Drummer out front ?

[JackANSI]

Cowboy Mouth

I saw them at a festival a few years back. Not my cup of tea but they (especially the drummer/singer) put on a hell of a show.

Definitely check this band out if you want to see what a drummer up front can do.. But also realize that his kit is pared down pretty good and everything is well below shoulder level. Many drummers might not like this, especially the ones that think they are the local Neil Peart...

I'd try an all in-line setup like what was mentioned first.. Second would be the well-lit drummer idea (compared to everyone else under low intensity washes).. Third on my list would be drummer up front..

 

[Webtroll]

Didn't Night Ranger set the drums on stage left and sideways? The singer would turn his head left to sing into the mic so he'd be facing the audience.

 

[sonic assassin]

bands like atreyu and underoath leave their drummer in the back with their screamer/hype man front and center.

id try just NOT putting anyone in front of him. maybe turn the kit a bit if he keeps the mic to the side. if its a headset thing, then just keep him straight on.

no matter what, its hard to lead the band in a seated position.

 

[walterw]

Definitely check this band out [cowboy mouth] if you want to see what a drummer up front can do.. But also realize that his kit is pared down pretty good and everything is well below shoulder level. Many drummers might not like this, especially the ones that think they are the local Neil Peart...

this. he's a big guy behind a little kit.

no matter what, its hard to lead the band in a seated position.

ultimately, this.

jellyfish had a cool variation, where the singing drummer was front and center, standing behind a stripped-down sort of cocktail drum kit.

 

[Stumbo]

A spotlight on the drummer and a kit set up in such a way that you can see his or her face helps too.

+1

A spot light from each side with the symbols kept a little lower than normal are very helpful.

 

[elavate7]

i like mute maths set up.......from left to right(guitar, lead singer, bass, drums) you san see everyone.

 

[Bofee]

Yogo Man-Drummer/Lead vocal/director-front and center

 

[TC2112]

jellyfish had a cool variation, where the singing drummer was front and center, standing behind a stripped-down sort of cocktail drum kit.

Jellyfish was an amazing band with a great singing drummer - they set up all 4 in a line across the stage, and Andy stood to play drums.

 

[D.A.R.K.]

i am guilty of being a lead vocalist and drummer in my sordid past...
just because everyone is programmed to set up like an average rock band doesn't mean you have to.
i used to set up center, downstage as far as possible (that's the front)
with my back to the audience.
house engineers never had to move monitors or change the setup,
often the band after could just leave their kit up on the riser
making changeover easier.
my bassist and guitarist would set up further back facing the audience...
i could always see and hear them without issue.
people always liked it, and commented on how much they liked to be able to see everything i played, and watching me turn purple as i ran out of oxygen.
honestly, if a drummer is going to beat the snot out of their cymbals,
5 feet in any direction just doesn't make a huge difference in how annoying it is.

 

[electracoyote]

Jellyfish (Andy Sturmer)



Dave Clark Five (and Dave Clark wasn't even the singer)

 

[IPA]

good to see some Jellyfish love here. Most underappreciated band ever!