People like to joke about drummers being dumb, but rock would be a poorer world without them.
A good drummer keeps the band together, and can build on those simple backbeats with a flair and style of their own - but only if they're good enough. The entrants on this list are a perfect example of that.
We asked Ultimate Guitar readers to nominate and vote for their favorite drummers of all time, and as usual the results were world class. We've counted up thousands of votes, and the results are in - let's find out who the best drummers of all time are.
10. Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
Slayer's fast-paced thrash put them among the all-time great metal acts, and plenty of credit for that is due to Lombardo's insanely tight drumming. Drummer World magazine calls him "the Godfather of double bass," and besides playing with Slayer since the 80s he's been in the lineup for Fantomas, Philm, Testament and other great metal bands.
9. Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
If Black Sabbath were the founders of metal, Bill Ward is the father of metal drumming. Others on this list might outshine him from a technical standpoint, but they probably wouldn't even be on this list if he hadn't inspired them to pick up a pair of sticks in the first place. It's a real shame the newly reformed Black Sabbath couldn't find a way to get him involved in the current (and potentially final) reunion.
8. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan (Avenged Sevenfold)
Jimmy died in 2009 after accidentally overdosing on prescription drugs, but his legacy lives on. Raised on a diet of metal and progressive rock, the Rev made his name as a multi-talented songwriter for Avenged Sevenfold.
This video shows his school music teacher talking about how the young prodigy was playing and transcribing Metallica drums by the age of 13 - and how she later learned he had been doing it all on a toy drum kit.
7. Keith Moon (The Who)
Keith Moon was insane, in every sense of the word. As a person, people would call him a walking asylum, and it fed straight into his performance. Where other drummers would play a solid backbeat, Moon would explode with an unpredictable style that made the Who one of the most compelling and energetic live acts of their era. He overdosed on an alchohol-withdrawal drug in 1978.
6. Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob, Avenged Sevenfold)
Mike Portnoy was a founding and key member of progressive rock titans Dream Theater from the mid-80s to 2010, writing many of their lyrics and concepts. To many prog fans, he's a beacon of musicianship, and it's true that his precision through so many different styles and tempo changes are something to marvel at.
5. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Queens Of The Stone Age)
This one is pretty simple: the dude played drums for Nirvana. Yeah, the band that flipped the music world on its head in the 90s. You might know him better for his equally stellar career fronting the Foo Fighters, but his dynamic drumming style (inspired by artists like the Pixies, and perhaps Kurt Cobain himself) was an influence on a whole generation sick of the long tail of 80s hair metal drummers.
His work on QOTSA's "Songs For The Deaf" could be one of the best drum recordings of the 2000s, but did you know that on this particular album recorded all the cymbals separately from the other drums? Now THAT takes some skill. If you're wondering why, it's because it helps the engineer make all the drums sound louder in the mix.
4. Danny Carey (Tool)
Danny Carey saw that two drummers for his neighbor's band never showed up, so he stepped in. Little did he know that it would lead to him becoming one of the best metal drummers in history. Inspired by geometry, mathematics and the occult, Carey's style is complex but somehow rounded with a hard-hitting grace that few can match. With his help, Tool albums are a feast of polyrhythms. He's featured on albums by Skinny Puppy, King Crimson and the Melvins, among others.
3. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Chad Smith is one of the most sought-after session drummers in the world - and probably one of the loudest. In the late 80s, he blew away the newly-formed Red Hot Chilli Peppers lineup, though his hard rock and hell's angels style appearance looked out of place, so singer Anthony Kiedis told him to ditch the bandana and come back the next day. Smith kept it on, but they admired his persistence. Today he's also touring with the supergroup Chickenfoot, when he gets a chance.
2. John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
Whether he was drumming or drinking, John Bonham liked to do everything as hard as possible. He liked to use the longest, heaviest sticks available, and Led Zeppelin recordings famously have one of the biggest drums sounds of the analogue recording era - much to the chagrin of modern engineers, who are often asked to emulate Bonham's big kit sound, which can be hard to manage amid modern distorted guitars. Bonham died age 32 after drinking more than 40 shots of Vodka and vomiting in his sleep.
