A Pure Celebration of Rhythm and Unstoppable Energy
Don Powell returns in 2025 with a riveting reimagining of “Let There Be Drums”, the track that first captured global attention during the upheaval of 2021. This new release strips the song back to its core, delivering the primal power of Powell’s drumming with no compromise. Fans who longed to hear the drummer’s signature intensity front and center finally get exactly that, while the supporting textures of Craig Fenney on guitar and bass and Jon Bates on screaming Hammond and piano elevate the track into an electrifying, modern celebration of percussion and rock vitality.
From the opening beats, the listener is drawn into Powell’s commanding world, where rhythm drives the narrative and every strike of the snare or crash of the cymbal carries meaning. Unlike the 2021 original, which balanced multiple instrumental layers, this version emphasizes the heartbeat of rock itself. The result is a pure, visceral experience that allows the listener to feel the music physically as if standing at the center of a live performance where Powell’s force is undeniable.
The interplay between Powell, Fenney, and Bates creates a tension and release that is simultaneously sophisticated and immediate. Fenney’s bass and guitar provide grounding, weaving through the drum patterns without overshadowing them, while Bates’ Hammond and piano add color and drama, almost screaming in sync with the momentum of the percussion. This is music that celebrates collaboration without diluting individuality; each musician asserts their voice while respecting the rhythmic dominance at the track’s heart.
Lyrically sparse, the song relies entirely on instrumental storytelling, a nod to the original vision yet reinvented for 2025. Every beat tells a story of endurance, energy, and resilience, an apt reflection of Powell’s career and the period in which the original was first released. The track becomes a tribute not only to the art of drumming but also to the communal joy of rock music, reminding listeners why the pulse of percussion has always been central to the genre.
In the context of Powell’s ongoing work, this remake of “Let There Be Drums” underscores his enduring relevance. More than nostalgia, it is a statement of mastery and a response to fan devotion. It captures the thrill of seeing a drummer in full command, of witnessing rhythm as both structure and liberation. As 2025 draws to a close, this track stands as a triumphant reminder that the heart of rock still beats strongest in the hands of its most passionate practitioners.