Who are they, the hundred best drummers in the world in the history of music? Full list musicians are presented in the article.
100. Rob Burdon (Linkin Park)
Born in 1979 in California. He has been playing drums since he was 10 years old, after attending an Aerosmith concert.
99. Gene Hoglan (Death)
Born in 1967 in the USA. He has been playing drums since he was 13 years old and taught himself. Holgan gained fame with the group Death.
98. John Theodore (Mars Volta)
Born in 1973, currently a drummer Queen s of the Stone Age. He started playing the drum kit at the age of fifteen.
97. Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad)
Born in 1948, he became famous thanks to the group Grand Funk Railroad. He started playing drums during his school years.
96. Stanton Moore (Galactic)
The outstanding American drummer and founder of the funk band Galactic was born in 1972. In 2008, the team came to Russia.
95. Brad Wilk (Rage Against The Machine)
The 49-year-old drummer from the USA became famous playing in the band Rage Against The Machine. He is now a member of another team, Prophets of Rage.
94. Damon Che (Don Caballero)
Another talented musician comes from the USA. Don Caballero joined the group in 1991.
93. Dennis Chambers (Santana)
Born in 1959. In 2001, Modern Drummer magazine included him in its list of the best drummers.
92. Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer/Asia)
91. Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp)
90. Matt McDonough (Mudvayne)
Member of the band Mudvayne since 1996.
89. Billy Cobham (Horace Silver/Miles Davis)
The jazz drummer was born in 1944 in Panama, and later moved to the USA with his family. Started playing in the 60s.
88. Michael Shriiv (Santana)
The drummer of "Santana" was born in 1949.
87. David Garibaldi (Tower Of Power)
86. Chad Smith (RHCP)
85. Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
The Cuban-born American musician is best known as the drummer for the band Slayer. Participated in the recording of seven albums of the group.
84. Steve Gadd (Steely Dan)
Steve Gadd made a huge contribution to the development of drumming. Considered one of the most recorded drummers in history.
83. Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins)
He gained fame in the band Smashing Pumpkins, which he left in 1996.
82. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
81. Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band)
In 2010, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the musician tenth on its list of the greatest drummers of all time.
80. Tim Alexander (Primus)
The drummer has had an incredible influence on modern rock music.
79. Virgil Donati (Planet X)
78. Max Weinberg (E Street Band)
Born in 1951. The most famous drummer is from the E Street Band.
77. Alan White (Yes)
76. Carmine Appisi (Vanilla Fudge)
75. Simon Phillips (Toto, Jeff Beck)
74. Rod Morgensteen (Dixie Dregs, Winger)
Known for his work with rock bands Winger and Dixie Dregs.
73. Jaki Liebetzeit (Can)
72. Bernard Purdy
The session drummer played with many famous musicians and bands.
71. Chad Wackerman (Zappa)
Known for his collaborations with Frank Zappa and the rock band UK.
70. Phil Collins (Genesis)
Gained fame as a member of the rock band Genesis. Afterwards he made an incredible solo career.
69. Klaus Dinger (Neu/LA Dusserldorf)
I came up with a motor rhythm. Died in 2008.
68. Elvin Jones (John Coltrane)
67. Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
66. Ainsley Dunbar (Jeff Beck, Whitesnake)
The British drummer is known for his collaborations with many famous musicians, including F. Zappa, L. Reed, D. Bowie.
65. Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
64. Dean Castronovo (Bad English/Journey)
63. Alan Gratzer (REO Speedwagon)
Born in New York in 1948. His parents noticed the boy's interest in drums and bought him a toy kit.
62. Bill Bruford (Yes)
61. Terry Bozzio (Zappa, Jeff Beck)
60. Danny Carey (Tool)
Born in 1961. Member of the group "Tul".
59. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)
Repeatedly recognized as one of the best drummers of our time. Won the nomination "Best Drummer of the Year".
58. Buddy Rich
57. Earl Palmer (Session man)
Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
56. BJ Wilson (Procol Harum)
British drummer, member of the band Procol Harum. Died from an overdose.
55. Anton Fir (Feelies/Pere Ubu/Golden Palominos)
54. Jeff Porcaro (Toto)
53. Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull)
Known as the first drummer of the British band Jethro Tull.
52. Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle/Desert Sessions)
51. Danny Serafin (Chicago)
50. Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
49. John French (Captain Beefheart)
48. Steve Shelley (Sonic Youth)
47. Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown)
46. Stephen Morris (Joy Division/New Order)
British drummer, to whom bands such as Joy Division and New Order owe their sound.
45. Scott Travis (Judas Priest)
A member of the British band Judas Priest was born in 1961 in the USA.
44. Tico Torres (Bon Jovi)
43. Don Henley (Eagles)
42. Jack Irons (RHCP, Pearl Jam)
The future famous drummer raved about drums since childhood and persuaded his parents to buy a kit.
41. Travis Barker (Blink 182)
In 2005, Classic Rock magazine ranked the drummer 32nd on its list of "Rock's 50 Best Drummers."
40. Joey Kramer (Aerosmith)
39. Levon Helm (The Band)
The American striker and actor was a laureate several times prestigious award"Grammy".
38. Zak Starkey (The Who/Oasis)
37. Rick Allen (Def Leppard)
Rick Allen was born in 1963 in Great Britain. From an early age I became interested in drums.
36. Chad Sexton (311)
311 is an American rock band from Omaha. It was created in 1988.
35. Dave Weckl (Chick Corea)
Currently considered one of the most respected drummers in the world.
34. Dominic Howard (Muse)
He is left-handed, and his drum kit is made in accordance with this feature.
33. Jose Pasillas (Incubus)
32. Steven Adler (Guns N' Roses)
31. Phil Rudd (AC/DC)
30. Albert Jackson (Booker T & the MGs)
Years of life: 1935-1975. Founder of Booker T. & the M.G."s.
29. Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac)
He is best known as the founder and permanent member of the band Fleetwood Mac.
28. Alexander (Alex) Arthur Van Halen (Van Halen)
Founder and permanent member of the group Van Halen.
27. Tre Cool, real name: Frank Edwin Wright III (Green Day)
26. Hal Blaine (Elvis Presley, Beach Boys)
Recently received a star on the Walk of Fame for his musical achievements.
25. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue)
24. John Paul Densmore (The Doors)
Known as the drummer of The Doors.
23. Cozy Powell (Black Sabbath/Rainbow)
During his 33-year career, he played with a huge number of artists. Died in 1998.
22. Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake)
Developer of the double bass drum playing style.
21. Vinnie Colaiuta (Frank Zappa/Sting/Jeff Beck)
At the age of 14, he received his first drum kit as a gift from his parents.
20. Maureen Tucker (Velvet Underground)
She is known as one of the few female drummers in the history of rock, a member of the legendary group The Velvet Underground.
19. Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden)
18. Topper Headon (The Clash)
17. Travis Barker (Blink-182)
16. Steve Smith (Journey)
15. Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
14. Neil Mason (Pink Floyd)
13. Neil Peart (Rush)
Many celebrities consider him the best drummer in the world.
12. Roger Taylor (Queen)
Famous for his unique sound and considered one of the most influential drummers of the 70s and 80s of the last century.
11. Matt Cameron (Soundgarden)
10. Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
One of the creators of Metallica. He has a varied playing style.
9. Ian Paice (Deep Purple)
8. Ringo Starr (The Beatles)
7. Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones)
According to the famous music critic R. Christgau, considered "the greatest rock drummer."
6. Mitch Mitchell (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
5. Ginger Baker (Cream)
One of the most influential and eccentric drummers in the history of rock music.
4. Stuart Copeland (The Police)
Born in 1952 in the USA. He is best known as the drummer for The Police.
3. Keith Moon (Who)
2. John "Bonzo" Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
1. Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters)
Now you know what the best drummers of all time look like. Their contribution to rock music cannot be overestimated.
A list of the 100 greatest drum kit masters of all time. The editors report that when forming the rating, not only the talent for playing long drum solos was taken into account, but also the personality of the musician.
