Chad Smith Walks In on Thirty Seconds to Mars' Shannon Leto Playing RHCP Hit on Drums

"That clip, which saw Smith absolutely crushing the drums on the song after hearing it for the first time ever (minus the drum track), has amassed 28 million views since it premiered in 2023. Two years later, Thirty Seconds to Mars drummer Shannon Leto recently paid a visit to the Drumeo studio. Not only was Leto tasked with his own "For the First Time" challenge with the Alter Bridge song "Metalingus," he was also asked to play along to a drumless version of Red Hot Chili Peppers' "By the Way." It was during that latter performance that Chad Smith himself walked into the studio and quietly sat next to Drumeo host Brandon Toews without Leto noticing."

"It wasn't until after Leto finished playing the song that he noticed Smith, who despite pointing out a couple of Leto's missteps during the performance, told the Thirty Seconds to Mars drummer he "nailed it." Smith went on to say that his own viral Drumeo video has garnered him newfound fame beyond the Chili Peppers, telling Leto, "I've had more people come up to from that [clip of me playing Thirty Seconds to Mars] ... I was going out to dinner, and there was a big line of people trying to get into the restaurant, and I walk by, and a guy goes, 'Drumeo guy!'" Not 'Chili Peppers,' not 'Will Ferrell.'"

Drumeo's "For the First Time" series produced a viral clip of Chad Smith playing Thirty Seconds to Mars' "The Kill (Bury Me)" after hearing it without the original drum track, which amassed 28 million views since its 2023 premiere. Two years later, Thirty Seconds to Mars drummer Shannon Leto visited the Drumeo studio and completed his own "For the First Time" challenge with Alter Bridge's "Metalingus." Leto was also asked to play along to a drumless version of Red Hot Chili Peppers' "By the Way," during which Chad Smith quietly entered the studio and watched. After Leto finished, Smith praised his performance, noted a few missteps, and shared that the viral clip boosted his public recognition, recounting an anecdote about being called "Drumeo guy." Drumeo currently offers a 30-day free trial for new members.

Read at Consequence