Ultimatum's 25 Favorite Drummers

[Ultimatum]

This list is of 25 of my favorite drummers, that are not only awesome to listen to, but influenced my playing style greatly.

25. Ian Paice(Deep Purple)

His incredible rolls and technique and his fast right foot all make for a great drummer. I remember when I first heard his rolls on Highway Star, those blew me away. The intro to Fireball is another highlight as well as Space Truckin'. Probably the first drummer that made me want to learn more about accented rolls.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeGs7gFHCQ4

24. Bill Kreutzmann(The Grateful Dead)

My earliest exposure to the Dead was the 1973 recordings. I love Bill’s grooves and Eyes of the World was a particularly awesome track.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I1OTu4jN7Q&feature=related

23. David Garibaldi(Tower of Power)

Probably the best groover I have ever listened to. His smooth and groovy playing is incredible and will be beyond my level for quite some time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us7yp6RqBaM

22. Michael Giles(King Crimson)

Ever since I first heard him, I've been in envy of his snare sound. By far, one of my favorite snares ever recorded. The man's creative juices never cease to flow. A particularly inspiring moment for me was his performance on 21st Century Schizoid Man, I don't think there is a single fill in that song that ends on 1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TrtwQXezaU

21. Stewart Copeland(Oysterhead, Police)

Let's forget The Police for a second. His playing in Oysterhead blows that away by far. His solid ghosting technique and impeccable groove made me respect him in a whole different light after listening to The Grand Pecking Order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk7Q4RjIz64

20. Keith Moon(The Who)

Sure, he played a ton of fills, but he had this sort of methodology to them that made them fit into the music somehow. Despite being fills, they kept the rhythm intact instead of being flashy "look at me" bits.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2EdINKHgJE

19. Carter Beauford(Dave Matthews Band)

Dave Matthews is awesome and Beauford is incredible. His hi-hat licks are usually improvised on the spot and his sort of off-beat playing is what I crave and love to play. His hi-hat grooves are incredible as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOatIrazULw&feature=related

18. Mitch Mitchell(Jimi Hendrix)

I had recently grown to love this drummer. I hadn't been too familiar with Hendrix's deep cuts earlier, and having discovered some particularly awesome moments has made me respect his playing more and more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiMu_ZSbKn4

17. Billy Cobham(Mahavishnu Orchestra, Solo)

One of my favorite Fusion drummers. His playing is incredible and he's unrelenting in his technique and progression. The opening groove to Vital Transformation is something I still haven't quite been able to replicate.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYBTBv_h4CQ

16. Papa Jo Jones(Count Basie)

Mr. Hi-Hat himself, during his time he really set those cymbals on fire and he is a heavy influence on hi-hat grooves he came up with. His musical, somewhat staccato style of soloing was a nice breath of fresh air from all the speed freaks of his time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D3UL24Ogtk&feature=related

15. Carmine Appice(Vanilla Fudge; Beck, Borgart, and Appice)

The original heavy hitter and quite adept at grooving. I love his smooth grooves in Vanilla Fudge and his hard-hitting style and his awesome solos serve as heavy inspiration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ib_anKDE5s

14. Dave Weckl(Solo)-I love his grooves and he was the first drummer to make me experiment with ghosting. I love the call-and-response that is in a lot of his pieces, and because of him, that’s been incorporated a lot into my playing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1-g7uv0gI

13. Steve Flynn(Atheist)-Another great drummer. He can not only play Death Metal, but switch to Jazz or Latin in the next instance. He has some creative drum parts and he is rock solid in a live setting, which is pretty difficult considering he plays for Atheist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNWhqyaLOJk

12. Marco Minneman(Independent)-Probably the first drummer that inspired me to pursue 4-way independence. Some of his solos and a particularly awe-inspiring clinic I witnessed showed me that you could throw anything around a simple bass and snare pattern and still have it sound awesome. His ability to play along to any vocal loop and form a time signature for it at an instant is particularly awesome as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANxVWgBELZA

11. Gavin Harrison(Porcupine Tree, King Crimson)-His playing on Coma Divine really showed me how much he can put out. Dislocated Day is one of my favorite tracks and probably my favorite Porcupine Tree tracks, his pattern on that is incredible. Not to mention, he’s also scored a gig as the second drummer for King Crimson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjJ_npGx_GY

10. Danny Carey(Tool)-Not my favorite, but definitely important on shaping my early playing. He further influenced my tom rhythms and was the first really heavy exposure I had to odd time. What really makes him a great drummer in my eyes is not only his ability to play odd time with ease, but also his ability to play the Tabla, which is widely known amongst Percussionists as probably the most difficult hand percussion instrument to learn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSJXV0ZJ4JQ

9. Jean-Paul Gaster(Clutch, The Bakerton Group)-Probably my favorite Hard/Blues Rock drummer of all time. He can really lay down a beat, and can throw some crazy rhythms at you, particularly in American Sleep and a cool groove in Child of the City.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ax7icefQbZ0

8. Sean Reinert(Cynic, Death)-His playing on Human and Focus is incredible. His Jazz sensibilities in the field of Metal was something I hadn't heard before. Every time I listen through Focus, I always find some new, little facet to his playing I hadn't before.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ixd3nc33so

7. Asgeir Mickelson(Spiral Architect, Borknagar, Vintersorg)-My first exposure to his playing was through Spiral Architect. Spiral Architect was the first band to completely stump me when it came to time and his playing just seemed to fit perfectly. Considering the intricacy and the time that he takes in crafting his parts, he instantly became one of my favorite drummers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXKifm1YhtY

6. Morgan Agren(Mats/Morgan Band, Frank Zappa)-If there ever were to be a Keith Moon in Prog, this would be him. By far one of the most eccentric and awe-inspiring drummers I have witnessed. He also has the foot of a god and has the sort of right foot speed that would make even Buddy Rich and John Bonham envious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzrKTI5edGg&feature=related

5. Gene Hoglan(Death, Strapping Young Lad)-This man worked the Ride, and I mean WORKED it. He was a powerhouse, but the way he approached Symbolic changed my perspective on Metal drumming forever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tflUYAT5G00

4. Terry Bozzio(Frank Zappa, Missing Persons)-One of the first drummers I was exposed to, he made me realize how much I love the sounds that each individual tom and cymbal makes. My first influence on tom rhythms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZIoor6guPI&feature=related

3. Derek Roddy(Serpent’s Rise, Today Is The Day, Hate Eternal)-One of the most inventive and creative Death Metal drummers I have seen. He used to be one of the fastest, and then realized that he wasn’t progressing too much musically. Since then he’s been focusing on tom rhythms and multi-pedal orchestration, which is incredibly awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKpcRZiLbYg

2. Vinnie Appice(Dio, Heaven and Hell)-The first heavy hitter to inspire me and the first drummer I ever saw live. After I came back from that concert, I plowed into my drums like never before and realized how amazing a power-hitter can be.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bObmX8d1ow

1. Dave Grohl(Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age)-Probably my favorite drummer of all time and the reason why I sit behind the kit. Before I knew who he was, I had been aspiring to play drums for about 2 years. My parents weren’t sure if I’d keep the habit, so they refrained from signing me up, that and I also had no apparent sense of rhythm. Then I stumbled upon the video for No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age. His part during the Guitar solo captivated me. After watching the video, I ran downstairs and told my parents to sign me up for lessons and had my first lesson the next week, and here I am now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkH2i0fyowc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2Pfg0kF5hs

[supernova1324]

Awesome list, and kudos for putting Dave Grohl at number one. Have you seen him in his side project called probot? Fricken amazing.

[Ultimatum]

Yup, I have the CD, it's pretty good in spots.

Thanks

[supernova1324]

And I thought Neil Pearts set was ridiculous, until I saw Terry Bozzio's kit...

[Hungryfreak]

Pretty damn good list. I would rearrange lots of things, but the names up there are definitely ones I agree with (especially Steve Flynn!)

