Firing the drummer

[Mantis Tobaggan]

So I started playing guitar a year and about 8 months ago. I practice every day. Literally. I have missed maybe one day in the last year. I met a drummer and ended up setting up a jam room in the back of my office. We started playing in the back of my office earlier this year, around February. We played once a week for a few months. He has played four years and is ok. After a few months, we put out an ad for a bass player and got some calls. We picked a guy that is pretty cool. He has been playing bass 20 years and is really good.

The bass player has been in the band a few months now. We have learned about 8 songs. I am making progress. The bass player is making progress. The drummer still seems to be about the same. His drumming is okay. He maintains a tempo, has some limb separation, but overall, his drumming is pretty boring. Kinda sloppy. He doesn't seem to practice. At this point, he is holding us back. He always asks what song we are doing and how does it go, like he is learning them at band practice.

Last night, after practice, the bass player and I decided to look for another drummer. So we are going to audition some people. When should I tell the drummer it isn't working out? Should I wait until we find someone? We aren't gigging because of COVID but also we aren't quite ready anyway. I want to make a demo but not with this guy. If we have no one, then the band will be basically on hiatus. But it seems kinda rude to drag the guy along. Hopefully, we get someone quickly. What are your thoughts on how to best proceed? I am kind of the band leader in this situation. This could potentially affect the very existence of the band but getting a better drummer would be pretty great. I give this guy a 4 out of 10 on overall skill and a 3 for effort.

 

[bolophonic]

4 out of 10 is extremely low for me. I'd rather play by myself than with a low-effort drummer. That's just me.

 

[Phaenomenal]

Since you are looking for another drummer, you don't seem to be planning to keep this one. In my opinion, it's better to tell the current drummer it hasn't worked out than go behind his back. Look at it this way, do you want to have the conversation when he finds out what you are up to? Assuming he won't figure it out isn't the answer; you should assume he will. Bad drummer or not, it's a backstabbing thing to do, and he will be rightfully be more upset by that than being told up front it's not working out. I know I wouldn't want it to go down like that.

 

[Lobster11]

I give this guy a 4 out of 10 on overall skill and a 3 for effort.

I think a big question is this: If he raised his effort level to 8 or 9 (or however you'd rate your own effort level), what do you think is the potential for his overall skill level to significantly improve? If you're optimistic about this, and you basically like the guy, I would first talk to him about it and give him a chance to "reform" himself -- if he wants to -- before just ditching him. Give him the choice. He might say, "Sorry, I just don't want to put that much work into it," in which case you can part ways, but it's also possible that it lights a fire under him.

 

[mrcbass]

But it seems kinda rude to drag the guy along. Hopefully, we get someone quickly. What are your thoughts on how to best proceed?

You answered your own question.

It's a pretty easy call: How would you like to be treated in this situation? Me? Cut me loose - neither of us gains anything by continuing to work on a dead project. In the very least, let him know your plans, maybe he's bored enough to hang out while you look, but it doesn't seem like it's the best option.

If this guy is a "boring" drummer, you and the bass player can work with a drum machine until you find the replacement - at least it'll keep proper time.

 

[portpc]

There's a good chance your current drummer wants to leave but is hesitant about how you will react?
The fact that he seems not to practice & asks you how songs go being the major signs..

Just tell him you are going in a different direction, He may actually be relieved!

 

[Tari]

I would talk to him. Tell him what you miss and what you expect. Give him the chance to improve. Maybe he will surprise you.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Well I did it. I fired the drummer. Being band leader is hard.

 

[john_g]

Well I did it. I fired the drummer. Being band leader is hard.

Sucks but, Im in a similar situation. Only its been a couple of years. Drummer is good, but lazy and forgetful. Tons of mistakes at gigs. Nice guy but we have had it with the lack of effort. Stinks because this is a hobby and should be for fun but, we arent having fun.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Sucks but, Im in a similar situation. Only its been a couple of years. Drummer is good, but lazy and forgetful. Tons of mistakes at gigs. Nice guy but we have had it with the lack of effort. Stinks because this is a hobby and should be for fun but, we arent having fun.

