[Vibra-Slap'd]

At the risk of dating myself I'll lay out Tommy’s gear of the years.... and Steve can tell me if I'm incorrect anywhere.....

Too Fast For Love Years 1981-1983

Drums- (unknown) Looks to be a Tama Model Imperial Star. If you notice one tom is so old... it doesn’t have a lower head or lugs!

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- some "local" music store model

Hardware- various brands...

Heads- Remo

Notes-- This was just about the time Tommy got signed, so he didn’t have any endorsements.... YET

Shout at the Devil Years 1983-1984

Drums- Started off with the kit from Too Fast for Love
Then used Tama for a short period.
Finally switched to Sonor drums

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Some "local" music store model

Hardware- various and Sonor.

Heads- Remo

Notes- This was the first time the Paiste "RUDE" series of cymbal was used by Tommy. It also was the time when Tommy began his relationship with the German drum maker Sonor. I don’t think Sonor did any advertising with Tommy's name... At the time, some bigger metal acts were using Sonor... like Iron Maiden.

Theatre of Pain Years 1985-1986

Drums- Started off Sonar Drums
About ½ way through the tour he switched to Pearl

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Vic Firth “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- Sonor, Pearl and DW pedals.

Heads- Remo

Notes- This was the first time the Paiste Color Sound 5 series of cymbal was used by Tommy. It also was the time when Tommy began his relationship with Vic Firth Drumsticks. Tommy also began using Simmons electronic pads with this kit. The sounds used were a Gong, orchestra hit, and a gunshot. LP also made a spot for Tommy in the 1986 catalog… for the “Snake Bell” cowbell. At this time, DW was making the pedals that Tommy used. They introduced the DW5000. This would be Tommy staple pedal for many years.

Girls, Girls, Girls Years 1987-1988

Drums- Pearl

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Vic Firth “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- Pearl and a custom Rack (the spinning one).

Heads- Remo

Notes- Tommy began to use D-Drum pads to trigger the sounds. Pearl also began to market their products using Tommy’s name.

Dr Feelgood /Decade of Decadence Years 1989-1992

Drums- DW

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Vic Firth “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- DW

Heads- Remo

Notes- At this time, Vic Firth started selling the “Tommy” Stick into the market place. It featured red print and a red nylon tip. They still sell this stick under the name “Metal N (CMN)”.


The Motley Crue Years (when Vince was out)- 1994-1996

Drums- DW

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Ahead “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- DW

Heads- Remo

Notes- Tommy was one of the first people to start using the new AHEAD stick. They even did marketing with Tommy seen in a pile of broken wooden sticks.


The Generation Swine/ Greatest Hits Years 1997-1999

Drums- DW

Cymbals- Paiste

Sticks- Ahead “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- DW

Heads- Aquarian

Notes- This tour feature a very cool drum set. Made to look like the mirror balls you would see at a disco-tec. This was also the time Tommy began endorsing the Aquarian line of drum heads. These heads were also sold to the public using Tommy’s name. This relationship was short lived.


The Red, White, and Crue Years 2004-???

Drums- DW

Cymbals- Zildjian

Sticks- Ahead “Tommy Lee” Model

Hardware- DW

Heads- Remo

Notes- Steve has filled us in on this kit. One highlight is that Tommy ended a VERY long history with Paiste Cymbals. It was one of the only items Tommy has been using since the begining.

Well that’s the basics of the history of Tommy’s Drums…. Sorry if I bored ya!

[Stu_Strib]

I should rephrase my comments about Tommy being a partier and not a drummer... I was having a bad day or something.

Obviously, he has talent and skill and has worked really hard to get where he is. I would just like to moderate my previous comment and say he is a great entertainer. What I was trying to get across is that my personal emphasis is on music and drumming, not the image and the sideshow. That's why my favorite drummers are Gadd, Smith, Colaiuta and not Barker, Tommy Lee and Joey Jordison.

I never did see the rest of the Tommy goes to School episodes. Did he eventually make the drum line or not?

[Stu_Strib]

Well that’s the basics of the history of Tommy’s Drums…. Sorry if I bored ya!

Not boring at all! A discography including the gear used. Now if you could just get us the cymbal sizes and makes, heh.

[tleetech]

I never did see the rest of the Tommy goes to School episodes. Did he eventually make the drum line or not?
He did up making the line and marched in the halftime show during the UNL vs. Baylor football game.

[tambian89]

Everyone who hates on Tommy Lee should stop trying to bring him down. He is a pretty good drummer, and one of the best I've seen to come out of the 80's hair metal and glam rock scene. Regardless of how well he can read music, or how well he played the drums in high school, he is a pretty good drummer.
- Marc

[tambian89]

Vibra-slap'd:
Thanks for your post! I found it very interesting! I still wonder why Tommy would change from Paiste to Zildjian after being with Paiste for such a long time. I know Zildjian is the main cymbal supplier to many drummers, but the time with Paiste......
-Marc

[Vibra-Slap'd]

Vibra-slap'd:
Thanks for your post! I found it very interesting! I still wonder why Tommy would change from Paiste to Zildjian after being with Paiste for such a long time. I know Zildjian is the main cymbal supplier to many drummers, but the time with Paiste......
-Marc

Glad you liked my "history". I don't know why he switched, but I would bet it was not b/c of sound quality.... I bet Zildjian just made him a better offer.... God knows they market him more since 2004 than Paiste did for years.......

I also think that Zildjians hold up better and can take more abuse.... and those Ahead sticks are hard as hell on the cymbals!!!

[micsmi52003]

What blow's my mind is how many people on this forum is bashing Tommy Lee. True he is not the most technical drummer, but when it comes to showmanship you can't name someone better. Tommy Lee is the reason I started playing drums 17+ years ago and I still look up to him to this day. When you mention technical drummers, most people, or more so, most drummers can't mention many technical drummers... but one thing's for sure everyone knows who in the hell Tommy Lee is. That's because he's a better showman than the "technical guys" you keep raving about. While I do love technical drummers... the average person at a show or club could care less. But a good showman such as Tommy Lee they will remember and talk about... not his technical chops. Don't be so jealous about what Mr. Lee has accomplished. Most of you would look silly playing a kit next to his while he was rocking out.

[Latin Groover]

What blow's my mind is how many people on this forum is bashing Tommy Lee. True he is not the most technical drummer, but when it comes to showmanship you can't name someone better. Tommy Lee is the reason I started playing drums 17+ years ago and I still look up to him to this day. When you mention technical drummers, most people, or more so, most drummers can't mention many technical drummers... but one thing's for sure everyone knows who in the hell Tommy Lee is. That's because he's a better showman than the "technical guys" you keep raving about. While I do love technical drummers... the average person at a show or club could care less. But a good showman such as Tommy Lee they will remember and talk about... not his technical chops. Don't be so jealous about what Mr. Lee has accomplished. Most of you would look silly playing a kit next to his while he was rocking out.

Wat u say about averege people in a club not caring about technical drummers, i very doubt is true.
If you go to a club a band does a song then half way they brake down and the drummer does a technical solo with great chops and speed (most normal people/non drummers love speed) the crowd will love it.

but when it comes to showmanship you can't name someone better.
First one that came to my head was Thomas Lang. No doubt he's better than tommy technically and in all other concepts of drumming, but i believe he has better showmanship as well. But if Tommy Lee is the reason you started to play drums then you clearly like him alot, it may cloud your vision of him a bit (this doesn't really seem to be the case with you though, u have admitted he has flaws, but there are sum people out there that just won't hear a bad word about him, that hes the greatest drummer to ever live and other crap) but nothing we can say will change ur mind about him. So well done Tommy you've managed to recruit a few drummers.

