That is a great point to ponder and I wish more players would. Executing is the most important aspect of playing and I would imagine that we would all agree to that. Having said that, I think we often forget that what we do, by and large is provide entertainment. Most of us are not involved in "high art" whatever the heck that is.

I watch a lot of drummers (and other musicians for that matter) from a wide variety of backgrounds and playing a wide variety of musical styles on a regular basis. I think that one should be able to look at a musician and "see" music. That does not mean you have to twirl your sticks, toss them in the air, hit them with laser beams and blow them up, nor do you have to knock your kit over after the last song. It just means you should look like you are enjoying what you are doing, and that you are engaged in the moment. Enjoyment may not look like a smile but it does look like you are focused completely. It may just as well look like fierce intensity. A drummer should also look like he/she is in control of the entire stage. Nothing is worse then watching a reactionary drummer. A great teacher of mine once said that you had to play with an attitude of "Either you are with me or you are wrong." I am pretty sure Buddy Rich took that approach. Watching a musician who is obviously nervous just makes the audience nervous and no one enjoys that.

I think a great example of musician that personified "seeing music" was Stevie Ray Vaughn. You could just watch his right hand with the volume turned down and be completely entertained. Believe it or not, good technique will go a long way towards improving your visual performance. A relaxed, open grip truly looks that way to an audience.

A lot of guys may jump in here and disagree, but I will say this: your audience is how you manage to generate a paycheck for a live performance one way or another. They are there to be entertained. Entertain them by being the best you can be and while you are at it, look like you enjoy it. I could not encourage you more on this subject. Besides, who wants to just stagnate and do the same thing over and over again. This is a new challenge. Embrace it!

You'd be surprised what looking up and smiling from time to time will do.

You know, let the bass player know he's in the pocket; acknowledge the guitar player for turning down.

Smile at the back of the room, if nothing else.

I'd have to agree a smile goes a long way....and a wink even further.

I've decided I don't like bands simpliy because they took themselves too seriously, or worse, didn't look like they wanted to be doing what they were doing.

Hell, if THEY don't want to be at their gig, I certainly don't want to be either.

There -is- such a thing as going too far though...

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DVbt5W-DNc[/ame]

John LOL

I recall at a local "Drummers Night Out" event this cat in the crowd who went up to play. He started playing with big grandiose movements and fancy stick twirls after each snare beat. Quite a show until he got so caught up in the "show" he got lost in the song. Excited

If you're having fun and grooving it'll show without making an act out of it.

That being said, think of how many guitarists you see playing in the corner with their eyes closed and a sad constipated face.....as was mentioned looking up with a smile from time to time or giving out a "yeah" when you're really nailing the groove cant hurt.

A really good example of someone who concentrates and focuses on his part, while also playing loose and enjoying it is Phil Leavitt from Dada. He plays with alot of authority and simply looks really cool when he plays. Most of this 'cool' look is due to his playing with authority and his resulting style that just oozes confidence. He doesn't even interact very much with the audience and rarely with the other two beyond certain parts. Perhaps a look at some vids of them will show this. I highly recommend them live.

I admit that sometimes I imitate him when I feel like I am l loosing my sense of feel and confidence. His authoritative style (perceived both musically and visually) is part of his contribution into this trio that.......well, let me just say that they were simply born to play together - a very rare phenomenon IMHO.

Oh yeah - remember to BREATHE. That may take alot of (that look they are not liking) off your face. Meanwhile it does wonders for stamina and cramp prevention. (I can see this turning into a whole new discussion!)

John

Honest, I think your band-mates are being ridiculous.

If the front-man has a puss on that's one thing, but the drummer? As long as you're playing well, doing your job, the expression on -your- face shouldn't matter to anyone else in the band. Again, it's not like you're the front-man.

I started playing out at clubs and bars in New York City when I was only 16. I was always scared to death to go out there in front of people. I used to go out, sit behind the kit, turn my face to the left (looking at the hi-hats,) and start playing. As long as I didn't have to look at the crowd, I was fine. After the first number or so, I'd settle down. But playing with my head turned became a habit. I have always played like that. Even when I play at home, I turn my head to play, just a habit. I have never had a comment or even a whisper about how I looked on-stage. As long as I was making all the hits and laying down a good groove, nobody has ever cared about what I look like.

Just be a good drummer, don't worry about what your face is doing. Why get all self-conscious? If it's honest, and you're into the music, you'll look just fine. Just be you. Tell the band guys to take a hike or call Guy Smiley next time they bring it up.

John

LMAO! that is FUNNY!!

Just wear one of these........... ;)