Читать книгу Mad, Bad and Dangerous - The Book of Drummers' Tales - Spike Webb - Страница 7

I was chatting to a mate a few years ago. We’re both drummers, so we were comparing notes. Actually, we were having a bit of a moan. Not just about practical stuff, like bass drum beaters flying off and hi-hat stands falling apart, but also complaints of a more general nature. For example, why is it that we drummers are always being told to shut up? Or being made to feel we’re in everyone’s way?

‘Excuse me…’

‘Yes?’

‘Is that your drum kit?’

‘Yes, it is.’

‘Well, it’s in the way, can you move it?’

Guitarists would never tolerate such rudeness. And don’t even think about moving their effects pedals.

We finished our chat/moan and went back to our separate groups of friends. But for the rest of the evening, we couldn’t help interrupting each other:

‘And another thing…’

Thus, this little collection of drummers’ anecdotes was born.

What I hadn’t bargained for was the number of drummers who wanted to be part of it. In putting this together I seem to have opened the floodgates to something rather more significant.

Of course, as expected, I’ve discovered an endless stream of amusing anecdotes. But as well as that, I seem to have touched on sensitive areas which so far had not been properly investigated. For example, are all drummers a little bit mad? Not just the ones who drive Rolls Royces into swimming pools or smash up hotel rooms. All of us. Or do people just think we are?

I’ve had the opportunity to meet some fascinating people and many of my childhood heroes. And one thing that I’ve discovered about all drummers: you couldn’t meet a nicer bunch…