Managing Drums During a Live Performance: What to Do If a Drum Head Pops Mid-Song

The live performance is a crucial aspect of any musician's work. However, unexpected issues can arise, such as a drum head popping during a song. Here, we discuss strategies that experienced drummers might use to handle such situations effectively, ensuring the show can still go on.

Dropping the Beat: What to Do When a Drum Head Pops

Typically, if a drummer notices that a drum head is about to pop, they will attempt to play through the song until they reach an appropriate break. Once there, they can quickly take a moment to switch out the damaged drum head for a spare. This process is usually completed in under 20 seconds, keeping the band's performance flowing.

Switching Snare Drum Heads

For a snare drum head that's gotten close to breaking, the drummer should:

Play through the song until a break is needed, around 20 seconds or less. Sit on a spare snare drum during this time. Swap out the broken head with the spare during the break.

In situations where a complete blowout occurs, rendering the drum 100% unplayable, the band's collective decision will be made immediately. The drummer will step out for a quick break to switch sails (meaning to switch the drum heads). This often happens mid-song, allowing the performance to continue without interruption.

Handling Tom Drum Damage

For a tom drum, the approach is similar:

Play through the song until a natural break. Replace the damaged drum head with a spare during the break.

However, if a catastrophic failure occurs, like the bass drum head breaking due to a detached pedal, the drummer will use a temporary fix, such as duct tape, until the end of the song. Once the current song concludes, they can properly switch out both the front and back heads for new ones.

Proactive Drumhead Maintenance

While unexpected head pops can happen, regular maintenance can minimize their occurrence. Experienced drummers often:

Retune drum heads regularly to maintain proper action and sound. Check for signs of wear, such as loose heads or visible dimples, and replace them before they break. Store spare drum heads close at hand, even during gigs.

Real-World Examples

Both authors have experienced a drum head popping, demonstrating the importance of preparation and quick thinking:

The first incident involved a snare head that ripped open due to overuse. The drummer managed to swap it out mid-song, allowing the show to continue with one hand. The second episode occurred with a bass drum head damaged by a pedal failure. The drummer used duct tape as a stopgap measure and switched out both heads after the song.

Bandmates, like the drummer in the story, have dealt with this issue during performances, showing that while it's frustrating, it's also a test of their quick thinking and preparedness.

Conclusion

While a popped drum head can be disruptive to a live performance, with the right measures, the show can still go on. Drummers and bands can minimize unexpected issues by maintaining their equipment and being ready for quick repairs. Whether it's a quick swap or a stopgap measure, knowing how to handle these situations is crucial for professional musicians.