Get into jazz and downsize your kit - lightweight hardware all round. Sit in where you can and play stuff you've never played before. Makes you think and certainly brings out your weaknesses! Either that or start your own band, playing stuff YOU want to play. I don't know, I can only say what works for me. I've gone as vintage lightweight as I can with the four kits I use (usually a particular kit with a particular band), and this has really worked for me - each kit is different and you have to vary your technique accordingly. That sure makes you think and also makes it interesting! Just a thought. I'm just back from a rehearsal and a little vague and tired, so maybe I'm just talking bollocks. :2Cents:

Not sure if this comment is correct, but...

I too get tired of all the pre pkging set up & tear dwn at a pub..

Pub gigs are usually 10/1:45am...hm by 2:30am...then up by 8am on a Sat morning..lol

I've now done too things to change this...

#1 Fri Pub gigs are now 9pm starts or get someone else.

(I wrk full time, so the extra hr saves me)..mid week I.e. Wed/Thurs nights are 8pm..!

#2 Almost all my Pub gigs are now my E kit..(Roland TD11 all mesh heads)

Takes 2mins to prepkg...& 5mins to set up...(weighs 20lbs).. No sound checks..lol

We do a lot more festivals now..because of the Backline..(drums already there)

So just bring my kick,snare & go to cyms..

Also, festivals are more pay & usually only 75mins of playing..($250/75mins)..!

So there more time to spend at the Beer tent chatting with other musicians ..

I've been playing jazz a lot and blues , I'd would not mind breaking out one of my best kit s for a special gig

You do get tired of just looking at them I have my 64 set up for practice but still nothing like bright lites and city nights lol

I am 67 years old. I have always been just a simple back beat bar band drummer. I haul my vintage kits out to 70-80 gigs a year. I get tired but I love every minute of it. I will never quit. When my wife, kids and grandkids ask me when I am going to quit I tell them "When you pry my sticks from my cold dead hands".