[lee1003]

i think tommy is like a fine wine he keeps getting better with age. i do agree that vince can not sing anymore though.

[mikeybbdrummin]

Tommy is definately a good drummer. One of my favorites that got me into drums. He is not a guy that puts fills everywhere he can. His drumming is mainly about grooves. Dr Feelgood album is a good example. His beat for Dr Feelgood w/the open hi-hats in the two different spots is very recognizable in my opinion. Just as the the beat Joey Kramer did for Walk this way. Motleys first album was not just basic beats and fills. He had some pretty cool stuff on that album. By todays standards he is not up to par. But I think as the people that dont find him impressive (mostly younger drummers) get older will realize that there is more to drums than speed and extreme technical ability. With that being said go to Keith Carlocks page(who I just discovered) and tell me he is not a good drummer. SINGLE pedal, totally cool grooves and feel and very little as far as fills go. No extreme crazy drumming just very, very cool stuff.

[MAX ZNAEVSKY]

Totally agree! I think, the most important thing about Tommy's drumming is that he is playing MUSIC first, but not drums as a separate instrument. He is a pro-musician first, then a pro-drummer. He knows what the audience's waiting, and he's doing it.

There's a proverb in Russia: "Be easier, and people will pay attention to you." I think, that Tommy follows this words.... But it is only my opinion... :)

[motleyhooligan]

If it wasen't for Tommy Lee I would have Never picked up a pair of sticks, I think tommy is one of THE BEST drummers out there, not only is he a great drummer, he is a great entertainer, with a Huge amount of differnt ideas, not just sitting behind a kit and doing a solo. Tommy Lee has more energy in his little pinky than any professional drummer of his age. Most drummers of his age, can play and play great but thats it, you don't get a kick ass show like you do when you see Tommy play. Most of these guy when they do there solo, they do an "acoustic solo' which is filled with alot of speed and longevity, with Tommy's solo, he intergrates Video along with alot of electronic triggered items into his solo ( alot of people dont like him puting the "club music" in with his solo) but I think that shows of how much talent this guy really has. I dare anyone to go to one of Motley's shows and leave saying they were not impressed by Tommy Lee!

[ryan]

I seen Tommy and the boys live recently and being a drum enthusiast I spent the entire show watching Tommy (well, maybe the strippers a little bit). I grew up as a Crue fan and know alot of the drumtracks (to hear, not to play). Tommy played what was originally recorded on the albums Plus added even more color to these already neat tracks. You can't help but watch him play. The man loves to play drums and does a good job of it. I hate to say it but I have to assume most of the bashers are young guys who stick by their opinions rather passionately even though to their surprise those opinions may change as they progress as drummers. Bashing someone with the anonymity of the internet as backup is a joke you guys.

Jeez, I'm starting to sound like an old man.

[chris--byrne]

and zildjian designed the thrasher series for tommy lee??

I thought Tommy had just been addeed to the List of drummers that use Meinl??
Sorry if If i've slightly gone off topic but I'm just tryin to work out if my sources are incorrect...

[Vibra-Slap'd]

I thought Tommy had just been addeed to the List of drummers that use Meinl??
Sorry if If i've slightly gone off topic but I'm just tryin to work out if my sources are incorrect...


Tommy just uses Meinel's cowbells.... thats it....

[TAMAdrummer12]

yes! tommy lee;s solo was amazing.
i went when they came here to atlanta..im pretty sure it was march 12 or something..he is amazing..he doesnt just play eighter he puts on a great show as well
have fun!

[rendezvous_drummer]

Hahaha did any of you know he was born in athens greece? Just found that out today.

[LiveGoat]

Hahaha did any of you know he was born in athens greece? Just found that out today.

Yep. His mother was Miss Athens, I believe.

---LG

[rendezvous_drummer]

Yep. His mother was Miss Athens, I believe.

---LG
haha yea in 1957. It's wierd, i saw a card of his in DRUM magazine. I think he's a good rock/metal drummer, not the best, but defintiely not the worst. I think his solo stuff is terrible though and i was disappointed in him when he did that stupid reality show, tommy goes to college.

[tambian89]

I should mention that, despite his lack of technicality (he's not really known for anything special), Tommy Lee has some cool, although simple, grooves. My personal favorite is the introductary groove to "Dr. Feelgood".

- Marc

[madeline]

personally I love Tommy..he must be the most sexy man alive...

[Crazy]

I think its Tommy Lee's passion for the music that makes him great.Just like Lars and Travis.The exact opposite would be like the drummer from the Rolling Stones who looks like he is thinking about what he's going to watch on tv later while he's playing.

hahahaha well said that was a funny one, I'm not a big fan of the Crue and I never realy interested myself in Tommy's playing, but for sure he probably is more motivating to pick up your sticks than Charlie is

[t-bone]

like i said in a earlier post....a big part of tommy's playing is the attitude and power....not necessarily his chops.....he does have great chops, but it's the way he pushes and carries the song that is where he makes his biggest mark.....

so you're liking that tommy lee, huh madeline?

[MJ1]

To me....you can sum up Tommy Lee with one word........PASSION.

I don't know from technique, or precision.....I just know I love his style...!!!

[KLittle123]

I also don't understand why people bash some drummers (like Tommy Lee or Travis Barker.) I mean you yell about how's he not good and all this crap. Then what the hell are they supposed to do about it, be like.."yeeup your right, I will somehow magically make my drumming skills so magical" or like just be "yeah I suck at playing drums, i'm gonna quit doing something I love." I mean like seriously, you nit pick at him for being a crappy drummer, what the hell's he supposed to do. We all have our limits and we all can't be Buddy Rich, he's just playing the drums. He's on beat ain't he--isn't that him doing his job?

[madeline]

like i said in a earlier post....a big part of tommy's playing is the attitude and power....not necessarily his chops.....he does have great chops, but it's the way he pushes and carries the song that is where he makes his biggest mark.....

so you're liking that tommy lee, huh madeline?


yes and you probably know that by now..ha ha ha..see you later baybe

[mplsfalls]

It's not all about the chops or the speed. Tommy Lee is one of the few rock drummers that still understand the less is more philosophy. I suppose there are people who would say that Ringo was a below average drummer. The reason he was hired was that he was a professional drummer. Personally I would hate to hear a Beatles album with Neil Pert or Mike Portnoy playing for them. It is about fitting the music. And for that I will give Tommy Lee credit. Althought I do get a kick out of Beatallica.

[MotleyKid43]

I love Tommy for being a great hard rock drummer in my opinion. He also brings a lot of fun into the shows by being a showman. I won't try to change any one's mind if they dont like him, but to say he not technically a good drummer is kind of unfair. Listen to Hooligan's Holiday or Missunderstood from the album Motley Crue, or Let Us Pray from Generation Swine. Those are KILLER drum tracks.

