Mike Anthony’s Favorite Drummers, Lars Ulrich

Drumming has been a part of my life for so many years.  I still find it fascinating and a heck of a lot of fun.  I try to practice when I have the time and I play out occasionally.  It’s always such a great release.  Today I wanted to take a look at another favorite drummer of mine.  This one might cause some debate.  It’s Mike Anthony’s Favorite drummer, Lars Ulrich.

I know I know, Lars gets a lot of hate.  But I don’t think he deserves it.  If you look at those first four studio albums, he had some legendary moments on them.  Exciting and entertaining fills, great double bass drumming, and crashes on the cymbals that weren’t where you’d always expect.  It’s a lot of fun to try and play along with those albums.  But it doesn’t stop there.

Sure, the Black Album came out and they “Toned things down.”  But man, if Lars didn’t do exactly what each song called for. Even on Load and Reload he did some cool fills that worked well with the riffs.  Nothing too complex or hard to play, but just fun drumming that worked perfectly in each song!

The last couple of albums had some old-school heavier drumming from Lars.  Especially on 72 Seasons.  He does some great double bass work and adds hits and crashes to some key moments in songs.  I heard that he had been practicing to be able to keep up with the old stuff and also help with his drum part writing and I think it shows.  When Metallica came to MetLife stadium, you could hear Lars holding down such a solid beat.  It was terrific!

I’m not going to say he’s the greatest drummer that ever lived, but by being a part of so many monumental metal tracks he has shown a lot of drummers what it’s all about.  And I’m forever grateful to him!

Here's one of my favorite drumming tracks by Lars!

There’s so much great content on YouTube. There are silly videos. Instructional courses. And of course, kids doing cool things. Like playing rock tunes! If you’ve seen the O'Keefe’s Music Foundation channel, you know that over the years they’ve uploaded some really inspiring content. They just did it again with their most recent video. Let’s take a look at 5 Amazing videos of kids playing rock music!

But before we dive in, you might be asking, what is this foundation? They explain it like this on their website- The O’Keefe Music Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) music organization that offers FREE music lessons, FREE music camps, FREE recording sessions, and FREE music videos to young musicians from around the world! With your help, all children, regardless of economic circumstance, gain access to high-quality music education, top-of-the-line instruments, professional recording equipment, and the ability to follow their dreams!

ALSO SEE: The Best Mashups Of New Jersey Rockers

It's a very cool concept and an important one as kids learning music can be such a game-changer for their lives. It can give them confidence and self-esteem. It provides an outlet for fun. And also has them doing something safe and productive. This place is based out of Ohio and I have to say I was blown away when I saw an old video they did years ago. Then today, I was reminded of them since their recent post popped up on my socials and I was like man, more people need to watch these kids. It’s very impressive.

My son always says he wants to learn drums like me but doesn’t push it. And when my wife and I discuss lessons he starts to become wishy-washy, so we don’t want to push it. We figure, if he really wants to learn an instrument one day, he’ll make it known. As for the kids in these videos, they’re doing it and knocking it out of the park!

Let’s take a look at 5 Amazing videos of Kids playing rock music!

Maybe the kid singing doesn't sound like Phil Anselmo, but tell me this isn't fun to watch! It's a great job.

Trent Reznor would be proud.  This was the first album (ep) I bought from NIN.  And they do such a great rendition of the hit song.

Tight, rockin, and some good rap skills.  It's even censored!

Their Tool cover is on point!  I like that it's a different interpretation and has it's own vie.  Really cool!

Bruce Dickinson look out lol!  These kids are talented.  Fun watch and great sound!