Typically, stick tricks make me roll my eyes. Not because I think they’re lame—quite the contrary, I love a good show as much as the next drum geek. No, what makes me groan is that more often than not the flashy drummer in question has obviously spent time perfecting these tricks to the detriment of drumming. The time will fall apart or the sound will be inconsistent. To me, tricks are done well when you can close your eyes and not hear the visual.

I think this video fits the bill. Yes, it’s hilarious because it’s completely out of place, but the drummer’s sound and time remain quite consistent while doing some of the craziest tricks I’ve ever seen:

And, just because, here’s some from Virgil: