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Drummer as Lead Singer / Frontman?

#41
Local Denver area three-piece called Bad Little Doggie, drummer sings lead, he does a bang-up job on both, just a well-rounded musician, they are one of the most tight solid cover bands in town, they draw well and play constantly. I don't think audiences mind all that much, especially with a three-piece. Just put guitar and bass on opposite ends with plenty of viewing space for the drummer. You are most fortunate to have a guy who can sing and is a good timekeeper. Worth his weight in gold.
 
#42
dand666 said:
One guy changed it all.

Levon Helm.
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That's heady company.

I had the good fortune to see Levon perform 2 or 3 times. Once with the reformed version of The Band back in 1994. Obviously, Levon was more the exception than the rule. He was a gifted, soulful singer who also had a great groove on the kit.

If the drummer in your band is also the best singer? And he can sing well while playing his kit well? Then I don't see any problem with it.

My band was on a bill last year with a band where the drummer sang lead on about 1/3rd of their set. And honestly, he was the best singer in the band. And that should probably be your criteria, too. Is your drummer the best singer in the band? If he is, then why not try that out?
 
#43
YouTube the band Jellyfish.

A stupendously talented band from the early 90s that broke up way too soon. Their drummer was also their lead singer and songwriter and was ridiculously good at all of those things.

Kelly Keagy (drummer for Night Ranger) also sang lead on a few of their tunes.
 
#46
jaywa said:
YouTube the band Jellyfish.

A stupendously talented band from the early 90s that broke up way too soon. Their drummer was also their lead singer and songwriter and was ridiculously good at all of those things.
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Andy Sturmer was definitely a fantastic singer. The fact that he would stand at the cocktail kit, play drums and sing was definitely an impressive visual. Plus, that band was pretty stacked as far as talent. Roger Manning, Jason Falkner & Eric Dover came out of Jellyfish, too. And Jon Brion was in that general circle of musicians as well.

I've always felt that Jellyfish was great, but the power pop scene around them at the time was overshadowed to a great degree by the grunge movement.
 
#47
ShoeManiac said:
Andy Sturmer was definitely a fantastic singer. The fact that he would stand at the cocktail kit, play drums and sing was definitely an impressive visual. Plus, that band was pretty stacked as far as talent. Roger Manning, Jason Falkner & Eric Dover came out of Jellyfish, too. And Jon Brion was in that general circle of musicians as well.

I've always felt that Jellyfish was great, but the power pop scene around them at the time was overshadowed to a great degree by the grunge movement.
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Not to get this too far OT but there are now some Jellyfish studio tracks on YouTube that have had the vocals removed. Anyone who's into this band should really check em out. Type in "jellyfish no vocals" and enjoy!
 
#49
::::BASSIST:::: said:
I have been considering putting a 3 piece together of drums/guitar/bass. I know a great drummer who is an excellent singer with a great 'rock' voice and I know a guitar player who is very talented at guitar but can barely croak out some background vocals. I have zero interest in being a lead singer.

This band would be mainly be playing average sized bars and the odd private party. Musically, I know the band would be really good, but my main concern is how the audience will react to a singer who is stuck behind a drum kit.

Can it work? Thoughts?
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I played for 3-1/2 years in a band with a lead singer and front man who was the drummer. We worked 3-5 nights a week, no exceptions except for vacations arranged well in advance.

I won't waste musical space on drummers anymore, but at the time, it worked perfectly. I don't recall anyone ever questioning the arrangement, including the guitarist and me. Why? He was a fine musician and a good front man.

Bruce
 
#51
JumboJack said:
Night Ranger, Phil Collins, Peter Criss, Roger Taylor, Levon Helm and Mickey Dolenez come to mind
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Moat of these guys share lead singing duties and/or sing one or two songs at the most. When Phil Collins became the lead singer they brought another drummer on for touring. I'm not saying it can't work but these are weak examples of drummers being the LEAD singer.
 

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