Chad Smith

[Dr Drums]

I expect this thread to have all kinds of reactions, because i heard lots of opinions about Chad Smith.

Chad Smith: imo one of the biggest groovers of all times, not to talk about his unbeliveble feel and sound.
His technique is not really it, and he's not a drummer that stands for all the requests, but i think that his unique groove and feel really overcomes it.

So go ahead, give it all up

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Chad_Smith.html

[Anchein Vouivra]

I love chad smith's style, I would think twice about arguing his technic, just listen One Hot Minute.......it's sick.
I think he's the drummer who has the strongest groove among all the "Funkpunkrock" emergence in the early 90's. For sure it doesn't sound so demonstrative technicaly on certain album (specially the last one that I really disappriciate), but to play it so powerfully I'm sure he's got an a**kicking one. His technical discretion on studio albums reminds me a bit Ian Paice who then in live was a real monster. I believe it's the same with Chad.
I personnaly love his style and sound much more than Brain Mantia, Mike Bordin or Brad Wilk................................but not Tim Alexander hehee (he remains my personal ultimate master).
Anyway try his Pearl signature snare, it's cheap, cutting and loud.

[Bonham to the moon]

i think hes a bit over-rated, but hes got some tight grooves, but nothing real special.

[lars ulrich]

i think hes a bit over-rated, but hes got some tight grooves, but nothing real special.

True...he is no super hero in my book

[Superlow]

Chad Smith is a beast. I think he is great drummer. He has an excellent sense of time and pocket. He also hits extremely hard. He bridges the gap quite well between rock and funk. Now I dislike the RHCP's direction in music in the last few years. Their music lacks the balls it once had. The newer music is terribly overproduced. All that aside I think Chad Smith deserves credit, the guy can play.

[Dr Drums]

Now I dislike the RHCP's direction in music in the last few years. Their music lacks the balls it once had. The newer music is terribly overproduced. All that aside I think Chad Smith deserves credit, the guy can play.

Even though Red Hot is my fav band, i couldnt agree more.
their new meterial is REALLY over produced and is really on the wrong track. Their older stuff is y i love them so much.
even though that imo, Chad is still a real monster in the newer stuff, he becomes above all the thing he were, a real clean drummer. something that was defenetly missing in the old days.

[DR.WHOO]

like him because he plays for the song and not for tell us how much he studied
Not the best drummer of all times but great grooves for RHCP!

T

[NUTHA JASON]

i agree with whoo. the man may not be the fastest. he may not be an academic in the drumming world but he never fails album after album to be a great grooving funk drummer. my opinion: i would rather have his track record than for example terry bozzio. more people know and like chad than terry in the big wide world.


j

[Tyrnox]

He's always been one of my top drummers in my book, he has so much feel it's amazing.

[DR.WHOO]

i agree with whoo. the man may not be the fastest. he may not be an academic in the drumming world but he never fails album after album to be a great grooving funk drummer. my opinion: i would rather have his track record than for example terry bozzio. more people know and like chad than terry in the big wide world.


j

and if u think music should be a mean to comunicate chad comunicates ...

T

[rob]

I love him. His style at first comes off as so plain, but there are just thousands of nit picky things that launch him above the rest to give him really his own distinct style.

[Jonas Bridgous]

He's a good drummer at the end of the day, better even than me. But I personally dislike
his style and how it gells with the chili's. Cliff Martinez should still be playing drums for
the chilis today, he and flea had a real funky, tight rhythm section going on.

[Freddie Freeloader]

i think you guys need to see his instructional video.
this guy is one of my biggest influences, i played in a cover band for many years, and we did a LOT of rhcp. in the process, learning all his parts and all that, his playing really influenced mine.
really, many of the grooves in some of rhcp's tune are LANDMARK grooves, and literally shaped the drumming of younger bands trying to follow in rhcp's footsteps in the 90's.
he has that deep pocket and plays so hard and solid, in my opinion, thats the way you should be playing in a rock band. he literally brought the 'groove' back to rock music in the 90's....

and i don't get why people say new rhcp stuff is over-produced, infact, its a lot more under-produced than a lot of their older stuff..... most of the time its just one guitar track, bass, drums and vocals.... ????
they're just simple pop rock tunes, they've taken a new direction, and i honestly think a lot of the new stuff is very cool. and i'm not just a blind fan, i really enjoy a lot of the stuff on californication and by the way.

[Paul Quin]

I confess I am mystified about the criticism of Chad Smith. I suspect it comes from people having favorite drummers and then assuming that the favorite is "better" than everyone else. It takes all kinds and styles of playing to encompass the whole of the instrument. I really don't believe that "better" is useful term once you get to a professional standard.

Chad Smith is a terrific player. He is tight, funky, solid, musical and plays in a very deep pocket. His playing accompanies and benefits the music and that is what it is supposed to do. That is our job - we are accompanists.

Just my thoughts

Paul

[onggie]

I love Chad Smith! Awesome drummer, his been a great inspiration to me. He has a great feel for the beat!

[Speedy]

I like Chad Smith. Flea and him are a perfect bass-drummer pair. He knows how to flow thru the song.

[Tony Rockyhorror]

Defiantly gotta give Chad Smith Props. Like no one will ever write a top ten drummers of all time list with his name on it. But if one can hold his own agaist Flea and Chris Ferchiantie and come out not looking like a fool then respect must be given.

[Dr Drums]

i think you guys need to see his instructional video.
this guy is one of my biggest influences, i played in a cover band for many years, and we did a LOT of rhcp. in the process, learning all his parts and all that, his playing really influenced mine.
really, many of the grooves in some of rhcp's tune are LANDMARK grooves, and literally shaped the drumming of younger bands trying to follow in rhcp's footsteps in the 90's.
he has that deep pocket and plays so hard and solid, in my opinion, thats the way you should be playing in a rock band. he literally brought the 'groove' back to rock music in the 90's....

and i don't get why people say new rhcp stuff is over-produced, infact, its a lot more under-produced than a lot of their older stuff..... most of the time its just one guitar track, bass, drums and vocals.... ????
they're just simple pop rock tunes, they've taken a new direction, and i honestly think a lot of the new stuff is very cool. and i'm not just a blind fan, i really enjoy a lot of the stuff on californication and by the way.

U own man...U just neiled it

[A lot to see, hear, think]

I do like chad, because of his feelings for the drums.
Ok he is not a metall drummer with a lot of technique but he can sure do his thing on the drums. Also the drums that he uses are well picked.(listen to the snare of Live at slane castle.)
Chad is one of my standards with a lot others(john blackwell etc..)
I don't get all of the frustration over the fact that the late RHCP music is different, i mean i think by the way was a great album not corny like most of the bads are today.



See ya,

[tallassfreak89]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif Re: Chad Smith. Like? Dislike? come in.
i think hes a bit over-rated, but hes got some tight grooves, but nothing real special.



RE: This is the same guy that said Charlie Watts isn't overrated, that he's an AWSOME DRUMMER and that KEEPING TIME IS REALLY HARD. Chad smith is one of the premier funk drummers ever. You have got to be like 70 years old 'Bonham to the moon'.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I'm a big fan of chad smith. He's got some kick ass licks and fills. Perfect for RHCP

[theduke86]

Last time I saw RHCP lived I liked Chad very much. He grooves very well with Flea. His technique is not extraordinary, but he is still an essential drummer to learn from.

[HardRockDrummer]

He's my favourite drummer of all time. HE inspired me to play drums, and he's got what a great drummer needs, including solidness of playing, speed, technique, showmanship and he creates one of the best rhythm sections in the world with flea.

chad doesn't sound that amazing on cds (especially by the way and californication), but his ability to improvise and sound amazing live is inspirational.
have any of you heard him play with glenn hughes? he's awesome!

personally i enjoy funky grooves more than technical solos of the likes of terry bozzio.

[Stephan]

I think Chad is amazing, his groove is rock-solid, he has a really deep pocket and the guy plays so musically. He's my biggest inspiration as well. I grew up on RHCP, and I learned to play the drums along to Blood Sugar Sex Magic.

He's is no technical master, but do not underestimate his skills, his single stroke roll is super fast. He's got a wicked right foot technique too.

Next to that, he's such a nice guy. Even with his high profile, he maintains a down-to-earth image and personality ... I've met him on a few occasions, and he will sign every autograph until every fan is satisfied, even if it takes him 2 or more hours.

[largo61]

I like Chad Smith. Flea and him are a perfect bass-drummer pair. He knows how to flow thru the song.


That is true. With a bassist as good as Flea you need a great drummer. My band plays Soul To Squeeze. In order to properly learn the drums to that song I learned how to play the bassline. It was probably not absolutly necsissary but it helps me stay tight with the bass. I thougt I did pretty good for being stricktly a drummer. I did help. That is the most important thing. The drummer is a time keeper and needs to stay tight with the bassist. Chad Smith is better at that than most drummers of his unique genre.

[Dill X]

Chad is both a great drummer and performer. He knows how to work the crowd and make his drumming seem interesting even on the most simplistic grooves. Chad can groove like very few rock drummers can (with help with Flea's awesome bass), and has some interesting fills.

He is a cool drummer, and he can get people moving. He works very well in the Red Hot Chili Peppers and is exciting to watch on stage.

[PearlDrummer014]

Chad Smith is one of the coolest funk drummmers to listen too. i "can't stop" listinen to him =)

[DRUMMER FED]

i love chad..... he was the reason i decided to play tht and the fact tht i love the chili peppers!

[Smoky_McPot]

I grew up on RHCP, and I learned to play the drums along to Blood Sugar Sex Magic.

YES!!! I played to that album aswell, It improved my playing exponentially.
That is a beautiful album, not a bad song on it!
Chad's drumming is so tight, has so much feel!