And here is the list itself:
100. Christian Vander, Magma
99. Travis Barker, Blink-182
98. Steven Adler, Guns N' Roses
97. Cindy Blackman, Lenny Kravitz
96. Larry Mullen Jr., U2
95. Chris Dave, D'Angelo and Robert Glasper Experiment
94. Meg White, The White Stripes
93. Tomas Haake, Meshuggah
92. Ralph Molina, Neil Young and Crazy Horse
91. Brian Chippendale, Lightning Bolt
90. Janet Weiss, Sleater-Kinney
89. Bill Stevenson, Descendents
88. Jon Theodore, The Mars Volta and Queens of the Stone Age
87. George Hurley, The Minutemen and Firehose
86. Phil Rudd, AC/DC
85. Tommy Lee, Mötley Crüe
84. John Stanier, Battles
83. Ronald Shannon Jackson
82. Glenn Kotche, Wilco
81. JR Robinson
80. Steve Jordan, John Mayer Trio
79. Mick Avory, The Kinks
78. Micky Waller, Jeff Beck Group
77. Moe Tucker, The Velvet Underground
76. Earl Young, The Trammps
75. Earl Hudson, Bad Brains
74. Michael Shrieve, Santana
73. Pete Thomas, Elvis Costello
72. James “Diamond” Williams, The Ohio Players
71. Butch Trucks and Jaimoe, The Allman Brothers Band
70. Tommy Ramone, The Ramones
69. Dale Crover, The Melvins
68. Jerome “Bigfoot” Brailey, Parliament Funkadelic
67. Greg Errico, Sly and the Family Stone
66. Kenny Aronoff, John Mellencamp
65. Sly Dunbar, Sly and Robbie
64. Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers
63. Dennis Chambers
62. Tony Thompson, Chic and The Power Station
61. Clem Burke, Blondie
60. Mick Fleetwood, Fleetwood Mac
59. Jim Gordon, Derek and the Dominos
58. Sheila E, Prince
57. Manu Katche
56. Richie Hayward, Little Feat
55. Max Weinberg, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
54. Questlove, The Roots
53. Jimmy Chamberlin, The Smashing Pumpkins
52. Matt Cameron, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden
51. Alex Van Halen, Van Halen
50. Cozy Powell, The Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, Whitesnake, and Black Sabbath
49. Vinnie Colaiuta
48. John “Drumbo” French, Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band
47. Dave Lombardo, Slayer
46. Dave Garibaldi, Tower of Power
45. Billy Cobham
44. Jerry Allison, The Crickets
43. Phil Collins, Genesis
42. Bill Ward, Black Sabbath
41. Carter Beauford, Dave Matthews Band
40. Jack DeJohnette
39. Ramon “Tiki” Fulwood, Parliament Funkadelic
38. Jim Keltner
37. Jeff Porcaro, Toto
36. Steve Smith, Journey
35. Fred Below
34. Mickey Hart and Bill Kreutzmann, Grateful Dead
33. Tony Allen
32. James Gadson
31. Roger Hawkins, Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section
30. Clifton James, Bo
29. Carlton Barrett, Bob Marley and the Wailers
28. Carmine Appice
27. Dave Grohl, Nirvana and Foo Fighters
26. Danny Carey, Tool
25. Earl Palmer, Little Richard
24. Steve Gadd
23. Elvin Jones, John Coltrane Quartet
22. Levon Helm, The Band
21.Ian Paice Deep Purple
20. Bernard Purdie
19. Tony Williams, Miles Davis
18. Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste, The Meters
17. Terry Bozzio, Frank Zappa
16. Bill Bruford, Yes and King Crimson
15. Buddy Rich
14. Ringo Starr The Beatles
13. D.J. Fontana, Elvis Presley
12. Charlie Watts The Rolling Stones
11. Benny Benjamin, The Funk Brothers
10. Stewart Copeland, The Police
09. Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. & the MG's
08. Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix Experience
07. Gene Krupa
06. Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jabo” Starks
05. Hal Blaine
04. Neil Peart, Rush
03. Ginger Baker, Cream
02. Keith Moon, The Who
01. John Bonham, Led Zeppelin
Today it is difficult to imagine any of the modern musical genres without drum rhythms. Often it is the drummers who are the leaders and ideological inspirers groups, write poetry and music, and sometimes even manage to sing! We invite you to remember the outstanding heroes of percussion and drum kit, who left their mark in the history of “classic” rock...
Keith Moon (1946-1978)
The Who's drummer was one of the first to bring the drums to the forefront, elevating the instrument's role in the rock band to a new level. Moon's playing style was on the verge of genius and madness - high-speed and highly professional drumming was superimposed on the "explosive" behavior of the drummer on stage.
Moon became one of the most famous musicians of his generation, and was later recognized as one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music.
