12:50 - vocalist shouting out the band, this needs to happen more often in some places. Excellent video, thanks for sharing all your experience with us, dude
Such great videos, David. Love all of the footage, including the getting on the ship, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and the performances. Really gives a sense of the whole experience! AND great fricking PLAYING, man. Very precise but also great feel super funky grooves. Great stuff. Thanks so much for posting and for everything you're doing.
This was a great video, thank you. Nice that you included the music reading prep, the walk down, opening of doors, the practice, the safety-training mention, even the sleepy intro. Thank you for this video, rather than being mundane it all gives a nice well rounded feel to the life. & as others have said great drumming.
Congrats on another paid gig. Some hints from a friend of mine who was a cruiseship keyboardist 2013-2016: 1. No bedsheets?--ALWAYS carry a thick hoodie sweatshirt and thick sweatpants. You can sleep in these in a pinch. Beats being cold in your bunk, for sure! 2. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! My friend came off 4 straight years at sea and bought a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom / 2-car garage HOUSE FOR CASH paid in full!! You can too, since you don't have to pay rent or pay for food while at sea. Make the most of it now while you're young and hungry!! Best of luck to you David.
This lifestyle amazes me. I’m a high school band director and I’m always telling my students who pursue music in college to look for auditions for gigs like this.
Did what you're doing Waaaaay back in the early 70s. It's changed a lot. Worked for P&O Ship lines out of UK. Worked on their ships Oronsay & Arcadia. Both of which have gone to scrap by now. Then worked on the Spirit of London the P&O bought Princess cruises and the name of the ship was changed to the Sun Princess. Originally designed as an Italian car ferry, it was a flat bottomed boat that didn't handle well going North against the current going to Alaska. You're a good drummer David. Keep it up. Save money, save money, save money. Think about retirement. Yeah, I know, boring. But the glamoris life ends and you want to be prepared for that. Take care of yourself. Be healthy, stay happy.
Man.. me and my wife went on a honeymoon cruise, 2016 on carnival, and I remember the drummer being so good. Having been a drummer my whole life, I’ve wondered what it would be like having a gig on a cruise. I think it would be so incredible. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you man. you’re a good guy, and a darn good drummer
How does the gear situation work? Do you bring your own cymbals, pedals? How do you get required things like replacement heads? Great vids! Keep it up!
Your channel was casually recommended to me by TH-cam and I love it! Your contents, your personal character! Looking forward to seeing more good stuffs.
I just have to say that you are so positive with just everything, the world needs more positivity like you give, you are doing awesome keep it up! Love it!
I know kinda what this must be like showing up to a church and playing with a whole band you have never met and having to play a servicr an hour later lol. But that's only lile 4 or 5 songs
dude...your playing so GOOD and so professional. You will be playing on broadway no doubt. This vlog is going to end up being a story of your career from cruise ships to the tony's.
12:52 Never tell that to the audience if you sounds good. They don't hear difference between song after one or ten rehearsals. They don't care, just want to fun
It actually gives mad props to the band. It shows the audience how truly professional the musicians are. If you're on a cruise for a few weeks or months you really get to know the guests well and they like hearing information about the band/orchestra. I've had an insane amount of guests add me on FB and am still in contact with some of them. Being a ship musician is different than just gigging at the pub or covering a touring artist at your local theatre.
Great video as always, David! I found your channel just a couple months ago and was enamored with you vlogs while doing these gigs! Best of luck on the ship!
