Most people know Prince as a guitar master and a singer who could own any stage. But did you know he was also a fantastic drummer? For years, this talent was kept mostly hidden, a secret weapon in his massive musical arsenal. A clip from 1985 shows him stepping behind the kit full of surprising energy. It is a moment that lets us hear a whole new side of the man during the powerful song “America.”
The powerful sound he makes with the drums is something you can really feel. It is a strong rhythm that holds all the exciting music together. He plays with a calm, deep focus that is different from his bright, shiny stage clothes. It is amazing to see him move from singing at the front to drumming in the back. He still controls the whole show just with his drumsticks.
Watch Prince’s drum skills in this 1985 performance. “America (12″ Version)” out now.
The biggest feeling people get from this surprise is pure shock and delight. One viewer wrote that they thought they knew everything about Prince until they saw him play the drums like that. Another comment said, “Your favorite new drummer might just be Prince.” It is clear that this hidden skill only makes people love the musical genius even more.
That great drum moment shows how smart Prince was about all parts of music. It proves he was not just someone who performed songs, but someone who built the whole sound from the ground up. He cared a lot about not just hitting the drums, but also about the exact way they sounded.
Prince Taught Me to Tune Drums Like a Cadillac Door
A musician told an interesting story about how clear Prince was about music details. Prince explained that when playing live, the drums should not make a long, ringing sound. They needed a flat, dull “thud” instead. He said it should sound like a strong Cadillac car door when it closes quickly and perfectly. This tiny detail proves he controlled every single sound for his audience.
Prince was an artist who always worked super hard on every part of his art. This goes from the real words in his songs to his cool outfits and every single beat. His life was about sharing all his feelings and skills with everyone, always trying to make better music. He keeps teaching us all about how powerful music can be. Follow Prince on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.