Phil Collins (b. 1951)
At the age of five, Phil's parents gave him a toy drum kit, and this was the start of his dizzying musical career. In 1969, he received his first contract as drummer for the band Flaming Youth, and a year later he responded to an advertisement that read: “The ensemble is looking for a drummer with a good sense of acoustics.”
The ensemble turned out to be the innovative prog-rock band Genesis. After vocalist Peter Gabriel left in 1975, the band auditioned more than four hundred applicants, but the microphone was given to a talented drummer. Over the next twenty years, the group became one of the most popular in the world. In parallel with Genesis, Collins worked with the jazz instrumental project Brand X, and in the early eighties he began releasing solo albums.
Collins has collaborated with such famous musicians as B.B. King, Ozzy Osbourne, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield, Sting, John Cale, Brian Eno and Ravi Shankar.
John "Bonzo" Bonham (1948-1980)
Over 10 years of playing Led Zeppelin Bonham became one of the greatest and most influential drummers in rock music. In 2005, British magazine Classic Rock ranked him number one on its list of the best rock drummers of all time.
John acquired his first drumming skills at the age of five, when he assembled a homemade kit from boxes and coffee cans. He received his first real kit, Premier Percussion, as a gift from his mother at the age of 15.
During Led Zeppelin's first US tour in December 1968, the musician became friends with Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice, who recommended him a Ludwig drum kit, which Bonham used for the rest of his career.
The drummer's harsh playing style has become largely characteristic feature the whole Led Zeppelin style. Bonham later introduced elements of funk and Latin percussion into his stylistic palette and expanded his drum set to include congas, orchestral timpani and symphonic gongs. According to the Dallas Times Herald, he was the first in history to use a drum synthesizer.
Encyclopedia Britannica called Bonham "the perfect example for all the hard rock drummers who followed in his footsteps."
Ian Paice (b. 1948)
The only member of Deep Purple who was part of all the group's lineups, he is recognized by critics as one of the best drummers in the world.
In his early youth, Pace was more interested in the violin, but at the age of 15 he switched to drums and began accompanying his pianist father playing waltzes and quicksteps. The musician was strongly influenced by jazz players (Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich) - Pace became one of the first drummers who managed to introduce elements of swing and jazz techniques into hard rock.
Bill Ward (b. 1948)
Ward was beloved by the public for his powerful and unconventional jazz style of playing on the classic Black Sabbath albums with Ozzy Osbourne.
“I prefer to use instruments that have complex tonal nuances, always trying to make the sound more melodic and expressive, trying to get 40 sounds out of one drum,” Ward said in a later interview.
Roger Taylor (b. 1949)
Widely known for his "big" unique sound, the Queen drummer is considered one of the most influential drummers of the seventies and eighties. On early albums, Taylor personally performed songs of his own composition, but in the future he lost them to Freddie Mercury. On his solo albums, Taylor performed bass, rhythm guitar and keyboard parts on his own.
The musician often collaborated with such performers as Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Robert Plant and Elton John, and in 2005 he was named one of the ten greatest drummers in the history of classic rock according to Planet Rock Radio.
Bill Bruford (b. 1949)
The famous English musician, known for his fierce, virtuosic, polyrhythmic playing style, was the first drummer of the prog rock group Yes. He later played with King Crimson, UK, Genesis, Pavlov's Dog, Bill Bruford's Earthworks and many others.
Since the eighties, Bruford experimented a lot with electronic drums and percussion, but eventually returned to a conventional acoustic drum kit. In 2009, he stopped active concert activities and studio work.
Mitch Mitchell (1947-2008)
Seventh on Classic Rock's list of the 50 Greatest Drummers in Rock, Mitchell is best known for his extraordinary playing as a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The sudden death of Hendrix on September 18, 1970 put an end to the group - the recordings of one of the most talented rock drummers of the sixties were no longer so popular and he began producing young bands.
Nick Mason (b. 1944)
The only member of Pink Floyd who has taken part in the recording of every album since the band's founding and played at all of its concerts. The drummer's compositions include "The Grand Vizier's Garden Party Parts 1–3" (from the experimental album "Ummagumma") and "Speak to Me" (from "The Dark Side of the Moon").
In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Mason recorded two solo albums, on which the light jazz-rock sound replaced the experimental rock of Pink Floyd.
Neil Peart (b. 1952)
At the beginning of his career, the controversial Rush drummer was inspired by the playing of Keith Moon and John Bonham, but over time he decided to modernize and develop his playing style, incorporating elements of swing and jazz.
