Stick Twirling

[Concrete Pete]

Hey Crew,

OK, this is probably the stupidest question I've yet posted here.

I auditioned for a Classic Rock band tonight that has bookoo great-paying casino gigs. (More than my current, best classic rock band)
Pretty much 90% of the songs they do are right down my alley, but the lead vocalist/lead guitar player said "can you spin the sticks"? I said NO, never tried, and it seems kinda "show-offy" to me. He said I qualified pretty good time and chops wise, but I need to learn how to twirl sticks to complete the "showmanship" that the band prides themselves on.

HUH?

Maybe I'm in the stone age here, but I consider myself to have a good-to-better-than-average stage presence, do (small) showmanship duties, but C'MON-- stick twirling?

Am I some kinda idiot not wanting (or knowing how to) twirl sticks?

All feedback welcome, and maybe this old dog learned some new tricks, but it's against my better judgement.

Gimme both barrels,
C. P.

(ps) This is kinda funny especially after reading another post recently here about stick twirling--- is this a new fad, or what?

[jotman]

This is a good sign to remove yourself from that band.

[mrchattr]

I have a few points to make here.

1. Learning stick tricks was a really good thing for me. It made me a better player. When you really learn how to move a stick around in some neat ways, you learn a lot about what you really need to do to hold the stick loosely, how to handle almost dropped sticks, and all the fine muscle stuff that takes years and years of playing to develop. I understand sticks so well from learning all of that. Also, you can practice it at times when you are away from your drums, so it doesn't have to cut into your actual practice time.

2. The band is not asking you to sacrifice anything...they aren't saying, "play poorly" or "learn a different drumming style" that you disagree with. They are talking about adding a different kind of showmanship than you currently use...but one that is common amongst the top cover bands, and one that will help take your visual show to the next level.

3. I am all about sticking to my principles when it comes to drumming...but this isn't a principle thing. It's not like they are trying to change what kind of drummer you are, they are just asking you to add another element. If you don't use a china, but the bandleader asked you to add one, you probably wouldn't think twice about it. Or if he said, "bring your congas for some acoustic songs," again, you probably wouldn't be upset. This is no different than that.

In the end, it sounds like a great band that would work well for you, and that would bring in a good bit of cash, and have you playing casino gigs, which are some of the cushiest gigs out there...are you really going to sacrifice all that just because you don't want to twirl a stick? Really? If so, where are you located, and can I have their number?

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

Am I some kinda idiot not wanting (or knowing how to) twirl sticks?



Nope, can't do it well either and never bothered spending any time trying to master it. To be honest there's FAR too many other things I'd like to get sorted before I start contemplating stick tricks.

It's a hard one, 'cos it sounds like you'd quite like the gig. But if an emphasis is placed on your tricks over your playing, does that then mean the music takes a back seat to 'showmanship' (read gimmicks) with these guys?
I'm not saying showmanship is not important, or should be dismissed, far, far from it. But give me a 'player' over a 'twirler' any day.

Best of luck with your decision.

[Monica McCoy]

Stick twirling looks cool. Chicks dig it.

[Naigewron]

I have a few points to make here.

1. Learning stick tricks was a really good thing for me. It made me a better player. When you really learn how to move a stick around in some neat ways, you learn a lot about what you really need to do to hold the stick loosely, how to handle almost dropped sticks, and all the fine muscle stuff that takes years and years of playing to develop. I understand sticks so well from learning all of that. Also, you can practice it at times when you are away from your drums, so it doesn't have to cut into your actual practice time.

2. The band is not asking you to sacrifice anything...they aren't saying, "play poorly" or "learn a different drumming style" that you disagree with. They are talking about adding a different kind of showmanship than you currently use...but one that is common amongst the top cover bands, and one that will help take your visual show to the next level.

3. I am all about sticking to my principles when it comes to drumming...but this isn't a principle thing. It's not like they are trying to change what kind of drummer you are, they are just asking you to add another element. If you don't use a china, but the bandleader asked you to add one, you probably wouldn't think twice about it. Or if he said, "bring your congas for some acoustic songs," again, you probably wouldn't be upset. This is no different than that.

In the end, it sounds like a great band that would work well for you, and that would bring in a good bit of cash, and have you playing casino gigs, which are some of the cushiest gigs out there...are you really going to sacrifice all that just because you don't want to twirl a stick? Really? If so, where are you located, and can I have their number?

