The Most Unreliable Band Member: Singer or Drummer?
In my 40-year journey of playing in bands, one question often arises: which is the most unreliable band member—the drummer, the singer, the guitar player, the bassist, or the keyboard player? In my experience, it's been the singer who has caused the most issues. No doubt, singers play a crucial role in music, but they often seem to be at the epicenter of chaotic situations and problems within bands. Let's delve into why singers and perhaps drummers are the most unreliable band members based on my experiences over the years.
The Singer's Central Role in Band Issues
Multiple bands I've been a part of, and gigs I've attended, were often initiated by a drummer or a bass player who would invite me to join. Despite my preference to focus more on my guitar playing, I’d often find myself covering vocals during rehearsals. My drumming and bass playing counterparts would sometimes contribute to vocal lines too, signaling a kind of team dynamics that often fell short.
When auditions were conducted, the search for a suitable lead vocalist was a continuous process. Yet, the time wasn't entirely wasted; we would engrain our parts and preserve them meticulously. Upon finding the right vocalist, rehearsals intensified, and we would eventually start booking gigs. However, problems simmered from the very beginning, and 99% of the time, the issue revolved around our singer. Be it late arrivals, inadequate setup of equipment, messy relationship issues, or abysmal behavior during performances.
Video Demons: The Problematic Singer
A vivid memory that illustrates the extent of a singer's unreliability is a video I have of a particularly vocal rehearsal. One young man, who was on lead vocals, rebelled against our down-tuning decision, deeming it a half-step down from what was deemed necessary. After a tantrum, he stormed out of the rehearsal. The rest of the band stood firm, filmed the entire incident, and promptly showed him the door. To our amusement, the next time he showed up, he was all apologies but missed another round of rehearsals due to personal issues.
The Disappointing Female Singer
Another vocalist was a female with an incredible voice, range, and dedication. She had a high energy and was always there at rehearsals. So, what went wrong? Like most things do, it happened during the first live performance. She arrived an hour late, visibly drunk, and the bar owner was less than pleased. The crowd was already restless, and the situation escalated when she walked out onto the stage with her music stand and lyrics spread haphazardly across the floor. The bass player kindly attempted to defuse the situation, but she spent precious minutes organizing her notes. The ensuing laughter from the crowd was understandable. The performance was also mediocre, marked by frequent missed cues and struggles to read her lyrics accurately during the show.
Drummer Reliability
While singers often get the most flak, I must not disregard the variable reliability of drummers. Drummers require a certain level of adaptability, coordination, and timing to keep the rhythm and momentum of a song. A good drummer can provide stability but also can be unpredictable. However, the problems with singers usually resonate more deeply. The constant band dynamics that a singer can disrupt, such as frustration with setup instructions and performance readiness, can be particularly troubling. Drummers, on the other hand, often have a more straightforward set of responsibilities that are easier to manage and ensure the music remains on track.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my extensive experience, it’s evident that singers can be more unreliable compared to other band members. Their participation often adds layers of complexity and potential conflict into the band dynamics. However, each member brings unique challenges, and the true test lies in the ability to navigate these challenges while maintaining the artistic vision and harmony of the band.