Who is your favorite drummer(s)

[tom2zip]

Mike Portnoy
Neil Peart
Alex Van Halen
Thomas Lang
Derek Roddy
George Kollias

[drummerboi97]

neil peart

travis barker

chad smith

?uest love

tommy lee

lars ulrich

--in no specific order

MY KIT...
yamaha wood
custom wrapped=flat black
zildjian zbt 5 piece pack
dw7000 double bass pedal

[dr.funkenstien]

Keith Carlock is my all time fav. a close second would be Gavin Harrison for sure.

Brendan Colameco
www.myspace.com/brendancolamecodrums

[Michael McDanial]

Louie Bellson
Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Max Roach
Sonny Payne
Art Blakey
Tony Williams
Elvin Jones
Roy Haynes
Jo Jones
Chico Hamilton
Kenny Clarke
Ginger Baker
John Bonham
Mitch Mitchell
Neil Peart

[paradiddler]

Hi everybody.

I've mentioned before (at least I think so!) that my favorite drummers are Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Alan White, Thomas Lang, among others. The more I watch these guys, the more I realize I might never play anything close to their level! But I'll keep watching and listening anyway. I recently came across a phrase that captures that feeling of wanting to play like our favorite players, but just not quite getting there. I wrote an article about it that I thought you all might find interesting.

"Exquisite Torture" (http://theparadiddler.com/2009/08/08/exquisite-torture/)

Take a read, and let us all know what you think!

Drum on!

[idk alex]

Aaron Gillespie- Underoath
Andrew Forseman- Fall of troy

biggest drumming inspirations

[Buddah Man]

My favorites are; Brian Blade
Johnny Vidakovich of NOLA
Peter Erskine
Ari Hoenig
Mike Clark of the Headhunters
David Garibaldi (TOP)
Lenny White with RTF
Danny Seraphim (Chicago)
Jamie Oldaker- Clapton
Butch and Jaimoe of the Allman bros Band
Instructors: Tommy Igoe
Russ Miller
And plenty more

Awesome: Dave Weckl, Louie Bellson

Vinnie, Steve Smith, Gadd, Dennis Chambers .....Whew!

[baksheesh]

Billy Kilson with Dave Holland is/was absolutely outtasight - particularly on Juggler's Parade, which is one of the all time grooviest tracks ever IMO. His playing on Extended Play is dynamite, and puts him up with the greatest 'feel' players.
Don't see much posted about Cecil's guys on here - Andrew Cyrille, Sunny Murray, Ronald Shannon Jackson. All dynamite, though i think Sunny Murray has the edge for those epoch making Cafe Montmartre sessions - a giant leap forward for drumming.
Off the standard drum kit trail - Zakir Hussain is the bee's knees.
Also, i was intrigued and most in agreement with a post in the epic 'Big' Jazz thread, which pointed out the importance and influence 'IDM' (for want of a better term) has had on the concept of rhythm, expanding what can be done with it, extending patterns and cycles (which relates to Indian classical concepts also) and this is a heartening trend to see in Jazz, and arguably an essential one.

[baksheesh]

I have to say, that i think, in the context of these kinds of threads, that it's counterproductive to simply put down all the drummers (or who/what ever the particular thread of this ilk is asking you to list) whom you think have ever played something worthwile. One should stick to the 3 - 5 who you feel are most deserving of attention, either because a) they simply stand out head and shoulders above the rest, in which case lay a little rap on the rest of us about why that guy in particular, and/or b) someone who's been shamefully overlooked etc.

[Conker]

Mike Wengren - Disturbed
Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater
Arya Goggin - Skindred
Neil Peart - Rush

[YCP_MusicMan]

Louie Bellson (Jazz Legend/VP of Remo Drumheads)
-he may not have been the greatest player ever. but he had the right attitude. I can respect that a lot more than amazing licks.

Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band)
-such a humble person for the amount of talent he has. I respect the fact that he still practices just as much as he did when he first started playing. He has to be the most imaginative drummer I have ever seen. I got the chance to see DMB live this summer. It was so amazing to see Carter in action.

David Garibaldi (Tower of Power)
-Garibaldi has the best feel out of any drummer i've ever heard or seen. He makes it look completely effortless! I saw TOP live about a year ago. It doesn't even look like Garibaldi's moving...he is truly amazing!

Tim Jackson (Former quad captain of the Concord Blue Devils and current drumline instructor of the Bluecoats)
-I am a major Blue Devils fan, and a quad player myself. I have respected Tim's technique and talent for quite a few years. I mad a connection with Tim's father Randy over the Blue Devils' message boards. I had the opportunity to meet Tim at the Eastern Classic a few weeks ago. He is such a cool person. It was awesome. I actually got my picture taken with him as well.

[slx118]

In no particular order:

Ginger Baker Cream
Alex Van Halen Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield Queensryche
Robert Sweet Stryper
Pat Torpey Mr. Big
Thomas Lang Independent Clinician
Mike Mangini Steve Vai
Dennis Chambers
Gregg Bissonette
Omar Hakim w/ Joe Satriani
Mike Portnoy Dream Theater
Neil Peart Rush
Atma Anur Jason Becker
Tommy Aldridge Whitesnake/Independent
Billy Cobham
Jonathan Moffet
Billy Ashbaugh
Carl Palmer
Jonathan Mover
Sonny Emory
Todd Sucherman STYX/Spinal Tap
John Bonham Zepplin
Steve Smith Journey

Yeah, that petty much sums it up for me.

[joseisfreshhh]

aaron spears
thomas pridgen
calvin rodgers
mike johnston
eric moore
heracio el negro hernandez
jojo mayer
steve gadd
buddy rich

[shadowtick]

I'll bite......

Steve Smith
Steve Gadd
Buddy Rich
Neil Peart
Carl Palmer
Gavin Harrison
Chick Webb
Joe Morello
Bill Bruford
Alan White
Jeff Porcaro
Jeff Hamilton
Kenny Clare
Louis Bellson
Hal Blaine

[wy yung]

I am into Abe Cunningham at the moment. Lovely player.

[vegassuper]

What the heck...
Art Blakey
Billy Higgins
Philly Joe Jones

[Phildas]

phil collins - Phil Collins - PHIL COLLINS!

errr...did I mention Phil Collins?

But seriously...Phil Collins followed by:

Portnoy
Bozzio
Copeland
Thompson
Bruford
Gurtu
Shivamani
Coluiata
Porcaro
McBrain
Philips
White
Gadd

... in no particular order

Phildas

[LinearDrummer]

In no particular order:

Ginger Baker Cream
Alex Van Halen Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield Queensryche
Robert Sweet Stryper
Pat Torpey Mr. Big
Thomas Lang Independent Clinician
Mike Mangini Steve Vai
Dennis Chambers
Gregg Bissonette
Omar Hakim w/ Joe Satriani
Mike Portnoy Dream Theater
Neil Peart Rush
Atma Anur Jason Becker
Tommy Aldridge Whitesnake/Independent
Billy Cobham
Jonathan Moffet
Billy Ashbaugh
Carl Palmer
Jonathan Mover
Sonny Emory
Todd Sucherman STYX/Spinal Tap
John Bonham Zepplin
Steve Smith Journey

Yeah, that petty much sums it up for me.


Omar with Satriani *insert puzzled smiley*
What CD is Omar on?

[nridgedrummer]

I'm gonna name my favorite drummers from all the genres I listen to.

Metal: Blake Richardson
Progressive: Neil Peart
Alternative: Josh Eppard
Classic Rock: John Bonham

[Neodymium]

Peter Erskine
Alphonse Mouzon
Billy Cobham
Ginger Baker

[bamdrummer]

Chad Smith (cause he grooves so friggin nice)
Carter Beauford (No explanation needed)
Dave Grohl &
Taylor Hawkins (cause they rock)
John Bonham (cause hes John Bonham)
John Dolmayan
and a few other like Tommy Lee, Mike Portnoy, Stephen Perkins, and whoever the drummer was for Dispatch. (if anyone knows who that is plz tell me, id love to know)

[jbuck594]

Jojo Mayer
John Bonham (NO DUH!!!)
Neil Peart

And this is just the top of my head

[TWJYL]

Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Gar Samuelson
Nick Menza
Mike Portnoy
Dj Fontana

[Halon451]

In no particular order..

Danny Carey
Carter Beauford
John Bonham
Dave Lombardo
Keith Moon
Chris Pennie
Dale Crover (the Melvins)
Jean Paul Gaster (Clutch)
Stewart Copeland
Jason Roeder
Chuck Biscuits

[michael drums]

Chad Smith (cause he grooves so friggin nice)
Carter Beauford (No explanation needed)
Dave Grohl &
Taylor Hawkins (cause they rock)
John Bonham (cause hes John Bonham)
John Dolmayan
and a few other like Tommy Lee, Mike Portnoy, Stephen Perkins, and whoever the drummer was for Dispatch. (if anyone knows who that is plz tell me, id love to know)

I believe it was Brad Corrigan, who played drums for them.