I was going to post something, but I realised this post summed up my views in a more coherent and well-written way than any post of mine ever could.

[masonni]

First let me say this, I am NOT telling you to do what this guy in the band asked, nor am I giving advice on the matter in any way. I am just going to make a point.

Anything that can add to the visual aspect of the show is a plus.
Nothing bothers me more than going out to see a band and one (or more) of the musicians on stage are not into what they are doing.

Music is a form of entertainment, therefore, as a musician you are an entertainer. Right?
The general public does NOT go out to a live music venue to listen to a show. If they want to listen they stay home with their ipod or cds. People go out to watch a performance.
If you fail to entertain, then you fail as a musician.

The level of showmanship should be based on the music you play.
Over-the-top rock'n out is not always appropriate at a jazz gig. But it should be expected at a rock show.

[bamdrummer]

I think stick twirling is a little on the showy flashy side, but im glad i learned some simple tricks. Outside of the showy part, its actual not a bad finger stretch to spin your stick around, and its a nice stress reliever when people tell you to "stop your goddam tapping on everything!"
If i were you, i wouldn't let what sounds like an awesome gig pass you by because you disagree with there ideas on showmanship.

[2bsticks]

I do it and people do enjoy it. It adds a bit of a visual for the listener which is not a bad thing. My main twirl is the fake twirl, easy to learn. Check out YouTube, look up Chip Ritter and you will see demonstrations. The stick just sits between your middle and index finger. Wiggle your fingers back and forth and with practice it will start to twirl. I do it so the motion is going clockwise (backwards) most people have it going counter clockwise. Just came easier to me that way and who really cares as long as it looks good! I also will throw the stick in the air and catch it when the drum part has a measure off or a quarter note pulse with the bass drum. You can also flip it behind your back and catch it (this one took me a while to get down and every now and then one gets away) If it does I just laugh it off, you can see the people enjoy that just as much.

We are entertainers, as long as your timing and playing don't suffer from doing tricks why not. If gives you another little thing to add to your drumming. I say give it a shot.

[jer]

has bookoo great-paying casino gigs

I don't think you are an idiot for not wanting to twirl your sticks, but I might think so if you turned down a gig just because of that.

:)

[Muckster]

I don't think you are an idiot for not wanting to twirl your sticks, but I might think so if you turned down a gig just because of that.

:)

I agree with that. The band has made it known with you that they pride themselves in showmanship. If i were you, i would be shedding some stick twirling.

[justjim]

(ps) This is kinda funny especially after reading another post recently here about stick twirling--- is this a new fad, or what?

New? not so much - I mean jazz and corps have their flourishes
and let's not forget the 80s -- man, I can recall guys twirling between every backbeat for portions of tunes

I think it might be one of those things that ebbs and flows


s for what I think about it in this context -- I'm of a similar mindset as some of the other guys

If you want the cush and the scratch and they have an act that works in your market...

I think about it as a matter of context

it's a showband, not a concert band - that's the job

[DrumEatDrum]

You say classic rock band.

If the band plays a lot of 80's material, then stick twirling would be fitting, as it seems every drummer was twirling sticks in the 80s.

When I was a teenager in the 80s, and it was too late at night to practice in my bed room (or had otherwise been told to knock it off) I'd often resort to stick twirling just to keep doing something drum related without noise. And as every band on MTV was twirling, it seemed the thing to do.

Enter the 90s, it became passe, so I never twirled in a band, but I could pull it out if I needed to.

Anyhow, I don't see the band leader's request to be much different than "we all wear black outfits as our stage clothes" or "wear a tux to a wedding gig" or "dress like the 70's for our Led Zeppelin tribute night gig"

I'm sure you can find some "how-to's" on youtube.

[NUTHA JASON]

i learned to twirl because i wasn't always allowed to practice on a kit or couldn't practice anymore because i was worn out so i would watch tv with my sticks in my hands.

my 2 pennys:

- no one should be ashamed of knowing how to twirl - twirl away and have fun.

- if a gig requires something of you - anything - and you want that gig then you should do anything for the gig. if you were going to join a KISS tribute act, would you feel the make-up too showy? no.

j

[Concrete Pete]

Hey Crew,

Great feedback! (as always)

I was accepted into the band ("Loose Change" yeah, not a great name, but what the heck) as of this morning, and then told the band leader that I've never been into, nor do I plan to start stick twirling, and if that boots me from the band, so be it.

He was a little put-offish, (not too badly) and said I should consider maybe contributing more to the band than percussion. (here's where it gets really good!)

