the best Drummer.

[IronMan]

the best Drummer, on my mind would have 2 be Neil Peart, *ahem*, A.K.A. The Proffesser. What is your fav. Drummer?

[Silent88]

I second that!

Neil is easily one of the best drummers. I heard a version of YYZ where he has a long drum solo...it was GREAT!

[Black Flame Zealot]

If you're looking for a really cool bit of Neil's work, do a search for a track called "The Rhythm Method". It's a great drum solo that he changes up every time Rush goes on tour.

[IronMan]

If you're looking for a really cool bit of Neil's work, do a search for a track called "The Rhythm Method". It's a great drum solo that he changes up every time Rush goes on tour.

cool thnx for the tip!

[batsu336]

I'm not a Rush fan, so I have to chip in for John Bonham just out of principle.

Alex Van Halen is pretty darn good, too, but it's hard to tell if he uses effects or multiple tracks to make him sound better (Hot for Teacher?)

[GiantRobot]

My picks would be:
Tony Williams
Bobby Jarzombek

[Killasauras Rex's Dinner]

Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater.
hands down.

[osirisbunnyfoofoo]

UNDOUBTEDLY Keith Moon. No one else even comes close. I know that pretty much everyone will probably say this, but that's because it's true. For every beat a normal drummer hits, he plays two or three. And it sounds amazing! I mean, just listen to Won't Get Fooled Again. It's probably the best drumming in any song. Ever. Now, please don't counter this by mentioning a metal drummer, because I'm not just talking about skill but also how good the drum line actually sounds. Second place goes to Charlie Watts, who played some great lines but isn't as talented.

[IronMan]

UNDOUBTEDLY Keith Moon. No one else even comes close. I know that pretty much everyone will probably say this, but that's because it's true. For every beat a normal drummer hits, he plays two or three. And it sounds amazing! I mean, just listen to Won't Get Fooled Again. It's probably the best drumming in any song. Ever. Now, please don't counter this by mentioning a metal drummer, because I'm not just talking about skill but also how good the drum line actually sounds. Second place goes to Charlie Watts, who played some great lines but isn't as talented.

lol, nope no 1, and i mean no one comes far as talented as Neil Peart.

[brokentoothpic]

I'll throw my hat in the ring with Bonham as well.

[Keagan2387]

Peart is far beyond anyone. A degree in drumming, you can't even ****ing compete with that.

[mind_in_rewind]

Keith Moon

Neil Peart is a great drummer. Too bad I can't listen to any of his music.

[Muffin_Man]

I'd have to go with Bonham also. In my eyes (ears?) Peart, Moon, and Buddy Rich are all way up there too.

[dshiznat]

in form of family guy

ahem



THERE IS NO F*CKING DRUMMER BETTER THEN NEIL PERT.


it ain't easy being cheesy

[ovil200]

You guys claim to be metal fans, yet no one has mentioned Nick Pierce yet? Wow.

Nick Pierce. Amazing drummer. Almost made Black Dahlia Murder when they were looking for a new drummer.

[osirisbunnyfoofoo]

Can someone please tell me a song in which Neil Peart does some good drumming? (I'm not saying this as a jerk, I just don't listen to much Rush)

[DoctorSpaghetti]

Neil Peart and John Bonham are great, but I gotta give the older guys credit too:

Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Steve Gadd

[Eastern-Eagles]

Can someone please tell me a song in which Neil Peart does some good drumming? (I'm not saying this as a jerk, I just don't listen to much Rush)

Well, all of them, lol, but YYZ, Jacob's Ladder, Limelight, and La Villa Strangiato are my favorites.


I agree that Peart is the best and I would put Keith Moon as a close second.

[SkidRow666]

why am i not seeing Tommy Lee or Peter Criss or Eric Carr

[davidshek]

why am i not seeing Tommy Lee or Peter Criss or Eric Carr

Um, because all of them are mediocre drummers, at BEST?

I'm a drummer myself, and I am thoroughly unimpressed with everything I've ever heard from any of those 3 you just named.

As for my favorites, there's one that always comes out on top: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). He is simply the best drummer I've ever heard or seen. Anywhere. Ever.

Neil Peart would be a close 2nd, but my 1st drum teacher when I was little was a HUGE Rush fan and that's all he wanted to teach me. I quickly realized that while Peart is a very technically complex drummer, it all winds up sounding way too...mechanical...to me. The guy puts no "feeling" into his drumming.

Moon and Bonham and Rich and all those older guys were very good for their time, but compared to some modern drummers, they don't really hold a candle. Not knocking what they did and the styles and patterns they invented, but just sayin...

[P37R0]

I'm not a Rush fan, so I have to chip in for John Bonham just out of principle.

Alex Van Halen is pretty darn good, too, but it's hard to tell if he uses effects or multiple tracks to make him sound better (Hot for Teacher?)

ANYBODY, and i mean ANYBODY, who thinks Neil Peart isn't the best drummer ever please I beg you to listen to O Baterista, like now!

Keith Moon is also terrific I'm not gonna lie, if only he didn't blow up his drums every concert :p

[Seattle_Sound]

Dave Grohl.....prepping for flamage......

