Chester Thompson Interview - The Sweetwater Minute, Vol. 258

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  • čas přidán 20. 08. 2024
  • Check out drum gear at Sweetwater here: www.sweetwater....
    Sweetwater's Nick D'Virgilio interviews legendary drummer Chester Thompson (Frank Zappa, Genesis, Phil Collins) in this episode of The Sweetwater Minute. Enjoy the interview, then click the link above to browse drum products at Sweetwater.

Komentáře • 202

  • @dazuk1969
    @dazuk1969 Před 4 lety +15

    I was lucky enough to see Chester drumming with Genesis at Wembley Stadium 1987. His "drum off" with Phil Collins is the best display of drumming i have ever seen. God bless ya Chester...that night has stayed with me all these years.

  • @poopypanysou812
    @poopypanysou812 Před 10 lety +127

    Great interview. Chester is so humble and talented. First class all the way.

    • @sweetwater
      @sweetwater  Před 10 lety +14

      We agree,Danny Bates! He's a legend and an all around great person.

  • @christopherjohnson3520
    @christopherjohnson3520 Před 4 lety +32

    You Don’t Get to see many great musicians of his ability & musical history who are humble, cool, & thankful for everything he was apart of. Too Bad most people are completely unaware of who he is & what he shared with people who enjoy great music. Phil Collins was in the audience & said to himself, I want him in my Band. & there you have it! Thnx, Chester! He hits real hard! Big Time Snap!!!!!!

  • @chrispaschris
    @chrispaschris Před 5 lety +66

    One of the best drumers,Chester Thompson and Phil Collins!👍

    • @CrackBeaver
      @CrackBeaver Před 4 lety +3

      Nick D'Virgilio was part of Genesis during Ray Wilson era ;)

    • @derekm3180
      @derekm3180 Před 4 lety +2

      @@CrackBeaver I was gonna say -- Nick is no slouch on drums either. Spock's Beard is amazing

    • @SPAZZOID100
      @SPAZZOID100 Před 4 lety

      MatthewDoesMapping mehhh

    • @the1stbigk
      @the1stbigk Před 4 lety

      Looking back... maybe THE Best. Phil too.

    • @IKS-Exploration
      @IKS-Exploration Před 4 lety

      absolutely amazing drummer!

  • @johnthomson2164
    @johnthomson2164 Před 2 lety +3

    My favourite bit of brilliance from Chester is his playing on Driving The Last Spike, it is just perfection.

  • @2011lizalex
    @2011lizalex Před 5 lety +23

    Chester, I'm mesmerized watching you on the drums during 'Take me home'. Absolutely brilliant!!!

    • @user-ly7zz3gk3e
      @user-ly7zz3gk3e Před 2 lety +2

      Take me home wow! I watched that video over ten times...

  • @IslandDigital
    @IslandDigital Před 3 lety +3

    Such a Master Drummer and amazing person. Been a life long inspiration for me and my Drumming .

  • @theatremad9797
    @theatremad9797 Před 8 lety +35

    Chester you have just gained another fan.What a great man.

  • @dragongnnr
    @dragongnnr Před 6 lety +19

    Outstanding musician, wonderful human being. I love his work, his passion for perfection.

  • @bonzoligist6330
    @bonzoligist6330 Před 5 lety +12

    Awesome love Chester and Collins especially the drum duets thay did together. I grew up on Phil Collins songs seen them in concert twice when I was young and I loved it..dad always speaks highly of Chester and Phil still does to this day..

  • @robburgess4556
    @robburgess4556 Před 9 lety +31

    I love Chester! I met him 25 years ago, he's such a wonderful, charming man - and such a great drummer!

  • @budhiharlow4945
    @budhiharlow4945 Před 4 lety +3

    It was 1984 (37 Years ago) I was at the Inglewood Forum sitting right behind Chester Thompson at the Genesis Show. It was a completely transcendent experience for a then 18 year old garage drummer. Genesis always had one of the most advanced and spell binding sound and light shows, thanks in no small part to Peter Gabriel's early theatrics. I remember being so moved by Chester's Drumming that tears rolled down my eyes, feeling something that I may have not felt yet as "Bud Harlow" yet my spirit absolutely knew that Chester was "preaching into the divine gospel of the soul".

