The Top 10 Greatest Rock Drummers of All Time
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Defining ‘Rock’ music is about as easy as emulating a Neil Peart composition, but we can say it’s known for electrifying energy, infectious melodies, and powerful guitar riffs.
But behind every great rock band lies a talented drummer driving the music forward from the drum kit.
In this post, we'll celebrate the greatest rock drummers of all time, whose exceptional skills and contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
For more, check out our guide to the best books about drummers. These books celebrate the colourful lives of many of the drummers in our list below.
Do you agree with our picks? Comment below.
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John Bonham (Led Zeppelin):
Widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers in rock (or all) history, John Bonham's thunderous and inventive style elevated Led Zeppelin's music to new heights.
His masterful technique and powerful drumming can be heard on timeless classics like "Stairway to Heaven" and "Kashmir."
Bonham’s beats are a staple of for the practice room and leak into many drummers’ repertoires, from rock to jazz and beyond.
His inventive use of the bass drum and triplet feels are characteristic.
As are his energetic and creative drum solos on songs like Moby Dick and Whole Lotta Love.
But overall Bonham’s power, energy and feel for supporting one of the greatest bands of all time make him stand out in the drumming pantheon.
Key John Bonham songs
Immigrant Song, Since I’ve Been Loving You, Black Dog, Moby Dick, Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin)
Check out Drum techniques of Led Zeppelin for a book of 23 transcriptions of Bonham’s key songs.
John Bonham’s gear
Bonham used Ludwig drums.
According to johnbonham.co.uk his favourite sounding kit was a Ludwig Super Classic four-piece with a 22” kick.
However Bonham was also known for playing with bigger kicks, such as 26”, as well as playing with two big kicks and even using a kick as a floor tom.
These gear choices are part of what gave Bonham his thunderous sound.
This Ludwig Classic Maple with a 24” kick in green sparkle is close to a Bonham kit..
Books about John Bonham
For Bonham enthusiasts wanting to learn more about this hero of the drum set we recommend the book John Bonham: A thunder of Drums by Geoff Nicholls and Chris Welch, which contains autobiography, pictures, a list of his equipment and analysis of his famous recordings.
2. Keith Moon (The Who):
Jean-Luc Ourlin, via Wikimedia Commons
Known for his explosive and unpredictable style, Keith Moon was a force of nature behind The Who's music.
Moon's frenetic drumming on tracks like "Baba O'Riley" and "My Generation" showcased his wild creativity and solidified his status as a rock icon.
His drumming style, like so many of us, was perhaps a reflection of his personality: energetic, explosive and slightly off the rails at times.
Moon was not only one of the most energetic drummers in rock history, but also a true rock n roll legend who went a long way to defining what it meant to be a rock star in his era.
Key Keith Moon songs
Won’t Get Fooled Again, Pinball Wizard (The Who)
3. Neil Peart (Rush):
Clalansingh, via Wikimedia Commons
Renowned for his technical prowess and intricate drumming, Neil Peart of Rush was a true virtuoso.
His complex rhythms and lyrical approach to drumming can be heard on tracks like "Tom Sawyer" and "YYZ," solidifying his place as one of the most influential drummers of all time.
Key Neil Peart songs
Tom Sawyer, YYZ (Rush)
4. Ginger Baker (Cream):
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F. van Geelen, via Wikimedia Commons
Ginger Baker's unique style fused elements of jazz and rock, creating a distinctive sound that helped define Cream's music.
With his powerful fills and polyrhythmic approach, Baker's drumming on songs like "Sunshine of Your Love" and "White Room" showcased his immense talent.
Baker was well known for having a fiery personality leading to sometimes violent clashes with band mates: he once fought bass player Jack Bruce on stage with a knife!
In later years Baker turned more towards his passion for African music, collaborating with legends such as Fela Kuti on Afrobeat tunes.
Key Ginger Baker songs:
Sunshine of Your Love (Cream), Let’s Start (Fela Kuti)
5. Stewart Copeland (The Police):
Stewart Copeland's innovative and energetic drumming played a pivotal role in The Police's success.
His reggae-inspired beats, intricate hi-hat work, and dynamic fills on tracks like "Roxanne" and "Every Breath You Take" added a distinctive flavor to the band's sound.
