100. Sandy Nelson Born - 12/1938 | Nationality - American | Group - Solo Artist Sandy Nelson Starting off the list is Sandy Nelson. Drumming in the 50's, Sandy was one of the guys that inspired countless people to pick up the sticks. His flowing style, and cool beats sound just as good today. ------------------------------------------------------- 98. Matt Johnson Born - 11/1970 | Nationality - American | Group - Sessions Matt Johnson Matt's sometimes thunderous and exciting style can get you hooked on a song. His playing with the late Jeff Buckley also demonstrates how he can build a delicate groove into a magnificent wash of drums and cymbals full of passion. ------------------------------------------------------- 96. John Densmore Born - 12/1944 | Nationality - American | Group - The Doors John Densmore John's playing with The Doors alone would be enough for him to earn his place in our great rockers list. His strengths are his real drumer feel and creativity. Not every note is perfectly in time, but that's what makes it sound so good. ------------------------------------------------------- 94. Jose Pasillas Born - unknown | Nationality - American | Group - Incubus Jose Pasillas Rock drumming with a hint of hip-hop and latin is probably the best way to describe Jose's sound. His playing with Incubus is always thoughtful, tasteful, and for the song, and he can also provide an interesting solo too. ------------------------------------------------------- 92. Dave Grohl Born - 01/1969 | Nationality - American | Group - Nirvana, QOTSA Dave Grohl Dave's powerful, fat, hard rock beats with Nirvana and later with Queens Of The Stone Age, Juliette And The Licks, and Killing Joke all demonstrate why he is considered one of the most popular drummers around. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 90. Zak Starkey Born - 09/1965 | Nationality - British | Group - Oasis, The Who Zak Starkey Standing in as drummer for The Who, and doing a stint with indie rockers Oasis among others, has helped Zak truly step out of his dad's shadow. He has earned his reputation as a creative and intelligent player. ------------------------------------------------------- 88. Phil Selway Born - 05/1967 | Nationality - British | Group - Radiohead Phil Selway Not ever overplaying on a song isn't as easy as it seems, but Phil always finds the best groove for Radioheads music and adds interesting and intricate drum parts, earning him a place on our list. ------------------------------------------------------- 86. Fred Coury Born - 10/1964 | Nationality - American | Group - Cinderella Fred Coury Piercing rock grooves and a solid, hard style are part of what makes Fred such a great player. He always brings his best to the table and plays with taste and class. ------------------------------------------------------- 84. Phil Taylor Born - 09/1954 | Nationality - British | Group - Motorhead Phil Taylor Solid, powerful, fast, hard, and rockin'. These words really sum up the playing of Phil Taylor with Motorhead. Blazin' rolls and cracking back beats launched him and the band into the rock 'n' roll big time. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 82. Brian Mantia Born - 1964 | Nationality - American | Group - Primus, Guns N' Roses, Praxis, Godflesh Brian Mantia What makes Brian 'Brain' Mantia one of the world's best players is his versatility. That's perhaps why he's played with some of the most demanding acts around. He's techincally great, and plays with a real intensity. ------------------------------------------------------- 80. Tomas Haake Born - 07/1971 | Nationality - Swedish | Group - Meshuggah Tomas Haake As drummer with Swedish metal band Meshuggah, Tomas uses his very technical style of playing to great effect. His polyrhythms are both baffling and amazing at the same time. One of Sweden's best rock drummers. ------------------------------------------------------- 78. Larry Mullen Jr. Born - 10/1961 | Nationality - Irish | Group - U2 Larry Mullen Jr Often overlooked, Larry's playing is deceptively clever. Simple drum parts can often be the best and Larry delivers them beautifully, but he can also turn it up a gear when it's needed. ------------------------------------------------------- 76. Mick Fleetwood Born - 06/1947 | Nationality - British | Group - Fleetwood Mac Mick Fleetwood As drummer for Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood has prooved that he can deliver the goods with style. Never one to over do it, Mick played with a lot of taste, making him a mega drummer in his day. ------------------------------------------------------- 74. Pat Mastelotto Born - 09/1955 | Nationality - American | Group - Mr. Mister, King Crimson, XTC Pat Mastelotto Pat Mastelotto has played with many great rock acts and has been an in-demand studio drummer too. He's a powerful and driving drummer