The Godmother of Drumming Absolutely Wrecks Disturbed’s “Down With The Sickness”
It’s rare to encounter someone in their seventies whose greatest joy is unleashing pure heavy-metal energy behind a drum kit, yet Dorothea Taylor does exactly that with remarkable confidence. In her now-famous appearance on Drumeo’s YouTube channel, she delivered a ferocious interpretation of Disturbed’s “Down with the Sickness,” driving the song with an intensity and precision that instantly captured viewers’ attention. Her performance showcases not only her stamina and technique but also the unmistakable passion that fuels every hit she unleashes on the drums, proving age has no place in limiting musical power.
The clip has amassed an incredible 18.8 million views, with tens of thousands of fans expressing admiration for Taylor’s explosive presence behind the kit. As someone who plays metal drums myself, what strikes me most is her unwavering timing and deep sense of groove. These qualities form the backbone of any successful drummer, and Taylor demonstrates them with a fluidity that would elevate any band she stepped into. Her delivery is both disciplined and fierce, making it no surprise that countless musicians and listeners found themselves replaying the moment she took control of the track.
Viewers immediately picked up on her mastery of the craft, leaving comments that highlighted her impeccable feel, saying things like, “Her meter is flawless, and her control is astounding. She hits right on the beat every time—like a seasoned studio pro.” Naturally, YouTube didn’t miss the chance to inject humor as well, with one playful remark declaring, “I would absolutely pay to see Disturbed perform a full live show with grandma handling the drums.” Between awe and amusement, the reaction speaks to just how captivating her performance truly was.
Choosing “Down with the Sickness” for the session was incredibly fitting, as the track is driven by that unforgettable tom-heavy introduction and the pounding rhythmic backbone crafted by Disturbed’s Mike Wengren. Taylor not only honored the original energy but elevated it with her own seasoned touch, making the performance stand out even more. She has collaborated with Drumeo on multiple occasions, including a memorable take on Blink-182’s “What’s My Age Again,” which—given the title—always seems to invite a knowing smile from longtime fans familiar with her playful spirit.
Another impressive aspect of Taylor’s career is the musical range she has embraced over the decades. Born on November 30, 1950, and based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, she began her drumming journey at just thirteen through drum corps training. By the age of seventeen, she was performing in bands spanning everything from polka to energetic rock and roll. Throughout her life, she has maintained her passion as a full-time musician and educator, never stepping outside the world of music for a traditional job—a testament to her dedication and unwavering love for rhythm.
Beyond her technical ability, Taylor shines as a charismatic presenter, something viewers pick up on immediately when the performances draw to a close. In the Disturbed video, she delivers a heartfelt message emphasizing community within the drumming world, reminding everyone that drummers come in all forms and deserve the same respect regardless of appearance or age. Her words encourage inclusivity and inspire musicians to continue sharing their craft without hesitation or fear of judgment, reinforcing the idea that passion and expression matter far more than outward expectations.
Her Blink-182 video ends with another insightful moment, where she expresses her deep love for drum rudiments—an affection unsurprising given her roots in drum corps. She breaks down how Travis Barker incorporates rudimental patterns into the opening of “What’s My Age Again,” specifically highlighting flams, five-stroke rolls, and pataflaflas. Taylor not only explains each one but demonstrates how these techniques can merge seamlessly into high-energy punk drumming, offering viewers a practical glimpse into blending foundational skills with modern rock performance.