Most of all in musical world Peart is known for his virtuoso technique and extraordinary stamina. He is also Rush's primary lyricist.
Charlie Watts (b. 1941)
Charlie acquired his first musical instrument at the age of 14 - it was a banjo, which he soon disassembled, converted into a drum and began tapping out his favorite jazz tunes on it.
Even now he does not resemble a rocker in any way: he dresses modestly, behaves quietly, and is considered an excellent family man. Despite all this, for 50 years Charlie Watts has been one of the key members of The Rolling Stones, whose entire music, according to guitarist Keith Richards, rests on his drums.
Ringo Starr (b. 1940)
Ringo officially joined The Beatles on August 18, 1962. Before that, he played in the beat group Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, which at the time was the Beatles' main rival in Liverpool.
Starr sang on one song on each of the group's albums (except "A Hard Day's Night", "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Let It Be") and played drums on almost all of The Beatles' songs. He wrote such songs as "Octopus's Garden", "Don't Pass Me By" and "What Goes On".
In 2012, Celebritynetworth.com named Ringo Starr the richest drummer in the world.
Ginger Baker (b. 1939)
Baker gained wide popularity as a member of the “supergroup” Cream - critics excitedly noted the brightness, richness and entertainment of his drumming. What gave his style a special charm was the fact that the musician, at the beginning of his career, formed as a jazz drummer.
Baker is considered the first musician to use two bass drums instead of the traditional one of the time. Subsequently, collaborating with the group Hawkwind, he introduced elements of African music into his style.
John Densmore (b. 1944)
The man responsible for the rhythmic basis of almost all of The Doors' compositions. While keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robbie Krieger and vocalist Jim Morrison were free to improvise, someone had to keep the chaos under control. The clarity and precision of each of his strokes gave particular expressiveness to the musician’s manner.
Guy Evans (b. 1947)
Before joining Van Der Graaf Generator, Evans played in the band The New Economic Model, whose repertoire consisted primarily of American soul music of the sixties. As part of a band renowned for its expressive approach to prog rock and endless experimentation with the sound of musical instruments, Evans emerged as one of the most unusual drummers of his generation.
linkToday it is difficult to imagine any of the modern musical genres without drum rhythms. Often it is drummers who are the leaders and ideological inspirers of groups, write poetry and music, and sometimes even manage to sing! We invite you to remember the outstanding heroes of percussion and drum kit, who left their mark in the history of “classic” rock...
Keith Moon (1946-1978)
The Who's drummer was one of the first to bring the drums to the forefront, elevating the instrument's role in the rock band to a new level. Moon's playing style was on the verge of genius and madness - high-speed and highly professional drumming was superimposed on the "explosive" behavior of the drummer on stage.
Moon became one of the most famous musicians of his generation, and was later recognized as one of the greatest drummers in the history of rock music.
Phil Collins (b. 1951)
At the age of five, Phil's parents gave him a toy drum kit, and this was the start of his dizzying musical career. In 1969, he received his first contract as drummer for the band Flaming Youth, and a year later he responded to an advertisement that read: “The ensemble is looking for a drummer with a good sense of acoustics.”
The ensemble turned out to be the innovative prog-rock band Genesis. After vocalist Peter Gabriel left in 1975, the band auditioned more than four hundred applicants, but the microphone was given to a talented drummer. Over the next twenty years, the group became one of the most popular in the world. In parallel with Genesis, Collins worked with the jazz instrumental project Brand X, and in the early eighties he began releasing solo albums.
Collins has collaborated with such famous musicians as B.B. King, Ozzy Osbourne, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, Mike Oldfield, Sting, John Cale, Brian Eno and Ravi Shankar.
John "Bonzo" Bonham (1948-1980)
Over 10 years of playing Led Zeppelin Bonham became one of the greatest and most influential drummers in rock music. In 2005, British magazine Classic Rock ranked him number one on its list of the best rock drummers of all time.
John acquired his first drumming skills at the age of five, when he assembled a homemade kit from boxes and coffee cans. He received his first real kit, Premier Percussion, as a gift from his mother at the age of 15.
During Led Zeppelin's first US tour in December 1968, the musician became friends with Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice, who recommended him a Ludwig drum kit, which Bonham used for the rest of his career.