[Johnny_Stacks]

this was at motley crue's concert i went to march 2nd. heres tommy lee's drum solo. not the greatist but still cool since he was right above me!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZg4uqDEoeE&search=motley%20crue%202006

- John

oh yea i forgot to add this. part of tommy lee's "drum solo" whitch went on for about 10 minutes but only played for about 4 of thows minutes lol..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veopMRihzy0&search=motley%20crue%202006

[cdawg_2010]

that was ok but he needs play more.lol.

[Class A Drummer]

yeah. what cdawg said. it wasnt to much of a solo.

[Johnny_Stacks]

agreed. that wasnt his whole solo thow. i could only record bits of it on my digital camera. i didnt have much space lol.. but i was serching on youtube and i did find his whole drum solo from the carnival of sins dvd. but i have to warn everyone it has lots of swearing in it so dont complain. i dont want to get kciked off of DW for this or anything

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGYvg8lC8lo&search=tommy%20lee%20drum%20solo

- John

[cutie36]

I think hes better than what you guys are saying about him I'm sure hes great I bet he can do alot of stuff but I never heard his drumsolo's so if anyone has make an attachment because I would like to hear it thanks...

I believe Mr. Lee is a great drummer. I would love nothing more that whichever of you keep bashing him could hold up to a drumming contest. I believe that Tommy would blow you guys away. Please stop picking on him. He has come through alot in the past years and perservered with a great attitude, love for his sons, and he plays better know than he ever has. Give the man a break, what have any of you done so great with your life that someone wants to start a page about you?

[Leadfoot]

I believe Mr. Lee is a great drummer. I would love nothing more that whichever of you keep bashing him could hold up to a drumming contest. I believe that Tommy would blow you guys away. Please stop picking on him. He has come through alot in the past years and perservered with a great attitude, love for his sons, and he plays better know than he ever has. Give the man a break, what have any of you done so great with your life that someone wants to start a page about you?
You got it Cutie, it's all about envy, or jealosy or whatever. Fact is, Tommy has been there, done that, is still doing it & will probably keep right on doing it & he doesn't have to prove anything to anybody. Tommy Lee paid his dues in the business before most of the people on this forum were even born.

[muzzdrums]

He is a great rock drummer. Check out a Richard Marx CD called Rush Street. He plays a solid groove and does some cool licks, plus its also got some tracks with Porcaro,Bozzio,and Jonathan Moffett.

[Texas]

Primal Scream, find it, give it a good listen, and then tell me T-bone sucks!!! Is being a good soloist what makes a good drummer, or is there something to be said about a rock solid groove. If its about playing with a major Ego..... I dont think I want to know ya!!

[oreillydrums]

Okay, I'm gonna give this a stab, here, and some of you may agree and some of you may tell me to go pound salt. Remember this, opinions are not facts, just a fancy name for personal preference. These are mine.

If it wasn't for Tommy Lee - as my life history goes - I wouldn't be a drummer today. As far as his drumming within the context of Motley Crue goes, he fit what the music called for and as drummers, that's our job. He is also known for becoming one with the click. A well known live show progammer named Micheal McKnight said he was a solid as solid gets. During his career, he has come up with some very interesting fill ideas and groove patterns. He played on a couple Pink songs, a couple of Janet Jackson songs and wrote 3 solo records. So, he's done a few things. You would be hard pressed to find another drummer in the past 20 years who influenced so many others to persue drumming. His live shows are cool and he is a great showman.

Yes, he has made mistakes in his life, we all have. But we don't have the mainstream media in our face everyday either. However, I do think he has let a lot of that go to his head and it's affected his playing and his attitude. But, he is human. Are his solos works of drumming magic? Nope. But I ask this...How many records have Thomas Lang and Marco Minnemann sold? I think that impressing other drummers is the stupidest thing on the planet. Learn from other drummers and respect other drummers, absolutley. But why would anyone care about impressing another drummer? Drummers do not hire drummers. Another drummer will never hire a drummer for a gig, tour or session work, unless he is a drummer turned producer or something. Our job as drummers, when you get right down to it, is to make the music feel good. That's what Tommy was all about.
I mean, his band has sold around 23.5 million copies of thier records over the years. That's a lot of damn record sales.

As I was looking through some of the posts, a lot of people were throwing names like the 2 mentioned above and many others, most being drum wizards. But, at the end of the day, it's all about the music and the groove. If you can blaze chops all day, a non-drummer or average music fan probably won't care. But, if you can make musical phrases and unstoppable grooves that makes people move involuntarily, then you're doing something. Music and it's feel are what it's all about, sometimes a bazillion chops and lighting fast speed, muck it all up. Music needs to breathe and have life and a pulse. That's our job. Tommy Lee did that job for many years with Motley Crue.

[tommy lees evil twin]

tommy is KING!!
as far as im concerned thats the truth. if there was no tommy behind the drums neither would i be. now just cause he dosent play a 10 minute solo of all 32nd notes dosent mean hes not great. he didnt want to be the next neil peart. but he did want to put on a great show which he does every night.so what if he does a tv show he does it cause he can and more power to him. in my mind tommy is greatness and my hero, everytime i hear the crue i wanna start palying till my arms fall off thats what tommy does to me as a music fan and a musician. im a big fan of rush and neil peart, but i dont wanna have a huge kit like that and be able to play as fast or intricate as him thats not my thing. my thing is to lay down a good beat that fits well in the song, and to have a good time doing it (live or jamming) being a drummer, infact being any kind of musician isnt about how talented you are its about the music you create.

[infernal drummer]

tommy lee is a awsome drummer ... just listen to wild side .. one of my fav tracks

[Mayhem]

Hi,
maybe you want to check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjEiCRtPwAs


I think this shows that T-Bone is a really good drummer.

Regards,
Mayhem

[mikei]

I do not understand why certain musicians do not respect other musicians that are not incredible technicians.

Listen to Nirvana. I happen to not like their music. However, they influenced an entire generation. To not give Kurt Cobain credit as a guitar play would not be fair. And I will say that Tommy is a hundred times better than Kurt was on the guitar.

Tommy is actually a very solid drummer.

[mplsfalls]

I don't know why, but lately I have been on a bit of a Motley & Korn kick. I think alot of us go through these periods. Please don't read into the lyrics of these kicks, just the music, just the music. I guess what my comment is relates to some of the live music that has finally surfaced after all these years. I am really impressed by the quality of the drumming. Tommy rarely screws up. He is extremely consistant, and does all the little things correct.
Also a ??? is Tommy the drummer who started the trend to have two diffrient sized bass drum. I think going back to the Dr. Feelgood, that was the first time I had seen the diffrient sized bass drums. Ironically Korn sounds like there are two diff sized bass drums, although I have not looked up the kit specs on the mfg web sites.
Also, does anyone know where I could find sheet music for the drum portion to Crue songs?
Corey

[NaturalRaZ]

It's been nearly 6 months since my last post on this topic. And... this thread is still running strong.

Basic answer is...

Tommy is one of the greatest rock drummers ever. If you disagree... your welcome to your opinion. But, you have a world of ignorance blocking you.

Smell the reality.

Bring one of your favorite drummers who has nearly 30 years of respect in the industry.

[NaturalRaZ]

Also, does anyone know where I could find sheet music for the drum portion to Crue songs?
Corey

Check out my buddies website..

www.motleycruehitsquad.com

Ask around, and you will find everything you are looking for.

[tmc]

Hey Everybody.

Did anyone get to see Tommy on Rockstar: Supernova, this week? What did y'all think?


