How to Play Drums With Rikki Rocket and Cherry Lane
In the world of Glam metal music there are few drummers who are as popular as Rikki Rockett. His flashy, energetic style has helped define glam metal drumming and glam metal music on record labels such as Cherry Lane.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Watch videos of Rikki Rockett playing drums and study his moves. His videos can be found on YouTube. Watch his drum solos as well as songs by his band Poison to get an idea of how he plays.
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2
Set up your drums. Rikki Rockett's drums have gone through many incarnations over the years, but one factor that has remained a staple is the height of his drums. Rikki's tom toms are low enough so that he can see the audience clearly. Likewise, his cymbals are also on the side of him so they don't obstruct his view. This allows him to see the audience and project his characteristic attitude.
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3
Learn how to twirl your drumsticks. This is a must for anyone playing Glam rock drums. Rikki Rockett frequently twirls his sticks. Often times, he will twirl his stick in between snare hits.
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4
Get the largest mirror you can and set it up so that you can see yourself while playing the drums. Play to songs that you are familiar with wearing headphones. Project as much attitude while playing that you can. Take advantage of space in the music where the drum parts are minimal and fill up that space with theatrics such as a stick twirl, stick toss or stand up while playing. Rikki does this often while playing, over emphasizing his movements for effect.
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Put this information into action in a band setting. Watch how Rikki relates to the other band members on stage and do the same. Inform your band mates that what you are trying to accomplish and ask for more time to get the songs right while playing with attitude.
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Tips & Warnings
Make your attitude look as natural as possible. This will take some time and practice but will pay off in the long run. Project excitement and fun while you play. If your band is playing original music, consider leaving some space for theatrics when coming up with your drum parts.