Watch the Blood Sugar Sex Magic DVD and he says "I like to lay down the groove, so that the other guys can paint on top of it."

Awesome drummer in his own right! No one can argue with that.

[ChrisD]

Chad is awesome.I used to think he wasn't the greatest then I bought a few of their albums and I must say that Blood Sugar Sex Magix has incredible drumming on it!! Just the sound of the drums and how he keeps things so simple and in the pcoket....and the ghost note placements are terrific!! One more thing I love about that album is how almost every song as one killer fill in it that I have to rewind back to on my cd player just to hear again.

[Elemental Nausea]

Chad is still a real monster in the newer stuff, he becomes above all the thing he were, a real clean drummer. something that was defenetly missing in the old days.

the by the way album is really terribly boring in drumming aspects, a drum machine could have done that as well...why do you say this cleanness was missing in the old days? he has always been tight and professional and clean but in the old days it was more creative and groovy

[sabian_aax]

i like chad because, he is tight, his grooves are funky, tasteful fills, fun to watch, simple and always plays for the music.

[Jaymasta]

This Guy lays down the grooves perfectly his rock is also really good. Mixing Funk with Rock can be a challenge But Chad pulls it off no problem. He is always fun to watch fun to play along to plays great solo's has a lot of energy. He's one of my favorites he's an all out Excellent drummer. He's a monster behind the kit

[NUTHA JASON]

get his DVD it is hilarious. he is such a skater dude. but then he sits down and the power is all there.

j

[thedrumthing86]

i saw the movie wit dennis chambers, garibaldi, mike clark, and chad smith on it
by the time it got to chad smith it wus jsut like what r u doing why am i watching this

chads cool but not my fav

[HardRockDrummer]

i saw the movie wit dennis chambers, garibaldi, mike clark, and chad smith on it
by the time it got to chad smith it wus jsut like what r u doing why am i watching this

chads cool but not my fav

what movie was it? i'd love to see it considering it has the world's most renowned drummers on it.

[ZeppelinJB]

Ive never heard of chad SMith in my life. Who is he? Whos he play for?

[chadolen]

Chad Smith is the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In my opinion, a great funk drummer. He has lots of space to play with but doesn't overdue it. He keeps it interesting but sometimes simple, building a solid foundation for the songs.

[jumping joe]

chad smith is a power house! he is one of the most stylish drummers out there. And he is talented. Ive heard of his drum tech throwing sticks at him and him catching them in his left hand playing a stroke then trowing it out behind him. Then catching the next one thrown at him only to repet the cycle.
JUST FOR FUN! .................................................. .................. WOW.

anyone else.........

[geek_boy_in]

i saw the movie wit dennis chambers, garibaldi, mike clark, and chad smith on it
by the time it got to chad smith it wus jsut like what r u doing why am i watching this

chads cool but not my fav

??? which movie are you talking about ?? why are you comparing drummers with totally different acumen ?? Please give credit to people where it is due ..... when 90% of the posts in this thread say that he is good and inspiring it really means something ain't it ??

Chad smith plays for the music .... he has got some neat ideas ...... his grooves are so tight and appropriate that it seems easy and its hard to come up with some better alternative for that particular song ........ I think this is the most precious quality that a musician can possess ...

[ewanlaing]

Dislike... very much dislike....
why? he's a very powerfull funk drummer. he can play fast. he can play slow (a skill lost on many drummers today), loud soft. above all, he is one of the most tasteful drummers of all time. "soul to squeeze" is my favourite chillis song, cos all the instruments play the perfect part, drums included. (also, the singer is amazing in that song).

[moparpunks]

Chad is a killer drummer but besides that, is it just me or does this guy look like Will Farrell?

[lfdy]

why? he's a very powerfull funk drummer. he can play fast. he can play slow (a skill lost on many drummers today), loud soft. above all, he is one of the most tasteful drummers of all time. "soul to squeeze" is my favourite chillis song, cos all the instruments play the perfect part, drums included. (also, the singer is amazing in that song).

Yeah.

Lots of new drummers are obsessed with getting as fast as possible.

I was once like that...And then i started focusing on grooving, and playing slower stuff...

[rock_drummer91]

Chad Smith is awesome. Mixes funk and rock perfectly. One of my favorites.

[Stu_Strib]

With nothing other than RHCP cd's to judge him, I'd say he's interesting and unique.

But I can't help feeling he was totally outclassed on the Modern Drummer Festival 2005 dvd (which isn't a bad thing, if you look at the huge amount of monster drummers on there).

My wife says he looks like Will Ferrel and Dennis Miller had a baby, LOL!

[Laurent]

For something different with Chad, check out :

Glenn Hughes - Soul Mover
Paul Finazzo - Tango's Blueberry Jam (available from www.cdbaby.com)

I don't like RHCP and am no fan of Chad as such. But I like his playing on both of the above albums.

[Wegadrummer]

For something different with Chad, check out :

Glenn Hughes - Soul Mover
Paul Finazzo - Tango's Blueberry Jam (available from www.cdbaby.com)

I don't like RHCP and am no fan of Chad as such. But I like his playing on both of the above albums.

Soul mover is a great cd... i love both glenns and chads playing.. and dave naveretto i think plays guitar..

[lfdy]

With nothing other than RHCP cd's to judge him, I'd say he's interesting and unique.

But I can't help feeling he was totally outclassed on the Modern Drummer Festival 2005 dvd (which isn't a bad thing, if you look at the huge amount of monster drummers on there).

My wife says he looks like Will Ferrel and Dennis Miller had a baby, LOL!

Yeah.

I especially love the older tracks by the Peppers, for instance BSSM...

He does some serious grooving on that album.

[Ashbash]

I love Chad Smith!!

This guy was my favourite drummer (and is now second, being usurped by the gaddmeister).
The man knows how to PLAY! his playing is so groovy and funky, and he's even better live. Ever heard live in hyde park? That is one sweet concert, although a bit more rocky than funky, because it's a concert, and that's how it should be.

I learnt how to GROOVE by listening to chad smith, he is my number one influence. Unfortunately i still haven't listened to the earlier albums.

One question, was Chad a pioneer? I mean did anyone else play funk rock before him?

[lfdy]

I love Chad Smith!!

This guy was my favourite drummer (and is now second, being usurped by the gaddmeister).
The man knows how to PLAY! his playing is so groovy and funky, and he's even better live. Ever heard live in hyde park? That is one sweet concert, although a bit more rocky than funky, because it's a concert, and that's how it should be.

I learnt how to GROOVE by listening to chad smith, he is my number one influence. Unfortunately i still haven't listened to the earlier albums.

One question, was Chad a pioneer? I mean did anyone else play funk rock before him?

You should definitely give BSSM a try, to me, it's their best album.

And i would find it strange if Chad was the first funk rock drummer :)

[Ashbash]

it says on the internet that chad holds the record for the largest kit at 308 pieces! i can't a picture of it though, so if anyone finds one, can i see it?

[da cheese walks]

Chad Smith is an amazing drummer!!All you have to do is listen to early RHCP stuff an youll just be blown away.....one song that you have to hear its so insane and has some brilliant ghost notes and triplets throughout it is "Instrumental #1"...not hard drumming but the way it fits the bass line is incredible!so cool....hes one of the Funkiest drummers out there......class!but i do agree that the new RHCPs stuff is just losing its touch....they used to do stuff with such raw energy,but now theyve become pretty respectable mature guys...its just lost that insanity!!!

[y0avz]

He has some killing grooves no doubt about that...
but the thing i like most about him is his feet work, just a great in-your-face base drum sounds.

[Yogibear]

I agree his druming fits with his great personality,he plays really well with flees crazy bass riffs and sets a good structure for the song,breaking the girl is a good example of this.

[lfdy]

Chad Smith is an amazing drummer!!All you have to do is listen to early RHCP stuff an youll just be blown away.....one song that you have to hear its so insane and has some brilliant ghost notes and triplets throughout it is "Instrumental #1"...not hard drumming but the way it fits the bass line is incredible!so cool....hes one of the Funkiest drummers out there......class!but i do agree that the new RHCPs stuff is just losing its touch....they used to do stuff with such raw energy,but now theyve become pretty respectable mature guys...its just lost that insanity!!!

Well they have grown up too :)

It's normal that as they get older, they would want to try out a different approach to music. And i really like the Chili's nowadays, they still have great songs.

[da cheese walks]

Well they have grown up too :)

It's normal that as they get older, they would want to try out a different approach to music. And i really like the Chili's nowadays, they still have great songs.

Yeah your totally right....but i just cant help but find their new stuff a bit sterile,and without that amount of feeling they used have?Its still class music but not with that "Oomph" they used to give!!But thats just my opinion!

yeah i also agree that his bass work is class!!hes got a great sound out of his kit overall...!I mean i love his snare sound!!its tuned nice and tight but still has a brilliant sound....!

[moe.ron]

i think chad is awesome. it seems on their earlier stuff he would lay more down and have harder beats and stuff while on by the way and their later stuff he kinda matured i guess and leaves things open for craziness live.

[lfdy]

Yeah your totally right....but i just cant help but find their new stuff a bit sterile,and without that amount of feeling they used have?Its still class music but not with that "Oomph" they used to give!!But thats just my opinion!

yeah i also agree that his bass work is class!!hes got a great sound out of his kit overall...!I mean i love his snare sound!!its tuned nice and tight but still has a brilliant sound....!

Yeah, i know what you mean...

They don't have the same funkiness in their music as they used to. But in some songs they still do, like Can't Stop, or Purple Stain,...

[NaturalRaz]

As mentioned previously.....he and Flea are a fantastic team. Smith has some really great grooves that get your head bobbing. He's great to listen to live.

[da cheese walks]

Yeah, i know what you mean...

