The Unexpected Humor of a Drummer Dropping His Drums Sticks During a Show
It is a little-known fact that every complete and perfect concert you’ve ever seen is actually free of equipment breaks. Most arenas, concert halls, and performance stages have a clause that states the band must pay for any breakage of equipment, including guitar strings, drum sticks, microphones, and other items. This clause also mandates that the performance must stop instantly upon any breakage. While this is a complete lie, as most performances continue without any interruptions, mistakes happen all the time. One such common mistake is a drummer dropping his drumsticks during a live show.
Drumsticks and Preparedness
Thankfully, drummers are usually well-prepared for such incidents. Almost every drummer carries a bag or container filled with extra drumsticks nearby. These extras ensure that a drop in the sticks doesn't disrupt the performance. Some drumsticks are even equipped with straps that allow them to be quickly accessed from a harness or near the drums.
Should a drummer drop his sticks, it may cause a momentary lapse, but experienced drummers can recover swiftly. They might miss a beat or two but are usually quick to adapt and continue.
A Memorable Moment at the Cambridge Rock Festival
One particularly entertaining incident occurred at the Cambridge Rock Festival. A young drummer, early twenties and performing in a style reminiscent of Neil Peart, a renowned Canadian musician and long-time drummer of the Canadian rock band Rush, showcased his charisma and skill.
During a monumentally difficult fill between two sections of a complex song, the drummer performed an impressive flourished throw of his drumsticks into the air. As the sticks soared, the audience watched intently, waiting to see if the drummer would attempt to catch them. However, to everyone's surprise, he failed to do so.
Despite the initial disappointment, the drummer continued his performance with gusto, improvising a devilish pattern on the kick-drums and hi-hat using his feet while quickly fetching more sticks from a small holder under the drums. The audience erupted into laughter and applause.
This stunt was repeated multiple times, each time drawing more amusement and applause, especially as the audience members began to become more intoxicated and playful. The stage became a drumstick assault course, with the drummer showing incredible dexterity and composure. Eventually, the drummer managed to catch both sticks, showcasing his exceptional skill.
Conclusion
The unexpected humor and creativity displayed by a drummer during a performance can often elevate a show, making it memorable for the audience. Whether it's the sudden drop of a drumstick or a daring catch, these moments are integral to the live music experience, highlighting the human element and adaptability of musicians.
Remember, while equipment clauses may exist, the true magic of a live music performance lies in the storyline created by the musicians themselves. And sometimes, it comes with a good dose of comedy.