Mike Anthony’s Favorite Drummers, Alex Van Halen
When I drum, I feel cool. I don’t know why. It’s kind of like people strumming on a guitar and thinking they’re as awesome as Slash. There’s just something about holding those sticks and banging away! I have a lot of people I look up to in the drumming world and this week I’ve been telling you about them. This is Mike Anthony’s Favorite drummer, Alex Van Halen.
What makes a great drummer? That’s up for debate. I’ve never been wowed by someone who showboats constantly or can solo for 10 minutes just for the sake of it. I’ve always gravitated toward players who play what the song calls for and then also add their flare to that. Let’s be honest, there are thousands of amazing drummers out there. You can watch YouTube and Instagram and see them all showing off. But How many sound good in a band or churn out rock radio hits?
Why Alex Van Halen is One Of The Best
Alex Van Halen of Van Halen didn’t showboat, but man did he add some cool fills and feels to the songs. He held down the backbeat and here and there added some cool cymbal crashes and awesome tom fills. His drums sounded big too. They rivaled Eddie’s guitar sound which was so important in that band.
Look, even if the only thing cool Alex did was “Hot For Teacher” that would be enough to make him a drumming legend. That song is tough to play and sounds so cool and fun. But he was more than that as I said. Bringing a swing and swagger to his beats. They worked well holding down the guitar virtuoso, his brother, Eddie so well. Together they had that sound. And it was magical. I mean even in the debut album when he was first showing off his skills, Alex sounded terrific. He was a beast that didn’t overplay….he hit it just right!
Take a listen to this one and tell me it doesn’t fit what the song is all about perfectly!
