In my most recent compositions I kept the drummer focused on the beat, while offering tasteful and fun drum fills that still allow the rest of the band to shine in their own parts. I put lots of time and thought into this process.

Then I ran into Rick K and the All Nighters on You Tube, who have recently fascinated me. The drummer in this band takes his performance to a whole new level of energy, that I did not know existed. This drummer leads the entire band without a doubt. The drums are the loudest instruments, and they are being played so hard, that they tend to direct everything. Which has a really interesting, rowdy, and fun effect. Even on music we know so well.

Sharp Dressed Man by ZZ-Top

You only need to watch a minute of this video to understand what I mean. Watch and listen to the drummer closely.

Now let's compare that to the original by ZZ-Top real quick, just to jog your memory. ZZ-Top was not a super hard rocking band, they actually carried a mellow and laid back vibe in their tunes. The guitar and vocals are clearly leading the band here, where the drummer is barely heard enough to keep the beat.

Wipe Out by The Beach Boys

This one is actually my favorite piece by Rick K and the All Nighters. This video features dueling drummers in a performance unlike anything I have ever seen before in my life. It was this performance that inspired me to use more than 2 hands in the drums for one of my Tracks called Cycles.

You only need to watch a minute of the video above, but if you have made it this far. Then you are probably a drummer or musician, so you really need to see this next video all the way through. Watch carefully, there is acting, comedy, and even audience participation involved along with some really incredible and fun drumming.

Almost 6 minutes long.

Lastly, I want to say that I love the giant, custom painted, FLAMING Ludwigs! You can't miss 'em! That is the sort of thing that brings people to shows!