Well, if that's true Paulo that would definitely be an **** move.  But nothing I can do about that.

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.

spindlebox
Well, if that's true Paulo that would definitely be an **** move.  But nothing I can do about that.

Definitely not true at all - I would never do anything like that. This is the CH - everything here is BS and buffoonery. I figured you'd been around these parts long enough to realise that. My bad. No offence intended.
 
Anyway, the point I was trying to make in my roundabout way was that discussing your friend's faults on a public page on the www kinda leaves you wide open to them seeing it or someone else they know seeing it and making sure that they see it. Maybe not the best idea, is all I'm saying.
 
I hope that whatever decision you make turns out to be the right one.

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. 

Paulo, sorry back.  I haven't been around here for a while, and I don't know you - so I had NO idea!  Thanks I feel better. Honestly, it wouldn't have been more than an inconvenience for me, but it could have hurt him very bad - something that I'm strongly hoping can be avoided.

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.

No, this change - if it DOES happen, needs to happen in a face to face sit down with the entire band.  Any other way, would be pure cowardice.  After all we have experienced together, we owe each other that.

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!

Thank you Craig!!  Hope you're enjoying the tunes. :)
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. 

Bapu, you and I may be more similar than I may be willing to admit!

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.