Bomber Triplet Gallop — Mikkey Dee (Motörhead) Drum Lick | MetalForge
Learn the Bomber Triplet Gallop drum lick by Mikkey Dee of Motörhead. From Bomber (Bomber (1979, live with Mikkey Dee)). "Bomber" is one of Motörhead's most loved stage anthems — a thunderous, mid-fast rocker from the 197...
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1. Mikkey Dee's Signature Licks — "Bomber" is one of Motörhead's most loved stage anthems — a thunderous, mid-fast rocker from the 1979 Bomber album that became a permanent fixture of their live show, complete with the famous aircraft rig that descended over the audience at the climax. Phil Taylor's original recording drove the song with a punishing groove, but Mikkey Dee — who played "Bomber" live for over two decades — gave the gallop pattern his own stamp: heavier, more controlled, and technically cleaner than the raw energy of the original, without losing an ounce of the song's menace. The gallop is a rhythmic pattern built on triplet subdivisions: rather than a straight quarter-note feel, the kick and hi-hat play a loping, three-against-two pulse that gives "Bomber" its driving, slightly lopsided momentum. On Mikkey's version, this gallop is executed with real precision — the triplets are even, the kick is articulate, and the snare sits in exactly the right place relative to the guitar riff to lock the whole arrangement together. The challenge is maintaining the evenness of the triplet subdivisions at speed without letting the gallop rush or drag, which requires internalising the feel so thoroughly that it runs on autopilot while the hands and feet play their independent roles. What makes the "Bomber" gallop such a rewarding pattern to learn is that it appears in countless heavy rock and metal songs — once you have it internalised, you recognise it everywhere and can apply it across styles. It also develops your sense of triplet subdivision, which is foundational for swing feels, shuffle grooves, and any playing that sits between straight 8ths and a full 12/8. For drummers, learning it in the context of Mikkey Dee's playing means adding the combination of power and control that defines Motörhead's sound: the pattern should not feel academic, it should feel like a vehicle accelerating toward the horizon. Practise the gallop at a slow tempo until the subdivisions feel natural and even, then add speed in small increments, keeping the snare and kick articulate throughout. Apply Dee's signature heavy backbeat on top of the gallop feel and the result is one of the most useful grooves in all of heavy rock drumming.2. Mikkey Dee Profile — Build the triplet gallop feel by counting three-against-two subdivisions aloud first Keep the kick articulate and even within the triplet grouping — avoid smearing the pulse Anchor a heavy, decisive backbeat on two and four over the gallop subdivision Maintain even triplet subdivision at speed through relaxed grip and efficient stick return Practise the gallop at slow tempo before adding the Motörhead power and intensity
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