I worked as a backline tech for the Pumpkins on the Mellon Collie tour. No offense at all to Matt Walker, who is an excellent drummer, but the whole live act deflated when Jimmy left the situation. In all my years of touring, I've never been as excited by a drummer I heard daily as much as I was with Jimmy. He was the foundation of all that was good with that band. And a super guy as well. It's great to see him today so healthy and filled with joy for his craft.
Yeah I saw that tour in September of 96 with Matt. He did an amazing job, including an unreal drum solo, and it's a massive credit to him to be able to jump into that role period, never mind under the timeline that he did it in. But there was nothing like seeing Jimmy himself. I was lucky enough to attend his first show back in the band in 99 and to say it was mind blowing doesn't even begin to describe it.
The loss of Jimmy at their peak was a huge blow for the pumpkins sound at the time, but looking at it the other way, if that hadn't happened there's a good chance that he wouldn't still be with us now - there's so so many people from contemporary bands of the period that aren't.
The fact that Jimmy Chamberlain from The Smashing Pumpkins has a drum teacher, at this stage of his life and career, should be inspiring to you. Yes, you.
Indeed. He went the way of Neil Peart who did the very same thing and took on a teacher when he'd reached the perceived top and there was nowhere left to go. Amazing!
In 1996, I worked as a production assistant for The Smashing Pumpkins on their Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness tour in Brazil. Their tour photographer was Jimmy Page's daughter, Scarlet Page, and we became friends during the tour. Billy and D'arcy did not get along well and were always fighting. James was very introspective, and Jimmy Chamberlin was the nicest person in the band. After the tour ended, we went diving in Rio, and I still have the photos from that day - probably the only ones of the band in swimsuits. Before their departure, Jimmy gave me the drumstick he used in the shows, signed "with love to my friend Marcos," and I keep it as a piece of the band's original lineup. Thank you, Jimmy, and stay cool!
@@werideatdusk It was an incredible experience indeed, and it got even better! Led Zeppelin were also playing at the festival, and Scarlet Page took me to the Sheraton hotel in Rio, where she introduced me to her father and Robert Plant. Funny enough, she told me she didn’t like Led Zeppelin and preferred The Smashing Pumpkins instead.
Although Jimmy's technique and chops are on an unreal level, the best thing about him is that he has such a unique identity on the instrument. You can hear half a bar and immediately know it's him. I think he created a whole drumming style by himself. No one sounds like Jimmy.
My only two complaints about this interview is 1) I didn’t get to see him play Drown, and 2) it wasn’t 7 hours longer. Absolutely incredible interview start to finish.
e selv uden indblanding.nrmen sån sdkulle det ikke ende.r så upopulær,at jeg intet må skrive hvis dette ikke går igennem,det ville være nok til at jeg blev helt rolig igen. Jeg er det ondeste dyr, fik du skrevet dethvordan fik du lov til at skrive? Nå,mig jeg skal vænne mig til at jeg når jeg skriver aldrig kan skrive selv,uden indblanding.
es indblandingsskyld. vise deres problem,jeg behøver ikke at give mit besyv med men at ikke have lov er asocialt ad helvede til.yldtararar fyldt med indblanding, dette er godt grovere til atär fDet vildt fioorviorrende er alene u tubes skyld
Possibly Rick's greatest interview and that's saying something. The drum demo Jimmy gives is a masterclass and a treasure. This video will be studied for years to come.
I'm so glad Jimmy survived the rock and roll machine and is here with us to do interviews like this. What a great guy. One of my top drumming influences of all time.
My favorite drummer of all time... I went to Canada on holiday when I was 13 and heard the pumpkins for the first time.... it wasn't Billy's singing that sucked me in... it was Jimmy's drumming. I've never been hit with something so powerful before. Made me go back to Ireland and pick up the sticks and became a drummer in my first band at 14. Thank you, Rick, for having him as a guest. Thank you, Jimmy, for your genius.
@@DesignRhythmA lot of so called good interviewers need to take lessons from Rick, stay out of the way and let the talent talk. Many talk over the talent/guest and don’t let the interview breathe.
Hearing Jimmy play Jellybelly solo in its entirety is some of the best time i've ever spent on youtube; he is a huge inspiration to my drumming and always will be
I'm not a drummer. And I wouldn't even say I'm very passionate about the drums. However, this may be my favorite interview Rick has ever done. The way Jimmy expresses himself is second to none. And you can tell he and Rick really hit it off. There's none of the awkwardness that's present in some of the other interviews. I think it's because Jimmy is excited by the same things Rick is. He's a music nerd and technician through and through.
I was a drummer who grew up in Crestwood In the south suburbs of Chicago. I was big time into Jazz and Marching band. I would listen to the Buddy Rich drum battles with Max Roach or Gene Krupa, and what stood out was how smooth and clean Buddys rolls and diddles were. When I first heard Gish, I almost fell over listening to basically Buddy Rich playing rock drums. The clean perfect 64th note rolls, the accents perfectly timed with the guitar. I was immediately obsessed with Jimmy Chamberlain and practiced obsessively with my stick control. Jimmy also influenced my sobriety years later from my addiction to Heroin. Jimmy means so much to me and he literally changed my life. I saw the pumpkins at the metro right before Siamese Dream was released and could not believe what I was seeing. The greatest drummer of all time, excluding Buddy Rich.
@@JayBuff19 I got lucky because my brother was kinda friendly with The Metro owner and was given 4 tickets to those metro shows and it was Fuckin epic. The pumpkins were peaking and they were well rehearsed. So that show was a chance to see them before they blew the fuvk up
I had the privilege of meeting Jimmy out in the wild, he came into the restaurant I worked at in Wicker Park in Chicago in 2017, as he was leaving I told him what a fan I was and he was gracious enough to chat with me and he started geeking out about all the new SP stuff that was in the works. He is humble and genuine. What a blessing that he is with us, making music at a high level and raising a family. God bless you JC!
Rick, this is what you do: I'm not a drummer, nor am I very familiar with the Pumpkins. But this is one of the coolest interviews I've ever seen and I am just incredibly grateful for it, as well as impressed with Chamberlin. Thank you so much.
They’re great players but what sets them apart for me is that not only are they excellent musicians but they understand the importance of and how to express emotions in the sounds.
