I like Krupa and Cobham too. Unbelievable, I just saw GFR a week ago and Don Brewer did a fantastic solo. and esp McDonald & Giles LP. Also, where is Bernie Purdie? Jon Hiseman of Colosseum and Brian Bennett of The Shadows, Two poles but Great drummers who should be on this list. A fantastic stick man-played with Beck and 19 year old bass prodigy Tal Wilkenfeld. – Barriemore Barlow He passed away on 11 March 2019, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that will be impossible to beat. when a reporter asked if Ringo was the best drummer in the world john Lennon replied he’s not even the best drummer in the Beatles dont believe me google it, As a drummer for many many years I have to say other than John Bonham being #1, this list is a joke and a travesty to all drummers. Ringo was allowed in the Beatles because of Pete Best’s isolation from the rest of the band and Ringo is a better drummer. Check out: ‘Flip’, After establishing his reputation as the house drummer for The Grand Old Opry, Buddy Harmon helped define the Nashville sound, becoming one of the most influential country music musicians of the 20th Century. Keith Moon is #1. Following a spell working in his father’s business, Dalziel Equipment, and playing music part-time in local Ontario bands, he joined Rush in 1974, two weeks before the group’s first tour of America. What about her? Hands down…the most misguided laughable top drummer list Ive seen in all my years. ( pink Floyd. I don’t understand why Iron Butterfly gets no respect in the classic rock genre!!! He had an enormous, forceful, crisp energy in his playing and his powerful beat propelled any band he sat in with. Morello became well-versed in playing unusual time signatures, and his drum solo on Brubeck’s signature track, ‘Take Five’, is a masterclass in playing in 5/4 time. I want to say that this list is definitely missing SANDY WEST, the amazing drummer and founder if the Runaways. Ever hear of the Japanese girl Senri Kawaguchi? Art Blakey #43 Phil Collins #12 what a joke!!!!!! What about Micky Dolenz? Coolio! John bohnham number 1 is spot on nuff said. You should check out this drummers progress. One thing though, how many on this list are dead from being stupid from drugs & drinking. Buddy Rich is only at #5 It’s glaring obvious in postings that most others have no clue of Mr. Collins’s ability as a wonderfully gifted musician. … YOU ARE A DOUCHE BAG !!! In the words of John Lennon, “he isn’t even the best drummer in the Beatles”…. I too would have liked to have seen Corky Laing on this list. I’m assuming this list is for popularity drummer and not necessarily skill drummer. This list is incomplete without Elvin Jones. In any case, it isn’t your list, you don’t have to agree, and you’re free to endlessly debate, but your opinions probably aren’t any better than anyone else, so at least keep it civil and respectful. He had earlier played with Plastic Ono Band after John Lennon invited him to join; White played on the song ‘Imagine’. I've listened to lots and lots of drummers over those years. If you don’t believe me, play any of the many Styx songs on YouTube especially One with Everything-with the contemporary youth Orchestra…he lights up the sky! moon may have been the most fun and wild drummer, bonham was a hard hitter whose prowess was heightened by jimmy page’s production, but baker was easily the best of them all, he could play anything. He has also played with Transplants, Box Car Racer, DJ-AM and TRV$DJam, and was described by Rolling Stone magazine as “punk’s first superstar drummer”. A monster…. Ringo was good at what he did but are you kidding me no Tony Williams in the top 100.What a joke. Royster has played R&B, pop, rock, Latin and jazz, and backed musicians as diverse as Norah Jones and Eminem. He brought a complicated, jazz-tinged style to the band and starred on their studio albums Stained Class (co-writing the song ‘Beyond The Realms Of Death’) and Killing Machine, as well as a live album from Japan, Unleashed In The East. … LOL !!! The Arkansas-born (and renamed) Levon Helm achieved worldwide fame as drummer and singer for The Band. Excuse me, but this list is completely distorted, not part of it names like Eric Carr (KISS), Mick Tucker (The Sweet), Chris Slade (AC / DC) and Eric Singer (KISS) and others is very strange. Don’t know who does your research but you need a new researcher ‘cos this one’s rubbish at it. He said he learned his trade playing lots of clubs in Detroit. Maybe he wasnt the best and I never said that but I think he will stay in peoples minds longer than any other. On When The Levee Breaks you hear him bashing on his drums. Prairie Prince? No it wasn’t. Check out: ‘Are You Experienced?’, Phil Collins’ work as the drummer of Genesis has earned him the status as one of rock’s greatest drummers. And years after his passing, Jimmy Page, one of the most excellent drummers of all time, admits he fascinated by his contribution to the industry. Get a life, bro’. