Well, ok, finding a band that tours isn't ubber difficult, but finding a band that will make you any money from the tour, that's another issue.
And finding a band that needs a drummer is going to be the biggest hurdle.
99% of the bands that tour are
bands - they have drummers. And most artists who have backup bands will hire the same people if they're available. It's not as simple as just hanging out your shingle and waiting for a call or, as already pointed out, everybody would be doing it.
Obviously having talent as a drummer and most importantly
as a musician is key to getting work of any kind. A few others have echoed my sentiments about who decides when you're suitable for a gig: it's the
other guy who determines that... not you. That applies not just to your playing, but to your age, your 'look', your gender, your gear, and possibly even your race. There are no 'equal opportunity' laws in entertainment, and there's no recourse if the applicant doesn't like the employer's choice. Decisions about who gets the gig are thoroughly subjective, and talent is only one factor on which a potential player is judged.
So, for Ferret to believe he's ready to rock, it's good to have confidence. But for every audition,
someone else is going to decide if that's really true for their situation. As such, any press kit and video/audio material out there needs to be top notch and pro. Nobody gets a gig because they have potential... they get it because they are ready to do the gig
right now. And putting stuff up prematurely can haunt that drummer for a long time. Flash forward 5 years: "Hey, a drummer named Ferret wants to audition, should we see him?" "Nah, I saw a clip of him, he's not ready." Shouldn't they have to give you another chance or seek updated information? Nope.
Ferret, I haven't seen your info, but if it's not professional or doesn't look or sound
great, you're not going to be eligible for pro gigs. And even then, finding a band that needs a drummer is going to be the biggest hurdle. There's a tremendous amount of luck and being in the right place at the right time involved. Just being a great musician with a great look, a lot of passion and a web page, isn't enough.
Sorry, but that's how things work. If you think that's bleak or unfair, try being an actor, comedian, model, writer, or anything in the arts.
What can be done to guarantee success? Well, nothing. But there are some things that will help put aspiring players on a good path:
Network. It's not who you know... it's who knows
you. Get out and get known. Visit local jams, hand out cards to those who say they like your playing, and get to know other drummers. While they may not hire a drummer, they may refer you when
they can't do a gig.
Attitude. In this business, the nice guys finish first. Be the player that people want to hire, and especially, don't turn down work. As Tommy Tedesco said, "don't say no until you can't say yes."
Ability. Know that being a great drummer isn't enough. You have to be a great musician, and that usually means
not playing your fanciest licks.
Be a pro. Even if you're just doing clubs or not making any money at all playing, being a pro means having a professional attitude in whatever you do. It can convey experience, even if you haven't been playing very long, and pros like working with other pros.
Bermuda