You’re not wrong but sometimes it’s more than that with bands it’s the energy, the era, the way their talents bounce off each other. I love the pumpkins but my god they haven’t wrote a great album in well over 20 years once darcy and iha left. But yes, I do agree, as long as Billy and chamberlain are together will always get that power, the core of the pumpkins. Edit: this is coming from a diehard fan. The last semi solid pumpkins album was Oceania and there was no OG members. Machina is the last real pumpkins. The new material is truly truly awful and I’m in the majority here.
@@gordoncockfield dude exactly. I understand artists evolve and imagination naturally dies with age especially with wealth and comfort and not having that angst towards the world that’s been the fire for so many artists records - but corgan is way to wordy now which often leads to these really esoteric (not in a cool way) lack luster melodies. I wish he’d double his vocals again, and bury them a DB or two in the mix. He has that sharp piercing vocal that sounds really dope when there’s some reverb and some tape delay on em, in the mix. Gives the vocals that seductive ghostly movement like it did back in the day. His vocals sit on top of the mix now dry as balls with a beat machine, when he has one of the greatest living drummers in the world behind him haha. I almost wish he’d rip his old self off and re record tracks we’ve never heard and pawn em off as new. With that being said, they still rock live.
This has got to be one of my favorite interviews of all time. I’m a guitar player and longtime huge Pumpkins fan, so I’m already very well familiar with how much of a true beast of a musician Jimmy is, but MAN… I had no idea the depth of insight he has as to the art he helps create. What an amazing musician he is. True to the very core.
It's funny, because I was a Drums For Life guy through high school until Siamese Dream came out and I immediately switched to guitar... I was immediately inspired to make Big Muff noise... I'm 1/2 the guitar player BC is but perhaps, on a visceral level, I understood I might be 1/2 the guitar player Billy is but I would never be an 1/8th the drummer JC is...? Either way, it's so good to see him healthy and flat-out joyous talking about music.
This interview deserves more views. Of all the amazing interviews Rick has done, this surely is one of the best. I’ve never heard a musician speak so articulately or so eloquently about their craft.
Jimmy has reached god level status long ago. This is an incredible interview whether you play drums or not. His old school influences are so key to his sound...I feel a lot of that old stuff is lost in today's players. Thank you Rick for sharing this! It's brilliant.
Yeah, I think he slipped a little between Gish and SD due to the substance issues. He was back on MCIS though. SD was still great though, that soft part on Hummer. Zwan is probably my favourite album for the drumming.
If I saw this back in 1994 when I was a 20 year old drummer / Pumpkins fan my head would've exploded! Jimmy was THE drummer of the 90's. As a drummer today I have the utmost respect for him and place him with the other drummers I admire like Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker.
I hadn't heard Jimmy interviewed since '94. I never realized what a big brain he is. I was always a fan, bet have a totally new appreciation for the man. Bravo.
He's one of those drummers you can just listen to without instruments and never get bored. Great player. Amazing dynamics. Extraordinary wrist control. And most importantly, great taste.
This interview was such a privilege to witness. "It's not about the homogeny, it's about the inconsistancy." is such a perfect phrase to characterize Jimmy's drumming. He has been and continues to be my favorite drummer. He's always been superb at giving the drums such a distinctive sonic presence, while still working in balance with the other instruments in a band.
Rick and Jimmy are just such music nerds and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I learned so much about drumming from this conversation and I don’t even play. I always learn a lot from Jimmy when I hear him talk. He’s extremely articulate. I still think he’s one of the best drummers ever and definitely the best from the 90s group. Just my opinion.
Mellon Collie was THE soundtrack to my life when I was sweet and sour Sixteen. Every song was a separate emotion, feeling that pertained to all and who was happening in my life at the time. School Blues, Teenage Kicks , Adolescent Adventures. I love that today, I can still get immersed in Mellon Collile- and Siamese Dream and combine those times and memories with how life today is carried and worked out via the same songs. Classic music grows and moves on with you.
I played a gig with Jimmy when I was really young, he was so kind and supportive to me and I’ll never forget that. Twice the drummer as the other guys around, half the ego
Billy Corgan and Butch Vig were already my favorite interviews, but now you completed the list with Jimmy! Such honor to be able to hear the ones responsible for my all time favorite album talking about how it was created! And to see Jimmy playing Jellybelly was an indescribable moment. Thank you for this! PS: to complete the 90s gold, we just need you with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder. Pleaaaase!
As a young, geeky musician who played classical sax, Jimmy Chamberlin with the Pumpkins was the first drummer I ever admired outside of Buddy Rich or Krupa. It turned out most of my drummer friends loved him, too. I can remember sitting in the car blasting Siamese Dream and practically crying with my buddy over JC's high-hat usage. To this day he still an inspiration to me and I'm sure countless other musicians. Loved this interview and awesome to see him happy and healthy and kicking ass
As a kid I got to listen to Siamese Dream at a local record store in 1994, and the opening drum roll changed my life. I got my first drum kit the next xmas!
I’ve never even hit a drum in anger but I could listen to Jimmy talk drums for hours. He’s such an intelligent and eloquent Man and his dedication to his instrument is just incredible. Great job, Rick!
I always felt like Jimmy fell under the "if ya know, ya know" status for many years, which always confused me. I was blown away with his playing from the moment I heard him. A giant of a drummer and a major contributor to the "pumpkin sound"
I'm an amateur guitar player, but I learned more about drums from this video with Jimmy, than any other video that I have seen. Big fan of the Pumpkins.
Right? I’m an amateur musician, even though I have been making some kind of noise my entire life and what I get out of this is that maybe it’s not too late for lessons! 🥳🤣 I’m almost 50
My favorite drummer of all time. He is incredibly talented and one of the main reasons Smashing Pumpkins are such a great band. He could turn simple guitar parts into absolutely epic songs.
I just ate this video, couldn't look away lol. I'll never forget the first time I listened to Siamese Dream; I was impressed by how I was able to perfectly hear and understand the phrasing of the drums through that jet turbine big muff. Jimmy is a beast. Thank you, Rick, keep making these.
