Simon Phillips

[jamsjr44]

I told some of you I would post one of his songs from his 1988 CD Protocol. The name of this song is Protocol. I love Simon Phillips he was one of the first to really get me into double bass drumming. Ever since I heard him do double bass on Give Blood by Pete Townsend I was hooked.

ENJOY!

http://newenglandsoftball.bizland.com/simon_phillips.htm

[Damon Dapper]

Simon has been an absolute inspiration to me for over 20 years, and is the reason I switched to playing open-handed style.

Give Blood is the ultimate Drummers groove and Simon certainly defines what groove in the pocket is all about, especially the live version of Give Blood is incredible man! Also the live version of "Second Hand Love" from Pete Townsend has Simon laying down serious illegal chops man!

I have both of his instructional videos for almost 10 years now and I still learn so much from his unique approach and machine-like accuracy. His videos are not just instructional but fun to listen and watch, Simon tells it like it is.

One aspect I love and respect about both videos, is that he never talks about his open-handed style. Simon is all action and execute, and through this approach the rythm educates you about the open-handed method, not words.

Brilliance is the man.

Simon Phillips.

dap.

[radeq]

Finaly

one of my favorite drummers :) I love his album he did with the Toto - livefields - especialy the 6 song - dave's gone fishing it's incredible... :D

[jamsjr44]

I agree with all of you...Alot of drummers I think sometimes get more credit than they deserve for what they bought to the table. I just think he never has been given the acclaim for his playing. I have a live drum solo of his I will post as well later on this week and it is great. Just the way he approaches it musically and technically is awesome.

[Robin]

To bump up this thread up - Simon Phillips have been one of my main influences for many years. He has the ability to play these amazing solos and songs ( open handed! ) and still be able to sit back and groove. I just love his style. And he plays sooo many styles! Fusion, Rock, Hardrock, jazz....

[mlehnertz]

Dave's Gone Skiing (http://www.lehnertz.com/Toto - Dave's Gone Skiing (Live).mp3)

Is this the album that has V8 on it? I remember getting that as an insert in Modern Drummer. Good tune.

What is this open-handed style?

Finaly

one of my favorite drummers :) I love his album he did with the Toto - livefields - especialy the 6 song - dave's gone fishing it's incredible... :D

[Robin]

Dave's Gone Skiing (http://www.lehnertz.com/Toto - Dave's Gone Skiing (Live).mp3)

Is this the album that has V8 on it? I remember getting that as an insert in Modern Drummer. Good tune.

What is this open-handed style?
The song you posted is actually from the Toto album Tambu released in 1995. This is taken from a live recording from 1997.

Open handed is a special playing where you're playing the hihat with the left hand instead of the right and the snare with the right instead of the left. When you do that, you usually play the ride at the left side too.

http://www.simon-phillips.com/equipment/images/drumkitgreen3.jpg
This is Simon Phillips' kit and as you can see, the hihat is VERY low and the ride is at the left. It was Simon that inspired me to play the same way.

[mlehnertz]

So that's what they call that. I've known for years that Simon had the ability to do that but I didn't know what it was called.

I've seen Simon half a dozen times and I never paid much attention to where his ride cymbal was (is). Interesting placement. Next time I see Toto I'll pay attention.


Open handed is a special playing where you're playing the hihat with the left hand instead of the right and the snare with the right instead of the left. When you do that, you usually play the ride at the left side too.

http://www.simon-phillips.com/equipment/images/drumkitgreen3.jpg
This is Simon Phillips' kit and as you can see, the hihat is VERY low and the ride is at the left. It was Simon that inspired me to play the same way.

[Thinshells]

Simon is an awesome big kit drummer. He does it all, very versatile, and widely recorded.
Always cool tama kits as well.
http://www.clauslegarth.com/bilder/simon_phillips2_big.jpg
http://velopassion.free.fr/Simon%20Phillips.jpg
http://www.ifnet.or.jp/%7Eeiichi.t/simon/simon1980.jpg
http://www.drumside.com/drummer/simon_2.jpg

[Robin]

Yeah. his set is way cool. And I love the fact that when he plays jazz with his own band, He changes the entire kit and plays the normal way! ( hihat with right and snare with left ). He also changes the ride cymbal to the right. Amazing how he can just change and play the other way too.

[mlehnertz]

Interesting observation - he's been playing that green set for at least 4 years now.

[Robin]

Hey everybody. Here is a link to a Simon Phillips solo played on a Toto gig in switzerland summer 2004. I had to cut away like 4 minutes of this solo because it was way to big.

PS. TOTO keyboardist Greg Phillinganes joins Simon on stage with a snare at the end for a little rudiment! Very cool!

SOLO :
http://www.youtube.com/?v=ZIUzEtxDHkQ.

[pete_on_drums]

nice video
hes really good
does anyone know what snare he is using?

[Robin]

nice video
hes really good
does anyone know what snare he is using?
His main snare is a "Signature "Gladiator" Snare Drum 5-1/2" x 14" and the one at the octobans is a "Signature "Pagaent" Snare Drum 5" x 12"

[JPDrum]

For folks who have been wondering about the Simon Phillips kit situation here is a bit of information. He is currently using a new Tama Bubinga kit in his new recording studio. The link on this thread will take you to a Japanese site for Sugi Guitars. The site has pictures of a recording session being done to demo the guitars, as well as control room pictures and photos of Simon behind the kit.

The nice surprise is that at the site you can download three MP3s of the session and get almost 15 minutes worth of free music. The tracks sound nice and Simon's drums, as usual, sound terrific.

Simon said at a drum clinic, in MIchigan last April, that he wasn't sure what would he would be using when the 2006 Toto tour hits the road in support of the new "Falling In Between" recording. Don't be surprised if the huge kit has a new look considering what he is using in his studio.

Si Rules!!!!!! Enjoy the music!

J P

http://www.rosso-jp.com/news/index.html

[Robin]

Simon was out recently on a drumclinic tour in Asia and he used his new Bubinga kit ( I THINK ), he also removed the Gong Drum & the 4 octobans which is a shame.

