Otis

@Sean Cool ... I'll have to look those up.

I was wondering if anyone here has used or is using bundles instead of regular sticks. I've used bundles at a couple gigs that were at small venues, and I wanted to control my volume. Lately I've been using them for practice for the same reason. Because of hearing issues, I've been trying to protect my ears with mute pads, mute cymbals, and the bundles. Oddly enough, I'm finding that I really like playing with bundles. My favorite bundles are the ProMark Lightning Rods. (https://bit.ly/43JCyfc) Bill

Well that was ... different 😲

@Juan Thanks ... I found a YouTube video of a drum cover for the song. The woman playing the cover did a fabulous job. She was very powerful and energetic. I watched her video numerous times, and I used it for inspiration. It is a fun song to play to.

UPDATE: So I had my gig this past Saturday night. I went into it with the encouragement from the response here that I need not worry about playing "note for note". I really felt more relaxed this time than the last time I played live. There was really only one part in one song that I was worried about, that I wanted to get right. That part was a transition between two different grooves in the song "Malibu" by Hole (Courtney Love's band). And you know what? I got it!! Thanks Everyone, Bill

@Hercules That in fact is basically my approach too. Like I said in my original post, it's more of a mental thing, being comfortable with playing the arrangement I come up with (which by all means is faithful to the song even if it's not "exactly note for note".) The confirmation and encouragement from your post and the others, is really helpful. Thanks Bill

It is pretty cool when you look up and see that people are singing and dancing to what we're playing!!

So true ... And that's the mental part that I'm struggling with. I know this, and I believe with more live playing, that will be reinforced. Thanks @Richard L !!!

We've all heard the "is Ringo a great drummer" debates. I have to shake my head when I come across such a debate. As we've been alluding to, his drum arrangements are as much a part of the songs as the guitar melodies. So unless you are covering Beatles songs in a completely different style, like you said, "you need to get that right". (BTW: There is a local band called "Yellow Dubmarine" that covers Beatles songs in a reggae style. I've not heard them, but I hear they're pretty cool.)

Now that's funny I don't care who you are!!! Ringo's drumming, especially on songs like Revolution and Come Together, is an example of what you should try copy as closely as possible.

That is the just the attitude that I want and need to enforce. Thanks @Bob

I figured I'd start a post here, as my question relates to playing drums live, at a gig, in front of real humans 😆. I'm not a pro by any means, and I don't play a lot of gigs. However I am in a cover band, and we do play live every once in a while. (In fact, I have a gig this Saturday.) I firmly believe that one does not have to cover a song note-for-note as it is on a recording. (The only exceptions being if you are a tribute band or if the song has an iconic drum fill or beat, then you would want to play as closely as humanly possible). Even though I believe that, I still find myself trying to get as close as I can. And that causes frustration because, well it's impossible. For me at least. I am in my 60's, still working, and I just don't have the time to memorize everything. And there is the skill factor too, some parts can be beyond my current skill level. I do know that I am the only one who is going to know if I don't play a fill just right, or use the HH instead of the ride, or use a simpler groove than the actual. Not only no one in the audience will know, not even the band members would know. So I need to work on the mental side of not worrying that I don't play a song exactly like the record. I was wondering how the SDS gigging community deals with this. Bill

When I ordered a pair of Promark active grip sticks from Sweetwater, I also order a couple other brands of sticks, one of which was a pair of Goodwood 5A wood tips. They were only $5, so I figured why not give them a try. I've only used them a little bit to date because I'm focusing on the Promarks. However, so far they seem to be okay. I'll have to update after I've used them for a while.