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can actually name any of the “great” records that Buddy played on. Where’s Sandy Nelson whys he not on the list? @Ian Paice, best lefthanded drummer ever, has been hittin’ that rimshot for 50 yrs. – Aynsley Dunbar I loved Keith Moon, but would be the first to admit that technically he wasn’t in the same league as Ginger Baker. And as the years go by you’ll continue to see more recent drummers included at the expense of truly gifted drummers of the past. Excellent mention. No words for how cringeworthy this whole page is — list and comments. As for Ringo’s drumming, remember in the earlier 60’s pop music was geared for 3 minute songs at most and groups were going for ‘hit’ songs with hopefully ‘catchy’ phrases. Check out: ‘Where Eagles Dare’, Not to be confused with the Oasis drummer of the same name, Alan White was born on 14 June 1949 and was one of the mainstays of the progressive rock band Yes, after joining them in 1972. She started out with The George Duke Band and, as well as her solo albums, has played with Ringo Starr, Marvin Gaye, Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross and Herbie Hancock. He is best known as the drummer and co-founder of the heavy metal band Metallica, a band he joined after answering an advert in a magazine. He toured and recorded with the greats of 60s soul, funk and jazz, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong. Can’t believe Jim Gordon not on the list, best and most musical player of the 20th century! Mick Avory and Kenny Jones left off list? Another “he should be #1 because he was the drummer in my favorite band” commenter. You need to remember, Pete Best was the Beatles first drummer, and he didn’t keep time well, that is why they got rid of him, even their produced George Martin has said that. Neil Peart is absolutely the best drummer EVER! Phil Collins over these two?? This listing has a very narrow focus and looks like it could be a top 50 drummers from Billboard Publication, that would explain everything. Well said Bernard “pretty” purdy the most recorded drummer ever. WHO THE FUCK ARE THOSE GUYS????? “Without the jazz influence, the Black Sabbath drumming would be very different. And what about Simon House of Hawkwind ? Clive locked into Steve Harris’ bass far better and night after night Nicko kept cocking up Clive’s rhythms till Steve just said, ‘okay play it your way’ lol. others to list. He is best known as a founding member of The Meters and helped create a new style of funk drumming on records such as ‘Cissy Strut’ and ‘Just Kissed My Baby’. He should be there. By the end of the decade he had become one of the great masters of accompaniment. Have a listen to Fireball. so where is Robert Wyatt,at least he’s still alive and kicking? His versatility is such that he is equally at home appearing on country music albums with Chet Atkins and jazz albums with Blue Note greats such as Bobby Hutcherson or Donald Byrd. As such, it’s nigh-on impossible to construct a definitive list of the best drummers in the world… but we have tried. Although maybe not tops, but certainly Levon Helm should be in the top 50…, Phil Erhart ( Kansas ), Don Brewer ( Grand Funk Railroad ), Lee Kerslake ( Uriah Heep ), Stu Cook ( Creedence Clearwater Revival ) are great drummers, must be on th list please, Corection I should say Doug Clifford ( Creedence Clearwater Revival ), Jerry Edmonton of Steppenwolf Listen to his diverse style. Neil Peart, drummer for Canadian rock types Rush, might just be the most well-regarded of them all. Love them! Go ahead and spit on Ringo all you want Motherfuckers. In 1977, Copeland founded The Police with Strontium 90 bandmate Sting. If it’s skill then way too many omissions/admissions.Alex Van Halen,Ringo?? He paid special tribute to Art Blakey’s ability to “make a drum kit sound so personal”. Music should not be a competition. Thank you, All his songs are packed with drum fills and powerful beats. but i think had he not passed away so sadly i think he would have still been able to continue and perform as he always did like a clock and hard . His work with The Police was famed for its reggae-tinged rhythms and seemingly effortless cymbal work. What the fuck. Truly talented men. He can drum ANY style. After viewing the Grammys over the past couple of years, I noticed most of the I get goosebumps when I hear his playing. “Ringo Starr isn’t even the greatest drummer in The Beatles!”