MusicRadar

4. DON'T assume it's all about you

"This kind of goes hand-in-hand with my previous rule," says White, "but I really can't overemphasize the point that a drummer is an accompaniest. He's part of a team. Each member of the team has a specific task, and if you're out there going crazy and flailing about, my God, it's going to be a disaster.

"If you're playing a drum clinic or doing a solo, sure, then the spotlight is on you as a drummer. But those are probably the only occasions where you should go off and be a wild man. Even then, you still should have the good sense to play something musical and of value. Anybody can be a show-off; not everybody can be a musician.

"Bottom line: It isn't all about you. It's about the band, the music, the song. Remember that and you'll be fine."