[Gtone]

Carter Beauford - DMB. Brother can bang with the best of them.

Travis Barker got chops too. Not saying he's Peart level. But Pearts been mentioned quite a bit (rightfully so). Just trying to get another worthy name on the list.

[Elnino]

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Neil Peart

A close 2nd would be Alex Van Halen-Hot For Teacher intro f*cking rules.

[abasketfullofpuppies]

Joey Jordisin. ive been too quite a few shows and few drummers can entertain like joey does. he may not go down as the best technical drummer, but id still give my left nut to play like him.

[ovil200]

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That is Nick Pierce doing an improv tribal drum solo. Just search Youtube for more of his videos. This one just has a nice beat to it. Nick Pierce may not be the best drummer of all time, but I'll be damned if he isn't the best metal drummer.

This is another off-the-top-of-the-head improv solo, but it's metal.

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[sicksixsyxx]

by far, its dave lombardo...aint nobody on this planet that beats the skins as sick as that man!!! he was one of the pioneers of the double bass roll, which is now a staple of metal music. and if anyone has seen a slayer show back then, they know what im talking about. and just for ****s and giggles, gene hoglan is a distant second.

[Micker]

Neil peart is a very technical drummer. He did a Buddy Rich tribute ablum called Burnin for Buddy. He studied Buddy's style a lot and you can see it in his snare playing. He is one of the best for sure.

There are different styles of drumming though and different sounds that make choosing one person as the best drummer impossible, but Neil Peart is the best at what he does.

I love Bill Ward for Sabbath, some of his beats are awesome.

[caex12]

You guys claim to be metal fans, yet no one has mentioned Nick Pierce yet? Wow.

Nick Pierce. Amazing drummer. Almost made Black Dahlia Murder when they were looking for a new drummer.

Almost made Black Dahlia Murder?!!!! Big deal, the band sucks.


Great drummers:

Neil Peart
Bj&#246;rn Fryklundh
Ed Warby
Stian Lindaas Kristoffersen
L&#233;o Margarit
Mike Portnoy


by far, its dave lombardo...aint nobody on this planet that beats the skins as sick as that man!!! he was one of the pioneers of the double bass roll, which is now a staple of metal music. and if anyone has seen a slayer show back then, they know what im talking about. and just for ****s and giggles, gene hoglan is a distant second.

Distant second? HAHAHAHAHAHHAA. No, just, no. Gene Hoglan is a better drummer than Dave Lombardo as are the drummers I named above.

[DonutMan2000]

Definitely Dave Grohl. Hes hits the drums so hard and it sounds awesome to me.

[Simba23]

Honestly, I don't understand why half of you people like flashy drummers so much.

My Top Drummers:

Keith Moon
John Bonham
Buddy Rich
Neil Peart
Ringo Starr

All of them are (or were) the best at their own individual styles.

[BhindBluEyes430]

Im in for Moon this should really have a poll
Keith Moon Is the Greatest i don't see anyone coming close so what you can play fast or technical but you can't play lead drums for a beat like moon did. listen to any who. for instance Anyway Anyhow Anywhere. the drum fills are amazing and he fills during the middle of a verse its great. No one beats keith

[Rev0lver]

maybe not the best, but i like danny carey's style better than any other.

[tombrady]

GOATS:
peart
moon
that dude from santana
bonham
rich

My current favorites:
Danny Carey
Tomas Haake

Both of these guys are creative and neither of them would be able to be in their bands if they didn't have a good understanding of music theory. Very refreshing to hear heavy music with intelligent and creative drumming rather than "OOH LOOK I FOUND MY SECOND BASS PEDAL!!"

[Tiger2594]

Well hands down its Lars from Metallica just listen to "One"

[Seattle_Sound]

Definitely Dave Grohl. Hes hits the drums so hard and it sounds awesome to me.

Dude I love Dave too, but he's not the best. Probly top 5 though. As far as a muscian though he's a beast. He can play drums, guitar, bass, and sing all at a professional level. Too bad the Foo Fighters suck now.

[davidshek]

Well hands down its Lars from Metallica just listen to "One"

Yeah it's too bad he didn't actually play those fast sextuplets in the studio. It was all faked in post-production using character sampling. He couldn't play them cleanly enough when they were recording the album, so they sampled his kick drum and he played it on his floor tom. Then they replaced his floor tom sounds on the master track with the sampled kick drum sound.

He doesn't play them live either. Drum triggers, anyone?

Similarly, about 90% of the Black album was Bob Rock piecing together audio samples of Lars' drum kit to create the drum tracks. Lars hardly played any of what you actually hear on that album in the studio.

Ever notice how ever since Metallica started video taping their studio sessions (Black album), the drumming on each album after that has been utter crap? Coincidence? I think not.

Still think Lars is the best drummer? I didn't think so :)

(And this is coming from someone who absolutely worshiped Lars when I first started learning to play the drums, ~1988...first drum tablature book I ever bought was And Justice For All).

