drummer problems. good friend. need help.

mebusdriver · #1 10-22-2008, 10:27 AM

Some friends of mine just started a little group to play around town. Not real serious just for fun and money really. All four of us were in a previous group that was very serious and toured and all that stuff. We're all great friends and were friends before we ever started playing together. Soooo....

We're having problems with our drummer. He's playing badly, can't pick up songs, isn't very good at playing different styles, and is hardly motivated to get any better. At the break up of the previous band he kind of quit playing and the rest of got WAAAYYYY better. So he pretty much can't hang anymore. Not trying to sound cocky or arrogant but the truth is the truth and it's obvious, even to him, when we rehearse and gig.

So what do I tell him? I don't wanna be a A## and just tell him he can't hang with the playing and make it a we're better than you type thing. But that's what it is. What's a good way to tell him we're gonna find a new drummer?

I know I mentioned the band not being very serious and that it's really for fun. The problem really is that the drummers performance is making very NOT fun. That's the main problem.

standupright · #2 10-22-2008, 10:32 AM

sit down and talk with him as friend to get a feel about where he's coming from. maybe you could help him regain some of his desire to play by being a good friend.

Jehos · #3 10-22-2008, 12:25 PM

I'd say talk to him privately and just get his feelings on the deal. If you end up having to fire him, the whole band needs to be there to do it. Hopefully you can get him to understand that the band is business, not wanting him to drum for you doesn't mean you don't want to keep him as a friend.

lethargytartare · #4 10-22-2008, 12:47 PM

You can also emphasize that the MATERIAL seems to be more than he can handle -- so it's not a matter of him not being as good as you, but rather that the material this band is playing is just a bit out of his reach at the moment.

I prefer one-on-one confrontations -- getting everyone together to dump a guy wouldn't be my preference. But also, don't start working with a new drummer behind this guys back hahaha.

Be honest, direct, and respectful -- if he still resents you for it, then there never was hope for a graceful parting.

agreatheight · #5 10-22-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mebusdriver

What's a good way to tell him we're gonna find a new drummer? (

Tell him, "while this band is really for fun, your performance is making very NOT fun for us. We are going to look for a new drummer. Good luck!"

**Stumbo** · #6 10-22-2008, 01:11 PM

How to fire a band member
How to fire someone from a band

lonote · #7 10-22-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agreatheight

Tell him, "while this band is really for fun, your performance is making very NOT fun for us. We are going to look for a new drummer. Good luck!"

Hello, Mr. Compassion.

MagnaKen · #8 10-22-2008, 01:47 PM

Allman Brothers - Two Drummers
Expand your repertoire

mebusdriver · #9 10-22-2008, 04:55 PM

ha ha allman bros. preciate the help. i think im gonna settle on the money aspect. being that there isnt much to be made and that's really all he's worried about getting. after our gig saturday i think he'll be leaving. i'm not sure he knows we're playing for free yet. we'll see. thanks.