What Should Be In Your Drummer's Emergency Kit

[@BillAllyn]

I too take the boy scout approach to gigs. One time I was at a band party 20 miles up the Entiat river. I was just there to party, didn't have anything to do with the bands or sound. Then they needed break music, and no one had an 1/8" stereo to dual 1/4" cable to plug in the player. Someone came up and asked, "I don't suppose you have a...", and seconds later I pulled one out of my butt-pack. They were surprised to say the least.

[@alsdrumhang]

Then you get to be the dependable guy!

[@pablo.barker]

I always carry a notebook in my bag because me and my bandmates tend to forget to print the setlists before the gig 😂

[@alsdrumhang]

That's definitely a good tip! I remember one time writing the setlist on the inside of a pizza box lid - with the Sharpie I carry in my kit!

[@steveparmley]

Great list! I have most of these things, but will be adding some of your suggestions that I don't. Your head lamp trumps my flashlight! Will be adding the Allen key set and a multi tool. Additionally, I have some Advil and Tylenol, extra ear plugs (don't use in-ear monitors), a couple dollars in quarters in case I have to feed a parking meter for load-in (many meters still require coins), a computer power cable that will work with many keyboards/amps, and a bass drum head repair patch (Aquarian makes a nice one). I've been using a fishing tackle box for years, but I want something with a removable top tray. If you're a drummer who does sub work and can provide a mic clip (as you suggested) or a power cord, and provided you play well enough, it can be a deciding factor as to if you get called in the future for that band. Oh yeah, I also have a few guitar picks that have apparently been a "lifesaver." Thanks for the inspiration.

[@alsdrumhang]

You've got some excellent ideas, I may steal a few from you! A little baggie of Advil sounds like an excellent idea for when I have to have a conversation with the singer (j/k). Thanks for watching!

[@steveparmley]

Got one more thing! @@alsdrumhang I came in clutch when I did a gig last night and the bass wouldn't work. I whipped out a 9V battery from my emergency kit and the gig went on. They couldn't believe the drummer was that prepared. Probably going to get another call from those guys!

[@GIGMUSIC-o6z]

Duct tape is a drummers best friend on a gig along with the rest of the band.

[@alsdrumhang]

I prefer gaffers tape, but duct tape happened to be what I had when I shot this.

[@GIGMUSIC-o6z]

@@alsdrumhang Yes even better with gaffers tape. It’s amazing how many usages you get with it on gigs. Great stuff.

[@alsdrumhang]

@@GIGMUSIC-o6z I can't believe how EXPENSIVE it is nowadays tho. Jeez! A guy's gotta eat!

[@kevinvitale8980]

What are drum dots?

[@alsdrumhang]

They're similar to Moongel, except they're clear so not quite as visible. You can check them out at their website: drumdot.com.