My tribute to Ronnie Tutt: Aloha from Hawaii
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- In Memory of and in Tribute to the late Ronnie Tutt - the reason I ever picked up a pair of sticks: March 12, 1938 - October 16, 2021. Thanks for everything you taught me, Ronnie!
NOTE: The reason the video drops out halfway through is that this was never supposed to be the 'real' video, just a 'dress rehearsal' to find camera angles, etc...It's not even what I was going to shoot it with - this is just my cell phone mounted sideways on a tripod. A friend was supposed to borrow 2 HD cameras from a friend of his so there'd be a camera on both sides to choose shots from. That fell through, so this is all there is. I didn't know that the cell camera only records for about 20 minutes then shuts off on its own. I could've restarted it midway through the show if I had known that.
I'm devastated to wake up to the news that Ronnie has passed away. He was the reason I ever picked up sticks and the greatest teacher I ever had without ever actually knowing him. Though I did exchange emails with him on and off over the years, I never got to meet him in person, and that had always been one of my life's goal. Sadly, this will never be met. He's the whole reason I made this video and that replica drum kit as a tribute to how much he taught me. Thanks for everything, Ronnie...RIP..1938-2021.
Hello from England
R.I.P Ronnie Tutt
Such sad news to hear that Ronnie has passed away
He was a GREAT friend of ELVIS.
We must think of happy thoughts that Ronnie is now together with his buddies that have gone before from the TCB band and ELVIS..
The death of Ronnie has made me think of the years that have gone by since the live shows - 50-+ years. OH MY
I was 12 when Elvis died and i remember listening to Elvis sing on BBC Radio 1 back then
Jerry, James and Glen are the last "men standing" and they are in their 80's
Drummers like Ronnie and i must add Charlie Watts were part of a rare breed of musicians the like we will never see again
@@joanne26 Hi - very kind and true words you've spoken. While I was never a fan of the Stones as a group, as I drummer I certainly knew of and greatly respected Charlie as a drummer. I was lucky enough to get to email with Ronnie and ask him many questions about drumming and his drums, but never hounded him about Elvis related questions as he knew he got badgered to death about that from everywhere else. I only wish I could have met him to tell him 'Thanks for all you taught me' in person, but it wasn't meant to be. Thanks again for your kind words...
@@mochs3869 My relatives and friends keep telling me that I was born in the wrong decade it should have been the 50’s instead of the 60’s as my music tastes are Elvis and also Tom Jones
The music industry today leaves me ‘COLD’. They all sound the same and it’s all so depressing
Who could Tour and play live concerts now
I cannot think of anyone
@@joanne26 I feel exactly the same way - totally out of place in today's world and today's music. I wish I had lived a couple decades earlier...
@@bryancooper2247 Thanks, Bryan, but no one's as good as Ronnie was..
Only 206 subs? This guy just sat down and played the whole Hawaii special.
Thanks, Tim.
As a drummer for 35 years, I don't usually comment on other drummers. But this performance is one of the best I have seen. Great job!
Thanks for the kind words, Richard - they're much appreciated! It always amazes me that people are still finding and watching this 3 years after I put it up.
Not many people can do that anymore. Music today, in my opinion, is awful. I'm glad you posted this to show other drummers how it's done.
As a wanna be drummer, this is the BEST VIDEO I have found. I love Elvis to begin with, but he was in the spotlight and can't see what's going on behind the drums... LOL.. THIS video is awesome cause he's friggin nailing it and I can see what he was doing. Getting my first set soon, can't wait... I sure wish Mike Ochs would or could post more videos.. I really enjoy this!!! Can't count the number of times I've watched it.
OMG no lo sabía... Pero creo que quienes amamos a Elvis Presley también estamos amando a dura grandes músicos y grandes coros... Gracias por esto... Bendiciones
Ronnie Tutt was one of my biggest influences when I started drumming in the late 70's as a 12-year-old boy. It wasn't long before I had a double kick set and knew all the Elvis Las Vegas songs from playing the albums over and over and playing along. A huge influence and a huge loss when he passed. Thanks for sharing your video, I enjoyed watching and remembering!