Here is the link to several videos of Simon doing his clinic in Asia 2005. The videos needs extremely much time to load but they are very cool!!!
http://cosmosmusic.com/service/info/bbs_mov_event.jsp?actionflag=read&pk_idx=56

http://cosmosmusic.com/images/concept/mail/0511/images/simon_41.jpg

[sound zap]

Does Simon still use two bass drums or double pedals now?

[mlehnertz]

Two bass drums the last time I saw him - which was only a year ago.

[Robin]

He always use it ( except when he does gigs with his local jazz band. Then he changes his whole kit and only uses 1 bassdrum.]

[JPDrum]

Simon was out recently on a drumclinic tour in Asia and he used his new Bubinga kit ( I THINK ), he also removed the Gong Drum & the 4 octobans which is a shame.

Here is the link to several videos of Simon doing his clinic in Asia 2005. The videos needs extremely much time to load but they are very cool!!!
http://cosmosmusic.com/service/info/bbs_mov_event.jsp?actionflag=read&pk_idx=56

http://cosmosmusic.com/images/concept/mail/0511/images/simon_41.jpg

Hi Robin

Thanks for the video link. Very cool stuff. I have been searching for content from Simon's Asian Tour with limited success. The kits that were used were the new Tama Superstars.

Si Rules!!

J P

[Robin]

Hey everybody! Here's a video from the Toto - Live In Amsterdam DVD ( the bonus stuff ). Simon Phillips doing a drumsolo in Japan. And he's reading the newspaper while doing it!

Here's the link :

DRUMSOLO (http://youtube.com/watch?v=gOs4A2FBt50)

[shuffle]

Interesting stuff. I like the part where he slowly introduces his snare after the newspaper portion.

I am not very much into drum solos, and I will only look at these videos from time to time when they are posted as in this thread. However, for funny reasons, when I watched this one, it reminded me of that other one, which was also posted a while ago...

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/joeyjordison.html

May be because of the double-bass fest and "showmanship" (different approach) involved... Anyways I am an old-fashionned guy, and there is one solo that I like much more than the other one... and I'd be curious to see other's opinion on that...

Don't want to start an argument though... We also did mention somewhere else that musicality and taste were very subjective, didn't we ?

[Drummer Karl]

Yes, I know it, I`ve got the DVD but one more time: WOOOOOW!!
Simon Phillips...er...or should I say SIR Simon Phillips?? Yes, so SIR Simon Phillips is genius, his sticks fly over the drumset, so relaxed! He is awesome!!

Karl

[boomboomda]

Yes, I know it, I`ve got the DVD but one more time: WOOOOOW!!
Simon Phillips...er...or should I say SIR Simon Phillips?? Yes, so SIR Simon Phillips is genius, his sticks fly over the drumset, so relaxed! He is awesome!!

Karl

"Drummmer Karl ", You think he is good enough to play for "Tokyo Hotel". Just kidding.

[Robin]

Yes, I know it, I`ve got the DVD but one more time: WOOOOOW!!
Simon Phillips...er...or should I say SIR Simon Phillips?? Yes, so SIR Simon Phillips is genius, his sticks fly over the drumset, so relaxed! He is awesome!!

Karl
Totally agree, Karl!

[Drummer Karl]

"Drummmer Karl ", You think he is good enough to play for "Tokyo Hotel". Just kidding.

HAHAHAHA :D
Tokio Hotel, you know them? Ever heard their stuff?
I won`t say my opinion to this band, I would be banned, sry! I don`t like them, this is the only thing I can say...(I don`t wanna attack any fans of this band ;) )

Peace,

Karl

[boomboomda]

Yes, I know of "Tokyo Hotel" I have German TV through Dishnetwork here in the US. I always watch Stefan Raab on "TV Total".
That man is crazy.

[the nameless]

Yes, I know of "Tokyo Hotel" I have German TV through Dishnetwork here in the US. I always watch Stefan Raab on "TV Total".
That man is crazy.
agree raab rules i love that show
but is it translated?
well wrong topic


wooohooow i never really listened to toto
but i guess i should start

what i like about this solo is that phillips not only plays the drums verywell
but entertains the audience even when they are no drummers................

thanks for posting

yeah i really should start listening to toto
damn

[Drummer Karl]

Yes, I know of "Tokyo Hotel" I have German TV through Dishnetwork here in the US. I always watch Stefan Raab on "TV Total".
That man is crazy.

Very cool, I love TV Total, too!! So funny...thenameless: yes, you should definatly start to listen to Toto, you`ll be impressed...I love em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Karl

[Pedro]

Ok, Dennis Chamers did THE SAME THING on a Zildjiandays-show.

He also drunk some water while he was playing a double basspattern, and then whiped his face off with a towel, and then looked at his watch (in stead of reading the newspaper)

Ad then he did the same thing as Simon here is doing slowley starting hitting the snare followd by a roll, but Dennis did it with one hand.

So, one of the two just compied the other one, or someting like that. If that's a rescent video than Dennis Chambers was first, but I think there where a lot of drummer who did that before.

So, for me this video was a bit dissapointing!

[the nameless]

Didn´t it make you smile?
If no ok agree but
if you smiled I would not call myself disapointed


and I actually do nit think that Phillips or chambers
need to copy the otherone
it is just funny

[mlehnertz]

Neither solo really does much for me. I've never been a big fan of "arena solos". I use the term "arena solo" because they are geared more to an arena of screaming fans that don't know the first thing about playing drums but LOVE lots of notes, cymbals and double bass than to us regular drummers.

I find Steve Gadd's syncopated snare fills in the Buddy Rich drum-off to be more entertaining.

Don't get me wrong, Simon Phillips is in my Top 3 for players, but the solo doesn't do much for me.

BTW, didn't Tommy Lee hold the trademark for upside-down drum solos?

[Robin]

Here is the video in better quality : http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2395601795065415816

[mlehnertz]

Is that Mike Porcaro doing the video taping?

