Drum solos: Yay or Nay?

Question

I personally can't stand them. I really don't see the point of them apart from them being huge massages for the drummer's ego, or so the rest of the band can go 'powder their noses'. But maybe i'm missing something about them. If you're in favour of the drum solo, please explain why you enjoy them so much?

BQ: Apart from 'Moby Dick' on Led Zeppelin 2, what other drum solos have been recorded and included on a band's album?

Answer 1

I have been a professional drummer most of my life and I think there is nothing more tacky or self-indulgent than a drum solo. I can barely even hear the words drum solo without laughing. It's a total joke. Jerry...how is it different from a guitar solo? Because guitar is a lead instrument and drums aren't, just like bass isn't. You can play a guitar solo, keyboard solo, sax solo, etc. while the song is still in progress and flowing. If the drummer is doing a solo there is no song, there is no back beat, it's just a drummer showing off and it's more than a little lame. Of course musicans see things one way and folks that aren't tend to see it another way. If a drummer wants to show off his chops just do a very short "solo" at the end of the song during the burn out. Don't do a solo in the middle of a song...LAME!! To answer the question about what other poular albums have had drum solos. Steve Gadd's solo on Steely Dan's Aja is considered one of the best drum solos of all times.

Answer 2

I enjoy the occasional drum solo

all in moderation though



I don't like a drum solo on every song on an album but I really dig a good solid one by a good drummer like Danny Carey or Carl Palmer or Mike Portnoy on an album

it has to fit with the song though I don't like it when bands just stick one in for shits and giggles

Answer 3

Generally speaking,NAY.

Most solos esp in prog-rock are rank only when they become self absorbed and a factor in every song on an album, such bands became so self serving in the late 60'S that a rebelion away from it led to "Punk" music being formed (through rockabilly music going back to doing 2, or 2 1/2 min chirpy faster beat tracks)

Listening to the Ramones esp, you can almost hear the rockabilly to punk rock transition.

In the Uk you can hear it with, "Ten Pole Tudor" and "Generation X" more so than with others.

Answer 4

They are amazing and give the drummer a chance to show off his/her talents for a few minutes in a show! Drummers don't get a lot of credit because the lead singers and lead guitarists usually get most of the attention. But honestly, playing the drums well and being able to nail and perform a truly difficult and hard drum solo is one of the more impressive things to be able to do in my opinion. Not taking anything away from the insanely amazing vocalists or guitarists out there, but drums solos are a true expression of brilliance in my mind!



Go to Youtube and search for drum battles between Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin of Godsmack, from their DVD. You will be more than impressed.

Answer 5

Good evening Mark :)



For the few I've heard, Yay!



*BUT* it has to be within reason. The 20-minute live version of 'Moby Dick' was just within 'reasonable', because John Bonham played it damn well. But for the most part, they shouldn't be longer than 5-mins for studio, and 10-15 for live.





BQ:

'World Turning' ~ Fleetwood Mac

{live on "Live in Boston 2003" and a few earlier bootlegs}



'Diamonds' ~ Jet Harris & Tony Meehan

{a small solo, but it's there!}



'Toad' ~ Cream {on studio album "Fresh Cream"}

Answer 6

I'll be honest, I've never heard a drum solo in a song. Is it bad that rock and metal only seem to allow guitar and keyboard solos? :/ I'm guessing drum solos wouldn't really work that well because they're not really a melodic instrument. but having said that I've only ever heard 3 or 4 bass solos as well.

Answer 7

I love drum solos. Really makes as good as a piece of music as a guitar solo.



BA: "Drum Check" on album Heretic by Morbid Angel is a 3 minute drum-only track. :D

Answer 8

TOTALLY YAY!!!!





As a drummer myself, I would have to say that you haven't experienced the thrill of being behind a drum set that you can beat on and take your aggression on!!!!



Here watch and listen to some of the greatest drummers out there today!

Danny Carey of the band TOOL



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVbFrl9wLBA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=578v_PVJhNU&feature=related

OR

Dave Lombardo - SLAYER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX6UvYjaI-Q

OR

Chris Adler - Lamb of God

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHl4I5E78Wg

OR

Just simply one of the best solo drummers in the WORLD!!

Thomas Lang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9bFPsVtXgY

OR

One of my ALL-TIME favorites

Neal Peart - RUSH

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa0C5Uxpd3c



Brother, this list could go on and on, I hope you got the picture. Everyone is aloud to have fun, and show what talents that God has given them!

Answer 9

i enjoy them,it makes some songs sound a little bit aggresive and the drummer probably feels a little left out.

Answer 10

How is it different from a guitar solo? I think any instrument solo is good.

Answer 11

yay! I was gonna mention Moby Dick!

Answer 12

Nay! if im listening to it on a studio album



Yay! if im listening to it live

Answer 13

yay

Answer 14

yay!