They don't have the same funkiness in their music as they used to. But in some songs they still do, like Can't Stop, or Purple Stain,...
yeah yeah i dig it....cant stop is a brilliant song....really nice drumming an i have to say the guitar solo is as tasteful as anything john frusciante ever does!!!I just find their songs have become more mainstream an sorts....i mean especially if you consider how "out there" they were!!!hahaha!

[averypoordrummer]

he's the only reason i listen to RHCP

[da cheese walks]

why he the only reason???

anthony keidis has a wonderful voice!!Flea is a bass master....John Frusciante an Hillel Slovak(RIP) are/were absolutley brilliant guitarists.....

the RHCP have a lot going for tehm!!

[LumberjackIvan]

I love Chad Smith. He is my favorite drummer of all time. I've never heard him overplay a song. He sits right in the pocket every time, without fail. He doesn't show off during albums. I respect that, it takes a lot to control the overwhelming desire to just stick in whatever you feel would make the song cooler from your end. Its a very mature quality. He plays to the song and not to show off. His sense of time is unwavering and his foot work is fantastic. If you've ever seen him live you can see how locked in to the songs he is. Chili Peppers do some distracting things on stage. They have flaming helmets, light bulb heads, and sometimes play in the nude. All the while Chad plays as if nothing strange is happening. I think he's better than a lot of people give him credit for. I played to Californication and Blood Sugar and it improved my sense of timing tenfold. He does some crazy stuff with his beats. I highly recommend his instructional DVD. He doesn't sit down and instruct but you get to see him play some of the best RHCP songs and he plays the beats slower for you too. Chad Smith is a rock/funk/punk powerhouse.

[TopCat]

Fantastic performer and a top notch groover. Does what enjoys, and does it well. I saw him play with rhcp a few times, and more recently saw a drum clinic at the MusicLive event in the UK, he was very down-to-earth, but had certainly not lost his 'rock star' edge. I beleive there was reference to naked midgets as part of his pre-show warm up. =)

[ewanlaing]

and he knows how to smile. few performers do nowadays.

[GAZZASCOTLAND]

chads a great drummer..not because he is technically gifted like vinnie and weckl etc..but he does his job,drives the band along and even better,looks like he is really enjoying it.....for sheer power and feel for funk/rock...he da man!!!

[NUTHA JASON]

okay, i think chad rocks...don't get me wrong. he is the king of hard line funk and one of my huge influences...but he is nowhere near to weckl or vinnie. even he would say that.

j

[Roo]

Awwww god, Chad Smith is amazing. I've been a huge fan of his even before I started drumming. I play his signature Vater FunkBlasters right now, and I am definately investing in 10 more pairs. If there's any drummer's style I'd love to master, Chad would be on top of my list.

[Alex]

he is nowhere near to weckl or vinnie. even he would say that.j

You cant really compare Chad to those two drummers. Totaly different genres of playing. I agree, he probably isnt close to weckl or vinnie, but he doesnt need to be. He is perfect for what he does. Throw down amazing fitting grooves where need be. I acutally think he has more "feel" than Weckl.

[Inthe_pocket2000]

I've really dig Chad's playing. His technique is great and his feel is amazing. I think his best work is on Blood,Sugar, Sex Magic. He plays some very tasteful syncopated funky grooves that are SO funky that the stinch comes right out of the speakers.

[Robin]

Personally, I think Chad it great! Never overplays and always steady. Awesome groover along with Flea.

[rendezvous_drummer]

okay, i think chad rocks...don't get me wrong. he is the king of hard line funk and one of my huge influences...but he is nowhere near to weckl or vinnie. even he would say that.

j
HA! This is too true. He's an awesome drummer and i love his style.....BUT..... nobody can say that he's as technical or skillful as Weckl......thats just insane.

[LumberjackIvan]

Chad Smith is one drummer that I would love to emulate the most. His style and feel surpasses so many modern drummers. He's amazing.

[funkblaster]

Chad has always been among my faves, i have to say. He can be the funkiest guy on the planet, and he's just a cool person anyway. I kind of find it hard to define my opinion on his style now, dont get me wrong, as he said himself "not everything calls for fancy fills or sticking your chop in there 'cos it sounds good", but you sometimes wanna see him do something a little more elaborate, or try and be a little more creative.

He is a great time keeper and one funky guy, but i'd love it if he played to his funkiness a bit more.

Oh yeah and another thing. Dont you think its funny, having watched chad alot, that you'll like never hear him play a song exactly as the track is, he always improvises, do you think thats just him getting in the moment or that he's a bit lazy and doesnt learn his own parts? lol

[Lingenfelter Twin Turbo]

Say what you will about Chad's technique, but the fact is that he is a great drummer. His FEEL is excellant, and most important, his time is outstanding. He does not use a click on their records! And he PLAYS FOR THE SONG! I would take his style of drumming with less chops ANY DAY over a guy who can't play a song and is only interested in being the fastest drummer in the world.

[Lingenfelter Twin Turbo]

HA! This is too true. He's an awesome drummer and i love his style.....BUT..... nobody can say that he's as technical or skillful as Weckl......thats just insane.

How many top 40 albums has Weckl played on? Thank you!

[Stu_Strib]

How many top 40 albums has Weckl played on? Thank you!

I've said it a million times: there is no correlation between popularity and playing skill. Well, actually there is, but it's usually an inverse correlation ;-)

[ewanlaing]

the sad sad truth.
listening to some chilli peppers today, and i think chad is just a great drummer. he's so easy to like.

[DogBreath]

How many top 40 albums has Weckl played on? Thank you!
No, thank you. What a good laugh that gave me.

[OceanDirt]

I've said it a million times: there is no correlation between popularity and playing skill. Well, actually there is, but it's usually and inverse correlation ;-)

well, for session drummers, it's just a different thing altogether. how many top 40 albums has abe laboriel jr been on? vinnie? matt chamberlain? gadd? etc. etc.

chad smith is a solid drummer, does a great job for the chili peppers, and brings a lot to the group. don't get me wrong, i love the chili peppers, they've been one of my favorite bands for a long time and chad's a great drummer.

i don't believe chad is up to par with the likes of weckl as a technical innovator. weckl has pushed himself in so many ways to become the metronome that he is.

weckl also can't play pop and rock music. that's why he's not on any of those albums. so chad has a one-up on him there.

but - how many top 40 albums has meg white been on?

so my point: umm i forgot.

[Stu_Strib]

I'm pretty sure Weckl can play pop music in his sleep. He chooses not too is all. His beginner books are chock full of easy beats and simple straight forward pop/rock beats.

Gadd has been on several #1 albums, but most people here in DW weren't even born yet ;-)

Matt Chamberlain has been on a couple for sure...the John Mayer cds and the Sara Evans cds.

sidenote: am I the only drummer on DW that has any working knowledge what-so-ever of Country music? There are a ton of really good session drummers in this genre, but nobody talks about it!

And for the guy asking if there was Funk Rock drumming before Chad Smith, I would point him to the 70s. Hardly a pioneer in funk rock, but definitely a pioneer in the funk/rap/rock style of RHCP!

[OceanDirt]

I'm pretty sure Weckl can play pop music in his sleep. He chooses not too is all. His beginner books are chock full of easy beats and simple straight forward pop/rock beats.

...

And for the guy asking if there was Funk Rock drumming before Chad Smith, I would point him to the 70s. Hardly a pioneer in funk rock, but definitely a pioneer in the funk/rap/rock style of RHCP!
well, to be sure weckl can play any pattern at all that you would use in a pop context, there's no doubt about that. but he doesn't have the feel for the style as well as some other guys out there. he's gone out for some big gigs (sting) and i've heard he's said that it's a goal of his to be on a major pop record at some point - but other guys like vinnie, steve, abe, etc. keep getting the jobs over him. not to diminish his contributions to music and to drumming by any degree.


i'd missed that post about the funk rock drumming... that's a little worrisome to see actually haha. yeah, chad smith is a great drummer, to be sure, but hardly a pioneer of the instrument or style.

though you can't deny his influence over the shape of the band. obviously having half of the band replaced between albums will have an effect on the music, but i think chad smith and john frusciante brought something far more positive to the band than other replacements have for other groups. they didn't try to imitate jack irons and hillel slovak, but brought something fresh to the peppers.

while john's contributions are more immediately noticable (his style is such a sharp contrast to hillel's), chad had an equally powerful influence. the chili peppers remained true to their niche with mother's milk and blood sugar sex magik, but were able to refine it over the course of those two albums to the masterpiece that is BSSM. that is a considerable achievement, especially in the wake of such a tragedy and the drug addiction of anthony, hillel, flea, and of course john later.

chad seemed to really connect with flea in a way jack irons hadn't previously been able to. the two of them are a powerhouse rhythm section combination. i think chad's style coupled with flea's insane ideas really brought something new to the band.


i was so close to having a coherent train of thought in that post haha. maybe next time.

[Stu_Strib]

I think this is a good way to praise Chad:

If you want to be a well-rounded drummer and appreciate lots of different types of music, I would definitely suggest that all drummers have a copy of Blood Sugar Sex Magik in their libraries. I wouldn't say it is the BEST drumming by Smith, but it is the most defining example of that genre (or sub-genre we could say).

(too go along with my previous country music comment), why don't people have a broader taste in music? (This seems especially difficult for drummers). I have country/jazz/metal/R&B/Classic Rock/Alternative Rock (i.e. anything from 90 'til today), you name it. I really don't care for punk, emo and rap, but I still have some..at a minium to understand the musical aspects of that style.

Country music really seems to get the short end of the stick with drummers, yet Nashville session musicians are considered some of the best guys out there.

When I was in highschool (2 decades ago) I was in a Dixie band and a Rush cover band at the same time!