[Robin]

Indeed it is. It's from the bonus stuff of the Live In Amsterdam DVD released in 2003.

[Drummer Karl]

Indeed it is. It's from the bonus stuff of the Live In Amsterdam DVD released in 2003.


I love the bonus stuff of Toto! They are so cool and crazy behind th stage though they are cool on the stage, too... Especially Steve, he laughs all the time, he is so funny...Robin: Do you know the scene when Toto are in the bus and Simon shows his poop "jingle bells" version?? This is sooo crazy!! :D

Karl

[Robin]

Hahahahaha yeah, I love that scene! Simon is on the verge of laughing his ass off! They seem to have alot of fun on the road!

[Guillermo]

I think the coolest thing about Simon Philips is his innate sense of flair... he just has a blast when he plays and that comes thru so much.

He has that spark, he makes drumming become such fun... his playing is like that... a strange mix of virtuosity, yet fun, he never appears to be a show off... and is always in great musical form.

[Drummer Karl]

Hahahahaha yeah, I love that scene! Simon is on the verge of laughing his ass off! They seem to have alot of fun on the road!

Yeah, really!! Everyone was laughing, me too! I Laughed so much that I felt pain after some time in my body! :D
Loving the extras...the day in the bowling centre...great and crazy HAHAHA :D

Karl

[RudimentalDrummer]

Ok, Dennis Chamers did THE SAME THING on a Zildjiandays-show.

He also drunk some water while he was playing a double basspattern, and then whiped his face off with a towel, and then looked at his watch (in stead of reading the newspaper)

Ad then he did the same thing as Simon here is doing slowley starting hitting the snare followd by a roll, but Dennis did it with one hand.

So, one of the two just compied the other one, or someting like that. If that's a rescent video than Dennis Chambers was first, but I think there where a lot of drummer who did that before.

So, for me this video was a bit dissapointing!

This video is put up here just for sharing purpose, didn't know it was dissapointing to you or and doesn't really matter who actuslly copied who. Afterall Simon did this as always in his many clinic in different ways. Dennis is my No.1 Drummer, but I've seen Simon on the Drums too in his Clinic and he really has very Fast Legs & Hands too, very good control 4 limbs and I'm amazed.

Pedro, these are entertaining regardless which drummer did it, provided we do possess that kind of skills.

[rumour control]

how cool is that !!? More to the point how long does it take to learn that stuff ?

[Drummer Karl]

how cool is that !!? More to the point how long does it take to learn that stuff ?

Two words: Veeeeeeeeeeeeery long...

Karl

[Robin]

Hey everybody. Earlier I posted a video of another SP solo that can be found Here. (http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9313). Just now, I found another solo at YouTube which was recorded at the end of "Indian Summer" in China 2005. A very neat Solo! It can be found here! (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Tp2Yv8LCUpM)

[davodi74]

Geez, he is fast. Do you know the size of his china? It's huge!

[Robin]

Yeah, you can't believe that he is 49!

No, sorry, I don't know!

[Drummer Karl]

Woooow! Sir Simon played incredible!!! His fast playing, wooow, I`m proud of him!!!!!
and he played on a Tama Superstar Custom!! Now I`m really proud to have one, too!
To Bernhard: If you meet him one day, tell him that I`m proud of him and tell him best wishes and good luck!! :)

Karl

[aarbo]

Hey,

last night Toto had a little gig on Germany's biggest TV show "Wetten Dass...".

I have to say that I saw them live twice 5 years ago. But what I saw last night on TV was really really bad!
They did a crappy Africa-Rosanna-whatever-medley PLAYBACK!!!
Toto once was quite a big rock band, wasn't it?
Even Santana with his huge band always played live on this TV show!

Simon Phillips looked like a kid on his first drum set. (He played a random 5pc) He tried to smile but I think he was glad when it was over.
Oh man how can a top drummer like him play a gig like that? Is it really worth the money?

He even had to perform with the finger snapping sample in the last song.

Oh dear...

[nhzoso]

They were succesfull but I would'nt say they were huge. They had a few hits but were never a mega draw.. atleast from what I remeber here in the States.

[Drummer Karl]

Mhhh, I missed the show yesterday, just forgot it...so it seem to be not bad having missed it.
all in all: Toto really changed in the last years, REALLY!
It could be that they all just had a bad day...I don`t know why they should be so bad...when I saw them on the tour in Frankfurt they were incredible, they played like god himself...strange...

Karl

[aarbo]

Mhhh, I missed the show yesterday, just forgot it...so it seem to be not bad having missed it.
all in all: Toto really changed in the last years, REALLY!
It could be that they all just had a bad day...I don`t know why they should be so bad...when I saw them on the tour in Frankfurt they were incredible, they played like god himself...strange...

Karl Well I know that they CAN play. So I wonder why they did such a bad playback thing. By the way they have replaced David Paich on the keys right?

edit: Karl you really didn't miss anything concerning Toto...

[Drummer Karl]

Well I know that they CAN play. So I wonder why they did such a bad playback thing. By the way they have replaced David Paich on the keys right?

edit: Karl you really didn't miss anything concerning Toto...


I don`t know why, too...yes, they`ve replaced David. I don`t know whether they replaced him for just a few month or for even longer time...I hope that David comes back soon!
and I hope that this bad gig yesterday was the ONLY bad gig.

Karl

[Stu_Strib]

No big secret that Toto hasn't been very good since about 1984 ;-)

[Drummer Karl]

No big secret that Toto hasn't been very good since about 1984 ;-)

HÄ? What happened the year 1984??
but we all know that Toto changed really the last years, since Jeff died :( Toto is of course different...what would be if Jeffrey would still play with Toto and not Simon? Sry for this off topic question...

Karl

[aarbo]

but why bring that kit for a 4 minute TV show? Santana always did, and they played many times in this show!
btw Dennis Chambers' kit is not smaller than Simon Pillips' one...

