I think that most drummers are probably capable of a lot more than they showcase in the songs. Almost all live bands have a dedicated part of the gig that is meant for drum solos and that's where drummers should save all of their crazy fast and wild talent that while impressive, doesn't really have much of a place in songs as far as mass appeal is concerned.
I cannot read music and never could. I could read tab and I know where all the single notes are on a standard E tuning though. I think that is good enough for a lot of bass.
Yes, I think you are right. I have been to a ton of concerts and they always allow a little solo time for each instrument!
they would have to skip that bullhicky when it came to the bass player in my band. Seriously, I couldn't solo if my life depended on it. When singing as well this was especially true. It is pretty damn tough to keep time just when playing alone but keeping time while singing is really tough. Not many people can do it and this is something that I was and am quite proud of. It wasn't easy though and I would frequently forget the lyrics of the songs because I had too much to focus on. I would make mistakes here and there but did a good job of covering it up.
I can only imagine! I am not good at focusing on more than one thing at a time, so I would probably be horrible. I know the few times I have tried to play the drum kit my hands and feet started doing the same thing instead of different things and I realized I wasn't as skilled as I thought. Give me a single marching drum and I am pretty good though!