OK, everyone that remembers the "old days" know most of the time drummers were placed out front, depending on the venue and unfortunatly they took a lot of noise abuse. As time went on and Mic,s got better we moved to the back. So, as far as hearing loss, which in my case is the upper sounds, we suffer some loss. But I have found that that is not so bad, as now I have earned what I call "selective" hearing loss that allows a lot of leeway with my wife and thats a good thing.

As far as playing Hard Rock I play Classic Rock most every day and also follow Tommie Igo playing slow & fast Jazz also. I still enjoy learning chops and only wish Computors were invented when I was young.

As I grow older I enjoy peoples reactions when they look and hear an old guy kicking quads & triplets and doubles, especially the young people.

My wife has always told me that when its my time to go she hopes I,am out in the studio sprauled across my drums with a smile on my face, then she will feel alright with it.

Tom