I am first and foremost, a drummer. This interview gave me a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and outlook on my role in the band. There are some things I’ve inherently done over the years, that line up with some of Jimmy’s techniques, reasoning, and playability. But Jimmy was so good in the explanations of why they work. One of the best interviews I’ve seen in a long time. Jimmy is one of the most articulate and well-spoken musicians and wow…The thought that has went into each and every piece of music he’s had his hands in. And the fact that he’s still leaning, leaning on other musicians for some of their knowledge. A life-long student if you will. You never can know enough. Always room for improvement. And age is just a number. Jimmy looks and sounds fantastic. So happy for him. Great questions and dialogue, Rick. Superbly done.
My fav drummer of the 90's alt scene. A hero of mine. The Bonham of the 90's ,not that he played like Bonham but was a drummer influenced by jazz and made his own footprint on the instrument. I would love to have a beer with this guy. Now Chamberlain is much a style as Bonhams style of the 70's. My first books were the "Around the drums with ...."series as well.
@@scottdegroot4785 So true ! Like almost all studio musicians. But at leat he has the keys of the City of LA from the hands of the Mayor when he was playing in APC. Tho' The biggest scandal in music history is the case of Mick Taylor because being underrated is one thing. But being uncredited and ignored is such a thing.
This is the best thing I have ever watched. Jimmy is so giving of his knowledge and influences and it is a joy to hear him speak so passionately about his craft and lift up everyone who got him there. Absolute legend of a man and my favourite musician of all time. He is most of the reason that I play drums. Long live JC.
Been waiting over 30 yrs for this interview. Rick has really out done himself on this one. Asking all the questions with the depth and detail I’ve always wanted to know. Unbelievable!!! Not much can be said that hasn’t already been said about this living legend drummer JC. Great, great interview!
its so lovely to hear jimmy say that his teacher is steve lyman, and following steve he always says that jimmy is his hero. i just think that it is a beautiful thing.
As a guitar player always focusing on the guitar, Rush and the Pumpkins pulled me into the rhythm section and made me appreciate the entire ensemble; drums and bass. Thank you Mr. Chamberlin!
I actually wanted to play drums instead of guitar, but my parents refused. Still, despite focusing on everything, it was the Smashing Pumpkins, Rush and Tool, that made me appreciate the drums more.
Same with the cymbals. Every decay is musically perfect. I love that. Copeland does that too. There's songs where I can put just the cymbal hit on repeat just to hear it decay back into the groove in a way thats so satisfying and cool.
Yes! I’ve never seen an interview with Jimmy. So grateful that Rick is the one making it happen. His interviews are GOLD. An archive for the ages. I try and imagine folks generations from now that will be able to listen to the origins of these creative souls from those who actually created them. Imagine being able to listen to interviews from Mozart or Da Vinci. I’m a nerd when it comes to music history and Rick has found his stride with this platform.
I don't think I've seen any interviews with Jimmy by himself. In Pumpkins interviews and the bits on the Zwan DVD, he came off as very quiet. Here he's extremely well spoken and knowledge. I also love that as a drum idol of mine, he learned from the same old books that I did.
I’m sorry but I just paused this INCREDIBLE interview at 35:27 to say this: Jimmy Chamberlain might just be the most intelligent musician ever! Wow, the reasoning, strategy, and articulation from this guy is seriously blowing my mind right now! Great interview!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I clicked on the interview to hear him play and hear Pumpkins stories. Rather than fast-forwarding, I just listened and I'm glad I did. The amount of practical and technical knowledge Jimmy has about drums and music in general is astounding.
Gosh, I feel him when he talked about his sister. My sister passed away in 2008, and I miss her dearly. We played music together from grade school to Junior College. She was a year older than me. Much love! 🙏❤
Musical memories are so deep!! Your sister is tethered in those memories, and that's a beautiful thing. My sisters are my musical soul mates ❤️. Sending you a big fat hug.
@@rachiebrandt Thank you! I miss her a lot these days. Thank you for the hug. ❤ My whole family was musical, except my mother. She didn't play. But she showed us all the good music. Take care!
The music journalists used to talk about how great Jimmy was. Now I can finally understand it. That demonstration at the end of drumming techniques blew my mind.
Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie were the definitive soundtrack to my late teens. Between this interview and the Billy Corgan one it just gives me all the more appreciation of the music on levels I had never considered. Knowing more about the process behind it only enhances the memories and feelings that the songs give me.
When i was a kid i got Siamese dream on cassette. Hearing his drums changed how I i hear music. Looking forward to watching this. After finishing this video, best interview yet. Im glad this is here for people to watch anytime
I teared up with pure joy, listening to him play those drum parts at the end. Wow thank you so much, Rick. That was amazing as our all of your interviews.
Thank you so much for this interview, Rick! I recently went back and watched your interviews with Billy and Butch, too, so this was very timely. I always enjoy getting the inside scoop of these bands I’ve loved for so long. Smashing Pumpkins has been one of my favorite bands since Gish and I drove my parents nuts playing it full blast in my room. And hearing Siamese Dream for the first time was like some other worldly experience. I’ve enjoyed all the releases over the years as they’ve experimented and grown. They’re all incredible musicians in their own right, but I’ve always really loved that Jimmy’s jazz background because it brings such an elevated touch to the percussion.
Finally found time to watch this. Wow....incredible. Jimmy seems like a great hang. And top class musician....total commitment. All the success is well deserved.
I did the same thing when I saw them back in 1993 on the Siamese Dream Tour at Nottingham Rock City. "JIMMY!" I was the only one though and kept getting stared at.
This was just like the Robert DeLeo interview you did Rick! Both guys just love music, and take inspiration from everywhere. Doesn't matter the Genres, great music is great music. Just like Robert, Jimmy's love and excitement is so infectious. I was sitting here just smiling the whole interview. I caught the Pumpkins just over 12 months ago, here in Australia with Jane's Addiction. Was a bloody great night :)
I knew nothing about jimmy. And he pulled out every drummer and drum lick/pattern reference I’ve loved my whole life. What an awesome interview. And what a fantastic musician he is
Jimmy is a friggin master of articulation, groove, feel, and originality (while drawing on his key inspirations). With no deference to Billy and his songwriting abilities, there is no Smashing Pumpkins for me without Jimmy. LOVED this interview Rick. Keep it up. You are killing it brother!
