Latest Drumming News
Questlove came to the rescue for John Mayer’s show at Madison Square Garden Monday (February 21st) night — filling in for the singer’s drummer Steve Ferrone, who tested positive for COVID-19. The Roots’ drummer took to the stage after just one hour of preparation
As far as dep-gigs go, they don’t come much bigger than MSG, with Questlove reportedly stepping-up with an hour’s notice to fill-in for one of his drumming idols. Mayer was forced to take a diversion for the second night of his two dates at the Garden after Ferrone and vocalist Carlos Ricketts both contracted covid.
Performing an unplugged set alongside the remainder of his band, Mayer ran-through Neon, In Your Atmoshphere, Daughters, his fan-favourite cover of Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ as well as Sob Rock lead-single, Last Train Home, before welcoming Questlove to the stage.
Playing Ferrone’s Gretsch Broadkaster kit, and bolstered by bass legend/former Soulquarians and D’Angelo collaborator, Pino Palladino – himself no stranger to last-minute gigs – Questlove sat-in with unflappable confidence, playing Mayer’s hits, Vultures, Clarity and Something Like Olivia.
Mayer played the first hour of his show on his acoustic guitar, telling the audience that his electric guitar wouldn’t sound as good without someone on the drums.
However, an hour into the concert, the singer announced that Questlove arrived to help him on the drums. Together they performed “Vultures.”
“Questlove saved the show. All of MSG was on their feet. A total energy shift,” a concertgoer told Page Six, with another witness adding, “It was iconic.”
Questlove, 51, continued to help Mayer, 44, finish the show, hopping on the drums for an encore performance of “Gravity.”
Sources: MusicRadar & PageSix
