Drummer is incredibly unreliable and lies

Fynn · Jun 29, 2022

I figured it was time for me to post a little story, mainly because I want to know how others would evaluate this situation, or if someone has ever experienced something similar.

I play in a party band and I'm related with the band owner. Therefore, I get told pretty much anything that he has to deal with. We get alot of our gigs through an agency and these people expect that when we accept a gig, that we will be there and play even if it's not the original lineup. That being said, we haven't played in our original lineup even once. And that is mostly because our drummer is ill, or atleast he says he's ill, quite often. That's not really a big problem, because we have multiple dedicated subs that know our setlists and would play very consistently.

Recently though, our drummer messed up pretty bad. He initally said that he would be there for a gig and roughly a week prior he said that he didn't want to play, because he would rather play with his father another small gig. A little late but the bandleader said it was fine if he can find a replacement, because all of our usual subs were not available that day, tough luck.
He did actually manage to find someone, but he misinformed that guy on pretty much everything. Our drummer promised him that he would be driven (with his entire acoustic kit), he only had to learn 30 songs (usually we have about 60, but for this gig we actually had way less playtime and it came down to about 40 songs total), that he would be provided material to help him learn the songs (we have never given anything out to drummers to help them, because frankly none of us know how to play drums except for our drummer...) and that he would be provided a kit...

Our leader was really mad at our drummer, but the show went really well actually. I personally feel really bad for the sub that our drummer lied to so much, because you could really tell that he was very dedicated and really gave his all trying to make the best out of the situation. He even rented a car so he could get all his stuff to the gig. Bandleader decided that it would only be fair now to take away the cost of the rented car from our drummers next pay and give that sub the entire pay.

We have played that gig on the 19th of june and our drummer has not shown up for the two gigs last week either. Atleast that time he was sick and not just unwilling to play, because he would rather play in his fathers band.

buldog5151bass · Jun 29, 2022

I've never done this before, but you to apply talkbass logic 101 - fire the drummer. He doesn't want to be there, and you don't want someone who feels that way.

pasmithy · Jun 29, 2022

Really??? You been here six months and don't know the advice you about to receive?

J Wilson · Jun 29, 2022

The tail does NOT wag the dog. If I were in a band that could work steadily through an agency, he's simply jeapordising any and all future work, and that simply would not fly with me. Especially where you have many capable substitutes, including the last guy you mentioned:. I'd be surprised if one of them would not be quick to take his place full time. Find THAT guy, and eliminate this problem before it costs you big time.

Show his a__ the door, at your soonest convenience.

knumbskull · Jun 29, 2022

FTD

Lo-E · Jun 29, 2022

Drummer is incredibly unreliable and lies

Drummer is fired.

RattleSnack · Jun 29, 2022

Drummer rubs the lotion on his skin and leaves the band.

drpepper · Jun 29, 2022

What are this drummer's redeeming qualities?

smogg · Jun 29, 2022

Fynn said: ↑

I figured it was time for me to post a little story, mainly because I want to know how others would evaluate this situation, or if someone has ever experienced something similar.

I play in a party band and I'm related with the band owner. Therefore, I get told pretty much anything that he has to deal with. We get alot of our gigs through an agency and these people expect that when we accept a gig, that we will be there and play even if it's not the original lineup. That being said, we haven't played in our original lineup even once. And that is mostly because our drummer is ill, or atleast he says he's ill, quite often. That's not really a big problem, because we have multiple dedicated subs that know our setlists and would play very consistently.

Recently though, our drummer messed up pretty bad. He initally said that he would be there for a gig and roughly a week prior he said that he didn't want to play, because he would rather play with his father another small gig. A little late but the bandleader said it was fine if he can find a replacement, because all of our usual subs were not available that day, tough luck.
He did actually manage to find someone, but he misinformed that guy on pretty much everything. Our drummer promised him that he would be driven (with his entire acoustic kit), he only had to learn 30 songs (usually we have about 60, but for this gig we actually had way less playtime and it came down to about 40 songs total), that he would be provided material to help him learn the songs (we have never given anything out to drummers to help them, because frankly none of us know how to play drums except for our drummer...) and that he would be provided a kit...

Our leader was really mad at our drummer, but the show went really well actually. I personally feel really bad for the sub that our drummer lied to so much, because you could really tell that he was very dedicated and really gave his all trying to make the best out of the situation. He even rented a car so he could get all his stuff to the gig. Bandleader decided that it would only be fair now to take away the cost of the rented car from our drummers next pay and give that sub the entire pay.

We have played that gig on the 19th of june and our drummer has not shown up for the two gigs last week either. Atleast that time he was sick and not just unwilling to play, because he would rather play in his fathers band.
Click to expand...

