Play the kit you want, that's what they're for right? If it's a dodgy place, keep an eye on them :)

Well Jim, here is my take. So, is this a band that already gigs and has gigs set up or are going to be jamming for fun? Obviously a big difference, I didn't see where you mentioned a gigging band in the original post but based on your response to the ploughmans tip, it sounds like you are going to gig with this group.

You have already had some excellent advice from guys that have gigged for years so what I have to say might not mean much. But, three years ago I got back into playing drums again. One year ago I got my old band back together ( just like the Blues Bro's). None of us were too good with our instruments and we still have a long way to go. But we are having a blast. I never considered gigging at first but we did do a party three months after re-forming. It was a disaster really, but thankfully it was for friends and they loved it. It was a lot of fun and I cant wait to play again for a small crowd now that we are a little better.

Doing all of this has improved my drumming tremendously. I love going to practice and visiting /jamming with my old buddies and making music. So I say go for it. If they have a gig set up and they are comfortable with you drumming for them then you must be better than you give your self credit for. At our gig, I was nervous for the first couple songs then relaxed and just had fun. It will all be fun, you will do great!

All for fun now JC.. But the idea of adding a drummer is for them to be able to play the music they want and improve to the point where they can consider gigging. I may not be that guy but the advice to just chill out and enjoy the chance to try it is really solid. I think they will be patient with me getting the feel. They showed me the play list they are working on and it is all music I know... Stuff I grew up on. I just need to remember to relax about it, play simple and concentrate on being rhythmically solid. Hats, snare, bass... I'm hoping it works out like it has for you... Having fun and getting better. Thanks!

Jim,

Have fun for now and see where it goes. You'll probably be surprised once you spend sometime playing.

This past Saturday, my two son's marching band was playing at a local shopping area. They're usually at these events for about 2 hours and run through their program twice with a break in between. I'm on the pit crew, which helps setup and tear-down. I was standing near the band during the second set and the band director looks at me and motions me to pick up something and start playing. I was hesitant at first, but jumped behind some congas with a cowbell and tambourine. I've heard the songs before, but wasn't familiar with the arrangements. I started basic with low volume until got the feel for the songs. It was a really fun time. My son (the drummer) didn't know I was playing, turned around, saw me and was completely surprised. Probably more like mortified. ;)

Watch the leader, listen closely to the rest of the band and you'll have a blast.

Let us know how it goes.

-Tim

You got drums. They need a drummer...Its kinda when I was like 7 years old there was this Spring festival at our school. We were playing soccer the whole afternoon with the other kids and then this girl called me and told me this other girl liked me and she was waiting for me at one of the corridors beyond the gym...boy, I was sweating while I was walking down to meet her...And there she was: Seating on one of the benches and acting like she was just feeding the birds. I sat next to her. No words were spoken. That was my first kiss. I think this look like your first gig.

All fun for us too, it did not take long for someone to ask us to play at the party.

And, I should add, this whole drumming and playing in the band has been probably the funnest thing I have done with my life in the last several years. Sure, awesome vacations and time with the kids can never be topped. But for keeping myself happy, this has been it.

Go have fun!

always i have dialed in with the base player, it makes for a solid bottom....