Double whammy
February 8, 2018 8:03 AM Subscribe
While reading about the 1974 Steely Dan tour I was surprised to discover that there were two drummers on stage.
Then while listening to the exacting, meticulous, astoundingly well recorded Frank Zappa Roxy from 1973 that have just been released, again I was surprised. I knew there was multiple percussion, but not that there were two drum kits on stage.
Being a "dead head" in the 80's I was familiar with the deeply satisfying punch of dual percussion in a rock setting, evident in the Allman Brothers live recordings as well, but I am curious what groups from that period, or present, in the "classic rock" arena have used/use two drummers live?
Then while listening to the exacting, meticulous, astoundingly well recorded Frank Zappa Roxy from 1973 that have just been released, again I was surprised. I knew there was multiple percussion, but not that there were two drum kits on stage.
Being a "dead head" in the 80's I was familiar with the deeply satisfying punch of dual percussion in a rock setting, evident in the Allman Brothers live recordings as well, but I am curious what groups from that period, or present, in the "classic rock" arena have used/use two drummers live?
I saw Traffic with two drummers (Rebop Kwaku Baah and probably Roger Hawkins) in Europe in 1973. I remember Rebop because he did a very long solo (so long that people in the audience complained), but I know there was another drummer. This is not included in the Wikipedia article.
posted by ubiquity at 8:29 AM on February 8, 2018
posted by ubiquity at 8:29 AM on February 8, 2018
The two I'd have mentioned from personal experience (Genesis and King Crimson) were both on the Wikipedia list.
posted by fedward at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2018
posted by fedward at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2018
The Doobie Brothers for their entire incarnation, until the last couple of years.
posted by jtexman1 at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2018
posted by jtexman1 at 8:32 AM on February 8, 2018
The Genesis album Three Sides Live has Phil Collins and Chester Thompson both playing at the same time. There's video as well if you like to watch.
posted by irisclara at 9:41 AM on February 8, 2018
posted by irisclara at 9:41 AM on February 8, 2018
Response by poster: Thanks. Surprised at how many bands use double drums.
If anyone has a special place in the eardrums for the Roxy and Elsewhere album, you gotta listen to the new releases.
There was always a bit of mystery behind how much Zappa had overdubbed onto that album, but all I can say is that the musicianship of the raw live records are astounding.
I also think that "round" "warm" quality of the recording makes for intensely pleasurable listening.
H
posted by silsurf at 10:03 AM on February 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
If anyone has a special place in the eardrums for the Roxy and Elsewhere album, you gotta listen to the new releases.
There was always a bit of mystery behind how much Zappa had overdubbed onto that album, but all I can say is that the musicianship of the raw live records are astounding.
I also think that "round" "warm" quality of the recording makes for intensely pleasurable listening.
H
posted by silsurf at 10:03 AM on February 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
Get thee a copy of King Crimson's 1995 album THRAK, which was King Crimson's "double trio" lineup (two guitarists, two bassists and two drummers - Pat Masteletto and Bill Bruford.) Used to best effect on the title track. (Link is to a live performance, but the studio version sounds a lot better.)
On their 2014 tour King Crimson had three drummers: Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Bill Rieflin.
posted by Funeral march of an old jawbone at 10:48 AM on February 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
On their 2014 tour King Crimson had three drummers: Pat Mastelotto, Gavin Harrison and Bill Rieflin.
posted by Funeral march of an old jawbone at 10:48 AM on February 8, 2018 [1 favorite]
Not exactly "classic rock" but Soulwax often feature 3. 4, 5 or more drummers on a track and live.
posted by Cosine at 11:16 AM on February 8, 2018
posted by Cosine at 11:16 AM on February 8, 2018
1980s Fall had two drummers at a few points.
posted by porn in the woods at 2:26 PM on February 8, 2018
posted by porn in the woods at 2:26 PM on February 8, 2018
The Feelies had two drummers in the eighties. Fugazi.
posted by Mr. Yuck at 1:39 AM on February 9, 2018
posted by Mr. Yuck at 1:39 AM on February 9, 2018
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by kevinbelt at 8:15 AM on February 8, 2018