Drummers who have influenced you

[aahznightsky]

I'm gonna try to make this thread a little different. List all the drummers that you play along to/really have influenced your playing, and explain maybe what elements those are that have gone into your own playing. I'll start with probably whats going to be a long list...

in alphabetical order (first name)...

Abe Laboriel Jr.
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson
Alan White
Bernard Purdie
Bill Bruford
Jeff Porcaro
Josh Freese
Keith Carlock
Manu Katche
Nathaniel Townsley
Rick Marotta
Stanton Moore
Steve Gadd
Steve Jordan

[RamboKnife]

All the drummers who influenced me eh...here we go;

Aaron Solowoniuk
Brad Wilk
Jesse Ingelevics
Jesse F. Keeler
Jim Gering
John Bonham
Max Weinberg
Neil Peart
Randy Curnew
Sebastien Grainger
Sib Hashian

Hmm, now that I think about it, I dont have that many favorite drummers. As you can see, most of these drummers are not the techincal type, the were more groovers then anything, and play exactly what the song is called for. They all had chops though if they ever needed to use them.

[Tim Waterson]

All the drummers who influenced me eh...here we go;

Aaron Solowoniuk
Brad Wilk
Jesse Ingelevics
Jesse F. Keeler
Jim Gering
John Bonham
Max Weinberg
Neil Peart
Randy Curnew
Sebastien Grainger
Sib Hashian

Hmm, now that I think about it, I dont have that many favorite drummers. As you can see, most of these drummers are not the techincal type, the were more groovers then anything, and play exactly what the song is called for. They all had chops though if they ever needed to use them.

If i Posted all the drummers then Bernard would have to shut down the site....LOL
But Seriously any GOOD drummer I have heard or seen.
From Buddy Rich and Virgil to Jim Chapin and Dom Famularo Way too many too list
Tim

[rendezvous_drummer]

1) Larry Mullen Jr.
2) John Lever
3) Chad Smith
4) Aaron Solowoniuk
5) Dom Famularo
6) Dave Weckl
7) Dave Lombardo
8) Bonham
9) Blackwell
10) Jeff Burrows
11) Dave Grohl
12) Hawkins
13) Beauford
These drummers influenced me based on how they play of course. They groove like crazy and some are technical. I just really love how their drumming fits the music so well, yes that includes weckl. I think this is why i'm the drummer i am. I can groove and be technical at the same time because of the wide range of drummers i listen and study.
I mean, we have here hard hitters, groovers, technical drummers who can bust out some latin grooves. And i'm still studying other great drummers like vinnie, gadd and bissonette.

[jarrod]

Why is my list short...

Joey Jordison (not really sure why i guess i like his solo lol)
Georgie kollias (if i spelt that right)
Pete sandoval



i have more but there the main ones

____________________
jarrod

[low-tech]

hhmmm

i do 2 things with itunes

start up the 60's music channels and play along with stuff that i mostly dont know

start up the death metal stations and play along with stuff im more familiar with but for the most part songs ive never heard before.

obviously im not 100% here. i kinda like the element of not knowing how the music changes and you have to improvise and adapt to keep up.

[NUTHA JASON]

you'll find a small part of my list over here...
http://www.drummerworld.com/

j

ps: because any drummer that has made it big enough to be heard is worth listening to.

[Madzu]

Well, here's mine:

Dennis Chambers (especially my hi-hat work is influenced by his playing)
Steve Gadd (mainly on the records he has done with Paul Simon)
Adam Deitch (he's a real "ghost" when it comes to ghost-notes)
Brian Blade (can't be described, his records with Joshua Redman and T.E.B. are great)
Ernst Wiggo Sanbakk (a Norwegian drummer who taught me the arts of linear drumming)
Mike Portnoy (his grooves and type of playing is hypnoticly good, one of the best)
Chad Smith (he's just so incredibly steady and makes it all easy and good)

I often play along with my iPod which contains a big mix of songs.
Bands like Keane, Bloc Party, Niacin, Dream Theater can be found here.
Also John Scofield- and Pat Metheny-recordings is included.

[T.L.]