Yeah. Right now we don't have a drummer at all so it is a bit of an unknown when we will get one. I put an ad on craigslist and our bass player is talking to some people but it is better to move on when someone isn't pulling their weight.

 

[Phaenomenal]

Yeah. Right now we don't have a drummer at all so it is a bit of an unknown when we will get one. I put an ad on craigslist and our bass player is talking to some people but it is better to move on when someone isn't pulling their weight.

You'll find a new drummer, and it didn't sound from your previous post like there is a rush with circumstances as they are. In the meantime, you and the bass player can practice together. As someone suggested in a previous post, if you have s drum machine, you can use that In the meantime or perhaps one of the sites out there that has drum files can be useful. I use a couple sites now and then, so if you want links to those I've used, let me know and I can get you that info when I get home. Or perhaps others have links to pass on.

 

[QORC]

to me, drummers seem to usually be in plentiful supply. you'll find a better one and quickly I'm certain

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

to me, drummers seem to usually be in plentiful supply. you'll find a better one and quickly I'm certain

I think so too. Especially because I already have a place to practice and a good drum kit.

 

[JRA]

Being band leader is hard

 

[BurtMacklinFBI]

I think a big question is this: If he raised his effort level to 8 or 9 (or however you'd rate your own effort level), what do you think is the potential for his overall skill level to significantly improve? If you're optimistic about this, and you basically like the guy, I would first talk to him about it and give him a chance to "reform" himself -- if he wants to -- before just ditching him. Give him the choice. He might say, "Sorry, I just don't want to put that much work into it," in which case you can part ways, but it's also possible that it lights a fire under him.

I dunno, that is a nice approach to take but I've been in similar situations with a few drummers and one or two guitar players. In my experience they never improve substantially so long as they're allowed to stay in the band. I know it sounds callous, but I really think most musicians will either improve unprompted or will remain mediocre as long as there are no consequences for doing so.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

I dunno, that is a nice approach to take but I've been in similar situations with a few drummers and one or two guitar players. In my experience they never improve substantially so long as they're allowed to stay in the band. I know it sounds callous, but I really think most musicians will either improve unprompted or will remain mediocre as long as there are no consequences for doing so.

I discussed it with the bass player and we decided that he needs to work on his drumming fundamentals. If it was just learning the songs, a talking to may have been sufficient but he needs to learn the rudiments. We decided to move on.

 

[Lobster11]

I discussed it with the bass player and we decided that he needs to work on his drumming fundamentals. If it was just learning the songs, a talking to may have been sufficient but he needs to learn the rudiments. We decided to move on.

That makes sense. If it were a matter of effort and motivation, I would want to give him a chance to redeem himself. If it's a matter of skill level, that's a different story and best to cut him loose.

 

[Mantis Tobaggan]

Got a new drummer within a day. Super cool dude. Played drumline in college, major upgrade.

 

[lfmn16]

Well I did it. I fired the drummer. Being band leader is hard.

I find it much less hard when I'm firing someone who isn't trying. It's hard when they are working their buttocks off and still not improving. When someone shows up and needs to hear the song that is a clear indication that they haven't touched the material since the last rehearsal.

 

[Wisebass]

Hi Manti

but overall, his drumming is pretty boring. Kinda sloppy. He doesn't seem to practice.

He always asks what song we are doing and how does it go, like he is learning them at band practice.

A lot of drummers do that, because they don't have two kits and don't want to tear down after rehearsals

( I know he uses your kit so there is no excuse for him!)

But it seems kinda rude to drag the guy along.

It can be rude to drag someone along but it also can be an opportunity for a newbee to learn something from musicians who are better. Do what feels right and good for you. And be honest about it!

What are your thoughts on how to best proceed?

You know the answer!

I fired the drummer.

I am sure you took the right decision!

For the future: I think you should record your rehearsals.

A lot of drummers don't read or write. (or know how to eat with fork and knife )

Without kidding, it's great for a drummer to have a playback to work with at home!

It also shows very fast who does the homework and who doesn't.

Another advantage is that these recordings can help you to decide

which songs you want on a better demo recording. (and which ones you maybe will never play live )

Anyway the next step will be hiring a singer? => Singers always want tapes (those who don't are hacks IME of course)


greetings

Wise