WHAT CHURCH DRUMMERS CAN LEARN FROM CHARLIE WATTS
By Alex MacDougall
I ’ ve always been a fan of Charlie Watts . In 1975 I custom ordered my Gretsch kit because of him ( and Elvin Jones ). Charlie ’ s drumkit was always a simple Gretsch four-piece set . He used smaller crash cymbals for the most part , and rarely left his hi-hat for the ride cymbal . Yet he played with real power using a traditional grip , as opposed to the popular rock and roll matched grip . And he always locked in a groove . I marveled at when , in an age of classic rock drum solos , he refused to take one . In fact , he rarely took a drum fill in a song ! He was the antithesis a big-time rock and roll drummer , preferring jazz , fine tailored suits , and a marriage to the wife of his youth which lasted almost six decades ! And yet for over those same 60 years this humble , unassuming man was the heartbeat of the group that has been described as the world ’ s greatest rock and roll band ; The Rolling Stones .
So why is Charlie Watts , a Rolling Stone , receiving an article in Worship Musician Magazine ? It ’ s because following Charlie ’ s recent passing , I ’ ve watched many video interviews with him , and from those viewings I ’ ve gleaned some words for all of us drummers to live by . It ’ s great advice for church drummers and worship team members . His words , in addition to his long-held example , are simple . When asked how he saw his place in the Stones , he offered , “ It ’ s not my job to be flashy . I ’ m a drummer in a band . It ’ s my job to support the band . It ’ s not about me , is it ?”
As a drummer I can ’ t help but study other drummers , and admittedly , often at the wrong time , especially during Sunday morning worship . I often hear drummers playing nothing more than what amounts to a 4-minute tomtom fill in a modern worship song . There ’ s no backbeat . No place of home being found within the arrangement .
And so , with Charlie ’ s passing and legacy , I ’ ve asked several well-known Christian drummers to weigh in on his example and words . Here ’ s what they have to say :
GREGG BISSONETTE ( Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band ) “ For me , I think Charlie Watts is a great example of how worship drummers should play , putting the lyrics first , because the lyrics are what