My biggest influences (I'm missing MANY here of course):

Jazz:
Max Roach
Steve Williams
Elvin Jones
Art Blakey
Bill Stewart

Funk:
David Garibaldi
Melvin Parker

All around:
Steve Gadd

[Cephalic]

I don't have as many influences as some of you guys, but here they are.


Tommy Stewart - He was the orriginal drummer of Godsmack. Back when I started playing drum set, I was a big fan of them, and so his drumming was a huge influence. I am very "heavy" on the bass, and my drum teacher agrees it's mostly from listening to Godsmack. When I say heavy, I don't meant that I hit hard, rather I play it a lot. Like, the focus of my grooves often is in the bass. I don't really know how to explain this well though, so sorry if this doesn't really make sense.

Mike Portnoy - Of course, the drummer of Dream Theater. My drum teacher really likes them, and got me into them as well. Most all my "progressive" drumming and a lot of the different cymbal work I do is influenced by him. I got into Dream Theater about half a year after starting to play drum set. I pretty much stuck with them as the main band I listened to for a good two years I guess.

Chris Adler - The drummer of Lamb Of God. Up until this point (about 2 years), I had still been listening to mostly Dream Theater. My drum teacher--who has actually been a huge influence himself--was friends with a junior in my high school (I was a freshman at the time). This junior was trying to form a metal band with a few other people, but needed a drummer. He asked my drum teacher if he knew anyone, and my drum teacher reccomended me. So, eventually I started playing with them. I imediately began to love the style of music we played (metalcore/metal). One of the bands they talked about a lot at that time was Lamb Of God. They were the first metal band I got into, and Adler was a huge influence. His style and simplistic (for the most part) grooves were definately something I sort of followed and added into my drumming. Eventually this led to me listening to much much more metal.


Those are really the three drummers I think have influenced me the most. There are so many other drummers who have given some inspiration to me, but those are the three that stick out to me.
Lately, I've been listening to a somewhat different style. I had been listening to a lot of new wave metal (I believe that's what it's called), but now I've been really into a lot of various death metal. I've been getting much influence from bands like Necrophagist, Bloodbath, Cephalic Carnage, Between The Buried And Me, and Thurisaz. Even Meshuggah, though I've only recently gotten into them.




Hmm, well that post turned out a little longer than I expected.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

here's an abridged list:

jose pasillas
john bonham
ringo starr
chad smith
victor delorenzo
dave grohl
brad wilk
jon theodore
billy martin
stanton moore

[pdp 9091]

Neil Peart
Ian Paice
John Bonham
JoJo Mayer
Steve Gadd
Buddy Rich
Chad Smith
Dennis Chambers

[averypoordrummer]

good thread

Mark Brzezicki******
Taylor Hawkins******
Dave Grohl**
Shannon Larkin*****
Lars Ulrich*****
Larry Mullen**
Tre Cool******
Dave Mackintosh***
Matt Tong****

[Storm Drummer]

Why is my list short...

Joey Jordison (not really sure why i guess i like his solo lol)
Georgie kollias (if i spelt that right)
Pete sandoval



i have more but there the main ones

____________________
jarrod

hahahaha my list is fairly short also........

Steven Adler............first saw him when i was 11 in 1988....what can i say, great drummer
Nicko McBrain.......WOW! Iron Maiden has really inspired me to learn drum rolls!
Chris Slade.....he always looks sooooo happy (and i want his setup)

yeah i love the metal/rock drummers! I know I know .........its boring but hey, someone has to do it! LOL

[Storm Drummer]

Oh i forgot Lars..........but hes a triplets man, a bit of a challenge for me!!!

[Anchein Vouivra]

Just too many, here are the main ones!!!

Taken mostly our from rock:
Tim Alexander (above all)
Danny Carey
Jimmy Chamberlin
Earl Hudson
Ian Paice
Michael Giles
Nick Mason
Ron Howden
Bernd "Nossi" Noske
Jan Axel von Blomberg
Erik Lancelot
Maïk

Jazz & co:
Tony Williams
Billy Cobham
Chris "Daddy" Dave
Jack Dejohnette
Knut Aalefjaer
Idris Muhammad

Most drummers have an impact on me depending of the context in which they play. For example Williams and Cobham influenced me during their crazy period of early Lifetime and Mahavishnu Orchestra with their unlimited energy and experimentation. Idris Muhammad had the most perfect groove with Ernest Ranglin.
Erik Lancelot did some very bizzare but perfectly executed electro-metal rythms in experimental black metal and industrial. I couldn't imagine a better and finest drumming by Nick Mason for Pink Floyd ... ... ... ... ... ... .. ....

