A little story...

Well,
I just looked at the bottom of one of my posts and saw it said I've been a registered member since 2002. In truth, I have been registered and posting since 1999 at the latest. No problems, but any ideas why web-guys???

Anyway, the point of my post is to show you a post I put up just after I joined that fired up some hearty disscussion (but I since can't find). It was six years ago almost but forgive the double posting...


"Is Dennis still "Dennis The Menace"???

Before I even start, I must stress that Dennis Chambers has got to be one of the all time greats. His power, speed, dexterity, chops and groove are among the best ever. I have his videos and one of his books, and had been dying to see him for years. He has been inspiring to so many people!

I got my chance to see him when he embarked on a clinic trip of the UK. I was excited to say the very least!!!

Unfortunately, (and I know that I am going to step on a lot of people's toes here...but....) he seemed to be a three trick pony.

1. Crossing his foot over to play both hi hat and double bass pedals.

2. Doing a crosshanded tympani move on the cymbals, (crossing one hand over another whilst playing cymbals.

3. Playing fast tom flourishes around the kit.

I grant you, Dennis is phenomenal at these things which he does. But that's just the thing. His videos are nearly fifteen years old and he's still churning out the same stuff.

There is just no way that the average drummer down the street will ever be half as good as him...it just seemed to me like I'd seen it all somewhere before.

What I think really clinched it for me...(and I know this definitely won't be the case for all of you)...is that Dennis seemed more than just a tad egotistical.

Some are thinking, "He's one of the greats...he's got a right!" but I'm afraid that's not one of the qualities that I look for in a clinician.

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????

There were other comments he made, and the fact that he generally seemed as though he couldn't be bothered to be there....like he had something better to do. This wasn't just the fact that he was tired either, I've spoken to lots of people that have seen him at different clinics worldwide, and have said that the same types of things had happened there too.

I got a chance to meet him afterwards but I wasn't really as excited as I thought I'd be, especially after seeing him be so rude to members of the audience.

However I phrase this, it will sound like I'm slagging him off, but he was really just doing the same tricks over and over. His power is phenomenal and
his speed (like I've stated before) is amazing, but as far as being a PIONEER of the instrument.....that's a different story...


MP

yeah thats incredibly egoistical...i mean like you hear people in the vinnie clinic mp3s saying play some more...or slow it down..shouting stuff out and vinnie just makes a joke out of it, u know and i guess he probably just takes it as a compliment... acually..your story reminded me a bit about mike mangini at a clinic i attended of his not so long ago...he was saying (literally) this at his clinic: "The only way to learn something is to stick to it for 2 weeks....its useless trying to work on more than one thing at a time...trust me i would know, im a college professor"

he was basically saying that his approach was the only right approach...well i certainly dont practice like that...i will almost always have 2 or more things that im working on and i will split my practice schedule or time to fit the things i have to work on...

with dennis though u can tell hes a bit cocky just by the way he plays (u know the whole eyes closed chewing gum) it just comes across like that..even if he doesnt mean it to

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 16, 2005 07:37 AM: Message edited by: S.P ]</font>

Well, I wasn't around back when you first posted that. And I can see why it might have caused a lively debate. But I agree with it, pretty much - though not because I saw him in clinic.

I came to the same conclusion when I bought all three CAB CDs from eBay one day. I was pretty buzzed - I mean, a stellar cast, right? - and couldn't wait to listen. My first CDs with Chambers and Bunny Brunel, plus I get to catch up with Brian Auger again. When they arrived, I listened to samples from each one, loved what I heard. I then put all three back-to-back in the car changer.

By the time I had listened to all three, I was a bit nonplussed. First off, great music - love it. Second, his playing has much to get excited about. Not many people can get the articulation at the speed he can - only Cobham and Rich are comparable in my book - you can hear every note. Third, you can hear some development in what they play as a group and (most importantly) in all but one of the players. That one being Dennis. He's still doing the same stuff on the third CD, in much the same place in each tune. Oh sure, I won't ever get within a light year of his playing, physically, emotionally, technically, however you want to measure it. But it's the same licks, in the same places, in the same slightly "abstracted" manner - like you could replace any set of licks in one tune with those in another, and you'd not notice the difference. They'd "fit" just as well almost anywhere. It's like he throws in the "regulation" blowing in the same place in every song.