The drummer's harsh playing style has largely become a characteristic feature of Led Zeppelin's entire style. Bonham later introduced elements of funk and Latin percussion into his stylistic palette and expanded his drum set to include congas, orchestral timpani and symphonic gongs. According to the Dallas Times Herald, he was the first in history to use a drum synthesizer.
Encyclopedia Britannica called Bonham "the perfect example for all the hard rock drummers who followed in his footsteps."
Ian Paice (b. 1948)
The only member of Deep Purple who was part of all the group's lineups, he is recognized by critics as one of the best drummers in the world.
In his early youth, Pace was more interested in the violin, but at the age of 15 he switched to drums and began accompanying his pianist father playing waltzes and quicksteps. The musician was strongly influenced by jazz players (Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich) - Pace became one of the first drummers who managed to introduce elements of swing and jazz techniques into hard rock.
Bill Ward (b. 1948)
Ward was beloved by the public for his powerful and unconventional jazz style of playing on the classic Black Sabbath albums with Ozzy Osbourne.
“I prefer to use instruments that have complex tonal nuances, always trying to make the sound more melodic and expressive, trying to get 40 sounds out of one drum,” Ward said in a later interview.
Roger Taylor (b. 1949)
Widely known for his "big" unique sound, the Queen drummer is considered one of the most influential drummers of the seventies and eighties. On early albums, Taylor personally performed songs of his own composition, but in the future he lost them to Freddie Mercury. On his solo albums, Taylor performed bass, rhythm guitar and keyboard parts on his own.
The musician often collaborated with such performers as Eric Clapton, Roger Waters, Robert Plant and Elton John, and in 2005 he was named one of the ten greatest drummers in the history of classic rock according to Planet Rock Radio.
Bill Bruford (b. 1949)
The famous English musician, known for his fierce, virtuosic, polyrhythmic playing style, was the first drummer of the prog rock group Yes. He later played with King Crimson, UK, Genesis, Pavlov's Dog, Bill Bruford's Earthworks and many others.
Since the eighties, Bruford experimented a lot with electronic drums and percussion, but eventually returned to a conventional acoustic drum kit. In 2009, he stopped active concert activities and studio work.
Mitch Mitchell (1947-2008)
Seventh on Classic Rock's list of the 50 Greatest Drummers in Rock, Mitchell is best known for his extraordinary playing as a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
The sudden death of Hendrix on September 18, 1970 put an end to the group - the recordings of one of the most talented rock drummers of the sixties were no longer so popular and he began producing young bands.
Nick Mason (b. 1944)
The only member of Pink Floyd who has taken part in the recording of every album since the band's founding and played at all of its concerts. The drummer's compositions include "The Grand Vizier's Garden Party Parts 1–3" (from the experimental album "Ummagumma") and "Speak to Me" (from "The Dark Side of the Moon").
In addition to his work with Pink Floyd, Mason recorded two solo albums, on which the light jazz-rock sound replaced the experimental rock of Pink Floyd.
Neil Peart (b. 1952)
At the beginning of his career, the controversial Rush drummer was inspired by the playing of Keith Moon and John Bonham, but over time he decided to modernize and develop his playing style, incorporating elements of swing and jazz.
More than anything else in the music world, Peart is known for his virtuosic performance technique and extraordinary endurance. He is also Rush's primary lyricist.
Charlie Watts (b. 1941)
Charlie acquired his first musical instrument at the age of 14 - it was a banjo, which he soon disassembled, converted into a drum and began tapping out his favorite jazz tunes on it.
Even now he does not resemble a rocker in any way: he dresses modestly, behaves quietly, and is considered an excellent family man. Despite all this, for 50 years Charlie Watts has been one of the key members of The Rolling Stones, all of whose music, according to guitarist Keith Richards, rests on his drums.
Ringo Starr (b. 1940)
Ringo officially joined The Beatles on August 18, 1962. Before that, he played in the beat group Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, which at the time was the Beatles' main rival in Liverpool.
Starr sang on one song on each of the group's albums (except "A Hard Day's Night", "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Let It Be") and played drums on almost all of The Beatles' songs. He wrote such songs as "Octopus's Garden", "Don't Pass Me By" and "What Goes On".
In 2012, Celebritynetworth.com named Ringo Starr the richest drummer in the world.