Seen Pumpkins with Kenny Aronoff, with RATM guy as well as that kid that was on Oceania and yeah, Jimmy. Jimmy playing Behold! The Nightmare just makes it a better song. Don’t even get me started on the 2007 live version of Shame. Tearing up like a sad teenager rn, I’m 46.
I really respect how he's still a student, still learning, even when he's a master himself. That's a true artist. (favorite moment - the ultra-precise high hat on Hummer's descending scale -- OMG)
This interview made me just love Jimmy even more and why he is a musician first and a drummer second, but one of the greatest drummers of my time! (I’m in my 60’s)
There’s a moment earlier on when Jimmy is describing something so articulately where even Rick is blown away. Beautiful and memorable. Thanks again Rick, nailed it.
I worked as a backline tech for the Pumpkins on the Mellon Collie tour. No offense at all to Matt Walker, who is an excellent drummer, but the whole live act deflated when Jimmy left the situation. In all my years of touring, I've never been as excited by a drummer I heard daily as much as I was with Jimmy. He was the foundation of all that was good with that band. And a super guy as well. It's great to see him today so healthy and filled with joy for his craft.
Loved the show I saw on that tour, but man, it really wasn't the same at all without Jimmy.
Yeah I saw that tour in September of 96 with Matt. He did an amazing job, including an unreal drum solo, and it's a massive credit to him to be able to jump into that role period, never mind under the timeline that he did it in. But there was nothing like seeing Jimmy himself. I was lucky enough to attend his first show back in the band in 99 and to say it was mind blowing doesn't even begin to describe it.
Jimmy is Billy Corgan's Ringo. The whole pumpkins sound to me is his drumming.
The loss of Jimmy at their peak was a huge blow for the pumpkins sound at the time, but looking at it the other way, if that hadn't happened there's a good chance that he wouldn't still be with us now - there's so so many people from contemporary bands of the period that aren't.
Portugal Cascais 96 ❤️
The fact that Jimmy Chamberlain from The Smashing Pumpkins has a drum teacher, at this stage of his life and career, should be inspiring to you. Yes, you.
Like the “Professor” Neil Peart! Always strived to be better.
Spot on absolutely just devoted to learning and listening, good lesson in this for all of us
Indeed. He went the way of Neil Peart who did the very same thing and took on a teacher when he'd reached the perceived top and there was nowhere left to go. Amazing!
That's what sets icons like him apart from plebs who proud themselves in not learning theory. 😂
Even the best need coaches. It is always helpful to have an external perspective to help you realize your fullest potential.
In 1996, I worked as a production assistant for The Smashing Pumpkins on their Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness tour in Brazil. Their tour photographer was Jimmy Page's daughter, Scarlet Page, and we became friends during the tour. Billy and D'arcy did not get along well and were always fighting. James was very introspective, and Jimmy Chamberlin was the nicest person in the band. After the tour ended, we went diving in Rio, and I still have the photos from that day - probably the only ones of the band in swimsuits. Before their departure, Jimmy gave me the drumstick he used in the shows, signed "with love to my friend Marcos," and I keep it as a piece of the band's original lineup. Thank you, Jimmy, and stay cool!
that's a great story, thank you for sharing!!! legendary times for music! You were lucky to be there :)
@@werideatdusk It was an incredible experience indeed, and it got even better! Led Zeppelin were also playing at the festival, and Scarlet Page took me to the Sheraton hotel in Rio, where she introduced me to her father and Robert Plant. Funny enough, she told me she didn’t like Led Zeppelin and preferred The Smashing Pumpkins instead.
@@marcosmenescal2962just wow🎉
Nice man!
Que história mais incrível! Obrigada por partilhar!
There are only a hand full of rock drummers that you can immediately identify just by listening to a track. Jimmy’s one of the few. God mode.
Mellon Collie is a kind of drum catalogue if you ask me. What cán't he do!? 🤯 Seeing SP live in a couple of weeks. Stoked to see Jimmy!
100%
Although Jimmy's technique and chops are on an unreal level, the best thing about him is that he has such a unique identity on the instrument. You can hear half a bar and immediately know it's him.
I think he created a whole drumming style by himself. No one sounds like Jimmy.
Such a unique sonic identity!
I'm 45 years old. The 15 year old in me just said this is the coolest interview on UA-cam. I agree with him.😎
I’m 45, too. I wonder how many of us there are watching this. 😎
I’m almost 39! A few years behind y’all, but the 12 year old in me agrees!😂
Same age here. It’s hard to explain how much I loved Siamese Dream.
42, coolest interview ever! 😎
42
My only two complaints about this interview is 1) I didn’t get to see him play Drown, and 2) it wasn’t 7 hours longer. Absolutely incredible interview start to finish.
Drown! I just had the same thought. The snare work on that song is incredible.
e selv uden indblanding.nrmen sån sdkulle det ikke ende.r så upopulær,at jeg intet må skrive hvis dette ikke går igennem,det ville være nok til at jeg blev helt rolig igen. Jeg er det ondeste dyr, fik du skrevet dethvordan fik du lov til at skrive? Nå,mig jeg skal vænne mig til at jeg når jeg skriver aldrig kan skrive selv,uden indblanding.
es indblandingsskyld. vise deres problem,jeg behøver ikke at give mit besyv med men at ikke have lov er asocialt ad helvede til.yldtararar fyldt med indblanding, dette er godt grovere til atär fDet vildt fioorviorrende er alene u tubes skyld
Hoping for an extended cut on the second channel 🙏
@@vermithaxyesssss that’s exactly what I was hoping to see!
Possibly Rick's greatest interview and that's saying something. The drum demo Jimmy gives is a masterclass and a treasure. This video will be studied for years to come.
I agree 100%
Ditto, the best interview yet 👍
FUCK YES❤❤❤
Top 10
Spot on!
35 years and it's the most relaxed and personal Jimmy interview i've ever seen
It's great to see how happy and healthy he appears to be. He's been through the grinder, happy he's still with us.
Dude the jelly belly demo absolutely says it all on how talented Jimmy is as a rock drummer. Like it's literally insane his speed.
The most eloquent guest you've ever had AND a monster musician with an arranger's ear.
Eloquence second only to Mr. Danny “DMT” Carey.