Are they still together? I think they broke up, didn't they?

[Neil]

Morning Guys,

I'd thought I would chime in here,

Chris Pennie - DEP/Coheed and Cambria
Guy Davies - Reuben, Freeze the Atlantic - (Pretty much the reason I dropped bass and moved to Drums)
Tony Hajjar - At The Drive in/With Sparta
Andrew Forsman - Fall of Troy

over and out

[michael drums]

I'm deciding on my list:

Mitch Mitchell
Andy Ward (massively underrated)
Neil Peart
John Bonham
Ginger Baker
Jojo Mayer
Vinnie (The man, the legend)
Steve Gadd (my idol)
Dave Lombardo
Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Brad Webb
Ringo!
Dave Weckl...
It goes on and on...

Gotta agree with # 3! 100%

But it's sure odd that he is on this list, considering how often he's put down by the poster.

:-| ...scratching head

[nhzoso]

Bonham of course,

But lately I have been getting into Kenny Aronoff, man some of that John Mellencamp stuff is friggin hard hitting and spot on.

Also Don Brewer, Grand funk is some of the most enjoyable music for me to drum along too.

[LinearDrummer]

But it's sure odd that he is on this list, considering how often he's put down by the poster.

:-| ...scratching head

You've never changed your mind about a drummer?

I know I have especially after reading articles and listening to interviews of him bashing jazz musicians.

[michael drums]

You've never changed your mind about a drummer?

I know I have especially after reading articles and listening to interviews of him bashing jazz musicians.

Interviews of WHO bashing jazz musicians?

You certainly don't mean NP, correct?

Oh, and no, not really. If I like a drummer, I pretty much stick by him. I've never changed my mind about a drummer. To answer your 1st question, LD.

;-)

[LinearDrummer]

Interviews of WHO bashing jazz musicians?

You certainly don't mean NP, correct?



Haha....not Neil man!

And it wasn't just interviews...I just wasn't impressed with his MD performance and a little turned off on the whole "i don't do solos, don't need to prove myself" attitude.

He was a great inspiration but I don't listen to him much anymore....thats what I mean by changing your mind.

Noodling around on youtube I discovered a drummer named Gergo Borlai and he just blew me away. Plays much more stuff that I'm into at the moment.

[Galen Frost]

Dennis Chambers
Simon Phillips
Steve Gadd

[saunders]

Who is your favorite drummer(s)?

John Bonham
Ringo Star
Keith Moon
Mike Portnoy
Mitch Mitchell
Neil Peart
Zak Starkey
Christoph "Doom" Schneider
Mike Mangini
Chad Smith
Mike "Machine" Mallais (Old Drum Teacher)
Danny Bourgeois (Local Guy)

[nhzoso]

Haha....not Neil man!

And it wasn't just interviews...I just wasn't impressed with his MD performance and a little turned off on the whole "i don't do solos, don't need to prove myself" attitude.

He was a great inspiration but I don't listen to him much anymore....thats what I mean by changing your mind.



Sounds like Little Stuart Copeland?

I still like him, everyone is entitled to their opinion even if it's not politically correct, At least he is honest and I give him credit for not giving the same old boring answers that every other drummer gives on interviews.

[JacobD226]

Derek Roddy
Gavin Harrison
Terry Bozzio
George Kollias
Max Roach
John Bonham
Elvin Jones
Keith Moon
Ginger Baker
Danny Carey
Jason Bittner
Virgil Donati

[Random Name 123]

1. Reni (coolest, funkiest, most musical drummer I know of)
2. Topper Headon (for his versatility - punk, funk, reggae, jazz, blues...))
3. Tony Allen (Afrobeat innovator - Africa's greatest drummer?)
4. Keith Moon (a more obvious one, for his unusual patterns and combinations)

[Music is Awesome]

Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
The Rev (A7X)
Joey Jordison (Slipknot)
Chad Szeliga (Breaking Benjamin)
Jordan Mancino (As I Lay Dying)
George Kollias (Nile)
Gene Hoglan (Dethklok)

[livelovedrum1]

John Bonham-fattest, groove, ever
Larry Mullen Jr-fantastically musical with everything he does
Mike Portnoy-can you say technical?
Steve Smith-he can play ANYTHING
Matt Greiner-probably the most underrated metal drummer ever, blindingly fast and extremely techinally proficent

Neil Peart would be on my list, hes still very good, but these days his playing is far less mindblowing, so no, not on the list
to the guy who was turned off by what he said about solos,
I gotta disagree, although the opinions on the point of solos can be different between different drummers, Neil's opinion on his lack of solos was fully valid, he felt that people should judge him by his music, not his solos, he saw solos as gratuitous and pointless, which is something I disagree with, but in the world of music (and drums especially), can something like this ever have a finite factual line?

[wilmon91]

My favourites are

Steve Negus (of Saga)
Unique style! It's shameful that his name hasnt been mentioned even once on drummerworld...

Simon Phillips
My biggest influence.

Morgan Ågren
Best drummer of Sweden, were I am from. He's cool.

Audun Kleive
Norways best drummer I would guess. I haven't heard a great deal of him, but what I've heard has influenced me very much. Very dynamic playing, expressive, every beat has its own articulation. Big attention to detail...very swingy feeling also.

Who else.....okay one more:

Christian Vander
Unique drummer, as is the music of Magma. Energetic, powerful, original way of playing.

[yesdog]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I give my props to the main influences
My older brother(he was a giging drummer when i was little)
Jim Streich(my first drum teacher)
The great Jake Jerger(the best instructor ever)
__________________

Neil Peart
Rod Morgenstien
Terry Bozzio
Steve Smith
Billy Cobham
Simon Phillips
Dave Weckl
Ringo Starr
Kieth Moon
John Bonham
Todd Sucherman
Michael Bland
Gary Husband
Aynsley Dunbar
Levon Helm
Phil Ehart
Tommy Aldridge

[Morbid Koala]

Bonham
Ward
Gastier
Starks (or pretty much anyone that played with James Brown)


Basically, dudes who aren't busy and when they are, it's for a damn good reason. The majority of their magic is found In the pocket, a little behind the beat; thats my kind of drummer.

On the other hand, Moon is the exception to every single one of those qualifications and I love him to death (well, until 74 or so anyway).

Big drums are cool too. Me likey.

[jake_larson]

Gavin Harrison- Porcupine Tree, 05Ric, such smooth technical and groovy playing over odd meters

David Garbaldi- Tower of Power, his playing is legendary

Tim Yueng- Divine Heresy, great death metal chops and real clean tight sound

Mark Guiliana- Heernt, punk-jazz?????? maybe but he has sweet licks and sounds great

Dafnis Prieto- with his own group, crazy awesome latin-jazz

Max Roach- nuff said :)

Steve Smith- Vital Information, Jazz Legacy, what can't the man do? He is great

Mike Portnoy- Dream Theater, he was one of the first drummers I ever heard and I love the technicality of his playing


Man that was tough to narrow it down to so little drummers, those are probably the bigs ones right now

[crazyjake19]

Carter Beauford
John Bonham
Stewart Copeland
Dominic Howard (muse)
Sean Kinney

[unfunkyfooted]

Motown
Ringo Starr
Charlie Watts
John Bonham
Andy Bown
Joey Kramer
Sandy West
BB Queen
Emry Thomas
Martin Chambers

[Syrith]

Keith Moon of The Who because he's the one that made me want to start playing

[Pachikara-Tharakan]

Same here, Keith Moon.
just because he is totally different... doesnt play by the "rules" and do overplay which millions love including his own band mates.

[nolonx]

Gavin Harrison

he's my main reference for now. A great, classy and complete drummer.

[jdrums1968]

Ray McKinley
Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Louie Bellson
Art Blakey
Bill Bruford
Joe Morello

[michorush@yahoo.com]

John Bonham-fattest, groove, ever
Larry Mullen Jr-fantastically musical with everything he does
Mike Portnoy-can you say technical?
Steve Smith-he can play ANYTHING
Matt Greiner-probably the most underrated metal drummer ever, blindingly fast and extremely techinally proficent

Neil Peart would be on my list, hes still very good, but these days his playing is far less mindblowing, so no, not on the list
to the guy who was turned off by what he said about solos,
I gotta disagree, although the opinions on the point of solos can be different between different drummers, Neil's opinion on his lack of solos was fully valid, he felt that people should judge him by his music, not his solos, he saw solos as gratuitous and pointless, which is something I disagree with, but in the world of music (and drums especially), can something like this ever have a finite factual line?

neil is my favorite drummer i never heard him say solos were pointless .he says its the high point of his live performance and its a lost art in the music world please set me strait on this discussion

[Signature]

George "Spanky" McCurdy is The Ultimate

[FourT6and2]

Danny Carey - Tool
Dennis Chambers
Carter Beauford - Dave Matthews Band
Gavin Harrison - Porcupine Tree
Josh Freese - A Perfect Circle, and others

[brownie1969]

"For the catagory.....Best A-list drummer,..........the envelop please"...........

