Not so much the sound I think, but the rythym and the mood it creates. I've not heard a drummer quite like Nick.

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

Absolutely he does. Indeed, drummers in casual rock bands who only know how to repeat "boom tss tac tss" and some variants on it, are very obsolete to the music's actual sound. People like Nick Mason and Ringo Starr, who compose a different playing for each song and really put their signature on it, are as important as a good bass player. You may not really notice them, but you'd notice it'd be played by a worse drummer.

I just watched Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun, Live at Pompeii, and I totally understand what you mean.

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

The intro to Time. 'Nuff said.

(02-09-2011 03:20 PM)hunter21291 Wrote:  

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

The intro to Time. 'Nuff said.

A Saucerful Of Secrets' last 5 minutes in Pompeii. Even more said. :)

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

Drummers may be easily replaced, but great drummers are not. Nick Mason is a great drummer. If he had left the band, or if someone else had been their drummer all along, they wouldn't have had the sound they had. Him and Roger make up the rhythm section, so they're setting the tone for David and Rick. If either of them are off, everyone else is off.

(02-09-2011 03:29 PM)Lady Floydian Wrote:  

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

Drummers may be easily replaced, but great drummers are not. Nick Mason is a great drummer. If he had left the band, or if someone else had been their drummer all along, they wouldn't have had the sound they had. Him and Roger make up the rhythm section, so they're setting the tone for David and Rick. If either of them are off, everyone else is off.

Very true. Rhythm and melody can't really live without each other.

(02-09-2011 02:13 AM)Joe Wrote:  You know, I never understood why a drummer would be appreciated. It has always been frustrating to me to know that drummers are easily replaced. Does Nick really contribute to the sound of the band?

Well they don't USUALLY write music (some do) but what the drummers do is actually play the drums. How you play the drums can really change how a song sounds. If you had a steady guitar riff it could seem slow and calm but if you bring quick drums into it, it can become up beat and quick. Really the only drummers that are really appreciated are the REALLY good drummers like The drummer for Rush (for get his name) and Keith Moon (The Who)

Drummers play the drums? Brilliant analysis.


Also, Rush's drummer is Neil Peart.

(02-09-2011 06:54 PM)Lady Floydian Wrote:  Drummers play the drums? Brilliant analysis.


Also, Rush's drummer is Neil Peart.

haha ya Well its not like anyone can play drums and guitar/bass/keyboard at the same time xD but thats not giving them enough credit at all. Some drummers make all the difference with the sound and the 'high' moments of a song. Especially in heavier music. Like the Iron Maiden is a good example, they HAVE to have a good drummer (which they do). Listen to any Rush song which has any integrated drum part and you can hear it.