Now, pick another drummer for comparison. Put on three Weckl CDs that cover the same kind of timescale. You will hear development, change, evolution, growth. Some might not like what he's become, preferring the old to the new. But you can't avoid the fact that he has evolved.

I still like Dennis. But I much prefer him on, say, Tom Coster's "Let's Set the Record Straight" where he's mostly about groove. And he can groove.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 16, 2005 07:56 AM: Message edited by: moosetication ]</font>

Reading this saddens me. Dennis is one of my favorite players, but until just now i never realized that you guys are exactly right about all your points. His playing has not evolved and they in which he plays does seem cocky.
And what he said at that clinic is horrible. Wow.

Hey Guys,

You think that Dennis does the same thing, what about Steve Gadd...

We are human being with good and bad mood so...
And worse, us artists/musicians are very sensitive, you add jet lag, tiredness and some misunderstood, well everybody can be "rude"...

Anwyay, I don't look for giving an excuse to DC but I think that there is alway a reason for something, unless if the people concerned is well know for being an asshole...

Cheers.

I had Dennis at my shop in '04. We had a similar situation in that durring the Q&A part after taking questions for about 40 min., a kid (10 or so) said essentially the same thing "Can we hear you play some more?". Man, Dennis laid into him, berrated him, humiliated him in front of 300 people. Finished by saying"You better think twice before you say some shit like that again!'. I was mortified! He then finished out the clinic by playing to tracks from "Outbreak" and the Graffitti album. His playing was unbelievable, those "Timpani" crossovers you refer to, he is now doing from his 18" floor tom on one end of the kit to his 10" tom on the other at mind boggling speeds. All in all the clinic was great, but that incident marred the whole thing. The big wigs from Pearl on hand were very appologetic, but not DC. He said afterwards" he's lucky I went easy on him". Wow!
I think this is maybe what happens when certain personalities are at the point where everyone around them constantly tells them how great they are. On the other hand, I've met Vinnie several times and he is always warm, friendly and gracious. Just different personalities. I got an email from the kid that night cussing ME out I guess because I brought Dennis there. I didn't honor him a response as that was uncalled for as well. You know what though, hangin w/ DC later that night, he was totally cool, laughing, telling music biz stories, raving about Billy Cobham on some Mahavishnu bootleg he had-lol!

How come Virgil didn't do the CAB CD's? It's always Virgil playing with CAB here in LA at the Spud, never Dennis.

Nice read. In discussions with my drum teacher some years back, I discovered similar stuff. This was when I first started out and I came to him saying "Do you know Dennis Chambers? He's really good!". Now while my drum teacher agreed that he is an amazing player he also added that hes been playing the same stuff for years and has not evolved much.
If you ask me, evolving as a drummer is a process that should never end, no matter how good you are. It's vital to keep people guessing what's coming next. It's disappointing when you hear a drummer play one track or solo and you've heard it all.

If I may put on the analyst hat here: Chambers constantly faces a dilemma where he pretty much HAS to do clinics/store appearances, etc. to remind people that he is the "world's greatest drummer" (in his mind, at least), but then he feels like the people who came to watch him and the whole clinic situation is beneath him (because he is the world's greatest drummer). that's when dennis lashes out at people (to remind them that he is the world's greatest drummer). he is basically conflicted about how he should relate to his 'fans' and suffers from some basic insecurities that relate back to his childhood experiences of playing in adult clubs at age 4 and having to prove himself in that harsh setting.

the solution? we could see his 'nicer' clone carter beauford in clinic situations. he closes his eyes, chews gum and tries the timpani crossover. let's just pretend carter is dennis, and we'll all be fine.

D

As for Mangini, he usually means don't watch TV and practice on your pad at the same time. You must have undivided attention to program your muscle memory to perfect your playing in the shortest time frame. It is hard to argue with his level of development, speed and discipline. Do I agree with everything he, or for that matter Virgil, Vinnie, Weckl or anyone else says? Nope. They are committed to what has worked for them and that makes sense. I don't mind someone stressing what they think is crucial (after all, he's offering the ideas to help you - not put you down) which is a lot different from DC's widely seen and known arrogant behavior.