1. Neil Peart (Rush)
As with many drummers from his era, Peart was inspired by hard rock drummers like John Bonham and Keith Moon to pick up the stick, but over time he came to admire older jazz legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich who taught him to introducing jazz and swing to his rock style. Combine that with decades worth of practice with Rush, one of the most respected prog rock acts in the world, and his talent knows no limits. He retired for a while in 1997 after both his wife and only daughter died within a year of each other in the 90s, but after 88,000km of travelling on the road he decided to return to Rush and kickstart their career again.
Who was your favorite drummer? Can you find other great videos of these great musicians?
Good list. I know this is based on up-/downvotes, but personally I think Dave Lombardo and Mike Portnoy are placed too low, and Buddy Rich and Thomas Haake should have been on there as well; both are fantastic drummers.
Jaki should have been on this list as well, that guy is both an amazing drummer who's technical ability overshadows most drummers on this list and and influential drummer.
Can rule, well at least the Monster Movie til Future Days era, they are very hit and miss after that. I'm in the mood to listen to Tago Mago now dammit!
If this is just greatest drummers of all time, more than half of these people shouldn't be on this list. People like Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Joe Morrello should be topping the list. Now if it were greatest ROCK drummers of all time, I could agree a little more with this list, but I'd put Keith Moon higher on the list, but that's because I'm biased. haha
It's an absolute disgrace that Gavin Harrison is not on this list. I'm not saying the drummers on this list are not good, but I think anyone who's ever heard Porcupine Tree would know the skill of that man.
If you haven't heard him play, I recommend you listen to 'Way Out Of Here' and 'The Start Of Something Beautiful'.
I saw Gavin Harrison do one of his drum clinics. The way he plays is so effortless looking. He even showed us an improvised drum solo, which was fantastic. I think one of the coolest drum parts are in Bonnie the Cat. Even though its in 4/4 he moves it up and down a 16th of a note. Its amazing what that man can do!
80% of the list is way off the mark, but chad in 3rd is the worst of the lot. I'm really baffled that Ginger Baker didn't make it. John Densmore is always my number 1, but he's generally the most under appreciated drummer in rock history so I'm not surprised he didn't make it.
I was really surprised he made it actually. I mean he does always seem to know exactly what he needs to play, but he's not technically that crazy. I think there are just a lot of Chili Peppers fans on this site.
Exactly my thoughts. I love both, but to say they're in the same league as Peart, Carey, and Moon is frankly dumbfounding. Welp, that's popularity contests for you.
They both carry legacies that have inspired many people to pick up the sticks, and they both have a very recognizable style. I don't see any problem with them being here.
Chad Smith, maybe not. But Dave Grohl, he desrves a top five position with Moon, Peart and Bonham above him. He is cut from the smae cloth. his performance with Zepplin and TCV , QOTSA are off the hook. Technically he is gifted. Not to metion Nirvana...
As a drummer, I knew what to expect and I saw everyone on this list coming. Not that it's a bad thing cause I love every drummer on this list, but when you have a list entitled Top 10 Greatest Drummers, I think it's impossible not to include guys like Buddy Rich, Virgil Donati, and JoJo Mayer.
If you haven't heard them.. PLEASE look them up. Now.
preach, without buddy rich these guys wouldnt even have had their own styles. not a bad list i thought though, bill ward gets well deserved recognition
Heres more preaching. I agree 110% brother. Again I love every drummer on this list but Dennis Chambers, Dave Weckl, Gavin Harrison, Gene Krupa, Mike Mangini, Benny Greb, Vinnie Coulaiuta... those guys are the greatest. Honestly I would still have Neil and Portnoy on my list and possibly John Bonham. No disrespect to the others.
Can you please point out the moments where he's being overtly sloppy for me? I'm sorry I might just be sleepy but he doesn't seem to mess up in an obvious way. I mean I'm not following him with a metronome but it doesn't feel like he's having trouble recovering on time from fills.
He gets the death handicap. If Lars Ulrich were to die tomorrow, everyone would probably go on and on about how misunderstood he was and how he was some kind of hidden talent and he'd probably be on next year's list.
Oh come on, 'the double-ride thing', "just for lack of a better definition" is pretty sweet.
And if Lars were to die tomorrow, I'd send Fate some flowers.
Great list! My favorite drummers not on the list Peter Krpan of Moneen, and Jesse of AOF (original). Just completely different styles or the genre they playing in. Made the whole group uniquie in their time.