[jbomber]

I like the playing of Dean Butterworth (Ben Harper), Jeff Clemmons (G Love and Special Sauce), Steve Gorman (Black Crowes) and Stephen Perkins (Jane's Addiction/Porno for Pyros). When I really want to frustrate myself, I try to play along with John Fishman (Phish). He does so many subtle things, fills, effects, rollls, and odd time accents that it makes me feel guilty that I dumb-down his songs to my ability.

J

[drumbig]

O.k. I'm going to list mine in the order of which I started playing there records kind-of:
Jack Irons (PJ Ten)
Danny Carey
Dave Abruzzes ( I can't remember how to spell)
John Bohnam ( by far my biggest influence)
Eric Kretz
Matt Cameron
Steven Perkins
Chad Smith ( only I don't like anything after One Hot Minute)
Chad Sexton
Brain
Mike Portnoy
Vinnie Paul
Joey Woronker
Abe Laborial Jr.
Steven Drozd ( Flaming Lips)
Stewert Copland
Bob Marleys drummer (even though I don't know his name)
Ringo Starr ( I was in a Beatles cover band for a while)
Stevie Wonder
Stanton Moore

These are the guys that are my so called bag of tricks, when I'm wrighting drum parts I refer to what I think one of them might do in this instance and then put my twist on it. I am a fan of every drummer on this sight but these are the ones that have effected my playing the most.

[rendezvous_drummer]

oh yea add butterworth to my list to. He's done a great job with morrissey.

[danielheier]

I'll a list a few drummers who have influenced me greatly.

1. Steve Smith (awesome educational DVD)
2. Chad Wackerman (had a lesson with him, changed my technique to be more smooth and relaxed, and I thought I was relaxed, until he changed it, Thank You!)
3. Tony Williams (can't get enough of this guy)
4. Art Blakey (the first hard bop, almost first jazz drummer in general I have listened too)
5. John Bonham (groove of Led Zeppelin is simply the man himself, Bonzo)
6. John Riley (great educational books, simply the best I think)
7. Peter Erskine (keeps me honest with the basics)
8. Todd Straitt (great guy and a very musical drummer)
9. Chuck Case (my drum teacher)
10. Garrett Heinz (old drum teacher and good friend)
11. Bobby Gripp (local drummer, great guy and I have learned so much from him!)

Of course all of the drummers on my albums like Baker, Peart, Brian Blade, Bill Stewart, and everyone else, never ending list really, I might as well say everyone on drummerworld and then some!

[sorrow44]

yea im like realy new here so no one prob cares but i think some drummers who influenced me are :

John Dolyman- dont know if spelled that right?
Paul Mazurkiewicz
Dave Lumbardo
George Kollais
Vinne Paul
Chirs Adler
Brann Dailor
Erik Sayenga
Joe Fazzio
Steve Asheim
theres a badn thats kinda underground their like death/grindcore and their called DAMAGED and they have one of the best drummers but i cant find his name any wghere any one know?

[Henry II]

William Benjamin
Richard Allen
Uriel Jones
Dino Danelli
Danny Seraphine
Ringo Star
Philly Joe Jones
Steve Gadd
Bernard Purdie
Jeff Porcaro
Buddy Rich
Peter Erskine
Billy Cobham

[Rhythmic Disciple]

A few of my favourite and influential drummers are...

Vinnie Colaiuta - First CD I ever bought was Sting's Ten Sumoner's Tales. The 'Sh#t'...
Gene Lake - Fascinating player, a very distinctive sound to his playing. Groove machine...
Erik Trebbett - Again, technically interesting with awesome groove.
Carter Beauford - Power, precision and great feel. Nice sound...
Chad Smith - A great drumming character.
Gary Husband - Great committment and power, never afraid to play what he feels.