Take the high road. Assume the drummer is in fact ill and release him from his obligation to the band. Wish him well on his journey. Contact drummer who filled in and see in he wants the spot full time or at least be on call.

39-Bassist · Jun 29, 2022

Hmmm...Let's see, what answer would I say.
Sorry Mr. Drummer, we not longer need your services.

"Du bist gefeuert" lol

Personally if you really liked playing with any of the fill in drummers, then ask them to sit in for the next few gigs and see if interest of joining is an option.

Andy Marshman · Jun 29, 2022

I didn't even need to read the OP. Bye Bye to that drummer. Move on.

surfguitar · Jun 29, 2022

When necessary, I played drums in several bands I can say this for certain...drummers can easily be replaced. I agree with @smogg, be gracious and find another drummer.

Stewie · Jun 29, 2022

If the sub who put in the extra effort is willing, hire him. That’s the kind of dedication you need. If he isn’t too far out of your way(and you have the space) let him pay for half the gas and go get him. That way you and he will have plenty of time to set up the drums and your amp and be relaxing at the bar with a beer when the rest of the band finally shows up

hrodbert696 · Jun 29, 2022

"...to take away the cost of the rented car from our drummers next pay ..."

"Next pay."

...."NEXT pay?"

Why in the world would there be any prospect of this drummer getting "NEXT" pay?

JC BASS 91 · Jun 29, 2022

I would have chucked the drummer long ago. He has more than outstayed his welcome.

Turnaround · Jun 29, 2022

Any time you don't fire the drummer is an opportunity lost.

iiipopes · Jun 29, 2022

Fynn said: ↑

I figured it was time for me to post a little story, mainly because I want to know how others would evaluate this situation, or if someone has ever experienced something similar.

I play in a party band and I'm related with the band owner. Therefore, I get told pretty much anything that he has to deal with. We get alot of our gigs through an agency and these people expect that when we accept a gig, that we will be there and play even if it's not the original lineup. That being said, we haven't played in our original lineup even once. And that is mostly because our drummer is ill, or atleast he says he's ill, quite often. That's not really a big problem, because we have multiple dedicated subs that know our setlists and would play very consistently.

Recently though, our drummer messed up pretty bad. He initally said that he would be there for a gig and roughly a week prior he said that he didn't want to play, because he would rather play with his father another small gig. A little late but the bandleader said it was fine if he can find a replacement, because all of our usual subs were not available that day, tough luck.
He did actually manage to find someone, but he misinformed that guy on pretty much everything. Our drummer promised him that he would be driven (with his entire acoustic kit), he only had to learn 30 songs (usually we have about 60, but for this gig we actually had way less playtime and it came down to about 40 songs total), that he would be provided material to help him learn the songs (we have never given anything out to drummers to help them, because frankly none of us know how to play drums except for our drummer...) and that he would be provided a kit...

Our leader was really mad at our drummer, but the show went really well actually. I personally feel really bad for the sub that our drummer lied to so much, because you could really tell that he was very dedicated and really gave his all trying to make the best out of the situation. He even rented a car so he could get all his stuff to the gig. Bandleader decided that it would only be fair now to take away the cost of the rented car from our drummers next pay and give that sub the entire pay.

We have played that gig on the 19th of june and our drummer has not shown up for the two gigs last week either. Atleast that time he was sick and not just unwilling to play, because he would rather play in his fathers band.
Click to expand...

Hire the sub.

RichSnyder · Jun 29, 2022

You have a band leader, they need to handle the situation.

pepj · Jun 29, 2022

Let him go. You can't operate with unreliable people.

And yes, thats a euphemism for firing him.

Spidey2112 · Jun 29, 2022

Fynn said: ↑

He initally said that he would be there for a gig and roughly a week prior he said that he didn't want to play, because he would rather play with his father another small gig.
Click to expand...

Oh, okay... sorry we inconvenienced you with a commitment.

Log in / Register

Forums

Drummer is incredibly unreliable and lies

Fynn

buldog5151bass Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.

pasmithy

J Wilson

knumbskull

Lo-E

RattleSnack

drpepper

smogg

39-Bassist

Andy Marshman

surfguitar

Stewie

hrodbert696 Moderator Staff Member

JC BASS 91

Turnaround Commercial User

iiipopes Supporting Member

RichSnyder Columbia, MD Supporting Member

pepj

Spidey2112

Share This Page

Log in / Register

Useful Searches

Drummer is incredibly unreliable and lies

buldog5151bass Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.

hrodbert696 Moderator Staff Member

Turnaround Commercial User

iiipopes Supporting Member

RichSnyder Columbia, MD Supporting Member

Share This Page