In the "Hell Freezes Over" version of Hotel California, what is the
name of the instrument that one of the bandmembers start playing with
his hands after about 20 seconds into the song? It looks like drums,
but he is playing/hitting them with his hands.

Thanks,

Howdy nycxtreme-ga,

Those are a type of drum commonly called congas.

From the "Positive Feedback" website.
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue3/marsh200.htm

"'Everyone?s' favorite track on Hell Freezes Over, 'Hotel California,'
starts off with that instantly recognizable guitar melody. ... Once the
conga drums kick in and the crowd goes wild, you feel you are in the
midst of the performance."

You can see some pictures and read up on congas on the "RHYTHMWEB" site.
http://www.rhythmweb.com/conga/

"Tumbadoras, conga drums as we know them in the USA, are from Cuba and
Puerto Rico, with roots in the cylindrical drums of Africa."

If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

I watched a video of "Hotel California" from the "Hell Freezes Over" tour.

Google search on: "Hotel California" "Hell Freezes Over" congas
://www.google.com/search?q=%22Hotel+California%22+%22Hell+Freezes+Over%22+congas

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Awesome, thank you. Quick and accurate.

My pleasure, nycxtreme-ga, and much thanks for the kind comments, 5 star
rating and generous tip.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher