A: One will mature and make money.
Drummer jokes. Can’t live with ’em, can’t live without ’em. They’ve been around since before Ringo.
Okay. We’re an easy target. Take the stereotypical drummer. Please. The A.D.D. kid with no discipline or scruples. Plays too loud and too often. Yet some of the most phenomenal freaks of nature have been drummers. Buddy Rich. Neil Peart. John Bonham. I’m probably leaving out your favorite. But these few are exceptional. The Cream of the Crop. Their percussive prowess defies physics.
The truth is, deep down everybody wants to be a drummer. Many think they can’t do it. But only because they never tried. I’ve often contended a chimp could do it, but he’d have to be a pretty amazing chimp.
Playing drums in bands has provided me some of my greatest thrills and fondest memories since 1967. But don’t think it’s all a joy ride. It often requires hard work and endless repetition to make it gel. And that’s before you begin working with other musicians. Then there are at least two other personalities you have to click with.
It’s hard to keep a band together. It takes so long to get good. Then it takes so long to get where anybody will pay you. It takes lots of time. The “beat” goes on, and life changes. Sacrifices must be made. But with it comes much satisfaction and many perks. Such a blast.
I’ve heard it said, “I’d rather have no drummer than a bad drummer.” Fair enough. Some have tried to use drum machines, but to marginal success. And make fun if you must, but a band without a drummer isn’t really a band. It’s just a “combo”.
It’s a great way to exercise your creative gene, and do something productive. What a great blessing to be with the boys in the band!
After all, you get to hit stuff! And it’s legal!
No joke.