Steve Moore Specifically, he played with my guitar teacher. theres some videos of them in their metal band from the 80's, goiogling "the Mad Drummer" finds it well. plus.. this
Good call on Travis Smith, definitely one of the best drummers to come out in recent years. Too bad it seems like his career hit a stop after he parted with Trivium.
The Rev, Dave Grohl and Chad Smith are all great drummers, but not among the ten best in my opinion. There are drummers like Haake, Rich, Nicko McBrain, Terry Bozzio, Chris Adler, Ian Paice, Brann Dailor, etc. who would much more deserve a place on the list.
Benny Greb!!!
Not many people know him, but he's amazingly skilled and can keep a really, really nice groove although he's doing a complex drum solo at the same time.
I think these lists should be split up a little more. A top 10 Greatest in terms of technical ability and 10 influential. Yea sure, Bill Ward is very influential but he has nothing on Gene Hoglan for example.
Having 2 lists would probably be more beneficial considering a top 10 of technical ability would likely have some drummers I haven't heard of before and will likely find a new band I like rather than most of the list consisting of bands everybody and their dog has heard and not showing anything new at all.
I feel like anything that isn't mainstream, UG will not post. Harrison and Minneman deserve a spot. You may saw 'oh it is all based on votes,' yet pretty sure UG staff has last say
I once met Chad Smith without even realising.
It was when I saw Glenn Hughes on his solo tour in 2011, the guitarist (Soren Anderson) and the drummer (Chad Smith) came to talk among the crowd, I spoke to both of them but only managed to get a photo with Soren and get his signature on the ticket.
I remember thinking "Holy shit, that drummer was awesome!" and when I looked up the band line-up I pretty much shit myself when I saw his name!
Great list but idk about the order. I'd say that The Rev surpassed his mentor. I just think that Nightmare would've been better drum wise had The Rev still been alive and be alive now.
Carter Beauford, Stanton Moore and Morgan Ågren have not been mentionned yet so here they are.
Gavin Harrison and Marco Minneman have been mentionned in the comments but here's my +1 for them.
Good list overall. In my opinion, I feel the Rev does not belong on that list. I think people voted for him because he died. Josh Freese should have been on that list instead of The Rev. It's kind of like the list of "best players of all time" that I saw once. It had Paul Grey on it. I was like..."seriously"?
Sorry but Buddy Rich is the best. Everything you've seen a drummer do today, double bass or trick, was done many years ago by Buddy Rich. The man could do it all. "The Rev", that's an insult to the true masters.
Umm..... no. Buddy's hand chops were incredible, but double bass drumming was pioneered by Louie Bellson. I've never heard of or seen Buddy Rich using double bass drums. His kit was always pretty much the same setup: 24" bass drum, 13" Tom tom, 2 16" Floor Toms, 5.5x14 Snare. Bellson also arguably had better hands than Buddy as well.
That being said... incredibly vanilla list. You can always tell when guitar players vote on who is the best drummer. It's always a list of guys with marginal to decent technique who blend into the wood work. After all, guitarists' fragile egos won't allow them to like a musician who stands to (however momentarily) steal the spotlight from them.
Don't be so serious. All the votes here come from people that don't know much about musicians greatness. Voting for Chad Smith or Dave Grohl is to know almost nothing about drumming technic. It's a vote about how big was the group they played on. There's others that choose only prowess and virtuosity. Those are the great drummers. Maybe nobody wants to say that the site only wants to provoke a big mess between readers about the famous drummers or great drummers.
Even my gandfather knows who Ringo Star and Lars Ulrich are, and nobody named them, because they are a peace of crap in drumming, but they sold more millions of records than all the bands everybody pointed at here.
you are absolutely write about those losers. They really sucks though they are famous and known as popular metal band drummers and have sold many records in terms of million...
The top 5 are absolutely spot on. But from 10 - 6, I have to disagree with, it seems like every single one of those drummers (with the exception of Bill Ward who I rarely seem mentioned) keeps getting mentioned and I don't see why. Sure they're good, but top 10 drummers of all time? Really?
He did influence me as a drummer, but in general, he is not anywhere near the level as all these drummers on this list (even if I don't think they should be in the Top 10)
And to 'coldtones' did you actually say Chad Smith has almost not drumming technique? Are you serious? That dude is a monster. And maybe learn how to spell as well.