Mick Shrimpton
Eric "Stumpy-Joe" Childs
John "Stumpy" Pepy

[toddy]

I really don't know.. there are many drummers that I steal ideas from.

[SixStroke Bugada]

My personal favorites:

Gavin Harrison
JoJo Mayer
Stanton Moore
Carter Beauford
Danny Carey
Steve Gadd
Mike Portnoy
John Bonham
Terry Bozzio

[willyumm]

MATT HELDERS!! Easily the koolest english drummer

[joseisfreshhh]

George "Spanky" McCurdy is The Ultimate

indeed lol
he's good

[joseisfreshhh]

Ray McKinley
Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Louie Bellson
Art Blakey
Bill Bruford
Joe Morello

props to this list
nice

[" Low "]

four of my favorite / biggest influence

John Bonham
Bobby Rodinelli
Bill Ward
Aynsley Dunbar

[Ian Williams]

Ian Paice, John Bonham, Bill Ward and Cozy Powell, Carmine Appice.

[bonzolead]

Ian Paice, John Bonham, Bill Ward and Cozy Powell, Carmine Appice.Great list Ian, I would have too add Keith Moon too that list though a total original IMO.Neal Peart has too be on there also maybe not on your list but on mine for sure.

You have Carmine on your list which is cool his brother Vinnie is very good also IMO his drumming on Dio's solo stuff was great plus he has one crazy single bass kit

you be the judge.........

Keep Swattin'
Bonzolead

[" Low "]

Ya i could add Vinnie , he always kicks ass

[hadduken]

umm
joey jordinson
stick wit him

MAGGOTZ 4 LIFE
STAY SIC

[spurdellini]

Sandy Nelson! My favourite drummer of all time...

[Hengky Bali]

My personal favorites are:

Dave Weckl - a Complete Drummer
Akira Jimbo - an Innovator of playing Acc + Electric Drums without any backing tracks
Vinnie Colaiuta - a Great all round Drummer of the century
Buddy Rich - Amazing musician
Antonio Sanchez - Creative playing & soloing with Pat Metheny Band
Horacio "el negro" Hernandez - He plays difficult playing sounds simple
Art Blakey - one of Jazz Legends
Steve Gadd - Always fit the pocket
Jojo Mayer - I like his approach & ideas of playing Jungle
Dennis Chambers - Great playing (he does a very fast single stroke around the kits)
Stewart Coppeland - great drumming on The Police
Bill Stewart - I think he always swing the band
Johny Rabb - Creative & Fun
Terry Bozzio - perhaps he's the first drummer playing Ostinatos (he sings through his kits)
Paul Wertico - Great philosophies & playing (I like his right hand pattern etc)
Steve Smith - he plays anything
Gustavo Meli - Ride on his left & all that Independence playing
Jeff Porcaro - One of Legendary Drummers ever lived (he always play for the music)
Philly Joe Jones - one of Great jazz drummers
Simon Phillips - Great playing with Octoban & Gong (I'll Remember - Toto)
Chad Wackerman - Like his playing with Allan Holdsworth (he was 20 i guess)
Carter Beauford - Creative playing with Jam block (he plays fun reggae ^^)
Harvey Mason - Complete Drummer, Musician, Producer, Arranger, Performer, etc
Hilary Jones - Great independence (Modern Drummers Festival)
Neil Peart - 3 people in a band... their playing fits their name "RUSH !!"
Glenn Kotche - creative & unique playing (Modern Drummers Fest)
Dave Dicenso - what can I say... he's Great !!
Thomas Pridgen - Great Performance (Modern Drummers Festival)
Elvin Jones - one of Great Jazz Drummers.. amazing playing
John Bonham - He's approach of playing triplets on Bass Drums has become a great
influence to so many Drummers nowadays

[Ferb]

Well known Drummers:

1) Jojo Mayer
2) Bill Bruford
3) Todd Sucherman
4) Neil Peart

Not as well known:

1) Darren King ~ Mute Math
2) Spencer Kim ~ Future of Forestry
3) Thomas Hedlund ~ Phoenix
4) Chris Guanlao ~ Silversun Pickups

[sinol]

1. Bill Brudford
2. Danny Carey
3. Jojo Mayer

...and many many more:)

[Anisa]

1. Danny Carey
2. Josh Freese
3. Jimmy Chamberlin
4. Tim Alexander
5. John Bonham
6. Phil Selway
7. John Dolmayan
8. Brad Wilk
9. Nick Mason
10. Jon Theodore

[moin.panwar]

1. Lars Ulrich
2. Dave Weckl
3. Gavin Harrison
4. Max Roach
5. Chris Adler
6. Niel Pert
7. Steve Smith

[Drums101]

Tony Williams
John Bonham
Stanton Moore
Elvin Jones
Brad Wilk
Dafnis Prieto
Bernard Purdie
David Garbraldi
Steve Smith

[zildjank09]

1. John Bonham
2. Jojo Mayer
3. Ringo Starr
4. Keith Moon
5. Ace Face!!! ..

[Shadow]

Tommy Lee - Motley Crue
Igor Cavalera - ex-Sepultura, Cavalera Conspirasy
Neil Peart - Rush
Paul Brochu - Uzeb
Mike Protnoy - Dream Theater
Morgan Rose - Sevendust
Kai Hahto - WinterSun
Thomas Lang

[virfirjans]

Twenty Years ago my favourite drummer was Lars Ulrich (YEAH!!! I was heavy metal man) but one day I saw Michel Camilo with Horacio "el negro" and my point of view about Drums and music radically changed.
After That, I discovered Dave Weckl and he becames My, without doubt, favourite drummer.
And he has been "the one" for a long time.
But now, another one has kicked out Weckl from my mind.
And his name is Brian Blade.

[Volentry]

Neil Peart
Chad Szeliga, Sexton, Smith (Yeap love the 3 Chads out there!)
Jojo Mayer
The Rev
Dominic Howard
Buddy Rich
Mike Portnoy

... and some others. My brains are too fried to think of anymore :S

[ccsimms]

My current top 3:
Gary Novak
Tomas Haake
Jon Karel

[drumtube]

I know I'm dating myself, and I'm not saying that the kids of today can't chop well, but these are my favorites...

Carl Palmer
John Bonham
Buddy Rich
Danny Seraphine
Ian Paice

[markusjj]

No order

Carter Beauford
Jon Theodore
John Bonham
Erin Tate
Bernard Purdie
Steve Gadd
Steve Jordan
Neil Peart
Taylor Hawkins
Chad Smith

[Scorched]

Right now:

Aaron Their

Travis Orbin

Gavin Harrison

Sean Reinert

John Longstreth

Jamie Saint Merat

Navene Kopeweis

[WhisperInTheWind]

My top 2 are
1. Michael 'Moose' Thomas - Bullet for My Valentine
2. Dave Grohl - Nirvana, QOTSA, Probot

Anyone othe than me think Moose is really underated as a drummer? he is actually so good.....

[Django136]

This is in no order at all

John Bonham
Carter Beuford
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Jason Bonham
Joey Jordison
Lars Ulrich
Buddy Rich
Ian Paice
Neil Peart
Dave Weckl
and last but not least
Carmine Appice

[thatguykalem]

Tre Cool

Syncopation, crash commitment, and machinegun fills.

Nothing particularly revolutionary, but it is incredibly fun to play.

[Rascul]

Brian Blade. I just found out he can do everything I admire - but most of all, because of Jazz Crimes.

[Jeff Gordon #24]

Well...


In case you mean all genres included, here's my list in no particular order:

Buddy Rich
Vinnie Colaiuta
Benny Greb
Steve Smith
Neil Peart
John Bonham
Gavin Harrison
Steve Gadd
Tommy Aldridge
Dave Weckl
Kenny Aronoff
Chester Thompson
Louis Bellson
Mike Portnoy
Simon Phillips
Billy Cobham
Ian Paice
Stewart Copeland
Jo Jo Mayer
Dennis Chambers
Ed Shaughnessy
Cliff Davies
John Blackwell
Thomas Lang
Carl Palmer
Clive Burr
Chuck Biscuits
Jeff Porcaro
Chad Smith (I love how happy he is all the time. Full of fun and positivity!)


yea, I know I'm all over the map with all the different styles of my favs but, I like each of my favorites for their unique styles.

[Up2Speed]

Danny Carey

Neil Peart

More to come......