-Michael

[dawg]

well...he hits hard...

[palmeris]

The performance on rock star was a lot of flash, not much substance in my opinion, it just looked like he was beating the crap out of his trap set for show, with some stick spinning stuff thrown in. The end of the song fills were not that impressive, to long and boring for my taste. But as I have heard em say on that show, it must of been song selection!


Honestly i think Nate did a beater job

[Motley_Drummer]

I thought I was the only one on this forum who was a Tommy fan. Serously, as far as rock drummers go, I think he's one of the best. Check out the Crue's live album, there's some cool playing on it.


your not the only fan TOMMY LEE RULES

[dawg]

i think that drummer in the "house band" on his reality show is great.

[dawg]

could be getting to compare lee with the house drummer every week,i'd say his stock has went up and lee's down...

[bighaibigdrums]

thats how drummers like him get well like from non drummers. Alot of fancy tricks with lights and swining from platform to platform above the crowd on risers and what not. If a drummer is really so great they dont have to add all that stuff in. You dont see steve gadd on bungee chords swinging from drumset to drumset with pyros attached to his drums.
Ask 10 people (nondrummers) who Steve Gadd is. Then ask them who Tommy Lee is. Then compare bank accounts and you'll see why he does this stuff.

[CCdrummer]

Hi,
maybe you want to check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjEiCRtPwAs


I think this shows that T-Bone is a really good drummer.

Regards,
Mayhem

Cocaine is a hell of a drug! ; )

[J.W. Drummer]

It was said quite a few times in this thread. Tommy Lee might not be the greatest rock drummer of all time, but he is a Legend in the drumming community. If anyone had a chance to see the Carnival Of Sins tour, you have to acknowledge that. Yes, he is a showman, but he is also a drummer... probably better than most of us. Tommy Lee lives a lifestyle that many want to live and I think that is a problem for some people, especially the TL haters. You know how it goes.. "misery loves company." Sure, Tommy doesn't seem like a very humble and friendly person at times... but thats what the media wants us to see. I'm sure if you talk to his close friends, you will find a very different man behind all the media hype. Regardless... he is a legend in the drumming community, he brought quite a bit of showmanship to a very dull drumming community in the early 80's, and he is EXCELLENT at what he does. Tommy Lee gets an A+ on the drummer scale. Not just becuase of his drumming... but becuase he is able to create so much drama. ;-)

[geek_boy_in]

Ask 10 people (nondrummers) who Steve Gadd is. Then ask them who Tommy Lee is. Then compare bank accounts and you'll see why he does this stuff.

but you fail to see that stellar brilliant people are less drawn towards awards or money. the satisfaction of doing what he loves keeps him doing it on and on day and night .......... not only in music in every field .... Example Grigory Perelman the russian mathematician who has supposedly solved the almost 100 yrs old poincare conjecture ( prized :$1,000,000) has even refused the Fields medal ( the Nobel equivalent in Maths ) ......and the dollars in other prizes...... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grigori_Perelman (do read what he is doing now).....

argue with some other points but do not compare Gadd with Tommy Lee like a fool......

FYI Gadd may not be in an adult video but he is right now not dying of hunger on the streets either.

[timebandit]

Ask 10 people (nondrummers) who Steve Gadd is. Then ask them who Tommy Lee is. Then compare bank accounts and you'll see why he does this stuff.
I like Tommy Lee too.......but thats just rediciulous. Go to Gadd's website, and look at how many recordings he is on, and how many different artist, who I'm sure sold records in the 10's of millions. If Gadd only got a dollar from each he's still a very wealthy man.

[kickit100]

hey did anyone see his kit tonite on Rockstar? i thought it was a pretty killer kit.

[Leadfoot]

hey did anyone see his kit tonite on Rockstar? i thought it was a pretty killer kit.
Yep, it's a goofy kit, but I did like the Acrylic shells.

[mikeybbdrummin]

I have been buying dvds latley. I bought Journey 2001 and Carnival of sin. Both Tommy and Deen Castronova have two bass drums but use a double pedal. Is it just for looks?
Tommy uses, it looks like, a 24" and the 28?" is not being touched. Why?

[Ian Ballard]

Ask 10 people (nondrummers) who Steve Gadd is. Then ask them who Tommy Lee is. Then compare bank accounts and you'll see why he does this stuff.

LMAO!!! First of all, you have no idea what either man's financial situation is like. For all you know Tommy is bankrupt and doing these reality shows to keep himself afloat.

Honestly, I'll bet 10... or 100 average Joes on the street would have heard more recordings done by Steve Gadd than Tommy Lee and you know what, that's what matters. The difference between the two of them (moreso than Gadd's infinately greater talent and Tommy's giant member), is that Gadd doesn't care if his name is plastered all over the things he does and that's what makes his character and personality superior. He doesn't need glitzy, glam-rock bullcrap to make people respect and care about him. Gadd just does things that make people happy, regardless if they even realize he's playing.

The ability to make your mark with style and humility is the secret to being truly great at something. Playing with lit torches in a motorized cage is not.

[KzSgDrummer]

^ All I can say to that is, "AMEN brother!!!"

[hateplow]

As much as I loathe that new reality show he's on (which my wife watches all the time), and dislike all of his current work with Methods and solo, he was one hell of a showman back in the day. He was a pioneer as far as showmanship and 80's drummers.

[dawg]

lee is a good ROCK drummer. gadd is a GREAT all-around drummer...regardless of record sales or tommy-hype.

[Ian Ballard]

Primal Scream has one of the best drum beats ever!

[Gretchen]

In my opinion, Tommy Lee is an excellent drummer and displays great showmanship...Tommy's drumming talent speaks for itself...He is a legend of his time...There is no "great" band without a powerful drummer....Heres to you!

[bonzolead]

I think Tommy is a great rock drummer,I like drummers who look like there having a good time and if you look at the "looks that kill" video the cymbal stands are rocking like a boat in a storm,he's a rock drummer after all.there something cool about a drummer with a 32" bass drum.Rock-On Tommy.

Bonzolead

[mooneyes]

tommy lee is a great performer and a great drummer. he plays for the crowd and is always a true showman. and in the hey day of 80's style heavy metal, he was the king of the kit. when most bands have the drum solo in thier show come up. its a cue for everyone to go to the bathroom. when the crue has thier drum solo its a well orchestrated production as well as a drum solo, so he captures the attention of everyone in the stadium, not just the 500 drummers. that my friends is marketing strategy at its best. ROCK ON TOMMY
RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT

[Motley_Drummer]

I thought I was the only one on this forum who was a Tommy fan. Serously, as far as rock drummers go, I think he's one of the best. Check out the Crue's live album, there's some cool playing on it.



finley another crue fan.im a tommy fan too

[ndrummerc]

not the greatest drummer, but the absolute greatest showman i've seen.

[Mapex589]

Tommy Lee is a fine drummer. He has also influenced a lot of drummers including myself. I do not hold him in the highest esteem but I am glad I bought the "Shout" album when I was a kid. He made me want to play the drums. That is good enough for me!

[fusssion]

Hi,
maybe you want to check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjEiCRtPwAs


I think this shows that T-Bone is a really good drummer.

Regards,
Mayhem

While creative, ......very creative.....it's just not that great. I'm not a TL basher, but, it's not that big of a deal. He's got some fast feet and some cool licks, but ......