. Mark Rogers is the model of versatility, both musically and professionally. A nice q&a session? Where’s Elvin, Tony, DeJohnette, Roy Haynes, Philly Joe, etc.? Jaki Liebezeit from Can? …. Three Brits in the top five including first and second.Get in! No Levon Helm, Liberty DeVito….really???? Harrison has played with Iggy Pop, Dave Stewart, Tom Robinson and jazz and folk bassist Danny Thompson, the former musical partner of John Martyn. Boy George included Jon in his overpriced NFT! Got a big problem with this list: Alan White at #39…really?!! … KEN !!! In 1961, he left the band and went to work at Decca Records in their A&R department. Check out: ‘Jealous Guy’, Duke Ellington once described Louie Bellson (who was sometimes credited on albums as “Louis Bellson”) as “the world’s greatest drummer”. The second, Tullio De Piscopo, a former drummer of the excellent training of the deceased Pino Daniele, guitarist spokesman Naple’s Power. Jazz drummers are some of the greatest in the world and very poorly represented here. 5) Earl Palmer …….any compilation of this nature , that doesn’t include Tony Williams, Joe Morello, and Brian Blade…is valueless!!!!! Ringo fucking sucks and if u think he is number 1 then u definitely don’t shit about music. He also played on some classic Beach Boys hits, including ‘Good Vibrations’, and on a number of sessions with Glen Campbell (watch him discuss his friendship with Glen in this uDiscover interview). oh yes and there are a few left out who have and are paying dues……..How about Toss Panos!!!!! Check out: ‘Mole City’, New Yorker Carmine Appice was born on 15 December 1946 and started out with psychedelic band Vanilla Fudge in the late 60s. Phill Collins should be higher due to his incredible work with Brand X. After leaving Slayer in 2013, he performed with a variety of bands, including Grip Inc, Testament, Suicidal Tendencies and Misfits. “Arabic music is in my DNA, informed by Buddy Rich, Mitch Mitchell, Joe Morello,” said Copeland. In a 1975 Playboy magazine readers’ poll, Carpenter was voted the best rock drummer of the year – edging out Led Zeppelin ’s John Bonham, The Who ’s … Gene Krupa was Number 1, Buddy Rich Number 2………………..the others NOT EVEN in the same league. The Beatles were *never* as three piece, they simply were forced to play that way on about er, one occasion, when Pete Best had a sprained wrist from moving beer barrels at his Mum’s club. He left school at 17 to tour with Sonny And Cher, and went on to play on records by dozens of leading stars, including Diana Ross, Etta James, Elton John, Robert Palmer and Bruce Springsteen. Are you kidding me! Not on the list is an exaggeration as is the top twenty let alone where he ended up. For me, anyway, he is one of the best I´ve ever heard. John Bonham (and Keith Moon) were heavy handed bangers with no versatility or sensitivity. I would have probably put Josh Freese significantly higher… easily within the top 20. Joe Morello. If Ringo had played blues and jazz as was his intention the idiots who think he can’t play drums would just shut up. Philly Joe Jones, Kenny Clarke?? Early King Crimson (21st Century Schizoid Man! And his signature style was amazing; we used to call him ‘Thunder’. Check out: ‘Island Groove’, Brian Blade, who is highly respected by modern jazz musicians, came to prominence with albums for Kenny Garrett and Joshua Redman. What about Barrymore Barlow (Jethro Tull) and Mattias Olsson (Anglagard) ? Songwriter, singer, producer… OK. I’ve Never appreciated Alex Van Halen’s drumming. Check out: ‘Master Blaster (Jammin’)’, Illinois-born drummer Glenn Kotche is highly regarded as an energetic, imaginative percussionist, the rhythmic anchor for popular rock band Wilco. good. His name is Mike Portnoy and he became famous as the main drummer of the progressive rock band Dream Theater. Nicko is awesome drummer, keep in mind that he never uses double pedal, and you can hear some serious gallop kicks from him, he is the beast. As Mick would say, no Charlie, no Rolling Stones. or the great Ronnie Tutt from the 70’s.. Ringo shouldn’t even be on the list. So maybe he should be listed as #1 here. Blade has also recorded for Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan, and has worked with Wayne Shorter’s quartet. From Ahura: "This is a song I have listened to and appreciated all my life. His life was sometimes controversial