  • @thomasmoje5926
    @thomasmoje5926 Před 5 lety +17

    I attended a Chester Thompson drum clinic years ago in Irondequoit, New York at which I accidentally ran into him picking out his cymbals for the gig up in the 'cymbal room' of the venue. A nicer man you will not meet.

  • @seelanne
    @seelanne Před 4 lety +4

    His drumming on „seconds out“ is mind-blewing. What a master: one of the best drumming in history of music.

  • @eriksmithdrummer
    @eriksmithdrummer Před 6 lety +9

    Great interview with one of my favorite drummers. I did a clinic at PASIC in Nashville back in 2004 and when I sat down behind the drums I looked straight into the face of Chester sitting in first row! After the clinic, he came up, complimented me and asked me several questions about cymbal playing , technique etc. I was blown away at how friendly, cool and down to earth he was, and of course totally star struck! :)

  • @LubomirVelev
    @LubomirVelev Před 10 lety +36

    G R E A T! Chester is one of the most respected drummers alive (2014!) and my personal favorite!

  • @discorrdat
    @discorrdat Před 6 lety +6

    Loved this interview. I had the fortune of meeting Chester a few times and he was very approachable. I'm glad to hear about his band and will be looking for his music. Thanks Nick and Sweetwater.

  • @user-os9pu4vm5v
    @user-os9pu4vm5v Před 2 lety +1

    Chester Thompson, a great powerful drummer who I pay respect for all the inspiration he gave to me and to many drummers !

  • @tixximmi1
    @tixximmi1 Před 4 lety +5

    First saw Chester in '74. He's played with some of the best.

  • @hypno59
    @hypno59 Před 4 lety +2

    He's lovely and a great musician. And very lucky to play with Phil and weather report. Oh my.

  • @TheMazzimM
    @TheMazzimM Před 9 lety +10

    Thank you Chester. Thank you for decades brilliant grooves and fills.
    Had the good fortune of sharing a beer with Nick in Italy when he toured with the Beard....pure gentleman and gifted musician.

  • @IslandDigital
    @IslandDigital Před 8 lety +9

    Great ! Chester is such wonderful guy. Very open, honest. His experience is mind blowing . Super solid player. Thanks for this interview , I would have watched all day .

  • @davidhgomeziv8409
    @davidhgomeziv8409 Před 8 lety +38

    Los Endos 1987 at Wembley Stadium, best drum duet/battle of all time.

    • @phillipdady303
      @phillipdady303 Před 3 lety +2

      Got that on DVD and Three Sides Live on blu-ray.

  • @60s70s80sMusicFan
    @60s70s80sMusicFan Před 5 lety +6

    Great interview Nick. Chester played on one of my favorite Weather Report albums, Black Market. Actually, Chester played on half the album. Great drummer who also went through the school of Frank Zappa. Chester is one of the great drummers of his generation.

  • @magiscichoam
    @magiscichoam Před 8 lety +12

    Compliments on a fantastic and comprehensive interview! Chester Thompson is a gentleman, class act and a dazzling drummer. As a long time fan of Genesis I was introduced to the drumming excellence of Chester Thompson during the "Wind And Wuthering" tour at the Detroit Masonic Temple auditorium in 1977. The drumming of Chester Thompson was breathtakingly brilliant and his synchronization with Phil Collins was dazzlingly perfect! The Genesis live album, "Seconds Out" perfectly illustrates Chester Thompson's masterful contribution to the beauty, elegance and power of a band at the height of its creative capabilities. Bravo!

