Life of the Party, or Just Getting the Job Done?

[pastor_bob]

So, we all know that fans like to see bands having fun on stage, so it got me thinking. Most of us have a drummer face that comes out from time to time as we play, but I was wondering how many of us are business-like behind the kit, and how many of us are the showman types?

[drumstix]

Apparently I look half asleep when I play. Then again, I've also been told I pull some pretty interesting faces when I'm really getting into a song lol.

I do tend to be more along the business-is-usual type, but sometimes I'll let myself go.

[markthechuck]

Showman, you've got to give it some, show your having a good time, we're at the back after all so have to make up for that too, the whole band should put on a good show as well as good music.
Some drummers just look to the left and don't interact with the band or audience, boring in my Opinion.

[Texdrumr]

Business-like for me. I'm just not a showman.

[rickthedrummer]

Probably a combination of the 2.

[drummer]

All business. I like to have fun and enjoy myself on the gig but I've never been the showman type.

[ljmarch]

While I am capable of doing both, 98% of the time I'm the business guy. Even outside of drumming, my face rarely shows any emotion. But, if I was asked to do a drum solo, then I can be pretty flashy.

[markthechuck]

come on i can't be on my own..Where's Marko I've seen his pictures..

[marko138]

Ha...thanks for thinking of me, Mark.

As you guys know, I go with showman.

[weezy]

I've always thought that doing your job right was the top priority, but I've gotten plenty of comments that I looked like I was having a good time.

[dirtysticks]

I can often times be sort of a showman, but most of the times I am just smiling and vibing with the band... having a good time. I am usually only "businessman-like" when I am on a gig that I don't particularly want to be on, or one that isn't clicking for whatever reason. Most people watching me play can tell that I am having a good time.

[markthechuck]

I've always thought that doing your job right was the top priority, but I've gotten plenty of comments that I looked like I was having a good time.

i agree, i don't intentionally try to put on a show, i guess it's just my personality coming through, if i had to think about doing it my playing would suffer.

[Redeye]

I have been told that I look way too serious when I play (a result of marching band/drum corps/orchestral background), so I intentionally try to look like I'm having a good time, which I really am most of the time. It sometimes doesn't come off as I intend, but is getting better. I sing lead on a handful of songs, and those are always easier to get into.

[Bish]

I have been told that I look way too serious when I play.

Watching your videos I would have to agree even though I know better.

Me, I'm happy yet it looks like I'm frowning. Sheesh!

[Drumbledore]

I got asked "Why the poker face when you play?"

To which I replied "That's ain't my poker face, I'm playing Blackjack."

[pastor_bob]

I appreciate all the answers on this subject. I also realized that I didn't reveal my own demeanor on stage, so here it is. I tend toward being business-like, but when things are clicking, I can get a big grin on my face. Now if the bass player, and guitarist are feeling it too, and they give me a look, I am still not a showman, but I certainly lose business-like, and I'll be smiling through the whole thing.

[Ricardo]

i appreciate all the answers on this subject. I also realized that i didn't reveal my own demeanor on stage, so here it is. I tend toward being business-like, but when things are clicking, i can get a big grin on my face. Now if the bass player, and guitarist are feeling it too, and they give me a look, i am still not a showman, but i certainly lose business-like, and i'll be smiling through the whole thing.

+ 1

[Aviator42009]

I'm not sure if this is good or bad, but I pretty much go on auto-pilot when it comes to playing most of my band's songs. Its very helpful, but sometimes I forget where I am in the song; somehow my body just does the work. Because of the fact I don't have to put much attention to my actual playing, I can rock out and interact with the band and if there's a crowd (usually not), them too.

I'll make faces at the guitar player when he looks back, the bassist and I have these inside joke things we always do to eachother; we have a pretty fun time. Oh, and our vocalist get's pretty into it, which can be hilarious (He only does the funnier stuff during rehearsals, not actual shows)

[atomcorr2]

i have 3 singers in front of me ,,, im kinda just most business . ya cant see me most of the time .... not that thats a bad thing !!!!!!!!!!

[Markadiddle]

With the reputation I have around here, I'll let you take a guess.

[late8]

All business for me. I'll look out at the audience a smile at some phantom person out there not really focused on any particular face. I'll even go to lengths to hide behind some dark shades to give myself some mystic so nobody can see exactly where or what I'm gazing at while I'm playing. Occasionally a bandmate might walk up to the kit, typically the guitar player and we'll exchange smiles and nod our heads together in time with the music.

[slinky]

getting the job done is more my style. It kinda depends on the music too. If your band was playing a cover of Black Sabbath and you were back there being a clown it might not mesh too well. Afterwards......well that's a whole new thread

[PHROGGE]

Pb,,,my phriend.....yanno im gonna say..."its all about da show"

[Northern Redneck]

People wanna see a show! Even Neil Peart spins his sticks.

[Redeye]

Watching your videos I would have to agree even though I know better.

Me, I'm happy yet it looks like I'm frowning. Sheesh!

Likewise here. I am always having fun if I have sticks in my hand, I'm just self conscious about looking foolish. I've got a female singer that I've known for 30 years that is slowly pulling me out of that rut with strategic compliments.