...It's as if his inner metronome, after two years, has DIED. Not only that, his inner groove seems to have gone with it... and with that, the whole band's collective pocket. Nothing kills a ripping solo like a lost downbeat.

What do I say to him? He's good and he knows it. He's proud of his skills. Whenever I confront him he just talks about being tired or not paying attention. I can tell he's not paying attention--how else could you keep making the same mistake?...

This is not the description of a good drummer. If he won't become one it might be time to find one.

Sounds like the man has lost interest - at least it sounds like what I do when I lose interest.
Talk to him again. Tell him he can't blow you off. Tell him you need to resolve this now or he has to go.
If that doesn't work, at the end of the next gig grab a mike and say - "Thanks again you guys and by the way, we are currently looking for a new drummer . . . "

...your locale may not be lousy with drummers but dude, it's worth getting a new one if you're losing sleep with the current.

Explain to him that if he wastes the good bits at the beginning of the song then there's no surprise element left and it screws up the song.

Well, tell him that songs are usually meant to be like progressions, or processes. Explain to him that if he wastes the good bits at the beginning of the song then there's no surprise element left and it screws up the song.

Cassius, maybe he will come around by the time you get back from Lawrence. Some time off is probably what he needs, especially if you guys have been hitting the practice room really hard. That can be a whole other deal in itself. I find that I do my best playing with little to no practice and I'm forced to come through at crunch time.

Does he do any solos? Can you arrange some fancy drum-based intros. Are ther other ways for him to regain his interest?

PS Skibbly-blam-boom is a very strong part of my repertoire. Don't knock it.

Somebody had to say something similar to me once. I was throwing all sorts of flash rhythmic licks in over a tune (sorry!) and someone told me - "You have to be a witty bass player.

Use psychology too and praise him when he plays less (even if he doesn't)

This is a problem with some drummers (and some bassplayers too): they are more concerned with the flashy bits than the bread and butter. They don't usually get the work. There's a reason why guys like Harvey Mason, Steve Gadd, Al Jackson, Steve Jordan and others are revered. Yes, he might be able to play like that (technically) but part of the deal is to have the listening and perceptive skills to choose to play like that. That is part of becoming a good musician.

Call Chuck norris and he'll punch your drummer.......

But the drummer won't survive that!

Dude. Take the direct approach.
Taint punch.