Drummer broke his elbow...oh no!

[EagleMoon]

I'm a drummer. I broke my hand a couple of years ago when I crashed out of a motorcycle race. They told me I'd be in a cast for a month. I had 'em cut it off after 2 1/2 weeks. In the meantime, I figured out how to hold a stick with a cast covering my palm and last 2 fingers and kept practicing with my band in the meantime.

Another time, I fell off my dirt bike riding in the woods and broke my elbow. Had it in a sling for 3+ weeks and could not use that arm to play drums at all during that time. Then when I could, the pain was the worst I've ever had (and I have had a LOT worse injuries).

How long it takes your guy to get back to somewhat normal playing really depends on how bad the break is. But, I've seen a number of one-armed drummers (and been one) that did just fine. Your guy should continue to practice with you like that in the meantime. He won't sound as good as he will when he's healed, but he can still be learning the songs - basic grooves, where the breaks are, etc.. Since he's new, I assume he's got a lot to learn about your set list, and he can make a lot of progress even with a broken elbow.

Speaking of broken elbows, they are nasty because of the range of motion that you lose while they are healing. It's a lot worse than most other joints. So, expect him to be able to start playing again in 4 - 6 weeks. But don't expect him to be playing WELL for another month or 2 after that.

Thanks! This was very helpful. Just what I was needing to know.

 

[whitedk57]

Do the humane thing and take him out to an empty field and put him to rest Ol' Yeller style...

Or do the Joe Pesci style thing, like in the movie "Casino". The ping of aluminum bats is really cool-sounding...

 

[Din Of Win]

Totally wait it out.

Worst case scenerio, have him keep attending practices and possibly use the time to write/work on merch/book shows (whatever non-music related things he can still do with the band as a whole).

I know how hard it is to find cohesive members, and it's worth the wait. I wish him a speedy recovery!


I've been the recipient of an injury before, and if he has the same drive that i did, he'll 'make it work' [via tim gunn reference]. I broke my right hand on day 1 of a 3 month tour. I just wrapped the hell out of it, taped the pick between my thumb and pointer finger, and played with my shoulder to elbow and wrist stiff. It sucked, it hurt, it didn't sound as good as it could have... but i made it work!! The most helpful part, though, was having supportive band-mates.

 

[Goatee220]

If he's such a good fit - keep him. You guys sticking with him while he goes through this should only increase his loyalty to the band. This could also be a good opportunity to do other things, like write or learn new material, work on the business aspects of the band, like the website, photos, promotional materials, etc.

I would also make sure you guys bring him in on the decision making process. He'll appreciate it.

 

[tanpsi]

A drummer at a blues jam I go to played with one arm in a sling for several months - I was like "now you can't do any of those crazy fills" - he was not amused!!!!