[lancedavis66]

My thoughts go to those drummers I have seen in person and who are musicians over technicians:

1-Louie Bellson - May he rest in peace.A happy guy who obviously loved playing drums
2-Greg Bissonette-Saw him with the One O'Clock Lab Band in the early 80s. Stupid talented
3-Steve Gadd-One of my favorite riffs to play to this day is 50 ways to leave your lover
4-Jeff Porcaro- May he rest in peace. Not enough is said about his contributions, he's a legend
5-Neil Peart
6-Carter Beauford
7-Anyone who played with Steely Dan, including lately...
8-Keith Carlock

[Bluewave]

My list of favourite drummers would be like this:

Mikko Kaakkuriniemi (great Finnish drummer)
Teppo Mäkynen (another great Finnish drummer)
David Garibaldi
Derrick McKenzie
Jojo Mayer
Benny Greb
Wolfgang Haffner
Ahmir ''?uestlove'' Thompson
Aaron Spears
Teddy Campbell
Peter Erskine
John Riley
Dave Weckl
Horacio ''El Negro'' Hernandez
Keith Carlock
Steve Gadd
Steve Jordan
Dennis Chambers

[stevedrum]

Manu Katche, Billy Kilson, Steve Jordan, Gavin Harrison, Dave Weckl, Horacio Hernandez, Jojo Mayer, Keith Carlock, Brian Blade, Aaron Spears, Carter Beauford, John Balckwell

[ZachTomlinson]

Danny Carey
Buddy Rich
Joey Jordison
Mike Portnoy
Kirk Covington( FUNNY!)
John Bonham

[kwolf68]

This is my list I submitted for my band's website, drummers who inspire me

Dave Lombardo of Slayer
Michel Langevin, aka Away of Voivod.
Keith Moon of the Who
Ginger Baker of Cream
Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater
Chad Smith of RHCP
Neal Peart of Rush
JoJo Mayer
Benny Greb
Danny Carey of Tool
Dave Grohl of Nirvana
John Stainer the first drummer for Helmet
Donald Tardy of Obituary
Derek Roddy
Daniel Löble the current drummer for Helloween
Ventor of Kreator

[Fuo]

Danny Carey (Tool)
Neil Peart
Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
Sean Reinert (Death, Cynic)
Thomas Pridgen (TMV)
Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree)

[Pkaneps]

John Bonham
Dave Grohl
Patrick Carney
Patrick Keeler
Ringo Starr
Ian Paice
?uestlove
Danny Carey
Nicko Mcbrain
Vinnie Paul
Tim Alexander

[DeDeen]

My favorite drummers are Bill Ward and Victor de Boo!

[Jessiah331]

Who is your favorite drummer(s) and what band(s) are they in?

Jeremy Hummel - Breaking Benjamin
John Dolmayan - System of a Down
Steve Jocz - Sum 41
Shannon Hawkins - Godsmack
Tré Cool - Green Day
Eron Bucciarelli - Hawthorne Heights
Rob Bourdon - Linkin Park
Lars Ulrich - Metallica
Neil Peart - Rush
Longineu Parsons III - Yellow Card

I absolutely LOVE your influences, minus a few. But you missed MY favorite!

PORTNOY!

[paradiddler]

Ok, I know I must have posted my favorite drummer(s) somewhere in this thread, but since it's 15 pages deep as of this post I ain't lookin'! But I would like to add a couple of things.

Currently, my favorite is Neil Peart. I don't think that will change, because of what he represents to me: a complete drummer, who cares more for the song than for himself, who's solos are creative in a song-like sense, and not just a display of rudiments and chops, and lastly but not leastly: he never rests on his laurels. I love how he (and the other guys of Rush) just won't go through the motions, that they always go all out when they perform. I love it.

Steve Smith is my 1b favorite. I love his technical skills and his desire to try new things (such as the Indian rhythms) -he's just a joy to watch.

I have a few more, but those are my main two. I just recently wrote an article at my site about what I think about drummer comparisons, and what makes us view our favorite drummers the way we do:

Passion for Our Favorite Drummer (http://theparadiddler.com/2010/03/26/passion-for-our-favorite-drummer/)

I've seen lot's of debate regarding who's the best, this drummer vs. that drummer, and that got me thinking if it's even worth making those comparisons! I hope you enjoy the article (I think you will!).

Ok, I give in. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Alan White
Thomas Lang
Alex Van Halen
Marco Minnemann
Mike Portnoy

P.S. You may get a pop-up box when you go to my site. If it bothers you, just close it - no harm done!

[maggie897]

Ray Luzier the new drummer for korn

[Jessiah331]

Ray Luzier the new drummer for korn

Yes to this

202020

[pbloxam]

Thomas Lang, Grant Collins, Simon Phillips, Ian Paice, Cozy Powell, Neil Peart, Alphonse Mouzon

[BuddyBeaufordGaddNeil]

Buddy Rich, Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd, Carl Palmer, Neil Peart, Mitch Mitchell, Danny Carey, Tony Royster Jr, Nikko Mcbrain, Bill Ward, John Bonham, Mike Portnoy, Thomas Lang, Jojo Mayer, etc.

[BuddyBeaufordGaddNeil]

AND Gavin Harrison. I forgot Gavin Harrison.

[Loseless]

Neil Peart
Bonzo
Rich Hutchins
Ian Paice
Nikko McBrain
Carl Palmer

I'm a prog lover alright :P

[jamest]

Cliche but for good reason...John Bonham.
__________________

"When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"

http://www.excellent-offers.com/gravy1.jpg

[j.son]

for me....i gotta say cindy blackmans work with lenny kravitz is what got me into drumming,and she is still my favorite!..then theres questlove!he has presence for days!
i really like zack starkeys work with oasis...he has that huge sound! like an in the pocket kieth moon.
steve whites work with paul weller has class written all over it
and any bells drumming in ride is very punchy and exiting.
i dont know the names but im really diggin on the drummeres from
black joe lewis
eli paperboy reed
and the dap kings.
the drummer from refused was pretty inventive,free jazz inspired hardcore punk drumming!
gregg ericco from sly and the family stone has it!
the singing drummer from the standells...cant remember his name!
sterling roswell from spacemen 3..the only drummer i know that can do a whole gig with just a kickdrum and a crash!
these are the drummers that immediately pop into my head

[oneguy]

not sure if I posted before(?) but once again for some reason these guys always come to mind first.....

Michael Shrieve (early Santana)
Chad Cromwell (Frampton, Knophler, etc.)
Jo Jo Mayer (just amazing)

[Bradastronaut]

Chris Collis of this town needs guns is amazing, he impressed me REDICULOUS amounts when i saw them live last month, its the kind of technical drumming that sounds so melodic to my ears atleast. But not just for that, we talked to the band after the show and they all, and chris inparticular seemed realy enthusiastic to talk to their fans, and took in every compliment about the show and even said sorry about having to cut it short, he even stood with us just hanging when i was faffing round filling my bag up :P.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS56_MfEnrg&feature=related
For those not familiar with this band :D

And my all time favourite is Derrick Plourde...Just simply cause he played in like 80% of all my first and favourite punk bands (Lagwagon, Mad Caddies, Ataris, Rich Kids on Lsd, and more) Also he was a founding member of two of my favourite bands of all time, Bad Astronaut and Jaws. Nothing realy amazing i dont think, the dude was just well rounded and fit the music perfectly imo.

One of my favourite songs drumming wise by him
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygAdn7ch6cM&feature=related

All others have been mentioned (thomas pridgen, aaron spears, jojo mayer, buddy rich)
Oh and Dave raun (lagwagon, me first and the gimme gimmes), erik sandin (nofx), bud gaugh (sublime) and the drummer for flyleaf, dont know his name but i realy like his parts :P

[Bradastronaut]

Saw steve white mentioned...
That man brought drumming to my attention for the first time in my life when i went to see paul weller when i was 9, he played one of the greatest solos ive ever seen still today, his groove is phenominal!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x15i3PJ6-Wg&feature=related
Wow.

[j.son]

thank you for posting that! i remember a song they played on the illumination tour where he stretched out a typical drum fill for about a miniute....and the way he blended everything was goose bump inducing...

[teagor1]

I'd say my daughter, Taylor Gordon, presidential scholar at berklee music college. Got her first kit at age two and it paid off. You can see her vids on youtube/taygrummer and on facebook/Taylor Gordon. She played for noteables including musiq soulchild; see youtube- Musiq Halfcrazy Bayfest 2009, and recently with Berklees J Dilla ensemble at "Youtube - The J Dilla Ensemble Live @ The 2010 Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival http://www.youtube.com/watch

[droveto]

Vinnie Colaiuta, Thomas Pridgen, Buddy Rich, Tony Allen, Jon Theodore, Terry Bozzio, John Bonham, Neil Peart, Manu Katche, Steve Gadd, Keith Moon, Gavin Harrison, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Peter Erskine, Jeff Porcaro...

[teagor1]

Forgot this... Youtube - Taylor Gordon - Girl Drummer (Watch Me Shed Drum Solo). Done about 3 years ago before graduating High school. (junior year) also check maramba solo.

[Ian Williams]

Here I go again:

Ian Paice
John Bonham
Bill Ward
John Tempesta
Roger Taylor
Carmine Appice
Cozy Powell

[braincramp]

dont think as fav's but the drummers that made me want to play and had biggest influence and I'll miss a few

Buddy Rich,Bonham,Peter Criss,Ward, Van halen,Jimi's drummer forgot his name, Peart, drummer for Skynrd(live double album is F'ing awesome), move up a decade or so Tommy Lee,Dave Groul and the Rev (these 3 guys made me want to drum again) Today I'm into Beuford and Hawkins just to name 2 that stick out.