[da cheese walks]

well, for session drummers, it's just a different thing altogether. how many top 40 albums has abe laboriel jr been on? vinnie? matt chamberlain? gadd? etc. etc

i see your point an it is good....but i presume Gadd has been at least a number of top 40 albums?i mean hes recorded with hundreds of artists....?

[FOGOFUNK]

As this being my first post in this forum, i might aswell make it in thread about my fav drummer, Chad is no-way the best thechnical drummer in the world, but his feel and groove more than make up for this, another thing that has been overlooked in this thread is his incredible stage presence, he doesnt have to use a ridiculous siamese monster kit to get noticed, and he is always smiling and sometimes even points to people in the crowd mid-song while playing on his ride, check out the off the map video.

[Jimothy]

I have recently bought and watched Dave Weckl's How to Develop Technique, and Chad's Red Hot Chilli Method.

Both have inspired me and scared me, but you cannot compare these two drummers. I think it is all down to taste and style.

I connect way better with Chad Smith because I think he is more my style of drumming(He's obviously way better!). I could see myself actually nailing some of his grooves.

After watching Daves I almost want to forget the drums and learn them again. He has an amazing technique which seems effortless. It scares me the hours it would take to get anywhere near him.

A good balance from watching them both though. Time to re-analyse my kit setup, focus my practise and keep on trying to play what is right for the band!

[ReX]

Slightly off of Chad's drumming for a sec...

If you wanted to go out drinking and carousing (if that's your thing), would you rather do it with Chad, or another drummer...say Weckl or Peart? I don't even know if the latter do that anymore (or ever did). For my bar tab, Chad would have to be right up there.



...So long as he kept his tube sock on.

[Tex12]

Chad and Ian Pace are great grooving drummers but sometimes I think when they are together they clown around to much
It can become a little annoying to me
Other drummers probably love it but I take drums a little more serious than that
It's just me and how I feel

[ReX]

Chad and Ian Pace are great grooving drummers but sometimes I think when they are together they clown around to much
It can become a little annoying to me
Other drummers probably love it but I take drums a little more serious than that
It's just me and how I feel

hmmmm...sheer coincidence: yesterday, my drumming teacher brought a copy of the Chad / Ian thing for the London Drum Company done back in 2004. Chad was def a bit over the top with the clowning around. He was also noticeably hung over, which probably had something to do with his jumpiness / edgy behavior (I once knew a man...heh, heh).

When he manages to hang onto his sticks, he can groove like a mutha.

[samthebeat]

Ok so ibe looked for the man and I cant find, so im gonna have to post.

Chad is one my favourite drummers for three resaons. The main reason he has the one of the fattests grooves ever, real hard and realy funky,

The second is that he has got the chops and I think he does'nt get recognised for that by "drummers" as much as he should.

And the third is he just cool as, and he rides a harley. Thats just cool in my opinion.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Yes... He really grooves fine.
And another good thing! He's not going around pretending to be the best drummer in the world.

[GAZZASCOTLAND]

totally agree..though i love weckl,peart, vinnie and all the other geniuses,im a huge fan of chad..nothing too flashy..great feel..does his job perfectly and really looks like he is in the zone...just watching him play is infectious and having watched his video,he seems a great guy too..huge personality...top man!!!

[(no-logo)]

MD fest 2005 he really does wear that beat thin

[Ashbash]

woooo!
stadium arcadium coming soon

[Wegadrummer]

woooo!
stadium arcadium coming soon

cant`t wait for the album.. :)

[TopCat]

And me, it'll be great. Well, i hope it will.

[Mdrummer]

Chad is for me awesome drummer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overplaying don't make a good drummer
Speed don't make a good drummer
Good drummer makes playing from the heart, and playing for the song!
Watch him live and you will see what I mean!! (Live from Slane Castle, Off the Map)
For me he is like BONZO, SORUM, PAICE, COZY POWELL but in different musical situation
Maybe I'm wrong but I worship that "heart" drummers

[Chris]

Chad is the reason I play drums now. His grooves are incredibly tasteful and funky. He never over plays and he really gets into it live. For a clinic that my shop held Chad and a local bass player from a previous performance decided to have a jam session. That was one of the koolest things to watch. He's a pretty sick soloist too. Killer chops

[Scatman]

I saw thar MD DVD
Chad and Ian Pace goof around to much
They do more talking than playing

[paiste11]

I got a profile just to reply to this forum... because Chad is a sick drummer!
No other drummer lays it down like Chad and no other drummer can play the funky punk rock like chad can. He's doing his job and he's doing awesome with beats to prove it. Don't tell me that you have never heard a RHCP lick where all of a sudden you said to yourself
"What a sweet beat". He may not be Weckl, Rich, or Bonzo... but he is still a kick a** drumming machine.

Oh yeah,

Californication and By the Way are great albums wothout an argument!

[skippy]

I saw thar MD DVD
Chad and Ian Pace goof around to much
They do more talking than playing

pretty true. but when they do play its pretty rad. but for chads solo he just plays a straight groove. nothing fancy or anything at all.

[Wile E. Coyote]

but for chads solo he just plays a straight groove. nothing fancy or anything at all.
The question is: Is it needed?

[Alex]

pretty true. but when they do play its pretty rad. but for chads solo he just plays a straight groove. nothing fancy or anything at all.

thats whats great about it. He doesnt have to overplay to be great. even his simple stuff blows you away. thats what makes him what he is. He always fits the music. and is always right on top. very tight, and you could set a clock by him. Excellent drummer with lots of taste. One of my personal favourites.

[shuffle]

His studio work is very impressive. Good groove player, very locked in with Flea's licks. His snare work on the song "Californication" is very tasty, and I can never listen to "Breaking the girl" only once.

I was somewhat disappointed with a live performance I saw a few years ago, though. Sound was very bad, which may not have been their fault. But worst, their playin' wasn't very tight. I've seen other good comments elsewhere about their shows, it may only have been a bad night. I kept wondering however, how big a factor is pro-tool on their recordings.

[Wile E. Coyote]

I kept wondering however, how big a factor is pro-tool on their recordings.
I don't think there was much of that in the old records, and he's still amazing...

[dry_water]

I was so glad to see a post about Chad Smith. He is one of my favorite drummers. Okay maybe he's not a Bonham or a Powell in rock, or a Garibaldi in funk, but he's got that flow, and grooviness when he plays that just makes him so great.. I have his his DVD "Red Hot Rythm Method" and its absolutely hillarious, but also contains pretty sick drumming. He's got style when he plays, and it shows in the diversity of beats.

And aslo like someone mentioned, try his signature snare... I wanna second the fact that it's super cheap, but very cutting edge sound, and great punch... has a wide range of tuning too.. I dont think i'll be changing snares for a while...

[Wile E. Coyote]

And aslo like someone mentioned, try his signature snare... I wanna second the fact that it's super cheap, but very cutting edge sound, and great punch... has a wide range of tuning too.. I dont think i'll be changing snares for a while...
Yes... His snare works pretty good for me too. Specially in studio.

[Poncho86]

Chad is an extraodinary drummer, very deep in the pocket grooves fit the basslines oh so well. He knows how to set the the mood and play for the music without being totally flashy. When he plays live its a bit of a different story but on all of the albums hes very in in the pocket and his use of ghost notes are just incredible!

[Ddrums]

the by the way album is really terribly boring in drumming aspects, a drum machine could have done that as well...why do you say this cleanness was missing in the old days? he has always been tight and professional and clean but in the old days it was more creative and groovy

Chad Smith is a best rock drummer in action current . He Have solid Grooves and your creative style is inspiration for drummers like me . Not forget : pocket is necessary too , and By the Way disc is a lesson of it .

[Wile E. Coyote]

I saw the modern drummer festival yesterday, when he's playing with Ian Paice... Not much show off, but who needs it when you groove like he does?
"A lot of drumming tonight (...) but how do you get a job? You gotta groove!!!" Very smart.

[chris--byrne]

"I saw the modern drummer festival yesterday, when he's playing with Ian Paice... Not much show off" (the quote button wasn't working)

He has a very inidvidual approach to drumming, which works great with his funk genre. But that duet with Ian Paice that Wile E. Coyote sums him up, he could probably have broken out into millions of things but because he is a mature drummer he knows he doesn't have to do that to make himself look good. I feel he is a very big brick in the wall of drumming.

[Wile E. Coyote]

"I saw the modern drummer festival yesterday, when he's playing with Ian Paice... Not much show off" (the quote button wasn't working)

He has a very inidvidual approach to drumming, which works great with his funk genre. But that duet with Ian Paice that Wile E. Coyote sums him up, he could probably have broken out into millions of things but because he is a mature drummer he knows he doesn't have to do that to make himself look good. I feel he is a very big brick in the wall of drumming.
I totally agree... didn't I mean that? It's maybe my bad english...

[Wormsrock]

Chad Smith= AMAZING! I really can't say much more than anyone else. The reason I like him is that he has really tight, funky grooves. He doesn't play to prove that he is a technical genius, but just grooves it out.

[KLittle123]

He's in Guiness for playing the biggest drumset, anyone ever seen this in a pic maybe? I'd like to see it if there are pics.

[Chip]

He's in there for playing a 308 piece kit. How I envy him................

[da cheese walks]

What does you all think of "Dani California"?I think its so so much better than anythin on By The Way.....

Stadium Arcadium should be good....I hope they get back to their funky form...

[KLittle123]

What does you all think of "Dani California"?I think its so so much better than anythin on By The Way.....

Stadium Arcadium should be good....I hope they get back to their funky form...

I agree, I hope it's the perfect amount of funk and rock. Not just rock, but I agree with being better than By The Way, but that wasn't really my favorite album. Compared to californication though, i'm not to sure.