In my teaching, I stress reading, counting and a rudimental approach to grip because I believe those things will shorten a students learning curve and have seen it work over and over. Those are things I harp on continously, for the same reasons Mangini may harp on his "90 minutes a day, four days a week for six weeks" to get something down for life. It's worked for him so it might work for you. It doesn't take into the fact that we all learn differently, and think differently. In the end, you alone are responsible for your own development. My advice, get several opinions from people who can actually do what you want to do and then use your own best judgement.

Brad

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.

Quote:

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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.

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<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

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

Dennis put HIMSELF on the spot...

As far as looking like a clown... yelling at 10 year old kids, THAT will make you look like a clown, no doubt about it.

Dennis hasn't improved in the last 10 years because he admits that he doesn't practice. As far as better hands, ha! Next time any of you are up here in Seattle i will give you names and numbers of a couple unknowns who have hands similar/and or better to that of Dennis.

Is Dennis a great player, yes. Have i ever been an a**hole to people, of course.
However, saying things like:

Quote:

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"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?"

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">... That isn't just being an a**hole, that is being a calculated a**hole. It isn't like he just shrugged off the question, he went out of his way to humuliate someone. Guess what Dennis, you only did it to yourself.

No amount of chops can overcome someone being a jerk. No one is going to overlook you being a prick because you are a class-A drummer. You are just going to be a class-A drummer who is a prick.

Part of doing clinics is answering questions... f*cking idiot, Dennis. It is too bad the kid didn't have a dad there to give the Dennis a good railing over that.

Dennis is played out. He had his time of a minute. Why is that minute up? Because he stopped working at his craft.

Quote:

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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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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Well, there IS a very LONG list of drummers who could do that. Lang, Minnemann, Virgil, Weckl, Colaiuta, Covington, DiCenso, Smitty... to name some of them.
Sure these are the BIG names in the biz, but it illustrates that Dennis... people are as good or better than you, buddy. You never know who is going to show up in your audience so i hope you take a good look sometime fore you open your big mouth. The chances of that happening are so minuscule, but how i would love for that to happen with another big cat in the room to shut him up... ah, we can all dream can't we?!?! [img]wink.gif[/img]

I was talking to a big-name drummer, a while back (and this drummer will remain nameless in my story). We were talking about Tony, and the subject came up about Tony's attitude problem. He had a VERY good point. He said that the reason Tony was that way was because nobody "told him he sucked lately". I guess when everyone kisses your ass, day in and day out, you believe your own hype. You always have to put yourself in check and see your faults still, in drumming and in life. Everyone needs to hear they "suck" once in a while...

The fact of the matter is that no one has the right to talk to other people like that, especially when you put yourself in a situation such as a clinic, and then you berate those who pay your way. They did nothing to him except to admire him.

But since Dennis seems to have opened up the floodgates here, i will take a shot:

Dennis, you are a has-been who is not relevant anymore. While you were busy basking in your own glow, others picked up the torch that you dropped and carried it farther, and to places that you have never been.

You are played out and, honestly, no one cares about you anymore. Being as you are, your attitude, you will only lose more fans... however, i am glad to see that no matter what, Dennis is still his own biggest fan. It is too bad that none of us will ever see Dennis in the light that he sees himself in.

To really tell the truth, i couldn't care less about him...

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 16, 2005 05:02 PM: Message edited by: matricks ]</font>

DrumDawg,

You are probably right, but, in some cases like Dennis, there is a lot more to the reasons . Most of the big-name drummers get into a rut at one point, and have to back-off clinics for a while.

But, they will be back, after a lot of reflexion, better than ever. Many drummers have had bad clinics at one point. We've all read about those with our favourites: Tony Williams, Vinnie, etc.

They are human and like in any job , have their off moments.

Others do not show their emotions in a clinic format. They know how to give a straight foeward clinic and leave their problems behind them.

So, I feel that guys like Dennis, who are the best, will be back with great performances and workshops.

Hey Groovemeister,

I agree with you Man.
But DC is a still a great musician.
And I'm sorry to hear that he can be so jerk...

You know, for me DW is an asshole but I still continue to listen him, he gives me what I'm attending for in term of drumming/music, I don't look for hanging or talk with him...
I just take the musician.

