- A top 10 that will not make everyone agree!
There is a famous saying in the music world: "A band with a bad drummer and a good guitarist is a bad rock band, while a band with a bad guitarist and a good drummer is a good rock band". This anecdotal sentence says a lot about the key role of drummers in bands. In this musical genre, where rhythm is paramount, the drums play a crucial role in giving life to the songs and creating a powerful and energetic atmosphere. So, without an excellent drummer, a band can lose much of its essence, and with this in mind, we've compiled a list of the ten most talented drummers in rock history (even though it's a nearly impossible task). This selection is based on criteria such as technique, sound, legend and the impact of the musician on the band to which he belongs. It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive and that other drummers not mentioned here have also marked the history of rock. We also specify that only hard rock drummers have been considered for this ranking, so don't panic, giants such as Buddy Rich or Cobham are not included.
10. Stewart Copeland
Stewart Copeland, the founder of the band Police, has a unique style. He has the particularity to hit the percussions quickly and just before the beat, which accentuates the sound of the other instruments. (Although he used to gain 20 BPM on some live tracks due to the hype and stress, which annoyed Sting). Copeland also uses all kinds of drums and timpani, which does not place him as an ordinary rock drummer. He tends to seek out unique textures and sounds for his style. He has been a great influence on his generation and is considered one of the pillars of white reggae, a signature musical style of the Police. The song "Walking on the Moon" has become a staple for all drum enthusiasts, thanks to Copeland's subtle and precise technique, which skillfully blends elements of reggae, rock and new wave. All in all, Stewart Copeland is a legendary drummer, who has left his mark on the history of music.
9. Neil Peart
Neil Peart, the drummer of the band Rush, clearly belongs in the ranking and we explain why. First of all, his playing style is highly technical and complex, with advanced rhythms and polyrhythms that have pushed the boundaries of drumming in progressive rock. Peart, in addition to being a genius drummer, possesses an extraordinary sensitivity. A talented lyricist and deep thinker, he brought philosophical reflections and literary themes to Rush's songs. He added an intellectual dimension to his band's music, which has become a cultural phenomenon. With an impressive use of double pedal and cymbal, as well as an ability to play syncopated rhythms and asymmetrical bars, Peart stands as the muse of the progressive rock style, even though his influence extends far beyond the boundaries of his preferred genre.
8. Phil Collins
First of all, Collins is a very versatile drummer, able to play in many different styles, from progressive rock to jazz, pop and R&B. He also brought technical innovations to Genesis and his solo career, such as the use of electronic drums, which expanded the sonic possibilities of his instrument. He is also the inventor of the typical 80's snare drum sound with the famous wide "gated reverb" sound found on "In the Air Tonight", which was later widely copied by many artists. In addition, Collins is a master of grooviness, meaning that he has an innate sense of rhythm and timing, which allows him to create catchy, driving beats. His snare drumming is also legendary, with a powerful and distinctive sound. So Collins is more than a drummer, for some he is the voice of Tarzan, while for others he is the drummer of Genesis. Whatever the case, Phil Collins has marked and inspired many artists.
7. Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr is often considered the least talented musician of the Beatles, but this does not do him justice. In reality, he contributed a lot to the Beatles' music and to the history of drumming in general. First of all, Starr is a very creative drummer, who was able to find original rhythms and sounds to accompany the Beatles' music. One could say that his playing style is very musical, as he will underline the melodic phrases of his fellow Beatles with his drums. One thinks directly of the pattern of "Come Together" which is genius! Finally, Starr has his own way of grooving. His playing is often described as "sleepy" or "lazy", but this is part of his unique style and contributes to the magic of the Beatles songs. Perhaps this "lazy" connotation is actually a path to sobriety and good taste, which makes Ringo Starr one of the most respected drummers of all time.
6. Dave Lombardo
Dave Lombardo is an American drummer known for being the founding member of the thrash metal band Slayer. Considered by many fans and critics to be one of the best heavy metal drummers of all time, Lombardo has influenced many musicians with his fast and complex playing. One of the most impressive aspects of Lombardo is that he used to be a pizza delivery man... More seriously, he has an ability to combine complex rhythms with great speed and precision. He is particularly known for his double pedal playing, which allows him to play fast and technical drum passages. Lombardo is also able to play syncopated rhythms and vary the tempo in creative ways, which gives his music incredible drive and power.