Well said...
@@austinhunt4260 Danny's a great dude, and monster player, but he's nowhere near as eloquent as Jimmy is with words.
@@russmartin1814 I tried to pick the most obviously least eloquent guest of Rick’s. My intention was a little sarcasm.
Agree 100% !!!!
I'm so glad Jimmy survived the rock and roll machine and is here with us to do interviews like this. What a great guy. One of my top drumming influences of all time.
We almost lost him! He should be wrapped in bubble wrap
the Heavy Metal Machine
I couldn't believe he played Jellybelly in its entirety. I don't think I've seen a drummer do that before in a demo. Awesome. Great interview.
So great!!!
1:06:14 for anyone who wants to skip to it
From memory! Insane!
@@pytski4345 to be fair he’s probably played it thousands of times lol
@@bigbowlowrong4694before 2023 they hadn’t actually played it live since 1997 which is pretty insane
Seeing what Jimmy has become after all the trials and tribulations.. As someone that struggled with addiction, it's truly inspiring! A living legend.
My favorite drummer of all time... I went to Canada on holiday when I was 13 and heard the pumpkins for the first time.... it wasn't Billy's singing that sucked me in... it was Jimmy's drumming. I've never been hit with something so powerful before. Made me go back to Ireland and pick up the sticks and became a drummer in my first band at 14. Thank you, Rick, for having him as a guest. Thank you, Jimmy, for your genius.
pumpkins in dublin in 2 days time. my birthday, and also Jimmys. woohoo!!!
Rick is on fire with these interviews lately. Jimmy is extremely articulate and an incredible player. Please don’t stop these
It's just an appreciation of good music and musicians. I love these interviews alsom❤
@@DesignRhythmA lot of so called good interviewers need to take lessons from Rick, stay out of the way and let the talent talk. Many talk over the talent/guest and don’t let the interview breathe.
Can really see why Corgan and Chamberlin have worked together for so long, genius nerds! 🤘
and why corgan, who is brilliant, always wanted jimmy back with him creating!
Two SERIOUSLY talented individuals
"The confidence in the destination allows the flexibility of the interpretation within the architecture." That was profound
was about to say the same thing. a profound, eloquent genius!
That blew me away too
Rick’s first involuntary “wow” in the interview
My mind was blown
I had the same exact reaction to that that Rick did. I'll take that one with me forever now- just brilliant
Hearing Jimmy play Jellybelly solo in its entirety is some of the best time i've ever spent on youtube; he is a huge inspiration to my drumming and always will be
I'm not a drummer. And I wouldn't even say I'm very passionate about the drums. However, this may be my favorite interview Rick has ever done. The way Jimmy expresses himself is second to none. And you can tell he and Rick really hit it off. There's none of the awkwardness that's present in some of the other interviews. I think it's because Jimmy is excited by the same things Rick is. He's a music nerd and technician through and through.
I was a drummer who grew up in Crestwood In the south suburbs of Chicago. I was big time into Jazz and Marching band. I would listen to the Buddy Rich drum battles with Max Roach or Gene Krupa, and what stood out was how smooth and clean Buddys rolls and diddles were. When I first heard Gish, I almost fell over listening to basically Buddy Rich playing rock drums. The clean perfect 64th note rolls, the accents perfectly timed with the guitar. I was immediately obsessed with Jimmy Chamberlain and practiced obsessively with my stick control. Jimmy also influenced my sobriety years later from my addiction to Heroin. Jimmy means so much to me and he literally changed my life. I saw the pumpkins at the metro right before Siamese Dream was released and could not believe what I was seeing. The greatest drummer of all time, excluding Buddy Rich.
❤
Cheers mate
A wonderful message. So happy for you. 🙏❤️
I was at 2 of those 3 SD Metro shows pre release. First saw Jimmy in 91 on Gish tour, brilliant player!
@@JayBuff19 I got lucky because my brother was kinda friendly with The Metro owner and was given 4 tickets to those metro shows and it was Fuckin epic. The pumpkins were peaking and they were well rehearsed. So that show was a chance to see them before they blew the fuvk up
I had the privilege of meeting Jimmy out in the wild, he came into the restaurant I worked at in Wicker Park in Chicago in 2017, as he was leaving I told him what a fan I was and he was gracious enough to chat with me and he started geeking out about all the new SP stuff that was in the works. He is humble and genuine. What a blessing that he is with us, making music at a high level and raising a family. God bless you JC!
having met multiple times in the last 24y, Jimmy has ALWAYS been super nice & down to earth. every time. amazing drummer, amazing guy.
Omg I would die 🥹
Where did you work in Wicker? I worked in Humboldt, Logan, etc
@@TimothyLafreniere place called Lillies Q. I think that location closed.
This guy is an oracle. So much wisdom and pure geekyness.
So true!
This interview confirms what I've known since the first time I heard the S.P. record "Gish." Jimmy Chamberlin is a drumming genius.
Hearing Jimmy talk is an absolute pleasure, as he is such a genuine drum nerd.
Rick, this is what you do: I'm not a drummer, nor am I very familiar with the Pumpkins. But this is one of the coolest interviews I've ever seen and I am just incredibly grateful for it, as well as impressed with Chamberlin. Thank you so much.
Doing god's work :)
Agreed and I don’t even like this band but i could easily watch another 10 hours 😃
Do yourself a favor and listen to Siamese Dream
Jimmy and Billy are why the Pumpkins sound like no one else, both are unbelievable players
Facts 💯
They’re great players but what sets them apart for me is that not only are they excellent musicians but they understand the importance of and how to express emotions in the sounds.
You’re not wrong but sometimes it’s more than that with bands it’s the energy, the era, the way their talents bounce off each other. I love the pumpkins but my god they haven’t wrote a great album in well over 20 years once darcy and iha left. But yes, I do agree, as long as Billy and chamberlain are together will always get that power, the core of the pumpkins.
Edit: this is coming from a diehard fan. The last semi solid pumpkins album was Oceania and there was no OG members. Machina is the last real pumpkins. The new material is truly truly awful and I’m in the majority here.
They are on a different planet when they play or record together.