[low-tech]

im not into his playing

there is a difference between playing what the song needs and being utterly forgetable. thats the way i feel towards him. its more like a robot playing for alot of thier songs. ive seen live solo footage and some jam footage and was like "where the hell did that come from!!", i was very impressed. so i think he showed too much restraint during songs, too much for my liking. after one hot minute i stopped listening altogether. blood sugar sex magic and mothers milk are the good releases, everything else, ill pass

on a sidenote John frusiante' older solo stuff is amazing, first 2 albums

[da cheese walks]

oh man i totally agree with some stuff you say...Mothers Milk and the RHCP old stuff is definitly their better stuff...I love playing all their old funk..."Stone Cold Bush","Brothers Cup"...etc.etc....

But I disagree totally what you say about the "robotic playing"??Chad Smith, if anything is not a "robtic" player....they guy is so funky...hed even be what some people consider an extremley messy drummer...I mean, he may constrain himself recording songs...but i can see hwere hes coming from..

I laid down loads of technical an crazy beats for my bands up-an-coming demo,and now ive suddenly realised how messy it will all sound recorded...it will sound nice an funky an cool live an stuff...but recording it will be a total gip!!

i think thats where hes coming from...Ill admit the chilis newer stuff(excluding the new song) have been totally toned down in comparison to their greatest stuff....but teh band got a bit more chilled out...i think they calmed down...

I mean Chad live nowadays is definitly not what he used once be!!hes still a brilliant drummer but hes not rolling around on his kit rippin cymbals apart...haha....yes their old stuff was the best,their new stuff is toned down a lot more than their early funk, doesnt mean Chad has become robotic???

[KLittle123]

im not into his playing

there is a difference between playing what the song needs and being utterly forgetable. thats the way i feel towards him. its more like a robot playing for alot of thier songs. ive seen live solo footage and some jam footage and was like "where the hell did that come from!!", i was very impressed. so i think he showed too much restraint during songs, too much for my liking. after one hot minute i stopped listening altogether. blood sugar sex magic and mothers milk are the good releases, everything else, ill pass

on a sidenote John frusiante' older solo stuff is amazing, first 2 albums

He's just holding the beat, thats the drummers job. He's not supposed to be friggin all kicking drum ass and be sticking out. He's accenting the bass and playin funk.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Dani California is so friggin catchy. i'll find myself singing the chorus without even knowing it. I love the song.

[dry_water]

I like their older stuff a little more also, but I still like the newer songs. And yeah, I like Dani California.

I believe they have just shifted through styles. Still though, Chad is awesome... He plays with spirit... and that's important. I mean you can play a straight rock beat, but once you're into it, it's fine to me...

[Ashbash]

Yeah Dani California is awesome! I listened to it about 5 times in a row, and it got stuck in my head for about a week.
For those of you for reckon Chad Smith is robotic, listen to LIVE IN HYDE PARK, expecially disk 2. It's one of my favourite albums. oooooh yeah

[funkydrumming]

Yeah Dani California is awesome! I listened to it about 5 times in a row, and it got stuck in my head for about a week.
For those of you for reckon Chad Smith is robotic, listen to LIVE IN HYDE PARK, expecially disk 2. It's one of my favourite albums. oooooh yeah


Yeah i got that i love his playing on that,iv damaged so many things by just tapping along to that album (sorry mum,i admit .....it was me).Imo he is one of the best drummers in the world,soooooooo funky and with bags of character.I have learned alot from listening to his playing.

[rendezvous_drummer]

I was so excited to see him on the cover of MD June. A great interview with him in there. MAY 7TH OR 9TH!?

[Tam]

I like Chad Smith. Flea and him are a perfect bass-drummer pair. He knows how to flow thru the song.


Thats pretty dam true

[Ashbash]

For that guy who talked about john frusciante's solo stuff, see if you can get a copy of the song "Enter An Uh"....
I wanna be like that when I grow up.... :D

[alexwaterson66]

all i can say is that chad smith is a good drummer and he has got his own style. but what i think is every drummer has there own style

[ewanlaing]

thats true. they played a 30 min set on TOTP yesterday on TV. that was good, chad was playing very well, restraining himself during songs, without mimicking the records, and then going nuts on any big finishes. the way rock drummers should be.

[Spence]

I totally rate Chad's playing. His groove (as you have all said) is awesome, so laid back and funky.

I have LOVED the Chili's since I first heard Mother Milk, the earlier stuff with Jack Irons on is also awesome. Chad was such a huge early influence on my playing.

I do have one beef though...the new Chili's stuff i.e. from Californication onwards, it's pretty tame. They seem to have almost completely lost the funk. This new song 'Dani Californication' or whatever, it pains me to listen to it. Had I heard this from some other band I would think it's ok BUT to know what the Chili's can do, it seems such a shame. I know they can't keep playing the same kind of stuff over and over, but it's all a bit dull in my opinion.

[Wile E. Coyote]

I do have one beef though...the new Chili's stuff i.e. from Californication onwards, it's pretty tame. They seem to have almost completely lost the funk. This new song 'Dani Californication' or whatever, it pains me to listen to it. Had I heard this from some other band I would think it's ok BUT to know what the Chili's can do, it seems such a shame. I know they can't keep playing the same kind of stuff over and over, but it's all a bit dull in my opinion.
I'm afraid I have to agree with you... What happened to the Chili style that everybody loved? I guess the new stuff is selling 1000 times more and it's a very good job, but I can't help missing the Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magic style.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Ok i heard like 5 songs on their new album....... I;m not too impressed. Their is some funky songs that can be compared to the mothers milk and BSSM, but I think they've ran out of ideas.

[alexwaterson66]

yeah i don't like that song dani californacation or wateva it is cause i think its a bit boring .it some cheesy song aswell.but i like the chili's though the old stuff is better i think anyway.

[incubotic]

I don't really dig that Dani California song that much either except the ending is pretty sweet. other than that it's pretty basic and uninspiring. I think the Chilli peppers need to branch out a bit more with their music. Their older stuff was way better, IMO. Oh and how many songs have they made that are about california? We get it, you're from california.

[lfdy]

im not into his playing

there is a difference between playing what the song needs and being utterly forgetable. thats the way i feel towards him. its more like a robot playing for alot of thier songs. ive seen live solo footage and some jam footage and was like "where the hell did that come from!!", i was very impressed. so i think he showed too much restraint during songs, too much for my liking. after one hot minute i stopped listening altogether. blood sugar sex magic and mothers milk are the good releases, everything else, ill pass

on a sidenote John frusiante' older solo stuff is amazing, first 2 albums

I really don't agree with this. I agree that there's a difference between the two...but when you listen to a RHCP song (doesn't matter which one), you just get pulled into the groove by chad, even though he's not playing anything fancy.

[lfdy]

I'm afraid I have to agree with you... What happened to the Chili style that everybody loved? I guess the new stuff is selling 1000 times more and it's a very good job, but I can't help missing the Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magic style.

They grew up :)...

Would you play and make the same music for 20 years?

[Wile E. Coyote]

They grew up :)...

Would you play and make the same music for 20 years?
I guess I wouldn't, but you have to understand that the people that liked their first stuff don't like it anymore (at least I don't). I don't have that feeling I used to have anymore...

[lfdy]

I guess I wouldn't, but you have to understand that the people that liked their first stuff don't like it anymore (at least I don't). I don't have that feeling I used to have anymore...

Sure, i understand that completely.

You're right, their music has changed a lot over the years.

Me, i like pretty much all of their music.

[beatsMcGee]

I don't really dig that Dani California song that much either except the ending is pretty sweet. other than that it's pretty basic and uninspiring. I think the Chilli peppers need to branch out a bit more with their music. Their older stuff was way better, IMO. Oh and how many songs have they made that are about california? We get it, you're from california.

yea they are OBSESSED with california, it cracks me up every time i hear one of their songs with a california refrence in it--i just say to myself "are they seriously still singing about that damn state"

[MindEveryNotes]

yea they are OBSESSED with california, it cracks me up every time i hear one of their songs with a california refrence in it--i just say to myself "are they seriously still singing about that damn state"

lol yeah thats true, california this that ...

Even so .. Chad is a great grooves performance. I really like the way he plays. RHCP with out Chad would'nt sound the same.

[beatsMcGee]

lol yeah thats true, california this that ...

Even so .. Chad is a great grooves performance. I really like the way he plays. RHCP with out Chad would'nt sound the same.

yea definitly, chad has a great sound, groove master

[Nunner]

this is kinda off topic but has anyone noticed the resemblance between Chad smith and Will Ferrel they look like they could be brothers. and i cant wait till rhcp go on tour in september, they are the greatest band alive

[ewanlaing]

i think that was mentioned earlier with pics and everything. i must say, dani california seems like one of their heaviest songs yet.

[lfdy]

i think that was mentioned earlier with pics and everything. i must say, dani california seems like one of their heaviest songs yet.

Nahh, not one of their heaviest.

They have made heavier songs on previous cd's.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

no, not their heaviest in the least. very poppy. very good too, but check out their older

stuff and you'll see how heavy they can get.

[dry_water]

When I first heard Dani California, I was dissapointed, because my jaw didn't really drop like I wanted it to... However, it grew on me, and now I love it. I was watching this concert of theirs. Live in Paris I think, and they played quite a few of their new songs.... I gotta say I love them... I like it more than Californication, and maybe more than By the Way too. And the energy when they were playing was just so amazing... I mean, they were all connecting so well with each other, and it showed so much in the way they played. It was so energetic, and real.

Don't get me wrong by the way, I love their older stuff, but this is just a difference in style, and I love the change.

Hata off to Anthony, Flea, John, and Chad.

[Crazy]

He's the perfect guy for a band like RHCP.....excellent groove and sense of humor / stage presence. It's a pleasure to see him perform live.

