Drummer, Lee Kerslake

I think I've mentioned in a previous Post that "Drums" are my main instrument. Yes, I'm also a Synthesist but "Rhythms" and "timing placements" of all kinds are interwoven throughout my energies.

While I was skimming through one of my nightly "news digest" sites, I saw a the following title:

• "Uriah Heep and Ozzy Osbourne Drummer, Lee Kerslake Has Died"

Uriah Heep is one of my favorite Bands. Sylvia also likes them. They were a huge influence on my musical taste and Lee Kerslake's drumming style still has a huge impact on the goals I've set for my own drumming character.

• Was Lee Kerslake the best Drummer in the world? No.
• Was he as good as the Drummers from the other great Bands that Sylvia and I admire (Yes, Rush, "Emerson, Lake & Palmer", Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, etc.)? Not from what I've heard.
• So why did I immediately start crying when I saw that title?… It's because Lee Kerslake has a "drumming style", an "energy", a "rhythmic character" that I have never felt from another Percussionist. Maybe I'm the only one who hears the subtle additions he's added to many, many great Songs. It's almost a "spice". It's a background ingredient which is almost not detected but without it those Songs wouldn't be as great as they are. I can't explain it

Maybe I cried because Lee Kerslake is more of my "Drumming Idol" than I realized and now that he's on the other side of the "Veil', I feel as though I've lost that direct connection I had with his energy… or maybe it's my own laziness that keeps telling myself:

• "Yeah, I'm going to work hard and sound just like him some day."

…and now that he's crossed-over, maybe, inside, I feel like my "goal" of learning his technique can never be achieved.

Lee Kerslake is one-of-a-kind.

• "Rock-on, my friend. I know "I" will miss you."

At least his inspirational drumming style has been captured in the many wonderful recordings that he took the Time to create.

Lee Kerslake, thank you for pointing the way.

(I'm still crying as I write thsi)
Here's the link:
http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread1271989/pg1