When do you replace a bandmember?

[naughtysoda]

I am currently in a group that practices rather ambitious jazz influenced tunes. I say ambitious because while these tunes are not out of reach, 3 of our 4 bandmembers have to practice on our own just to get through this stuff.

The issue is that the drummer seems not be putting in the work. Suggestions have been made and homework has been given to him over the course of the last several months, and there has been very little progress. When asked about homework exercises we discussed he should practice, it becomes quickly obvious that he has not looked at it or even thought about it. This specific example has gone on for about 5 or 6 practices.

We are at the point of looking to bring someone else in. I think the other two players are extremely frustrated and see the current drummer as less committed to the progress of the group.

The current drummer has the potential to do most of this music very well. He can read and transcribe some complicated drum parts, but doesn't seem to translate most of this to his playing.

As far technical ability (sight reading and jazz charts) I am the weakest link but no one seems ready to give up on me yet. I do practice this music and other things like walking, and chord theory because I am way behind these guys.

But are we being fair to this drummer or too hard on him?

 

[Rudreax]

Try getting everyone else in the band and having one long, serious talk about whether not keeping this guy if worth it our not. If you guys as a group decide to get rid of him, give the ultimatum of either keeping up with the practice or leaving the band. If the drummer still doesn't keep up, he's out.

 

[GreyBeard]

Putting 4 people together that are all on the same page is really tough. The next person you get might practice but have some other big problem. To be fair to your current drummer you and the other 2 members need to let him/her know that you are truly not happy with his/her level of commitment and that if he/she can't commit more effort to the project, you and the other members are regrettably going to have to replace him.

 

[fretlessguy]

I would get together and have a group discussion first, and tell him/her what the expectations are. If you have to let the said person go, you will not look good whether it is justified or not in many people's eyes. If the person is friendly and likeable, it will be even harder to let him go. You and your bandmates are not in an enviable position.
In the event that this person is removed, take the high road and make no negative comments about the former drummer. If he or she starts trashing the group and others bring this to you, still do not make any comment. I have found that silence speaks volumes.

 

[jayarroz]

+1
On everyone elses suggestions.
Over the years drummers seem to be the toughest part of the band. When I get a good one, they go on tour and then I have to replace them. and the available ones aren't good enough. There is never an in-between guy!

 

[bassfrenzie]

With the type of music I think you're describing the drummer has got to bring it every moment of every tune. Otherwise you - the bass player - will find yourself dragging the drummer along, which is exhausting & not fair.

I had to do it with our last drummer. A drag & a bummer, believe me.

We play blues/rock fusion & the drummer MUST be on top of it or even pushing it slightly. Fully awake, a lot of pop in the snare and willing to take measured chances.

You will be much happier as will the entire band when you get 'that" drummer.

So I would suggest as others have, call a meeting, put it all on the table and do what you gotta do.

 

[Ezbass]

With the type of music I think you're describing the drummer has got to bring it every moment of every tune. Otherwise you - the bass player - will find yourself dragging the drummer along, which is exhausting & not fair.

Amen to that, I have the very same problem at the moment. My advice to you (and to me for that matter) is to check that the rest of the band feel exactly the same (it's amazing how many people back slide when push comes to shove) and then, as one, tell the drummer how you feel. If he doesn't like it then you need to move on and quickly. If he takes your collective comments on board and still does nothing positive, then you need to move on and quickly. Address this quickly too or you're all just wasting your time.

Bands are hard to manage, but when you get all the right people pulling in the same direction, it all becomes worth it.

BTW did I mention that you need to move on and quickly

 

[QORC]

1. Give them warning, if there are issues they can address. Don't whisper behind their back and then just can them. That's chicken****.

2. Do it face to face. Phone and email is also for low-integrity cowards.

3. Be sure that what you are kicking them out for that you yourself are not guilty of. Because then you become vulnerable.

4. What goes around comes around. How you get rid of someone is as important as why you got rid of them.

 

[Pbassred]

+1 to everyone who said that good drummers are hard to find.

I live with too many people. I end up practicing bass with a headphone rig on my kitchin wall. If I didn't have that I'd be screwed. It's tough to practice drums at home!

Its tempting to say "bullet in the temple and move on", but you would be left stickless in an uncirtain world.

What we need on this forum is the beginners guide to motivation. You need to understand why He can't/won't and more importantly what he CAN do to help himself. Talking and listening dude. May the force be with you.

 

[naughtysoda]

Thank you all for the great advice. QORC's third point brings up the idea about not being guilty for what you are calling someone else out on. The drummer's vulnerability is just as much my own vulnerability, and I am glad someone else noticed that there is the possible issue of remaining members positions being in jeopardy.
Because I am very aware of the possibility that my own time is now shorter.

My only saving grace is that I do practice the material on my on own, according to one of the other members. Being in this group has been extremely benficial in pointing out several of my weaknesses, and if I don't learn the new skills and concepts quikly enough I will most likely be replaced. If the other members find that I am not cutting it well then I am gone. It may only be a matter of time, but until then I will keep working hard, continue to grow and learn as much about this music as I can.

 

[jomahu]

i think effort goes a long way as well. if you've got the potential, put in the work and are actually pulling your weight in the band, it counts for a lot (depending on the band and its goals).

i'm in the same boat, being the least technically trained and the one with the least experience on my instrument. but i put in the effort and i do a lot of other band stuff, so i guess that's why i get to stick around.

we're also goin through the same situation - wondering whether to replace someone in the band or not. this person never knows the forms of the songs, talks/texts/sits with an attitude all thru rehearsal, bails on rehearsals and gigs, passes on solos during gigs (when it's already been decided who takes solos) and is always crackin or playing wrong notes. plus, this person never helps with hauling gear and leaves right after getting paid.

at this point, i think i'm the only one in the band who wants to give this person a chance. but that's mostly 'cause i hate confrontation.