Michael Jackson's Drummer Jonathan Moffett Performs 'Billie Jean'

Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" is undoubtedly one of the most iconic songs of all time. It's a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike. The song's driving beat is undoubtedly one of its most memorable features.

From the very first notes of the song, Sugarfoot's drumming sets the tone. The iconic hi-hat pattern is executed flawlessly, giving the song its signature groove. Throughout the track, Sugarfoot's playing is tasteful and precise, never overpowering the other instruments but always driving the song forward.

Playing live with three kick drums is not an easy task, and it requires an incredible amount of skill and precision. Jonathan Moffett is a master of this technique, and he executes it flawlessly in his performance of "Billie Jean". Let's take a closer look at how he does it.

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[JonathanSugarfootMoffett]

Thank you Drumeo for having me on your channel again! I had a lot of fun filming with you guys for a week! ❤

[MagicMakerProduction]

What's so cool about this video is that, throughout most of it, Jonathan is playing a pattern that almost any drummer can play - one that you learn on day two of lessons. And yet he shows a style, technique, a precision that most highly experienced drummers will never master.

[pichchanratanak]

MJ once said: "My bass player makes a mistake, my guitar player makes a mistake, I make mistakes sometimes, but sugarfoot never makes a mistake.

[darkcell]

I can’t imagine how perfect you would have to be as a drummer for Michael Jackson

[nexus]

This man's snare hit velocity consistency is so insane. A machine

[sergeantslowpoke]

the amount of drag on his snare hits is absolutely insane. It's just a millisecond away from feeling off time, so heavy, and so unbelievably consistent.

[DrumeoOfficial]

The three kick drums, the cymbal choke show, and the accuracy! 🥰 Go Sugarfoot! 🙌🏼

[stratcat]

Simple is hard folks.. for real.. timing is precise, hits are precise, volumes and accents are precise. A lot of power in those snare hits.. and fills. Excellent!

[alejolopera]

It looks so easy until you try it ... GREATEST drummer...

[ensebado]

This guy is 68 years old, I still can't believe how clean he is.

[jguix]

I get it 🤔 it takes incredible discipline, humility and self confidence to keep that simple pattern without showing off, he is like the yoda of drumming

[joonasvuomajoki]

Like any musician would tell you, it's not the difficult stuff that's difficult. The most difficult things are the basic things, like keeping a steady solid rhythm. Playing a basic drum beat with consistent velocity and great timing. That solo at the end is impressive but what impressed me the most are the six minutes before it. This man is a machine.

[classiccops]

Such simple drum playing but he plays it so gracefully and tight that it sounds like absolute perfection

[snipeslayer]

This man just out performed a drum machine at 68 years old. Incredible work and talent with a precision that might be unrivaled.

[wiltmarlonelao]

When he plays the drums, he makes you feel like MJ is still alive, even for just the length of one song.

[jwhite]

That is by far one of the tightest sounding snare tones I've ever heard. Always love hearing Sugarfoot play.

[tompramanaaccount]

those little accents add so much flavor into the song without ruining it with crazy fills, and that last drum solo is just perfection. masterclass drummer!

[AggressiveGold]

Even though it's a basic pattern, it's clear his ability, knowledge about the song structure, discipline, training and concentration during this performance. You can tell he played hundreds, probably thousands of hours of Billie Jean to achieve this accuracy that he has. Such an elite drummer.

[cookielovesmj]

The whole song played by Jonathan is a masterpiece but the last 2 minutes are gold 😮 I’m obsessed with his technique. He’s so talented, that’s why he was MJ’a drummer ❤ woooow

[RobertT]

Glad to see him back on Drumeo. Absolutely love his performance of Smooth Criminal.