[Morbid Koala]

Jim Fox

Please lengthen your message to at least 20 characters.

[GingerBakerJr]

I like Dave Grohl and Murph from Dinosaur Jr.

[Fishbones]

Tony Williams. No doubt.

I also love Clyde Stubblefield, Max Roach, Questlove, and... well.... the list goes on...

[allen]

I'd say my top influences are
Paul Leim, Steve Gadd, Jeff Porcara, Rayford Griffin, Steve Forrone, Rick Morotta

[wy yung]

I have avoided this thread for a long time. Who are my favorite drummers?

First off, Bill Bruford because he slayed me when I first heard him. His beat placement literally stopped me in my tracks. Plus I admire the way in which he conducted his career. He never sold out and was always true to himself. And he is unique and has a sound like no other.

Who else? So very many.

Krupa was one of the first because as a small child I would listen to my mother talk about him so often. My mother had been a swing singer during the 1940's and loved Goodman, the Dorsey's, Miller and all the rest. So I was listening to those old recordings as a child air drumming with pencils.

Buddy Rich of course on those Harry James records she loved was always there. He had so much power and drive. It was like he was going that way --->, and nobody would get in his way. The most energetic time keeping I think I've ever heard.

Dave Tough. What an amazing sense of groove. Even today whenever I think of him I have to take a breath. A genius as a thinker and musician and elder statesman. When I first heard him with Woody, I could not believe it? And years later I read how those young guns fell in love with him after not wanting him at first. Because he was older than them. And his sad death makes me so sad. What a great drummer!

Tony Williams. He scared me as a kid because I had no real idea what was going on. Actually it was Miles who scared me. This new jazz wasn't swing and it took a while for me to understand. About a decade! I got waylaid by rock and roll and Mick Tucker with Sweet. And Ian Paice with Deep Purple.

But they were never among my favorites. Mine were all the jazz guys. Ray Bauduc, Jo Jones, Elvin......

Drum night at Birdland. What an album!!! I got this and listened to it everyday until the grooves wore out on the record.

Grady Tate!!!! OMG!

Jimmy Cobb slew me. So heavily swining while virtually doing nothing. How can one do so much by doing so little???? he did it every time. Kind of blue finally hipped me to Miles when I was still a kid.

Big Sid Catlett. He could swing a single stroke roll like no other. I adored him and still do.

Max, oh Max you magnificent genius. It took a while but I got you. And as with most things that take time, it was one of the best. I loved M'boom. I would order those recordings and be at the store before it opened to get them. It is what originally inspired my love of other percussion. I owe Max a great deal.

I met Louis Bellson after trying to destroy myself in trying to forget my past. He looked into my eyes and asked what was wrong. He saved my life. I did not care at that point. I was fighting bare knuckle competitions, drinking too much, training to an extreme, womanising also to an extreme and on a path to destruction. Then I met Louis. And his drumming was the stuff of dreams. And the music he wrote was gorgeous. And his bands always killer! And his technique, OMG those gentle, fast and precise and incredibly powerful hands.

Louis Bellson was one of the greatest genius drummers. Make no mistake.

carl Palmer on that triple live album. He was like a rock version of Buddy.

Hal Blaine on my dad's Carpenters recordings. I loved him but thought it was Karen. But I did love him with Herb Alpert. And found out who he was.

Earl Palmer. To me Earl Palmer is quite possibly my greatest influence. People always think of his Little Richard stuff. But I had him on a Sinatra recording and he swung that band like a MF! That guy could play and play and play. I loved his film and tv work, the recordings I could get. I will always respect Earl Palmer. He was a god of drums.

Harvey Mason.

Enough said.

Steve Ferrone with AWB. The song was a hit in Australia and it made me dance with my first girlfriend. Kerry Palmer. Both she and Steve's drumming were beautiful.

The guy that played with Suzie Quatro. Don't know his name but I lost my virginity at age 9 while Suzy sang in the background. At a tiny town of 14 houses called Wy Yung. Her name was Kim.

Virgil Donati. My teacher. I love the man.

Sim Leng. Not a drummer. The best martial artist I ever met. Also my teacher. Made me practice with renewed dedication and vigor.

Jeff Porcarro. I cried when he died. I was shattered.

Jim Keltner. There is nothing to say here. His playing speaks volumes.

David Garibaldi. I owe this man so much. I met him once. I was wearing a NYG baseball cap. He commented on it and I said something like "Uhblahmuddahblahblah." He just looked at me. I mean how does one respond to that???

To this day I use his books, videos and recordings in my teaching. He is the main sourse of teaching literature I use aside from the classics. Garibaldi allows me to teach a form of jazz independence with a modern 8th note feel.

Mike Clark. I became hipped to him after learning about Garibaldi.

Wayne Shorter. Not a drummer but he always hired great drummers.

Terry Lynne Carrington. Heard her when I walked into a jazz record store. I asked who the record was and was handed the CD. read her name. Have loved her ever since.

Will Kennedy. Loved him pre yellow jackets. hated the yellow jackets.

Marvin Smith. I saw him tour with a trio I have now forgotten was called. He amazed me. Then saw him squash Steve Smith on the old Buddy memorial concert. Changed both my life and Steve Smith's LOL.

Omar Hakim. That live Weather report lp. Holy crap!

Alex Acuna. I am still being blown away by this guy!

Philly Jo Jones.

Joe Morello!!!!

A god.

Dave Weckl. A big inspiration on Virgil back in the day. As was Bozzio at the same time.

Bozzio on the 2 albums he recorded with UK, and then his stuff with Zappa. Pure genius. And a bit of a show off. He inspired me to play the Lithgow hotel wearing nothing but underpants. Lots of shouts from the ladies that night. Thanks Terry. I owe you. She was amazing! ;-)

Must buy him a pen.

How many guys have I mentioned?

Did I mention Al Foster? If not I should have.

Steve Gadd?

I have to stop. Its endless. I am still being inspired by new guys all the time. I listen to so much music I often cannot remember it. There is a thread about the best of 2010 and I can't contribute. I heard way too much music during 2010. Nail it down to 10? Impossible.

[unfunkyfooted]

i thought i had posted this before (a full list as opposed to the current thread w/ caveat of inspirational to your style).

Hal Blaine
Charlie Watts
Ringo
Johnny Jackson (Jackson 5 - live, but not on recordings)
Motown (in general)
John Bonham
Emry Thomas (Johnny Guitar Watson - A Real Mother For Ya LP)
Marky Ramone (a beast - Road To Ruin LP)
Sandy West (Runaways - all LPs)
Reg Isadore (Robin Trower - Bridge Of Sighs LP)
Martin Chambers (Pretenders)
Joey Kramer (Aerosmith - ¨Walk This Way¨, Draw The Line, 1st Album LPs)
BB Queen (Mother´s Finest)

[(:D)]

MATT GREINER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
if you dont know who he is look him up:)

[classicstar]

Mario Duplantier (Gojira)
Martin Lopez
Brann Dailor (Mastodon)
Allen Blickle (Baroness)
Martin Axenrot
Steve Gadd
Paul Bostaph (Testament)
Portnoy

There are a few more but these are off the top of my head in order of how I thought of them

[THE MUFFIN MAN]

J Bonham... Sonny Emory

Danny Carey...Jimmy Chamberlin

Bill Ward...William Kennedy

Neil Peart...Niko McBrain

Sean Kinney...Larry Mullen Jr

[darkdrumR]

Pete Finestone - Bad Religion
Chuck Phelps - Skankin' Pickle
Dave Mello - Operation Ivy

[Zeus Mutation]

John Bonham
Chad Smith
Tim Alexander
Stephen Perkins
Dave Grohl
Neil Peart
Mitch Mitchell

Then its all funk drummers... I like drums because of the groove.
Big fills, long rolls are cool... but the beauty of simplicity exceeds everything else for me. As my skill has improved I've found its much easier to bang out a big fill or go a little wild with expression but the song usually sounds worse with 'more', its gotta 'feel' or forget it.

There are so many Bitchen drummers out there we could type all day really.

[creepshow]

Topper Headon (The Clash)
Kevin Haskins (Bauhaus, Tones On Tail, Love & Rockets)
Stephen Morris (Joy Division, New Order)
Pete De Freitas (Echo & The Bunnymen)
Paul Cook (Sex Pistols)
Mike Joyce (The Smiths)
Larry Mullen Jr. (U2)
Budgie (Siouxsie & The Banshees)
Boris Williams (The Cure)

[welshgit]

Swansea's own Terry Williams for me, always has been for at least 40 years.

[laxation]

Likka from Dead Letter Circus for me, but different to what everyone is posting though!

Fast forward to 4.45 for when the song really gets going
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fwIh2_btGo

[MichaelR]

My most favorite ever is Josh Freese on Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Devo, The Vandals, and Queens Of The Stone Age.