@@gordoncockfield dude exactly. I understand artists evolve and imagination naturally dies with age especially with wealth and comfort and not having that angst towards the world that’s been the fire for so many artists records - but corgan is way to wordy now which often leads to these really esoteric (not in a cool way) lack luster melodies. I wish he’d double his vocals again, and bury them a DB or two in the mix. He has that sharp piercing vocal that sounds really dope when there’s some reverb and some tape delay on em, in the mix. Gives the vocals that seductive ghostly movement like it did back in the day. His vocals sit on top of the mix now dry as balls with a beat machine, when he has one of the greatest living drummers in the world behind him haha. I almost wish he’d rip his old self off and re record tracks we’ve never heard and pawn em off as new. With that being said, they still rock live.
This has got to be one of my favorite interviews of all time. I’m a guitar player and longtime huge Pumpkins fan, so I’m already very well familiar with how much of a true beast of a musician Jimmy is, but MAN… I had no idea the depth of insight he has as to the art he helps create. What an amazing musician he is. True to the very core.
I could not have said it any better 🙏🏼
Everything you said applies to me too. And I am such a fan of what Jimmy brings to the table, for the band and to music in general.
It's funny, because I was a Drums For Life guy through high school until Siamese Dream came out and I immediately switched to guitar... I was immediately inspired to make Big Muff noise... I'm 1/2 the guitar player BC is but perhaps, on a visceral level, I understood I might be 1/2 the guitar player Billy is but I would never be an 1/8th the drummer JC is...? Either way, it's so good to see him healthy and flat-out joyous talking about music.
@@akakgakha, yes...I'm with you on the 1/2, 1/8 thing. I would still try to play JC parts (terribly) for years. Did a little better with the guitar..
Wow. Probably the best musician interview I’ve ever seen. Great job!
This interview deserves more views. Of all the amazing interviews Rick has done, this surely is one of the best. I’ve never heard a musician speak so articulately or so eloquently about their craft.
Came for the drumming, left with a masterclass on music composition, recording, dynamics and artistry. Brilliant stuff, Rick.
“The confidence in the destination allows the flexibility of the interpretation within the architecture.” - Jimmy Chamberlain
Jimmy has reached god level status long ago. This is an incredible interview whether you play drums or not. His old school influences are so key to his sound...I feel a lot of that old stuff is lost in today's players. Thank you Rick for sharing this! It's brilliant.
His work on siamese dream gets better every time i listen. Been listening to it for twenty years
Butch Vig was a drummer himself. He had a knack for recording drums. @luke5100
Butch vig @luke5100
Yeah, I think he slipped a little between Gish and SD due to the substance issues. He was back on MCIS though. SD was still great though, that soft part on Hummer.
Zwan is probably my favourite album for the drumming.
If I saw this back in 1994 when I was a 20 year old drummer / Pumpkins fan my head would've exploded! Jimmy was THE drummer of the 90's. As a drummer today I have the utmost respect for him and place him with the other drummers I admire like Mitch Mitchell and Ginger Baker.
I hadn't heard Jimmy interviewed since '94. I never realized what a big brain he is. I was always a fan, bet have a totally new appreciation for the man. Bravo.
He's one of those drummers you can just listen to without instruments and never get bored. Great player. Amazing dynamics. Extraordinary wrist control. And most importantly, great taste.
taste...yes!
I’m fascinated by Jimmy’s awareness and his natural tendency to keep evolving
The drums on Gish hooked me from the first moment.
Amazing drummer who rocks and swings simultaneously.
When I think of Gish I immediately think of the intro to I am one. Used to drive my school teachers crazy tapping that out on the desk.
@@71calex I bought the vinyl when it was released because the buzz was pretty big, I don’t think it came off the turntable for a month.
That Snail crescendo is absolutely magical.
Absolutely nailed it - the very first moment.
Read about them in a zine and bought Gish when it came out. Put it on and was blown away from that intro. Instantly my favorite band.
This interview was such a privilege to witness. "It's not about the homogeny, it's about the inconsistancy." is such a perfect phrase to characterize Jimmy's drumming. He has been and continues to be my favorite drummer. He's always been superb at giving the drums such a distinctive sonic presence, while still working in balance with the other instruments in a band.
Rick and Jimmy are just such music nerds and I mean that in the nicest way possible. I learned so much about drumming from this conversation and I don’t even play. I always learn a lot from Jimmy when I hear him talk. He’s extremely articulate. I still think he’s one of the best drummers ever and definitely the best from the 90s group. Just my opinion.
Mellon Collie was THE soundtrack to my life when I was sweet and sour Sixteen. Every song was a separate emotion, feeling that pertained to all and who was happening in my life at the time. School Blues, Teenage Kicks , Adolescent Adventures. I love that today, I can still get immersed in Mellon Collile- and Siamese Dream and combine those times and memories with how life today is carried and worked out via the same songs. Classic music grows and moves on with you.
I played a gig with Jimmy when I was really young, he was so kind and supportive to me and I’ll never forget that. Twice the drummer as the other guys around, half the ego
Billy Corgan and Butch Vig were already my favorite interviews, but now you completed the list with Jimmy! Such honor to be able to hear the ones responsible for my all time favorite album talking about how it was created!
And to see Jimmy playing Jellybelly was an indescribable moment. Thank you for this!
PS: to complete the 90s gold, we just need you with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder. Pleaaaase!
Eddie Vedder would be amazing
I love how Jimmy stares deep into Rick's eyes as he delivers the requested goods. Epic interview, Jimmy is a legend and continues to inspire.
As a young, geeky musician who played classical sax, Jimmy Chamberlin with the Pumpkins was the first drummer I ever admired outside of Buddy Rich or Krupa. It turned out most of my drummer friends loved him, too. I can remember sitting in the car blasting Siamese Dream and practically crying with my buddy over JC's high-hat usage. To this day he still an inspiration to me and I'm sure countless other musicians. Loved this interview and awesome to see him happy and healthy and kicking ass
The drumming on "Tonight Tonight" is mesmerizing. It makes the whole song.
Completely agree
Set the Ray has the best drumming imo….
It's a perfect example of Jimmy doing the "Dave Grohl" approach of just writing more simple (well, simple for Jimmy) drum hooks to carry the song.
As a kid I got to listen to Siamese Dream at a local record store in 1994, and the opening drum roll changed my life. I got my first drum kit the next xmas!