...and don't go off saying "you could do better???" and all that crap, I'm just saying I don't think that video is a big deal "drumming wise" ......

[johnpablo]

man... for me tommy lee is the best drummer of the world... cause he have style!!! he's the guy! for me he's the best!

[Mayhem]

Hi,
who has already listened to the Rockstar Supernova record?
I think Tommy's drumming is really great on that record.
What do you guys think?

Regards
Mayhem

[XJ99]

Hi,
who has already listened to the Rockstar Supernova record?
I think Tommy's drumming is really great on that record.
What do you guys think?

Regards
Mayhem




I haven't heard it yet..


As for Tommy, I enjoyed his stuff when he played with Motley Crue. He may not be the most technical drummer, but he definitely rocks in my book. I saw Crue in the 80's, and Tommy had the drum kit fly over the audience. I can still remember him rocking out to Frankenstein during his solo. Tommy is to Motley Crue what David Lee Roth is to Van Halen.

[Tyr]

Hi,
maybe you want to check out this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjEiCRtPwAs


I think this shows that T-Bone is a really good drummer.

Regards,
Mayhem

Ever watch a video or movie that makes you feel embarassed? Even though it has absolutely nothing to do with you?

This is one of those videos. I don't find much appeal in watching a man in a thong on a floating drumset swearing at a crowd of people and talking like Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Ever watch a video or movie that makes you feel embarassed? Even though it has absolutely nothing to do with you?

This is one of those videos. I don't find much appeal in watching a man in a thong on a floating drumset swearing at a crowd of people and talking like Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

Exactly my sentiments to be honest...

[rendezvous_drummer]

Wow...look..it's a guy....twirling a stick. Hardly creative and boring....great drummer? I disagree, more of a show boat, but then again, show boating is supposed to be entertaining.

[Latin Groover]

That ekit sounds terrible, and so do those cymbals, they wernt real where they, i didnt stick around long enough to find out.

[pdp 9091]

I actually stopped watching that video and minimized the window and forgot about it for about 1/2 an hour and then brought it back up and decided to see wut was goin on in the middle of the video and he plays a bunch of zeppelin songs while twirling a stick. still not that great tho. Just plays to the songs

[infernal drummer]

dont judge a drummer by a "drum" solo is my motto.. watch the "new" dvd with motley crue and you will see a drummer who really plays the songs they play very good. much better, because he is more "into" it, than certain other drummers.

[Chrisroadstar]

Hi,
who has already listened to the Rockstar Supernova record?
I think Tommy's drumming is really great on that record.
What do you guys think?

Regards
Mayhem

Its Great, i really dig his playing on this...i need to make up 20 letters or somthing.

[DannyDrumma]

I think Tommy Lee is a great rock drummer/performer. He has tons of energy behind the kit and a great entertainment factor. Very solid rock drummer as far as I'm concerned. I gotta laugh when Virgil and Weckl wannabe's that sit around practicing 14 hours a day run there mouths about how rock guys like Tommy and Barker "s u c k". Been through that phase in my drumming life and soo glad i'm out of it. Tommy is a damn good rock drummer and no drum nerd playing 15 hours a day in their basement is gonna convince me otherwise :)

[Mayhem]

Ever heard "Higher Ground" from the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Tommy on drums?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8iZuPb8EyU

Best Regards
mayhem

[mikei]

That was great.

He nailed it like everything else I hear from him.

So solid it is scary!

[mbrodeur86]

Hey guys,

Do any of you know what kind of kit Tommy played with during the too fast for love and shout at the devil albums??? Does anybody know the specs of that kit and the cymbal sizes?

[That Guy]

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 1981 and I was with my uncle at his buddies house. We were tight! I was 4 years old at the time.

Keeping a long story short... my uncle and his friend were about to head into the garage, but before that... his buddy came up to me and said, "I want you to listen to this and tell me what you think when we get back." He calmly placed the album on the player, put the needle to it.. and walked away. Before he even left the room I heard and incredible sound comming from his Sony speakers. It was the opening riff from "Live Wire." IMMEDIATELY, it hit me like something I had never made a connnection to previously. I remember, I was sitting a foot or so away infront of the right side speaker. Then, BAM... I felt the double bass section kick in.

I was hooked.

Ever since that day, I have followed Tommy's career. One thing I will say about Tommy that has always impressed me... He never played BEYOND what the music called for,and he added some serious flare and showmanship to it.

Gospel and Blues ended up having a child, and that childs name was Rock n' Roll. Tommy Lee is a product of that generation. Nothing extremely fancy... but he does blow your mind every now and then with his abilities.

I would consider myself to be a true Tommy Lee fan. I'm not here to argue about how great or NOT of a drummer he is. From all of this, one simple fact remains. Tommy is a pioneer... not necessarily when it comes to the technical side of drumming, but when it comes to a huge shift in music. Much like Nirvana was the major shift for the industry in the 90's, Tommy Lee w/ Motley Crue was the largest part of the shift for the 80's and my generation.

Having been to every Motley Crue tour since (Shout At The Devil) and watching Tommy grow in his style... I am seriously impressed with his abilities. For the most part, unless he was an inspiration to you, he will be just like every other drummer. One needs to see and hear him LIVE to gain the most from his ability.

Tommy Lee is a true pioneer for his time, respectively.

[ZildjianMan1023]

i give tommy lee alot of credit but i was watching that show where he goes back to college and he cant even play the quads.. hell of a drummer though

[That Guy]

i give tommy lee alot of credit but i was watching that show where he goes back to college and he cant even play the quads.. hell of a drummer though

NBC editing my friend. They wanted it to appear that he couldn't.

[Joel Woody]

i remember that school thing too!......it was right there at Nebraska U. I play quints also......i just wanted to put my .2 cents in...haha

[ZildjianMan1023]

NBC editing my friend. They wanted it to appear that he couldn't.


hahaha now instead of thinking tommy lee is just some out of it moron.. he now is actually a better drummer than i thought

[Halidman]

Hey guys,

Do any of you know what kind of kit Tommy played with during the too fast for love and shout at the devil albums??? Does anybody know the specs of that kit and the cymbal sizes?

I think it was sonor back then, then he changed to pearl for dr feelgod, and it was definily sonor for theatre of pain...... check the inlay cards in the albums for closure on that one. and im 100% sure it was Paiste 2002s he was using back then. Not sure of the sizes though.

[mbrodeur86]

I think it was sonor back then, then he changed to pearl for dr feelgod, and it was definily sonor for theatre of pain...... check the inlay cards in the albums for closure on that one. and im 100% sure it was Paiste 2002s he was using back then. Not sure of the sizes though.


Somebody had said something about that kit being a Tama Imperialstar or something like that. I'd like to know more about the sizes and specs. My older bro (who was 13 when shout was released) got me into them. To that point, I was a KISS fan. When I saw the "Looks that kill" video. That was it. The flare he brought to drumming is what inspired me to play. I've loved him ever since. That early kit is near and dear to me but nobody seems to have a history page or something that I could find that. Would be cool if someone knew.

[That Guy]

I think it was sonor back then, then he changed to pearl for dr feelgod, and it was definily sonor for theatre of pain...... check the inlay cards in the albums for closure on that one. and im 100% sure it was Paiste 2002s he was using back then. Not sure of the sizes though.