He has drumming technique, sure. But is he in the same league as Carey, Peart, Bonham, etc.? Fuck no. I can literally think of at least 10 drummers off the top of my head who could have easily taken that slot.
Same goes for Dave Grohl; even though he's one of my favorites, to say that he's up there with the same crowd is absolutely ****ing stupid. And I don't use that term lightly.
Neil Peart, the default favorite flametorch for everyone who thinks they know something about drums but are in actuality just making themselves look like a turd.
Seriously, I've been a drummer for about 12 years, and he is my biggest influence, hands down. The man actually makes music rather than just hitting shit with sticks. Watch the video above and repeat that sentence, please.
One of the worst anti-Peart arguments I've heard. In all honesty, he's not the greatest drummer of all time, but he's certainly one of them. To say at all he is a "default drummer for everyone who knows nothing about drums" is an awfully wrong and pretty uneducated thing to say.
People call him The Professor for a reason. He can go through time signature changes with ease, he's a master of many feels, an excellent composer in both songs and solos, has influenced more drummers than just about anyone aside from Rich, Krupa, and Bonham, and most of all he is always hungry to learn more and play more.
Not to sound like an asshat but check mate, I win, please come back when YOU indeed know something about drums.
I never said that he isn't a great drummer, but he is certainly not the greatest of all time. And given that this is a guitar website, it was obvious that he would be number one before I even opened the article. That is the point I was making. I have been playing drums for 10 years, so I do in fact know quite a bit about drums. Having a nickname does not make you a good drummer. John Bonham has had more influence on modern drumming than anyone, and is a far more deserving number one than Peart. This list as a whole is pretty garbage. It should be called "10 Drummers That Everyone Has Heard Of." So yes, you sound like a complete asshat.
Just saying, I have many guitar player friends who could put together a better "greatest drummers" list than this.
And I didn't say he was great because he has a nickname, I gave his nickname and stated why he has it and why he is great. And if you noticed I gave John Bonham that credit as being arguably the most influential player. Doesn't mean I wouldn't have Neil on my greatest drummers list. My list would look much different than this but he'd be on there.
You still haven't given a good reason for him not to be #1, other than that Bonham influenced more people, which is not the only criteria. If we're going by influence then Moon should win the whole damn thing. And if you don't personally like Peart, that's fine. I don't personally like Bonham all that much. But to say anyone who considers him a favorite doesn't know anything about drumming is both wildly incorrect and ****ing offensive. I could give you my credentials as a drummer if I wanted to, but I'm not gonna be a dick and rub them in your face to prove a point. Suffice to say, I DO know about drumming and I DO think Neil Peart is one of the greatest drummers ever.
He shouldn't be number one because John Bonham is a better drummer than he is. Peart consistently overplays on every song. His drumming feels so "Hey, look at me,LOOK AT ME!" Bonham has played some of the most memorable beats of all time, and been a part of some of the greatest music of all time. You all seem to think I hate Neil Peart, which I don't. I just don't see him as a number one guy. Probably top five, but not number one. I would definitely put Keith Moon above him, probably right behind Bonham. Then Clyde Stubblefield. Then Buddy Rich, and maybe Peart cracks the top five at the next spot.
I'm not saying someone who likes Peart doesn't know anything about drums. But people who don't know about drums know to name drop Neil Peart. And since this is a guitar website, not a drum website, I knew that he would be number one. Along with a bunch of other people who don't deserve to be on the list (Chad smith? seriously? And Grohl? If The Rev hadn't just died, nobody would know who he was.)
And you already tried to rub your credentials in my face with your first comment. You have played for 2 more years than me, so I'm sure you know way more. You like Peart, that's fine. I prefer drummers with groove and feel, not the super technical all the time types.
He consistently overplays in every song? On what planet? If you want to see someone who overplays, watch Dave Lombardo, or Mike Portnoy, or the Rev. Not Neil Peart. I still have trouble believing you've watched that solo. Hell, if you're so concerned about overplaying, Keith Moon is the master of doing more than what's necessary.
I'm not saying I know more than you do, I'm just saying that we are on similar footing here, so don't try to disregard this as uneducated.
I have seen that solo tons of times. It's not that interesting. Wow, electric xylophone, how ground breaking.
I have not disregarded you as uneducated at all. You are the one who has pulled that card in this exchange.