Copeland always played intricately and powerfully, but with a precision that drove The Police forward, giving them a bouncy, accessible and infectious sound.
Key Stewart Copeland songs:
Walking on the Moon, Roxanne, Every Little Thing She Does is Magic (The Police)
6. Ringo Starr (The Beatles):
When asked if he was the best drummer in the world Ringo was once described as ‘not even the best drummer in the Beatles’. In our opinion you don’t achieve what Ringo did without some serious ability.
Often underappreciated but never forgotten, Ringo Starr's drumming with The Beatles laid the foundation for countless rock bands to follow.
His precise and melodic drumming on songs like "Come Together" and "A Day in the Life" showcased his innate musicality and solidified his place in rock history.
Perhaps Ringo’s sometimes under-appreciated skills come from his sublime ability to play what was right for the music and let the songs shine.
Another drummer who’s personality beams through his playing, his understated, relaxed and non-showy beats were instrumental for The Beatles’ success as well as inspiring many drummers beyond.
Some of The Beatles’ songs made it onto our list of easy songs that beginner drummers should learn.
Ringo Starr facts
In 2015 Ringo Starr’s drum kit (Ludwig) became the most expensive kit ever sold, reaching $2,100,000 (£1,400,000).
Key Ringo Starr songs:
Come Together, A Day in the Life, Tomorrow Never Knows (The Beatles)
7. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters):
From his early days with Nirvana to his success as the frontman of Foo Fighters, Dave Grohl has proven himself as a versatile and talented drummer.
His energetic and hard-hitting style on tracks like "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Everlong" earned him a spot on this list.
Key Dave Grohl songs:
Smells Like Teen Spirit, School, In Bloom, Breed, Territorial Pissings (Nirvana), Everlong (Foo Fighters)
8. Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience):
Mitch Mitchell's fusion of jazz and rock drumming provided the perfect rhythmic backdrop for Jimi Hendrix's revolutionary guitar work.
His fluid fills and complex rhythms on tracks like "Purple Haze" and "Fire" showcased his immense skill and creativity.
With Hendrix known for his energy and virtuosity he needed a drummer that would compliment. Mitchell managed to provide intricacy without abandoning the soul of Hendrix’s music.
As a trio it took some playing to create the feeling that dances from Hendrix records and performances. Mitchell was a key man in creating this platform for Hendrix to rebound from.
Key Mitch Mitchell songs
Purple Haze, Fire, Hey Joe, Crosstown Traffic (Jimi Hendrix)
9. Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones):
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Michael Conen, via Wikimedia Commons
Charlie Watts' steady and restrained drumming style has been the backbone of The Rolling Stones for over five decades.
His precise beats and impeccable timing on songs like "Start Me Up" and "Paint It Black" have made him one of the most respected drummers in rock history.
Key Charlie Watts songs:
Brown Sugar, Start Me Up, Gimme Shelter, Satisfaction (The Rolling Stones)
10. Ian Paice (Deep Purple):
Frank Schwichtenberg, via Wikimedia Commons
Ian Paice's powerful and dynamic drumming with Deep Purple helped define the sound of hard rock.
His intricate fills and driving rhythms on tracks like "Highway Star" and "Smoke on the Water" continue to inspire generations of rock drummers.
Key Ian Paice songs:
Smoke on the Water (Deep Purple)
These great rock drummers have left an indelible mark on the world of music, pushing the boundaries of their instrument and elevating rock music to new heights.
For more check out our list of the greatest jazz drummers of all time, and our list of the best books about drummers.
Whether it's their technical prowess, innovative styles, sheer energy, or ability to play what was right for the music, these drummers have forever shaped the way we perceive and appreciate rock music.
Their contributions are a testament to the power and influence of the drums in the realm of rock 'n' roll. Do you agree with our list? Comment below.
More legendary drummers
Want to know more about the legends of rock drumming?
Try one of our favourite drumming books that covers some of the biggest characters to grace the drum set, and in doing so paints a colourful picture of the recent history of rock drumming: a great read for aspiring and established rock drummers to fuel your inspiration.
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Jazz has given us some of the most technically gifted and musical drummers the world has ever seen. In this post, we'll delve into the distinctive drumming styles of some legendary drummers: from Art Blakey to Eric Harland.