[Crazy]

get his DVD it is hilarious. he is such a skater dude. but then he sits down and the power is all there.

j

yeah that video is entertaining I loved it for the fun and also for one or two grooves he spits out whcih are pretty interesting.

for people who say he doesn't have technique or is not that fast (of course if you don't compare him with drummers like Weckl, Gadd etc for technique and Sandoval etc for speed), but when he gives a shot on his warm-up in his video through flams, doubles etc I think there's some perfromance, we shouldn't underestimate his technical/speed abilities

[lfdy]

When I first heard Dani California, I was dissapointed, because my jaw didn't really drop like I wanted it to... However, it grew on me, and now I love it. I was watching this concert of theirs. Live in Paris I think, and they played quite a few of their new songs.... I gotta say I love them... I like it more than Californication, and maybe more than By the Way too. And the energy when they were playing was just so amazing... I mean, they were all connecting so well with each other, and it showed so much in the way they played. It was so energetic, and real.

Don't get me wrong by the way, I love their older stuff, but this is just a difference in style, and I love the change.

Hata off to Anthony, Flea, John, and Chad.

Yeah, in their live shows, they always have huge chemistry between them.

Gotta love the solo's between john and flea...

[ewanlaing]

no, not their heaviest in the least. very poppy. very good too, but check out their older

stuff and you'll see how heavy they can get.
i have some of their older stuff, but i'm not a huge chillis expert if i'm honest. the chorus certainly seems like the heaviest i've heard from a chillis single. even "give it away" seems sparse in comparison.

[lfdy]

i have some of their older stuff, but i'm not a huge chillis expert if i'm honest. the chorus certainly seems like the heaviest i've heard from a chillis single. even "give it away" seems sparse in comparison.

Give it away isn't really a 'heavy' song, it's extremely funky though.

[Spence]

Stone Cold Bush and Subway to Venus are awesome tunes. Lots more funky grooves on Mother's Milk. A younger, more punky Chad. Not too punky though really.

After Mother's Milk Chad just kept getting funkier and more laid back with his grooves. I'm thinking Mellowship Slinky in B Major, My Lovely Man, The Righteous and the Wicked etc, then stuff like Suck my Kiss and Walkabout. Now that's what I call Chadtastic. You gotta love him. I think the rest of the band have just gone a bit too poppy now. Chad's still the funk, but he is being restrained by the poorer songs.

[Smoky_McPot]

So...now that Stadium Arcadium is out.... What is everyone's opinion of it?

Personally I loved it from 1st listen. I'm a big chilis fan - my whole band loves em. They write kick arse songs, and some of my favourite to play. I was dissapointed by By The Way but Stadium Arcadium has a much better feel to it. Yeah they are bringin some funk back, but thier soft stuff i reckon has much more feeling than By The Way.....Anyway I'm really liken it atm. Everyone else?

[Olemunati]

Chad is a great drummer!

And...

After reading the posts in this thread I noticed something I find bit strange...

People compare Chad' technique with Vinnie's and Dave's...

Don't forget that it is the SOUND that defines the technique. NOT the speed! And one have to admit that Chad's sound is HUUUUUUUUUGGGGEEEEEEEEEE!!!! And that Dave's sound is SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTH!!!!!

[osevensurfer]

Everyone has the right to an opinon and thats what makes us individuals. Its all about perspective and thats what makes life. Chad smith has a brilliant perspective on the way drumming should be in his genera of music( even though there is very few bands who fit into this) i love playing to the chili peppers because it puts me in a good mood, but i will say that he isnt too technical but after all it might mess up the great music the others have put together if he were to make his drumming alot more bad ass.

[MrCrazy]

After Modern Drummer 05 I thought he was way over-rated. I mean everything he does isn't that impressive.

[Justin_F]

chad smith is one of my favorite groove masters. i love Stadium Arcadium. some of the great drum tracks, and great tracks in general, on it are "Readymade" "Charlie" "Warlocks" and "Hard to Concentrate"

[MrChops]

After Modern Drummer 05 I thought he was way over-rated. I mean everything he does isn't that impressive.

I'm sorry, but that post is idiotic. I'm sorry if it sounds harsh, but that's my opinion. Drums were never created as a way to impress people. They're a musical istrument. If there's anything Chad does extremely well, it's making a song feel good. Every Chili Peppers song I've heard has a DYNAMITE feel to it. No wonder he's working with artists like Glenn Hughes and the Dixie Chicks. Chad is starting to become a pretty in-demand studio musician.

How could you base your judgement on Chad by what he did at the MD Fest? He went out there, to entertain people and have a good time, and I'll tell you, Ian and him were the most entertaining act of them all.

Chad is a musician. not a drummer. He plays for the song. Sure, there's guys out there that can play rings around Chad, but saying that he's not impressive is almost laughable. Have you ever seen him in clinic? Have you ever gone to a Chili Pepper's show? Obviously not, because your opinion would be different.

I find it ironic that people worship Bonham, but seem to overlook Chad's talent. No disrespect to Bonham, he was a key figure in drum history, but I believe Chad is too.

[maniac-drummer]

After Modern Drummer 05 I thought he was way over-rated. I mean everything he does isn't that impressive.


pinky=yes he is impressive and anyway he wears cool hats AND plays AWESOME drums!!!!!

pinky xx

[HardRockDrummer]

I'm not sure wearing cool hats has anything to do with anything, but i agree with you. he plays AWESOME drums.

i found Stadium Arcadium to be a little disappointing. in some of the ballady stuff, chad's restrained to keep an ordinary beat throughout, and it's dull and unimaginative (She Looks To Me). but i have to say, some of the songs are REALLY funky and great. anyone who doesn't love Readymade should reconsider being a Chilis fan at all. Turn It Up Again's also great I think. I don't like Hard To Concentrate, it just sounds like any other pop song.

Chilis jamming at concert is brilliant. they can communicate by just playing their instruments.
i read the recent interview on Modern Drummer Magazine, and he sounds like a real humble guy compared to his status.

Who else likes Soul Mover?

[MrChops]

I'm not sure wearing cool hats has anything to do with anything, but i agree with you. he plays AWESOME drums.

i found Stadium Arcadium to be a little disappointing. in some of the ballady stuff, chad's restrained to keep an ordinary beat throughout, and it's dull and unimaginative (She Looks To Me). but i have to say, some of the songs are REALLY funky and great. anyone who doesn't love Readymade should reconsider being a Chilis fan at all. Turn It Up Again's also great I think. I don't like Hard To Concentrate, it just sounds like any other pop song.

Chilis jamming at concert is brilliant. they can communicate by just playing their instruments.
i read the recent interview on Modern Drummer Magazine, and he sounds like a real humble guy compared to his status.

Who else likes Soul Mover?

I think Soul Mover is an excellent album. I can't wait for Music For The Divine. But I found Stadium Arcadium to be an amazing album. They definitely had the perfect balance between their funk and pop stuff. They've ALL grew so much as musicians. I think Readymade and Wet Sand are my favorites, but I also LOVE Hard to Concentrate, Snow, and Charlie. Have you noticed the great old school rock feel that Strip My Mind has?

[asht89]

people say chad smith is overrated. well i disagree. he may not be the most technical drummer but he holds a solid beat and keeps RCHP together. sometimes people have to think outside of the box. you see, there are many drummers who have technical ability far beyond chads, but he as sold millions of albums with rhcp and has been going now for years. sometimes its just about the music. you dont need to be a really technical drummer to write a good beat/song. As a drummer on his own and playing wih red hot chilli peppers, we see a different side. Hes renowned and respected for the awesome contribution he makes in the music of red hot chili peppers, not for his ability. i cud go on about this all day but you get the picture. I personally like his style as sometimes its better to have a solid beat carrying a song rather than masses of rolls etc.

[da cheese walks]

Stone Cold Bush and Subway to Venus are awesome tunes. Lots more funky grooves on Mother's Milk.
mothers milk is their best album in my oinion....my band plays both stone cold bush and subway to venus...also suck my kiss...and all these songs are just so much fun to play!!if anyone wants to learn a cool,funky,groovey song it should be stone cold bush...!haha!

Chad's still the funk, but he is being restrained by the poorer songs.
the whole band has changed with the times...you cant hold it against them...but yeah i much prefer their old funky stuff...i know flea an chad are still as funky as ever....!

[stevefty]

So...now that Stadium Arcadium is out.... What is everyone's opinion of it?

Personally I loved it from 1st listen. I'm a big chilis fan - my whole band loves em. They write kick arse songs, and some of my favourite to play. I was dissapointed by By The Way but Stadium Arcadium has a much better feel to it. Yeah they are bringin some funk back, but thier soft stuff i reckon has much more feeling than By The Way.....Anyway I'm really liken it atm. Everyone else?

I completley agree, I like "By The Way" but it definetley was lacking something. This album is almost like a tribute to everything they have recorded. The funky songs are awesome and the mellow songs are beautiful and the rocks song, well they just rock! I think it's a great album.

[TopCat]

Saw the chili's last night, put ona great show as per usual! Chads kit was glowing, it was awesome. They played a few new tracks, but not too many. I was really impressedm they played Blood Sugar Sex Magik & Me and my Friends. Was great fun.

[Finaer]

Best album ever made and Tell Me Baby is the best song ever recorded.

[Jay.B.]

I so wanted to write something in this thread, but after spending bloody ages reading all 5 pages that you have all written about him, I just can't find anything new or interesting to add, I thought I was going to open this up and find everybody sticking thier heads up thier arses and slagging the man off, but I guess he's just that likeable that even the people who don't rate him as a drummer really can't find anything terrible to say about him, and that has got to be one of the greatest achievements, especially in a place like this.

I would be exstaticly happy to have pockets half as deep as Chads, and half the skill he has, and half the love he has, I have never seen anybody have anywhere near as much fun behind a kit as this man, and after all that's what making music is all about

[B.R.O. THER ?]

