[philadrumphonic]

I think it's important to focus on the fact that every drummer has different strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, you can learn something from every drummer you see. No two drummers even play a basic rock pattern the same. Sure Travis' technique is at times painful to watch and he doesn't do any complex linear patterns or syncopation, but he's a hell of a show drummer. Bottom line is, that's what music fans look for.

There's a big difference between musicians and music fans. People who go to show to be entertained aren't going to think to themselves, "wow, did you see those ghost notes?!" They want a show. My drummer friends come up to me after the show and ask me what the pattern was I played on a song, but everyone else comments on the showmanship. That's what they understand. And if you want to make money as a live musician, you have to give the audience what they want.

Do I think Travis is a good technical drummer to look up to? No. But you gotta give the guy props for building an empire just on his persona.