[Jim G]

Not just one - here are a few:

Joe Morello
Danny Seraphine
Pick Withers
Cozy Cole
Louis Belson
Buddy Rich
Gene Krupa
Charlie Watts
Jim Keltner
Steve Ferrone
Mickey Jones

Only the tip of the iceberg !

Jim

[sttp118]

To me, Gadd is the guy who just has it all.

After that, I'd have to list Purdie, Katche, Bonham, Elvin, Copeland, Porcaro, Keltner, Tony, Vinnie, Chamberlain, Hayward, Londin, Drayton, Jordan, Newmark, Brian Blade....

[Cameo]

Benny Greb and Steve Jordan. Enough said...
Other favourites - Ronnie Vannuci (The Killers), John Bonham, Dave Weckl, Dave Grohl, Gene Krupa, Nicko McBrain (I don't listen to Iron Maiden, but just how he says "hello boys and gals"), Tony Williams, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Jojo Mayer, Aaron Spears.

[Joey182]

Joey Lee ME!
Cobus Potgieter-Youtube Drummer A.K.A. deedlebag
Atom Willard-Angels&Airwaves
Brad Davis-Youtube independent drummer A,K.A. AdventureDrums
Travis Barker-Blink-182,+44,the Transplants,Box Car Racer.

[dantheman]

There are so many...

STEVE GADD
JEFF POCARO
ED GREENE
LARRIE LONDIN
RON TUTT
HARVEY MASON
HAL BLAINE
BERNARD PURDIE
RICK MAROTTA
ANDY NEWMARK
RUSS KUNKEL
ROGER HAWKINS
AL FOSTER
JIM GORDON
JOHN GURIEN
J.R.ROBINSON
RINGO
CHARLIE WATTS
STAN LYNCH
DON HENLEY
GREG FIELDS
IRV COTLER
BENNY BENJAMIN
PISTOL PETE ALLEN
MIGHTY MAX WEINBERG
JOHNNY BEE
DINO DINELLI
JEFF HAMILTON
PETER ERSKINE
RITCHIE HAYWARD
BUDDY OSTRPOWICZ ...TO NAME A FEW!

[Bob DeLisle]

Bill Stewart, Tony Williams, Jimmy Cobb

[Angrymailman]

Love the classics, like Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. One of my influences is tre cool from green day. And of course, that travis barker fellow is pretty good as well. haha. But my all time favorite, is probably Dan Trapp from Senses Fail. He's nothing to special, but him and i have similar styles.
if your unfamiliar with him, check this video out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtH5KHt7IBA

[drumphile]

Jojo Mayer, Tony williams, Mike Mangini, Bobby Jarzombek
Pretty much all the drummers on this website
oh yeah, did I mention Jojo Mayer ?

[JClutchD]

JP Gaster (Clutch)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2svRXaKep4.

'nuff said.

[sky92]

My Favorite drummer has to be the late Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan
i just think on an off the kit he was awesome :)


also i like
tre cool
travis smith
keith moon
yoshiki hayashi (x japan)
neil peart
dave grohl

:D

[sky92]

Anyone othe than me think Moose is really underated as a drummer? he is actually so good.....

i agree completely
unfortunatly the main focus from people in bullet is matt tuck :/
but yeah moose is so underated

[worlds_first_drummist]

Influenced by a lot of drummers.

Favorite and most admired has to be Rick Allen (Def Leppard).

Really, how anyone not admire a guy that can play professionally for over 20 years with only one arm?

[siddle51]

i hold completely
unfortunatly the important cerebrate from group in projectile is matt sword :/
but yeah moose is so underated

[iamjohn]

Lots of great ones but Gadd is The Man to me.

[Themeerkatdrummer]

Jukka Nelvalian nuff said, if you don't know bout him google him.
p.s (im happy as long as joey jordison isnt on this list)

[drummertyler]

my favorite drummer would have to be brad wilk (rage against the machine, audioslave) i've just always really, really admired his playing and his style. not to mention the fact that i love ratm and audioslave.

[tygerpax]

without a doubt Carter Beauford

[tygerpax]

and tony royster jr and benny grebb

[Cherish]

Who is your favorite drummer(s) and what band(s) are they in?

Jeremy Hummel - Breaking Benjamin
John Dolmayan - System of a Down
Steve Jocz - Sum 41
Shannon Hawkins - Godsmack
Tré Cool - Green Day
Eron Bucciarelli - Hawthorne Heights
Rob Bourdon - Linkin Park
Lars Ulrich - Metallica
Neil Peart - Rush
Longineu Parsons III - Yellow Card

These Drummers are just so good and mine favorite too,

[fosgate]

Chester Thompson (Phil Collins)
?uestlove (the roots)

[matis]

Terreon Gully :)

http://www.terreongully.com/main.htm

[MntnMan62]

Ok. I just had to submit a list. Mine is actually two lists. One is my all time favorites. But there are so many amazing drummers out there that I love to listen to that my second list I'll call the Honorable Mention. It is much longer, which I guess is appropriate. And the names on both lists are listed in no particular order. And I know I am missing some, but then it would be silly. Ok, it's already silly. But I digress.

Favorites:

Narada Michael Walden (his playing on Visions of the Emerald Beyond may be some of
my favorite drumming of all time - bombastic, intense and, well, simply insane)
Terry Bozzio
Vinnie Colaiuta
David Garibaldi (the Father of Funk Drumming)
Tony Williams
Elvin Jones

Honorable Mention:

Danny Gottlieb
John Bonham
Peter Erskine
Steve Gadd
Carter Beauford
Brian Blade
Buddy Rich
Jack DeJohnette
Dennis Chambers
Lenny White
Phil Collins
Omar Hakim
Roy Haynes
Steve Smith
Stewart Copeland
Steve Jordan
Simon Phillips
Bernard Purdie
Ralph Humphrey
Aynsley Dunbar
John Robinson
Bill Bruford
Prairie Prince
Chester Thompson
Tony Thompson

And last of all, my drum teacher, Michael Adest.

[mikel]

Stewart Copeland.

One gig from him and I bought a kit the next weekend. The rest is history. Or not.
He looks like he is having a party every time he plays.

[Doctor Dirt]

Chick Webb, no one cut Webb in his day, No One!!! Theres so many musicians who don't know about Mr. Webb he was a great drummer who was the leader of the "best" band in the land back then. They would run events with all the big bands from that era, they would use the same charts and then have contests to see who would reign supreme. All the big bands participated and the drummers would cut each other and people like Krupa would pay respects after being dominated by the lil' Big Man.
Today young Royster is excellant and by the time hes 30 yrs old he will be great!!
I'd say my favorite was Elvin Jones. He was the first and one of the only drummers that taught me how cymbal work could be explained as coloring a picture without the use of paper and paint. He was the most expressive musician I'd ever seen and heard and the greatest players wanted him on drums in their bands too.
Hes why I played a 4 piece set for the majority of my playing days and when he moved to a 5 piece set so did I hahahaha!! How fun is that that a second rate Blues drummer emulates one of the greatest jazz musician that ever lived but I could have picked much worse. Theres so many I enjot and respect but when I see that video of Mr. Jones in a little TV studio with Coltrane and listen to his ride cymbal works its just amazing that hes coloring that fast that clear and with that signature notation that no one else can color.
Doc

[dwg72]

CLIFF DAVIES! LOVED HIS PLAYING, AND HIS KIT(WHITE LUDWIG) THAT HE PLAYED IN THE EARLY 80's WITH NUGENT. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE EXACT SIZES OF THE DRUMS, THE DIFFERENT SNARES HE USED, AS WELL AS CYMBAL SIZES, ETC... CAN ANYBODY HELP WITH THIS? THANKS!!!

[dwg72]

YOU ARE MISSED!!! R.I.P. CLIFF

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Today young Royster is excellant and by the time hes 30 yrs old he will be great!!

Only problem I see with Tony and a lot of the R n B and Hip Hop drummers is that there is always this tendency, almost need, to overplay and with the number of drummers and the wide exposure musicians get these days I'm not sure if he will ever separate himself enough to be considered great.

[Ian Williams]

God Almighty! Here is my album: Inspirations - What would they do?

Enjoy: http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/album.php?albumid=183

[BillBachman]

Dave Dicenso, he's the man. There are more and more great drummers these days, you can discover a new one every day!

[Lunar Satellite Brian]

Neil Peart
Pat Mastelotto......................................
Danny Walker- Intronaut
Hunter Ginn-Canvas Solaris

[Midnite Zephyr]

My favorite drummer is Lars Ulrich.












NOT!

[JME]

Mike Cosgrove (Alien Ant Farm)

Subtle, diverse, well rounded with an approachable style.

[Err]

Grohl , Danny Carey and just starting listening to Richard Christie

[Hewn]

My Favorites are Lars Ulrich and Chad Smith. Lars cause he got me into drumming. I love the energy he brings on stage and I love the way he uses his crashes. Chad cause I love his personality, I love how he combos with Flea, and I love the Chili Peppers.

