Nick Mason as a drummer

I am a drummer, and I often hear people bash Nick Mason as one. Especailly in the Schaffner book. I for one think that his style is prefect for Pink Floyd. Of course he keeps it simple, but so did Ringo. And anything you hear on the early stuff (especailly Saucerful of Secrets Part III) youll know he can do more than that. And it took me a while to figure out his timing on HAve a Cigar. I invite anybody to repsond especailly musicians, and especially drummers, because I am interested in what others have to say about this.

Hobbstweedle, I am not a drummer...I'd like to ask you a question. I have a biography of Mr. Mason on my site, and a quick commentary mentioning some of the things he brings to the Floyd--but I don't feel like it's enough. Could you please take a look and tell me if you, as a drummer, have anything additional to say? (To view my site, click on the "WWW" button below.)

Yep I am (also) a drummer, and I have to agree with you.

Of course he's no Keith Moon, but the comparison with ringo is particularly adequate: they're both talented and innovative drummers with fair technical limitations but large amounts of creativity.
I mean, Nick's not that fast, maybe he doesn't really do justice to the double bass in his drumkit, but he's got the groove. And a lot of fantasy, too, as you can hear on the intro of "Time".

And another good thing is that if you practice the drums following his style and his patterns, it helps you becoming a lot more fluent in your playing, and the ability you gain emulating him allows you to go further, towards more intricate styles.

But all the best drummers will always tell you that's all about groove, and Nick has it.

"WaterSlut"...sounds like some kind of disgusting-looking undersea creature...!

Always better than Gilmo'ho I believe

At least Gilmo'ho has a certain...flair to it.

Whereas Waterslut sounds like one of these:

http://www.psmfc.org/habitat/edu_lamprey_image.html



_________________
"And with these words I can see
Clear through the clouds that covered me
Just give it time then speak my name
Now we can hear ourselves again..."

Hey, watch it now!

It could've been worse, NNJ!

I could've posted a picture of a leech, or something like that!

That is true.

Indeed: with all bloodsucking and life-draining connotations attached!

(I've actually been in a situation where I felt as though someone was draining the energy out of me--a very...um...shall we say, domineering person. And I am NOT that kind at all.)

Nick is no Neil Peart (but, then again - who is?). But like you all have said, it's his style. It's amazing to me to put on the Pompeii video and watch his busy little body work the drum kit. Not fast of flashy, but adding so much to the music. And then I contrast that with watching him on DS0T or Pulse drumming to Us and Them - just a clean relaxed style that is so unique. I've always liked Drummers with style: Neil Peart because his drumming is so much more than just laying down the rhythm, and Nick becuase his drumming has so much style.

I admit that just about ANY drummer can impress me, because I lack the coordination to play an instrument that not only requires both hands, but both FEET, too!

Yeah he's an ok drummer.

Roger and Dave are the two real genius minds of Pink Floyd though...and while Rick and Nick added a great deal...I would never give them legend status just because they are members of the Floyd. I personally think some folk here give Nick and Rick more credit than they deserve.

Sorry FWr, try as I may I just can't share your adoration of Mr Wright.

But you HAVE given him an open mind, and that's good enough. :smile: