The Drummers Role in a Band - Let's Have Fun Again!

Anyone who has ever played in a band knows it is an interesting dynamic. Personalities seem to fit into specific roles and ego often overshadows talent. Drummers almost always get a bad rap. We never really get to yell out the chord changes we would like to see, do we? If we are lucky, we get to sing a song or two. We have to be at the gig first to set up and have to leave last, waiting for everyone else to get off the stage. And everybody, and I mean everybody wants to go and sit behind our drum set and play the drums. And let's not forget the lead singer or lead guitarist who wants to tell us how we should play the drums or how we could make it better if we "just did this". When I was young, we were all in the same boat -- we didn't know anything! We were just happy to be playing. Now, as I have gotten older, everyone has their own idea of what sounds good, or, wants you to play it exactly like the record. I remember a lead guitarist told me a few years ago he wanted me to play a Rush song exactly like Neil Peart plays it. I responded by asking him to play a Jimi Hendrix tune exactly the way Jimi played it. I couldn't do it, and neither could he. That ended that. Playing an instrument is suppose to be fun. Playing in a band is suppose to be sharing that fun with others of similar interests. And if you make an effort, you may even get to play in front of an appreciative audience who feels the energy and knows you are having fun, and will have fun right along with you.

I have been in and out of many bands. It's a lot harder these days. The economy has dried up alot of the nightclubs and audiences are getting smaller and smaller as people stay home rather than go out. If you are in a band, and are the drummer, remind your bandmates how lucky you all are, and that you need to "just have fun!" It's not rocket science. It's just common sense, and just common courtesy to remember that the drummer is part of the team. Have any interesting band stories? Please share them.

What is the Best Drum Kit?

Recently someone asked me what was the best drum kit to buy...Pearl? Tama? Yamaha? Ludwig? I paused for a moment realizing of course that the answer is both simple and complex. Short answer: The best drum kit is the one that allows you to achieve your desired sound and performance requirements while staying within your price range. Right now, the best drum kit for me is a Yamaha custom stage advantage. I have been playing in oldies bands in small clubs and bars in recent years and find the kit to produce a good quality sound in that environment. And the kit is a reasonably priced mid-range kit. With a decent set of cymbals I am good to go. Right now, that is the best drum kit for my purposes.

There are alot of factors to consider when buying drums: budget, size of venues, desired sound, style of music, wear & tear, recording, construction, type of wood, etc, and the list goes on and on. And of course there are huge differences from the beginner to the seasoned pro.

What kind of kit are you using? Why did you choose it, and how will you use it? What were you looking for? This is an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts on the process of buying a drum kit. Please share your comments and experiences and also vote on the poll to the right on the type of kit you are using right now.

Let's make this a learning experience for young and old.