Terrific vid - turns out to be super entertaining watching a professional drummer on a cruise ship! The gopro footage is great, also good job editing it all together; it flows well
I think your expierences can vary quite a bit on a ship. I remember signing on for a 6 month stint back in the day playing with the main house band and having to play about 5 hours a day playing a super wide variety of music. All the charts from the previous band were in another language, I think German and the charts were all in long hand so maybe 5 to 8 pages each. Lots of bop, Latin, ballads along with playing the shows for the topless ladies, That was my favorite part...and also the entertainment changed weekly so we did have regular rehearsal and in on my down time I got together with the fun band that played all reggae, so yes we smoked weed and stole each others licks.... Pay sucked but it's a great way to get your chops and reading together. Saw the Berklee vid you did a while back. Worth it or not...... My two cents. The endeavor your trying to attain in most cases in our field does not really need schooling in that form but it does take preparedness and a definite chief aim to create success along with a little luck. Boston was a blessing as far as teachers were concerned and I took full advantage ... peace. Keep up the good work and most of all have fun....
Awesome playing! I am so used to not killing the cymbals that it just makes me cringe when I see you beating them like you do. I know that it is what the music calls for but I played in church so much and always had to keep a leash on my levels. Again, awesome drumming.
I know what you mean,I have played in a 4000 seat auditorium for my Church services with a 7 piece Tama concert kit which was awesome,then years later for an 800 Seater Church,it's hard to drop your playing volume to a decent level for the smaller Church and keep it there,I ended up putting a tea towel on the snare just to keep it down.I love Davids playing,so good.
Great playing man! But is that what they give the band?? That's horrible, you deserve a suite each! I don't even see a window. And sharing a bunk, that's just so cheaply done by the company. Unreal.
Most Cruise lines are cheap when it comes to the employees. I wonder if the pay is worth it, is there some kind of scale for playing cruise ships or is it the same as session work?
It provides for a steady income, see something of the world and for a lot of musicians this is where they start. By which I don't mean they all start on a cruise ship of course.
It honestly seems like a pretty sweet deal. Travel to a bunch of places, and spend a bunch of your day playing music. Sometimes the music is garbage, but if you're willing to put up with living in a closet, it doesn't seem like a bad way to make your living.
@@tissuepaper9962 Yeah I'd totally be down for it. I'm currently 12, into jazz, and I love drums and guitar. I don't mind living in a crap home as long as I get a kick out of what I do for a living.
John Carcamo ya! We truck drivers don't even have the amenities of a prison cell. I've pulled about 3.5 million miles. Maybe it's time to set my sights higher. Life is about choices.
A lot of times, especially with big rooms, what you hear behind the kit is completely different than what the audience hears. So Tom has the kit tuned for the room.
@@CymbALcase Still an overstep and horrible first impression in my opinion. Not appropriate for FOH to dictate to musicians what to do with their instrument regardless of room conditions or any other variables. Suggestions, yes, always. But no insisting.
Hey,David...I think you are awesome and play really good,man...I've always wished to play in a ship but never knew how to get hooked...Keep playing and enjoying the travels bro.From one drummer to another,Peace out¡
Man, I'm not sure what it is, but you have the cool factor. I love your vids. I love following you. And I'm am old guy fan! Maybe I'm living vicariously through you! 😲
Dave great playing. Those shipboard cabins are good training ground for touring here in Japan where business hotel rooms are not much larger but you do get to bunk alone :-) Did you happen to study with Kenwood at Berklee I wonder?
Yo David I know this is an older video and your at home and stuff now but if you plan on boarding another ship some time in the future you should definitely bring like a ps4 with fallout 4 or skyrim 😂😂. Plug that into the TV and you'll never be bored. ❤️ Love the vids man!
Dude I’ve been watching some of your videos. I don’t know how you do all the stuff that you do man I give you props I don’t think I could do that Anyways I enjoy watching your videos 😎
Hi David, I'm a big fan of you work and drumming.. I've been interested in apply for being a drummer, and I would like to know if you're able to share those sheets and audios just to study and practice. Again, huge fan! Hugs :)
Great video! I do have a question though, when rehearsing, how long do you get to practice your drum parts before playing? Or do you just play while looking at it? Thanks,- Nathan
Great question and a cocky answer, even if it’s true. I’m schooled up the wazoo and have been a working musician since my early 20’s (almost 30 years) and I never pull the “pro” card on another musician, whether young newbie, or unschooled rock n roller. That just makes one look like a dick.
what year did you graduate from berkly?>my son is a drummer,he also draduated from there.A friend of mine teaches drum set there,I am also a drummer............enjoting watching some of your videos.....thank you
Much easier to make notes on the fly on paper. And absolutely no worries about the damn thing rebooting or decides to do some silly update in the middle of a bebop tune:)
Couple of questions here. Do you use your own equipment when you are on the ship? How long are you on the ship and is it a continual thing? How in the world did you get a gig like this?
