Would you consider the drummer the backbone of the band? Obviously, these statements could be applied to all instruments, but it is arguably more of a truism (in general) when applied to drummers. I have to give the drummer in a band credit for their, forever being a part of the groove… I mean, none stop involvement gives them an important position in the group’s partnership…
Ron

(By Erik Stams… Rhythm Magz. via Music Radar)
By providing secure time, dynamic intensity and the right feel a drummer can make a song come to life. Why else would producers continue to use live drummers when everything else is programmed?…

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https://www.musicradar.com/news/drums/why-drummers-really-are-the-backbone-of-the-band-580362