I think your right for the most part. I'm almost positive that he went to Pearl on Girls Girls Girls and continued through DGF and DOD. It was DW after that. I thought he was playing Pearl on T.O.P, but you might be right about Sonor. It really sucks not being able to find a site listing his recording/tour kits. Really strange actually.

[mbrodeur86]

I think your right up until Dr. Feelgood. I'm almost positive that he went to Pearl on Girls Girls Girls. I thought he was playing Pearl on T.O.P, but you might be right.

From what I understand, it was Sonor on T.O.P. and Pearl was used to record Girls and Dr. Feelgood. He went to DW during the Dr. Feelgood tour. I have a sheet that Paiste sent me back in '94 (before the internet) which lists the crashes he used for the self titled Crue album but I'd like to know the ones he used before that.

[That Guy]

From what I understand, it was Sonor on T.O.P. and Pearl was used to record Girls and Dr. Feelgood. He went to DW during the Dr. Feelgood tour. I have a sheet that Paiste sent me back in '94 (before the internet) which lists the crashes he used for the self titled Crue album but I'd like to know the ones he used before that.

Cool! So he did go to Pearl on GGG, I thought so. I'm really shocked that he was using Paiste 2002 on the self titled Crue album. I would have never guessed Paiste. Just goes to show that proper production can make cymbals sound amazing. The reason I am saying that is... I never gave the self titled debut w/ Corabi a chance when it came out. Now, I think its one of the best albums the Crue ever did. The drums are dynamic and extrememly backing the music. Best drum tracks ever.

Thanks for you input buddy.

[mbrodeur86]

Cool! So he did go to Pearl on GGG, I thought so. I'm really shocked that he was using Paiste 2002 on the self titled Crue album. I would have never guessed Paiste. Just goes to show that proper production can make cymbals sound amazing. The reason I am saying that is... I never gave the self titled debut w/ Corabi a chance when it came out. Now, I think its one of the best albums the Crue ever did. The drums are dynamic and extrememly backing the music. Best drum tracks ever.

Thanks for you input buddy.


You are soooo right about the Crue album with Corabi. It's probably one of the best-sounding albums I've ever heard. I know that he used Pearl for sure on Girls 'cause I remember the ad for Pearl drums and he's upside down in the cage on stage. He used mostly Paiste Sgs on the self titled album.

[That Guy]

You are soooo right about the Crue album with Corabi. It's probably one of the best-sounding albums I've ever heard.

I have been a fan of the Crue since 1981, and I have been to every tour more than once starting with Shout At The Devil. When Vince left the band I thought the Crue was gone. Even when they released the self titled debut I bought it just to hear it. At first I didn't like it. Probably because Vince wasn't singing. So, I threw it away. Now, 10 years later... I think its without a doubt the one of the best Crue albums ever. The sound was so BOMBASTIC!

I'm happy to see the Crue back together with Vince. I saw them twice on the Carnival of Sins Tour.... (Opening Night Feb. 17th 2005) and in Orlando in September 2005.) Best show ever I will add.

The Crue are back together and are recording another album which I am sure you know.

I CAN'T WAIT!

[mbrodeur86]

Oh yeah, I know. I haven't been a fan as long as you but I would say since '84 for me. I was 7. I saw them twice on the C.O.S. tour too. Montreal and St John, Canada. My bro saw them on theater and dr feelgood in Quebec. I had the same feeling you did when they put the Corabi album out. I think Nikki said it best. If that album had been called anything other than Motley Crue, it would have sold millions!!!! I found 2 old pics and both kits are Sonor. The shout one must be newer 'cause the other kit had a concert tom and this one doesn't.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/mbrodeur86/TommyLee_wtrMrk.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/mbrodeur86/TomyLee_zWm.jpg

[That Guy]

Oh yeah, I know. I haven't been a fan as long as you but I would say since '84 for me. I was 7. I saw them twice on the C.O.S. tour too. Montreal and St John, Canada. My bro saw them on theater and dr feelgood in Quebec. I had the same feeling you did when they put the Corabi album out. I think Nikki said it best. If that album had been called anything other than Motley Crue, it would have sold millions!!!! I found 2 old pics and both kits are Sonor. The shout one must be newer 'cause the other kit had a concert tom and this one doesn't.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/mbrodeur86/TommyLee_wtrMrk.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h298/mbrodeur86/TomyLee_zWm.jpg

The top pic is from the Theatre Of Pain tour... look at the bass drum reso heads. Its the "smile now cry later" logo from the T.O.P. album. Thats the tour where Tommy and his kit pushed the 90 degree solo. And your right... you can see the Sonor logo on the toms.

[mbrodeur86]

Yup. But the shout kit is a newer kit. I've never seen that one before. I've always seen the one in the videos, ya know?? I'm still looking for more pics, see if I can't dig somethin' up.

[negativeattitude]

Just thought I'd contribute a few Tommy kit pics. This is his Sonor kit from the first part of the T.O.P. tour (before he switched to Pearl) along with a Girlsx3 snare that was up for sale a while back. I checked the story with Tommy's sis and she confirmed that they were the real deal. She said that Tommy gave them to her years ago and her husband James Kottak (Scorpions) cleaned out the storage where they were at last year and they decided to sell them. She speaks about them in the issue of DRUM with Tommy on the cover. They sold for $2700.00. The kicks are reversed in these pics. I wanted them, but at the time I couldn't afford them.

[That Guy]

Thats really cool! That kit has some great history.

[LiveGoat]

Tommy's pretty tight but why does he and other old fart rockers cater to this fake rock and roll crap. That chick looks like the creation of an mtv exec at a brainstorm session. Mtv culture needs to go away...NOW.

---LG




Ever heard "Higher Ground" from the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Tommy on drums?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8iZuPb8EyU

Best Regards
mayhem

[mbrodeur86]

Just thought I'd contribute a few Tommy kit pics. This is his Sonor kit from the first part of the T.O.P. tour (before he switched to Pearl) along with a Girlsx3 snare that was up for sale a while back. I checked the story with Tommy's sis and she confirmed that they were the real deal. She said that Tommy gave them to her years ago and her husband James Kottak (Scorpions) cleaned out the storage where they were at last year and they decided to sell them. She speaks about them in the issue of DRUM with Tommy on the cover. They sold for $2700.00. The kicks are reversed in these pics. I wanted them, but at the time I couldn't afford them.

I would kill for something like that!!!! Do you know who has them now??? Do ya have any specs???

[negativeattitude]

I would kill for something like that!!!! Do you know who has them now??? Do ya have any specs???

The seller sent me a spec sheet when it was for sale, but I can't seem to find it. I believe they're: (don't quote me)

Sonor Phonics (Beechwood)
13x13
14x14
16x16
16x18
17 or 18 x24's

I don't have contact info for the buyer, but I still have contact info for the person who sold them for Athena(Tommy's sister).....so if I come into some money I'm sure he'll point me in the buyers/owners direction. It would be cool to set up and restore to the T.O.P. specs (Theater faces heads, stands, cymbals, etc. and of course Mighty Mouse!)

[mbrodeur86]

If ever he wants to sell, let him know I'm interested for sure!!!!

[negativeattitude]

If ever he wants to sell, let him know I'm interested for sure!!!!


I will do that. I'm sure there's a few people that would be interested.