    • @charlotteharris4468
      @charlotteharris4468 Před 3 lety

      I just love Chester Thompson and of course Phil Collins. They make it look so easy. Would love to meet both of them. I can dream can't l.
      Louisiana girl who digs Phil Collins 🥰

    • @johnthomson2164
      @johnthomson2164 Před 2 lety

      Well said

  • @rmoore2536
    @rmoore2536 Před 5 lety +2

    Who could dislike this interview? Chester is such a humble man. One of the greats, can play anything. Must be an awesome guy for all these people would want him to go on the road with them

    • @ripplesguy1036
      @ripplesguy1036 Před 4 lety

      Social media acting as the dredger once more and also demonstrating how bad it is for the world that you can simply, for no clear and obvious reason, throw negativity at something. I actually feel sorry for people who conduct themselves in this way, but it's likely they don't know any better.

  • @DancingwithGhosts
    @DancingwithGhosts Před 8 lety +27

    What a sober minded guy and very informative. He and Darryl were such great support systems for these creative giants. Always been wanting to see an in depth interview with Chester.

  • @bertwesler1181
    @bertwesler1181 Před 3 lety +1

    This was am amazing and eye opening interview
    I have been a Chester fan for at least 45 years and leaned so much today.
    Chester, you are a wonderful musician and I thank you for so many years of please.
    God Belss you and keep you.

  • @cinemashow3
    @cinemashow3 Před 6 lety +2

    I still remember the night of September 23, 2007 in DC. Chester and Phil were at their best for the Genesis reunion tour. And Chester's drum set... a piece of jewelry!!!!! Thank you Chester for giving us all your talent, the talent that only the greatest musicians have.

  • @pallhe
    @pallhe Před 4 lety +3

    Great interview. I'm a big fan of Chester's. Love his work on Roxy, One Size Fits All and the Helsinki Concert. Such a sweet guy too.

  • @RickCT2000
    @RickCT2000 Před rokem +2

    Chester is an amazing drummer and superb man.

  • @curlessmania4708
    @curlessmania4708 Před 5 lety +3

    LEGEND! Always loved Chester’s work with Genesis. He brought a groove to their sophisticated music. He and Phil were locked in.

  • @kayabtin6861
    @kayabtin6861 Před 8 lety +7

    I got the seconds out album when I was a freshman in class of 77.I became a Genesis fan after the "and then they were three" album.I recall saying to a friend that I think God is giving Genesis a helping hand on the drums. and then I saw them in concert at the Baltimore civic center. That night I realized the God I anticipated was no other than The legend Chester Thompson. I have been a staunch fan of Genesis and Phil Collins ever since.

  • @davebellamy4867
    @davebellamy4867 Před 4 lety +3

    Love to hear Chester. I just watched Nick Collins on Take Me Home then Chester now it's an inter view with the great man. Would love to hear a double drums Chester and Nick. The Genesis family.

  • @Damonm68
    @Damonm68 Před 4 lety +1

    It seems as if Chester has increased in gentle sweetness as he has aged. What a great musicans and human who has had the privilege of living a very unusual life. Great Interview.

  • @asdadassdaasdsaasdsd8460
    @asdadassdaasdsaasdsd8460 Před 3 lety +1

    The man was born to be a drummer

  • @RollieFingers59
    @RollieFingers59 Před 4 lety +2

    Such a cool guy and amazing talent. Love what he said about wanting to be there for his son

  • @dantlis81
    @dantlis81 Před 5 lety +7

    One of my all time heroes. I always felt it was Phil Collins who influenced me primarily into playing drums... then again it was Genesis live at Knebworth '92 that got me started... and who was playing while Phil was singing..? :-)

  • @immagood2
    @immagood2 Před 6 lety +2

    not a huge fan of genesis songs...but, ALWAYS loved Chester's playing!!!. LOVE this interview, his humanity, and of course Nick! thanks again,SWEETWATER!!!!!!!!!

  • @PeterMayer
    @PeterMayer Před 5 lety +7

    I was lucky enough to see the wind and wuthering tour in 1977 in Nashville! We drove from Cincinnati, four of us in a Volkswagen. We only had one windshield wiper working, and it was raining so guess which side it was on? Anyway, I got to see Chester's first tour. And saw Steve Hackett!

    • @johnbreedlove3245
      @johnbreedlove3245 Před 4 lety +2

      WOW. !!!!!! Jealous.

