R&P: Do you think Drummer's are still sorely over-looked these days?

Question

I was just thinking about this because, I was discussing in an email with a friend about Ringo Starr. And how I own one of his album's called Ringo's Rotogravure (1976). Which was not very commercially successful when it came out.  Even though it is a pretty decent album with people such as Dr. John, Peter Frampton, Eric Clapton,John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Linda McCartney, Harry Nilsson, Vini Poncia and Clifford T. Ward working on it with him.

Then a bit earlier today I was listening to Kansas' "How My Soul Cries For You." Which comes from their 1979 Monolith album ( listening to on Vinyl of course!) So I decided to look it up on Youtube and, automatically agreed with Drew Hannush's comment:

"Phil Ehart is so forgotten when﻿ it comes to lists of great rock drummers...this song was one of the best studio recordings for showing his absolute mastery."

The Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6hpDJr4Wj5g


Which is what inspired me to ask this question in the first place. Because how could a drummer like that be over-looked at all after such mastery?

Maui Guy · Accepted Answer

All depends on the marketing and drive of the drummer himself, I suppose.  Of course I truly believe that John Bonham was one of the world's best, if not, the best...

? · Answer

Drummers are easily replaced with machines, unlike guitarists, bassists and singers. That's why. Did you know that Marilyn Manson never had acoustic drums on his albums? In the studio, they used a drum machine. The drummers were only needed live.

Mrs H · Answer

Yes, they are. The only time I hear about them is if I'm
talking to or reading comments from someone that is
a drummer. To me a great drummer makes the band
more exciting in concert.

? · Answer

Wow, anyone that thinks a real drummer can be replaced with a drum machine has a lot to learn.

R&P: Do you think Drummer's are still sorely over-looked these days?

4 Answers