Most of us have never had a drumming role that required us to have a drum tech. But, for major performers these drum techs essentially keep the musical performance life of the drummer intact. Case in point is the drum tech for Charlie Watts, Mike Cormier. Mike is a wonderfully cordial man, and it is evident that he is entirely devoted to Charlie and to ensuring that everything is perfect for him, every time. Mike has worked with the Stones for over 13 years, and it is easy to understand why. Mike's dedication is genuine. To Mike, this is not just a job. It is evident that he cares deeply about providing superb support to Charlie. Personally, I have always felt that for a person to be truly successful in this key role they would have to have a solid understanding of the person they are working for. And, it spans beyond most traditional employer-employee relationships because the performance is a truly personal experience, and the performer's instruments are absolutely critical. The drum tech needs to do everything in his power to ensure that each element of the performance will be as clean as possible. The drum tech's job is enormous, and if you have never glimpsed behind the scenes you might never know all of what is entailed. This is not just a casual working relationship. It is a true partnership. The tech needs to fully understand the person he is supporting, and he needs to be dedicated to making things as easy and comfortable as possible for that person. Example: we witnessed the Stones in performance here in Chicago when temperatures were 40 degrees. Part of Mike's role is to help Charlie in any way possible, including providing him with hand warmers, gloves, etc. so that the performance can continue. You'd have never guessed that the performers couldn't feel their hands in the cold. Part of this success is the performer's dedication to giving 150% to each performance, but, the tech's role is a critically essential element of every successful performance, and the performers themselves fully realize this. The techs are entrusted with the performers instruments, (which can reach monumental values); and, the techs have the full trust of the performers in that they know that their techs will do everything humanly possible to make the performer's job as easy as possible. I tip my hat to each person who provides this role for performers today. The show must got on, but believe me, it goes on much more smoothly thanks to the tireless efforts of the techs who support the artists. Mike Cormier is an superb example of the ideal drum tech.