You Rush fans are so sensitive if someone doesn't agree with your point of view. Like Peart all you want, it doesn't' bother me. I'll be hanging out listening to Clyde Stubbelfield.
Keith Moon, though great and influential is so overrated. I love the Who, but God, how people can put his playing in the same context as Bonham is beyond me.
Neil Peart has never overplayed. Except maybe in La Villa Strangiato which was also called "An Exercise in Self Indulgence". It's prog rock, if you are offended by overplaying it's not your type of music. I hate to keep making it seem like I'm attacking you, that's not my goal, but dude, I really don't think you listen to enough Rush if you think Peart overplays every song and has no groove or feel. It's alright if you don't like Rush, just fess up so we know why you are coming up with false claims.
And yes I apologize for the check mating. Just.. damn. Kudos for Clyde Stubblefield though.
I don't think you are attacking me at all. This is just a discussion about music. A discussion in which there inherently can be no right answer.
I have listened to a ton of Rush. I don't dislike Rush at all, I just don't worship at their altar. I find many bands to be much more interesting. I find many drummers to be much more interesting.
You Rush fan boys get super offended though if someone doesn't agree with you. Almost as bad as Radiohead fans.
Good, and it's in true that there is no real right answer but again, that solo is one of the most unique and influential solos I've ever heard. The way its composed was so huge for me and about a million other drummers. Not just anybody plays 3/4 waltz, African rhythms, and a jazz tribute to the Gods in the same 10 minute set.
And yes I admit, I am a Rush f***ing fan boy. I'm not offended by your opinion, I just think you aren't at your full realization of Peart.
When's the last time you could truly accuse Neil of overplaying on anything with any kind of substantive argument? It's got to be at least 30 years now. Ridiculous argument, Rush fanboys aside.
Where are all the Metallica fanboys screaming: WHERE THE F*** IS LARS?
So I guess its up to me then...
I would like to post-nominate Lars Ulrich for revolutionizing the snare drum on St. Anger. Also his fight against Napster had a strong influence on the face of modern music business.
Meh Moon should be in the top 3 with Bonham and Peart. Chad and Dave are fine where they are but I would mix them in with Freese and Tommy Lee. Just me though I guess.
I'm sorry, but this list blows. The Rev shouldn't even be near the Top 10 and Moon should definitely be higher up. To be honest, I don't think any of my favorite drummers are metal guys. What about Mitch Mitchell? Buddy Rich? and while we're talking metal, I feel like Brann Dailor deserves it more than a handful of the others up there...
another overrated drummer from an even more overrated band. just because he has a huge drumkit doesn't mean hes the best. a good drummer wouldnt need all of those drums.
lol its painfully obvious this is a list of top drummers made by guitarists.. Jimmy the Rev? Dave Grohl? I never understand why everyone loves them so much as drummers, medeocore at best. Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich nowhere on the list (at least theyre mentioned though, which they damn well should be on a greatest drummers list)!! No Thomas Haake or Matt Halpern? Surely they deserve to be on any great drummer list that Danney Carey is on. Or even george koillas, that guy is inhuman at a drum kit, no one in the WORLD can play a single pedal bass like that guy, let alone double kick... Honestly these drummers are good but FAR from the greatest drummers, the article should have been called UGS top 10 greatest drummers or something...
This is what you get when you get a guitar website to make a drummers list, imagine if a drumming website made a best guitarists list and I imagine we may feel like they do at this
The list would be serious if it would be done by professional music historians like me, and not from a bunch of brainless guitarists of this poll, that are being educated by caring drummers.
Really, the list has to be built with L. Belson, G. Kruppa, B. Rich, D. Weckl, G. Harrison, V. Colaiutta, Tim Alexander, Portnoy and others, Neil Peart too, and the greatest, virtuos, speediest and most influential of all, Billy Cobham, who invented progressive drumming.
Be the best drummer it has to be with provoking an evolution. Something that never happened, and not with to be part of a famous band. Because of that nobody would dare to mention here Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts or Lars Ulrich. chad smith is a good drummer, it has swing, time precision, and good base studies of funk, but nothing more.
