never have, doesn't hurt though, lessons just make you learn stuff faster than on your own. i use cds for my lessons. studyin drummers like danny carey, carter beauford gets your chops up, and then going back to stuff like the used, and the ataris gets you solid groove.  i usually listen to a cd for about six months before touching it on the kit. that way i know exactly what guitar solo, bridge, chorus or whatever is coming up.

also when i go to drum clinics, if its available i sit on the side of the drummer instead of in front. that way your not just "awwing" at what he or she is doing, but learning how that are putting certain beats together.

When I first started (about 40 years ago) I just taught myself.  I listened to music (albums on real vinyl)....you know groups like Doors, Grand Funk Railroad, The Stones, Guess Who and my favorite group of that time...Led Zepplin.  I tried to reproduce what they were doing.  I got married in 1975 and gave my drums away (nice white pearl Ludwig 4 piece with keystone medallion...worth a lot on Ebay now)  

I just got a kit back in November because my youngest went off to college and I have a little time now to do what I want.  I was going to just pick up where I left off and listen to the music I like and play along.  I knew there were areas that I was weak in with regards to drumming and I decided to get lessons to try and improve those techniques and to get some drum rudiments to help get back in shape. 

I was very fortunate to get a skilled and inspired drummer as an instructor and he has inspired me to try and acheive a higher level of competence than I would have thought possible.  He is helping me to play cleaner with better definition and to break old habits.  He is also helping me to be more "4 limb independent".  He hasn't even begun to work on stick technique yet.  Anyway, I would encourage anyone to get some instruction from an accomplished drummer as it only helps to give you more freedom and creativity as a drummer and musician.

My 2 cents.  (the bio's free)

Wow Steadyeddy, that's EXACTLY what I did !! (Your 1st paragraph) Amazing !! Zep and The Beatles (not much comparison I know) were the two I drummed to most, gave me good training in both bands mood. I didn't do the marriage thing until later, but did have to give up a $3000.00 (back then) set of double bass Jet Black Rogers !!

Now I'm back also with a decent set of Pearls, just to see if I can still do it. If so, I'll build my set back to where I want it.

i think u have 2 get lessons reely if u want 2 b a propperly trained drummer

i definatly recommend lessons