[Robin]

If you have the orginial recordings of Africa and Rosanna, feel free to compare to the broadcast last night. If you'd know Toto's music, you'd know that DAVID PAICH sings on Africa but Greg sang it last night. Playback?????

and THIS is the kit that Simon is using. A BIT bigger than the TV kit, wouldn't you agree?

http://www.simon-phillips.com/equipment/images/drumkitgreen3.jpg

Go see Toto this summer, they're doing several dates in Germany. you'll be just like me - defending the band from someone who have NO idea about ANYTHING about the band!

[aarbo]

Well Robin, I really don't see your particular problem.
What I said is just:

I know Toto for a long time now and especially know the drumming of Simon Phillips (on his regular, big kit). I saw them live two times. They played big, live rock shows, as they use to do it...

The gig on the TV show LAST NIGHT was very poor in my opinion because it was full playback. And I wonder why Toto is doing it.

Period.

[Robin]

No idea. It's all promotion and the chance of getting 15 million people watching them on german TV.

[finnhiggins]

If you have the orginial recordings of Africa and Rosanna, feel free to compare to the broadcast last night. If you'd know Toto's music, you'd know that DAVID PAICH sings on Africa but Greg sang it last night. Playback?????


No reason why not. Bands like Toto have years and years of desk tapes from live shows, if they want to stitch together a "Live" performance without actually playing then that's entirely possible with the likes of Pro Tools et al.

[Hex]

Many times when a band performs to tape on a TV show, it's the decision of the show not the band.

[Robin]

Exactly. Why would they wanna perform those AGAIN? =P. I think they're pretty tired of them.

[Bernhard]

There are clear rules: 95% of this Saturday-Night public never heard of Toto. So they take their hugest hit (wish of the TV) and combines it with something new (wish of the band).

For Simon: he can only say Tama - if there is a kit...but only two toms of course...he can be happy. Normally they take the DW set and put then a TAMA sign on the Bassdrum.

Yes, Santana surprised me there at "Wetten Dass" really: They played live.....

Bernhard

[mlehnertz]

Hush up Stu. We need to drag you to a concert one of these days.

No big secret that Toto hasn't been very good since about 1984 ;-)

[Drummer Karl]

I agree totally with Bernhard: Many people don`t know Toto, I can notice this every day...
and: I don`t wanna say something against 'Wetten dass...' , there are many stars but it isn`t such a huge show...for Toto, they are really tired of the tour 'falling in between' and yeah: It is mostly the decision of the show to let them play with playback...so I don`t really annoy about that...

Karl

[Robin]

Well, I don't think they're tired OF the tour but they're tired AFTER the first leg of the tour. Usually, when Toto do these TV shows, they want the band to play Rosanna, Africa Or Hold The Line or whatever. TOTO of course do NOT want that. That's the last thing they want! People usually only knows these 3 songs but if they look a bit more in to it, they'll see that TOTO is SO much more. They're jazzy, heavy, progressive and everything in between!

[Womble]

Lol, I'm reminded of that phrase I taught to Stu (I think) recently:

TOTO are big in Europe. No escaping it.

Most of my pleasure in watching and listening to old TOTO is derived from Jeff's and Luke's playing. Some of the songs are cool, but really, nothing I'm ever going to play to my mates and say "Isn't this just an amazing song?". TOTO have been a cheesy dad-rock band for a long long time, but now one can't even enjoy them under the cover of knowing irony. I agree with Smoggrocks: they are irrelevant today. Personally, I wish they'd disbanded after Jeff died. Jeff was too intergral to the band, no one could have followed him, and certainly not Simon blooming Phillips.

[mlehnertz]

The majority of the tunes were written by Paich, Lukather and whatever lead singer they had at the time. A few tunes were co-written by Porcaro but not many. I'm glad Lukather kept the band together. They're still putting out some good records.

Personally, I wish they'd disbanded after Jeff died. Jeff was too intergral to the band, no one could have followed him, and certainly not Simon blooming Phillips.

[Stu_Strib]

Hush up Stu. We need to drag you to a concert one of these days.

Just like the 'new' Journey stuff, I can't stand any of the stuff Toto has put out since about 1984-5. That greatest hits with "Pamela" was jumping the shark for me.

But hey, if you guys like the Toto stuff now, and it takes you back to their first 6 albums out of interest, then great!

If you like Toto, you should check out James Newton Howard and Friends.

[smoggrocks]

If you like Toto, you should check out James Newton Howard and Friends.

oh, well, now - there ya go!

actually, i didn't even know james newton had friends. he always seems too busy cranking out [insert famous or non-famous movie score here].

man. this thread is starting to give me a ridiculous case of the giggles at work. my colleague is eyeing me oddly -- as though i've got a case of preacher gas.

[aarbo]

Well I totally agree that Toto is not relevant today.
I liked them very much when I started with drumming because of Simon Phillips who indeed plays some cool grooves and developed a unique style but yet without having big relevance on the evolution of drumming...
Toto's songs work quite well for teenagers. Today I don't listen anymore to the records.

While bashing on ... lol ... On this tv gig Steve Lukather looked quite drug influenced to me - maybe alcohol or cocaine? - but maybe just the jetlag, hihi

Rockstars never take drugs, do they?

[Robin]

Rockstars never take drugs, do they?
Lukather have stated himself that he have done drugs but not in the last 15 years. Problaby just the jetlag as this was the last "performance" of the first leg of the World Tour.

[Stu_Strib]

Someone already said it, that Toto is irrelevant in the States. Now that I live over seas I see that the Europeans are really the only thing keeping Toto alive. Kinda reminds me of David Hasselhof's huge Germany success, or more currently, how Robbie Williams is huge in Europe but a complete nobody in the States (although he lives in L.A.). There are tons of decent pop acts here in England that won't get a wiff in the States. I never heard of Westlife until I moved here, and I have seen every American Idol since the beginning (Simon Cowell invented Westlife). Same thing with Will Young, the original Pop Idol. Something tells me most Americans will never hear of Shayne either (Xfactor winner, or whoever won it last year).