    • @dazuk1969
      @dazuk1969 Před 4 lety +1

      That sounds amazing P, i was lucky enough to see Chester at Wembley stadium in london 1987. Chester is the best drummer i ever saw...his "drum off" with Phil Collins is the best display of drumming i ever saw...peace to ya.

  • @RSTAR2009
    @RSTAR2009 Před 3 lety

    Always knew him as that black guy who drums for Phil Collins. Finally, an interview! Chester Thompson of Baltimore, Maryland.

  • @jpsheldon
    @jpsheldon Před 4 lety +3

    Awesome drummer!!!

  • @richardasumadu8305
    @richardasumadu8305 Před 3 lety

    The first time i saw Chester Thompson playing drums was a Ron Kenoly record called " God is Able". I have been fan of Chester Thompson ever since.

  • @mcloughlinmusicalminute6692

    Chester Thompson. one of the all time greats! and a great interview... it inspires me to keep doing the interviews I do.... Thanks!

  • @evankeal
    @evankeal Před 6 lety +2

    Great questions Nick. Great answers Chester. Loved it.

  • @blickumblickumblick
    @blickumblickumblick Před 7 lety +1

    Outstanding interview. Chester is my guy and that really cleared up some things. Such a gentleman and an eloquent ambassador of great music. I could listen to One Size Fits All every day. Can't find a more beautiful touch that Chester's.

  • @HUMPTYNUGGET
    @HUMPTYNUGGET Před 3 lety

    Spellbound throught the whole interview didnt want it to end , wonderful man wonderful interviewer....no lame questions ......

  • @kenwoodsmusic
    @kenwoodsmusic Před 5 lety +3

    Love this! Fantastic drummer, and such a cool guy!

  • @panplayer
    @panplayer Před 2 lety

    I had the good fortune to meet Chester at PASIC one year. He’s a super player and a super person.

  • @ticklemezellmo
    @ticklemezellmo Před 2 lety

    I've always loved Chester's playing style. His playing on Inca Roads is one of those parts where the feel, the precise cymbal crashes, everything is perfect for the music and it rises to the level of fine art.

  • @fearisthemind-killer
    @fearisthemind-killer Před 3 lety

    Chester Thompson is the man. I remember going to the Invisible Touch tour and Phil said that Chester (and Stuermer) was a permanent member of touring Genesis. The crew I rolled with at the time erupted in joy. We loved Chester.

  • @phillmellina
    @phillmellina Před 3 lety

    Beautiful human being, that Chester...

  • @steevidrums
    @steevidrums Před 4 lety +2

    What a lovely humble guy. I remember seeing a genesis live concert on tv around 1985 just about the time I started playing. I was amazed at Chester’s kit and how he played. I had a Pearl drum poster with his monster kit from that period on my bedroom wall for years.

  • @KennyEvansUK
    @KennyEvansUK Před 2 lety

    Excellent interview. I love how Chester mimicked Phil Collins style, you can't tell them apart. Such a huge talent and a sweet guy with it.

  • @scrambaba
    @scrambaba Před 2 lety

    Fantastic, thanks so much. Could listen to Chester and Nick for hours. cool that Nick was involved in what became Calling All Stations. Always thought CAS was brilliant and way better than We Can’t Dance. Really appreciate hearing Chester talk about his life and work outside of Genesis.

  • @christopherjohnson3520
    @christopherjohnson3520 Před 4 lety +1

    Yes. One of the Best of all Time! Thnx, Chester! CJ

  • @jords5721
    @jords5721 Před 7 lety +7

    Ever seen the Genesis when in Rome 2007 concert film? Watch it and then you'll know why Chester is one of the most talented drummers of all time.

    • @frazz06
      @frazz06 Před 2 lety

      any genesis show with chester

  • @thomascox7466
    @thomascox7466 Před 3 lety

    One of the all time greats!!!

  • @amirhamra
    @amirhamra Před 7 lety +2

    wonderful chester !, a real legend, lucky genesis to have you!

  • @margaretbraginetz3896
    @margaretbraginetz3896 Před 3 lety +1

    Phil Collins - great drummer! Chester Thompson - drummer extraordinaire! and that's the difference.