Other drummers I like:
Matt Sorum
Charlie Benante
Dave Lombardo
Jojo Mayer
Tom Lonardo
Raymond Herrera

[HoM3R]

Just some names I havent seen yet.

Joey Castillo , Queens of the Stone Age
Matt Helders , Arctic Monkeys
Nathan Followill , Kings of Leon

I really enjoy them as band drummers and they laydown some fun, different and just plain good drums.

[Lee-Cox]

Carl Palmer for me!!!

[condale1]

Has to be either:
Dave grohl (Nirvana, QOTSA, FOO fighters (first two albums) etc), Taylor Hawkins (Foo fighters, Alison Moriennte) Or Cobus Potgieter (Youtube (know as deedlebag))

[drummerman42]

My fav's in this order are....
1. Neil Peart-RUSH
2. Mike Portnoy-Adrenaline MOB
3. Simon Phillips- solo
4. Dave Weckl- Dave Weckl Band
5. Jeff Porcaro-ToTo

As soon as I hear any of these 5 drummers playing, I just want to get behind my kit and play. That's the effect these 5 have on me!!

[toddy]

that crazy dude off youtube who's at the wrong gig

[Stalwart_Pandora-Chris]

My top five have to be

Matt Cameron, Taylor Hawkins, Chris Pennie, Brann Dailor and Art Taylor.

Good mix?
I take parts out of all the music, but I still suck! Haha


I also love Gene Krupa; Danny Carey; also found Manu Hatche from Sting's band on Rhythm Magazine, he's quite sick!; Horacio "Negro" Hernandez (will never play like him!), Will Calhoun; Billy Rhymer; John Bonham (ofcourse!); Thomas Pridgen (very overrated, but I like his chops!) and more! Dave Grohl was a very early influence on me, but not much anymore. Still love to play Them Crooked Vultures and early Foo Fighters stuff though! Never got into Nirvana.

[kalvisslezhis]

Brian Blade
Buddy Rich
Jojo Mayer
Mark Guiliana
Elvin Jones
Vinnie Colaiuta

[Xero Talent]

My biggest influences (in no particular order):

- John Bonham
- Danny Carey
- Carl Palmer
- Joey Castillo
- Dave Abbruzzese
- Ginger Baker
- Larry Mullen Jr

[Pocket-full-of-gold]

You should check this awesome solo out

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZ4ikUdnsZg

That's what, 4 or 5? Maybe 6? Come on man. Don't spam the whole bloody forum. If you want people to check out your vid, post it once in the Your Playing section and be done with it.

[whatsthatfunkysmell?]

Keith moon and John Bonham have always been idols to me. Since I started to play Cozy Powell, Bill Ward, Ginger Baker and Dave Grohl have been big influences on me. I also have tons of respect for Charlie Watts and Chad Smith's playing on his first few rhcp albums. They dont go crazy on the kit but they play for the music so well, both are perfect fits for their bands.

[Mukund]

Mine are-
1.Chris Adler (Lamb of God)
2.John Dolmayan(System of a down)
3.Ben Johnston (Biffy Clyro)
4.Tony Royster Jr (Solo and Asap)
5.John Blackwell (Solo)
6.Dennis Chambers (Solo)
7.Tommy Igoe (Solo)
8.Thomas Lang (Solo)
9.Neil Peart (Rush)
10.Mike Portnoy (Former Dream Theater)
11.Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)
12.George Kollias (Nile) (although i dont listen to nile,Kollias is an amazing drummer)
13.Jojo Mayer (Solo)
14.Derek Roddy (Serpent's Rise) (Same reason as george kollias's)
15.Joey Jordison (Slipknot)

[Drumolator]

My listening habit has greatly changed, so have my favorite drummers. So even though I am sure I posted in this topic before, here are my current favorites:

Matt Abts (Gov't Mule)
Yonrico Scott (Derek Trucks Band)
Chris Layton (SRV, Storyville, ARC Angles, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, etc.)

Peace, love, and blues.

[dtrushr30dw]

Mike Portnoy, Neil Peart, John Bonham, Mike Mangini, Marco Minnemann, Carter Beauford, Chad Smith, Peter Wildoer, Todd Sucherman, Phil Collins, Buddy Rich, Alan White. These are just a few off the top of my head.

[Rhiannon Dumond]

Roger Meddows Taylor
Lars Ulrich
Ringo Starr
Cozy Powell
Drew Forsyth
Mitch Mitchell
Ginger Baker

[Bonestorm]

All time favorite:
Paul Bostaph

Also WAY up there on my list:
Dave McClain
Gene Hoglan
Nick Barker
Charlie Benante
Dave Lombardo
Vinnie Paul

[sam07]

Rodney Holmes
Teddy Campbell
Jerohn Garnett

[Brozif]

Neil Peart - Rush
Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater
Danny Carey - Tool
Scott Rockenfield - Queensryche
Mark Zonder - Fates Warning
Gavin Harrison - Porcupine Tree
Simon Phillips - Toto
Steve Smith - Journey
Carter Beauford - Dave Matthews Band
Stewart Copeland - The Police
Troy Luccketta - Tesla

[Nuttyoak]

Nicko McBrain
Scott Rockenfield
Matt Cameron
Neil Peart

[Mad About Drums]

The list is far too long...

But here's some of my favourite drummers :)

Simon Phillips
Vinnie Colaiuta
Billy Cobham
Jeff Porcaro
Brian Blade
Steve Gadd
Peter Erskine
Tony Williams
Steve Smith
Jojo Mayer
Benny Greb
Cozy Powell
Ian Paice

... and many, many more :)

[Wolvie56]

Neil Peart - Rush
Gavin Harrison - Porcupine Tree
Bill Bruford- -Yes
Danny Carey - Tool
John Bonham - Zep
Carl Palmer - ELP
Stewart Copeland - Police
Ray Luzier - Army of Anyone
Bill Ward - Black Sabbath
Neil Smith - Alice Cooper
Jason Sutter - Marilyn Manson
Phil Collins - Genesis
Nick Mason - Pink Floyd
Eric Kretz - STP
Ringo Star - The Beatles
Keith Moon - The Who
Buddy Rich - Solo mostly

[Slavo818]

Chad Szeliga (right now) - Breaking Benjamin, Black Label Society

Oh and Danny Carey

[Nanoux]

Mark Heron, definately, he's the drummer of the band Oceansize... i HIGHLY recommend it, these guys are sick, my favorites ever.

I also like Gil Sharon, who's now playing with The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Dan Foord (Sikth), Abe Cunningham (Deftones) and Matt Tong ( Bloc Party)

[Midnite Zephyr]

Neil Peart - Rush
Gavin Harrison - Porcupine Tree
Bill Bruford- -Yes
Danny Carey - Tool
John Bonham - Zep
Carl Palmer - ELP
Stewart Copeland - Police
Ray Luzier - Army of Anyone
Bill Ward - Black Sabbath
Neil Smith - Alice Cooper
Jason Sutter - Marilyn Manson
Phil Collins - Genesis
Nick Mason - Pink Floyd
Eric Kretz - STP
Ringo Star - The Beatles
Keith Moon - The Who
Buddy Rich - Solo mostly

Hmmm. Gavin, Keith, Buddy and Ringo all on the same list. Go figure. Nice list, man.

[Drummers Alliance]

Mark Craney
Steve Gadd
Billy Cobham
Vinnie Colaiuta
Bruce Carter
Buddy Rich
Max Roach

[jopo]

1)ray luzier (favourite)
2)david silveria
3)dave lombardo
4)joey jordison
5)lars ulrich (not much)

[sbowman128675]

that crazy dude off youtube who's at the wrong gig

lol, the dude playing the zztop song on the double bass kit??
That guy is awesome!

For me:

Mike Portnoy- Dream Theater!, AM
Chad Smith- Chilli Peppers

[Aicdrummer]

John bonham ( led zepplin)
Jimmy chaimberlin ( smashing pumpkins)
Matt cameron ( pearl jam)
Sean kinney ( alice in chains)
Chad smith ( rhcp)
Dave grohl ( nirvana)
Taylor hawkins ( foo fighters

[MarlinGibbs]

My favourites are Mark Craney, Vinnie Colaiuta, John Bonham, Simon Phillips, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Rodney Holmes and Ringo Starr. I really admire all and love their style of playing.

[ZackLee]

The Rev - A7X
Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater
Lars Ulrich - Metallica
Buddy Rich
Tre Cool - Green Day
Neil Peart - Rush
Eric Kretz - Stone Temple Pilots(Bet you weren't expecting that one :P)

[Stalwart_Pandora-Chris]

Here are a list of my favourite drummers. (no order)

Chris Pennie - Dillinger Escape Plan, Coheed And Cambria, Return To Earth, Fight Mannequins
Mike "Ratboy" Novak - (Previous) Every Time I Die
Taylor Hawkins - Foo Fighters (awesome grooves!)
Brann Dailor - Mastodon
Art Taylor - Jazz Sessions
Matt Cameron - Soundgarden
Jose from Incubus
Steve Shelley - Sonic Youth (does alot of 16ths and has sick grooves and fills)
Jimmy Cobb - Jazz Session Drummer

and many more! But those are guys I can name off the top of my head. Some of you may never have heard of most of them haha! These are why I love them :

Chris Pennie - The approach he has to drumming is amazing! His ideas, linear stickings and polyrhythms, grooves etc. etc. though people think he is all "chops" because of his solo videos on YouTube. He CAN groove really well.

