Drummers

October 2000

As far as I am aware, the score is now Drummers 4 Euphoria 0. (There may be another drummer or two lurking around the corner that I have not accounted for).

Sadly Steve Wild has had to leave us, but is already trying out for some other bands, so good luck and we'll see you soon no doubt.

A little while ago a guitarist not currently in a band, called Dave was asked to arrange some musicians to play an Eighties evening. Dave urgently needed a singer and a bass player. He knew immediately that the best place to look was Euphoria for quality, enthusiasm and experience. They beat the competition hands-down. So Terry and Calvin became part of the Eighties crew.

The evening went extremely well. A broad cover of embarrassing hits from those fashion-concious days was punched out. From the beginning their drummer was straight into it, thoroughly enjoying himself before the evening had even properly started. His drum kit was huge, but did well to fill out the stage area. If he had used a smaller kit, he would have looked lost. Top drumming in the first set: inventive, intuitive, incestuous (is that the right word?), good fills and aware of what is happening when the lead vocals carry a song on or change it.

At the break of the first set, we got talking to him. Scott played with Angelwitch, a metal band, so I thought that he was primarily a rocker. But he had only just got into the metal scene. His actual preference for playing was typical of Euphoria's material. After several minutes of general chat, Scott seemed genuinely interested in watching Euphoria at a gig and possibly trying out as the new drummer. The ball was set rolling.

A meeting was set up in the Dorset Arms (dirty pub, shit bar staff - Ed) in East Grinstead to run through any questions or ideas Scott may have and to give him a general idea of what Euphoria is about. I'm not sure if Scott had been sucking on nitrous oxide just before coming to the meeting, but his enthusiasm was to such an extent that I thought he was winding me up. That was until Terry got even more excited and began standing up every time he needed to speak in his giggling school boy banter. I realised it was for real. This was a genuine excitement on Scott's part which was refreshing to see. All went well and we arranged an evening at the Haven for a rehearsal.

The boys set up and ran through a few numbers. This was no problem at all for Scott who picked it up easily enough. Again, Scott's enthusiasm made all the difference to filling out the stage. We had hooked ourselves a drummer. He cannot escape. All we need now is the first gig.

Thinking about it, if there is another Eighties gig to be arranged, then three of the five playing would be members of Euphoria. Poor Russell would be left out, but then Dave might as well stand aside and Russell play lead guitar. At least he won't complain if I need to criticise (as my job as experienced sound man requires). At the end of the day if a particular song sounds shit then I will say so. And if you are too loud I will say so. If you can't take it, then fuck off. Oh, and please do try and look like you are enjoying yourself and not like you are reading sheet music throughout the gig. You did look rather bored (or was that concentration? - Ed).

P.S. Wrap your guitar lead round your strap, it stops it pulling out when you tread on it.

Words by Steve 'Princess' Roadie. (including bitchy bit at end, nothing to do with me - Ed)

Tonight was the first gig that Scott had played with Euphoria. We were set up on the left of the bar, which doesn't tend to leave an awful lot of room for movement. Never mind. The pub was full of fans who gave their unending support all night, which I'm sure gave Scott a real boost. This was our first gig for a little while, so everyone was keen to get back and rock out. And Terry certainly did that with the first song. Until the brand new Shure SM58 radio mic cut out 30 seconds into it. Different mic, better mic, same old problem. Piece of shit. While these mics can be a very useful addition, don't bother unless you spend upwards of £1000. That was the only mishap.

All of the boys looked relaxed in their playing and thoroughly enjoying it. At last. And plenty of people remarked on Scott, who was perfectly at ease. The gig went well. Songs were played through without a hitch, including some that have not been played for months. So many people came up to me and commented on Scott's drumming and the difference it made. I had told a few people previously that they should come and watch the first gig with Scott as it would make a complete difference. The songs sounded fuller, and the drums were given a much needed thrust to the audience. It also seemed to help the others as they did not look harassed or on edge.

I think that the end of the night showed that the difference had been noted by the fans. They were singing, dancing, and crowding forward. That was the busiest I remember seeing it for a very long time. Everyone was pleased with the end result. I think Scott was too.