But bashing a 10 years old kid, oh yeah no excuse !!!

Wow Matricks,
Tell us how you REALLY feel, don't hold back!!! [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Man, the Buddy Rich Memorial video with Dennis was painful to watch. He looked so arrogant, chewing gum, overplaying (really, really, really drastically overplaying...) and peering over his shoulder with a smirk as if to say to the band (yes folks, the reason we're all here) "you just can't keep up with me..."

Hmmmm...

MP

However, when you PUT YOURSELF into situations like that, with public appearances... you AREN'T allowed to have "off moments", not ones like that.

Thanks Groovemeister... add fuel to my fire!!! I feel a rant comin' on!!! [img]wink.gif[/img]

(Chanting...)

RANT RANT RANT RANT RANT RANT RANT RANT!!!!!!

MP [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]tongue.gif[/img]

Here's some fuel!

http://jeje.web.surftown.dk/sounds/Dennisrant.jpg

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't even know if i can rant now!!! That was so funny, i can't stop laughing!!!

Hey Guys,

Come on, DC is of course not a has been !!!
Maybe not a nice guy, but we cannot say that he's not a great musician because is a jerk.

And If I remember, the name on every mouth after the Buddy Rich Memorial was DC's name.
I know some friends who was there, and Dennis was the hit of this event.

It's when we saw the video tape that we saw that Vinnie was the Man of this event.
And in my opinion I don't think that DC overplayed this night...
But he looks too confident/arrogant and it seems that people doesn't like that, thing that I can understand easily.

Peace.

While you seem very angry, I understand your points Matricks. I strongly agree that Mr. Chambers has had his time and really isn't pushing boundaries any more. Good musician or not - I think we all have to agree on that.

About 10 years ago I was at the Modern Drummer Festival and on the closing night down at the Blue Note in New York there was a double bill of Steps Ahead with Steve Smith and Dennis Chambers with Bill Evans(the sax player) .I went down there with Will Kennedy and some guys from Paiste cymbals. Dennis was playing Steve Smith's drums and went on first. As soon as he started playing we were sitting up on the tops of our chairs. He was playing stuff that night that I haven't heard him play before or since
and with every fill the whole audience would scream. I wish I had a tape of that night because it was magical! Say what you want,that guy is capable of a lot more than most people have heard.
I just think that because of doing the Santana gig he really hasn't been challenged lately. As far as his personality goes,
he's always been pretty nice to me and even sent me some priceless videos and DVDs.

My experiences have been similar to Paul's. I?ve found him to be very gracious and helpful. There are a lot of other cats in the area who can back that up.

I don't know what happened during or before the clinics in question, but I can relate to being stressed out, or having a low tolerance for fools.

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Originally posted by Riddim:
but I can relate to being stressed out, or having a low tolerance for fools.

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<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Being stressed out is excuseable at times. A low tolerance for fools may be a bad quality but can happen to, however a "fool" was never mentioned here. At a clinic I don't think it's a crazy request to ask for more playing - espcecially not when its a kid at age 10. Come on now...

Dennis is one of the worst clinicians out. I remember him describing the triplet thing he did with one hand. Can somebody tell me what it was, because he didn't. He is not a good teacher in terms of presenting ideas. And not everyone is a good teacher.
I still like his playing. He's got his standard licks, but he uses them when he plays standard music. Dennis is one of the greats, but he doesn't need to have an attitude.

This is realy related to the point someone made in the "drum heos" thread about your personality showing in your drumming. If Dennis was a more considerate clinician and less cocky his drumming would be different as well. A college conselor once told me that the way a person drives a car is directly related to their personality. I started to notice that wa true. It goes much deeper into everything you do being connected to your personalty. Buddy Rich wouldn't have played the same if he had a different personality. He may have still been great but it would have been different. Vinnie plays some crazy shit as well but he is a very different personality than the average guy as any of those that have met him will attest. A personalty thread could really get interesting if we want to dive into that....

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

===============================

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????

===============================

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.

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]

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

Quote:

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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.

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<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]

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 !

Quote:

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Originally posted by Rodge:
...

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

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<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 >>

http://www.drummerworld.com/LAYOUT/animal.jpg S!

[img]tongue.gif[/img]

Quote:

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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

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<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...

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

Yep