There was another thread like this a little while ago. Drummers tend to lose sight of the fact that they are a msuician too, and instead like to just show off chops in songs. We really want to play something that makes sense musically and interacts with the other players, which usually means more controlled subtle playing.
Yes this is true. In general, our role in the band is a little bit different than other instruments. We as drummer need to accept the fact that we are the foundation of the song and our part is to support the melody, singer and soloists.
Every song that I play has a solo in the middle of it. Guitar solo, Keyboard solo, harmonica solo, brass solo etc. Of course the rest of the band plays while the soloist is playing.
There is never a drum solo unless I ask for one. And even then the band leader usually forgets about the drum solo. This is difficult for me when jamming with other musicians because the band leader goes around the band one at a time pointing to each player to take a solo. But very rarely do they point to the drummer for a solo. This bothers me, but I know it shouldn't. I guess I have a big ego.
One reason for skipping a drum solo is that the band has to stop playing for the drum solo. And very often the drummer does not want a solo. So I can understand why drummers generally don't get solos.
What I'm getting at here is we as drummers have a supportive role in the song that is different than the other instruments. And it is difficult to accept that role if you, as a drummer, want to show off your chops during a live performance. While the other instruments get to do it.
All of the other musicians get to have egos but the drummer has to put their ego in their back pocket and live with that.
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