Is that a train i see comin?

[H K]

We have slowly been having issues with current drummer and then singer says...hey, wait, THIS guy plays drums lets try him. in his words, it just fell into our lap so he was hoping it would be a quick and easy solution to our problem. And yes, he COULD get better I suppose over time. But, wow, he wasnt anywhere close to what I expected. And, there is some serious talent in this band top to bottom..why again are we trying to turn an undrafted free agent into a starter again? Guitarist and I said we will handle the search going forward if it takes pressure off of him.

My official stance was I would like to make a decision after the 3 fill in gigs he was initially brought in for. Yeah, longer than most cover bands take to make a decision but again, he was originally supposed to just fill in. I suspect he was told along the way that we are having issues with current drummer, and singer probably said that if it goes well, he could be the next drummer (which irks me a bit too, why say that before he has even tried out?)

The guitarist, who has been very upbeat about this guy and excited to play with him this past weekend, just looked at me after the gig and said...OH HELL NO. And he was the one that told the singer exactly what he thought this morning in a message. He said, no point in lying. We tried it and he is just not good enough. Ughh, i hope it doesnt implode but, it is what it is.

Aaah, I see. Well, guitarist may be a bit brutish, but tbh I'd rather have that than unclear communication. And you've said you could handle the search which is also good. Just make sure singer doesn't think it's because he did so poorly you won't trust him with it Even if that IS the case, haha.

Tbh I'm guessing, since they're friends, he did indeed hint at it, and he was also excited to get him in. Excitement and expectations blind us to the reality some times. Plus,maybe he just isn't that good at judging the drums?

Either way, I think you guys will be fine. If the singer leaves because of a small thing like this, then there's probably a bigger problem at the back of it anyway, or he's very unprofessional, which, it seems to me, that none of you are.

Quit worrying and learn to love the bomb, imo

Best wishes

 

[pepj]

If these guys are 17..then you can expect improvement... and at 25 you get to know and do stuff as maturity kicks in but if you are talking 35 etc...this guy isn't improving to any great degree. He may get live chops and stamina but if he is awful at 35 and not considered good enough..that is too big a step for someone to bridge.
And why are you going to have to carry him for 6months to try and get him acceptable when he hasnt been able to do that through his playing life.
And the reason this might be a huge problem is because to salvage anything, you are going to have to tell the singer/mate it is not going happen.
And conversely, he might feel he has to back his mate. It really really shouldn't have gone this far.
Best of luck as I think you are going to need it

 

[john_g]

Are there really only 2 drummers where you live ?

No but, we technically still have our original drummer and tried this guy out, who...was just supposed to be a fill in. Singer thought that with the current drummer issues he could be the replacement if all went well. He strapped on his rose tinted glasses tightly though. And with 3-4 gigs per month (all we want to do as we all have jobs and fams) booked into next year, its a tricky situation. Cant really advertise in the open without losing current drummer and this fill in guy was booked to play a few gigs, so we could lose those as well because Im assuming he thought he was going to be the guy.

 

[john_g]

If these guys are 17..then you can expect improvement... and at 25 you get to know and do stuff as maturity kicks in but if you are talking 35 etc...this guy isn't improving to any great degree. He may get live chops and stamina but if he is awful at 35 and not considered good enough..that is too big a step for someone to bridge.
And why are you going to have to carry him for 6months to try and get him acceptable when he hasnt been able to do that through his playing life.
And the reason this might be a huge problem is because to salvage anything, you are going to have to tell the singer/mate it is not going happen.
And conversely, he might feel he has to back his mate. It really really shouldn't have gone this far.
Best of luck as I think you are going to need it

Exactly. Singer is younger than me and guitarist. This drummer is in his late 40s and i just dont see him improving to where we need to be. We still need to talk this out but, I was messaging with singer and he seemed alot less stressed this am. He admitted he overlooked his drumming a bit because he is so frustrated about current drummer and thought this could be a quick fix. So, that is good he realized it.

 

[pepj]

ok, thats progress.
Here is what I'd do.
Ask good drummer his plans and tell him you think he wants to leave and if so, you need to start looking elsewhere.
Rule out bad drummer as 'bad fit' and tap other drummers you know...everyone taps other guys..and those other guys either buy in or you move on to next.

If your band is good, has a rep, then you have a selling point. And a good band, with good gigs and a good draw is a pretty high bar that should be attractive. In that case you will be past this in a few months, kicking on.

You could evdn mention that as the bass player, you need to sanction the final choice...or however you want to say that...
as you are the primary person who has to make him sound good....that is NOT the remit of gtrs or vix..lol

 

[Danny C]

LV's shouldn't be picking the drummer, the bassist should as that is the team that puts the azz on the floor. I occasionally fill in for a group with an average drummer, why....I don't know. It sounds like I'm playing along to sneakers in a dryer. The band is not horrible but they are down a floor or more than where I'm at and with whom I usually play with. But with me and a great drummer it would be a huge difference. But no, they don't want to make a move. I don't understand but I'm just their first on call sub. But I can't take anymore offers from them because of sneakers. It's a damn shame. I hope your sitch works out for you. Carry on and enjoy!

 

[ArtechnikA]

Exactly. Singer is younger than me and guitarist. This drummer is in his late 40s and i just dont see him improving to where we need to be. We still need to talk this out but, I was messaging with singer and he seemed alot less stressed this am. He admitted he overlooked his drumming a bit because he is so frustrated about current drummer and thought this could be a quick fix. So, that is good he realized it.

Where in PA? I ask because I think I've played with your sub... Or maybe his twin....

 

[john_g]

Where in PA? I ask because I think I've played with your sub... Or maybe his twin....

I think they clone and circulate them over in Hershey

 

[Topkat13]

I think it's high time that the moderators create a Member's Therapy forum. They could waive the co-pay for Gold Members.

 

[mikeswals]

Are there no other drummers around?

 

[jerry]

If you have gigs, you should be able to hire a good drummer.

 

[Bass Viking]

If these guys are 17..then you can expect improvement... and at 25 you get to know and do stuff as maturity kicks in but if you are talking 35 etc...this guy isn't improving to any great degree. He may get live chops and stamina but if he is awful at 35 and not considered good enough..that is too big a step for someone to bridge.
And why are you going to have to carry him for 6months to try and get him acceptable when he hasnt been able to do that through his playing life.

+1. It's too bad people who are in over their head often don't seem to realize it. In a dream world the drummer would say "Guys, I'm nowhere near your level and don't want to drag you down. I think it's best if I bow out."

 

[richntiff]

You have to bring in a more competent replacement drummer before you can start mandating to the LS that his guy isn't the guy. If there is no other guy, then he's it by default. It's a tricky situation because, as much as we all pontificate about how bass is the most important, amazing thing ever - and the guys over on The Gear Page are talking about how guitar is the most important, amazing thing ever - in reality, the two most important elements in a band are the lead singer, followed by the drummer. If they are both good, you have a good band. If one isn't good....