with heaps of feel, style, and creativity. ------------------------------------------------------- 72. John Weathers Born - 02/1947 | Nationality - British | Group - Gentle Giant John Weathers John Weathers is best known for his drumming with prog rock band Gentle Giant. Apart from his drumming skills, he could pull some of the best drumming faces ever when he played. ------------------------------------------------------- 70. Dennis Thompson Born - 09/1948 | Nationality - American | Group - MC5 Dennis Thompson Dennis Thompson is best known for drumming with punk rockers MC5. He got the nickname "Machine Gun" because of his super fast, hard-hitting style resembling a Tommy Gun. ------------------------------------------------------- 68. Clive Burr Born - 03/1957 | Nationality - British | Group - Iron Maiden Clive Burr Clive Burr was drummer with Iron Maiden on their first 3 records. He was brilliant at coming up with drum parts to match the band's guitar and bass riffs, and had a raw and powerful style. ------------------------------------------------------- 66. JoJo Mayer Born - 01/1963 | Nationality - Switzerland | Group - Nerve, Sessions JoJo Mayer Starting out in jazz but moving into jungle and rock, JoJo has made a name for himself as a great technical player, and does clinics all over the world for his adoring fans. ------------------------------------------------------- 64. Ralph Humphrey Born - 1944 | Nationality - American | Group - Mothers Of Invention Ralph Humphreys Drumming with Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention, Ralph Humphrey showed his talent for coming up with great drum parts that were inventive and slick. ------------------------------------------------------- 62. BJ Wilson Born - 03/1947 | Nationality - British | Group - Procul Harum, Joe Cocker BJ Wilson BJ brought his creative grooves to Procol Harum's rock tunes and also had a stint as Joe Cocker's drummer too. He's got great beats, fills, and touch. ------------------------------------------------------- 60. Ron Bushy Born - 12/1945 | Nationality - American | Group - Iron Butterfly Ron Bushy What makes Ron one of the best players ever? Well, With Iron Butterfly, Ron showed off his pounding, primal drum beats and super drum soloing in the track In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. A real rock-steady groover. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 58. Virgil Donati Born - 10/1958 | Nationality - Australian | Group - Planet X, Steve Vai Virgil Donati Virgil is one of those drummers whos just got excellent technique, feel, and groove. His style is precise and cutting while always being full of ideas and flair. He makes it look easy and is certainly one of the best rock drummers from Australia. ------------------------------------------------------- 56. Jaki Liebezeit Born - 05/1938 | Nationality - German | Group - CAN Jaki Liebezeit Stark, pummelling, and hypnotic. Those words probably best describe Jaki Liebezeit's drumming with 70's experimental rock band CAN. A super cool customer. ------------------------------------------------------- 54. Mark Zonder Born - unknown | Nationality - American | Group - Fates Warning, Warlord Mark Zonder Mark Zonder's thunderous beats and chunky fills have been the powering force behind metal rockers Warlord's music. He's got masses of energy, and can nail the perfect beat for the song. ------------------------------------------------------- 52. Nick Menza Born - 07/1968 | Nationality - Germany | Group - Megadeath Nick Menza Megadeath's intense sound needs and intense and passionate drummer, and that's exactly what Nick brought to the band. He's got devastating beats, fills, and doube bass drum skills. ------------------------------------------------------- Continue to page 2 99. Van Romaine Born - unknown | Nationality - American | Group - Steve Morse, Sessions Van Romaine Multi-talented Van Romaine has prooved himself to be cracking rock drummer, not lacking in ability, speed, creativity or anything else really. A great player in all departments. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 97. Chester Thompson Born - 12/1948 | Nationality - American | Genre - Frank Zappa, Genesis, Sessions Chester Thompson Chester's funky-edged rock style always brings a smile to the face. He has immaculate time and feel even when playing a tricky Frank Zappa song. But, partly what makes one of the top beatsmiths ever is that he's just as good when laying down a straight beat. ------------------------------------------------------- 95. Ron Wilson Born - 06/1945 | Nationality - American | Group - The Surfaris Ron Wilson Ron is a drumming icon. Back with The Surfaris in the 50's, he tore it up with his fun-loving beats. Come on! The guy played the drum part on classic rock tune Wipeout...awsome. ------------------------------------------------------- 