Originally Posted by: Razbo(Disclaimer: Opinions may be somewhat biased!)

Was, at least. I played from about 7 to 20 on an evolving mixed set of Crown & Stewart ending with mostly Tama stuff, Zildjian & Paiste brass. It was a piecemeal deal and all I could afford at the time, and in constant need of TLC, but I mixed and matched and in the end was happy with the sound even compared to my local rivals. I can't deny I had some logo-envy, though. :) I struggled to keep it up for the last 3 years before I stopped, but apartment living precluded any practice, finding space was such a problem (and a cost) and then transportation on top of that, I eventually gave it up.

I can tell you that I went thru some of the same feelings you are having. Seeming to always at the back of the stage, never getting up front or able to move around and interact with the audience.

Since then, looking back (way back!) I have a new appreciation for the instrument. Not meaning to offend anyone, this being a guitar site and all, but I have observed that there are a lot of guitar players out there. Tons of them. And their brothers. Not so much drummers, and even fewer good ones.

You may feel unappreciated, or wish you had that upfront position in the band, but trust me, your instrument is (imo) the one that holds it all together, that creates the foundation upon which the rest of the music is built. You can add and subtract guitar's from a band and adapt, but you really can't say the same for drums.

If my present feelings are anything like yours might be, you will always regret giving them up, if you do. Since I have gotten back to music, I feel more and more strongly the urge to haul out that old set (I think are still moldering somewhere in my Dad's basement) and start wailin. More than guitar, that's the instrument that's inside me. ...If only they weren't so damn loud for casual practice! :)

Anyway, these are strictly my feelings. Good luck with your decisions!

Being a long time hack drummer, I always loved a great drummer. I remember seeing Vince Neil in the Exposed tour and Steve Stevens was on guitar (and out of control!) and the drummer was Vic Foxx. Way underraated drummer and fun to watch as well as a good hitter. i'm a sucker for a good drummer. I air drum more than I do air guitar.

Funny, I good enough on guitar that I always envied the drummer. I was always lucky enough to be around great drummers even though they are very hard to come by.

So, it's funny that drummers don't get the appreciation that they should. They're worht their weight in gold x 2!