  • @charlyfreedomdammit
    @charlyfreedomdammit Před 2 lety

    Just delicious. Chester what a humble monster. Great interview, Nick!.

  • @AdamTeAwanui
    @AdamTeAwanui Před 4 lety

    Living legend. I have instant joy listening to Chester on drums.

  • @rogerm2420
    @rogerm2420 Před 4 lety

    Nick this is a fantastic interview. You handle this legend with respect. Only a real artist, like you, would receive the same honesty and love from Chester. Well done my man well done!!!

  • @andywharam4846
    @andywharam4846 Před 3 lety

    Chester you are a hero of mine, next to Phil, you & Phil are the best duo of amazing drummers I have ever seen & heard, I hope to learn so much of yours & Phil's drumming techniques, I cannot wait to get y kit together and start playing 🙏🥁🇬🇧

  • @BBT609
    @BBT609 Před 8 lety +3

    Chester has played behind Ron Kenoly from 1991- 1998 and THAT was when I became a fan!

  • @morbidmanmusic
    @morbidmanmusic Před 11 měsíci

    love to have a coffee and share a drum pad with this man. How to be amazing and humble for life.

  • @ofirmichael
    @ofirmichael Před 7 lety +2

    awesome!!! greatest drummer ever!!

  • @mrt7954
    @mrt7954 Před 8 lety +2

    Great Artist and Person...Relaxed,Human,Humble...

  • @karwenthelama
    @karwenthelama Před 6 lety +9

    Eloquent, erudite,lucid . Chester the great !

  • @Stirfriedlizards
    @Stirfriedlizards Před 4 lety +1

    Chester played with King Crimson too. Great live video of "The Court of the Crimson King" Chester's opening drum fills will knock your ass off.

  • @chrisbeard5794
    @chrisbeard5794 Před 3 lety

    Great to see a popular artist from the same state as me.

  • @jerome5ify
    @jerome5ify Před 7 lety +2

    love this guy

  • @edvanesch178
    @edvanesch178 Před 5 lety +2

    During the Mama tour (1983', 1984'), the Invisible Touch tour (1986', 1987') , and the We Can't Dance tour (1992') , Phil had this huge drumkit on stage.
    His lefthanded accoustic Gretsch drumkit, combined with a lefthanded electronic Simmons drumkit, on stage.
    Next to Chester's huge righthanded (at that time) Pearl drumkit, and after that Sonor drumkit. The stages during these 3 tours, looked so cool!
    After that, Phil only used his accoustic kit. Why?...
    (I never hear people talk about that...)

    • @edvanesch178
      @edvanesch178 Před 5 lety

      (Oh yeah, and for some gigs during the Invisible Touch tour, Phil also played a lefthanded Pearl drumkit. Sometimes Chester also used an electronic Simmons righthanded drumkit during some little gigs. Chester also used Simmons pads mixed in his accoustic kit.)

    • @christopherdaley6304
      @christopherdaley6304 Před 5 lety +1

      1) they dropped “2nd Home By the Sea” from the set list which was ok the Simmons kit.
      2) Chester said some of the drums triggered sounds during later tours (I know because I asked him once when I met him)

  • @chrisdidonna7371
    @chrisdidonna7371 Před 4 lety +1

    Absolutely amazing drummer

  • @Tazman1234
    @Tazman1234 Před 6 lety

    I actually meant chester outside of the repass of his aunt's funeral,I grew up with one of cheaters family members Lamont Jones,I'm originally from Baltimore myself,I've been living in Philadelphia for the past 17 years,chester is a really nice guy,it was a pleasure meeting him in person and getting his autograph..

  • @lesliewoodley2384
    @lesliewoodley2384 Před 3 lety +1

    Legend!!!!

  • @loucontino4804
    @loucontino4804 Před 5 lety +1

    Nick you didn't play on We Can't Dance, you played on Calling All Stations. And you are right, that record was not prog at all. But, that's a long time ago. Love you in Big Big Train! Chester...always a personal favorite of mine. A God fearing man for sure!

  • @Mooseman327
    @Mooseman327 Před 4 lety

    Wonderful interview. Kudos to Chester...and Nick.