Such an incredibly dynamic and powerful drummer. Kind of underrated in the grand scheme of things.
He gets talked about a bit but proportionally soooo underrated yeah
if only he didn't have the problems he had with the law....
@@dimoscondos that was 30 years ago. He has paid his dues and grown as a human being.
@@dimoscondos lol totally irrelevant
Yes, he should be mentioned in the same breath as Bonham and Peart.
The greatest rock drummer, period. He taught me so much.
What a brilliant, articulate person. And with that his focus is on drums. That's why he's been in my top 5 for over 25 years
I’ve never even hit a drum in anger but I could listen to Jimmy talk drums for hours. He’s such an intelligent and eloquent Man and his dedication to his instrument is just incredible. Great job, Rick!
Jimmy Chamberlin taught me to plays drums second hand as I transcribed literally dozens of his drum parts! Living legend!
I always felt like Jimmy fell under the "if ya know, ya know" status for many years, which always confused me. I was blown away with his playing from the moment I heard him. A giant of a drummer and a major contributor to the "pumpkin sound"
Jimmy is criminally underrated. My all-time favorite. Thank you for this, Mr Beato. The way he giggles about phase cancelation is awesome.
Idk bro. Haven’t heard anyone under rate him. Everyone speaks highly of him
I have never been a Pumpkins fan, but watching and listening to Jimmy talk and play those drums gives me a whole new appreciation of that music.
I'm an amateur guitar player, but I learned more about drums from this video with Jimmy, than any other video that I have seen. Big fan of the Pumpkins.
This, times infinity, changed how I played and STILL learning from their interplay
Right? I’m an amateur musician, even though I have been making some kind of noise my entire life and what I get out of this is that maybe it’s not too late for lessons!
🥳🤣 I’m almost 50
My favorite drummer of all time. He is incredibly talented and one of the main reasons Smashing Pumpkins are such a great band. He could turn simple guitar parts into absolutely epic songs.
Rhythm lives inside this guy like a second person. Once he’s behind the kit that person takes control. Just spectacular. What a talent!
I just ate this video, couldn't look away lol. I'll never forget the first time I listened to Siamese Dream; I was impressed by how I was able to perfectly hear and understand the phrasing of the drums through that jet turbine big muff. Jimmy is a beast. Thank you, Rick, keep making these.
I am first and foremost, a drummer. This interview gave me a renewed sense of energy, purpose, and outlook on my role in the band. There are some things I’ve inherently done over the years, that line up with some of Jimmy’s techniques, reasoning, and playability. But Jimmy was so good in the explanations of why they work. One of the best interviews I’ve seen in a long time. Jimmy is one of the most articulate and well-spoken musicians and wow…The thought that has went into each and every piece of music he’s had his hands in. And the fact that he’s still leaning, leaning on other musicians for some of their knowledge. A life-long student if you will. You never can know enough. Always room for improvement. And age is just a number. Jimmy looks and sounds fantastic. So happy for him. Great questions and dialogue, Rick. Superbly done.
Mellon Collie is STILL one of my fav albums of all time and that is much thanks to this guy. Legend.
My fav drummer of the 90's alt scene.
A hero of mine.
The Bonham of the 90's ,not that he played like Bonham but was a drummer influenced by jazz and made his own footprint on the instrument.
I would love to have a beer with this guy.
Now Chamberlain is much a style as Bonhams style of the 70's.
My first books were the "Around the drums with ...."series as well.
Well said! He and Matt Cameron were my favourites in those days; Brad Wilk was no slouch, either.
The trifecta is complete! You've interviewed my 3 favorite drummers....Stewart Copeland, Danny Carey and now Jimmy! Thank you, Rick!
Josh Freese too. So underrated
That's a great list right there
Indeed!!!
@@scottdegroot4785 So true ! Like almost all studio musicians. But at leat he has the keys of the City of LA from the hands of the Mayor when he was playing in APC.
Tho' The biggest scandal in music history is the case of Mick Taylor because being underrated is one thing. But being uncredited and ignored is such a thing.
Need jon theodore
This is the best thing I have ever watched.
Jimmy is so giving of his knowledge and influences and it is a joy to hear him speak so passionately about his craft and lift up everyone who got him there.
Absolute legend of a man and my favourite musician of all time. He is most of the reason that I play drums.
Long live JC.
Surely 'I Am One' of the many who have been three decades + for this interview. Favourite drummer ever!
Been waiting over 30 yrs for this interview. Rick has really out done himself on this one. Asking all the questions with the depth and detail I’ve always wanted to know. Unbelievable!!! Not much can be said that hasn’t already been said about this living legend drummer JC. Great, great interview!
its so lovely to hear jimmy say that his teacher is steve lyman, and following steve he always says that jimmy is his hero.
i just think that it is a beautiful thing.
As a guitar player always focusing on the guitar, Rush and the Pumpkins pulled me into the rhythm section and made me appreciate the entire ensemble; drums and bass. Thank you Mr. Chamberlin!
I actually wanted to play drums instead of guitar, but my parents refused. Still, despite focusing on everything, it was the Smashing Pumpkins, Rush and Tool, that made me appreciate the drums more.
As a longtime fan, it is absolutely insane to hear Jimmy talk so much and in such detail. Really a special video. Thank you Beato
What an amazing human being not just drummer. I could listen to him all day. He is so excited about his craft and family. 🙌🏼
The decay on the drums. Not over tightened. So full. Beautiful.
Same with the cymbals. Every decay is musically perfect. I love that.
Copeland does that too. There's songs where I can put just the cymbal hit on repeat just to hear it decay back into the groove in a way thats so satisfying and cool.
It made me wanna dance 😅
I've been waiting for this!!! Another great interview with one of the best drummer of the 90s!!! Thank you so so much, Rick! Take care, brother man!!!
My biggest influences on drums are jimmy and sexton.
One of the best SINCE the 90s (actually SP started in the late 80s, so…)
Yes! I’ve never seen an interview with Jimmy. So grateful that Rick is the one making it happen. His interviews are GOLD. An archive for the ages. I try and imagine folks generations from now that will be able to listen to the origins of these creative souls from those who actually created them. Imagine being able to listen to interviews from Mozart or Da Vinci. I’m a nerd when it comes to music history and Rick has found his stride with this platform.
