John Blackwell Jr at the Buddy Rich Memorial 2012
Drummerszone honors John Blackwell Jr with the videos below from his performance at the Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert in London in 2012. We had the privilege to be there and record the show from the side of the stage. John simply played the roof off of the London Palladium on April 2, 2012.
Camera note: some videos have footage of John from a handheld camera. The showtime video had to be recorded on the same spot backstage the whole evening.

John Blackwell Jr played these 3 songs

• Ruth (The Buddy Rich Big Band)
  
• Mexicali Nose (The Buddy Rich Big Band)
  
• Pick Up the Pieces (Average White Band)

John Blackwell (1973-2017) Drum Solo - Rehearsal Buddy Rich 25th Memorial Concert
This video was added on 4 July, 2020. The footage was recorded during the rehearsals that took place in the afternoon before showtime that night. Watch John's smile when losing one of his drumsticks!


John Blackwell Jr | excerpt Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert



John Blackwell Jr | full show Buddy Rich 25th Anniversary Memorial Concert



John Blackwell
In 2016, John Blackwell announced he had lost the use of his left arm and leg, and he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. His wife Yaritza announced his death on Instagram on July 4th, 2017.

John, from Columbia, South Carolina, started playing at the age of 3. A natural step to take when your father is a drummer as well and who has played with The Drifters, The Spinners and even King Curtis. During his three year gig with Patti LaBelle he met Prince, and told Modern Drummer how he got the job with The New Power Generation:

"Prince and Larry Graham, who's been working with Prince, came out to a few shows back when I was with Patti LaBelle. One night after the show Prince came up to me and said, 'My God, you're unbelievable. I'll see you soon.' I thought to myself, How's he going to see me soon? He doesn't even have my number."

To honor John Blackwell Jr, Modern Drummer posted his first cover story in the magazine, from October 2001. Learn more about John by clicking here.

Tributes
Many drummers, artists, friends and fans, have shared there feelings on John's passing on all media outlets. We've captured a few just to show he was one of the biggest out there, nailing every gig in every situation at the highest level in music possible.

Sheila E.

My beautiful friend John Blackwell passed away 2day Plz keep his family in prayer. He was amazing manLuv u my brother pic.twitter.com/X08DYf7MJO

— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) July 4, 2017

Mike Portnoy

So sad to hear of the passing of John Blackwell...hung with him many times...great drummer and great guy...taken waaaay too soon : ( pic.twitter.com/CzyBJNAqOH

— Mike Portnoy ?? (@MikePortnoy) July 4, 2017

Franklin Vanderbilt

Not a good day. I've lost another friend: John Blackwell. John Blackwell was an amazing drummer & human being. Rest in power my brother. pic.twitter.com/WLbEU13n8r

— FRANKLIN VANDERBILT (@FVanderbiltdrum) July 4, 2017

Michael Schack

Very sad news : drummer extraordinaire @JohnBlackwellJr passed away earlier today. Thank you for the inspiring, super funky vibes, Sir! #rip https://t.co/fMnzzJ44q1

— drummerMichaelSchack (@michaelschack) July 4, 2017

Justin Timberlake

RIP, John Blackwell. You are a kind, gentle soul and one special talent. You will be missed by myself and so many. God bless you, bro.

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) July 5, 2017

Travis Barker

Rest In Peace #JohnBlackwell Your legend will live 4ever. One of the best to ever pick up drumsticks. Prayers to family and friends ??????

— Travis Barker (@travisbarker) July 4, 2017