A little story...

[drumaddict]

Sorry for the lame spell checking...it's late.

[Schreck]

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A chap in the audience during a (rather drawn-out) questions and answer segment of the clinic shouted out, (actually as a compliment), "Dennis, can we hear you play some more!". Dennis snapped back saying,

"No. Why the hell do you people shout things like that out. Listen to me, that's how you learn, not by watching me....what do you think? That you will watch me and go home and play this s**t? No, you won't be able to, you aren't Dennis Chambers are you?" (I sh*t you not...)

The room went silent. Everyone was gobsmacked. The organisers, (a company called FreddieGee Promotions) jumped in to stop the nervous silence with a raffle, but everyone was stunned. In the interval all anyone could talk about was how rude he was being. Hardly an example for the toddlers and the younger drummers in the room!!! He did have a fair point, in the fact that nobody else there could have done any of that......but to say that????

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I'am not wondering to much about DC reaction.
He is, what he plays. So what ?

But I'am really wondering about the reaction of the audience.
only SILENCE ?????
why the hell was no one there, to TELL DC about his terrible behaviour ?
I don't want to judge him just because of this answer to a 10 years old kid.
It's very bad for the kid of course. yes.
but if everybody is just SILENT during DC's attacks, he will never learn.
and perhaps, it ewas very bad for the kid too, that there were no one, who breakes the wall of silence.

So next time, perhaps some are not just SILENT.
It's perhaps a good medicine for DC and the kid feels supported.

[Suspiria]

I see what you mean Schreck. I definately agree that someone should have stood up and left in defense of this kid. But if I really put myself in the situation where someone says: "You know Dennis, that was really un-called for. How would you feel to be treated like that?", I don't know what would happen. Unfortunately I just see him snapping back at that person or quitting the clinic altogether. I don't know, maybe I should try next time I see him [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Groovemeister]

Let me tell you, the raffle I spoke of that the organisers pulled out of the bag singnified a break in proceedings.

Lots of people left in the break and the auditorium was almost half empty for the second half...

I'm totally of the school that it's a blessing to play clinics, if you can't conduct yourself in an appropriate way, don't do them. I'd never talk to anyone in a way I wouldn't want them to talk to my mother...

MP

[Lee Collins]

Originally posted by Drumdawg:
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Groovissimo:
Last time I saw Dennis in a clinic, I understood that he was just fed up with being put on a spot (a bit like a clown who has to perform !).

Dennis has always wanted to play with a band, and mostly with musicians he feels comfortable with. Not being able to read, he has refused several gigs and I understand where he's coming from.

For years, Dennis has been up there, as one of the "most in demand" clinicians in the world. And as some of you said in this topic, Dennis just needs a "break" from sponsored events. He will be back, I'm sure. And he is still one of the greatest groove drummers in the history of drumming.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">If you don't want to be put on the spot, THEN DON'T DO CLINICS!!! I know drummers and other musicians who's giving and done way more to the drumming and music community and they're not a$% holes to 10 year old kids. NO EXCUSE, EVER... If you?re doing clinics, it's a privilege and honor to be doing so. If you can't handle the "SPOT", get a new day job or a new booking agent...
Sammy J</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Absolutely right! [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

[Groovissimo]

Too bad that some of you guys just go by what one person says about ONE clinic situation ! Like Paul DeLong says in his post, Dennis, in most of his appearances and discussions, has always been OK.

Dennis, like many others, can make a mistake, like what he yelled at the kid at the clinic. I too, think that it was not acceptable.

But, let's not treat him like a criminal ! We all make stupid mistakes. Even on our board, every once and a while, we come out with some unreflected comments once and a while.

My suggestion is to check Dennis' future clinics and see if he is a different person. In the meantime, let's give him a break.
Ans see how he will treat fans in the next year !

[Lee Collins]

Originally posted by Rodge:
...

You know, for me DW is an asshole but I still continue to listen him

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Interesting. How so rodge?

Oh, in case you guys didn't know, the reason so many drummers have attitude is because they're all >>

S!

[img]tongue.gif[/img]

[Cameron_Mahoney]

Originally posted by Groovemeister:
As far as saying Steve Gadd is like Dennis Chambers, as far as I'm concerned, they couldn't be further apart. Musically speaking, Gadd runs rings and rings and rings around Chambers...

I have heard a million and one bass players I work with say, "Wow, I'd love to play with Gadd". Not one has ever said "I'd love to play with Dennis".

Gadd might play the same licks, but those pioneered drumming, and let's face it, he's giving the people what they want and what he feels makes music, not blind technique for the sake of it.

Anyway, Gadd is a great clinician, opening up the floor basically saying, "I'm here for YOU, what do you want me to help you with?" very unlike Chambers. Also I know Steve is still battling on with a double pedal workout. He openly talks about how his left foot sucks.

That's humbble, truthful and a darn site eaier to swallow than, "You'll never be Dennis Chambers, only I could ever play that fast"...

MP

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think the difference in coming up as a prove-yourself hotshot young kid. If I am not mistaken, Gadd is ex-military. I think this kind of life experience gives a person the kind of positive character that makes a good human being.

One thing I never got is why musicians get so arrogant. It's just playing music. Not to sound dumb, as art's an important part of society, but seriously... it's just drums. Whenever I find myself getting an attitude, I just think... "I'm just playing drums. It's not like it matters or effects the world." Why not have a positive attitude and keep the ego in check? We're not doing brain surgery here...

[Cameron_Mahoney]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 17, 2005 10:20 PM: Message edited by: Cameron Mahoney ]</font>

[matricks]

Yep