Drummers have weird jobs. They hit things. Always the same things, too. Over 60 years. Bass drums, snare drums, cymbals and toms. Now some try to add electronics with laptops and keyboards and e-drums, oh my. What’s the point in all that? All you need is bass drums, snare drums, cymbals and toms.
People either say drummers play too loud, play too fast, or they make jokes about the amount of equipment they haul around. “I bet you wish you took up the flute! Ha ha ha.”
Bless their hearts.
They always put drummers in the back of the band. Where did that rule come from? In all of human history there has never been a drummer out front. They put them back in these little corners from which there is no smooth way to enter or exit. Once they settle in, they’re back there from now on.
Drummers aren’t normal. They’re usually tapping on things and not paying attention to what’s going on. Some drummers, however, go the other way. They’re responsible. They’re community leaders. These are snare drummers. Drum liners. They prefer to be called “percussionists.”
Many of these “percussionists” are simply well-meaning drummers who got so determined and so focused on their craft, they honed their gift down to a fine work of art. They’re precise. They’re tight. They’re serious.
They’re no fun.
Drums really don’t require a lot of musical prowess, intricate fills, or brain power. You just gotta feel it. Know a couple beats, keep it reasonably steady, and smile! You’re in the band!
Because let’s face it. People really do want to be in the band. They want the rush of playing drums with guitar players and keyboard players and singers.
You know. Real musicians.
And why not? Being the drummer is certainly an enviable position. Because drums are by far the most fun instrument. If you’re playing drums and not having fun, what the heck are you doing? You might as well just go home and watch TV. Maybe watch another band with another drummer. Is he having fun?
You bet he is.