I've always loved the drums, but when I watch and hear someone like this guy play, I learn to love them even more, he's perfect,
For my money, Ronnie is the best drummer in the world. Unbeatable.
Yes, and he eminds me very much of John Bonham (Zeppelin). The both play "big" but with all that little details.
No doubt about it.
I agree with you, Ronnie was really good, and I think Elvis chose his drummer well, as well as everyone in his band. I only disagree with one thing, Ronnie in my humble opinion is not the best drummer in the world, the Rush drummer plays a lot
Neil Peart.
@@claudiorobertosilva2007 I’d have to agree with you, Neal is a good Canadian boy from a small farm community where his dad sold farm equipment and then met up with the other two in the GTA, greater Toronto area for a try it and felt he had blown it, but not sure and I don’t think there’s anyone other than
@@bryancooper2247 Sim, concordo plenamente, serviu a Elvis com maestria sem dúvida alguma. Passei a gosta de bateria por causa de Ronnie.
I was very blessed to have seen Elvis in concert 5 times. Got to shake his hand at one of the concerts before the cops ran me off. Also got to meet John Wilkerson, J.D. Sumner at one of the concerts and rode in the same elevator with Ronnie Tutt and chatted with him until we got to his floor. He was so nice. Back in the day I was dumb to the smell of certain cigarettes but now that I'm older, I remember he smelled like weed and now I have to laugh. I have a lock of Elvis' hair and a small piece of that green carpet from the jungle room but unfortunately I never was able to get one item and that was one of those sweaty scarfs Elvis threw out. 🤭
You were very lucky to have met them in person. Thanks for watching!
This is one of the coolest things I've ever seen on UA-cam. Absolutely amazing.
Thanks, Tim!
WOW!! I've always been a Ronnie Tuitt fan and must say YOU WERE RIGHT ON with this video!!
,
Thanks, Marvin!
Magnificent work here. Great tribute to a drumming legend who will never be forgotten.
Thanks, Peter!
I work with an Elvis tribute artist once a year and every year he surprises me with something new, the year is You Gave Me a Mountain, I’m listening thinking “oh crap, how can I pull this off” found your channel and see you nailing it. Hope you don’t mind me studying your great drumming👍🏻 you would make Ron proud. Hope I can do half a good a job as you did here
Thanks! Don't mind you studying how I played..that's the 2nd main reason I made the video. I also envy you that you get to play with ETAs..I only got to 1 time for a 2 hour show and that was 6 years ago..there's a few videos from that show on my channel. If you have any questions on technique or how to approach it, feel free to ask.
@@mochs3869 hi, thanks for your offer of assistance, I only use a 4 piece kit so in some ways it’s a pro but also need to be a bit creative with the fills etc. With me I sometimes struggle with figuring out some of the faster type Vegas fills, like the fills on you gave me a mountain. That intro to Can’t help falling in love has always been a mystery to me so I just do my own thing. Any advice is always appreciated, I do better watching than figuring out by ear.
@Pete Veneto maybe try under the gear icon slow down the playback to figure it put. Remember too, even Ron never played a song the same way twice so there's no "right" way to do it. For example that massive fill he does under the 2nd chorus with that quarter note triplet feel under it was pure genius, but he never used it again.
@@mochs3869 Hi Mike, Pete here again, I have to ask, what is that fill that Ron always starts Can't Help Falling In Love??? He also plays is, as did you on Can't stop loving you/ Not sure I can pull it off with a 4 piece kit :-) Not sure I can pull it off on a big kit either 🙂
@@peteveneto4579 Hi Pete, I'm not sure how to explain it where it will make sense here in a UA-cam comment, but it's basically 2 groups of 7 notes, almost like a 7 stroke roll but you rest on count 1...so if you know how to count music, it's rest on 1 so [(rest on 1) +a 2e+a 3] [+a 4e+a 1] where that 1 is the downbeat of the song. On just a 4 piece kit, I'd just do the first 7 (the first set of brackets) on your small tom and the last 7 (the 2nd set of brackets) on your floor tom. If you can't get the stop on count 3 right, just play 16th notes right on through it. On the big kit, he'd usually do 2 notes per drum as you can see me do in "Can't Stop Loving You". Also, again, he never played it the same way twice so really anything you put there would work. Hope this helps some.