The thing is, here are a lot of stupid f***s that wants to post the ultimate comment and nobody gets serious to face the fact that there are 2 lists. One is made by stupid F***s guitarist that only care about being famous and famous drummers. The other is built by soul musician drummers that do know all details that take years to master such an incredible instrument.
i literally just created a file just to say thank you to you, because your comment is so true, when i didnt see any of those drummers up on the list, i knew there was just no ****ing way that the people who voted on this were mature or experienced drummers, i mean sure, some of those guys have talent and their music is good, but they completely overlooked like, all jazz drummers, look im a metal fan and i still have come to appreciate jazz drummers, why?, cuz they are hands down the most talented drummers around, any drummer who knows what they are talking about would agree hands down that even if you arent a huge fan of it, which i do like some of it, you have to appreciate the raw talent and skill that jazz drummers show that far exceeds metal drummers in most cases at least 10 fold, and they dont have to make it explosive either to be good. For jazz, it is a true art form, metal drumming is more a showcase, modern and past, its only ment to appeal the common ear, not the matured one, jazz has a special sound that must be first appreciated and understood for the common ear to even comprehend, i know this because when i was a very immature drummer, and i still partially am, but when all i listened too was metal, i had come to hate all other genres, but then my drum teacher showed me jazz from dave weckl and buddy rich and a few others and some prog rock like neil peart and mike portnoy and it didnt take to long for me to realize that metal isnt the alpha genre, rather a weaker genre and jazz and prog rock and many many other genres exceed metal, so i guess you could say metal is the gate way drug and once you've grown a tolerance too it, you want to go to the next one that achieves that same high you had on music,so you keep going more and more along the line until jazz is your cocaine. well thats if you start with metal and most people dont go past the gateway way drug, same with musicians who start with metal, theyll spend their whole life breaking sticks, heads, and even cymbals, well i guess its their loss, because jazz is harder and you dont break anything, maybe a new pair of sticks like every 3 months or so, its just the way we were meant to play, youd think if cymbals were meant to be thrashed they wouldnt break, when "art" breaks things you know something's gone terribly wrong.
There are way more talented drummers out there that must of you and myself have never heard of and will never hear of.
Notice that all the "best" drummers are in huge bands... you don't have to be in an iconic band to be considered the best, especially in the drumming world.
Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) deserves to be on this list. He's just pure fricken genius IMO. Actually I'm pretty damn disturbed that he didn't make the list.
The Rev? Seriously? Transcribing Metallica on drums doesn't exactly qualify you as a prodigy either. Where's Dennis Chambers, Gene Hoglan, George Kollias, etc? It's disturbing that Buddy Rich isn't on this list either.
There was not a single vote for the rev but he gets on the list but not Jimmy Chamberlin! I lost faith in humanity, a7x is an overrated band. Jimmy Chamberlin deserved to be on the list.
I mean....Dave Grohl is a lousy drummer, as a musician you can´t take the Chili Peppers musically serious, Portnoy is a good drummer but he´s boring and can´t play his hell of a drumkit on the other hand drummers like Nicko McBrain or Don Alias do.
Shouldn´t this list be about "Top 10 greatest of all time"?!?!?!?!
Who knows why Jimmy Chamberlin didn't make this list. If Dave Grohl could've, he definitely should be there. Also, I'm surprised no one voted for Meg White as just last week Dave said how great she was. Everyone is very impressionable here when it comes to Dave.
Couldn't find someone better than Dave Lombardo for the 10th spot???? I mean there are far better drummers than him. Also, The Rev shouldn't be top 10 as well for the fact that there are better drummers than him, not saying he is terrible.
Man as soon as someone doesn't see one of their influences on one of these lists they go crazy. I say be happy that they aren't known by all and on made up lists..if they were you might not have given them a chance. For instance everyone hating on chad smith in these messages, had he been in a lesser known band and not put on this list people would be complaining "wheres chad smith..not mainstream enough for you i guess"
would agree with no Bill Ward, The Rev & Dave Grohl and add Buddy Rich, Matt Helpern and Nathan Bulla from Auras is pretty sick. don't even play drums to know that
As an avid Rock and Metal fan, it really disappoints me not to see Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich or Gavin Harrison on here. They should replace Chad Smith, Dave Lambardo and Dave Grohl, because those guys are more top 100 not top 10 drummers. This is just an opinion of course, and knowing how rock and metal oriented this site is, jazz will probably get shooed away
CHAD SMITH? peppers can take a hike. they were the lady gaga of 90s alt. nothing relevant what so ever....well maybe flea is entertaining in short spurts. strike chad and insert herb alexander and this list would be fine.