[nhzoso]

I think Tommy Lee is a great rock drummer/performer. He has tons of energy behind the kit and a great entertainment factor. Very solid rock drummer as far as I'm concerned. I gotta laugh when Virgil and Weckl wannabe's that sit around practicing 14 hours a day run there mouths about how rock guys like Tommy and Barker "s u c k". Been through that phase in my drumming life and soo glad i'm out of it. Tommy is a damn good rock drummer and no drum nerd playing 15 hours a day in their basement is gonna convince me otherwise :)

Well said! And we all know who these nerds are without having to mention their names.

The thing I don't get is you see a thread Named Tommy lee who you obviously don't like for whatever reason and yet you feel you need to share that with those who enjoy the guy so much that they made a thread about him...Thats Nice nerds.

I don't enjoy watching Donati play but you won't see my name in the Virgil Donati thread..

[chipritter]

kudos to Danny as well!!!


You can't deny the sound of Tommy's rock beats.
You can't deny the talent of Travis Barker either.... seriously I think he is a great drummer some of his bootleg stuff is SICK!
I would rather watch and listen to Robert, Tommy, or Travis play live than any odd time, wonderful technically perfect noodle geek, any day of the week.

[intooder]

BTW, an anagram of his name is 'Motley, Me'. Coincidence?

[ddrummer]

i enjoyed tommy lee for a while there havent gone much on him latley but not saying his a great rock drummer he has some great grooves and beats but he has gone electronic........

[BrynnerAgassi]

Tommy Lee is a very very very good guy in real life. I know a few people who know and met him, and say you couldnt know a better person.
A far as a drummer, ok lets be real, out of ALL THE HAIR metal bands in the 80's who was a great god of drumming?!??!? The music was hard but simple, and it was more of a stage act/show more than anything. I dont know if the parts were played any different that the music or the drummer would have been better!

Tommy though is a character and has had success on t.v. and of course being married to Pam Anderson... So it definitly helps the drum companys who want to endorse him...

Its a business, and companies wanna make money... And they know the way they will do this is to put guys who are familiar behind their products... Tre' Cool, Tommy Lee, Travis Barker...

[slingerland755]

I've seen Tommy play twice and both times I was really impressed. He's a great showman and I didn't think that his groove suffered because it. I remember back in 1984 when I was trying to learn what "groove" was all about, my buddy said listen to this. It was Too Young To Fall In Love. I still listen to that "simple" beat which starts the song and Tommy really lays down a nice groove.

The upside down drum rig was really entertaining too. They harnessed him in there and he was grunting and talking throughout the drumsolo. Very cool!

[That Guy]

Too Young To Fall In Love. I still listen to that "simple" beat which starts the song and Tommy really lays down a nice groove.

Nothing compares to hearing that song live. I saw them twice on the recent C.O.S. tour. His kit is so boomy!

[razorx]

tommy quit motley crue the other day. :( im just glad that i got to see him play twice on the cos tour. it was great.

[That Guy]

tommy quit motley crue the other day. :( im just glad that i got to see him play twice on the cos tour. it was great.

Actually, there have been some press releases stating that he retracted his resognation ------> http://www.nme.com/news/motley-crue/31122

We have to wait to see how it turns out.

[razorx]

Actually, there have been some press releases stating that he retracted his resognation ------> http://www.nme.com/news/motley-crue/31122

We have to wait to see how it turns out.

thats awesome because i wanna here the new album that was sapose to be out by this time.

[That Guy]

thats awesome because i wanna here the new album that was sapose to be out by this time.

Me too buddy! With songs like Sick Love Song and If I Die Tomorrow you can tell thier sound is much more heavier and focused. Tommy's drumming is alot stronger too. I really wanna hear a new album.

[mikei]

I just got done reading "The Dirt" from Motley Crue! 400+ pages of sex, drug, rock and roll and destruction. I cannot believe they are still alive.

That said, I did determine that Tommy isn't the smartest kid on the block. But, I created a Motley Mix on my iPod and have been listening to it. Man, can that guy groove on a drum set! He is a great groove player.

Definitely one of the great time keepers for rock in the 80s!

[That Guy]

I just got done reading "The Dirt" from Motley Crue!

Hands down, that has to be one of the most incredible/scariest books of all time. Those guys sure did push the limits of life. A must read for anyone who wants to be entertained by the excesses of being a rock star.

I loved when Mick Mars thought he was dead, so he figured he could walk right through the glass door...*BOOM*

Can you believe they just left him on the beach... lol. OMG, that book is so insane. :-)

[nhzoso]

Me too buddy! With songs like Sick Love Song and If I Die Tomorrow you can tell thier sound is much more heavier and focused. Tommy's drumming is alot stronger too. I really wanna hear a new album.

Actually I think they just broke up again. Too bad because I also feel they were getting much better.

I love watching Tommy drum. He is a great groover and has great showmanship, the only one who comes close visually is Shannon Larkin of Godsmack.

[mikei]

You wont find a critic in me.

I absolutely love his playing. I am a huge fan.

His groove is amazing and showmanship is the best in the business.

I don't like him as a person, but I love his playing

[That Guy]

Listening to the song "To Fast For Love" and he uses his crash and snare drum really, really well in the song.

He is an incredible player.

You should hear it live in concert! Sick, sick... and more sick. You should check out thier "Carnival Of Sins" DVD.

[mikei]

I own that DVD! It is great!

I have a couple of other bootleg concert dvds from the eighties and early 90s.

They kicked major ass back then!

[ANDRES79]

Hi

I jus want to know how does Tommy do that stick trick where he hits the hi-hat and the snare with the stick and it jumps in to the air ? I,ve watched the Carnival of sins DVD hundreds of times and i don`t know how he does it.

Thanks

[ihatesticktricks]

I have been buying dvds latley. I bought Journey 2001 and Carnival of sin. Both Tommy and Deen Castronova have two bass drums but use a double pedal. Is it just for looks?
Tommy uses, it looks like, a 24" and the 28?" is not being touched. Why?

probably just for looks, he is a showman. i remember on rockstar supernova, the tv show, they hauled a double kick in for him to player higher ground by the red hot chili peppers, its just for show.

[Billy1167]

Hi

I jus want to know how does Tommy do that stick trick where he hits the hi-hat and the snare with the stick and it jumps in to the air ? I,ve watched the Carnival of sins DVD hundreds of times and i don`t know how he does it.

Thanks okay it took me a few times how to learn how he does that trick!
okay i'm going to give it to you step by step

1) once his arm is coming down to hit the snare he lets go of the stick right before it hits the snare
2) he hits the snare head and the rim at the same time so make sure to adjust your snare so you can hit the bottom of the head and the rim at the same time
3) so make sure when you bring your arm down to hit the snare let go of the stick before it hits the snare and the rim
i hope i gave you enough information
just keep on practicing and you will get it
good luck

[KarlCrafton]

I'd rather see the TOP kit as it ended up...used, abused and bruised!

A pristine kit wouldn't seem lik eit was really TL's kit, it could just be a newer kit with th eold Pearl Lugs.

I dug the Chrome Pearl kit with the red chrome hardware.

I usually hate colored hardware, but since it was red chrome plating, I liked it.

It didn't look cheap.

I think that huge bass drum in the new vid & promo for St's is cool.

I though WTF at first, but then I thought it was cool.

I liked that red acrylic kit he had too.

Too bad it was blown up at a show.

[Stagehand Local614]

I think that huge bass drum in the new vid & promo for St's is cool.