Great job, Question, have you every lost a few sheets of music or the whole set and had to fake it through a bunch of songs, and if so, Did they notice?
No. You need those charts, you can't "fake" anything. The guest ent might even stop the show if you fake it too much. Usually there are two stage techs on either side of the stage, they can help you.
Hi David, sorry but i've see this only now! You do a very fantastic job! Can i ask you something: Did you play the exact same fill that was write on sheet music or just improvise !? thank you, keep it goin'! :D
Hi David, just wondering what ship that is? I'm gonna be the orchestra guitarist for the Celebrity Solstice in October, it's gonna be my first ship gig so these videos have been great for me.
Ricky Westrip I think you’ll be with my friend Jeff, a bass player. I’m on the Silhouette and it is basically the same as Solstice. Say hi to Brett and Broc for me in Miami 😏.
12:50 - vocalist shouting out the band, this needs to happen more often in some places. Excellent video, thanks for sharing all your experience with us, dude
You´re a freakin beast, man...awesome playing. Take care
Such great videos, David. Love all of the footage, including the getting on the ship, behind-the-scenes rehearsals, and the performances. Really gives a sense of the whole experience! AND great fricking PLAYING, man. Very precise but also great feel super funky grooves. Great stuff. Thanks so much for posting and for everything you're doing.
Benjamin Bidlack This means everything Benjamin! I’m doing my best 😅. Lots to learn, but I greatly appreciate the kind words friend!
This was a great video, thank you. Nice that you included the music reading prep, the walk down, opening of doors, the practice, the safety-training mention, even the sleepy intro. Thank you for this video, rather than being mundane it all gives a nice well rounded feel to the life. & as others have said great drumming.
Congrats on another paid gig. Some hints from a friend of mine who was a cruiseship keyboardist 2013-2016:
1. No bedsheets?--ALWAYS carry a thick hoodie sweatshirt and thick sweatpants. You can sleep in these in a pinch. Beats being cold in your bunk, for sure!
2. SAVE YOUR MONEY!!!! My friend came off 4 straight years at sea and bought a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom / 2-car garage HOUSE FOR CASH paid in full!! You can too, since you don't have to pay rent or pay for food while at sea. Make the most of it now while you're young and hungry!! Best of luck to you David.
SAROJA Band where did he buy a house??? How much do they get paid?
4 years straight? Damn
Quality, quality drummer.
This lifestyle amazes me. I’m a high school band director and I’m always telling my students who pursue music in college to look for auditions for gigs like this.
Cool real world info. Please keep posting. You're an excellent drummer.
Did what you're doing Waaaaay back in the early 70s. It's changed a lot. Worked for P&O Ship lines out of UK. Worked on their ships Oronsay & Arcadia. Both of which have gone to scrap by now. Then worked on the Spirit of London the P&O bought Princess cruises and the name of the ship was changed to the Sun Princess. Originally designed as an Italian car ferry, it was a flat bottomed boat that didn't handle well going North against the current going to Alaska. You're a good drummer David. Keep it up. Save money, save money, save money. Think about retirement. Yeah, I know, boring. But the glamoris life ends and you want to be prepared for that. Take care of yourself. Be healthy, stay happy.
“You absolutely nailed it, literally”
You’re living the dream, man.
Respect.
Man.. me and my wife went on a honeymoon cruise, 2016 on carnival, and I remember the drummer being so good. Having been a drummer my whole life, I’ve wondered what it would be like having a gig on a cruise. I think it would be so incredible. I don’t know you, but I’m proud of you man. you’re a good guy, and a darn good drummer
How does the gear situation work? Do you bring your own cymbals, pedals? How do you get required things like replacement heads? Great vids! Keep it up!