Jimmy chamberlin should be a shoe in on a list like this. Great drummer probably the best to spawn out of that era.
I could list ten drummer easily that out shine maybe all but one or two on this list in terms of drum skills but just because they play jazz or non metal music its a waste of time.
looking at the others on this list, I thought I'd see Chamberlin as well. but then again, I also expected to see Gene Hoglan, Niclas Barker, Bozzio, or even Joey Jordinson
Yes! Hoping he puts in some serious work on The Word Alive's next release. Anyone who doesnt like this guy clearly does not see the talent. Hes only 19 too!!
My personal favorite is Jimmy "the Rev", because he is a master of f*cked up double bass. He also has that very energetic drumming, that makes their songs even more awesome. BBut why isn't Mike mangini up there?
I would change the title to greatest ROCK drummers of all time, as there are only rock/metal drummers up there.
Well sure, rock is far more popular than jazz/funk/etc., but the post is not about the most popular drummers but the greatest ones.
where is Lars Ulrich?...I mean, he is not very fast and so on, but from all drummers, he knows exactly where put double bass....he doesn´t do all song double bass, but when he does, it kick ass
Why is that asshat of a dead guy from avenged seven fold on the list? He had about as much talent as everyone else from that band, which is about as much as Katy Perry.
Also, I would have included Mitch Mitchell. He kept up with Hendrix (was his drummer for pretty much everything) and I've always enjoyed his style. Plus he has a great name.
I've always thought Jimmy Chamberlin of the Smashing Pumpkins was pretty good too.
Solid list. Very happy to see The Rev get some recognition. He was incredibly talented. It's a shame we won't get the chance to see his skills fully develop.
I have a great idea, How about from now on, whenever UG does a "best of" list, you prefix it with "the best of the past 15-20 years.
That way we're not Rolling Stone magazine by re-hashing musicians our parents listened to?
I'd be more keen to read "lists" if they were compiled from MODERN artists.
Simply because all the kids on here miss the point with older musicians, and the rest of us already know how great they are.
Years ago when i was younger, Guitar World did a "greatest guitarist" article, but it was only guitar players from the past 15-20 years. No Satriani, no Hendrix, No Page.... It featured guys from up and coming bands like Muse, and even Shadows Fall, which also helped me be introduced to NEW guitar virtuousos.
I also don't understand all the lukewarm Chad Smith reception. The guy clearly knows his shit. I think people tend to forget the fact that it's not about being the loudest and fastest; subtlety is a must for good drumming and he totally deserves being on the list. I also think Buddy Rich should have been number 1, but after seeing Peart, Bonham, Moon, and Smith on here, I'm satisfied.
I knew this list was totally bias crap the moment i saw "the rev" on here... seriously? Also its common knowledge guys like Navene Koperweis, Matt Halpern, and Jay Postones can drum circles around ANYBODY on this list and tbh the only guys on here worthy of being in a "best drummers of all time" list are Pert, Carey, and Portnoy. UG with another tard made list... suprised I didnt see Ulrich or Vinne Paul in this joke of a list.
I agree with most of the people on this list, though I did have to reorganize it myself. This could be just a personal list
Firstly, idk if I'd put him in the list, but check out Luke Holland. That dude is pretty sick :p
10.Travis Barker
9.Chad Smith
8.Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan
7.Dave Grohl
6.Mike Portnoy (not a fan really, but i gotta keep him there
5.John Bonham
4.Danny Carey
3.Gavin Harrison
2.Buddy Rich
1.Neil Peart
Top 10 lists always get alot of flak. but I have to say I love the rev only just started playing drums but he is one of the few drummers in that genre thats really caught my attention. There will be better drummers than him(thers always someone better) but I love his style and tbh I could listen to him play all day.
you are a ****ing imbisil have you ever even seen jimmy playing he was a prodigy, he could play any instrument you gave him he wasnt just a drummer he helped and wrote alot of all of there albums, there most recent album was according to m shadows, 60% jimmys work, ****ing take the time to look before you speak *******!
you are a ****ing imbisil have you ever even seen jimmy playing he was a prodigy, he could play any instrument you gave him he wasnt just a drummer he helped and wrote alot of all of there albums, there most recent album was according to m shadows, 60% jimmys work, ****ing take the time to look before you speak *******!