93. Tommy Lee Born - 10/1962 | Nationality - American | Group - Mötley Crüe, Methods Of Mayhem, Fuel, Sum 41 Tommy Lee Tommy has certainly lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, but is he one of the true greats ever? Well, yes! He's made a big contribution to the world of rock drumming including monster fills, power beats, and super solos. ------------------------------------------------------- 91. Charlie Watts Born - 06/1941 | Nationality - British | Group - The Rolling Stones Charlie Watts Charlie's style almost sounds out of time (in a good way), but it isn't. He places the notes as far on edge of the beat as he can, producing a really lively feel. He's the heart of The Stones' music and can groove with the best of 'em. ------------------------------------------------------- 89. Randy Castillo Born - 12/1950 | Nationality - Mexican | Group - Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, Red Square Black Randy Castillo The late Randy Castillo was one of rock's great showmen, and was one of the most talented to play with Ozzy. Big beefy rock drums, huge tom rolls, and driving beats. Just brilliant, in your face rock drumming. ------------------------------------------------------- 87. Travis Barker Born - 11/1975 | Nationality - American | Group - Blink-182, +44, Box Car Racer, Transplants Travis Barker Travis is one of the sharpest, snazziest drummers in the world thanks in no small part to his great technique, and unique style - a blend of rock, ska, hip-hop, and jazz. He knows how to rock out and has a great time doing it too. ------------------------------------------------------- 85. Vinnie Appice Born - 09/1959 | Nationality - American | Group - Black Sabbath, Dio, Sessions Vinnie Appice As the younger brother of rock drummer Carmine Appice, Vinnie comes from a super talented pack. He more than lives up to that and has his own unique style, not overplaying, but giving the music exactly what it needs. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 83. Scott Rokenfield Born - 06/1963 | Nationality - American | Group - Queenstyche Scott Rokenfield Not the most technical drummer in the world, but he doesn't need to be. Scott has a great feel, and can turn up the heat when it's called for. Slick and stylish. ------------------------------------------------------- 81. Steven Adler Born - 01/1965 | Nationality - American | Group - Guns N' Roses Steven Adler Most well known as drummer with Guns N Roses in the 80's, Steven's playing was hard, solid and totally rockin'. He sounded like he could demolish a house with it. ------------------------------------------------------- 79. Clive Bunker Born - 12/1946 | Nationality - British | Group - Jethro Tull Clive Bunker Clive played drums for Jethro Tull back in the 60's and was friends with, and had similarities to both Carmine Appice and John Bonham. He quit in 1971 to be with his family, but his short contribution has had a huge impact. ------------------------------------------------------- 77. Mike Mangini Born - 04/1963 | Nationality - American | Group - Extreme, Steve Vai, Sessions Mike Mangini Mike's skills have kept him in demand for sessions, Extreme, and guitar god Steve Vai. He has an amazing amount of speed and held 3 out of 4 of the world's fastest drummer records. But, he backs that up by being awsome in every other department too. ------------------------------------------------------- 75. Gregg Bissonette Born - 06/1959 | Nationality - American | Group - David Lee Roth, Sessions Gregg Bissonette Gregg Bissonette is a great at playing jazz, swing, and funk, but his rock drumming with David Lee Roth and Steve Vai among others, shows he can bring the rock big time! Excellent technique too. ------------------------------------------------------- 73. Steve Shelley Born - 06/1962 | Nationality - American | Group - Sonic Youth Steve Shelley Sonic Youth's music has benefitted from Steve Shelley's solid and groovin' style. Great use of the toms, maracas, and super dynamics are just some of his qualities. ------------------------------------------------------- 71. John French Born - 1949 | Nationality - American | Group - Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa John French John's creative, and stylish drumming with Captain Beefheart has influenced many other experimental musicans. His real drummer feel and grooves and right on the money. ------------------------------------------------------- 69. Christian Vander Born - 02/1948 | Nationality - French | Group - Magma Christian Vander Christian Vander's band Magma have a very unique sound and are generally labelled as prog rockers. His drumming with them is often virtuosic and is full of ideas and action. Some his drum solos are a sight to be seen - nuts! ------------------------------------------------------- 67. Brann Dailor Born - 03/1975 | Nationality - American | Group - Mastodon Brann Dailor With metal band Mastodon, Brann Dailor has recieved a lot of acclaim for his drumming skills which incorporate elements of jazz and prog rock. A lot of cool, fast fills are is his trademark, and he's seen as one of the best rock drummers of recent times. ------------------------------------------------------- 65. Josh Freese Born - 12/1972 | Nationality - American | Group - A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, Devo, Nine Inch Nails Josh Freese Josh's versatility, speed, and precision have earned him the name The Bruce Lee Of Drums. His tasteful rock drumming has kept him in-demand for sessions with many big name artists. Cool. