Lance Chalmers, lovingly billed as the tallest member of the band and "the token guy from Ontario", has been Trooper's drummer since October 1995. He graciously agreed to share some insights (and his sense of humor).
How did you come to be a member of the band?
{Lance} "I joined Trooper after John Stolz left the band to concentrate on his original band. I was playing gigs with them (Nature Cage) while Johnny was on tour with Trooper. This is where the connection was made. Joining this band Trooper was never a thought, because I am or was more of a prog rock kinda guy. When the call came I thought, aw what the heck.. maybe I should give it a go."
Can you describe the audition process?
{Lance} "There were I believe, 4 drummers to audition the same day. You had to learn most of the show from a live tape and play along with the band. Me, thinking I would not get in, only learned about two thirds of the tape! So when I did get in, I did not know there was more to the show than I thought!!"
What other bands have you worked with in the past, and do you still work with now?
{Lance} "I have played for a number of bands over 16 years. One of the funnest I ever played for was a band called "Tokyo Rose" in Ottawa. I get tears to my eyes when I listen to the live tapes. We were the best in town..ask anyone in Ontario, they remember us. I play on and off for about 5 bands in town. I just completed an album for some guys, and I have done about 4 complete albums as a drummer in session in the last 2 years. I am so busy."
What is the wisest thing Ra and/or Brian ever told you? What do you think *you* have taught *them* ?
{Lance} "The wisest thing the guys have taught me is to have fun. I think the wisest thing I taught them was some drummers are nice guys!!! ... and you may have to follow me sometimes!"
Is the age difference ever an issue?
{Lance} "They
are like my uncles, they are older..I respect that. I now know I must wear earplugs
from now on..what?"
Playing in bars often means a mix of alchohol and audience, which can have some interesting affects. Are fans ever rude to you because you are not an original band member (i.e. do they ever say so-and-so was better on drums, etc.?) What's the stupidest thing you've been asked by a fan?
{Lance} "Some fans are only rude if they take us too seriously, or just don't get the groove. Have fun or go home. Some fans remember seeing me in '76 with the band. Hmmm... I was only__years old? Stupidest question as of late was 'Are you Howard Stern?'. No... I am the Cree Nation Chief... Howard looks like me!"
LOL.
Okay, so how has any of this changed your opinion of people?
{Lance} "My exposure to audiences never really changed my opinion. I love to play. If they like it... great. If they don't.. oh well, I will play like it is my last day anyway. I don't take this situation for granted, all good things come to an end sometime. I'm going to have fun before it does."
What about relationships.. how others see you?
{Lance} "Relationships are always tough with a musician. I need to play and people have to understand that you are with me..or not. I can't control it. Others see me as I have always been, a musician. My parents get a kick out of this gig. My mom visits me on the road sometimes, and will always have a good time watching this band. Some people don't like doing as much work as I do, but my grandfather told me 'Work as hard as you can. Don't be a slacker, 'cause when you are old you won't be able to, and you can look back and laugh at all the wuss lazy people you knew and know you worked the hardest.' I can't stand complainers and lazy people. Do what you do.. the best you can. 'Cause life is short! (and my hair may never be!)"
Under your Hot Shots Site photo, it mentions your coin collection. What can you tell me about it? What other things do you spend your time and money on outside of the band?
{Lance} "I have not really kept up on my collection. When my dear grandfather passed on, he left me some really cool stuff, coins from 1812 and paper money from 1919.. really cool. My hobbies are writing music as I play guitar also, and jogging to stay young. I used to paint, maybe some time soon again, and I spend money on import CD's you can't get domestically. It's a bad habit, but my collection rocks!!"
What's the best thing that's happened to you since you started with Trooper?
{Lance} "Best thing that happened was playing the Grey Cup. I felt like I was in the Beatles for 5 minutes. Or the last summer tour.. that was the best."
Most bizarre thing?
{Lance} "Ra and I saw a ghost.. no one else."
Hardest thing to adjust to?
{Lance} "Playing like a west coast drummer. I think drummers out here lack individuality. They are all trying to play the same way, to get the best gigs. Out east was a better platform for developing your own style."
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