No offense intended, but it is pretty clear there is a pretty big musical difference across the pond at times. I think the Europeans like Toto, like they like a lot of things that are way behind the times (to an American). Like I said, no offense though, just an observation from living in the UK and my year in Germany.

Stu

[Hex]

I think judging whether music is relevant or irrelevant is meaningless. It all depends on the listener.

15th century Romanian folk music is "irrelevant" today, but that doesn't mean certain people don't still enjoy it.

[Robin]

Someone already said it, that Toto is irrelevant in the States. Now that I live over seas I see that the Europeans are really the only thing keeping Toto alive. Kinda reminds me of David Hasselhof's huge Germany success, or more currently, how Robbie Williams is huge in Europe but a complete nobody in the States (although he lives in L.A.). There are tons of decent pop acts here in England that won't get a wiff in the States. I never heard of Westlife until I moved here, and I have seen every American Idol since the beginning (Simon Cowell invented Westlife). Same thing with Will Young, the original Pop Idol. Something tells me most Americans will never hear of Shayne either (Xfactor winner, or whoever won it last year).


No offense intended, but it is pretty clear there is a pretty big musical difference across the pond at times. I think the Europeans like Toto, like they like a lot of things that are way behind the times (to an American). Like I said, no offense though, just an observation from living in the UK and my year in Germany.

Stu
It's not just Germany and Europe. They're HUGE in Europe, Japan AND South America. They even sold out the Hammersmith Apollo in England, Stu! =P And the Royal Albert Hall in 2004. It's just the United States that they have a problem reaching out to. I guess It's the same with a band like Journey. They're huge in USA but not as big in Europe.

[mlehnertz]

It's because us Americans have a more sophistated taste in music like Nickelback and The Pussycat Dolls.

It's not just Germany and Europe. They're HUGE in Europe, Japan AND South America. They even sold out the Hammersmith Apollo in England, Stu! =P And the Royal Albert Hall in 2004. It's just the United States that they have a problem reaching out to. I guess It's the same with a band like Journey. They're huge in USA but not as big in Europe.

[Stu_Strib]

It's because us Americans have a more sophistated taste in music like Nickelback and The Pussycat Dolls.


I've heard the Pussycat Dolls way more than I care to here in the UK, so it isn't just a US phenomena.

Granted, crappy pop-music is popular world-wide!

As far as their relevency goes, I am speaking strictly of their ability to sell albums in enough volume for anyone in America to really care. So in that case, they are irrelevant. Just like I am an absolute irrelevent drummer.

[mlehnertz]

And I'm certainly not complaining because I get to see them for free, in a small venue, sitting 30' away rather than paying to see them in an arena with 10,000 screaming fans.


As far as their relevency goes, I am speaking strictly of their ability to sell albums in enough volume for anyone in America to really care. So in that case, they are irrelevant. Just like I am an absolute irrelevent drummer.

[JPDrum]

Santana always did, and they played many times in this show!
btw Dennis Chambers' kit is not smaller than Simon Pillips' one...

Not that size matters but, actually Dennis' kit is small in the number of drums then Simon's. Dennis has eight drums on his kit (possibly nine if he is using a second snare) and Simon's has fifteen.

J P Lapp

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=39169#post39169

[JPDrum]

Personally, I wish they'd disbanded after Jeff died. Jeff was too intergral to the band, no one could have followed him, and certainly not Simon blooming Phillips.

Simon Phillips was the first and only choice of the band. The band was three weeks away from a tour when Jeff Porcaro died. Rather then put a bunch of people out (stage crew, sound crew, drivers, etc.) the band carried on. They didn't want someone who was going to try play and sound like Jeff. The choice was made because they knew Simon could hold true to the music but yet play it in his own style and not Jeff''s. And a great choice they made!

J P Lapp

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=39169#post39169

[Robin]

Simon Phillips was the first and only choice of the band. The band was three weeks away from a tour when Jeff Porcaro died. Rather then put a bunch of people out (stage crew, sound crew, drivers, etc.) the band carried on. They didn't want someone who was going to try play and sound like Jeff. The choice was made because they knew Simon could hold true to the music but yet play it in his own style and not Jeff''s. And a great choice they made!

J P Lapp

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?p=39169#post39169
Word on that, JP!

20 characters

[Harakirie]

They were succesfull but I would'nt say they were huge. They had a few hits but were never a mega draw.. atleast from what I remeber here in the States.

oh yes man they were a mega draw they got very famous with Hold the Line ! but i think the older toto drummer played that .

they had a few more hits but i think hold the line was the greatest !

[Robin]

Hello fellow boardmembers. yes, I know that I've been posting tons of SP videos but I recently got some video bootlegs with him and this is a drumforum so what the heck!

Anyway, Here's a video taken at a clinic in 2004 I believe where Simon plays the ending of his solo. And It's really cool. His bassdrums are doing one, his right hand is playing a solid beat and the left hand is constantly playing the octobans at another tempo. Comments are wecome! :)


HERE it is!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGcKwYuRBQg)

[Drummer Karl]

Wow, that is amazing!!! Woow, he has got coordination...amazing groove but he looks sooo concentrated...but I have to say: this looks very difficult!! Great stufff you posted here Robin!

PS.: I`m happy that you PM me the newest videos of our hero...Sir Simon Phillips.

Karl

[Sonorholic]

This is an updated version of something he did in one of his DCI videos. I'm not saying it's easy, but it's more connected than you might think. Here's how part of it goes together.
The left hand and the feet are playing groups of 3 16ths, but the left hand is going around the 4 octobans. Then with the right hand he's playing a kick snare pattern with the gong bass drum. The whole thing is moving at the same rate/tempo though. What makes it extra tricky is how long the whole pattern plays before it all lines up the same way again. I hope that makes some kind of sense. Check out his DCI video for a "slower" version of it.