  • @adrianh63
    @adrianh63 Před 4 lety +1

    “If you rock in a band like Genesis, you’ve got to roll on drums like Pearl” Just love your style Chester!
    You can really make it swing! Hope to see you at a gig in LA soon. Your ever appreciative fan....Adrian H

    • @davidanania5618
      @davidanania5618 Před 3 lety +1

      I remember that campaign...and the "Across the Stage, Across the World" poster, for the short time when Phil also played Pearl.

  • @josedelossantos2428
    @josedelossantos2428 Před 3 lety

    Chester Thompson résumé is awesome.

  • @jeffsmart110
    @jeffsmart110 Před 7 lety +1

    This was GREAT!!!

  • @youngkali6021
    @youngkali6021 Před 7 lety +1

    This guy is awesome. We'll save you a seat Chester. Cheers!

  • @jimanderson2518
    @jimanderson2518 Před 6 lety +1

    Best drummer ever we love you!!!

  • @davidcurtis4478
    @davidcurtis4478 Před 3 lety

    Great interview, always enjoy watching Chester 👍🥁👍DC

  • @troyalcorn1184
    @troyalcorn1184 Před 7 lety +1

    I only know Chester when he replaced Phil. I can only say, "WOW!!!!".
    I became a fan and still am a fan.

  • @lingerierendabunga2982

    A grandmaster and a humble person at the same time.

  • @IamtheActionman
    @IamtheActionman Před 10 lety +2

    Amazing interview
    Thanks Sweetwater

    • @sweetwater
      @sweetwater  Před 10 lety +1

      Darryl Stevens Thanks for watching!

  • @ziggypop79
    @ziggypop79 Před 2 lety

    Such a class guy.

  • @alberto19u
    @alberto19u Před 5 lety +1

    Best drummer

  • @neebinmakwah349
    @neebinmakwah349 Před 3 lety +1

    I like my notes...love it.

  • @jeffsmart110
    @jeffsmart110 Před 7 lety

    I have ALWAYS wanted to know more about him! Thanks for this!!

  • @MaKetchup10
    @MaKetchup10 Před 4 lety

    What a humble wonderful guy..

  • @tlkshowhst
    @tlkshowhst Před 7 lety

    Great interview. Great job Nick.

  • @cristianotenorio4864
    @cristianotenorio4864 Před 2 lety

    Maravilhoso baterista.
    Puro talento......🇧🇷

  • @ianjonas7380
    @ianjonas7380 Před 2 lety

    What a really cool guy

  • @jgdevoe
    @jgdevoe Před 4 lety

    Being new to drumming I am always asking self, can I do this. Regardless, the first time I saw Chester on a CZcams with Collins, I knew right off this guy was special. Whether I can play ever, at least I can politely say I have always known the key drummers who have been a step above, as is Chester. Wonderful guy.

  • @manthachakradhar2837
    @manthachakradhar2837 Před 3 lety

    My star drummer

  • @apieceofdirt4681
    @apieceofdirt4681 Před 5 lety +14

    He’s always been a very well respected drummer. I know he’s gotten older but he looks extremely thin. I hope he’s ok.

    • @chevy4x466
      @chevy4x466 Před 4 lety +5

      apiece ofdirt I think a lifetime of drums is hard on a body

    • @filmneye
      @filmneye Před 2 lety +1

      He looks trim & fit to me. During Genesis era, yes, he had a bulky build, so there's a big difference.

  • @drl1046
    @drl1046 Před 7 lety

    Excellent interview, thanks!

  • @he8082
    @he8082 Před 7 lety +7

    Hope folks know as in wasnt mentioned by Nick that the mighty Bill Bruford (from Yes) was Genesis' temp drummer before Chester came in. Nick also played on the last studio Genesis album in 1997 (without Phil)

    • @TheAmarok87
      @TheAmarok87 Před 5 lety +1

      Nick actually played the FIRST half of "Alien Afternoon", as well as "If That's What You Need", "Uncertain Weather", "Small Talk" and the non-album track "Sign Your Life Away".