I though WTF at first, but then I thought it was cool.

I liked that red acrylic kit he had too.

Too bad it was blown up at a show.

yeah, I was standing off stage when they blew it up...got pics up in the "Drummers" section...

[funky030]

I recently bought Motley Crue´s new album "Saints Of Los Angeles" and I was really impressed.
I have to say: that dude can play! Great grooves with great kickdrum work, and some great snare-tom-fills that fit the songs very well.
Hope they will come to europe this or next year, they still kick some ass. Especially Tommy still got it, I think he is now even better than back in the days.

[Deathtripp]

You can't just judge tommy now you haven't seen everything he can do on drums and I think he is an excellent drummer he can do alot of stuff. His solo's are mainly about fun and he probably is better than most here that are bashing him he started playing when he was four and he's pretty damn good. Before you say you could of done better you should try out for yourself It's harder than it looks. Travis Barker is also a fine drummer he's got alot of talent but his latest solo on drummerworld was also about the fun of it! Flashing lights and a spinning drum platform that goes high it more about the visuals for that solo In my opinion And Tommy Lee is on the site just look! or type it....

In my opinion he's not that good for someone who started playing at 4 , if I would have had that far of a head start i think that I would be atleast twice as good as he is now dude!

On a side note I would love to experience playing drums upside down!! haha

[CountHavoc]

My opinion is that Tommy Lee's a great drummer.He & the rest of the crue truly tipofied that genre in the 80's & paved the way for band's like Guns & Roses.Although if you've read the "Heroin Diaries" by Nikki sixx you'll know that GnR just could'nt keep up.Tommy's personal life aside,you can tell in his playing that he's constantly evolving.In an interview a while back he said that there is so many thing's he played in the 80's that he just would'nt play the same today because he nows himself that he's become a much more talented drummer.Bottom line-He's a talented & entertaining drummer & should be givin the praise & respect he deserves.Whether you like him or not.

[nhzoso]

In my opinion he's not that good for someone who started playing at 4 , if I would have had that far of a head start i think that I would be atleast twice as good as he is now dude!

On a side note I would love to experience playing drums upside down!! haha

Curious as to what you base this opinion on? Does he miss notes or misplay beats on albums or live that you have heard? Statements like this always make me shake my head.

[Sirwill]

In my opinion Mr. Lee is one of the best Rock drummers of all time. He is always looking for new ways to evolve as an artist and his showmanship on stage is second to none. His style of drumming drives the band forward relentlessly. The only odd thing is after hearing him live and on recordings his solos are somewhat different then his playing style. The solos are far from poor, just much different then his playing style and I really don't know of any other pro drummer that falls into that category. Mr. Lee rocks in my book!

[rjlee22]

Hi

I jus want to know how does Tommy do that stick trick where he hits the hi-hat and the snare with the stick and it jumps in to the air ? I,ve watched the Carnival of sins DVD hundreds of times and i don`t know how he does it.

Thanks

I used to watch him do that all the time in the Smoking in Boys Room video when I was a kid. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDi0Q8qBxUw if you check out that link I try to do it on a cover video you can kind see a more open look at it around the 1:38 mark. It takes some practice but your snare has to be pretty level if you have a lot of tilt it wont work. Make sure you hit the snare pretty much in the middle of the head and just release your grip. The stick will rebound off the head and at that point you basically lightly flip your wrist up...that will guide the stick in the air. Dont confuse that with just flippin the stick in the air though (which I think is kinda stupid..lol) you actually use the force of the rebound off the snare so the harder you hit it...the higher it will go!! I dont know if that helps..let me know!

[Baddstuff]

I happen to like Tommy Lee and think he's a solid drummer but he's no tech wiz. Then again for Motley Crue he doesn't need to be. He's solid and fun to watch. He's clearly better than the likes of Peter Criss of Kiss and Herman Rarebell of the Scorpions. I think some people here are letting Tommy's visuals enhance their perception of his actual drum chops. Let your ears be the ultimate judge, not your eyes.
www.electriceyes.us

[Ian Williams]

He does good drumming on Too Fast For Love and Shout At The Devil albums.
Piece of your action, Bastard.

All the Best,

[Ian Williams]

Hello, fellows.

Just to share a picture with you.

Cheers,

[monkeypoo]

The only amazing thing about Tommy Lee is his massive 40" bass drum!!!

[bonzolead]

Just seen CrueFest back in july and let me tell you The Crue still have it I don't. care what anybody says Tommy is still killing it and there still kicking ass.the last time I seen Motley was in 83' during the Shout at the Devil tour and that was a great show but with this show they got more money then back then and not as toxic as back then so the music was great but so was the pyro. it's nice too see a big 80's like concert again everybody afraid of pyro. nowadays everybody's afraid to put on a Big 80's type rock concert anymore.but I will have to say Mick Mars still has the chops but boy is he looking rough very frail you can tell his disease is progressing it takes a lot of courage to tour for him I'm sure.Buckcherry surprised me also a lot better then I thought they would be.Great concert all around.

Bonzolead

P.S. if my wife ever kicks me out of the house I could live in Tommy's bass drum LOL
love seeing the big kicks

[Ian Williams]

Home Sweet Home......

[Ian Williams]

The only amazing thing about Tommy Lee is his massive 40" bass drum!!!

and Pamela Anderson?

[trkdrmr]

Home Sweet Home......

Grito!...Grito!...Grito no diabo!!!

[kwolf68]

I hated hair metal back in the 80s...still do. Posers, all of em. Fuzzbox on a guitar, dressing like chicks does not a metal band make.

That said, Motley Crue is the one band from that sad genre that I do like. I have never seen a band be so brilliantly crude and vulger as this flotsam. I can't believe ANY of them lived past the 1980s, let alone THEY ALL made it.

And their music and performance is good...it's not as candy-assed as much of their breathren.

Motley Crue in short...kicks ass.

[Ian Williams]

Motley Crue are clever guys, they have found the way to survive through the times and years.

Cheers,

[EricScott]

Hey Man,
I think any drummer worth his salt would know Tommy ain't no slouch. There are more technically sound drummers, but if you wanna rock, Tommy cat get it done. Great meter, never over plays, always plays for the song, flashy looks alright on stage and can kick butt if he needs to. What more can a band ask for? Who ever said anything bad about his abilities is clearly either a proghead, hates on the Crue or is just plain jealous!!!
Thanx,
Eric Scott
Old Pro

[razorx]

Hey Man,
I think any drummer worth his salt would know Tommy ain't no slouch. There are more technically sound drummers, but if you wanna rock, Tommy cat get it done. Great meter, never over plays, always plays for the song, flashy looks alright on stage and can kick butt if he needs to. What more can a band ask for? Who ever said anything bad about his abilities is clearly either a proghead, hates on the Crue or is just plain jealous!!!
Thanx,
Eric Scott
Old Pro

So i got the new Cruefest Dvd. And i figured out how his bass drum is rigged up. Hes got the 40 placed INFRONT of the 22. It's not inside.

[GNRFAN]

I think the 40" bass drum looks very stupid, it hides most of Tommy because it is so huge, and the fact that it is placed infront of a 22" makes it even more pointless.

I'd like to just see him on a standard double or single kick set-up with no stupid props or anything, just let his talent shine and leave all the props for the stage or the rest of the band.

I don't get why he feels the need to have such elaborate props on his kit.