[Matt&Sarah]

I'll agree with Peart and Portnoy being ridiculous drummers, but I think we should be focusing on the newer breed, cause those guys are gonna die sooner and then we'll all be playing drum hero III: Legends of Rock and have boss battles with those two......

Anywho, Travis Barker and Josh Freese (This guy is in like EVERY band!)

[tombrady]

I've seen like 2 people say Portnoy...he doesn't belong in the same breath as Peart.

[Fathoms]

Portnoy benifits greatly from being in a virtuoso band... I kind of feel like his solos really expose him for his lack of ability to hook dispirite ideas together in any sort of thrilling fashion.... but then again I don't really care for solos or DT to begin with so maybe I've just never listened closely enough to his playing.

Danny Carry (unique style, the driving force behind Tools hyponitc and cryptic ambience)
Jon Theodore (the heir too Mike Shreive? To bad he doesn't take drumming seriously enough though)
Jimmy Chamberlin (best fills, power, ability to craft amazing parts)
Neil Peart (inventive, sure he's highly talented, but more than that just fun to listen too)
Elvin Jones (incredible chemistry with John Coltrane, great feel/groove to his playing)
Keith Moon (again, a virtuoso but that's not really the point, man knew how to rock)

[dxduece]

Neil Peart
Keith Moon
Vinnie Paul
Lars Ulrich

[Majic19]

If you look at not just what how they play, but when they played it, it is almost impossible to pick a "Best all time". Too many variables to consider.

My top 5 favorite (and not in any particular order) are:

Buddy Rich
John Bonham
Neil Peart
Keith Moon
Travis Barker

Look at what Rich, Bonham and Moon did and when they did it. They were the innovators of drumming excellence. Ushering in new ideas, fills and beats that had never been done before. They were bustin' chops long before anyone else dreamed of doing what they did. Drummers today, including Peart are still copying the styles, rythums, fills and beats these guys (Buddy Rich in particular) created. However, with that said, Peart has to be one the most technically sound and innovative drummers I've ever watched play. And then I just love Barker's beats. He throws $hit that just amazes me.

Greatest of all time? It's a matter of taste, genre, era, flash, power, emotion, technical ability... etc, etc. What do you prefer?

Quite frankly, I'd love to play half as well as any of the drummers mentioned in this thread. And that's coming from one who use to be able to more than just hold his own for 20 plus years. ( I am getting old now and haven't played seriously in a LONG time) But, I love to see all the different tastes and opinions as to who all of your favorites are... Isn't that what music is all about? Opinion, expression, emotion and preferences? I don't think there is a wrong answer... except for the guy that said Tommy Lee... PLEASE!!! his own "house band" drummer on the TV show "Super Nova" (or whatever it was called) was better than Lee. It's all in fun, don't have a cow! ;)

Keep banging the skins !!!

[davidshek]

Portnoy benifits greatly from being in a virtuoso band... I kind of feel like his solos really expose him for his lack of ability to hook dispirite ideas together in any sort of thrilling fashion.... but then again I don't really care for solos or DT to begin with so maybe I've just never listened closely enough to his playing.

While I don't necessarily disagree with your list of 5, I greatly disagree with your above statements. Perhaps you should try listening closely to what he plays. He's a frickin genius, as are all the other members of that band (well, ok except Labrie, his voice annoys the crap outta me). :)

[Hansford]

I can't believe nobody mentioned Stuart Copeland, yet. He deserved mention in this discussion. Right up there with Buddy Rich, Bonzo, Moon, Peart, and Grohl.

Somebody help me out, though. Who was the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience? That cat had some chops, but I can't remember his name right now. Crosstown Traffic....madness.

[sephiroth702]

I can't believe nobody mentioned Stuart Copeland, yet. He deserved mention in this discussion. Right up there with Buddy Rich, Bonzo, Moon, Peart, and Grohl.

Somebody help me out, though. Who was the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience? That cat had some chops, but I can't remember his name right now. Crosstown Traffic....madness.

Mitch Mitchell according to Wikipedia.

Sorry for another "I can't believe nobody mentioned ______" post, but I can't believe nobody mentioned Virgil Donati.

[Seattle_Sound]

I've only seen one Jimmy Chamberlin post and thats a crime. Jimmy is a beast

[TrunkMonkey]

Neal Peart

[No_Skill]

GOATS:
peart
moon
that dude from santana
bonham
rich

My current favorites:
Danny Carey
Tomas Haake

Both of these guys are creative and neither of them would be able to be in their bands if they didn't have a good understanding of music theory. Very refreshing to hear heavy music with intelligent and creative drumming rather than "OOH LOOK I FOUND MY SECOND BASS PEDAL!!"

Finally...

[hayzerqb11]

the best Drummer, on my mind would have 2 be Neil Peart, *ahem*, A.K.A. The Proffesser. What is your fav. Drummer?

I have to say Keith moon, that guy was nuts, and funny

[Hansford]

Oh...I can't believe I forgot to mention Animal from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem...true genius that is often misunderstood.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

Finally...

what do you mean finally?? i'm pretty sure the entire universe gags on danny carey.

tomas haake is the most underrated drummer of all time

[tombrady]

I would agree with you there, but I don't agree with the entire world gagging on danny...