[Hungryfreak]

Awesome list, and kudos for putting Dave Grohl at number one. Have you seen him in his side project called probot? Fricken amazing.

I thought Probot was okay, though it was amazing in general that he got together so many metal legends.

[citric_bullets]

Very respectable list. I felt like I learned a thing or two along the way haha. I especially liked seeing Terry Bozzio up near the top.

[Ultimatum]

Pretty damn good list. I would rearrange lots of things, but the names up there are definitely ones I agree with (especially Steve Flynn!)

It's mainly in order of how the drummers influenced my style. I know Carey being up so high will upset some people, but he was incredibly important on shaping my early style.

[Hungryfreak]

I can understand that. Then again, it's favorite rather than best, so nobody can complain that you put Carey high up and left Buddy Rich off the list, haha.

[Ultimatum]

I've never really been too fond of Rich even though I respect him for being insanely fast at age 63 with a heart condition.

[instantdeath999]

Great list. I'll have to check out Oysterhead. I saw Copeland live with the Police, and came out thinking how great of a percussionist he was.

I'd really like to start drumming, but my main concern is taking lessons. I've taught myself to play guitar, bass, and harmonica (heh) decently well, but from what I hear, drums really require some help. I really dislike reading music traditionally (I can't get into music that way, despite listening to some classical).

[Ultimatum]

I'm not big on reading, but for Jazz and Big Band stuff, it's essentially a necessity. I'm happy that I've been taking lessons since day 1, especially because of my particularly awesome teacher.

[instantdeath999]

I can't speak for drumming, but when I try to play guitar to sheet music... it really kills any enthusiasm I have, and makes me want to put the instrument down. I just get really disconnected that way. But, like you said, when playing in a large group, you all need something to go by.

Ah, I love rock and it's simple structure.

[Hungryfreak]

I've never really been too fond of Rich even though I respect him for being insanely fast at age 63 with a heart condition.

I'm just making a nod to the thread that started this madness (Slashboi's) haha.

[Hungryfreak]

Great list. I'll have to check out Oysterhead. I saw Copeland live with the Police, and came out thinking how great of a percussionist he was.

I'd really like to start drumming, but my main concern is taking lessons. I've taught myself to play guitar, bass, and harmonica (heh) decently well, but from what I hear, drums really require some help. I really dislike reading music traditionally (I can't get into music that way, despite listening to some classical).

I have never taken drums lessons and... I'm not too good, really. Then again, I haven't tried too much, haha.

[AxlVanHagar]

Very cool list! Can't say as I'm aware of or fans of everyone there but with your comments I get why you are. Very cool indeed. A few of my faves are in there as well, Bozzio, the Appice's, Copeland.

And to istantdeath, go for it man. I have been having an absolute blast over the last couple of month's attempting to learn drums. I'm working my way through Appice's Realistic Rock book and Rod Morgenstein's The Drumset Musician. Reading music for drums is painfuly easy in comparison to that of guitar/bass so don't let that discourage you. If you could get through sheet music for guitar you will have no problem at all with drum sheet music. I picked it up in the first week.

[Ultimatum]

Very cool list! Can't say as I'm aware of or fans of everyone there but with your comments I get why you are. Very cool indeed. A few of my faves are in there as well, Bozzio, the Appice's, Copeland.

And to istantdeath, go for it man. I have been having an absolute blast over the last couple of month's attempting to learn drums. I'm working my way through Appice's Realistic Rock book and Rod Morgenstein's The Drumset Musician. Reading music for drums is painfuly easy in comparison to that of guitar/bass so don't let that discourage you. If you could get through sheet music for guitar you will have no problem at all with drum sheet music. I picked it up in the first week.

I think it was either you or Fogey that showed me that Carmine was the first heavy hitter after I expressed my love for Vinnie's style.

[sg327]

Wow!! Very well thought out and informative thread. I just spent the last 40 minutes watching the videos and found a few on there I'd like to take the time and check out more of their work. Great job!!

[Ultimatum]

Thanks!

And it's awesome to hear that people are actually watching the videos.