[DillingerEscp]

that was pretty dang awesommeee

[cdawg_2010]

that was sweet! it would take a lot of cordination to do that

[Robin]

Hey guys. I found some new pictures taken of Simon Phillips. These were taken in early April 2006 on the "Falling In Between" tour that TOTO is doing right now.


http://i3.tinypic.com/wlviq9.jpg



http://i3.tinypic.com/wlvivb.jpg


http://i3.tinypic.com/wlvj2r.jpg


http://i3.tinypic.com/wlvj80.png


http://i3.tinypic.com/wlvj9c.jpg

[Drummer Karl]

Simon is...awesome, amazing, great, outstanding, cool, relaxed, fast, tasteful, just unbelievable!
I love his style, he changed TOTO in a cool way, more mordern rock, more prog.

Sir Simon Phillips is a great character.

Karl

[infernal drummer]

i love his playing .. ecpecially the one he does with mike oldfield.. amazing things what this guy can do .. i would love to see the drum solo he does on livefields btw. my friends and i used to wake up my neighbours by playing, really loud, the first second of hold the line from livefields.. .. well we thought it was funny.. and it has a cool sound.. jeff porcarco was also a great drummer though.. no doubt..

[Robin]

i love his playing .. ecpecially the one he does with mike oldfield.. amazing things what this guy can do .. i would love to see the drum solo he does on livefields btw. my friends and i used to wake up my neighbours by playing, really loud, the first second of hold the line from livefields.. .. well we thought it was funny.. and it has a cool sound.. jeff porcarco was also a great drummer though.. no doubt..
Well, I uploaded TONS of SP videos to Youtube.com so feel free and those and comment if you will!

Here they are : http://www.youtube.com/results?search=Simon+phillips&search_type=search_videos

[infernal drummer]

awesome site thank you robin the clinic solo 2004 with octobans was just what i was looking for

[Robin]

awesome site thank you robin the clinic solo 2004 with octobans was just what i was looking for
Yeah, that groove is so freakin cool!

[Robin]

Yes, I know some people don't like him and his soloing but I don't care. hahahaha.

Anyway, here's a drumsolo taken during the Toto tour in 2000 in Bulgaria. This is one of the more intense solos I've seen of Simon and I think It's a very good one too.

Sorry about the sound problem. It's about 1-2 seconds after the video but It's definitely "watchable"!

Here it is!!! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDFSDG0645w)


Feel free to comment!!

[Drummer Karl]

GREATEST solo I`ve ever seen by Simon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
he shows all his dynamics and sensivity! great grooves and his drums (especially the toms sound delicious!!!!!

Great one, Robin!! GREAT ONE!
this was this "Lifefields" tour, or?

Karl

[Robin]

Yes, this was during the third leg of the Livefields tour in the summer of 2000. Glad you enjoyed, Karl!

[Fur drummer]

I agree with Drummer Karl, that was the best solo I have seen from him. Nice use of the octobans and BDs together. Very cool solo.

[Drummer Karl]

I agree with Drummer Karl, that was the best solo I have seen from him. Nice use of the octobans and BDs together. Very cool solo.

and it was far the best tom sound I`ve ever heard from Simon`s Maples!!!! nice, warm, clean...
just love it!

Karl

[Sylvester]

That was awesome!!! That groove at the end is mindblowing? How on earth does he do that?! I've never seen a Phillips solo this wild. Thanks for posting, brother!

[hauk]

to me: not much mindblowing, but pretty good [though i'm probably pretty hard to please]

[Sylvester]

I'm curious, What is Toto doing right now?

[Robin]

Yet again, some more SP video. Here's some amazing playing from his instructional video released in 1992. And yes, that long hair and those pants are neat hahahahaha.

here it is :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIV16KybRRo

[TopCat]

That is awesome. The hair is not so much. Great find.

Any idea what hats he's using there?

[Drummer Karl]

Wow, omg, that was really an awesome find!
You can recognize Simon`s playing style VERY well! really great!

TopCat: I think he is using A custom hats...brilliant finish.

Karl

[Robin]

I really love that fill around 1:11. Typical Simon Phillips!

[Sylvester]

That was really cool! Very intensive playing by Simon! Love it!

[Damon Dapper]

Ohhh come on..........LOL


Simon has way more caliber than what he demonstrated on that cool clip............

He's one of the greatest Drummers alive today, I don't understand why any of his clips from his 2 instructional vidoe's (made around 11 years ago) are not on here at drummerworld. If you think that solo above is something (and its cool) get both of his instructional videos, and behold man! Purely Awesome.

Simons Instructional Video packs (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/WarnerBrosSimonPhillipsVideo?sku=960043&src=3WFRWXX)

The second video is "Simon Returns" we're talkin some seriously sick talent, man!

Dap.

[Damon Dapper]

Nice find,

And its about time Simon gets some real play here, but may I suggest watching the entire video because this cat is world class. But wait until you watch his second video DVD called "Simon Returns" in this set this cat delivers true talent and really takes the chain off and lets go. I see why he's wanted by every musician on the planet.

Dap.

[Robin]

Yo Dap! Thanks for posting! I have both his videos ( though only the first one on DVD and the second on VHS ) and his playing is sooo freakin good! His playing on the Simon Phillips Returns video is without any doubt, the best playing I EVER heard from him!

[Robin]

I don't understand why any of his clips from his 2 instructional vidoe's (made around 11 years ago) are not on here at drummerworld.
yeah, I mailed Bernhard about it, I asked if he wanted some clips so he could put them out but he never answered.

[WeatherKing]

Monster fills...I liked the one that started at about 1:31 with the double kick/tom fill. That had a great rolling feel to it. Thanks for posting!

[Robin]

Just so you know guys, I upload these things for you at DW. Again, some new ones!

Here, SP is showing some really cool snare/kickdrum rudiments you can practice to. Watch out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOhM3thhUNA

Here is SP ( from the video instructional video ) performing the groove song "Cosmos" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o2-WlxGicY

[Fur drummer]

and it was far the best tom sound I`ve ever heard from Simon`s Maples!!!! nice, warm, clean...
just love it!