Probably in comparison to Haake who is just as good (if not better) but aside from the legions of obsessive Tool fans, not many people even know Danny.

Most of the obsessive tool fans just say danny is the best EVAR without any real knowledge of music, because, well, they are obsessive tool fans :P As always, it makes everyone else look the same.

The reason I don't agree with EVERYONE gagging on danny is because there are a lot worse drummers who get a lot more attention and awards (like Portnoy).

I think you are just jaded because MANY tool fans (hell, maybe even MOST) are convinced that each of the 4 members of the band are by far the greatest thing humanity has ever spawned at their respective instruments...which ironically is the exact opposite of what makes Tool a great band.

[HPLabonte]

UNDOUBTEDLY Keith Moon. No one else even comes close. I know that pretty much everyone will probably say this, but that's because it's true. For every beat a normal drummer hits, he plays two or three. And it sounds amazing! I mean, just listen to Won't Get Fooled Again. It's probably the best drumming in any song. Ever. Now, please don't counter this by mentioning a metal drummer, because I'm not just talking about skill but also how good the drum line actually sounds. Second place goes to Charlie Watts, who played some great lines but isn't as talented.

truth <tenchqar>

[polishdog90]

Joey Jordisin. ive been too quite a few shows and few drummers can entertain like joey does. he may not go down as the best technical drummer, but id still give my left nut to play like him.

First off, you spelled your favorite drummers name wrong. It's Joey Jordison. Second off, he sucks ass. All he can do is double bass really fast. Thats all. If you have ever heard his drum solos they are so boring.

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Honestly it just sounds like ****ing noise. That isnt even music.

As for my favorites- Peart, Bonham, and Moon are all great. They all were excellent writers and they had technical skill.

[Wangsandsuch]

Drum solos are boring in general.

[Fathoms]

Agreed. Sure, they can be a great showcase for a drummers talent, but they also reveal what little talent alone can account for in the greatness of music.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

neil pearts drum solos are like standalone songs though so yeah

[FaMiCuS]

Oh...I can't believe I forgot to mention Animal from Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem...true genius that is often misunderstood.
Animal is one of the great ones, but remember, he did lose to Buddy Rich in a Drum Off.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8957860874855268316

Please excuse Kermit and his foreign tongue.

Here is another video of Buddy Rich doing what he does best. Ed Shaughnessy vs. Buddy Rich.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-883034824566325796

Old Video, Buddy Rich vs. Jerry Lewis.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1033337364201142779

[abasketfullofpuppies]

First off, you spelled your favorite drummers name wrong. It's Joey Jordison. Second off, he sucks ass. All he can do is double bass really fast. Thats all. If you have ever heard his drum solos they are so boring.

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Honestly it just sounds like ****ing noise. That isnt even music.

As for my favorites- Peart, Bonham, and Moon are all great. They all were excellent writers and they had technical skill.

HA! This is what i get for typing sleep deprived. anyway all i was saying is that of all the drummers playing in modern bands today he is my favorite. my fault for not specifying. and while i doubt he will ever be mentioned as the greatest drummer of all time i believe he does deserve his recognition for what he is: a damn good entertainer as all of slipknots members are. they certainly are not the most impressive stand alone music but thier live show is a whole other story. and while i will concede to Peart, Bonham, and Moon (honestly who cant) i would take Joey over any of the emo garbage or so called rock polluting the air today.

[RabidDeathMoose]

Not knocking any of the others mentioned but I've never enjoyed listening to a persussion solo more than Godsmack's Battalla de los Tambores.

I have no idea about individual skill but Sully and Shannon Larkin... those guys rule.

[Highlandlassie]

lol, nope no 1, and i mean no one comes far as talented as Neil Peart.

Yep, No doubt, Niel Peart of RUSH, is the best rock drummer of all time.

[starkukraine]

Stevie Wonder
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Jon Theodore

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Billy Cobham

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[j7wb07]

Rich
Peart
Gadd
Bonham
Weckl
Copeland

Honorable Mention: Freddie Gruber (look him up).

[Runesmith]

The highly underrated ROBO (he played for Black Flag's "classic lineup") is my favorite drummer of all-time. He isn't the most technically skilled, but I'd take his unique style over some of the more technical drummers any day of the week.

[sushimooshi]

kieth moon hands down, niel pert is good but i love kieths chaotic style of drumming its almost as if hes not playing a drum track but a guitar track that sounds like drums. neil pert is overhyped in my opnion... but hes still good

[Setsu]

In short, Mike Portnoy.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

^ in short, you're wrong

[Chaz R]

Thomas Pridgen I dont know how to embed videos but here he is Thomas Pridgen on Drums (http://youtube.com/watch?v=j_cnhaPgZ04) Hes been picked up by The Mars Volta and get ready for the album to drop in January its going to be epic

[theSurfbum1]

i dont know either drummers names but i would have to choos.
the drummer from rush that i think is neil peart. and the drummer from slipknot

[Aesposit]

my room-mate showed me this video of a studio musician laying down some tracks, this guy from Italy and i'll still say that peart is amazing and that i think he's done some amazing work, but right now i think this guy is hard ass, look up his other videos on youtube too they are fun, he goes by vadrum
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[Ddellamorte]

Holy crap, I can't believe NO ONE has mentioned F-cking Hellhammer or Frost in the is damn thread.