[instantdeath999]

I'm surprised you didn't list John Bonham, since you've expressed so much admiration for him. Or I may be thinking of someone else.

[franticfish]

The list is pretty awesome.
I'd rearrange a couple (Moon & Paice higher) but It's nice to see Bozzio, Carmine Appice and Vinnie Appice getting some mention.
I'm actually pleased there was no Bonham or Peart in that list, I was starting to think I was one of the only drummers who doesn't have Peart or Bonzo in their top 20.

[AxlVanHagar]

Thanks!

And it's awesome to hear that people are actually watching the videos.


Heh I always watch the vids people post. It's a good way to find new music sometimes.

[AxlVanHagar]

The list is pretty awesome.
I'd rearrange a couple (Moon & Paice higher) but It's nice to see Bozzio, Carmine Appice and Vinnie Appice getting some mention.
I'm actually pleased there was no Bonham or Peart in that list, I was starting to think I was one of the only drummers who doesn't have Peart or Bonzo in their top 20.

No Bonham or Peart for me either, though I'd hesitate to refer myself as a drummer just yet :o

[Ultimatum]

I'm surprised you didn't list John Bonham, since you've expressed so much admiration for him. Or I may be thinking of someone else.

His main influence on me is hard-hitting and a fast foot, but those bases were already covered early on by other drummers.

I might have to do an honorable mentions because a lot of drummers I like didn't quite make it.

[instantdeath999]

His main influence on me is hard-hitting and a fast foot, but those bases were already covered early on by other drummers.

I might have to do an honorable mentions because a lot of drummers I like didn't quite make it.

Well, he was Dave Grohl's biggest influence, so I guess he influenced you by default :)

[supernova1324]

Well, he was Dave Grohl's biggest influence, so I guess he influenced you by default :)

Yeah, Led Zeppelin is his favorite band of all time. He had a blast playing with Jimmy Page and John paul Jones at Wembley. Did you see his joke cover of Stairway to Heaven? It was hilarious.

[JukeBoxHero]

Nice list, I like how you put more thought into it, and explained why choose your drummers. I would go through your videos but my browser has a hard time with a plethora of videos.

I think I'll do that with my list, scratch everything but my bassist list and explain why I picked them.

[a21schizoidman]

i like this list, mostly because your reasons, you like them for how they influenced you, and that makes tons of sense

awesome man!

[Ultimatum]

I decided that if I was going to do this sort thing, I'd do more than just make a list so I didn't feel like I had half-assed it or something.

[AxlVanHagar]

I decided that if I was going to do this sort thing, I'd do more than just make a list so I didn't feel like I had half-assed it or something.

You succeeded. I hereby declare this list the list that all other lists shall be judged against. :D

[Tono_Fyr]

Pretty cool list, I like the idea of listing the "who and how and why".

I'm just kind of curious about this, Mike Portnoy? I don't mean to be questioning of your choices, as this IS a list of your influences, but I'm just curious how you can have Bozzio, Appice, Hoglan, Harrison (all excellent choices), etc, and not list Portnoy. Trying pretty specifically to not step on any feet here, but I'm just curious. I've, personally, always really admired his drumming.

[Ultimatum]

I just simply don't think he's that great and find him to be a pompous ***** in his interviews. Never really seen anything too special about him.

[Tono_Fyr]

I just simply don't think he's that great and find him to be a pompous ***** in his interviews. Never really seen anything too special about him.

K *shrugs*. As I said, just curious. If that's the way you feel, it's a good enough reason to not include him for yourself.

[bmcorrier]

Not only is this list amazing...but you, my friend, have exposed me to some awesome new music. I had never heard of Tower of Power, but that was some sick groove music.

I went to an All Shall Perish show about a month ago or so, and Hate Eternal was going to play, but they dropped off the tour 2 weeks prior. That would have been a sight to see.

EDIT: Oysterhead. Never listened to them before, but that was awesome. Stewart Copeland AND Les Claypool together? Awesome. I couldn't tell it was Les with the pig mask on, but his stance, the way he moves around, and his slap technique is unmistakable.