Your channel was casually recommended to me by TH-cam and I love it! Your contents, your personal character! Looking forward to seeing more good stuffs.
That snare sounds heavenly bro 🔥✊🏾
Larry Martin thought the same!
I just have to say that you are so positive with just everything, the world needs more positivity like you give, you are doing awesome keep it up! Love it!
Very interesting. In all my long career I've never done a cruise ship gig. You're a solid drummer.
I know kinda what this must be like showing up to a church and playing with a whole band you have never met and having to play a servicr an hour later lol. But that's only lile 4 or 5 songs
Solid as in a banger....no finesse!
dude...your playing so GOOD and so professional. You will be playing on broadway no doubt. This vlog is going to end up being a story of your career from cruise ships to the tony's.
man I don't even know why I can't stop watching these videos. I dont even play drums! Keep up the content man. appreciate ya
Love the behind the scenes type of video! Nice playing!
12:52 Never tell that to the audience if you sounds good. They don't hear difference between song after one or ten rehearsals. They don't care, just want to fun
Sometimes I just want to fun too
It sounds like the singers had really bad experiences in the past.
I would certainly appreciate a shout out like that even if the audience dont care.
It actually gives mad props to the band. It shows the audience how truly professional the musicians are. If you're on a cruise for a few weeks or months you really get to know the guests well and they like hearing information about the band/orchestra. I've had an insane amount of guests add me on FB and am still in contact with some of them. Being a ship musician is different than just gigging at the pub or covering a touring artist at your local theatre.
Great video as always, David! I found your channel just a couple months ago and was enamored with you vlogs while doing these gigs! Best of luck on the ship!
Terrific vid - turns out to be super entertaining watching a professional drummer on a cruise ship! The gopro footage is great, also good job editing it all together; it flows well
This is a true professional. Just another day at the office.
I think your expierences can vary quite a bit on a ship. I remember signing on for a 6 month stint back in the day playing with the main house band and having to play about 5 hours a day playing a super wide variety of music. All the charts from the previous band were in another language, I think German and the charts were all in long hand so maybe 5 to 8 pages each. Lots of bop, Latin, ballads along with playing the shows for the topless ladies, That was my favorite part...and also the entertainment changed weekly so we did have regular rehearsal and in on my down time I got together with the fun band that played all reggae, so yes we smoked weed and stole each others licks.... Pay sucked but it's a great way to get your chops and reading together. Saw the Berklee vid you did a while back. Worth it or not...... My two cents. The endeavor your trying to attain in most cases in our field does not really need schooling in that form but it does take preparedness and a definite chief aim to create success along with a little luck. Boston was a blessing as far as teachers were concerned and I took full advantage ... peace. Keep up the good work and most of all have fun....
Solid player..not a bad gig at all..safe travels
Why did my recommendations bring me here?!? But I will say I am enjoying what I’m seeing
Thanks so much for sharing your unique insight of what you do.
I’ll just live vicariously through you. 🤘🏻
Awesome playing! I am so used to not killing the cymbals that it just makes me cringe when I see you beating them like you do. I know that it is what the music calls for but I played in church so much and always had to keep a leash on my levels. Again, awesome drumming.
I know what you mean,I have played in a 4000 seat auditorium for my Church services with a 7 piece Tama concert kit which was awesome,then years later for an 800 Seater Church,it's hard to drop your playing volume to a decent level for the smaller Church and keep it there,I ended up putting a tea towel on the snare just to keep it down.I love Davids playing,so good.
U r such an amaaaaazing drummer, keep on drumming!!!!
Your snare work is so on point
Having a job with your fashion is ♥️.
Great playing man! But is that what they give the band?? That's horrible, you deserve a suite each! I don't even see a window. And sharing a bunk, that's just so cheaply done by the company. Unreal.