I'm not knocking any of the classic drummers everyones losing themselves over, but personally speaking, my votes go with Hellhammer, Frost, Nick Barker and the drummer from Opeth, who's name I cant remember.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

lol because hellhammer, frost, and nick barker are **** drummers. wow they're fast, yawn.

martin lopez used to be the drummer for opeth btw and he's a lot better than the 3 aforementioned drummers combined

[Chaz R]

vadrum has way too big of a set for what he is doing, and he has a pretty *** band that he plays with

[Cucumber]

I'm not a fan of guys with 8,000 pieces on their kit as though they need all of those? I like guys who destroy with the most basic kit. that to me is impressive. Having said this and though not a fan Neal Peart is amazing and so is Nick Perce and Joey Jordinson, Dave Lombardo and Travs Barker. There are a ton of newer drummers in metal though that don't get the recognition they should just to mention a few Brann Dailor of Mastodon, Travis Smith of Trivium and Chris Adler of Lamb Of God

[Cladinshadows]

I can't argue for who the BEST drummer is...there's simply too many great one's to mention...
but I will say Sean Reinhert from Cynic has got to be one of the top of the very top tier players. Anyone who's listened to "Focus" and his work from Death's "Human" record knows he's not playing around.

I also like Gene Hoglan and Richard Christy of Death fame but I have to admit that Christy can get a bit "wordy" if you catch my drift. Oh well, playing his drum parts always kept me limber haha.

And of course Dave Weckle, Terry Bozzio (Who I just saw at a Sabian drum clinic! very unique player, makes lots of faces haha) are pretty good drummers from the 80's.

And just because I feel like he can't be left out: Mike Portnoy for obvious reasons.

@ Battle Axe, yeah I really liked Martin Lopez; it's a shame he started having so many health problems. I wonder if he forsook his solo project with Mendez along with Opeth...?

Also, while I can see you critiquing Nick Barker for being pure speed, I think you're going a bit far with Hellhammer - especially because his work with Antestor is soaked in style (He carries the record).

[gryphoncub]

I would have to say Neal Peart and Mike Portnoy.

[MokinWeed]

Hello all,
Danny Carey is in my opinion the best drummer I have ever seen.And belongs to one of
the most entertaining,thought proviking,mind numbing bands that we will ever
know of,Tool.

Check out these youtube vids,Danny,s new kit is made of Paiste cymbas,with the middle cut out,,leaving about an inch around the circumfrence,then stacked and welded together to make a drum bodys<very heavy,an awesome concept..
His Kit
http://youtube.com/watch?v=pRR9iHdG__4

Just Jammin
http://youtube.com/watch?v=XhFSk-rJks0

VS. Terry Bozzio Another great drummer They are very even in talent,
if you wanna see more of Terry Bozzio,Search Frank Zappa,r Bozzio
http://http://youtube.com/watch?v=oy1Kf-Xue-g

Zappa is the guitar God. (Frank Zappa) R.I.P
Look him up on yoytube..
Hope u enjoy..
Late,,JJB

[TheCorporal]

the best Drummer, on my mind would have 2 be Neil Peart, *ahem*, A.K.A. The Proffesser. What is your fav. Drummer?

Im well aware that im going to get bashed for this.

Neil peart is overrated, he's defintetly good, but he's far from the greatest. In fact I dont even know why he's so popular among drummers, im 16 and I can play most Rush songs on the set their not that complicated once you get past the funky timing thing.

Buddy Rich, is the greatest

[Wangsandsuch]

Im well aware that im going to get bashed for this.

Neil peart is overrated, he's defintetly good, but he's far from the greatest. In fact I dont even know why he's so popular among drummers, im 16 and I can play most Rush songs on the set their not that complicated once you get past the funky timing thing.

Buddy Rich, is the greatest

Try writing the drums for those songs. Seriously, log off and go do it.

[Jolby32]

Guys, JOHN HENRY BONHAM MAYBE! the greatest single bass drum drummer of all time! he is definetly the best.

[Runesmith]

Hey! Someone finally mentioned Terry Bozzio. Good choice. Too bad Missing Persons didn't give him much of a chance to really flex his creativity and drumming skills.

In order to keep the redudancy of this thread down, I'm going to shy away from picking obvious choices. *coughcough*Neil Peart*coughcough*Keith Moon*cough* Also, it is worth noting that I much prefer a creative and/or innovative drummer over someone with raw technical skill.