I informed him that any ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Clapton, (etc) lead vocals are right down my alley, and that I do pretty good on backup vox, too (without any major harmonizing) and that I also play a real serious harmonica (my best instrument by far) and can do leads on it--just lemme know what key.

Heck, MAYBE I'll check out stick twirling, but who knows?

Funny part is that Chuck's wife (band leader) emailed me tonight with a bunch of J. Geils songs and stuff that requires harp, and very nicely asked me to do some harp work tomorrow night at rehearsal. (OK, but wo's gonna play drums?)

We'll see where this goes, I guess. We have a gig on Oct. 2nd at a prominent Chico bar, so the pressure is on, and it looks like it'll be a real adventure!

Cheers,
C. P.

[mrchattr]

Hey Crew,

Great feedback! (as always)

I was accepted into the band ("Loose Change" yeah, not a great name, but what the heck) as of this morning, and then told the band leader that I've never been into, nor do I plan to start stick twirling, and if that boots me from the band, so be it.

He was a little put-offish, (not too badly) and said I should consider maybe contributing more to the band than percussion. (here's where it gets really good!)

I informed him that any ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, Clapton, (etc) lead vocals are right down my alley, and that I do pretty good on backup vox, too (without any major harmonizing) and that I also play a real serious harmonica (my best instrument by far) and can do leads on it--just lemme know what key.

Heck, MAYBE I'll check out stick twirling, but who knows?

Funny part is that Chuck's wife (band leader) emailed me tonight with a bunch of J. Geils songs and stuff that requires harp, and very nicely asked me to do some harp work tomorrow night at rehearsal. (OK, but wo's gonna play drums?)

We'll see where this goes, I guess. We have a gig on Oct. 2nd at a prominent Chico bar, so the pressure is on, and it looks like it'll be a real adventure!

Cheers,
C. P.

I play harmonica, sing, and drum all at the same time. Use a harmonica neck holder, or, if you had a really intense lead, and it's a simple song, just keep a back beat going on the snare with one hand and keep your feet going while playing harp with the other. I do it all the time.

[arthurk1]

Stick twirling looks cool. Chicks dig it.

EXACTLY! Got me to the hotel room more than once!

[metal overlord]

Trust me, if you stick twirl even if you suck people won't care. They'll come up to you and say "great job" just because you caught their attention.

It makes you seem like your having fun, and it's not an eyesore like boring drummer is.
Especially for me, my guitarists have 0 stage presence and I make up for it. They just stand there, while I stand up & play, throw sticks, twirl, light my sticks on fire (NOT a good idea), and a load of other things.

[bobdadruma]

It is a sad state that we are in when stick twirling is the benchmark of a drummer!

[Naigewron]

It is a sad state that we are in when stick twirling is the benchmark of a drummer!

Well, it's just like anything else, isn't it? For example, I'm not a sports fan, and I know very little about sports, so when I watch a football/soccer match, I will naturally notice the guy who scores a goal, or who does some visually impressive dribble move. I will never notice the guys who make that possible, by tackling opponents, delivering good passes, being in the right place at the right time, etc . In addition, I definitely don't notice the work the coach has put into the formations of the team, and the detailed planning that has been done, I just notice whether or not they score and/or win the match.

Most people don't know anything about drumming. If you can put on a good show, be visually noticeable (whether that means twirling sticks, bobbing your head or running around the stage with your hair on fire) and keep the groove nailed down, people will say you're a great drummer. And you are! Polyrhythms, complex licks, rudiments... It's all completely useless and is by no means an indication on whether or not a drummer's any good at all. It's all about how you put it into use in the context of the music. In addition to that, when you play live, you're there to put on a show. That usually means that the crowd expects more than a few guys standing straight up and down on stage, not moving or looking like they're having fun at all. A live performance is about entertaining the crowd, in every way.

So yes, stick twirling might very well one of the benchmarks of a good drummer, and rightly so. It all depends on the audience member's knowledge and understanding of drumming, and in the end (unless you're an extremely specific and rare type of player, like Terry Bozzio), you should strive to play for and entertain the non-drummers, not the drummers.

[2bsticks]

Good luck with the gig Pete.

[Concrete Pete]

Hey crew,

As always, great feedback, and I learn more from this website than any other source.