The most incredible thing about "You Gave Me a Mountain" besides Elvis' incredible singing is Ronnie's performance and you nailed it. Great job on the entire video!
Yes, I agree with you, he faithfully followed the drum line that Ronnie played in Aloha, spectacular, speechless ..
Agree Totally!!
Unforgettable Ronnie Tutt.Ronnie was the best drummer. Absolutely amazing performance, legendary....Rest in peace Ronnie....😢 Chicago, Illinois.
Why is this just popping into my recommendations. Nonethless absolutely fantastic stuff.
Thanks, Alan!
Ronnie is one of my all time favourite drummers and you did him proud...fantastic job
Thanks, Lee - he's the reason I ever picked up the sticks..that's why I did this video as a tribute to him. Glad you enjoyed it!
Well done Mike, great job mate. Congrats!!. Keep on rocking.
Thanks, Nick, but I don't play anymore and I sold all my drums and recording gear.
Ronnie Tutt may have one of the best solo’s ever. Again, man, it’s easy to see you have a lot of soul! Elvis fan forever!
Great Tribute to Ronnie Tutt🥁
Thanks! That was my intent.
This is such a great video... I watch it ALL the time. Thanks for sharing your talent with us!
Thanks, so much for watching, Alice - glad you enjoyed it. I regret that this is all there is to show..
You can definitely go on tour when original TCB shuts down!
SUPERB! I must've watched this DVD 100 times and you've done Elvis and Ronnie proud. I can see you thoroughly enjoyed doing it, too!
Great drumming Mike! Beautiful Ludwig drums too! I’ve actually watched a few times over years!
Thanks, Earl!
this is just stunning, so so cool to get an idea of what Ronnie was up to behind the kit in such detail, bravo !
Thanks - that's one of the reasons I did it!
Outstanding Mike..love the replica Tutt ludwig kit as well. You certainly have mastered this concert
Thanks, Steve! I finally got to play it in an Elvis show in Chatfield, Minnesota last night!
Fantastic
RIP to the one of the best drummer that was Ronnie Tutt... Respect to this man!...
Well said!
Excellent playing brother fantastic thankyou
Thanks man, I appreciate that!
The best drummer. I love the sound you make...It's so amazing. Rest in peace Ronnie...rememberes Chicago, IL.
Oh yes Ronny Tut was one of the best drumer.🎼🎵🎶🎩❤❤❤👍
Very well played you have studied this well.may you continue to amaze with your playing thank you❤
Thank you very much!
I'm not even a drummer (I play guitar) but watching you is such a pleasure!! Thanks!!
Thanks, Rodrigo!
You are amazing drummer, i have never see something like this, my respect to you Mike, if i am Elvis i will like to give you one chance in one of my concert... On This, I am sure... from Chile B.R Claudio.....
Thank you!
I'm very familiar with the drum portion of this album and you honored Ronnie very well! Great job.
There is a max level , mr Tutt cross the line...thousands times
Hi Mike I listen to you all the time,I had my back turned listening and the playing is perfect. Ronnie Tutt clone. Thankyou
Thanks!
Wow, it was a great pleasure listening to you play. You did Ron justice!! Thank you!! I was so disappointed when the filming ended. I really wanted to see you playing to Suspicious Minds as he and Elvis would have fun on stage with that one in concert. You know its never too late for part 2. 😉❤
Actually it is too late for part 2. I made this video in 2015. Soon after I sold this kit and all my drums and recording equipment and quit playing music completely. That's been 8 years ago now. So everything I used to make that video is long gone.