Scott Asheton (Iggy Pop and the Stooges)
Tim Alexander (Primus)
ROBO (Black Flag)
DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys)
Phil Collins (Genesis): Really surprised Phil hasn't been mentioned yet! He deserves to be commended for his innovative use of electronic percussion instruments back when Genesis was still edgy.
Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick)
Meg White (The White Stripes) I can't think of any other drummer that could compliment Jack quite as well as Meg can.
Clem Burke (Blondie) Hands down the greatest punk/New Wave drummer ever. He played with the Romantics, too.

[samcheck]

Jimmy Chamberlain

[Dr.G]

lol, nope no 1, and i mean no one comes far as talented as Neil Peart.
I know someone better.WAY BETTER! PHIL COLLINS BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[battle_axe_of_doom]

Hey! Someone finally mentioned Terry Bozzio. Good choice. Too bad Missing Persons didn't give him much of a chance to really flex his creativity and drumming skills.

In order to keep the redudancy of this thread down, I'm going to shy away from picking obvious choices. *coughcough*Neil Peart*coughcough*Keith Moon*cough* Also, it is worth noting that I much prefer a creative and/or innovative drummer over someone with raw technical skill.

Scott Asheton (Iggy Pop and the Stooges)
Tim Alexander (Primus)
ROBO (Black Flag)
DH Peligro (Dead Kennedys)
Phil Collins (Genesis): Really surprised Phil hasn't been mentioned yet! He deserves to be commended for his innovative use of electronic percussion instruments back when Genesis was still edgy.
Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick)
Meg White (The White Stripes) I can't think of any other drummer that could compliment Jack quite as well as Meg can.
Clem Burke (Blondie) Hands down the greatest punk/New Wave drummer ever. He played with the Romantics, too.

wtf are you talking about?? phil collins didn't use electric drumming when genesis were good

and phil collins isn't as good as peart. collins owned in the 70s (look up los endos with bill bruford for example) but he isn't on pearts level

[BearFan51]

Meg White (The White Stripes) I can't think of any other drummer that could compliment Jack quite as well as Meg can.

I can.......http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/fit,400by400/sr16_large-0a842b51982ed32e3a42d6a19415c3f3.jpg

:D Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Dr.G]

wtf are you talking about?? phil collins didn't use electric drumming when genesis were good

and phil collins isn't as good as peart. collins owned in the 70s (look up los endos with bill bruford for example) but he isn't on pearts level
GO LICK A JAPAESE MAN'S BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!

[Runesmith]

I can.......http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/quality,85/brand,zzounds/fit,400by400/sr16_large-0a842b51982ed32e3a42d6a19415c3f3.jpg

:D Sorry, couldn't resist.

*laughs* It's okay. I deserved that. I just really like Meg's lack of polish and idiosynchroncies...but then again, I'm a big fan of punk, soo...

And, to Battle Axe, I consider Abacab Genesis' last truly 'edgy' album, which did feature a number of synth-drums/percussion bits, all expertly played by Phil.

[battle_axe_of_doom]

abacab is going too far, hell even ...and then there were three is going to far

oh ya and add billy cobham to the list

[Wangsandsuch]

Bill Berry.

[kliquid]

Carter Beauford of Dave Matthews Band or Keith Moon.

[dave93]

Neil Peart, then Keith Moon, Mike Portnoy, then Bonham somewhere off in the distance over those hills back behind that mountain.

[OBEY]

For those that disagree with Bonham not being to worthy of the title of well, amazing, listen to Moby Dick. Better yet, find a video of it. Pure amazement. Not knocking Neil Pert, he's great to. Not knocking Mike Portnoy, he's awesome as well. But Bonham just has this thing about him that just raises him that extra notch.

One name that I think is being greatly over looked though (probably because he's not in a "rock band") would be Travis Barker. He actually has a lot of talent and skill, look for his Rollercoaster drum solo. Very very tight and well played. Right now, he's in my honest opinion, one of the best drummers on the music scene.

[tombrady]

you can knock portnoy, don't worry

[futant420]

Danny Carey
Ginger Baker
John Bonham

NOT Lars, and NOT Alex VH, because real drummers don't loop. Portnoy and Peart also rock.

[futant420]

I think you are just jaded because MANY tool fans (hell, maybe even MOST) are convinced that each of the 4 members of the band are by far the greatest thing humanity has ever spawned at their respective instruments...which ironically is the exact opposite of what makes Tool a great band.

fan-frikken-tastic

[ltzasz]

Now I know these are the "Rock Band" forums so I shouldn't be surprised to see so many rock drummers. But there are incredible players outside the rock world.

Hell I just registered to mention Joe Morello (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDOgYw5-pNs). Fantastic drummer.

Props to the people in this thread who mentioned some lesser known guys (whoever mentioned Krupa has my approval). Jon Theodore too, probably my favourite rock guy. Sean Kinney from AIC is a great drummer, don't be fooled by what you hear him play on the albums.

[BobLoblaw]

Bonham is #1, obviously, but after him, Dale Crover gets my vote.

[GibsonLP33stl]

Keith Moon....technically, I'm not a drummer so between all the greats I don't feel I have the knowledge to say who is actually the "best" drummer. But for what they bring to the music and the song, Keith Moon has got to be up there. The Who is one of the few bands where it seems like the drums are one of the lead instruments. Instead of just holding the time, he will throw in some really funky beats or fills that completely brings the song to another level.