off stage, but in live shows and in his studio work, his consistency and unshakeable backbeat was a major feature of classics such as ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Want To Rock’n’Roll)’, ‘TNT’ and ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’. Not a single mention of John Densmore? Unbelievable, I’m missing “John Weathers” of Gentle Giant the man with the best performance. thanks for your time. Ringo Star, Phil Collins…. He actually wasn't Rush's first drummer, but he came in at the second album. Where would the monkees be without him? yeah right… And where is Mat Abts?? Ever hear any dumb-guitarist jokes? Haynes began as a hard bop drummer in the early 50s before demonstrating that he could play any kind of jazz, even avant-garde, with panache. I saw Iron Butterfly in concert back in the day and after Ron Bushy finished his five minute drum solo, or whatever it was, he was so wrecked that a couple of stage hands had to pick him up off the floor, give him some water and fan him off before he could get back on the stool to pound out the finale. Hey idiot you seem to have a lot to say about nothing so my question to you what about Nick Mason?? Life moves fast for the in-demand drummer and producer and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Born in Oakland, California, on 12 December 1957, she is known as “The Queen Of Percussion”. Blaine was an innovative musician – “My set always had 12 drums, which no one had ever heard of, and it really was a major change,” he said, and it enabled him to achieve a bigger spectrum of sound. Bogus list. Phil Collins should have been second. I don’t understand how the hell Ringo Starr gets a mention when the original drummer with the Beatles was Pete Best a much better drummer than Ringo could ever be. John Weathers from Gentle Giant was a great drummer., too. As for Stewart Copeland and Phil Collins – please! Ringo was a crap drummer. Unless your a drummer you just wouldn’t know. Check out: ‘My Generation’, John Bonham, who died aged just 32, in September 1980, following a night of ferocious drinking, was another drummer in awe of the jazz masters. The only thing we should be arguing about is what fucking assholes at Rolling stone dared leave Keith Moon off of their list when they named the greatest drummer of all time. Crappy list,anybody ever hear of Bernard Purdie and David Garibaldi, not to mention Rod Morgenstein !!!! The Who even wanted him after Keith died. Ritchie Hayward came to mind immediately! Who made up this list?? But put Keith Moon in the Who and he was perfect. I saw a drum-off between Krupa Torme and Buddy Rich and Torme blew both of them off the stage. I must say,that best this, best that, is nothing more than BS. He was the man! … SHUT THE FUCK UP !!! Also Michael Shreive should be above 24 certainly. This list sucks. Beach Boys Drummer, Dennis Wilson, Phil Collins. Were-s SANDY NELSON. The Grammy-winning musician has also had a successful acting career that included playing Loretta Lynn’s father in Coal Miner’s Daughter. Manne played with the Stan Kenton and Woody Herman bands and went on to play at his own influential Hollywood nightclub (Shelly’s Manne Hole) and with several small combos. His rhythmic signature can be heard on thousands of recordings by stars such as Elvis Presley (‘Little Sister’), Johnny Cash (‘Ring Of Fire’) and Simon & Garfunkel (‘The Boxer’). You guys will laugh but what about Karen Carpenter. (Their identity will be revealed later.). His drum solo from the song T.N.U.C. Sheila E.? Philly Joe Jones. The originator of the ‘Ringo isn’t even the best drummer in The Beatles’ was a British (Welsh) stand up comedian called Jasper Carrot in the eighties – well after John Lennon had been killed. Ginger Baker? Cannot disagree with Bonham and Moon the top 2, only I would have Moon No.1. Check out: ‘Blood On Your Knuckles’, Vinnie Paul, co-founder and drummer of the metal band Pantera, died of a heart condition on 22 June 2018 at the age of 54. Bill Bruford “My drum set up never gets that crazy or out of the ordinary,” said Freese. Morello, who suffered from partial vision since childhood, also excelled on ‘Blue Rondo À La Turk’. His powerful, complex playing helped changed the role of the drummer in jazz groups and influenced a generation of rockers, including The Doors, Grateful Dead and Santana. Fuckin idiots. He drummed on many Elvis Presley film soundtracks during the 60s, and was also a key component of Phil Spector’s “Wall Of Sound” production, which yielded classics such as ‘Be My Baby’ and ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’. Rich