Karl
Yes it was, I wonder if he is using different heads and tuning or if it was the way they were miced?

[Drummer Karl]

Yes it was, I wonder if he is using different heads and tuning or if it was the way they were miced?

I`m not sure but I think this was the time he used coated Remo ambassadors...they sound so beautiful!

Karl

[pimp_my_RIDE]

WOW!!!!(I say this with my jaw sitting on the floor and drool dripping down)
That great man never disapoints does he.

[Davo-London]

Impressive Hi-hat work amongst other things.

But there was no rhythm or melody motif running through the solo. I imagine a lot of non-drummers would have found this a turn-off.

Davo

[Robin]

But there was no rhythm or melody motif running through the solo. I imagine a lot of non-drummers would have found this a turn-off.
Well, you're right about that but in the end, there are tons of rhytms with all the things that's going on ;) ( kickdrums, snaredrum & gongdrum )

[Robin]

right here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKvfXERu-uA

[Drummer Karl]

Great video as always!
What an amazing camera angle! I really love Simon`s style, that was really cool...yeahhhh, keep up posting those great vids!! :-)

Karl

[Robin]

Some new stuff I uploaded :

Simon in 1992 playing a GREAT doublebass track :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zvP2hJLh2Ts

Great solo in 2002 :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KKvfXERu-uA

[SqueakySpeedKing]

Always such a great drum sound snd a deft management of that monster kit. Great ideas.

[infernal drummer]

Some new stuff I uploaded :

Simon in 1992 playing a GREAT doublebass track :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=zvP2hJLh2Ts

Great solo in 2002 :
http://youtube.com/watch?v=KKvfXERu-uA

good stuff :) i would KILL for his skills

[radeq]

hey guys, I've seen few days ago theyr concert in budapest, simon was AWESOMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEe!!!!

[Robin]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oE8XQVs7Ki4

Just uploaded this. Video quality suck but the audio is good. A great solo by the master in 1996.

[Drummer Karl]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=oE8XQVs7Ki4

Just uploaded this. Video quality suck but the audio is good. A great solo by the master in 1996.

this was truly awesome. Damn, this man grooves...great video again.

Karl

[mlehnertz]

Hey, so when Alex Van Halen keels over and dies we know "Hot For Teacher" is covered.

You heard it. You know you did. China kicks and all.

Robin, do you have a copy of the tune V8 either in MP3 or video?

[The Elusive Z]

Well this is my first post here, and it's fitting that it's for Simon Phillips. I've been a fan of his for a long time. He's got such an amazing sound, and the stuff he comes up with for timekeeping is really creative. I've got his videos and recently picked up the live force majeur cd. Geat stuff !

I'm sorry to hear that he stripped the octobans for the new tour. That was one of my favourite elements of his kit.

Robin, nice work posting all those clips of him. No we're not getting tired of them, so keep em comin

[Robin]

Robin, do you have a copy of the tune V8 either in MP3 or video?
Well, I think V8 is on Simon's page here on Drummerworld but It's not the whole one. I'll try and find the complete tune!

The Elusive Z: For his clinic tour, he did infact play without the octobans but this recent TOTO tour, they were back up!

[mlehnertz]

I'll check. I used to have it on a floppy piece of plastic from Modern Drummer. Let me know if you have the whole thing. Thanks.

Well, I think V8 is on Simon's page here on Drummerworld but It's not the whole one. I'll try and find the complete tune!

[Robin]

Simon turns 50 today. Happy birthday!

[wy yung]

Happy birthday Simon.

[junglelord]

Happy Birthday Simon.
I have one question.
In the Live DVD with Toto on the song Rossana you did not do the Jeff Pocarro shuffle, how come?

[X22]

The last time I checked, Simon Phillips is not a participant in these forums.

Happy Birthday Simon.
I have one question.
In the Live DVD with Toto on the song Rossana you did not do the Jeff Pocarro shuffle, how come?

[Robin]

Happy Birthday Simon.
I have one question.
In the Live DVD with Toto on the song Rossana you did not do the Jeff Pocarro shuffle, how come?
Well, Simon isn't trying to be Jeff, he has his own style and makes the song his own. That's problaby why.

[junglelord]

While I never considered that he was trying to be Jeff, I thought that he was trying to be true to the songs which was obvious in the rest of the songs that he played But for some unknown reason, he did not do the shuffle to Rosanna, which confuses me and confounds me because I'm sure he can do it. And of course it is the signature sound to that song. The fact that he did not play at while he did the rest of the songs The same the way Jeff did still confuses me.
PS I knew he did not answer the questions it was purely rhetorical.
I have yet to get a satisfactory answer from any drummer I've talked to. The only conclusion I can come to, which was seen to be impossible. Is that he actually can't play that shuffle.
Of course we know he can, or it would seem improbable that he cannot.
Therefore, the question still remains, why did he not reproduce the shuffle. When he played Rosanna live with toto?

[Berberman]

A video of a drum solo last week in Paris with TOTO. Enjoy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDGHhjiHFu0

[HammerHead]

simon phillips fans make sure you go back and check out
judas priest sin after sin (pre metal hard rock) with 19 year
phillips.


if you haven't already.

a ripping good time to be had by all.

[spartacus1989]

You have even experienced Simon Phillips until you have listened to Toto - Daves Gone Skiing!!! Pure Genius!

[squid]

Just thought I'd share my opinion...
I saw Toto live last summer and they were mind-blowing. The concert was outdoors, and the quality of sound was unreal. Simon's drum set was simply the greatest I have ever heard live. Even Rush (who I am not knocking, they are one of my favorite bands) didn't sound that good outdoors. I particularly loved the way Simon's bass drum sounded. Props to Simon and Toto's amazing Tech crew!

[massaf]

Well, Simon isn't trying to be Jeff, he has his own style and makes the song his own. That's problaby why.

