The 10 Best Rock Drummers Of All Time
Photo by Andrew Petrischev on Unsplash
Whether you’re a beginner drummer or served your time behind the sticks, it’s crucial to have an idol and to know your stuff when it comes to rock drummers.
Having an idol helps you push yourself and gives you a standard to aspire to – which can be a helpful motivator when you don’t feel like picking up your sticks. So, before you get your hands on a beginner drum set, research and listen to some of the greats!
So, who should you be looking up to if you’re a rock drummer? Keep reading about the 10 best rock drummers, their careers, and their musical inspirations.
1. Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl was the drummer for Nirvana from 1990-1994. He was also the primary songwriter, drummer, singer, and guitarist for Foo Fighters. He has also drummed for Queens of The Stone Age, Nine Inch Nails, Them Crooked Vultures, and The Prodigy.
Dave Grohl is a legendary drummer and one of the first names rock fans think of when listing their favorite drummers. Grohl brought his legendary drumming technique to many different bands during his career. Lately, he has turned his attention towards guitar playing, songwriting, and singing, diversifying his talents and his body of work.
Photo by Diego Mora Barrantes on Unsplash
2. Neil Peart
Rush was a 70s rock band at the height of rock excellence. Recently deceased in 2020, Neil Peart was the genius who brought groundbreaking lyrics and drumming to the band. He has been recognized with many musical awards and is regarded as one of the best drummers.
Neil Peart was an iconic drummer because of his setup – he was known for using a 360-degree drum kit that surrounded his seat. He brought innovation and originality to every aspect of his music, making every aspirational drummer fall in love with his genius.
3. John Bonham
John Bonham was heavily inspired by jazz and traditional snare-drum playing during his formative years as a drummer. He brought his enthusiasm and innovation to the world of rock, practically inventing rock drumming.
John Bonham is best known for his time with Led Zeppelin, one of the legendary rock bands. His innovation and ability made him one of the best drummers of all time, simultaneously forging and transcending the rock genre.
4. Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr replaced Pete Best as the drummer for one of the most iconic and legendary bands of all time – The Beatles. The Beatles were THE sound of the 60s and made their way into the hearts of music lovers worldwide.
We will likely never see a band as iconic as The Beatles again. For this reason, Ringo Starr is heralded among the best drummers.
5. Ginger Baker
Ginger Baker earned his spot among the 10 best drummers for his time as the drummer in Cream. Ginger Baker is a psychedelic rock and blues drummer who brings a refreshing, dynamic, and expert approach to the kit.
Although Ginger hated being referred to as a rock drummer and preferred to be recognized as a jazz musician, his work with cream and the innovation he brought to psychedelic rock has earned him a spot on this list.
6. Keith Moon
Keith Moon is best known for his work as a ‘The Who’ member. One of the leading pioneers in the mod era, Keith Moon, brought energy and explosive passion to the kit.
During The Who’s era, Keith Moon was considered one of the few drummers that could compete and keep up with the dynamism of the new Marshal stack.
7. Stewart Copeland
With Scottish-American heritage, Stewart Copeland is renowned for his skills as a drummer and composer. He was a member of the English band The Police and is one of the masterminds behind the rock classics we still love today – Roxanne, Message In A Bottle, and Walking On The Moon, to name a few.
Steward Copeland is a great drummer because of his unique and recognizable flair to the drums.
8. Phil Collins
When thinking of drummers, you can hardly forget Phil Collins. Phil Collins is known for creating rock classics with drums front and center.
He is one of the few that can write and produce music with drums top of mind, making him such a skilled artist and giving his songs a distinctive sound. In addition to playing the drums, Collins is a professional vocalist. His all-around genius has contributed to rock classics like Easy Lover, In The Air Tonight, and I Can’t Stop Loving You.
9. Danny Carey
Danny Carey spent most of his career working with the band Tool but also collaborated on albums for many different bands and artists.
Danny Carey’s energetic and forceful playing is a hybrid of rock and metal, combining heavy sounds and flourishes. Carey’s hybrid playing makes him a distinctive player, perhaps too heavy to be included in the rock category.
10. Mike Portnoy
Mike Portnoy is best known for his contribution to the music created by Dream Theater. He left the band in 2010.
Portnoy is a self-taught drummer, and his idols growing up included Keith Moon, John Bonham, and Keith Star. His passion lies with progressive and challenging music, and since he departed from Dream Theater, he has brought this passion to music from bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Sons Of Apollo, and Winery Dogs.
Summary
Now that you know a little about these legendary drummers, consider opening up YouTube or Spotify and listening to their best tracks, paying attention to the expertise, passion, and innovation behind each stroke. Finding your favorite iconic drummer will give you something to aspire to and help you hone in on the style you wish to emulate during your drumming career.
