About these Drummers & Percussionists

The Drummers & Percussionists featured on this page are all members of the Last Minute Musicians entertainment directory. Use the refine section at the top of this page to find live drummers for hire close to you. Simply choose a county or enter a post code into the "available in" box to refine the listings to your local area. Click the "visit listing" button to see the full profiles of the individual Drummers & Percussionists. With over 3300 active listings you are sure to find the perfect entertainer, musician, band or entertainment service to make your event just perfect. Don`t forget you can use our online chat (below) to get instant help with your booking.

Drummers and percussionists are often hired for a myriad of different reasons. From stepping in (depping) with function bands, theatre pits and cruise ships to teaching would-be musical virtuosos; the selection of drummers/percussionists offered by Last Minute Musicians are suitable for a wide range of clientele.

Arguably the most important member of a band, it is the job of a drummer to keep a steady tempo and change the dynamics/timbre of a song. The drummer is the glue that keeps all the key components of a band together and without a steady rhythm section, a band would simply fall apart.

The importance of a good drummer should never be underestimated. Despite often being on the receiving end of many a musical joke, a drummer is the backbone of a band and should never be taken for granted.

The talented drummers and percussionists on the Last Minute Musicians directory are usually proficient in sight reading and play a variety of musical styles and genres. Most musicians also possess a valid passport and public liability insurance and many boast to have played with well known musicians including Newton Faulkner, Will Young, Cliff Richard and Elaine Page.

Whilst many of the drummers on Last Minute Musicians consider their preferred style to be pop, rock or jazz, there are also those who perform world music including that of Indian and Pakistan.

As the music of such cultures is inherently different from that of western music, drummers are often hired for weddings and other events. The rhythmic versatility of the tabla and other instruments evokes an emotional call and response that ‘can create a captivating haunting atmosphere’

Not only do world musicians perform traditional cultural melodies, but also use improvisation to create intricate and complex melodies. The dynamics of their performances can be particularly engaging allowing clients to receive a unique style of entertainment.

Prices:

Drummers and percussionists are usually available to hire on the basis of a daily fee. The fee is often either reduced for a series of gigs, such as a tour. However, the fee to hire a drummer or percussionist can be increased for prestigious corporate or national events.

History of drummers and percussionists:

One of the oldest forms of musical instrument, drums were not always used for music, but also used to send messages to others to inform them of events or approaching danger. Used by many cultures across the world, in the Western world the drum was adopted into popular orchestral pieces in the 18th and 19th centuries. Famous composers including Gustav Mahler, Haydn and Beethoven began to write drum parts to add to their symphonies. Percussive instruments including the glockenspiel, snare drum, bass drum, cymbals and triangle were all played by separate musicians until the drum kit was invented in 1910. The introduction of the bass pedal, hi-hat and floor tom allowed for music to develop and new genres such as jazz, swing and eventually rock n roll were created.

About the Drums

Some manufacturers of drums that we like are: Pearl, Yamaha and Premier. Some drummers that we like are Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl.