As I ponder deeply the machinations of the UK drum world in the Ruminating Room of the west wing of DM Towers, I find myself with furrowed brow and a case of excessively rubbed chin as I observe and digest the opinions and pronouncements of the world’s drummers via t’internet.

Writing for one of (if not the) most popular drum websites available is something of a double edged sword. Whilst the banter and subject matter posted by the great, the good, the bad, the famous, the not-so-famous and the soon-to-be-famous provides much entertainment and thought, the monthly task of writing a theologically astounding column when the Almighty Lord McGerry of Donnellshire decrees, can be something of a brain strangler.

On a few occasions, I have waxed lyrical about some important subject only to find a day or two before submission, some clever little munchkin has started the very same subject on the forum which has subsequently been discussed to a micron of its life. This month is no different.

As usual, the highly charged and emotive subject of endorsements has come to fore once more and I have read with interest, the commentary and views. However, the latest round of posts revealed a new facet to this controversial subject – namely that of unendorsed endorsers.

I’m talking of the loyal subjects who have proudly planted their flag with a particular manufacturer, long before they are likely to actually be the willing recipient of free or substantially cut price equipment. As I have commented before, the process of endorsement is a well trodden route and the motivation to companies to involve themselves is self explanatory. The mutation to the concept of association with influential and well known players is that of the lesser known adopting the practises of an endorsement but without the approval or support of the company in question.

Like many others, when I was an impressionable drummer (actually; that should read more impressionable), I looked up to my heroes and sought to emulate them in playing style and ability where ever possible, and to a degree, their overall presentation. This would naturally involve drooling/lusting after the same kit(s), cymbals, name on bass drums, or not depending on who was le batteur du jour. Over the years, as the endorsement game becomes ever more aggressive, I suspect the impressionable drummer of 2005 sees not only the development of skills and adaptability as a vital element of attaining professional credibility, but also the proliferation of brand name stickers on the bass drum reso head.

It’s true that the endorsement process has stepped from the shadows in recent years and the companies and drummers are lot more upfront about the wheeling and dealing that is part and parcel of business. So it doesn’t surprise me that many drummers observe these goings on and in order to convey the impression of being a serious player, some are more than happy to shout from the rooftops the qualities of a particular brand – without the benefit of any sort of consideration from the company.

This is where any arguments against endorsements fall. “Chunk Squat-Thrust is now playing GRIPPIT STICKS” and before long, Chunk’s devotees and disciples are grabbing their Grippit’s and providing Mr Squat-Thrust has aligned himself with a company making something approximating good sticks - # of Squat-Thrust devotees = # of unpaid endorsees. I’m not suggesting that all Chunk’s fans are completely without a discerning opinion of their own, but I’m convinced the character(s) described exist, one only has read the obsessively dismissive comments made on various drum related posting places about any brand other than the approved name.

I am not without opinion myself as many of you are aware, I like to think there has been some discriminating thought process behind my views, for which I have been taken to task on more than one occasion and I do try not to giggle too much at the rabid loyalty demonstrated by some of the enlightened. After all, they are merely ‘copying’ the influential as it’s a pretty good starting point to try and achieve the same level of success as those who’ve ‘made it’.

As I approach a situation, not for the first time where the impending number of live dates sends me scurrying for the calculator to see just how many heads and sticks I’m likely to get through in the next 6 months, I find myself examining the very real economic need to investigate what ‘deals’ may be secured. As I’ve said before, I much prefer to be able to play what I want, with what I want, but as we all know, it’s an expensive business. And business is what it is.

Such as it is, I fear that the process may mean any chance I have will involve not necessarily getting the deals I would prefer, which could cause some raised eyebrows and finger pointing! I wonder if the unendorsed endorsees have considered that this may be a scenario they may face in the future. Like I didn’t!

You may want a Ferrari, but you have to start with a Fiesta, you may want to be a lion tamer, but have to start stacking shelves in the supermarket. Being endorsed is fraught with pit falls, for both parties (and those that are influenced!) and I suspect it gets a little more attention as an ambition than perhaps it ought to. We have seen some dissent and resentment in recent weeks when a young forum member secured an endorsement, no doubt there will be more comments when the deal ends or changes, but having said that, everyone knows about the product now and many have probably been seeking it out!

Curse you Endorsoman! You’re just too clever for us!!

Mike Ellis
DM Drums