@@mochs3869 - Im so sad to hear this as you were super talented at your craft. I found the video last night and stayed up all night watching it over and over again....eventually skipping to my same 3 favorites. May I ask why you let it all go or at least it seems that way. Was playing music your profession? I know you were hit hard by Ronnie's death, but if anything he would have wanted you to keep making beautiful music in his honor. Getting to watch him play through you was one of the best things Ive ever seen on video in my life. Well as sad as it makes me, I feel blessed I got to see as much as you were able to produce. Again, thank you and God Bless You!! ❤️
@@cacola_3373 It wasn't Ronnie's death - I had quit playing and sold everything for several years by that point. "The muse" just left me, I guess you could say. I got into a depression and playing just wasn't fun any more. After I sold everything a few years later I did buy an Alesis electronic kit to 'dip my toes' back in the water, but it didn't create any spark either. I made 3 drum cover videos which are on my page here and them put them away back in their boxes and that's where they've sat for 3 years. There are also a few videos on my page from the one Elvis gig I actually got to use this kit on. That was even after I'd sold it. I borrowed it back from the guy I sold it to for that gig and then it went back to him. That was October 1, 2016. That was the last time I played that kit and the last live gig I ever played.
I know what it is like dealing with depression, it is miserable. I’ve kinda lost the will to live myself. I’m 64 and lots of medical issues, my only two children and grandchildren live so far away and hardly ever get to visit. They are my life, lso you can imagine how hard it is.
I had no where near the talent you possess on such a large scale. You have people who wanted and needed your music, no one needs or wants me or what I have to offer. I do realize depression goes deeper than that, but it’s something that will only change if we are motivated to change.
I’m sorry you are dealing with this beast and I will keep you in my prayers. Take Care and remember you are a big deal to me and many people. ❤️
I’ve watched all of your other videos as well. You are truly GREAT!! ❤️
That was great. Really enjoyed See See Rider and was glad you did the double bass drum section during the last chorus. Not everyone does that but you had it nailed. I am a drummer and huge Tutt fan. Well done.
Thank you!
I'm from the Netherlands and this is the first time i see this drum cover.. only thing i can say is that you're really amazing my friend !!!! Love to u.
Thanks, Stefano - I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Dude you are absolutely amazing 😳 I love watching you drum 🥁. Your absolutely mind blowing me away. This is my second favorite Elvis album!!! Ronnie Tutt is smiling down upon you brother 👑🤘🏻👑❤️
Thanks man, I appreciate that. Actually the entire reason I ever made this video and uploaded it was to have a place to show it him. Never thought in a million years it'd have some 75,000 views 7 years later.
Beautiful tribute and replica for great late Ronnie Tutt! Thank You for sharing this! Just love every moment of it! Cheers from Latvia!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
You made Ronnie proud with this Mike, thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Randy - that was the goal!
I've been playing for nearly 30 years and I bow to you sir, very well done!
Thanks - I appreciate that!!
Yeah, that sound has been following me all my life. I've always been very imrpessed by his playing. I played drums my self in my youth, probably inspired by Ronnie.
Amazing absolutely amazing. He still has it, to the Tee! U can definitely tell this is his drumming. He owns it. God rest his soul
Being a drummer myself and a Elvis Fan....this is spot on. Unbelievable performance
Thanks, Steve!
Very close to Ronnies style. Thanks for posting.
The greatest Drummer ever
Ron was certainly one of the greats!
Thanks for responding, I am a Huge Elvis fan and this is the best video (drum cover) I have found!!! I'm glad I found it. Thanks again..
You're welcome.
Am 52 & just purchased my 1st drum kit....a pleasure to watch and has truly inspired me....thankyou!!!
Dannyboy 777 thank you!
1:02 That opening riff makes me smile every time. Man, you friggin' NAILED it all! Remarkable, fantastic, stupendous! Ronnie better start looking over his shoulder. :-) Most excellent, sir!
LOL, thanks, Karl...I've tried to get Ronnie to watch it, but I don't know if he actually has.
Mike Ochs I sent him an e-mail with a link to your video! If he watches it, I bet he will love it! Keep TCB, Mike!
He knows me - we talk via email several times a year for the last decade...but I know he's kind of uncomfortable with the 'hero worship' thing, so I don't push it with him. If he wants to watch it, he will...but he's the reason I made the video.
Mike Ochs Ah, I see. Well, you sure did him proud, I know! He seems to be an incredibly humble man. Pretty amazing, considering his talent and long resume. Then again, he comes from a different era. I'm not much older than you. Stay well, Mike.
Ronnie and Ronald
One word is enough. Amazing! Thank you
Thanks! I appreciate that and glad you liked it.
Who is this guy? Fantastic job, that's is why Buddy Rich never said he was the "Best" drummer, because there is always that "unknown person in a basement or Garage that no 1 knows about. I use to play and I will till you this guy is terrific. WOW.
james ford Thanks, James. I appreciate it!
@@mochs3869 how can I contact you? you are amazing.
@@OGRuth You can reach me at mochs3869@gmail.com
you are right in each word you said --- he is great and the best wonderful guy
I love this video.... Very talented man here, very impressive!
Glad to see someone that appreciates Ronnie Tutt. One of the most underrated drums on the planet. You do him great justice!
Thanks - Tutt was the entire reason I ever picked up a pair of sticks.
I'm from Brasil, and I and my family love Elvis presley, Hug
Thank you, Raquel!
I can imagine he's drumming for Elvis right now in heaven! God bless his soul.
Simplicity Grooves ..not easy everything has gotten so complex ...
This a true great Drummer ...........
Yes, Ronnie sure was...that's what drew me to him..he knew when to be flashy, and when to stay in the background and just support the song and the band around him. It didn't hurt that he had some of the tastiest fills and was known for his great hi hat and cymbal work either.
as a drummer i was jamming along with your cover. One of the best covers i’ve seen
Thanks man, I appreciate that!
One of the most amazingly cool things I've ever seen on UA-cam!
Thanks, John!
Love that vintage kit, you're quite the bad ass, ha ha!! Would be awesome to see you do Madison Square Garden 72! Ronnie killed it on Never Been to Spain and You've Lost That Loving Feeling!!
Thanks, Ron...he killed Suspicious Minds on that one, too....still haven't figured out exactly what he's doing there.
I'm 51 and started at 12 playing drums, this man was my inspiration, my fire, and amazed me. I got to a point where I listened to every lick and could duplicate him good, but now I can watch very close and perfect it thank you for this.
Same here...we're the same age, and found him at the same time. That's the reason I even did this video. Glad you enjoyed it.
1 hour ago I discovered your video, and it still keeps me speechless, simply jaw dropping! Mike you are a true talent! AMAZING, the entire concert - flawless... Saw Ronnie live several times during the last 15 years, but I also would like to see you live! You should play in front of an audience!
Would love to see you on Suspicious Minds, maybe you wanna do the recording again? Elvis also did 2 shows, one rehearsal show and one via satellite, but I am sure you know that! :-)
Thank you Mike for the video!!!
Thanks for the kind words and for watching!
I watched with pleasure, thanks a lot.
RIP Great drummer Ronnie Tutt and other passed away Elvis Presley's band members Great drummers............
Yes, it was sad news to wake up to Sunday morning...I'm glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!
@@mochs3869 I'm a fan of Elvis Presley and his music and all band members... Thank you so much... [I've complete masters]
Mike Ochs i saw this video a few times. It's amazing! You are really the best! It would be a dream to see and hear this live....
Thank you, Alex!
Awsome greetings from an Elvis fan i Sweden🇸🇪
This is an exact copy of the original.
Phantastic!
Well not that exact. There are plenty of mistakes in there, believe me. But I did that best I could.