Just one of the crew.
Most Cruise lines are cheap when it comes to the employees. I wonder if the pay is worth it, is there some kind of scale for playing cruise ships or is it the same as session work?
It provides for a steady income, see something of the world and for a lot of musicians this is where they start. By which I don't mean they all start on a cruise ship of course.
@@narvul Well, these performers are educated and experienced professionals. They certainly did not start here.
@Brian Sørensen well probably one of their first steady gigs. I mean in "paying the bills" gigs.
Very interesting I must say. Frequencymonster approved!! dig your channel
i've really enjoyed watching a few of your videos. keep it up man you are awesome at the drums.
Big Mike is a RCL legend!
I imagine 100's of kids going "I wanna be him when I grow up!"
It honestly seems like a pretty sweet deal. Travel to a bunch of places, and spend a bunch of your day playing music.
Sometimes the music is garbage, but if you're willing to put up with living in a closet, it doesn't seem like a bad way to make your living.
@@tissuepaper9962 Yeah I'd totally be down for it. I'm currently 12, into jazz, and I love drums and guitar. I don't mind living in a crap home as long as I get a kick out of what I do for a living.
Im one of those 😊
Perfect gig when your young.. Under 50.. Lol 😂
That me
Good stuff, David. Thanks for posting this.
I recognized the end of the song 'Spirit Of The Radio' 10:37 to 10:53. Neil Peart would have been proud.
The song doesnt end with the main riff but i can see where your coming from
That outro killed me man. hahahaha
"Would you like to hear it?"
*"NO!"*
Great drumming! Professional!
more space than a truck driver.
John Carcamo ya! We truck drivers don't even have the amenities of a prison cell. I've pulled about 3.5 million miles. Maybe it's time to set my sights higher. Life is about choices.
Great video .. really enjoy your playing too
Love your videos and plz keep making them your a beast my brother I play the drums to
Great playing!
Total enjoyment- Great vid.
“Home sweet home” hahhaha love it😂😂😂
Great chops David!
Sounds great! Would you be able to get what is being sent to your in-ears in the video so we can hear?
As always, great playing man!! Do you do lessons? It would be super cool. Thanks
I have to know what the deal was with Tom and the drum tuning. hahaha Crazy!
A lot of times, especially with big rooms, what you hear behind the kit is completely different than what the audience hears. So Tom has the kit tuned for the room.
@@CymbALcase Still an overstep and horrible first impression in my opinion. Not appropriate for FOH to dictate to musicians what to do with their instrument regardless of room conditions or any other variables. Suggestions, yes, always. But no insisting.
Great video ! Any tips on how to improve my timing ?
Hey,David...I think you are awesome and play really good,man...I've always wished to play in a ship but never knew how to get hooked...Keep playing and enjoying the travels bro.From one drummer to another,Peace out¡
You get the sheet music hours before the first practice session and are supposed to nail it...What a pressure cooker.
Man, I'm not sure what it is, but you have the cool factor. I love your vids. I love following you. And I'm am old guy fan! Maybe I'm living vicariously through you! 😲
Good old Raegar. Love that show!
Dave great playing. Those shipboard cabins are good training ground for touring here in Japan where business hotel rooms are not much larger but you do get to bunk alone :-) Did you happen to study with Kenwood at Berklee I wonder?
The Billie Jean cover reminds me of the version Chris Cornell played at MSN with full band.
Yo David I know this is an older video and your at home and stuff now but if you plan on boarding another ship some time in the future you should definitely bring like a ps4 with fallout 4 or skyrim 😂😂. Plug that into the TV and you'll never be bored. ❤️ Love the vids man!
Dude I’ve been watching some of your videos. I don’t know how you do all the stuff that you do man I give you props I don’t think I could do that
Anyways I enjoy watching your videos 😎
Love you fellow drummer!
You seem like a true professional. Bravo!
Great playing
Turnaround day!
