If you love the sound of the drums and you spend your free time perfecting your talent, perhaps you see yourself as the next world-class drummer? Then maybe you’d like to know who you need to fight off to win the coveted best drummer ever award! We’ve compiled a list of the top-selling, best rock drummers in the world. Listen to their music, examine their drumming style closely and practice their own, individual sound to become a really impressive drummer. To stand out, you’ll also need to work on your own unique style, but it definitely helps to try out a few different styles and see which one works with your personality and musical preferences.
Do remember that while this list features some incredibly talented drummers, you may think there are other drummers not mentioned but it considers the top-sellers and other top ten lists previously compiled. We’ve also added some information on each drummer so you can read up on those that you’re not that familiar with. Let’s have a look at what we’ve got.
Top Ten Greatest Drummers – The Best Drummers of All Time!
- John Bonham
We believe John Bonham is the best rock drummer ever. From the famous band Led Zeppelin, his drumming is cutting-edge and sounds just as good now as when the band first started out. John Bonham loves speed, fast-kick drumming, and very hard-hitting styles too. His drumming stands out – on every Led Zeppelin track, and without his talent, we’re sure Led Zeppelin’s sound wouldn’t be nearly as exceptional to listen to. For budding drummers out there, it’s interesting to know that John was self-taught, he got his first drum kit at the age of 15 years old and never looked back.
2. Stewart Copeland
Another one of the best drummers of all time and famed for being the drummer for The Police (one of the biggest, most outstanding, and successful 1980s bands), Stuart deserves this position in our top ten list. While Sting is the best-known member of The Police, much of their sound can be credited to Stewart. His drumming technique ranges from aggressive, hard-hitting to subtle and quiet (which is very hard to do on a drum kit!). Stewart doesn’t just play drums; he also writes music and is legendary in his soundtrack writing abilities for TV and film.
3. Buddy Rich
If you don’t recognize this name, then perhaps you’re not into jazz. Buddy Rich was a self-taught jazz-style drummer and at the age of 4 he was already a regular on Broadway playing for Vaudeville theater. In the 1930s he was one of the biggest paid children in the entertainment business. He used to play along with Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, such was his talent. If you’ve never heard of him – Google his music and we’re sure you’ll be impressed.
4. Keith Moon
Of the band The Who, and a founding member, Keith was one of the first ever drummers to perform drumming solos and one of the best drummers of all time. A wild-at-heart rocker, he had lots of addiction problems and unfortunately, overdosed in 1978, dying as a result. He lives on through his music.
5. Roger Taylor
From the famous band Queen, Roger is credited with outstanding musical abilities and is doubtless one of the most wonderful rock drummers. As well as being an exceptional drummer, Roger is also a singer and songwriter. His drumming prowess is noted in so many Queen songs, for example, Radio Ga-Ga, Innuendo and Bohemian Rhapsody to name just a few of the many songs he’s performed on.
6. Alex Van Halen
From the famous Van Halen rock band, Alex was responsible for playing the drums. Gifted with talent, he first started drumming at the age of 14, in local bands. At the age of 18, he debuted with rock band Van Halen and when you listen to him, you’ll likely pick up on his own influences, his style is similar to John Bonham and Keith Moon.
7. Ringo Starr
The world’s richest drummer and one of the best drummers of all time, did you know that Ringo Starr (of The Beatles fame) has a net worth of $350 million? He started playing drums at the age of 13 and along with the other Beatles’ members, he’s recorded more number one hits than any solo singer or band in music history!
8. Phil Collins
Phil Collins is one of the greatest drummers of all time, without doubt, especially considering the iconic song In the Air Tonight. He even won an Oscar for the Tarzan song “You’ll be In My Heart” which was dedicated to his daughter.
9. Charlie Watts
The famous Rolling Stones’ drummer was integral to the band’s success and doubtless one of the best drummers of all time. He wouldn’t join the band initially but eventually, the Stones persuaded him that it was the right move – and they were right! Charlie’s drumming spans plenty of different styles and he complemented the rest of the band’s talents to perfection. Listen to him drum on Satisfaction, he really powers-up the song, showcasing Mick Jagger’s unique voice and making it an incredible tune to listen to again and again.
10. DJ Fontana
This well-known drummer of the 1960s used to drum his way through plenty of Elvis Presley songs, including classics Blue Suede Shoes and Hound Dog. One of the iconic drummers, with his fast-moving hands and drumming style, he inspired musicians all over the world to buy their first drum kit and get rocking! Now you know about the best drummers of all time find out about the greatest artists of all time by clicking on this link: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/100-greatest-artists-147446/.