This was phenomenal and extremely enjoyable to watch.
I been playing 35 years but haven’t played much last 10 years or so I wish I was good as you Great performance (and I’m a huge Elvis and Ronnie fan)
You're likely better than me as I quit playing shortly after I made that video so....7 years ago now? Ronnie was the reason I started playing.
@@mochs3869 I agree with you. I always told people how great he was and of the course the whole band They were the kings band so that’s to be expected
@herewegojunior same here but when I was a kid no one knew who he was. If you haven't seen them, there 3 Facebook groups for him, I'm one of the moderators on one of them. It was there I found out millions started playing because of him just like I did
@@mochs3869 cool deal
Omg just found this i adore Ronnie tutt and you did perfect man !!!! consider me subscribed bro👌 bravo indeed 👏
Thanks - I appreciate it!
@@mochs3869 thank you man! made my night! I wanna party at your house!
Excellent Sir!….. 👌🏻
RIP Ronnie….🙏🏻
Thank you, and yes, RIP.
@@mochs3869 Seriously great drumming, you nailed each accent of Ronnie’s…he must have been your inspiration 😉
@@randomelvis3359 Yes, he was the reason I ever picked up a pair of sticks.
@@mochs3869 Well keep on drumming Mike, he did right to the end… i think you do him proud my friend! 👌🏻
@@randomelvis3359 Thanks.
Absolutely stunning. Great playing Sir. Attention to detail is mind boggling
Thank you!
I was only vaguely aware of Ronnie Tutt until three or four years ago when I had to learn a load of Elvis tunes for some shows here in the UK. The guy gave me links to loads of live versions on UA-cam and I fell in love instantly with his playing. Particularly love the version if That’s Alright Mamna from Madison Square Garden. The energy!! Bravo again Sir. Very well played.
One of the better covers of Tutt.
Pure joy, Mike... This is fantastic...
Thanks Wil!
Absolutely incredible to watch and listen to, I don’t comment often but this is impressive. Life long Elvis fan and musician. Your kit is even the same colour and if I,m not mistaken same configuration as Ronnie kit. Love it.
Thanks a lot! And yes that was a replica kit I built in tribute from vintage 70s Ludwig drums that took me over 5 years to find all the right drums and then I rewrapped them all in Blue Sparkle.
Hi Mike,
I really enjoyed watching your interpretation of Ronnie Tutt's playing. Thanks for taking the time to learn, play, and record the great music. You really nailed it! Keep up the good work.
Sincerely,
Shaun Hedgepeth
Shaun, thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it and that you enjoyed the effort. However, there won't be any future 'good work' - I sold that kit and all my musical gear not long after I made that video and I don't play any more.
Wow, I'm sorry to hear that you won't be playing any longer. Is there anything I can do to persuade you to continue to play? I like to support fellow drummers. That was a great kit in every way. Check out this clip: ua-cam.com/video/HX3A4WZFBU4/v-deo.html&ab_channel=ShaunHedgepeth@@mochs3869
Major props to you for covering the whole show. Well done.
Thanks, Austin!
This is awesome! What a great idea! Fantastic performance AND mixing of the sound.
Thanks, Albert!
Great job, loved your video. Y hit it right on the cymbal.
Thanks, Scott!
You are a genious. You have to do another with the Elvis show in Las Vegas 1970.........Greetings from Argentina!
Thanks, Juan, but there won't be anymore like this. I did this video back in 2015, and I've since sold that kit (and all my music playing/recording gear) and don't really play anymore. I did buy an Alesis Strike Pro e-kit last year and there's a few cover videos I've done with that, but I've barely played them at all...the joy has just left to play anymore.
I'm a big fan of Elvis, and a drummer who admires Ronnie Tutt a lot, parebens, perfect, very good indeed, I'm your fan here from Brazil.
Thank you, Marcelo.
perfect perfect ...When I was young I try I want all the song at onece..but not come near you...I was amatour....beggıner..Perfect best job best pleasure...thank you...👌👌💯💯
Thank you...that was very nice to say!