While I do not disagree with most of the people on the list, it is way too biased. Drummers like Luke Holland and Chris Adler need to be considered as well, along with Matt Greiner. Finesse is one thing, but finesses while alternating time signatures is another.
Lombardo possibly but JORDISON? seriously? the most OVERRRRRAAAAATTTTEEED drummer in history made so by kids who dont have a clue what good drumming is. And before i even read this comment i knew you would drasticly over praise the rev (whom did nothing truely noteworthy in metal except pull a layne staley) just by reading your username. Sry to bash... no hard feelings or hate intended, i just dont see how straight 4/4 time signature drummers fit anywhere in the term "good drumming".
you are a ****ing imbisil have you ever even seen jimmy playing he was a prodigy, he could play any instrument you gave him he wasnt just a drummer he helped and wrote alot of all of there albums, there most recent album was according to m shadows, 60% jimmys work, ****ing take the time to look before you speak *******!
@ Scarr777, You are absolutely right about "the rev", man he is 4/4 time signature drummers. He plays well and fast but he is not fit to be in this list. He is so naive. He writes songs and have written many songs but Have you ever read the lyrics, theme and meaning of the songs?.. it's very funny and many fans who are captivated just because of effective sounds and speed of the drum power panels make them feel he is the best. if we check and look at the music notes and time signature, he is like a little boy of Grade 2-3 music students. Same goes for their guitarist and other band members. The lead solos are merely the scales and arpeggios which are taught to beginners of rock school.He should rather improvise and create his own style. People thinks Jimmy is a prodigy but he is not realy a prodigy. They are famous because of their looks, attires, styles and emo looks. Most of the teens in the world are highly influenced by their looks, clothes, styles t-shirt, tattos, pierced nose and lips, so they just like them and try their stuffs so that they can look like them. But the fact is, they really dont know what skills are. No personal offence no hard feelings or hate intended, just shared my views.
Decent list. Truthfully, I don't think that the Rev should be on the list. Chad Smith is the balls but he's not better than Dave Grohl. Legend wise, and technicality wise. I love that Bonham and Peart are on the top of the list though. They definitely deserve it. Not that my opinion necessarily matters but these things are an opinionated thing I guess.
I wasn't familiar with Rush, but I really like the way Neil Peart plays the drums!
very unique… this list overall is very good!!
I don't know if they fit in here, but I myself listen to japanese bands, and while I have strongly believed that Shinya (Dir en Grey) has the biggest drum set, seeing Neil's makes me wonder.
Shinya is really worth listening to though! He is a very great technical drummer! His fills always fit, while nearly impossible.
I added a video in his angle, and also one of their latest single.
Please listen to it!!
Great drummers! I hadn't heard of Rush yet, but I like the way Neil is so unique in the drums!!
I didn't comment to praise though.xD
I actually know a few drummers that are lesser known. One is my favorite and I wanted to introduce him.
The reason he is lesser know is because he's in a japanese band.
And yes it's metal, actually maybe the most heavy I know. If you want to be shocked, read their (translated) lyrics.
Shinya, drummer of this band (Dir en Grey) is a great technical drummer. With fills that fit, even though they may seem not to. He has one of the biggest drum sets I've seen and uses it.
I added two videos, one in his angle (live) and one of their newest single.
Out of all of the great and legend drummers of the world, Mike Portnoy is the best drummer, in terms of everything, speed, technical skills, ability to pay all kind of beats without making a single mistake, his ideas, forms of music is awesome, he is undisputed best drummer of the world. Even he achieved the best drummer of the world award by Road Runners record. He is awesome, nothing compare with him. I would say Dream Theater made a big mistake by replacing Mike Magini who is also a legend in drummers world. instead of Mike Portnoy . Ever since he left the band, Dream Theater have changed a lot in many different ways. Even though they are still progressive metal band, their new songs with mike Magini have changed alot. Becoz of the new drummer. He is fast and skillful but not as good as mike Portnoy Drummer in the band plays the most important role.The face and theme of their songs have also changed a lot. I wish if they will changed like before, The perfect, the best, the most influenced and successful, peaceful, progressive metal band in the history of rock, till today.
5.
^Ooops. Forgot Danny Carey was on this list already. 
