The drumstick thing was just an analogy, if you are very 'transparent" in your desire to arrive one European shores to 'make music' - immigration will f**k with you. What they want is
You to have a return ticket
You to have clearly enough cash to support you until your return
You
not to fall off their radar and run off having fun doing music with no plans to return home
They can be nasty and give you a 2 week visa - so that when you leave, 3 months later. you are in big trouble, not allowed to return.
This is an old 'you got us - so we will get you situation'
Brits aren't allowed to live in the US and work without special permission, so the UK gets Americans back by messing them up for being able to work working here..Australian & South Africans and perhaps Canadians have special agreements, but Japanese (who seem to LOVE London) get messed around a lot too...
My Mother got a call from UK immigration once asking if she knew (Name here) she did, it was her god daughters brother from the US who liked to play in Irish music bands that toured the UK.. He used my Mother as a 'reference' when questioned - and told immigration officers that he was staying with her (but neglected to tell my mother of his plan) My mother who has George Washington - I will not tell a lie' morals - said the 'staying with her' part was untrue.
That sucker was bounced back to the US on the next plane (FULL PRICE air fare charged to his parents no doubt` - you pay for the deportation flight, it ain't free!) - his drum stool for the UK tour was occupied by another drummer..
Having a senior person in the UK that DOES know you
and of your 'touristic' plans can help.
The more you look like a 'rebel' musician, the higher your risk of getting stopped and questioned...