Ginger Baker (b. 1939)
Baker gained wide popularity as a member of the “supergroup” Cream - critics excitedly noted the brightness, richness and entertainment of his drumming. What gave his style a special charm was the fact that the musician, at the beginning of his career, formed as a jazz drummer.
Baker is considered the first musician to use two bass drums instead of the traditional one of the time. Subsequently, collaborating with the group Hawkwind, he introduced elements of African music into his style.
John Densmore (b. 1944)
The man responsible for the rhythmic basis of almost all of The Doors' compositions. While keyboardist Ray Manzarek, guitarist Robbie Krieger and vocalist Jim Morrison were free to improvise, someone had to keep the chaos under control. The clarity and precision of each of his strokes gave particular expressiveness to the musician’s manner.
Guy Evans (b. 1947)
Before joining Van Der Graaf Generator, Evans played in the band The New Economic Model, whose repertoire consisted primarily of American soul music of the sixties. As part of a band renowned for its expressive approach to prog rock and endless experimentation with the sound of musical instruments, Evans emerged as one of the most unusual drummers of his generation.
linkThis unofficial rating of our site contains the best drummers in the world, video whose performances you can watch directly on this page. The rating participants themselves will show how important their skills are for the success of the most famous bands and the development of rock music in general.
10. Ringo Starr (The Beatles)
Opens ranking of the best drummers in the world a real legend of rock and roll is the drummer of the great Fab Four, Ringo Starr. It is unnecessary to talk about the contribution of this group to rock music (and not only to it), but it was Ringo who drummed out the very rhythms of The Beatles that drove the whole world crazy.
9. Roger Taylor (Queen)
No less significant is the legacy of Roger Taylor, the drummer of another controversial British band, Queen. This famous drummer did not limit himself only to drum parts, but also took an active part in writing hits, in many of which he even performed vocal parts. Roger can be called a real man-orchestra, because he owns many other instruments and actively uses them in his solo career.
8. Vinnie Paul (Pantera)
This strong guy personifies the full power of the artillery of percussion instruments in the heavy metal genre, the basis of which is furious drumming. It was this style of play that became business card this drummer and one of the strengths of his band.
7. Keith Moon (The Who)
Keith Moon from The Who is considered one of the founders of aggressive drumming in rock music. Although he has long passed away, fans still consider him one of the best drummers in the world - video his performances with his group can serve as clear confirmation of this.
6. Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison became famous not only for his bright image, but also for many memorable tricks - performing a solo on an overturned drum kit, setting speed records for the number of beats per minute and much more. This gave him a reputation as a *virtuoso drummer* and made him one of the most popular drummers of our time.
5. Ian Paice (Deep Purple)
The rock veteran and permanent drummer of Deep Purple is known not only for his creative longevity, but also for his high professionalism. He has been delighting fans for more than four decades and, at an advanced age, still flawlessly performs his drum parts live.
4. Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
It's no surprise that the drummer of the most popular band in the world became one of the most famous drummers. The founder and one of the leaders of the cult Metallica rightfully enjoys great authority and is considered an ace in his field. His memorable and varied style of playing has become a highlight in each of the group’s albums, and his demeanor on stage gives a special drive to the band’s concerts.
3. Dave Lombardo (Slayer, Testament)
This master of percussion instruments had a huge influence on the style of playing in heavy metal. His technical and assertive style with the active use of double bass drums became a bright feature of Slayer, which was eagerly borrowed by many musicians playing in the thrash metal style and more extreme genres.
2. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater and others)
Mike Portnoy - Featured virtuoso drummer, who became famous as part of Dream group Theater. The music of this team is distinguished by its originality and great technical complexity. The foundation for all this musical diversity was the drumming, brilliantly performed by Mike. Many believe that after he parted with the group, its work lost its special charm.
1. John Bonzo Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
Tops in our ranking the best drummers in the world drummer, whose work is highly appreciated by both fans and many famous musicians. His style of playing is distinguished not only by technique, but also by a special rhythm that captivates the listener. Despite the outstanding merits of all the other members of Led Zeppelin, it was Bonzo who turned out to be the most irreplaceable member of the band. His premature death became the main reason for the collapse of this great group.
And at the end - a traditional bonus in the form of a tab, where you will find the drum parts of all the compositions of the masters in question.
Bonus
Collection. Tablatures of the best virtuoso rock drummers of all times
Size: 93.0 mb.
Download tabs of the ten best drummers in rock according to our version