Beyond his technique, Lombardo is also appreciated for his musical approach. He is able to adapt his playing to the needs of each song, bringing elements of swing, funk or punk to Slayer's music. He is also a very creative musician, often bringing new and innovative ideas to his recordings.
Lombardo is also known for his contribution to the metal scene in general. He has worked with many different bands throughout his career, bringing his talent and experience to many projects. His reputation as a heavy metal drummer is such that he has been ranked as one of the best metal drummers of all time in numerous polls and trade magazine lists. In short, he clearly belongs in our ranking.
5. Ian Paice
Ian Paice is a British drummer who played in the band Deep Purple. One of the most notable features of Paice's playing is his creative use of cymbals and drums. He often uses cymbals instead of snare drums, which gives his music a unique and distinctive sound. Paice is also known for his fast and powerful bass footwork. He is able to play double pedal passages with great fluidity, adding extra dynamism and power to Deep Purple's music. His playing style is often described as being very energetic and dynamic, with great attention paid to varying rhythms and intensities.
Beyond his technical skills, Paice is also appreciated for his influence on the hard rock genre. His playing has been an inspiration to many drummers, and he is often cited as a major influence by many musicians. His career with Deep Purple, which spans more than five decades, is also impressive, a testament to his longevity and ability to evolve with the changes in the genre.
4. Keith Moon
For our chocolate medal, we find Keith Moon, the legendary drummer of The Who, famous for his technical and anarchic playing, but also for his eccentric and self-destructive behavior. His playing style was characterized by intense and dynamic toms rolls and cymbal percussion. He earned his place in the band by smashing the previous drummer's bass drum with his powerful playing. He was known for his gigantic drums, with toms everywhere and a double bass drum. Keith Moon was also known for his extravagances, such as diving into a pool while driving a car, or swallowing horse tranquilizers before going on stage. After his death, no drummer has been able to match his energetic and innovative style in The Who.
3. Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl is an acclaimed musician who left his mark on the grunge movement as the drummer for Nirvana before becoming the leader of the Foo Fighters. He was instrumental in the making of Nirvana's second album, "Nevermind," and his influence on an entire generation is undeniable. In 2011, Grohl received NME's Godlike Genius Award, becoming the first drummer to be honored in this way. His performance in the 2018 documentary "Play" is also notable, as he played drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and percussion simultaneously, creating a song that sounded like it was composed by multiple musicians. His versatility and exceptional talent make him one of the best drummers in rock history.
2. Ginger Baker
Nicknamed because of the color of his hair, Ginger Baker's contribution is massive in the history of rock. He was the drummer for Cream, an iconic band of the 1960s, alongside Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce. Baker was known for his innovative playing technique and virtuoso drum solos, which influenced many drummers. He also explored various styles of music, including jazz, Afrobeat and world music, and brought elements of these styles into his music with Cream. Baker was also one of the first drummers to use suspended toms rather than floor toms, which influenced the sound of drums in rock. Beyond his technical abilities, Baker was known for his difficult temperament and strained relationships with fellow musicians. However, his influence on the world of drums and rock in general remains undeniable, and he is considered one of the pioneers of psychedelic rock and hard rock.
1. John Bonham
If we had to keep only one, it would be him. The great John Bonham aka Bonzo. He was instrumental in creating the music of Led Zeppelin, which was one of the most influential and heavy bands in rock. There was a quiet strength to his striking technique, able to take many directions while maintaining perfect control. He was able to play with only a few strokes of the drumstick, if it was necessary for the song (like the incredible intro to When The Levee Breaks), and also created the ultimate drum solo (Moby Dick). His playing was also very versatile, and he could play with four sticks! Bonham is the most sampled and copied drummer in rock history, and his mark is still visible in today's music. In the end, no one has yet managed to make a mark on drums like Bonham, and we can certainly wait a while...
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