The Problem With Drummers

It’s not really a “problem”, it’s more of a “situation” actually. It’s a bit of a conundrum, a quandry, a…

Okay, it’s a problem. The problem is…

We think we need to overplay to impress you.

There. I said it. Many of us know it, but won’t say it. Others don’t even know it. But it’s true of every one of us. Somewhere deep inside, we think we have to be Steve Gadd to be loved. (Look him up. He’s fantastic.)

We’re forever told “just keep a steady beat”, but we don’t believe you. We think you want to be amazed. We can’t help but think you want Neil Peart. (Perhaps you’ve heard of HIM.)

But no. You say “less is more”. That doesn’t even make sense. You say “don’t over-play”, but we’re sure you just meant this one time. Surely you don’t mean ALL the time.

You mean you don’t crave Buddy Rich? (Aw, come on. He’s FAMOUS!)

Okay fine, you’re right. It took me over fifty years to learn, but you don’t need my drum solo. You’re not looking for Carl Palmer. (Google him.) You’re looking for someone to hold the back beat and keep the tempo. You’re looking for a Ringo.

And EVERYBODY’S heard of him.