Band Member Blues

IMO, It sounds like the decision has already been made.  The really tough part is how to let your original drummer down easy. 
 
[Edit:  Removed band name and link to other thread.]
 
Just about time for me to buy some tunes from you too. 

A couple of things for you to consider before making a move. Is your current drummer "involved" with anyone else in the current band? Would replacing him cause any conflict with other current members? Have you "vetted" the prospective drummer? Does he have any issues common with young drummers, such as transportation, substance abuse, fluid living situation, other income source, etc ?. Will he "gel" with the other band members? What's his history with other bands?
 
I've been in almost the exact situation you are in. I played with a drummer that was decent, but not great. We formed the band at his house and rehearsed there. A nice guy too, with no issues. He called me on a Thurs. to tell me he couldn't make the next nights gig and had no idea what we could do to replace him for the night. He was going to see some family out of state. I called the keyboardist to let him know, and he said he had a drummer he had played with in the past that would do the gig. Seasoned pro and knew our set list of covers.
 
The guys shows up at the gig, and is literally throwing drum cases through the stage door on to the stage. He looks like a business man who's wife picks out his casual clothes. I'm looking at the keyboardist and thinking "oh ****". The guy sets up a basic 4 piece kit of nice Gretsch maple drums. I get introduced and do a quick read through of the set list. He just nods his head and says "I'll watch you for the endings"
 
We started the set, and within 2 songs the bass player and I can't stop smiling. The guy is just killing it. He's light years ahead of the current drummer. At the end of the first set I asked him if he would like the gig. He said yes immediately. He played with us for 4 years until the band broke up due to several members getting re-located by their employers. Still one of the best moves I ever made was hiring that guy.
 
Letting a long time band member go is always tough. What always seemed best to me was just saying "We've decided to make a change and we are going with a different player". Thanks for everything and good luck"
 
Randy

Sorry RSP, I was posting as you were posting. 
 
Thanks so much for that story, this is probably one of the hardest things I've gone through when it's come to this band.  Really, I have had trouble sleeping and everything.
 
 

In a situation like this, you have to do what's best for the "team"......even if it's a difficult thing to do. If the rest of the band is also in agreement with this move, then you have to do what you have to do...... It's not going to be easy in telling him the news, but be honest and compassion towards him when doing it.  
 
Best of luck!!

I want to thank everyone here for their comments, and even though I think I know what I need to do, I still need to put a lot of thought into this.  I am going to observe my current drummer over the next month - at rehearsal, recording and LIVE, and also talk to this other drummer in the meantime, perhaps get together with him and jam.  Who knows?  It may be that this guy could be a nightmare to work with, as talented as he is.  I want to get an assignment together for him - he's up for learning some demos that I've written - to see what his work ethic and writing ability is like. 

So yeah, other than Paulo's statement above - which makes me incredibly uneasy and I hope is a joke - thanks to everyone for your input.  I have worked very hard on this band, and as the leader, have always been the decision maker.  But this is one decision ESPECIALLY that I need everyone on board with.  It is probably one of the most important, and difficult things I have had to face with this band to date.

Two drummers, a la Doobies and Allmans?
A. It might upset the first drummer enough that he quits. That happened in one band I was in, though it wasn't intentional.
2. The new drummer might cause the first drummer to up his game, seeing how talented the new guy is. 

spindlebox
But I have also avoided the use of his or my band name in this conversation, even deleting my band info from my signature that was there.  I'm really just on here for advice, not to "out" anyone.  I realize the risks of using a public forum for this, but my attempt at anonymity I hope works - I just really wanted to get outside opinions, for this very difficult predicament I find myself and my band in.  My current drummer doesn't cruise forums like this, and this thread should not pop up in search engines.

 
To this end, I've edited my original post and removed my link to another thread since that did have your band name in it.  Good luck on the decision Scott!

craigb
 
To this end, I've edited my original post and removed my link to another thread since that did have your band name in it.  Good luck on the decision Scott!

But the spiders have already logged the archives.
 
Think before you post man. Or you'll end up like me. 

Sorry for the late post. 
Because your current drummer has been with you for some time and you do risk the chance of losing both drummers if you let the old one go and new just doesn't work out for some reason, you might want to consider this:
Have a serious talk with your current drummer and let him know that he is risking being replaced unless he comes around and takes his role more seriously.  Tell the potential new drummer that is what you are doing.  
Everything is now out in the open.  Tell the old drummer what is acceptable and not.  Make a date to followup with this issue.  The old drummer will either quit on the spot, agree to be more responsible, or do nothing to change.  You will then have your answer.  
In business, the HR department is obligated to follow these kind of steps with the current employee who is falling short on their job responsibilities.  You always start with communicating the issue, followup, followup, and then decide if it can work in the long haul or not.  At least you give the employee a clear understanding (verbal and written) on the issues.  
Good luck.

Rimshot
Sorry for the late post. 
Because your current drummer has been with you for some time and you do risk the chance of losing both drummers if you let the old one go and new just doesn't work out for some reason, you might want to consider this:
Have a serious talk with your current drummer and let him know that he is risking being replaced unless he comes around and takes his role more seriously.  Tell the potential new drummer that is what you are doing.  
Everything is now out in the open.  Tell the old drummer what is acceptable and not.  Make a date to followup with this issue.  The old drummer will either quit on the spot, agree to be more responsible, or do nothing to change.  You will then have your answer.  
In business, the HR department is obligated to follow these kind of steps with the current employee who is falling short on their job responsibilities.  You always start with communicating the issue, followup, followup, and then decide if it can work in the long haul or not.  At least you give the employee a clear understanding (verbal and written) on the issues.  
Good luck.

Thank you Rimshot.  That would all be good, if the issues were strictly behavioral - but most of my reasons are for ability.  That is just something that, after 30 years of playing - if you haven't acheived it - you never will.

This thread reminds me of why I decided to stop playing in live bands.
 
With no disrespect to Scott, there is just too much potential for drama (for me) in the live "BAND" situation. I've been there and done that. I was never fired but I have been on the firing side. I did quit one band. The guitarist went on to become a respected producer (now in Nashville).
 
I do have to agree with the notion that a public forum is probably not the best place to discuss personal matters like this.

Nope, blank page Scott.