I told the band leader that "I'll do it if I HAVE to--no guarantee" but I've been trying it for a couple days, and ohhh---so pathetic. I almost put an eye out. (mine!) Besides, how often can I do that-- maybe during a song break, or between songs? Seem fruitless.

I guess I'll keep trying for a short time, but I'm really, really bad at it so far.

As Monica said 'chicks dig it', and that may be true, but I would rather "chicks" dig ME for my talent, and if they need to be "impressed" to date me...... well, there's those two bad@ss classic Harleys in my garage that I built myself, and ride.

Maybe I'm just a "geezer" but I prefer style and talent over flash.

Rock forever,
C. P.

[freebirdgdw]

Like others mentioned stick twirling is an easy thing to learn whilst watching tv etc. I often do it when I'm on DW. So go for it I'd say.

Anyways Ive posted this before on an old stick twirling thread but check this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jc7cjqtwIU) guy out. Just hope they don't want you to play like him! It's so ridiculous and hilarious! I love it!

[DrumEatDrum]

Besides, how often can I do that-- maybe during a song break, or between songs? Seem fruitless.



During any pauses in a song, where normally you just might keep time on the hi-hat, you can twirl in time, and actually use the "twirl" to help you keep time. One rotation per 8th note (or 16th or triplet...depending on the song).

ZZ Top "Sharp Dressed Man" ? Perfect pause in every chorus to fit in it.

[FHT8540]

I can stick twirl but sometimes I drop them so i would really worry about doing it on stage:P

[larryace]

I don't twirl, but I think I'm gonna take a whack at it. Why not? The audience likes it. Bottom line. You know what else is a cool visual? Throwing the stick down on the snare (snare has to be relatively flat), letting it go spinning like 10 feet in the air, catching it when it comes down, (hopefully) all without missing a beat. It's tough.

[justjim]

Maybe I'm just a "geezer" but I prefer style and talent over flash.


I wouldn't put it on geezertude (some folks are even more grimly hard-assed about "that's claptrap when they are younger - a certain classic[al] guitarist that is writing this comes to mind :-D ) and flourishes, etc are an age old part of stagecraft.

One thing is that you are intimately involved with the mechanics of the activity, so it's somewhat epected that your focus will be a bit different - but that's par for the course.

a potter is going to look at ceramics differently and would pref that people really appreciated handdone stuff instead of slip cast stuff -- and the flashy glazes are often not the really cool ones from a potter's perspective.
Or sleight of hand -- watching a guy really do a masterful simple sleight (even just a classic french drop) with no flourishes is really neat for another sleight-of-hand guy...some of the beauty can be lost on the typical audience
Chose an activity and guys on the inside...

one thing that can help is to think about it as stagecraft...stage and craft -- not just drumming

Besides, how often can I do that-- maybe during a song break, or between songs? Seem fruitless.

Think about it much like your quest with double pedal blasts...it's a maneuver you probably won't find yourself using it that much on stage.
but it's something you want to pursue to for the reasons you mentioned in that thread - every day you would like to improve and expand your horizons.

so, maybe approaching it that way will help -- thinking of it as a flourish as opposed to drumming itself...part of stagecraft and maybe even a bridge to engage the non-musician in the drum playing a little more than they otherwise would be (they may just come out of it having listened to the drums a little more)

[2bsticks]

Hey Larry, I bounce my stick off my snare often. The easiest way that I found is make sure you slam the butt end on the head first, using my right hand. If your snare is relatively flat the stick should bounce up and head over to your right. At least that's what happens when I do it.

[nickg]

why don't you break out the "tommy lee/travis barker" spinning/upside down/flying kit while you're at it. then MAYBE you'll get the gig.

if someone is more concerned because you can't twirl your sticks as compared to your actual "playing" then YOU are NOT the one with the problem.

[Moktie]

Never learned the twirl, never wanted to learn. I have faked it by moving it back and forth
between my fingers really fast...the band didn't notice the difference(believe it or not).
I have always felt it was better to hang on to my sticks; or if I did lose one, replacing it without missing a beat.

But I do try to be very animated behind the kit. I have played standing up, pounding a beer with the left hand not missing a stroke in the song just utilizing my free hand. Even getting up and interacting with the rest of the band or the crowd during a long intro. Tossing sticks out as if I was an arena rocker....even though my name isn't printed on them.
I've even slow danced with an audience member while waiting 3:40 or whatever it is before the drums start on "Stairway To Heaven".

Showmanship is important, and to land a high-paying Casino gig would be worth the extra effort in my opinion. Hopefully you can find a happy medium that will satisfy all parties involved.

