Drummers
March 9, 2009I’ve always thought the drummer in a band is the kind of like the catcher on a baseball team. I’ve always identified with them. I don’t know why. Maybe because we’re both down in a sitting position, maybe because we’re both sort of the backbone of the team. Maybe because we both have to work so hard. Maybe because we’re both easy to forget about. Anyway, I like drummers and here’s my all-time top five favorites.
Stuart Copeland (Police) - Jazzy, worldly, reggae, rock, punk, – a creative fusion of styles in one package. Slim and whippy. So, so good. I hope I caught half as good as he drums.
Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac) - simple, clean, elegant style. Like a huge monkey behind the kit. When he’s behind the drums, he kind of looks like Frank Howard behind the wheel of his Yugo. All arms and legs.
John Bonham (Led Zepplin) - Power, speed, improvisation…an animal. If any drummer was on steroids, it was him. He hit hard.
Keith Moon (The Who) - I’m not normally into busy drummers, but he’s the exception. All over the place but rock solid. Kind of the drumming equivalent of Tony Pena catching. A joyous, savage, hotel room destroyer.
Larry Mullen Jr. (U2) - unique military style makes me want to stand up and revolt or dance…or some combination of the two. All business. He drums the way Mike Matheny caught.
Brent if I was going to compare your catching style to a drummer I think I would have chossen Charlie Watts (Rolling stones) when I watch him I think they must be using a drum machine because he makes it look so easy!
To be mentioned in the same breath as Charlie Watts…I’ll take that….thanks Neal, thats a nice compliment. Hows the new tour coming?
Using the analogy between drummers and catchers may be accurate, but it leaves you vulnerable to the multitude of drummer jokes out there. Just substitute the word “catcher” whenever you see “drummer”, or “field” whenever you see “stage, etc.:
Why did the bass player smash the window of his car? To get the drummer out.
What does it mean when the drummer has drool coming from both sides of his mouth? The stage is level.
What do you call a drummer without a girlfriend? Homeless.
What do you call a guy that hangs around musicians? A drummer.
And so on….
By the way, I love Stewart Copeland’s work too. Also, Terry Bozzio of Zappa and Missing Persons fame is unbelievable, in my opinion.
Buddy Rich is/was the Mike Mayne of drummers…
Rumor has it that Bonham plays in Five Fingers…
Good call Royce…maybe we can market them as such.
Bonham autograph models in” Cashmere”…
nice
I’d also go with Watts but for different reasons….Pert has every drum on the planet(like a Bench, or Young Pudge) Watts did/does his job with just what he needs, and complements the others around him.
If you can play ‘em set ‘em up and hit ‘em! If not stay within your game. Don’t be a playa hater…
I hope you’re not refering to me Royce
Is there gonna be a fight? After school 3:15 behind the gym. Lets do this.
Me and Bill by the bike rack
I’ll be there…unless there’s a girl fight going on at the same time somewhere.
give me a week or two to grow out my nails…