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 63. Chad Wackerman Born - 03/1960 | Nationality - American | Group - Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Sessions Chad Wackerman The fact that Chad has played with people like Frank Zappa and Steve Vai goes to show how good he is. His technique, stamina, and limb independence are oustanding, not to mention his groove and style. ------------------------------------------------------- 61. Richard "Pistol" Allen Born - 08/1932 | Nationality - American | Group - Funk Brothers (Mowtown) Richard Allen As one of the talented drummers in the Mowtown house band, Richard took his jazz drumming background and turned it into some of the greatest pop/rock drumming ever. Full of feel with an irrestistable grooviness, and a master at playing for the song. ------------------------------------------------------- 59. Jim Gordon Born - 01/1945 | Nationality - American | Group - Derek And The Dominos, Beach Boys, George Harrison Jim Gordon Jim Gordon was a talented session drummer in the 60's and 70's. He played with many great groups, lending them his stylish licks. His classic drumming on the album Layla still stands tall today. ------------------------------------------------------- 57. Scott Travis Born - 09/1961 | Nationality - American | Group - Judas Priest, Racer X Scott Travis One of the top players in metal, Scott Travis has an unforgiving style that's accurate and penetrating. He's very handy on the double bass drums and has a killer sound. ------------------------------------------------------- 55. Nick Mason Born - 01/1944 | Nationality - British | Group - Pink Floyd Nick Mason Nick Masons drumming with Pink Floyd was super cool, interesting, and inventive. He played a big part in creating the atmosphere and mood in those songs. A classic rock drummer. ------------------------------------------------------- 53. Phil Ehart Born - 02/1951 | Nationality - American | Group - Kansas Phil Ehart Classic, heavy, and tasteful. These words probably best sum up Phil Eharts playing with Kansas. A real solid technique and feel earn him a spot on the rockers list. ------------------------------------------------------- 51. Alan White Born - 06/1949 | Nationality - British | Group - Yes, John Lennon, George Harrison Alan White Best known for his 34 years with prog rockers Yes, Alan White uses an array of drums, cymbals and percussion along with his excellent technique to produce a quality, classy style. 50. Gavin Harrison Born - unknown | Nationality - British | Group - Porcupine Tree, Sessions Gavin Harrison Starting off page 2 of the best rockers ever is Gavin Harrison. Gavin's intelligent, technical rhythms and tighter than tight sound have gained him a lot of fans. He's carved out a niche sound/style for himself and knows how to lay it down. ------------------------------------------------------- 48. Jon Theodore Born - 12/1973 | Nationality - American | Group - Mars Volta, One Day As A Lion Jon Theodore Powerful and creative playing with the likes of Mars Volta has made Jon one of rock drumming's most recent idols. He's techically sound and can play odd time signatures with ease. ------------------------------------------------------- 46. Max Weinberg Born - 04/1951 | Nationality - American | Group - Bruce Springsteen, E Street Band, The Max Weinberg 7 Max Weinberg Max has held the drum seat with Bruce Springteen's E Street Band for many years now. why? Because Springsteen and the rest of us know that Max has the goods - a soild back beat, and colourful, explosive fills that breath added life into Springsteen's hit songs. ------------------------------------------------------- 44. Simon Phillips Born - 02/1957 | Nationality - British | Group - Toto, The Who, Whitesnake, Judas Priest Simon Phillips Taking over the Toto drum seat from legend Jeff Porcaro isn't easy, but Phillips does it with style and class. His feel for a groove is impeccable, and his playing is always tasteful, making him one of the best drummers ever. ------------------------------------------------------- 42. Gene Hoglan Born - 08/1967 | Nationality - American | Group - Death, Strapping Young Lad, Dark Angel Gene Hoglan Gene is well known for his very impressive double kick drum rhythms, and his amazingly creative drum arrangements including the use of some unusual objects for percussive effect. His playing is highly technical, accurate, and extremely fast earning the nickname "The Atomic Clock". ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 40. Bobby Jarzombeck Born - 09/1963 | Nationality - American | Group - Rob Halford, Iced Earth, Pain Museum, Demons And Wizzards Bobby Jarzombeck A hard hitting metal master, Bobby's double kicks and fast rolls are super tight, accurate, and are played with great musicality. His chops totally rock! ------------------------------------------------------- 38. Lars Ulrich Born - 12/1963 | Nationality - Danish | Group - Metallica Lars Ulrich Metallica drummer, Lars Ulrich doesn't play over complicated, flashy drum parts. He doesn't need to. Instead, he uses his single stroke rolls and double kick drum skills to maximum effect and throws some interesting rhythms into the mix for good measure. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 36. Vinnie Paul Born - 03/1964 | Nationality - American | Group - Pantera, Rebel Meets Rebel, Damageplan Vinnie Paul Woaaahhh! This guy is heavy! Vinnie is a hard hitting powerhouse that is always grooving hard too. That's why he has been so heavily copied - power with an iressitable pocket = a great sound. ------------------------------------------------------- 34. Phil Collins Born - 12/1951 | Nationality - British | Group - Genesis, Phil Collins Phil Collins Ok, yes he's a sensitive singing kinda guy, but he is also one of the best rock drummers ever. His playing with Genesis alone would be awsome, but the creative drumming on his solo tunes like 'In The Air Tonight' further shows off why he's meant to be behind a kit. ------------------------------------------------------- 32. Matt Cameron Born - 11/1962 | Nationality - American | Group - Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, QOTST, Skin Yard, Wellwater Conspiracy Matt Cameron Funky, Zeppelinesque beats with a good helping of ghost notes and odd time twists are what give Matt his extremely musical quality. Combined with dynamics and a deep groove, it's no wonder he's considered one of the best around. ------------------------------------------------------- 30. Tim Alexander Born - 04/1965 | Nationality - American | Group - Primus, A Perfect Circle, Laundry, Fata Morgana, Puscifer Tim Alexander Tim has a tight and tasteful style of playing that is precise and groovy. Unlike many other players who also have some astounding chops, Tim only brings them out if the music requires it. Odd and complex rhythms are no problem either. ------------------------------------------------------- 28. Nicko McBrain Born - 06/1954 | Nationality - British | Group - Iron Maiden, Pat Travers, Streetwalkers, Trust Nicko McBrain What makes Nicko McBrain a truly great drummer is his killer precision and tub thumping rolls. He's got the techinque and is relentless in suppyling a driving, hard-edged, groove. ------------------------------------------------------- 26. Aynsley Dunbar Born - 01/1946 | Nationality - British | Group - Jeff Beck, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, UFO, Whitesnake, Lou Reed, Black Sabbath, and many more Aynsley Dunbar The list of top rock acts that Aynsley has played with is testament to his excellent drumming skills. Very adaptable, and able to play complex and odd drum parts, as well as keeping a killer groove ticking over. Whatever he plays, it's done with feel and passion. ------------------------------------------------------- 24. David Garibaldi Born - 11/1946 | Nationality - American | Group - Tower Of Power David Garibaldi David has great taste and his magical beats are often much more complex than you might think. While very funky, he can also dish out a very mean rockin' beat too. ------------------------------------------------------- 22. Steve Smith Born - 08/1954 | Nationality - American | Group - Journey, Vital Information Steve Smith Steve is like a jack of all trades when it comes to drumming - he can play any style excellently. His rock drumming demonstrates his ablity to play tight and often technically demanding grooves, with speed, great dynamics and perplexing time signatures. ------------------------------------------------------- 20. Bernard Purdie Born - 06/1939 | Nationality - American | Group - Sessions Bernard Purdie Not lacking in confidence, Bernard was one of the session world's most in-demand drummers. Lending his tasteful playing to the likes of BB King, Roberta Flack and Steely Dan, his beats literally made songs into hits. Truly one of the top rock players ever. ------------------------------------------------------- 18. Stewart Copeland Born - 07/1952 | Nationality - American | Group - The Police, Oysterhead Stewart Copeland Stewart's reggae/rock grooves, inventive fills, and textures helped make The Police's sound stand out as truly unique. He squeezes as many interesting little rhythmic touches, splashes, and fills into his playing as possible without ever over doing it. Very creative with a great ear. ------------------------------------------------------- 16. Benny Benjamin Born - 07/1925 | Nationality - American | Group - Funk Brothers (Mowtown) Benny Benjamin Benny is one of the top rock drummers ever because he brought his swinging big band style to Mowtown's rock/pop sound and drove some of the best-loved tunes in the world with his lively beats. He totally understood how to play for the song, and he inspired thousands of others to do the same. ------------------------------------------------------- 14. Carmine Appice Born - 12/1946 | Nationality - American | Group - Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice, DNA, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart Carmine Appice Carmine was one of the rock drummers who showed the way for today's big sounding, heavy hitters. He also influenced John Bonham, but is sometimes overlooked for his importance to the development of rock and rock drumming. Well, not here, as he takes a very respectable 14th on our best rock drummers ever list. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 12. Danny Carey Born - 05/1961 | Nationality - American | Group - Tool, Pigmy Love Circus, VOLTO!, Green Jelly Danny Carey Founder of Tool, Danny brought his mega complex polyrhythms to the band's sound which helped set them apart from the likes of Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Solid grooves, power, and creativity are what make him one of the most popular players in the world. ------------------------------------------------------- 10. Mike Portnoy Born - 04/1967 | Nationality - American | Group - Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Neal Morse, Yellow Matter Custard, OSI Mike Portnoy With Dream Theater, Mike took techicality and complexity to new levels. The band are sometimes slated for concentrating on that instead of the song, but what they manage to come up with is exciting, inspirational, and mind-blowing. ------------------------------------------------------- 8. Hal Blaine Born - 02/1929 | Nationality - Australian | Group - Sessions Hal Blaine Hal was a session legend and played on more hit rock tunes than you've had hot dinners. His genius is that he could turn a good song into a great song by finding the perfect beat. ------------------------------------------------------- 6. Terry Bozzio Born - 12/1950 | Nationality - American | Group - Frank Zappa, Solo Artist, Sessions Terry Bozzio His playing with music giants like Frank Zappa would have been enough to put Terry this far up the list, but his own drum compositions on his huge kit further show off his killer technique, speed, musicality, dynamics, and creativity. He's got it all. ------------------------------------------------------- 4. Keith Moon Born - 08/1946 | Nationality - British | Group - The Who Keith Moon He wasn't techically great. He wasn't amazingly precise. But, he was totally unique and came up with a style and sound that broke through boundaries. He didn't use hi-hats (often), and didn't play conventional beats, but rolled, splashed, and double bass drummed his way all over the kit giving an incredable sound and feel to The Who's music. ------------------------------------------------------- 2. John Bonham Born - 05/1948 | Nationality - Brtish | Group - Led Zeppelin, Band Of Joy, Terry Web & The Spiders John Bonham Yes, it's John Bonham. The guy who taught us all how to play heavy, powerful rock drums that ooze feel. With awsome bass drum technique and a big open sound, he sent Zeppelin's tunes soaring. He embodies raw, emotional, rock drumming that comes straight from the soul. He's a rock god and undeniably one of the greatest ever. 49. Brian Downey Born - 01/1951 | Nationality - Irish | Group - Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott Brian Downey Brian is the man that put the strut in Thin Lizzy's step with his rockin' grooves. As the only member to stay in the band from start til finish, he made the band one of top hard rock acts around. His beats are driving and are played with creative flair. Superb. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 47. Alex Van Halen Born - 05/1953 | Nationality - American | Genre - Van Halen Alex Van Halen Always solid at the back of Van Halen, Alex uses his ability to lay the foundation for his brother's guitar work. But, he is not sidelined and plays some killer double kicks and rolls, to earn his place on in the best rock drummers ever list. ------------------------------------------------------- 45. Mike Giles Born - 06/1945 | Nationality - American | Group - King Crimson, Giles, Giles & Fripp Mike Giles As drummer with prog rock experimentalists King Crimson, Mike was confident playing grooves, creating sonic soundscapes, and coming up with intricate rolls and touches that were a delight to hear. ------------------------------------------------------- 43. Martin Lopez Born - 05/1978 | Nationality - Swedish | Group - Opeth Martin Lopez One of the most impressive drummers to come out of Sweden, Martin and his band Opeth hit death metal lovers right between the eyes with their powerful, deep sound. ------------------------------------------------------- 41. Rod Morgenstein Born - 04/1953 | Nationality - American | Group - Dixie Dreggs, Winger Rod Morgenstein Best known for his work with 80's rockers Winger and later jazz-fusion band Dixie Dreggs, Rod is comfortable showcasing his chops and grooves in many genres. Brilliant at keeping it steady or lighting up the kit. ------------------------------------------------------- 39. Jimmy Chamberlin Born - 06/1964 | Nationality - American | Group - Smashing Pumkins, Zwan, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex Jimmy Chamberlin What makes Jimmy one of the top players ever? Well, his playing is very tasteful and full of intensely quick snare rolls and runs. He uses dynamics to maximum effect too, and keeps it all in a tight pocket. He was integral to the Smashing Pumkin's sound. ------------------------------------------------------- 37. Topper Headon Born - 05/1955 | Nationality - British | Group - The Clash, Bobby Tench Topper Headon With his background in jazz and soul music, Topper brought many new dimensions to The Clash's punk sound. Reggae, rockabilly, funk and more can be heard in their songs, and Topper played them all with power and grace. ------------------------------------------------------- 35. Al Jackson Born - 11/1934 | Nationality - American | Group - Booker T And The MG's Al Jackson If anyone could deliver rock steady beats that force you to pay attention, it's Al. He wrote the book on playing for the song, he was never the main attraction in the MG's but he sat back and blended the band together with his drum parts. ------------------------------------------------------- 33. Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste Born - unknown | Nationality - American | Group - The Meters Zigaboo Modeliste The sharp, edgey beats played by Joseph combined with the angular riffs of The Meter's to make some super cool tunes. He opened the door for the funk-rock drummers of Prince and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. ------------------------------------------------------- 31. Roger Taylor Born - 07/1949 | Nationality - British | Group - Queen, The Cross, Smile Roger Taylor Big stadium filling riffs need big drums, and that's exactly what Roger brought to Queen. Some super fast rolls, a fat back beat, glorious cymbals, and great feel put him squarely in the top 100 best rock drummers ever. ------------------------------------------------------- 29. Carter Beauford Born - 11/1957 | Nationality - American | Group - Dave Mathews Band, Santana Carter Beauford What makes Carter an undeniable great? Well, as drummer for the diverse Dave Mathews Band, Carter uses his intricate grooves and ability to play many styles, keeping listeners guessing. His ride cymbal and hi-hat work is awsome as it dances around the on and off beats. ------------------------------------------------------- 27. Cozy Powell Born - 12/1947 | Nationality - British | Group - Rainbow, Jeff Beck Group, Emerson Lake & Powell, Black Sabbath Cozy Powell Amazing chops, and excellent grooves are what made Cozy one of the defining drummers of his time. He's played with some of the biggest acts in rock music, and is hugely charismatic and talented. A class act. ------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------- 25. Mike Shrieve Born - 07/1949 | Nationality - American | Group - Santana Mike Shrieve Mike played the latin-rock rhythms that kept Santana ticking along nicely. He had plenty of limb indpendance, an ability to play polyrhythms and super cool grooves, but he also put a fat helping rock power into the mix as well. ------------------------------------------------------- 23. Mitch Mitchell Born - 07/1947 | Nationality - British | Group - Jimi Hendrix Mitch Mitchell Mitch matched Hendrix's guitar with his lighting fast reflexes and thunderous rolls. He brought a jazz sensibility to rock and used it to improvise and respond to Hendrix's every move. He was very creative and had a sublime feel. ------------------------------------------------------- 21. Bill Ward Born - 1949 | Nationality - British | Group - Black Sabbath Bill Ward One of the original heavy metal drummers who paved the way for those that followed. There's a dark, brooding