[Ultimatum]

Roddy doesn't play with Hate Eternal anymore.

Oysterhead also has Trey Anastasio from Phish, quite the amazing lineup they have.

Thanks, and good to know that people are getting exposed to new music through this thread.

[a21schizoidman]

Roddy doesn't play with Hate Eternal anymore.

Oysterhead also has Trey Anastasio from Phish, quite the amazing lineup they have.

Thanks, and good to know that people are getting exposed to new music through this thread.


i too salute you for including the Tower of Power, id loved them since I heard their horn section on Little Feat's Waiting For Columbus album

[Ultimatum]

I think Garibladi was in a Drum Gods issue and that's where I first heard about them. I really got into them especially because I was really starting to get into Jazz/Fusion and Funk.

[JonBobDenver]

Keith Moon is all my top 25 favorite drummers. On and off the kit.

[a21schizoidman]

Ultimatum, I know you like hard hitters, so, what's your opinion on Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad, I know he can be a little sloppy at times, but he's one of the best hard hitting drummers I've heard since Mitch Mitchell

[Ultimatum]

I haven't listened to much GFR, and I really should.

Once I pick up some of their material, I'll let you know, I'm a little busy with studying tonight, so I might not be able to check him out on the YouTube.

[packerfan8675309]

grohl kind of looks like rocky in the qotsa video. and Terry's kit was insane. untill I actually listened to the song, I was ready to write it off as that drummer that just looks like he knows what hes doing because hes got an amazing drum set. i was wrong.

[supernova1324]

grohl kind of looks like rocky in the qotsa video. and Terry's kit was insane. untill I actually listened to the song, I was ready to write it off as that drummer that just looks like he knows what hes doing because hes got an amazing drum set. i was wrong.

Rocky doesn't have a goatee...

[a21schizoidman]

I haven't listened to much GFR, and I really should.

Once I pick up some of their material, I'll let you know, I'm a little busy with studying tonight, so I might not be able to check him out on the YouTube.

id look at Live Album, and the Red Album first

then E Pluribus Funk and maybe Closer to Home

[CloudWolf]

Why does nobody EVER mention Flight of the Rat when they are talking about great drumsongs by Deep Purple. The drumsolos in that song are fantastic.

[a21schizoidman]

Why does nobody EVER mention Flight of the Rat when they are talking about great drumsongs by Deep Purple. The drumsolos in that song are fantastic.

thats my fav. DP song, lol, but Ian Paice IMO has better drum songs like Fireball, The Mule, Burn, Mandrake Root, Space Truckin, and Listen, Learn, Read On

[Ultimatum]

Why does nobody EVER mention Flight of the Rat when they are talking about great drumsongs by Deep Purple. The drumsolos in that song are fantastic.

I don't have much DP, and Highway Star's goliath fills were incredible to me.

[a21schizoidman]

I don't have much DP, and Highway Star's goliath fills were incredible to me.

ooooh, then look into albums like Fireball and In Rock for some killer Ian Paice

[Necross131]

Good list... would have loved to see Neil Peart and John Bonham on there... but otherwise very good drummers all of them.

[My name is Fez]

Quite the interesting list; I decalre this the best 'top [insert number] [insert instrument] list' ever.

I'm at work so I can't watch the videos, unfortunately, but I'll make it a point to watch those when I get home.

Also, Terry's kit is freaking nuts XD I thought Neil Peart's was bad.

[Ultimatum]

IIRC, I posted only the second part of that particular Bozzio clinic. In the first part, he explains the setup. He has each side tuned to match the diatonic and chromatic scales, and I think his cymbals are designed to reflect those as well. This choice has allowed him to make melody with a rhythmic instrument.

[supernova1324]

Also, Terry's kit is freaking nuts XD I thought Neil Peart's was bad.

My thoughts exactly.

[Zenweaponry]

I love the fact that you put favorite rather than best.

[Ultimatum]

I don't believe in bests, and I tried to steer clear from argument as much as possible.

[Gowienczyk]

I believe in bests, but its hard to place!

But yeah, favorite lists ftw.