To The Next Drummer That Throws A Stick At Me

Living in monitor world has its perks and privileges, but it also comes with a few risks. I was reminded of that this past weekend.

 

I was in a situation where I wasn’t even mixing the band. I just happened to be in monitor world. They had their own in-ear monitor console set up on stage right beside the drummer. One of their guitar techs was looking after it. You’d figure after being on the road for a few weeks with the exact same setup every single night, the dummer, oops, I mean drummer, would know where to look if he was having problems hearing things.

 

This was not the case at this particular show. For some reason, a couple songs into the set, the drummer started motioning to me to turn down the vocals in his monitor. There was no monitor, there were no vocals in the non-existant monitor, so I motioned back to talk to his guy on stage, cause the problem was obviously with their setup. A song goes by and again the drummer starts waving at me. Again, I make it abundantly clear that it’s not my department, so turn around and talk to the guy sitting directly beside you. Another song goes by and all of a sudden a drum stick comes flying at my head.

 

This is not cool. First of all, you just don’t do that. It’s completely unprofessional and disrespectful. I’m the one person that can make or break the show. I respect that responsibility, and the drummer (and all band members) should do the same. If you have a problem, you come talk to me, or send one of your stage guys over for a chat. Everything gets settled nicely and everyone’s happy. Second of all, there was a bunch of band guests watching the show right behind me. What if that stick hit one of his friends in the eye, the mouth, whatever. Complete disregard for people’s safety. This is not rocket science, nuclear physics, or a combination of the two. It’s just rock ‘n’ roll.

 

So, to the next drummer that dares throw a stick at me: be prepared, because that stick will end up so far up your ass that you’ll be picking your nose and pulling out splinters for weeks to come.

 

 

 

(Yes I’ve been having a bad week. I’m sorry you had to read that. Thank you for indulging me.)