Hehe ok I wasn't sure where to stick this or what the question exactly was gonna be. You see i'm like 100lbs overweight (i'm 24/320lbs/6'1) to be exact lol. Ok anyhew do you think an overweight drummer like myself could play as well as drummers that are stick shaped. And does anyone actually know of any overweight drummers in the mainstream? I do know that you can play guitar just as good overweight good example is BB King . Do you think that image is so important that a band with a chunky drummer wouldn't get signed on? Oh i'm working on loosing the weight anyhew and besides if i tour I couldn't afford to eat and thus would be skinny. Ok I will stop blabbin for now .

Abe Laboriel Jr. is over weight. The guy from Hee Haw's house band was huge but he played. I dont think weight has much to do with talent. Stamina may be the only drawback.

I think there are more than just a few guys that have been overweight and have been astounding players.

However, I sure do miss Larrie Londin who died from health problems of being overweight. He also gave one of the most influential clinic demos I've ever seen about how to function in a recording studio.

Everybody's gotta watch their health. One thing I love about drummers is how they seem to have a comraderie and joy about seeing other guys play well. Of all the instruments I know of, drums seems to be where there is the least amount of 'back biting' going on. Not like we are all angels but I do believe there is a difference.

So therefore my brother Hickboy (since I don't know your name), I'd love to hear from you when you are flying through a song, kicking butt and taking names later. When you have a red hot groove burning up a concert or CD track. And I can't do that if you leave us too soon! So take care of yourself and groove into your old age. OK?

With love


Jim

BB King also has to sit when he plays because of his weight AND because of the fact that he probably has circulation problems in his legs due to the diabetes that he has that was brought on by his obesity.  I have diabetes in my family, but my doctor told me that my greatest risk was being overweight, not my family history.

Not preaching!!  Believe me, I've got my own foibles that I have to deal with.

I have no way of saying if it will necessarily affect your playing in a negative way, but it's probably affecting your body in a negative way.

Check out the movie New York, New York and watch Dick Berk then go buy some of his CDs, incredible technique. He must haved weighed 350 lbs. Thank God I just heard that he had surgery and took off quite a bit. I must add that Dick is  a great guy also and got me quite a few good gigs in L.A. as a sub for him.

Check out some old Tiny Kahn about 450 lbs.

Sincererly,

B.L.

i'm slightly overweight, it doesn't show unless i'm leaning over shirtless, which doesn't happen anyway. i gotta lose it but it's kinda hard.

I don't think size seems to matter much...Vinnie Paul, Frank Arsenault, Chambers, Erskine, Carter Beaford, etc.

I'm a little overweight myself, but since I've been exercising regularly (about 5 months now) my stamina while playing has gone through the roof!

So to answer the question, imo, weight doesn't play a factor by itself - unless it's a sign of an otherwise sedentary lifestyle.  Then you might be a little slower and not last as long.

Cheap Trick had that kinda fat guy.  I do not think it matters. It is all in your attitude.

Abe Laboriel, Dennis Chambers, Curt Bisquera, Duffy Jackson - I rest my case!
Seriously though, I don't think it matters, for you're general health and well being, yes! Of course it's important, but for your playing.....no.

One major consideration is setting up and breaking down!! That bending over has to be tough.