"Caught Up" DRUM COVER by Ryan Brown of Aaron Spears performance at 2006 Modern Drummer Festival

I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THIS MUSIC!!This is a tribute post to the one and only Aaron Spears, legendary drummer and musician who passed away last year only a few days after his 47th birthday, October 26th 2023. 

This side by side video of me attempting to play every note that my ears and eyes could discern comes from his iconic depute performance at the 2006 Modern Drummer Festival in where he played along with a backing track for Usher’s tune “Caught Up.” 

I’m sure most people came to know of Aaron Spears back during this time the same way I did.  In the early 2000’s, Guitar Center was much different and there was always at least a couple employees working in each department.  In the drum department, they would always have instructional type videos playing on their TV’s all day.  When Aaron Spears came on the scene, it seems like this 2006 Modern Drummer Festival video was always playing no matter what GC store you went into. 

I don’t think videos going “viral” online was really a thing yet but regardless, this drummer Aaron Spears had us all spellbound and asking “holy s**t, who is this guy?”  I think this video clip of him playing, broke the internet back before videos where breaking the internet!....and this video has stood the test of time and went on to break the internet.  And of course, it still is breaking the internet currently.  The more amazing thing is that since this video, you can find dozens of other times he performed this song with Usher on tour or at drum clinics, etc….and he never plays anything the same way.  He has always been inclined to improvise and always with such musicality. 
Of the drummers I admire most and would love the opportunity to hang out with, Aaron Spears was top of my list.  Only when I learned about his passing last year did I find out that we were the same age.  I didn’t know him personally but he did graciously give me a couple of minutes of genuine chat exchange online a few years ago.  🙏What an honor🙏

Transcribing and figuring out his limb patterns on this video was so inspiring and informative of an experience.  Especially when you go into an undertaking like this thinking “I’ll never figure out everything he’s playing and/or I won’t be able to play with the same grace, speed and agility.”  Well I was pleasantly surprised that I did better than I thought I would and most importantly, I feel like I was able to tap into the mind of a genius by learning what he played.  Aaron Spears, you are gone too soon and you will be eternally missed and admired!  Rest in Peace brother!