My brother was a drummer so I'd always rob his kit. One day I got asked to find a drummer for my mate's band but couldn't be bothered so I suggested myself (having never really played in a band properly). Very quickly I was practising regularly in my room to get good enough to go where the band wanted to.
That band ended up being the most successful band I have been in, with decent promo vids on TV and good tours. I joined for a laugh, but took it seriously when I was in there. I'm an ego-maniac, so I don't mind saying I can wipe the floor with most drummers I know (most are rubbish). I use decent technique and put a heavy emphasis on good, simple playing and don't play too loud; infact, I'm tracking all the drums for my new band (as well as horns, bass, guitar and synth) so I can hand decent demos out to other players.
As far as I'm concerned, every bass player needs an understanding of the rhythm section as a whole (kit, piano, guitar) to be able to contextualise their own playing.
Dan