The drummer on screen...

As I was watching one of my favourite U2 concert DVD’s the other day and procrastinating about my FTVMS 323 essay, I began to think about the public, visual representation of the drummer of a band. While he plays an important role and contributes to the overall sound of the music just as much as any other member of a band does, he is so often ostracised, appearing in the background as a figure who does not possess the freedom of movement of the other band members. This representation may come in many forms according to the popularity of the group including a physical appearance on stage during a show, within a music video, a concert DVD, or a still life picture within a book, article or album sleeve. While there is not time or room to talk through each of these, a generalized comment would be that the drummer is most often positioned in the background, not taking up too much of the viewer’s attention. Why is this the case? Is the drummer seen as a ‘b-rated’ member of a band? During a concert he or she is most often positioned centrally, yet towards the back of the stage. Other band members are free to roam to the farthest corners of the stage, to crowd surf and experience these aspects of freedom while the drummer is tied down by the nature of his instrument. Does this contribute to his representation at other times and in other ways? In the case of U2, at a point during their Vertigo and Live at Slane Castle concert DVD’s, a drum is positioned at the farthest point of the 'catwalk' enabling Larry Mullen Jr. to leave his static position on the stage and explore this freedom a little himself. Yet, during their recent shows here in Auckland (Saturday night) I noticed that when Bono and The Edge were out on the catwalk, Larry Mullen Jr. and at times Adam Clayton (Bass) were almost forgotten by a large fraction of the crowd. U2 concert DVD's feature many lingering shots of The Edge's guitar solos yet noticably less camera interest is given to Larry Mullen Jr., the founder of the band. Why is this the case? Is it due to tradition, hegemonic relations, respect, or does it reflect the popular interest in the individual doing the talking , the face of the band? In closing, I can think of one counter example from Martin Scorsese's film The Last Waltz (1978). In one scene the drummer of The Band; Levon Helm also leads the vocals and holds the majority of the cameras attention, therebye supporting the idea that it is there is an on screen heirarchy of sorts, often sidestepping the drummer in favor of the voices(s) of the band.