Playing whilst drunk

**PhilCarter** · December 16th, 2005, 01:15 AM

This may seem a lame thread, but I cant be the only one whose come in from a bit of a drinky wink, and decided to sit my kit and 'attempt' to play. Tonight after listening to my friend complaining about catching another man in bed with his woman go on and on (as you do) and splitting up a fight, I decided to try and play along to some stuff when I got home to get rid of my frustration.

Strangely, I felt quite inspired, but due to intoxication it was very difficult even to voice my ideas which I thought at the time quite inventive, to play them in any form or manner. My point is, no matter how 'morally' correct or talented you are as a drummer (being a physical instrument) trying to play pissed whilst inspired is not very easy (stating the obvious). Playing was most distressing and annoying, and went to prove, to myself, you just dont need the narcotics and drink to be creative. Just thought id share this non-sensical experience with you. Burrrp

Peace

**ashio nz** · December 16th, 2005, 01:30 AM

Too true Phil! The mind has great ideas but the limbs just refuse to move properly!

**CLWarunki** · December 16th, 2005, 01:42 AM

Phil, I too once started a thread about this topic... do a search.

I found that while on my last tour with a rock band it was common practice to have a few drinks at the show - on and/or off stage. It loosens some people up... others can not handle it too well - or go overboard. It's not very "professional" to be drinking on stage, but if the name of the game is Rock'n'Roll - anything goes. Infact...

Wasn't it Jason Bonham that demands a rider of 24 ice cold beers in a cooler behind his drum kit?! I'm sure there are much crazier indulgences going on in the music biz than that.

Anyhow... I'm not for drinking and drumming, but depending on the context I am not completely against it either. Remember that music should be a good time!

**Degas** · December 16th, 2005, 02:12 AM

Dont Drink and Drive
and Dont Drink and Drum!!!!

speaking from experience......
well the drumming part anyways....

something to be said about working motorskills.....

**Degas** · December 16th, 2005, 02:12 AM

[ December 15, 2005 10:13 PM: Message edited by: Degas ]

**JoesMechanic** · December 16th, 2005, 02:34 AM

Try some LSD next time. You'll think you sound great and the idea's will just keep coming and coming......... or..... not. [img]wink.gif[/img]

Actually... speaking of mind/body altering influences. I remember once a buddy telling me of a story about Gadd getting so hammered before a gig/recording that an elephant would have passed out for a few days. And the guy was still as creative as he was!! [img]eek.gif[/img]

Amazing how far the body will go huh??

**got_a_matchgrip** · December 16th, 2005, 03:57 AM

Originally posted by CLWarunki:
Wasn't it Jason Bonham that demands a rider of 24 ice cold beers in a cooler behind his drum kit?! I'm sure there are much crazier indulgences going on in the music biz than that.

Anyhow... I'm not for drinking and drumming, but depending on the context I am not completely against it either. Remember that music should be a good time![/QB]

Well, he must be "playing the samaritan" [drums, too] & passing them out to others or saving them for afterward because i just saw him w Foreigner a couple of weeks ago & he kicked total @r$e on that gig. AAMOF, he breathed some new life into those older rock/pop warhorses. Excellent for the style, & maybe a bit more of some...

To answer the topic ?...i don't advise it.
ESP when it's your livelihood/paying gig [not even in rock anymore; that old cliche has been capsized]....& also ESP if you're a hired gun for someone else [duh]...like, say, Paul Anka fer instance... [img]wink.gif[/img]

[ December 16, 2005 12:01 AM: Message edited by: got_a_match_grip? ]

**DPFRD** · December 16th, 2005, 09:21 AM

Originally posted by JoesMechanic:
Try some LSD next time. You'll think you sound great and the idea's will just keep coming and coming.........

Yeah if I could get my hands on some.

Any ways, whenever I play wasted, my time sucks, but a few beers and I'm still fine.

The fact is alcohol kills your inhibitions first, then your reaction time next. This is why people do stupid shit then crash their car.

I feel like after about two i can let loese, after about six I'll suck.

P.S. weed distorts your perception of time, so you'll rush or drag or whatever.

Play sober, party later!!!

written while semi-drunk

**DrumKit_Cat** · December 16th, 2005, 12:32 PM

Whenever I do a live show I might have one beer or two at the most until the show's over.. then I'll drink only when the playin' is done.

I don't like to mix drumming and drinks. When I do a live show I have lots of water on hand, but I've been in bands where the guitarists would start drinking before they even arrived and then all through the show as well. I honestly don't know how you can be as sharp after a few drinks.

I recall one guitarist who had terrible stage fright and the only way he could be halfway relaxed was to have a few drinks before the show, but for me I've never had stage fright so I never joined in on that party.

I just feel better playing knowing that I'm not seeing 2 or 3 of everything...

**got_a_matchgrip** · December 17th, 2005, 04:56 AM

LMAO fried

Yeah, i don't think there's anything wrong w "sipping" on a beer or perhaps 2 [un-guzzled/-shotgunned/-bazooka'd] well enough b4 a gig to help loosen up a bit. A lot of folks do this sometimes.

Originally posted by DrumKit_Cat:
...I just feel better playing knowing that I'm not seeing 2 or 3 of everything...

Yeah...especially if it's a Zappa or CCEB chart... /=-| /%-/

[ December 16, 2005 01:02 PM: Message edited by: got_a_match_grip? ]