had speed, control, and style. Airto Moreira “I was in drumming country,” Below said, “and I had my eyes, ears and fingers all ready to learn any kind of thing I could pick up.” HE was without doubt the most charismatic drummer I ever seen or heard. He was 64 when he died in New York in 1973. !Everyone has forgot about him!!! This list, although it does have some drummers that deserve to be on it, is poorly compiled. After moving to America, he started a band with brother Eddie. Or its not a list! Best known for his work with The Hollies, he is considered one of the finest pop drummers of that era and particularly inspired Charlie Watts. Yes Jim, I have that BRAND X CD as you probably do as well, we one of few I imagine, if comments above are worthy of consideration. …, >>> DION !!! Travis fucking barker….he aint shit and Sheila e is far above lars. Shrieve, born on 6 July 1949, was the original drummer for Santana and played on the first eight albums by the seminal group. Neil Peart at 3?!!! He said that many of the techniques he used throughout his career, including his snare hand technique, were learned from his first teacher, Chuck Brown. Tucker also sang and played guitar, saying once of her solo career: “When I do shows, I prefer to be playing guitar. I really can’t understand how did you miss those guys? I don’t see one of my favorites on the list. Jazz is the hardest music to drum next to heavy metal. His flamboyant performances in concerts, as he flailed away at his snare drum, tom‐toms and cymbals, made him a star. The Chico Hamilton Quintet released their first album in 1955 and it was an instant success. phil collins Ringo belongs on the list, pals. Gene Krupa no. Also, Krupa confined hisself to a room for hours and listened to tribal drum beats to hone his craft. Unlike most drummers of the time, Blaine said he tuned his drums down to normal, mid-range, rather than keeping them at a high range. The English musician taught himself how to play by looking to greats such as Gene Krupa, Max Roach and Buddy Rich as inspirations. Don Brewer should be on the list. Simon House plays VIOLIN and KEYBOARDS!! Check out: ‘Zombie’, Pittsburgh-born Kenny Clarke, who was nicknamed Klook, was a founding member of The Modern Jazz Quartet, and one of the musicians who could have claimed to have helped start bebop in the mid-40s. He learned to play drums in his father’s jazz band, The Bebops (George Miles, Sr, had played upright bass with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon). Hard to believe someone like Carter Bueford isn’t a top 50 drummer?! Mitch mitchell isn’t on this list?? Ringo was and he wasn’t. Stevie Wonder is an amazing drummer. Check out: ‘The Mirror’, Alex Van Halen, who was born in Amsterdam on 8 May 1953, was the son of Jan and Eugenia, both of whom were trained as classical pianists. I agree with most of the names that were omitted. Where is Ron Bushy?? The feels and jazz feels and rock feels were exactly, to me, what we needed,” said Ward. He worked with saxophonist Jackie McLean and then started recording with Coleman Hawkins in 1950, before working steadily with pianist Bud Powell in 1952. This list is a popularity list, not a talent list. I remember doing a solo with a phenomenal saxman. “I am both humbled and embarrassed at this tremendous recognition,” she said during a TV interview. He is, however, best known for playing with the British prog rock bands Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. I always liked Clive Burr and he started me off loving drumming and was my inspiration. Paleassee! Even the best rock drummers can’t hold a candle to average jazz drummers. I was attending The Who in Malmö 1966 and it is still my biggest moment seeing and hearing Keith Moon in action. The same applies for Steve Gadd. That still does not make him equal to Keith Moon or John Bonham. Someone really does need to go looking for alternative employment. now John Bonham was a very hard guy on his body as well. so was Dave Clarke. Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynyrd #10. carl palmer 2 He later returned to Deep Purple. Find me a drummer who is more inspired by Ringo Starr than John Bonham, Keith Moon, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, or Buddy Rich. He is the best ever in my opinion. The pulsating 4/4 rhythm that Lantree, who died in December 2018, laid down on ‘Have I The Right?’ helped make the song one of the big hits of the decade. The best I ever saw live was Jerry Mercer of April Wine. He fit his drumming into the song without standing out- a solid beat is everything.