Of the 90s? The man is still drumming today. Hitting snares and taking names.
I don't think I've seen any interviews with Jimmy by himself. In Pumpkins interviews and the bits on the Zwan DVD, he came off as very quiet. Here he's extremely well spoken and knowledge. I also love that as a drum idol of mine, he learned from the same old books that I did.
He always got Billy hoarding the conversation.
Dude is amazing!!!! One of the most amazing drummers in the world.
During the zwan project, he was still not sober so he looked out of it at times.
I’m sorry but I just paused this INCREDIBLE interview at 35:27 to say this: Jimmy Chamberlain might just be the most intelligent musician ever! Wow, the reasoning, strategy, and articulation from this guy is seriously blowing my mind right now! Great interview!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This channel just blows me away. Jimmy!!!
What a great guest!
What a monster drummer!
I clicked on the interview to hear him play and hear Pumpkins stories. Rather than fast-forwarding, I just listened and I'm glad I did. The amount of practical and technical knowledge Jimmy has about drums and music in general is astounding.
Gosh, I feel him when he talked about his sister. My sister passed away in 2008, and I miss her dearly. We played music together from grade school to Junior College. She was a year older than me. Much love! 🙏❤
Musical memories are so deep!! Your sister is tethered in those memories, and that's a beautiful thing. My sisters are my musical soul mates ❤️. Sending you a big fat hug.
@@rachiebrandt Thank you! I miss her a lot these days. Thank you for the hug. ❤ My whole family was musical, except my mother. She didn't play. But she showed us all the good music. Take care!
The music journalists used to talk about how great Jimmy was. Now I can finally understand it. That demonstration at the end of drumming techniques blew my mind.
Beato, that was THE interview. Your best. Please have Jimmy back sometime to continue going through his genius within Pumpkins songs
One of the greatest groove drummers EVER. Totally underrated.
Such an articulate person, he’s a joy to listen to.
Sådan en velformel person,han er en artiskok at lytte til. Pas på ytringsfriheden
Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie were the definitive soundtrack to my late teens. Between this interview and the Billy Corgan one it just gives me all the more appreciation of the music on levels I had never considered. Knowing more about the process behind it only enhances the memories and feelings that the songs give me.
Somehow - and I've never described anyone's drum-playing this way before - that was a melodic journey! Amazing. Love it.
When i was a kid i got Siamese dream on cassette. Hearing his drums changed how I i hear music. Looking forward to watching this.
After finishing this video, best interview yet. Im glad this is here for people to watch anytime
Love Jimmy’s drumming. The king of dynamics with a fantastic groove.
I teared up with pure joy, listening to him play those drum parts at the end. Wow thank you so much, Rick. That was amazing as our all of your interviews.
Thank you so much for this interview, Rick! I recently went back and watched your interviews with Billy and Butch, too, so this was very timely. I always enjoy getting the inside scoop of these bands I’ve loved for so long.
Smashing Pumpkins has been one of my favorite bands since Gish and I drove my parents nuts playing it full blast in my room. And hearing Siamese Dream for the first time was like some other worldly experience. I’ve enjoyed all the releases over the years as they’ve experimented and grown. They’re all incredible musicians in their own right, but I’ve always really loved that Jimmy’s jazz background because it brings such an elevated touch to the percussion.
Finally found time to watch this. Wow....incredible. Jimmy seems like a great hang. And top class musician....total commitment. All the success is well deserved.
This is one of the most Underrated Drummers out there.
Jimmy is Awesome 🤟👽
Not underrated at all. Everybody knows he's incredible.
proud to have been that one guy at an arena gig in 2008 to start the JIMMY! chant. what an absolute monster of a drummer.
Jimmy was on fire that Zeitgeist / 20th anniversary era
I did the same thing when I saw them back in 1993 on the Siamese Dream Tour at Nottingham Rock City. "JIMMY!" I was the only one though and kept getting stared at.
I love how you can hear the whole song with just his drum parts. Easily recognisable, proper drummer
Right? He could play a Pumpkins show solo and have the whole crowd singing along.
That's such a good point.
not every song needs to be like this. its not always called for.. but its just so awesome when you have drumparts like this
Such a great observation. He can play a straight 4/4 and his signature is recognizable, as is the song. That is damn near impossible to achieve.
Melodic drumming for sure
This was just like the Robert DeLeo interview you did Rick!
Both guys just love music, and take inspiration from everywhere. Doesn't matter the Genres, great music is great music.
Just like Robert, Jimmy's love and excitement is so infectious. I was sitting here just smiling the whole interview.
I caught the Pumpkins just over 12 months ago, here in Australia with Jane's Addiction. Was a bloody great night :)
These interviews are absolute gems
I knew nothing about jimmy. And he pulled out every drummer and drum lick/pattern reference I’ve loved my whole life. What an awesome interview. And what a fantastic musician he is
My favorite drummer. I’ve been waiting for this interview for years. Thank you Rick!
Ditto.
I second this
3rd it
Jimmy is a friggin master of articulation, groove, feel, and originality (while drawing on his key inspirations). With no deference to Billy and his songwriting abilities, there is no Smashing Pumpkins for me without Jimmy. LOVED this interview Rick. Keep it up. You are killing it brother!
Seen Pumpkins with Kenny Aronoff, with RATM guy as well as that kid that was on Oceania and yeah, Jimmy.
Jimmy playing Behold! The Nightmare just makes it a better song.
Don’t even get me started on the 2007 live version of Shame.
Tearing up like a sad teenager rn, I’m 46.
I really respect how he's still a student, still learning, even when he's a master himself. That's a true artist. (favorite moment - the ultra-precise high hat on Hummer's descending scale -- OMG)
This is the key to life, remain a student your whole life
Every time I watch an interview with Jimmy Chamberlain, he mives farther up my list of favorite drummers. A monster player and great guy.
This interview made me just love Jimmy even more and why he is a musician first and a drummer second, but one of the greatest drummers of my time! (I’m in my 60’s)
There’s a moment earlier on when Jimmy is describing something so articulately where even Rick is blown away. Beautiful and memorable. Thanks again Rick, nailed it.