[ultrawiz]

Meg White from "The White Stripes" ROFL seriously though id have to with wirh Dave Lombardo from slayer complex and fast im so glad he's with the band again.

[imeistermandude]

Dave Lombardo, Slayer, no contest.

[maddagger]

I could sit here all day and name off drummers that I think are the best. To me the drummer of a band isnt someone that just hangs out with the band, he/she is an intricate part of the it. You wouldnt most likely like a song if the drums sucked, mind you every piece of the band is important, singers are the main focus on the band, but everyone finds themselves watching the drummer, specially if you are tommy lee, ricky rocket, Neil pert , alex van halen (my Personal fave-watch the dvd live without a net- thats all of the band at there best and they do a solo each), Joey Jordison(slipknot), Kelly Keagy(night ranger), etc...

you wanna see my newest favorite unknown drummer-goto youtube and look for machinegun smith- http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=MachineGunSmith
if that dont impress you, no one will lol
he is a young up and comer, he is a force to be reckoned with, let me know what you think.

no i am not his promoter
just know a good drummer when i see one

[starkukraine]

I think Bill Bruford and Mitch Mitchell is a lot better than MachineGun Smith. Also Cobham... oh and buddy miles

[stang2nv95]

anyone mention Thomas Lang?

[Tungsten Core]

Joey Jordison ;)

[velvetFREAKINrevolver]

buddy rich/steve smith/j. bonham/ ur all idiots if u dnt like or even know of buddy rich that is if ur a real drumr who 2nds that

[Prisoner_KSC2303]

Rich, Peart, Bonham and Moon are all valid answers, but apparently none of you have a heard of a 70's prog rock band known as Can. Their drummer, Jaki Leibziet, was unreal. He had an uncanny sense of timing and rhythm. Check out Future Days or Tago Mago sometime.

[Caarlosgs]

john bonham and neil peart are the best drummers of all time :D

[FultonPub]

Meg White from the White Stripes.....:rolleyes:

[v1g1lance1]

I'm going to have to put my vote in for Danny Carey from Tool.

[Skilletz123]

Great drummers:

Neil Peart
Bj&#246;rn Fryklundh
Ed Warby
Stian Lindaas Kristoffersen
L&#233;o Margarit
Mike Portnoy


I'm surprised to see Ed Warby on someone's list. I am a major Ayreon fan, and think Ed is exceptional. I concur on Bj&#246;rn Fryklundh as well, Freak Kitchen has some crazy, interesting stuff. To me, Stian Lindaas Kristoffersen has always been a Portnoy study (Pagan's Mind has tried to duplicate the style of Image and Words fairly successfully). L&#233;o Margarit is very good as well. I am very fortunate to have seen all those guys live with the exception of Ed Warby.

We definitely have similar music tastes. :D

[Skilletz123]

Curious that nobody has mentioned Mark Zonder or Alex Arellano.

[Crecat]

I'm not a Rush fan, so I have to chip in for John Bonham just out of principle.

Alex Van Halen is pretty darn good, too, but it's hard to tell if he uses effects or multiple tracks to make him sound better (Hot for Teacher?)
he dont i know a friend of mine can play hot for teacher note for note

[Crecat]

by far, its dave lombardo...aint nobody on this planet that beats the skins as sick as that man!!! he was one of the pioneers of the double bass roll, which is now a staple of metal music. and if anyone has seen a slayer show back then, they know what im talking about. and just for ****s and giggles, gene hoglan is a distant second.
i agree dave amen and i still like tommy lee apparently no one really has really watched him play

[splintermonkey2]

mike portnoy, john dolmayan, neil peart are all awesome

BUDDY RICH = best drummer ever, by far

[cuBERT]

John Dolmayan AKA, that one guy who never smiles.

[kzerok]

Neil Peart. I mean come on, it's Rush (lol). Also, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Keith Moon, Terry Bozzio, and Dave Grohl. There are tons of good drummers. These would have to be my favorites. I'll always consider Neil Peart the greatest drummer. Also, Gene Krupa. Almost forgot about him. lol

[Admiralwiggin]

Neil Peart hands down

[BIoodAndThunder]

Best Drummers IMO (in no particular order because I don't think there is one muscician in general that can be the single best ever)

-Neil Peart
-Dave Grohl
-Keith Moon
-John Bonham
-Stewart Copeland
-Gavin Harrison (of Porcupine Tree, if any one has ever heard of them)
-Dave Lombardo
-Tim Alexander (the first drummer for Primus)
-Mike Portnoy
-Danny Carey (of Tool)
-Brann Dailor;)

[BurntToast]

These are my favorite drummers IMO (no particular order)

-Lars Ulrich (turn on Battery or any underground Metallica albums)
-Dave Grohl (good drummer)
-Keith Moon
-Rick Allen (Def Leppard, he had one arm. Even though the drum beats werent hard, he had one arm. Thats it.)
-Vinnie Paul
-Chad Smith (RHCP, he has a good distinct funk/metal beat)
-Alex Van Halen
-Meg White

[Rastak]

John Bonham
Chester Thompson
Alan White

[R33DH4M]

1) Joe Morello
2) Stewart Copeland
3) Carlton Barrett

[SurferD]

Along with the mentioned guys (Moon, Bonham Peart, Guy, etc.), I think props have to go to Carl Palmer of ELP and Asia(I know, I know 80's "supergroup"). He is absolutely one of the best I have ever seen or heard.