[bobdadruma]

The last time that I twirled sticks was during the 70s!
I'm sitting here twirling sticks with my 52 year old Arthritic fingers, It's not pretty!
I have a red mark on my cheek and I have taken two pain pills for my fingers. There are twenty sticks on the floor around me!
Now I remember why I stopped twirling all those years ago!

[larryace]

Hey Larry, I bounce my stick off my snare often. The easiest way that I found is make sure you slam the butt end on the head first, using my right hand. If your snare is relatively flat the stick should bounce up and head over to your right. At least that's what happens when I do it.

Cool 2B, but does it go straight up every time? Haven't done it since the 80's, but, you know, if it heads off on a bad angle, forget it. Plus catching it ain't a given. I can't practice that at home or in the car unfortunately, curse my low ceilings. BTW, do you play 2B's all the time? I also wanna know if Bermuda wears bermuda shorts alot. (Bermuda Schwartz). Hmmmmm

[Old Doc Yak]

Let's cut to the chase! Is it a good gig? If yes, twirl away. Have fun doing it. It's not the New York Philharmonic. Relax, enjoy.

[Concrete Pete]

Hey Crew,

I had a conversation with our lead man tonight and said that "twirling" is out for now, maybe at a later date, and he said "OK, as long as you can get us thru the gig Friday night, then we'll talk about it."

Cool, but i STILL doubt I'll be twirling after that.

Cheers,
c. P.

[Moktie]

The last time that I twirled sticks was during the 70s!
I'm sitting here twirling sticks with my 52 year old Arthritic fingers, It's not pretty!
I have a red mark on my cheek and I have taken two pain pills for my fingers. There are twenty sticks on the floor around me!
Now I remember why I stopped twirling all those years ago!

NO!!!! Don't beat yourself up Bob! I don't know that I ever had that many sticks in my stable...i'm looking at 3 used pairs and one new, and let me tell ya...i'm happy to have a new spare pair. :)

[Davo-London]

So where are the youtube stick twirling lesson links?

Davo

[bobdadruma]

NO!!!! Don't beat yourself up Bob! I don't know that I ever had that many sticks in my stable...i'm looking at 3 used pairs and one new, and let me tell ya...i'm happy to have a new spare pair. :)I never throw anything out. I have sticks laying around since forever. I did throw some out after my twirling episode. I had a bunch of old wood tips with almost no tips left.

[Moktie]

I never throw anything out. I have sticks laying around since forever. I did throw some out after my twirling episode. I had a bunch of old wood tips with almost no tips left.

Right On! I had a few different pairs laying around for years, I ended up giving them away to some friends that started playing. Since I have used the same size sticks for about 12yrs or so now.

But I still recycle broken sticks...or re-purpose if you will. I recently took a piece of one-by and drilled a few holes at an angle, and used the broken sticks to make a wall hanging unit for cords and cables and what-not in the studio. Kinda looks cool with the tips up.
So yeah...I don't even throw away broken ones. :)

[Davo-London]

Started the fake twirling yesterday for fun. Oh there's a lot of debate on UTube as to what is a PROPER twirl. Amazing ... we could be talking about kick pedals or any other anorakian subject.

Anyway as fro twirling, really tricky at first. I'll post videos if I can.

Davo

[bigtom59]

I really suck at stick twirling; I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact I wear mittens when I play? ( mitten drummers rule!)

[zzzMikezzz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw1aV_ZeILo

[paul c]

if its what you need to do, just learn to do it...its not hard. im sure there are plenty of websites out there to show you how to do it!

[Geri Attrique]

I never quite understood the appeal of stick twirling...but different strokes for different folks...

Is it like baton twirling?

[drumgeek93]

Check out Thomas Lang, or Jojo Mayers latest DVD. It shows some great methods, putting stick tricks to good use.

[drumgeek93]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw1aV_ZeILo
I have always wanted to know how to do the stick taps. THANK YOU!!!

[latzanimal]

Nobody has mentioned that our drumming forefathers used to twirl...

Look at some of the old videos here on DW. Krupa, Bellson, etc...

Music is to entertain. Somewhere along the way someone got a little too serious about it. While you watch the old videos, notice that ALL of those guys are having fun (except maybe Buddy, lol) and they project that fun to the audience. Sure they've got great chops, but they take it to the next level. People hear more with their eyes than they'll ever hear with their ears....

