Drum Cover - Afterglow

It's a holiday miracle! I'm back with a new video - using the Alesis Nitro Mesh triggering Superior Drummer via midi, playing the live version of Afterglow by Genesis. Afterglow was always the end song of the live medley that includes "In the Cage" and "Cinema Show" - a classic tour de force of almost every live Genesis show since the 1980's.

It's one of my favorite "workout" pieces to play - clocking in at about 15 minutes, it really puts you through your paces! I'm triggering a Ludwig concert tom kit to emulate Phil Collins' classic single headed kits via Superior Drummer.

I've resisted applying "the gate" sound that Phil would be known for later on his solo albums as it wasn't what he used on the early Genesis records or performances.

At first glance this tune seems easy - but the difficulty lies with the ability to lay down a steady beat to match the subtle 8th note keyboard pattern that runs throughout the song, while playing with some pretty sensitive and low dynamics through the first 2/3's of the song. Then as the intensity ramps up, being able to keep that medium tempo while raising the volume becomes a challenge to not rush through the figures and fills. Also - since Phil was singing, Chester Thompson plays most of the song, with Phil joining in the last 1-2 minutes, so my performance takes a bit from both of them.

Go watch any Genesis live concert from the early 80's - innovators and co-founders of the Vari-light system - NO ONE was running that many independent moving light heads back then! This version includes a bit from "The Slippermen" and is even longer - https://youtu.be/_12_-jzqOlE

Thanks for watching!