[army_of_me]

C'mon guys, it all has to do with the kind of music you like. That's why no one's right or wrong.

I can't argue with greatness of the drummers already mentioned; some of my favorite "current" drummers are:

Jon Theodore
Danny Carey
Dave Grohl
Tim Alexander
Brann Dailor
not Mike Portnoy (because I can't stand DT... see how that works? ;))

[piratekingjoe]

It's comforting to see a name like Buddy Rich in the list,


buddy rich/steve smith/j. bonham/ ur all idiots if u dnt like or even know of buddy rich that is if ur a real drumr who 2nds that

he is one of the greatest drummers to ever live, if you don't believe then find a copy of Rich vs Roach some of the ideas thrown out by Buddy Rich and Max Roach influence drummers to this day.

On the same note, I would say Elvin Jones is probably the greatest drummer of all time (check out the the Larry Young album Unity and listen to the track "Monk's Dream").

As far as rock drummers go, hard to pick anyone above the ones repeated many times already: Keith Moon, Neil Peart, and John Bonham. But to add some more obscure names to the list, how about Dave Weckl and Steve Gadd.

[heyjer]

Just looks the funnest to play, It's only 1 minute long.... just watch it.

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[YYZ2112RUSH]

Id have to say Neil Peart is the best drummer ever without a doubt.If youve heard the 8 minute YYZ you would agree.But my dad says dave lombardo is the best and that neil peart is competion.

[sjdnb]

Tim Alexander
Bill Bruford v Ginger Baker (tie)
Ian Paice
Mike Giles
Jeff Porcaro

Peace

[BAoxymoron]

Although everyone will disagree i think Chris Adler is the best drummer

he might not be the most technical but it is amazing MUSIC even a three year old can randomly hit drums but it takes talent to make interesting music

the begining is slow but watch it all and you'll realize my chioce
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ok he gets a little technical here:
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he rocks

Did i mention he started drumming at age 21 think if he had started earlier man that would be crazy

[Cowboyfan9romo]

there is absolutely no contest to the best drummer. it is definetly Neil Peart..BY FARRR!! with his drum set that goes all the way around him..just watch this video...you'll see..
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[tombrady]

great vid, I love when drummers actually tune their drums instead of just making a plunking sound like Lars Ulrich or something...

[corsair]

lots of great drummers here...i can only base my opinion off of those that i've had the opportunity to see live, and of those i would have to say my two favorite are:

Tommy Aldridge
Eric Carr

[Byrddoggg]

Well, all of them, lol, but YYZ, Jacob's Ladder, Limelight, and La Villa Strangiato are my favorites.


I agree that Peart is the best and I would put Keith Moon as a close second.

Some of Neil's best work is on:

La Villa Strangiato
The Weapon
Freewill (especially during guitar solo...insane)
Xanadu
Digital Man (drums and bassline are nuts)

That's just a few of my favs. But he's always great.

[nedreaevil]

I can think of quiet a few drummers that are great that no one has mentioned.
I have also noticed people are really only post drummers that are from well known bands in america. So give these guys a listen peeps.

Danial Zimmermann of Gamma Ray
Uli Kusch -Ex-Helloween , Ex-Masterplan , Beautiful Sin
Mike Terrana ( been in wayyyy to many bands to list)
Jaska Raatikainen of Children of Bodom
Dani Löble - Ex-Rawhead Rexx , Helloween
Mikkey Dee of Motorhead
Jukka Nevalainen of Nightwish


then of course gotta say
Neil Peart
Tommy lee (Not the best technically , but probrolly the best showman drummer ever)
Mike Portnoy

I am sure im missing a couple.

[Caeslus]

I would have to say Neil Peart, not to jump on the bandwagon or anything, but well, if you're that good there is little that can be done about the bandwagon effect.

I saw Rush in Minneapolis in September this year. Sad to say those guys are getting up there in age, but daaaamn can he wail on the drums. His solo right after Malignant Narcissism was amazing.

Not the same show (I'd have been lucky to be that close) But the solo sounds about right in this video.
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If someone could have 1/8 of his skill they could count themselves fortunate.

Same can be said about several others I've seen mentioned in this thread.

[listentobsabbath]

Alex used multiple tracks...

[Byrddoggg]

Alex used multiple tracks...


Please grace us with some specifics to this silly comment. I've seen Rush in concert about 25 times since 1982 and he's never used multiple tracks although they do use foot pedals for certain things. i.e. Alex would sometimes play a bass or synth part with foot pedals. Geddy does it alot too sometimes singing, playing bass and playing keyboard with his feet at the same time. :-)