Ratboy - This dude, he used a single pedal with Every Time I Die and I was surprised I was always like "No way!" then I took the time to sit down, learn a few songs and they turned out to be easy. Still need to make a few videos for YouTube to annoy all the people who covered the songs with a double pedal. Haha!

Taylor Hawkins - Nothing much, he's a straight-up solid drummer. He's just always been an inspiration for me live and I love watching him play. Also met him! Check out his solo stuff "Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders" on YouTube or Spotify.

Brann Dailor - I remember reading Rhythm magazine over here in the UK and you could ask Brann a question and I had just started listening to Mastodon a few months prior and digged the drummer. Surprisingly, my question got printed which was "Who are your biggest influences and did you ever take lessons?" and to my surprise, he had 2 lessons and he went back and forward to drums. Abit like me when I started! And not only that, but alot of his influences were the same as mine! (not really the metal side, I don't have a double pedal or dig much metal). So I started checking him out more, bought a ticket to see Mastodon and it was killer! He doesn't have a big kit but makes it sound amazing! 2 crashes a ride, 3 rack toms and a floor tom. Come on? Dude's sick! Also has so tasty licks!

Art Taylor - Nothing to say, he's played on alot of Jazz albums. I remember listening to one (can't remember, Miles Davis probably) and being like "Wow! That drummer is insane" went and checked the performers and there he was, Art Taylor. Started listening to more of his stuff and checking him out, I was in shock! Definitely an unsung Jazz drummer. I'd say better than Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqB-jOCgkTY&feature=related This video is amazing!

Matt Cameron - I love Soundgarden, I love time signatures, I love Pearl Jam, I love Matt Cameron. Dude just has an amazing sound and has a Dave Weckl/Steve Gadd approach to the drums. Which is unusual in Alt. Rock drumming, he even said he listened to more Fusion and Jazz before working with Soundgarden. Which is awesome!

Jose - Don't like his technique much, but his playing makes up big time for it. I still struggle with all the splash cymbal stuff he does in songs and he's doing really well for being self-taught. Maybe it isn't his technique, he is like... Really small after all?

[Stalwart_Pandora-Chris]

Mark Heron, definately, he's the drummer of the band Oceansize... i HIGHLY recommend it, these guys are sick, my favorites ever.

I also like Gil Sharon, who's now playing with The Dillinger Escape Plan.
Dan Foord (Sikth), Abe Cunningham (Deftones) and Matt Tong ( Bloc Party)


Gil hasn't played with Dillinger for over 4 years now. They have a new guy, Billy Rymer. Not to mention the drumming on Ire Works is actually Chris Pennie I believe? Apart from like 2 or 3 songs. :)

[ra1708]

Patrick Carney of the The Black Keys :) inspiration for me to start playing again because of his simple but tight beats.

And Taylor Hawkins, but like him better with Alanis Morissette

[Midnite Zephyr]

To be perfectly honest, my favorite drummer is me.

Sure, it may sound conceited at first, but when I think about it....it sounds perfectly rational.

[ageadm]

My favorite drummers are

Joey Jordison - Slipknot
Dave Grohl - Foo Fighters
Chris Adler - Lamb of God
Jojo Mayer

[sapsec]

In no particular order...


Neal Peart - Rush
Buddy Rich
Mr. John Bonham - Zeppelin
Clyde Stubblefield - James Brown
Chad Smith - RHCP
Percussion - Tito Puente

Honorable mentions...

Lars Ulrich - Metallica
Alex Van Halen - Van Halen

[Numberless]

I'm really enjoying Eric Harland, Ari Hoenig, Antonio Sanchez and Brian Blade right now. My teacher has turned me on to Jeff Ballard's stuff as well, add to that the classic masters like Elvin and Tony. I'm also really enjoying the stuff of a puertorrican drummer, Henry Cole, I would guess not many here would know of him but he is out there making his name in New York (and playing all over with Miguel Zenon) and is such an incredibly huge inspiration, check him out: http://vimeo.com/36600936

[deerborndrummer]

john fishman
neil pert
john bonham

[jeromesteele]

Henry Cole is a killer. He sounds great with David Sanchez Quartet as well as Zenon. Lage Lund on guitar in that group is incredible.

What Ballard are you checking out? I love his playing, I think its pretty amazing that he played in Ray Charles's band, and also with Chick Corea and Brad Mehldau. I think he's quirky, and has a very individual way of playing.

Also, if you like Harland, if you haven't checked out Kendrick Scott yet, you should. His touch on the cymbals is really outstanding.

[Swexx]

Vinnie Colaiuta
Levon Helm
Benny Greb

[toddbishop]

Right now I'm really digging Jon Christensen and Barry Altschul.

[MJD]

Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Mitch Mitchell
Chad Smith
Jojo Mayer
I admire chops but all these drummers have something much more important. Feel. Whatever they play it's the music that comes first and the flash and chops second. Krupa is my all time favorite. No one could swing a band quite the way he did but we're all still trying.

[SticksEasy]

Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch)
Brooks Wackerman (Bad Religion; Tenacious D)
Longineu Parsons III (Yellowcard; LPMD)

These are tied. There's no particular order. I admire Jean Paul Gaster because he has the biggest sound with the least equipment. His attitude and approach of the drums has been really inspiring.

Brooks Wackerman has been a big staple in my drumming since I first got really serious. His techniques are my encyclopedia for my playing. I speak to him personally on occasion and he gives me insights on what I should be practicing for the sound I want

Longineu Parsons III is the whole package. His technique appears flawless, and he plays literally every genre under the sun. He's fast. He's accurate. He just plays so clean and so crisp. Look up his solos and the previews for his instructional DVD. The dude is a monster on the drums.

[Largactyl]

My holy trinity at the moment would look something like Eric Harland, Mark Guiliana, and Morgan Ågren. Harland is one of the most musical drummers I've ever heard, past or present, living or dead. Guiliana is genuinely exciting and unpredictable in his playing; I've really never heard anyone else like him and have no clue how he even conceives of half the stuff he plays (let alone actually executes it). And Ågren is a technical monster and while I'm generally not at all a fan of fusion or prog rock, I do happen to enjoy the stuff he plays on.

My "oldie trinity" would be Mike Clark, Tony Williams, and John Bonham. Can't say anything here that hasn't already been said.

And last but not least, in his own little category, Buddy Rich. Again, no explanation needed...

[WildGirl]

Rob Bourdon is my choice, he is really talented person and he is performing well in Linkin Park band. Also he is handsome and I love him.

[Superhands]

I would say my favorite drummers would have to be:

John Bonham - Led Zeppelin
Mitch Mitchell - The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Bill Ward - Black Sabbath
Dave Grohl - Nirvana
Taylor Hawkins - Foo Fighters
Travis Barker - Blink 182(unfortunately)

I've seen Jojo Mayer play and he is absolutely amazing! His speed is outstanding!

But in terms of speed, technique, and style, I think That Buddy Rich takes the top spot. I never had the chance to see him but I watch a lot of his videos... May he rest in peace...

And I don't know if anyone can clear this up for me, but why The f**k is Joey Jordison or whatever his name is classed as such an 'amazing drummer'??

[Mad About Drums]

And I don't know if anyone can clear this up for me, but why The f**k is Joey Jordison or whatever his name is classed as such an 'amazing drummer'??

"Amazing" is so subjective to taste... but the man can play, no doubt, and even if Joey's not my favourite drummer by far (mainly due to the music style he play), I have respect for his skills.

Joey's warm up... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FIVlecfTk8

[mikeyhanson]

And I don't know if anyone can clear this up for me, but why The f**k is Joey Jordison or whatever his name is classed as such an 'amazing drummer'??

Because there are some people that think he is amazing. Much like some people think Travis Barker is amazing.
You kind of answered your own question there, as both of those guys could be considered 'love-'em-or-hate-'em drummers.

[spikeithard]

Tony Royster Jr. for his just downright ridiculous style and speed.

Chad Smith for his funky soul rock

and Travis Barker for his unusual and distinctive flare and style to modern pop 'punk' rock.

hon mention to Pert and midnite zephyr lol

[Dre25]

In order of appearance (in my life):

Chad Smith
Dennis Chambers
Danny Carey
Tomas Haake
Gavin Harrison
Virgil Donati

I think Virgil is better at the drums than anyone is at anything but I've studied him so much that naturally I've exhausted myself and different styles are becoming more appealing to me. I'm watching Virgil twice this week with On the Virg actually :)