Drummer as Lead Singer?

[mancefine]

So, I'm in an odd situation with my band. We are currently a 4 piece (vox, guitar, bass, drums) but our drummer isn't cutting it playing or commitment wise. We are a progressive/alternative band in the vein of Coheed/ Incubus. Our singer happens to be a phenomenal drummer who can actually play drums and sing very well. We are in Austin and (believe it or not) finding a drummer who fits the bill can be difficult. Music wise, I fully believe that we would SOUND much better playing as a 3 piece if we can't find a drummer, or in the least while we are looking. This way, we could part ways with our drummer and conduct an extensive search and still keep the wheels turning by playing shows. The other two guys are concerned that we will be boring if we don't have a front man engaging the crowd. My thought is that I see tons of bands with front men, but rarely do I see a drummer who can play technical parts and sing lead, so when I do I think it's very impressive. But, I'm a musician. So what do you guys think? How would you feel if you saw a 3 piece where the drummer was singing? If the music was good would you care about not having a frontman? I was also thinking we could make it cool and put the drums up front live. I know in our genre frontmen are somewhat prevelant, so I dunno. Just want some different perspectives.

Edit: I should probably add that there is a HUGE gap between skill levels. Our current drummer can't keep us on tempo, he has a click in his ears yet our songs are constantly 15-20 bpm too fast live. I've never seen him play his hi-hats with 2 hands. He is very one dimensional and NEVER practices on his own to get better, even though we have told him our singer can give him lessons. Our singers drumming on the other hand is completely pro and amazing. It's very solid, dynamic, and opens us up to sounds that are completely unattainable with our current drummer. Our singer bought a $1000 electric drum kit with the intent of giving our drummer lessons in his apartment and our drummer won't even take advantage of that...

 

[GuiTuber]

You're not exactly the background music type so I'm inclined to think that something visual is going to go a long way for you. A good front man usually fits that bill. Short of that, an animated lead guitarist could do it, even if he didn't sing. Sort of like Cheap Trick or AC/DC.

 

[sean_on_bass]

I'm a little more open minded than the usual audience member, plus i am a huge Genesis fan. So lead singing drummer is a non issue for me as long as the music is good. It would likely be a good idea to bring the kit closer to the front of the stage with this sort of setup, rather than have the kit in the background. Since it sounds like you play original music, i think crowds would dig the unique aspect of the lead singing drummer.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I was also thinking we could make it cool and put the drums up front live. I know in our genre frontmen are somewhat prevelant, so I dunno. Just want some different perspectives.

That's what I was going to suggest. Some friends of mine had a band where they did that, and it worked fine. It was a 3 piece, and the put the drummer front and center.

I say go for it.

 

[mellowinman]

At the time they were the only white band to get on the Motown label.

 

[brbadg]

This band annoys me to no end.It's a party band,I get it! Geez,do you have to shove it down my throat?



This is not your music,I get it. There defintely should be someone else
moving around,if you don't have somebody with an ego this big!

 

[jchrisk1]

My drummer and percussion player both sing about 2/3 of our songs. It works well for us. I've never heard anyone say anything negative about it, as they both have great voices. People are usually surprised by it.
I would just try it and see what kind of response you get.

 

[FunkHead]

I like the above post about bringing the drummer more up front. I could definitely see the kit turned a little sideways Ala Piano player style. People dig the drums so it could be very entertaining.

 

[ChefKen]

Not politically correct but possibly the most insane drumming singing performance i have ever seen.....i say he nails it!! WARNING.....NSFW!!!

 

[40Hz]

Never a problem for Levon Helm.

Just put the kit more up front and don't stand in front of him.

 

[longfinger]

Singing drummers are completely fine. Just do it already.

 

[REV]

I don't see a question here. Your current drummer can't play and doesn't seem interested in getting better. End of story.

 

[japhy4529]

It worked for Jellyfish (although the singer stood while playing drums and he was positioned front and center).

 

[Basshappi]

One of the best bands I was ever in our drummer was our singer, worked out great.

 

[mysteryclock]

You could always move the drum kit to the side of the stage to open up a little more visual space for him as a singer. See, Night Ranger:

 

[skwee]

Just move the kit forward, shine a light on him, and don't stand in the way of the audience's view. It'll be fine.

 

[Fingerpickingood]

I agree with the general consensus. I think putting the singing drummer front and center would be killer.

 

[bikeplate]

If he's singing every song I think it's a bad move.

 

[Lync]

I hate watching bands and especially playing in bands with the drummer singing lead. Just my opinion and we all have 'em.

 

[Murdoc_420]

He has someone better than him offering him free lessons and he declines? Even if your singer just goes to mainly drums and some vox, you could always find another singer easier than a drummer. Or maybe work in a backup singer or two. Maybe find someone who can contribute another instrument too so the singing is shared/back and forth. A little percussion, some keys...

I honestly don't care if a band has a 'lead man', but it's hard for a drumming singer to pull people in other than with his voice, his hands and butt are too busy.