The recent thread on guitarists was fascinating - now I’m wondering about the percussion.
My money’s on John Bonham, but I’m wondering if Neal Peart makes the grade. That chap from Nirvana seems to be particularly well-regarded (David Grohl?).
Of course, for sheer theatrics there’s no beating Animal.
You’ve mentioned two of my fav’s in Bonham and Peart. Toss in Keith Moon.
I’ve listened to Neil Peart both live and studio. Please explain to me why is he considered to be one of, if not THE, greatest drummer?
I’m not particularly impressed.
Speed and tempo changes.
'Nother vote for Bonzo.
Billy Cobham.
Though I guess he was more a jazz/fusion drummer. Does The Mahavishnu Orchestra qualify as Rock and Roll?
In the 60s, the consensus name was Ginger Baker.
But I’ll go with Keith Moon – a unique style that was essential to the sound of the Who.
**Stewart Copeland ** is grand, very intricate and a unique jazz-influenced style.
Am I the first to mention **Charlie Watts? ** Exile on Main Street is a testament to his talent; “Tumbling Dice”, “Rip This Joint”…it don’t get no better.
Mickey Hart of the Good Ol’ Grateful Dead!
No doubt about it. Just listen to the “Drums and Space” segment from any Grateful Dead show. Not only is Mickey a great performer, he also is basically an expert on drumming and percussion, having written several books on the topic.
Although he’s not strictly in a rock band, Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater is definitely up there on the drum gods list.
If we completely ignore the rock & roll restriction, it’s pretty clear that the drummer from the Dillinger Escape Plan is the greatest ever. His name isn’t given in any of their liner notes, so I’m not sure who he is. But he’s a great drummer.
Seeing that this is my first post I hope none of you have any major problems with what I am going to say. In the 70’s Peter Criss was great, not the best but close to the top in my opinion. But Peter has lost his chops over the years and at this point can’t really play… Neil Peart, have been around just as long as Pete yet hasn’t lost a thing, infact he has just gotten better again in my opiion. I have long thought Neil was and is the best drummer in rock and maybe the best ever period.
John Bonham.
I have never liked Neil Peart’s drumming, finding his technique to be too light and fluffy. I’ve never heard any swing in his playing, but that might be more of the Rush writing style than Peart’s ability to play with feel.
Actually, as much as I love John’s drumming, I am actually torn between him and Danny Carey of Tool, who is at the very least, the best rock drummer alive today. No one can touch him in feel, behind the beat playing, and an unbelievable knack for playing seemingly different time signature feels within a single structure (e.g. the fantastic drum fill towards the end of “46x2” and “Mirkaba”).
Perhaps the most underrated rock drummer though is Phil Rudd. AC/DC makes you want to get up and dance, and the reason is Phil’s impeccable talent for playing behind the beat without losing the beat.
Another one for Keith Moon, followed by Bonham.
Guess I’ll be the first to say Ringo Starr.
Generally, he’s not considered in such lists, but I’ve found his style to be dead on balls accurate. (Think of the song “Help” - great timing).
Plus the fact, he never thought of a 15 minute drum solo as being the ultimate artisitc expression.
Also, he has a style that is somewhat understated. (Again, he realizes he is not the front man).
Check out the DVD ‘How the West was won’ and then try telling me that Bonzo wasn’t the greatest ever. Others might be better technically, but there was something about the drive, the timing, the whipping of the drums that made him stand out.
At the risk of being made fun of, Carter Beauford of the Dave Matthews Band is an amazing drummer, who brings lots of jazz chops to a pop-rock setting. He may not be THE BEST, but I’d rank him in any top ten list of rock drummers.
And how about Max Weinberg?
What??
C’mon folks, Charlie Watts is it.
Followed by Moon and Ringo.
Everyone one else is a distant fourth.
Definately Bonzo…
I collect Led Zeppelin concert bootlegs, and Bonham is WAAAY better live than on any of his studio efforts. He remained in to form until the day he died
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I know a bunch of drummer who all make fun of Max Weinberg. Just watch him next time Conan’s on. The way he plays just doesn’t look right…
Mike Portnoy’s my favorite. I don’t know about best though. Are you guys all drummers yourselves?