quality to his playing that is matched with bursts of intense power. ------------------------------------------------------- 19. Tommy Aldridge Born - 08/1950 | Nationality - American | Group - Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Pat Travers, Black Oak Arkansas Tommy Aldridge Tommy is one of the absolute legends to come through the 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond having played with some of the top rock acts in the world. He can be a blaze of rolls, cymbal crashes, and double kicks, but he's also a top groove player. ------------------------------------------------------- 17. Jeff Porcaro Born - 04/1954 | Nationality - American | Group - Toto, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Sessions Jeff Porcaro Jeff was capable of playing some delicate and flowing grooves as well as some smashing pop-rock beats with the likes of Michael Jackson and Toto. His style was solid but creative at the same time, often with flashes of absolute brilliance. ------------------------------------------------------- 15. Earl Palmer Born - 10/1924 | Nationality - American | Group - Sessions Earl Palmer Earl Palmer basically invented modern rock drumming. When other drummers where playing shuffles and swing patterns he played straight eighth notes on the hi-hat and emphasied the back beat. His playing can found on classic rock 'n' roll tunes by Little Richard, Fats Domino and many more. One of the very top players from the 50's. ------------------------------------------------------- 13. Ringo Starr Born - 07/1940 | Nationality - British | Group - The Beatles, Ringo's All-Star Band Ringo Starr Many people say that Ringo wasn't all that good, but that's because they don't truly understand what he did for The Beatles music. If you replaced Ringo's drum parts, countles Beatles songs would be only half as good. He was inventive, and was brilliant at finding the best groove to add something special to the music. ------------------------------------------------------- 11. Dave Lombardo Born - 02/1965 | Nationality - Cuba | Group - Slayer, Voodoocult, Apocalyptica Dave Lombardo Dave is one hell of an extreme metal drummer and one of the best rock drummers ever without a doubt. He has buckets of power, groove, and feel. Plus, his fills are often astonishing and leave you wondering how on earth he just pulled that off. ------------------------------------------------------- 9. Ian Paice Born - 06/1948 | Nationality - British | Group - Deep Purple, Whitesnake Ian Paice One of the speediest rockers we've seen, Ian combined his speed with spectular rolls, undeniable beats, and flair. His foot technique is also awsome and baffles mere mortals like us. He doesn't even look like he's trying...sigh... ------------------------------------------------------- 7. Bill Bruford Born - 05/1949 | Nationality - British | Group - Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, and many more Bill Bruford Perhaps one of the main reasons that Bill is one of the coolest drummers we've had is that he always strives to evolve, grow, and change. He stays relevent and does it with an awsome technique and understanding of what works. ------------------------------------------------------- 5. Ginger Baker Born - 08/1939 | Nationality - British | Group - Cream, Blues Incorporated, Ginger Baker's Air Force Ginger Baker With super-group Cream, Ginger pioneered double bass drums in rock, and always had a big untamed drum sound. His style was solid and seemed simple at times, yet it gave the songs exactly what they needed and then some. His delicate jazz skills are just as impressive, and show off his sublime technique even more. ------------------------------------------------------- 3. Carl Palmer Born - 03/1950 | Nationality - British | Group - Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Asia, Atomic Rooster Carl Palmer Wow. The chops delivered by Carl are something to behold! He inspired countless drummers, including Neil Peart, with his magnificent stadium-filling rock and showmanship. He also used his classical training in tuned percussion to great effect. He defines the word spectacle, and is one of the greatest drummers to come from Britain. ------------------------------------------------------- 1. Neil Peart Born - 09/1952 | Nationality - Canadian | Group - Rush Neil Peart So, Mr. Peart takes the number one sport in The 100 Best Rock Drummers Ever!. With his band Rush, Neil has demonstrated extraordinary technical ability, musicality, creativity, groove, and feel. His drum solos and fills are exquisete, and he can switch up and down gears with ease. Stylistically, he can do so much that it's a little bit scary. His position at the top of our list is totally deserved!
Monday, April 11, 2016
Subjective list of greatest drummers
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