Saw the chili's last night, put ona great show as per usual! Chads kit was glowing, it was awesome. They played a few new tracks, but not too many. I was really impressedm they played Blood Sugar Sex Magik & Me and my Friends. Was great fun.

Haha, I know the persons brother who created those lights. I talked to him, and he said he's a really down to earth guy, and totally different then you'd expect him to be. Chad invited him to spend a weekend with him, since the guy invented them.

[geek_boy_in]

this thread is getting longer and longer and I couldn't stop myself from adding my comment .....

RHCP is one of the tightest act out there in commercial pop/funk/punk scene. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stadium_Arcadium look how much money they are minting) They are successful from the last 13 years. Had Chad been not the most innovative dude around for this kind of music bordering on punk and art, then RHCP and their producers and music label has enough muscle (read money) power to get even Dave Weckl to back up Flea and Anthony.

I haven't heard Chad speaking in private conversations, but i once on TV heard an informal interview with Flea about his musical opinions and influences. Now this bassist is not the half mad crazy a*** rebel like he portrays as an RHCP member onstage .... I saw this guy to be very down to earth, has been influenced by very deep musicians, and knows his stuff more than the brand image marketing guys with Sony or BMG would like the kids there to know. ..... Chad must have sufficiently impressed Flea to be with him for so many years .... and we are talking about professionals here, not the amateur band on the block who finds difficult to get musicians.

[ShoreCat]

I'm currently listening to Blood Sugar Sex Magik a lot lately. I really enjoy Chad's playing on this album. It's alot of fun to jam along with.

I have to check out some of RHCP's newer stuff, and Chad's DVD sometime.

[mlaponsky]

I think Chad Smith is great drummer. Lots of cool grooves and no real weaknesses. He doesn't shine like some drummers, but he's got style. I love his groove in Aeroplane. Lots of nice feathered snares, sounds real smooth.

[badlydubbedsean]

pinky=yes he is impressive and anyway he wears cool hats AND plays AWESOME drums!!!!!

pinky xx

excuse me, porkpie hats are cool hats! not those big blue houses that chad smith wears. hats off to his drumming though, he has a huge range of abilities behind a kit. enough about hats!

[Fangoes]

[QUOTE=Now this bassist is not the half mad crazy a*** rebel like he portrays as an RHCP member onstage .... I saw this guy to be very down to earth, has been influenced by very deep musicians, [/QUOTE]


i dont know about the crazy i have read scar tissue by anthony kiedis and anthony is crazy and the reason (he claims) him and flea got along so well was because he was up for all this crazy stuff too. He is still a down to earth guy and jazz played a big influence on him - he used to play the trumpet and learnt bass from Hillel (RHCP's first guitarist)

ANYWAY enough fo a history lesson

like everyone has said he is a great drummer with great energy and fits the chili peppers perfectly. BSSM has to be one of their best albums in my opinion - not a huge fan of their new stuff but i think the bass and drum combo flea and chad have is what sparks up alot of their new poppy songs

[Mapex589]

After Modern Drummer 05 I thought he was way over-rated. I mean everything he does isn't that impressive.
I think Chad's performance at the 2005 MD Fest was one of the best ones there. The grove was strong, his solo had a very important point to it as well. On of the best bits of advice was given by Chad Smith at the fest. You can get behind a set and have all sorts of cool chops but the GROOVE will get you the gig. His display of Time was awesome, so you might want to rethink your comments....you could learn a lot from that performance.....I did!

[Paul Quin]

I think Chad's performance at the 2005 MD Fest was one of the best ones there. The grove was strong, his solo had a very important point to it as well. On of the best bits of advice was given by Chad Smith at the fest. You can get behind a set and have all sorts of cool chops but the GROOVE will get you the gig. His display of Time was awesome, so you might want to rethink your comments....you could learn a lot from that performance.....I did!

I couldn't agree more. His performance showed class and deep, deep pocket and groove. There was also some complexity - with bass drum ghost notes - to go along with the power and impeccable timing. The truth is that if more young drummers aspired to actually be able to do this type of thing well, there would be a lot more competition for work! It is this kind of skill (not the blazing fast blast beats) that leads to employment.

Chad's a great drummer and if you donlt think so now, you will when you get a little older and wiser!

Paul

[Marshmallow Jones]

I have his DVD 'Red Hot Rhythms' and he makes the point that what's important to him is to play for the song. He said when he was starting out he used to throw in all sorts of fancy fills because he could play them, but that didnt mean they were right for the song. Flea also adds in the DVD that 'God help you if you're in a band and your drummer cannot sit back, slow it down and just lay down the groove.' Very valuable lesson there...

[dawg]

it's hard to argue with chad smith's success w/ the chili's, but he's like a rock drummer trying to play funk. i don't think he's a "true" funk drummer like garibaldi or steve ferrone (check out "texas flyer" on freddie king's burglar album) or dennis chambers... now THAT'S funk...it would be interesting to hear garibaldi with the chili's...

[NUTHA JASON]

that's a bit harsh. he's not trying to play funk. he is playing funk...just not of the variety you mention. chad, if not invented, certainly popularised hard funk. he doesn't win every other reader's poll for nothing.

j

[Mapex589]

that's a bit harsh. he's not trying to play funk. he is playing funk...just not of the variety you mention. chad, if not invented, certainly popularised hard funk. he doesn't win every other reader's poll for nothing.

j
Thanks for saying it Nutha. I couldn't find the words. I totally agree with you!!

[OCTO]

chad is basically a all round good drummer and his lack of technicality is made up the all the rythm and groove he contributes to RHCP, and as being a funky pop rock sorta band his drummin is perfect!!
OCTO

[stagecustom]

i love this guy , he is a great drummer definitely one of the top rock drummers out there today.

[II xMETALx II]

Chad Smith is an awesome drummer.
I recently saw a video with Flea and Chad from the chilli's. They play together for a while and gee chad can use that one kick fast. Great drummer!

[mesopystic]

What a guy !!!!

He's the funkiest rock drummer ever and that hi-hat n snare sound is just orgasmic.


WALKABOUT n Mellowship slinky in Bmaj are the funkiest songs by RhCp . Czech out the drumming in those. An apt mixture of groove and zany-ness in his drumming. Very minimalistic in some parts and jus downright wacky chops in some others. Songs like Dont Forget me show you how much feel an acoustic kit can generate.
On a side-note : walkabout is just about walking in the city and just roaming around to find out what its all about. :) What an uber-cool concept. !!!!!

[Spence]

Chad is the man. He has influenced my playing so much.

Nutha said it perfectly! Too many people say that drummers such as Garibaldi etc etc are funk. There's more than one kind of funk, and for what Chad does he is awesome. Deep Hard Funk!

It annoys me so much when people dis him just because he doesn't bust out some amazingly technical rhythm. I'm fed up of hearing such narrow minded people.

Excellent point made by Mapex589 too. Once Jack left the band, things took on a whole new dimension.

You gotta love Chad. I may have said this before (maybe even on this thread), but the Chili's have lost their way now. I think so anyway. I used to think they were the greatest band on earth. Now they have lost the funk and complexity of their songs. They just get John to solo all over the place. But you can't really argue with them, as they have made way too much good music in the past.

[Mapex589]

You gotta love Chad. I may have said this before (maybe even on this thread), but the Chili's have lost their way now. I think so anyway. I used to think they were the greatest band on earth. Now they have lost the funk and complexity of their songs. They just get John to solo all over the place. But you can't really argue with them, as they have made way too much good music in the past.

I urge you to go by Stadium Arcadium. I think you will love this album. They actually seem to have found their way!! Go buy the album.....it is brilliant.

[emmerson]

chad smith is the most UNFUNKIEST drummer ive heard ... if youre looking for great funk drummers listen to the drummers for sly and the family stone, PFunk, and what about david garibaldi

[Spence]

I urge you to go by Stadium Arcadium. I think you will love this album. They actually seem to have found their way!! Go buy the album.....it is brilliant.

I have heard it. I don't like it. It is nothing compared to their earlier stuff. NOTHING! I can see why people like it, but for me...no thanks.

[Mapex589]

I have heard it. I don't like it. It is nothing compared to their earlier stuff. NOTHING! I can see why people like it, but for me...no thanks.

That's cool. Music hits us all differently. I really dig the new album but if you are a fan of the old (I am too) I can understand not getting in to the new stuff. They became a new band at Mothers Milk.

[Spence]

That's cool. Music hits us all differently. I really dig the new album but if you are a fan of the old (I am too) I can understand not getting in to the new stuff. They became a new band at Mothers Milk.

True, they did become a new band. Love the stuff when Chad joined. Mothers Milk, BSSM, One Hot Minute. It's after this they lost the funk. It's just nowhere near as funky anymore and the arrangements are so much simpler now. Californication, By The Way, Stadium Arcadium - don't like em. I guess they are going more poppy and they are probably selling more records now then ever before AND they're getting old.

[lucianodato]

hello peple any of you knows what snare used chad at te recording of blood sugar sex magik? did you have any photos? please let me know it....thanks

[Timcha]

Chad Smith is a tight player. Doesn't do too much but still manages to capture my attention. Mind you, i've only heard Stadium Arcadium and some of their other singles they released.

On that note, Chad's drumming on Stadium Arcadium is good, but i seem to pay more attention to what Flea and Frusciante are doing...

[Spence]

Chad Smith is a tight player. Doesn't do too much but still manages to capture my attention. Mind you, i've only heard Stadium Arcadium and some of their other singles they released.

On that note, Chad's drumming on Stadium Arcadium is good, but i seem to pay more attention to what Flea and Frusciante are doing...