Hi David, I'm a big fan of you work and drumming.. I've been interested in apply for being a drummer, and I would like to know if you're able to share those sheets and audios just to study and practice.
Again, huge fan! Hugs :)
Great video! I do have a question though, when rehearsing, how long do you get to practice your drum parts before playing? Or do you just play while looking at it? Thanks,- Nathan
For thr most part he's sight reading on the fly. Thats what separates a 'drummer' from a 'professional musician'!!
Great question and a great answer.
Great question and a cocky answer, even if it’s true. I’m schooled up the wazoo and have been a working musician since my early 20’s (almost 30 years) and I never pull the “pro” card on another musician, whether young newbie, or unschooled rock n roller. That just makes one look like a dick.
what year did you graduate from berkly?>my son is a drummer,he also draduated from there.A friend of mine teaches drum set there,I am also a drummer............enjoting watching some of your videos.....thank you
Very nice video, thanks.
music stands with music on paper? Are you on the Titanic? Great videos!
Should be an iPad yeah.
There's absolutely nothing wrong with paper.
Nothing wrong with an iPad either.
Much easier to make notes on the fly on paper. And absolutely no worries about the damn thing rebooting or decides to do some silly update in the middle of a bebop tune:)
If an iPad is too difficult to manage, stay away from it Jesper.
You need to get a 4B pencil :) And again, I'd be delighted to see one day your music stand right over the H.-H. ... :)
Your so good man! Love the videos.
hey, Love love your videos. Can i ask what IEM's do you use for the shows ?
Great job man....
I played this show last year on the Summit.
Great video..Aloha David..Blessings🤙
3:30 lmao I got a charmin ultra strong toilet paper commercial at this part.
use a hdmi cable for your laptop and tv. Awesome footage. Great drums skills.
Couple of questions here. Do you use your own equipment when you are on the ship? How long are you on the ship and is it a continual thing? How in the world did you get a gig like this?
Pretty shitty conditions for band and crew but that would still be better than digging ditches, This is very entertaining man, Thank you.
Thats not much of a room - very cramped. Not so much a room as a cell !
Your a heck of a drummer btw
I've been on many cruises and thats about half of a regular room for 4. so its not terrible.
Great job, Question, have you every lost a few sheets of music or the whole set and had to fake it through a bunch of songs, and if so, Did they notice?
No. You need those charts, you can't "fake" anything. The guest ent might even stop the show if you fake it too much. Usually there are two stage techs on either side of the stage, they can help you.
for all musicians head to 7:50
Oh, and your favorite song to drum of all time is ???
A good drummer makes the band
And I sing and play guitar ..
wish I could do more on drums than just keep a beat
Celebrity Silhouette? I'll be on that ship from Saturday next week :)
You sound great man!
When drummer misses a stick, the most important thing, is to check that everybody safe)
awesome playing !!...do you have to follow a click track 100% of the time??
Jesus - I'd not fit in there! Awesome adventure though!
you are a great Drummer man!
Aye Sound guy.... As the drummer Ill be worrying bout the tuning of the drums mmmmkkaaayyy!!!
Is that Sue Denning doing the original introduction and ending?
I am on celebrity silhouette next September 2019 as a guest was that coral introducing the band?
Hi David, sorry but i've see this only now! You do a very fantastic job! Can i ask you something: Did you play the exact same fill that was write on sheet music or just improvise !? thank you, keep it goin'! :D
your room is like a 2x2 house in the sims lol
spotted the yerba mate gourd
nice
Great job.....!!
sound is great man! which camera type you recording with? ı need that type of camera
Excelent ,excelent excelent !!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👍 Thiago from Brazil !!!
Hi David, just wondering what ship that is? I'm gonna be the orchestra guitarist for the Celebrity Solstice in October, it's gonna be my first ship gig so these videos have been great for me.
Ricky Westrip I think you’ll be with my friend Jeff, a bass player. I’m on the Silhouette and it is basically the same as Solstice. Say hi to Brett and Broc for me in Miami 😏.