Indeed, Toto became interested in Philips sice Jeff loved his style. Somewhere Simon said he wasnt going to copy Jeff, he was going to play in his own syle, the one Jeff liked. I think Jeff told the Toto guys that if someday he left the band, Simon was a good replacement. But still, I think think Simon is ver overated.

[slingerland755]

Just so you know guys, I upload these things for you at DW. Again, some new ones!

Here, SP is showing some really cool snare/kickdrum rudiments you can practice to. Watch out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOhM3thhUNA

Here is SP ( from the video instructional video ) performing the groove song "Cosmos" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o2-WlxGicY

Bummer...the video was removed by user. Got antoher copy?

[KarlCrafton]

One of my bands played a show withTOTO in July, and Simon was amazing. His kit was super cool, and he was a really great guy.

He made it a point to come off the bus to say how much he loved my drum sound--especially my bass drum which sounded "fu*king great" in his words.
Now THAT was cool.

HE was asking me what muffling I used and how I had it set up. That was a holy crap moment to say the least.

He sent his roadie and another crew guy to find me and invite on stage, but they couldn't find me--and they both said "Hey, we were looking for you! Simon wanted to have you come on stage to watch..."

The keyboard player also commented on how great my drums sounded too, and Steve Lukather was also complimentary on the band.

Here's a pic of me and Simon, and a couple others..so you know I'm not B.Sing (which I don't ever do I promise!).

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/KarlCrafton/marquee.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/KarlCrafton/meSimon1.jpg

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/KarlCrafton/skitback.jpg

This is how I had it set up on the Toto gig, but the pic is from a show we opened for The (New) Cars in Sept.

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/KarlCrafton/P1010051.jpg

This is how have it set up now...I have a 21" crash under the china, but you can't really see it in this pic.
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h257/KarlCrafton/RSNwKtConfig907.jpg

[Ekim]

If you like over-the-top slamming rock stuff, get Derek Sherinian's (ex-Dream Theater) solo CDs. Simon plays on "Inertia", "Black Utopia", "Mythology" and "Blood Of The Snake". They're all good but I'd say "Black Utopia" is the best of the bunch, followed by "Inertia".

Steve Lukather from Toto is on them too, along with guys like Yngwie, Zakk Wylde, Allan Holdsworth and Al Di Meola! Great stuff.

[Bernhard]

Great Drumclinic yesterday in Basel/Switzerland....

Enjoy the pictures...

Bernhard

[RudimentalDrummer]

Thanks Bernhard, the pictures are real nice.eeeeeeeeeeeeee.

[JPDrum]

Great Drumclinic yesterday in Basel/Switzerland....

Enjoy the pictures...

Bernhard

Thanks ever so much! These are some of the nicest shots of Simon I've seen on the net yet! Absolutely incredible. Hope you have more!

Cheers

J P Lapp

[JPDrum]

While I never considered that he was trying to be Jeff, I thought that he was trying to be true to the songs which was obvious in the rest of the songs that he played But for some unknown reason, he did not do the shuffle to Rosanna, which confuses me and confounds me because I'm sure he can do it. And of course it is the signature sound to that song. The fact that he did not play at while he did the rest of the songs The same the way Jeff did still confuses me.
PS I knew he did not answer the questions it was purely rhetorical.
I have yet to get a satisfactory answer from any drummer I've talked to. The only conclusion I can come to, which was seen to be impossible. Is that he actually can't play that shuffle.
Of course we know he can, or it would seem improbable that he cannot.
Therefore, the question still remains, why did he not reproduce the shuffle. When he played Rosanna live with toto?

He did not play it like Jeff becasue that is what the guys in Toto wanted. They wanted him to stay true to the music but play it his style, not Jeff's. This is what was told to me firsthand from Toto's tour Martin Cole. We had a very long discussion after a Toto show a couple of years ago.

Cheers

J P Lapp

[Gretschgal96]

JP's right here, gang.
In fact...there's an interview somewhere online of a Mr. Legarde interviewing Luke (four or five days after Jeff's memorial service) and Luke said that they wanted simon to rip it up.
Which is what he's done for 16 years. To make it his own thing. They did NOT want someone to come in sounding like Jeffrey....because nobody but Jeff could sound like Jeff.

ps: AMAZING slideshow of Simon up on the front page. Was this put together from one clinic or several? There's some great angles on the Phillips.

T


He did not play it like Jeff becasue that is what the guys in Toto wanted. They wanted him to stay true to the music but play it his style, not Jeff's. This is what was told to me firsthand from Toto's tour Martin Cole. We had a very long discussion after a Toto show a couple of years ago.

Cheers

J P Lapp

[Bernhard]

ps: AMAZING slideshow of Simon up on the front page. Was this put together from one clinic or several? There's some great angles on the Phillips.

T

It was one Show - Drumclinic last month here in Basel, Switzerland
Green Shirt is Soundcheck - Grey shirt is appearance
See also his page on Drummerworld:
http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Simon_Phillips.html

Bernhard

[Philippe]

Thanks Bernhard for the fantastic pictures!!! I was in Aarau to watch Simon on his drum clinics, couldn't make it to Basel.

It was great, just plain fantastic. Simon is a hell of a drummer (well, wouldn't you know?) and what a nice person he is.

[slingerland755]

I just watched the Live Toto DVD 'Falling In Between'. Jeff is greatly missed, but they could not of found a better replacement. Simon has the tastiest licks and I believe plays Toto's music just how Jeff would have wanted. Lee Sklar and Simon gettin' it!

[Philippe]

Simon is in fact far more than just a replacement drummer. He's with Toto for a long time now and is responsible for producing some of their latest CDs (Falling in Between has been recorded in his own studio).
Simon isthe only one along with Steve Lukather touring with Toto since Jeff's dead. Bobby came back later, Mike wasn't on the last tour, same for Paich.

[siphi_clone]

Finaly

one of my favorite drummers :) I love his album he did with the Toto - livefields - especialy the 6 song - dave's gone fishing it's incredible... :D

It's "Skiing" lmfao!