Master Ronnie!! A monster!!, technic, speed, style.
This is the best video on youtube. Thank you. Amazing.
Well that's a pretty tall order to fill, but thanks.
You have next-level talent.
I UNSDERSTAND NOW. HE´S RONNIE TUTT WITH THE FACE OF MR.OCHS.
Amazing job! Elvis rules, love this CD
This is awesome. One of the most underrated drummers on UA-cam
Thanks, Cal...i appreciate that!
Mike Ochs you’re welcome! Keep jammin!
Very cool! good job!!! Or as Elvis would say "Fantastic"
Thanks!
I just wonder what a great experience it would be if we listen your live performances.. that will be awesome .. you nailed every bit of sound available in Elvis category
If you look at all the videos on my channel, you'll see 2 or 3 with Brad Boice using this same kit live. The audio is from the camera used to film the show, so it's not as good as the Aloha video soundwise, but gives an idea.
@@mochs3869 oh great I will surely watch …
Exactly the right feel of Mr Tutt!!
Thanks!
I still can't get enough watching u man ur good, to bad your video stopped and had to sell your drums.
Thanks, man!
Love EP and Ronnie Tutt...you are an amazing drummer
Thank you for saying that, Holly!
@@mochs3869 ya gotta give credit where credit is due 👏 😉
You are great !!! Awesome tribute to Ronnie … and I love Elvis The King always we’ll be
Well this has just made my hair stand on end, No words are appropriate enough , Mind blowing for sure, Thankyou for this Mike
Thanks, Declan!
You're kicking ass on this brother!
Thank, man!
Dude you freaking nailed it I'm sure if ronnie has seen it he is as amazed as am I want to be my drummer I am an E. T. A. and have been doing it for almost 40 years professionally I am a multi award winner have played the Hilton in Vegas 3 years in a row for the private star party of Star Trek actors at conventions and performed @Graceland in 2003 I would love to get to know you please drop me a line on here or Facebook I look forward to hearing from you soon thanks again for your awesome dedication to Elvis and Ronnie and the rest of the T. C. B. band Gid bless you and your family
Thanks for the kind words, Jerrod.
PLEASE do second half, i really enjoy it first half, you are best drummer, i ever seen, please do more. How about Elvis in concert 77, that be awesome :)
Richard, thank you for your kind words. However it is impossible to do the 2nd half as I sold that kit and all my musical/recording gear 3 years ago. I did buy an Alesis Strike Pro kit a few months ago just to have something to play on occasionally, but have found my skills have deteriorated to the point that I can't even play at the level in this video anymore. After a lifetime being devoted to it, drumming and drums just no longer hold any pleasure for me. I think I've played on that new kit maybe an hour total in the 3 months I've had it. I just have no interest in it anymore. I actually did do Elvis In Concert many years before this video and with a totally different kit, but there's no video of me doing it - I overdubbed my drums on top of the original video.
Mike Ochs ... So sorry to hear that. This video made my day. I love Elvis and you were flipping awesome!! I'll definitely be watching this OVER AND OVER!! Thanks for sharing. *Alice
This is just amazing, love it!
Thanks, Oliver!
Great job, this brings back memories of that great Elvis concert! :-)
Thank you and thank you again.
Amazing drummer!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
This is a fantastic performance!! I had to play it in slow motion so I could watch your hands!
Thanks, Eric! That's also partially why I Madd the video...in case anyone else wanted to see a behind the kit view of what Ron was doing to learn it for themselves. Glad you liked it!
Mike..Corey here up in Toronto. I've been playing since 1964 and took music for about 10 years as a special interest growing up. Where the heck did you get this talent? You've had
professional lessons and extensive training somewhere. I have never in my life heard and seen a better drummer. Maybe Ronnie Tutt himself. You can tell listening to the imaging that you are playing classic Ludwig drums even without seeing them. You are just so incredible and this is coming from another drummer who's been playing for over fifty years. I'm picking up here that you could easily play in the best symphony orchestras in the world. You've literally mastered and I mean mastered percusssion sections of the greatest music presentation of our times. Well done Mike.