Don't worry about not doing it tho, for every night you don't, there is a guy with better chops than you, who can sing better than you, and play the harp better than you waiting to take your gig.........and he twirls....

Have fun with this....

[JPW]

Nobody has mentioned that our drumming forefathers used to twirl...

Look at some of the old videos here on DW. Krupa, Bellson, etc...

Music is to entertain. Somewhere along the way someone got a little too serious about it. While you watch the old videos, notice that ALL of those guys are having fun (except maybe Buddy, lol) and they project that fun to the audience. Sure they've got great chops, but they take it to the next level. People hear more with their eyes than they'll ever hear with their ears....

Don't worry about not doing it tho, for very night you don't, there is a guy with better chops than you, who can sing better than you, and play the harp better than you waiting to take your gig.........and he twirls....

Have fun with this....

Times have changed though. We don't have so much time to fool around anymore. If I have to decide what to practice, it's always something relating to music. I might twirl some sticks when I haven't got a pad with me and I'm traveling. It also depends what kind of music you play. Would be quite far from the point if you played some really depressing emo post rock and then middle of it all start to twirl some sticks.

[latzanimal]

Times have changed though. We don't have so much time to fool around anymore. If I have to decide what to practice, it's always something relating to music. I might twirl some sticks when I haven't got a pad with me and I'm traveling. It also depends what kind of music you play. Would be quite far from the point if you played some really depressing emo post rock and then middle of it all start to twirl some sticks.

He's already said it was/is a classic rock resort/casino gig.. Again, not to worry, somebody who can play better than you will take your gig if you aren't willing to do what it takes....

Besides, Pete was looking when he found this band. Bands are like busses, there will be another along any minute.....

[BassDriver]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IulqIuXIrYY

This guy is insane, check out the twirling in the first minute of video and at 4:00-4:10.

...at 6:00 the drummer juggles THREE STICKS AT ONCE!.........WHILE GROOVING!!

He just grooves....and the cowbellz "MOAR COWBELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1"

Okay, some inspiration, now off to the internet to learn some tricking.

[oneguy]

Hell yes....why not? Every once in awhile during the easy spot of the song you hit the snare and raise your left hand straight up and give it the "fake" then right back on the snare....crowd will love it and wouldn't know the difference. Of course if you're doing some J. Geils you may be too busy.....lol.

[azrae1l]

yeah the juggling was cool, the stick twirling not so much, but i had a guy i shared a studio with a while back that would show off with the stick twirling thing constantly so i'm probably just not impressed with it any more. the juggling one was impressive and one hell of a drummer to boot...

[Concrete Pete]

Hey Crew,

Update--
That band--"Loose Change" has not only never mentioned "stick twirling" again, but has been a home-run band to be in for me. As far as the "showmanship" aspect goes, I have done a few things that have become a kinda trademark for "showoffishness" when we gig.

On songs like "Runnin' Down A dream" (Tom Petty) I do heavy double bass riffs (5/4) throughout the whole song, and on a few other songs ( like "Pearl Neclace"--ZZ Top) I've been known to stand up and do do "standing" solos while keeping my feet working on the bass pedals, too. (not as easy as it sounds, believe me--toes only on the pedals!)

Another "showy" thing I do (yes, it's vain, and cocky) is close the hi-hats with the drop clutch, hold my left hand in the air (holding the stick) and alternately play the hi-hat and snare with one hand while doing double bass riffs with both feet. Sometimes I whip the left stick around in the air like I'm hitting "ghost drums and cymbals
That's about as "showoffish" as I'm going to get--hell, I'm 52, and that's all an "old geezer" like me is going to do to impress the audience...

I bought a nice mic boom stand and use a SM57 mic now for vocals, and leave the headset mic at home--it was losing sound quality.

BTW, I still try and twirl sticks now and then, and am officially the worst stick twirler in the Western Hemisphere-- I'm DANGEROUS!

Cheers,
C. P.

[2bsticks]

Hey Pete sounds like your having fun and that's what really matters. And don't let the 52 year old thing get in the way. I'm 56 and still working on flash. Behind the back flip, I'm at about 80% succes rate at that one. Regular toss in the air about 90% success rate and the most recent is bouncing the stick off the snare and catch it as it bounces back up. Using your right hand, throw the stick, butt head first at an angle and it will fly back and in MOST cases not all it will take off and head to your right. The band members get a kick out of it and really laugh when I screw up. As long as I do it where it won't effect the music in a negative way.