You gotta check out Blood Sugar Sex Magic if you wanna hear what Chad is all about. I think this album sums him up as a player quite well. Make sure you do! If you like Stadium Arcadium BSSM will blow you away.

[Timcha]

You gotta check out Blood Sugar Sex Magic if you wanna hear what Chad is all about. I think this album sums him up as a player quite well. Make sure you do! If you like Stadium Arcadium BSSM will blow you away.

Yeah i might do that actually. Most people on this thread seem to refer a lot to chad's work on BSSM.

[handito]

I saw Chad live yesterday with the chillies and boy was that AWESOME!
Chad is really one of my favourite musicians of all time. Not only has he got an amazing groove and feel, but he is also, which funny enough is highly under rated by many musicians theese days, an INCREDIBLE showman! You really get a feeling that he
loves what he is doing. He sits behind his kit with a big smile and makes all theese kind of amazing stick throws, and he catches the sticks everytime! He also played a nice GROOVE BASED drum solo where he at the same time conducted the audiences cheering. However, my fellow drummers, yesterday something very strange happened, but before I tell you what happened I have to tell you that I have thought about spending next year studying drums with one of the BIG GUYS. I have thought about many teachers such as Hakim, Erskine, Zoro, Igoe and... Chad Smith but I really cant decide. Back to the story now. I was standing among the crowd in the front, but not the front row. However, suddently out of no where one of RHCP's crew members appear in front of me and gives me one of Chads sticks, an original Vater Chad Smith funkblaster! Usually I am not supersticious but I "take this as a sign" that I shall study with Chad next year :-)

Anyway go see the Chilli Peppers, especially to you Finn, since you "adviced" me to see Questlove with the Roots :-)

[Mendelson the Drummer]

Is it just me or was he actually a bit DRUNK at Modern Drummer Festival 2005? Like after he plays his....groove (solo? haha) he's like, "How doya get tha- gig man? Gotta play a groooooove man!" He was slurring so bad it was hillarious.

I personally love the guys playing and I TOO have one of his Funk Blasters from one of his concerts. Great drummer, what a lot of people don't realize is that just because he's not too technical doesn't mean he's not awesome, his FEEL his GROOVE is truly awesome and he plays to serve the MUSIC rather than himself.

Rock on Chad.

[Robin]

I saw Chad In Stockholm 12/12 and he was brilliant. He did a very cool solospot and was extremely tight. A sold out show and the gig was great!

[Mapex589]

Every once in a while I like to check into this thread and see what folks have to say. Chad was not one of my bigger influences when I was younger drummer but ever since I saw his Modern Drummer 2005 performance that has changed. I spent years in the basement as a self taught drummer and did not focus on groove as much as I did on being a flashy drummer, all chops crazy and stuff. Not until I started getting formal training with an instructor and began to play with musicians did I really understand the imoprtance of groove. Chad really puts that in your face at the MD2005 perfomance and it makes perfect sense. So you dont have to like Chad Smith's playing but it does not hurt to listen to his message. Ever since that performance Chad Smith is a drummer I study a lot....I love his groove and the little subtleties in his playing. Chad Rocks!!

[fusssion]

separated at birth??

http://www.kidzworld.com/multimedia/will_chadAw.jpg

probably been talked about, but.........still amusing!

[DWfan20005]

Every once in a while I like to check into this thread and see what folks have to say. Chad was not one of my bigger influences when I was younger drummer but ever since I saw his Modern Drummer 2005 performance that has changed. I spent years in the basement as a self taught drummer and did not focus on groove as much as I did on being a flashy drummer, all chops crazy and stuff. Not until I started getting formal training with an instructor and began to play with musicians did I really understand the imoprtance of groove. Chad really puts that in your face at the MD2005 perfomance and it makes perfect sense. So you dont have to like Chad Smith's playing but it does not hurt to listen to his message. Ever since that performance Chad Smith is a drummer I study a lot....I love his groove and the little subtleties in his playing. Chad Rocks!!

Same here,saw the MD performance and immediatley got into Chili Peppers. I think his playing on Give It Away was what caught my attention the most about his style. Simplistic yet so heavy and funky. Long live the funk,lol.

[Mapex589]

separated at birth??

http://www.kidzworld.com/multimedia/will_chadAw.jpg

probably been talked about, but.........still amusing!

It's kinda scary really!!

[DWfan20005]

It's kinda scary really!!

I think it is hilarious!

[Spence]

Watching the Grammys (reluctantly - as is one of the cheesiest shows ever!) and as the Dixie Chicks came on and started playing I heard a familiar sound. Chad Smith on drums.

This is news to me. Obviously something to do with Rick Rubin producing their new album. It was still a terrible song though. Chad can only do so much.

[da cheese walks]

chad smith is the most UNFUNKIEST drummer ive heard ... if youre looking for great funk drummers listen to the drummers for sly and the family stone, PFunk, and what about david garibaldi
Man come on...Chad plays a whole lot different to Pfunk,Parliament,and Sly an the Family Stone...He plays a totally different genre....Funk back then WAS P-FUnk...George Clinton was the master...the man behind it all....but in fairness Chad was primarily a rock drummer,before he went on an joined the Chilis....He listened to Pfunk,they got produced be George Clinton...an he Created his own style.....yknow?

you cant say hes UNFUNKY......Garibaldi is in another league....and Pfunk,Family Stone,Parliament,etc. were all before him....hes different.,..but NOT unfunky?

[rendezvous_drummer]

chad smith is the most UNFUNKIEST drummer ive heard ... if youre looking for great funk drummers listen to the drummers for sly and the family stone, PFunk, and what about david garibaldi

Well you just proved that you don't know anything about da funk drummers...I'm dead serious. Chad Smith can play a mean a** funk beat!!

[DrummerAz]

just to back 'rendesvouz drummer' up, have any of you heard the song "warlocks" on stadium arcadium??

if so, then u will notice that chad smith IS indeed a funk/y drummer, and always will be :D

well, thats my opinion anyway

on the other hand, chilis do seem to have lost that get-up-and-dance feel from the older stuff

[Tubs player]

i look up to Chad is all i have to say

[Drummerrobin]

Just want to say that I think Chad is an awesome drummer with groove and pocket like no one else. His drum sound is fantastic too.

Also, many people on here have been slating his technique. I think it's much better than many other rock drummers. What exactly is wrong with it?

[tomsmithkinross]

Chad Smith is the reason i started drumming after i saw a live performance of the chili's at slane castle i wasn't there unfortunately but i saw the DVD which i know is different and he just blew mw away whether you consider him a funky or a rock drummer you cannot deny his awesome talent behind the kit.
I personally consider him to be both funk and rock just as the chili's are.

[Ashbash]

on the other hand, chilis do seem to have lost that get-up-and-dance feel from the older stuff

Maybe just their recorded stuff. They're still awesome live :D

[cantstandyourfunk]

All feel, all groove, with a lot of respect for the song.

Why wouldn't anyone love Chad Smith? Put on Bloodsugarsexmagik , and dance naked.
One top drummer in my book, and I don't give two hoots about technique if the music ain't cooking.
Amen.

[cantstandyourfunk]

@tomsmith:

Ditto. Just that I started some 13 years back, watching Give It Away's video on TELEVISION. :)

[cantstandyourfunk]

chad smith is the most UNFUNKIEST drummer ive heard ... if youre looking for great funk drummers listen to the drummers for sly and the family stone, PFunk, and what about david garibaldi

Well, no one's arguing about Garibaldi or P-Funk or Jabo Starks or anyone being "unfunky". Just that I think Chad's a RAD funky drummer as well. And come on, with a groove as deep as that (I am listening to Aeroplane, and his kick and snare just kills, man!), you're in the category of being a 'Very Good Drummer'. In my book.

[Wegadrummer]

All feel, all groove, with a lot of respect for the song.

Why wouldn't anyone love Chad Smith? Put on Bloodsugarsexmagik , and dance naked.
One top drummer in my book, and I don't give two hoots about technique if the music ain't cooking.
Amen.


That is so true! Well said! I found this on video.google.. hope some wil enjoy it as mush as I did..

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3979746648226949027&q=red+hot+duration%3Along

[spartacus1989]

Chad Smith isn't a bad drummer. It is awesome how he uses the drums to keep a really tight sound (even when bassest Flea goes into one of his ott bass solos!)

[nebula821]

I think his funky stuff is pretty good, but he's really great as a straight up rock drummer. Unfortunately, he sort of missed his calling there with RHCP. However, I love them as a band. Disc 2 (Mars) has some great songs on it with great drumming by Chad.

[Mustykat]

To me, Chad Smith comes off as a bit of a clown. I was just watching his segment with Ian Paice on the MD '05 dvd, and I must say it was like watching a two 10 year olds dueling. My opinion is that he has a good pocket and groove (not as good as many people think...you want pocket, go for some good old Steve Jordan), and a great knack for playing the right parts for a song, but other than that, extremely overrated

[XboxIsAGodToMe]

Not even close to being overrated...nobody is on here giving him praise that he is the BEST drummer. The point is, he is a good, solid drummer, who plays for the song. Every time I listen to him, it just amazes me, how the simple fills he does just fit the song perfectly! Am I saying he is the best, no...but he does deserve everything good everyone says about him.
$0.02

[lerimed]

I'm not telling that Chad Smith is bad drummer, no. But its so hard to tell is he good or bad because RHCP songs are kinda slow. How can i know is he good when he plays same beat in every song. He do not plays that because he is weak drummer, he does that because thats how RHCP sound like... But, what i know... :)

[Paul Quin]

But its so hard to tell is he good or bad because RHCP songs are kinda slow.

A very puzzling statement - one that equates skill with speed - after all if it ain't fast how can it be hard? While speed is certainly a tool to have on one's workbench it alone is absolutely no indicator of ability. The truth is, that