Corey, thanks so much for the kind words. As for where I got this talent....ironically, I'd have to say it came from NOT having drums when I was younger. When I was in grade school in the mid-70s, my Mom was a huge Elvis fan, and she belonged to one of those Columbia House Tape and Record clubs. At the time we had an old Pontiac Ventura that had an 8-track player in it and she would play Elvis tapes in the car when the radio didn't have something on she wanted to listen to. Now, you have to remember that back at this time, it was AM radio, and stuff like Captain and Tenille, ABBA, Startlight Vocal Band, etc was all new stuff, but I found the drumming boring and uninspired. Barry Manilow was another one she'd listen to, and I got so worked up over the huge musical swells in his stuff and the drummer is sitting back there playing 2 and 4 on a closed hi-hat..I'm going, "what the HELL dude?" Give me those damn sticks, lol...Anyway, one day this Aloha from Hawaii tape arrives and she plays it in the car and I hear the 2001, and that opening riff by Tutt, and I went nuts. I was like "who is THAT??"...and as I listened more, I kept thinking, "that's how I would do it, too!". Today, what Tutt did is considered 'overplaying', but I don't care - I love it...it suits the music perfectly and Tutt DROVE that band. The Elvis show just doesn't work with any other drummer - not Lanning, not Londin, not Stump. So, I found out who he was and started getting my hands on everything my Mom had that he played on - not having any idea at the time that he was anything other than Elvis' drummer. I played drums in the school bands, but at that time, I had none of my own at home - parents couldn't afford them, so I would air drum. And, I really think that's the core of why I'm able to play like I can. I had no drums of my own covering up what was there originally, so I was forced to listen to the original all the time. I developed whatever the audio equivalent of a "photographic memory" is. I can hear a song or even just part of one and know how it's going to go or remember how it goes. It's been incredibly helpful and a curse at the same time. As soon as I hear the acoustic guitar into to Boston's "More Than A Feeling", I've heard the whole album in track order in my head already and it makes it so I can't listen to it.
It was years of course before I ever SAW this show on video, but I would play it all the time and air drum along with Ronnie until eventually I had the whole show down. When I sat down to record the video above, it was just like you see it on the screen - The entire concert just played back like a CD in my head, and years of air drumming along with it, then eventually on actual drums and muscle memory kind of takes over.
As far as any professional training, no, not really. I went through the whole school band program, which my town has always had a great music program. I had a few private lesson teachers during summers and band season, but they were all just upper classmen giving lessons for some side cash. I spent 4 years in a local Drum and Bugle Corps where I would I played cymbals my first year, then played drumset in the pit at the front sideline my last 3 years. There were some really great instructors in that, but they weren't only for me, but the whole drumline - I learned disciplined playing and how to get power from the wrist and not the arms there. So my professional lessons and extensive training? Ronnie Tutt himself via video and audio recordings. Building a replica of his kit and making this video was my tribute to him and to say 'thanks' for all he's taught me over 40 years. One thing that held me back a lot (and makes this video more amazing once you know this) is that I'm naturally left handed. But, I learned how to play on a right handed kit, and I can't play a straight rock beat on a left handed kit at all. But, you'll see me lead a lot of tom fills left hand lead. Since the majority of the drums on that kit are over there, it kinda works out fine. But, it really hampers my double bass playing - imagine this messed up scene - my hands want to do right hand lead on the ride and snare, but my feet want to do left foot lead. My wires get all crossed and I get tripped up.
It's all moot now, though as I don't play anymore. This was the one last great thing that I did on the drums in 2015. Except for one Elvis show as a fill in a year ago that I have a few clips from on my channel, I haven't played in over 2 years, and that kit and all the recording equipment are all gone now.