[tmc]

Hi Everyone.

Drummers who have influenced me include:

Buddy Rich
Ringo Starr
Animal
and Neil Peart

There are tons of others that I admire, though...

-Michael

[DillingerEscp]

John Fishman - Not a huge fan of Phish, but my girfriend listens to them constantly, and I really love his drumming ...

Neil Peart - I do not listen to Rush that much, but when I used to, he influenced a lot of my style (incorporate rudiments into nearly everything I do)

Thomas Lang - Love his grooves, theyre great !

Chris Pennie - Drummer for The DIllinger Escape Plan, by far my most favorite drummer, I also consider him one of the best I have ever heard. I have never heard anyone change from time signature to time signature so quickly, while every once in a while breaking down to a jazz part, then going back into something that seems so chaotic, but after a while, you notice its extremely organized .... Just one of my biggest influences... and he will become a bigger influence this summer as Im going to take a few lessons from him !

[Drummer Karl]

1. Jack DeJohnette (his jazz playing (ride cymbal work) influenced me much)
2. Dave Weckl (his rudimental playing, using rudiments in grooves and tunes)
3. Peter Erskine (his jazz playing)
4. Benny Greb!! (his grooves and his independence)
5. Steve Gadd (his grooves, too, his rudimental playing)
6. Simon Phillips (his modern fast prog rock playing, his fluentlyness)
7. Jeff Pocaro (his cool shuffle playing, he doesn?t play the most difficult things but it sounds so great, so "maturity")
8. Ed Soph (his very MUSICAL jazz playing)
9. David Garibaldi (his groove playing and the licks)
10. Roy Haynes (his modern jazz playing)

and the list would go on...

Karl

[Terraform]

Some drummers that have influenced me:

Zach Hill
Todd Trainer
Jim Colao
Pat Byrne
Rey Washam
Michael Giles
Elvin Jones
Buddy Rich
Ari Hoenig

I'm currently listening to, and very much influenced by Hella's Zach Hill. His strong technique, complexity, foot speed, and fluid ideas astound me. To date, I haven't heard another drummer like him.

[matt949]

Carter Beauford (my first big influence)
Patrick Hallahan
Jeremiah Green
Chris Adler
Jon Theodor
John Bonham
Chad Smith
Nick Mason

I definately have more these are just my main influences.

[ZanesEscapePlan]

Gosh there are so many...

Neil Peart
Thomas Lang
Mike Portnoy
Ben Koller(converge)
Damon Bellorado(converge before 99')
Todd Sucherman
Steve Gadd
Chris Pennie(DillingerEscapePlan)
Kenny Aronoff
Zach Hill(Hella)
John Blackwell
Jojo Mayer
Terry Bozzio

several others...just off the top of my head...

[ZanesEscapePlan]

I'm currently listening to, and very much influenced by Hella's Zach Hill. His strong technique, complexity, foot speed, and fluid ideas astound me. To date, I haven't heard another drummer like him.

Just noticed this post, dude I love Hella, and Zach Hill is quickly becoming a fav of mine. His creativity and speed is pretty amazing...not to mention the music is just wild anyways...

[Stu_Strib]

Steve Smith
Steve Gadd
Dave Weckl
Stewart Copeland
Jeff Porcaro
Charles Dowd (college Professor, "Funky Primer" author)
Dom Famularo (first drum clinic)


(some of the best drummers of my formative years!)

[mikei]

Here is my list!

Lars (The old stuff) - This has really helped my speed and endurance. I moved from Am I Evil, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Four Horsemen, Whiplash, Disposable Heroes, Damage Inc (sometimes get cramps from the speed, but it is getting there), and Battery (Can get through about 2 minutes before I cramp up)

Neil Peart - Most of his stuff is just way beyond my capabilities right now. However, I can play most of Tom Sawyer and YYZ and parts of Red Barchetta now. This has really helped my hi hat playing and independence.

Dave Lombardo - My favorite songs from him I still cannot play to speed. However, due to working so much on Metallica, I am doing some of his stuff now as my speed and endurance have increased a lot during the last 2 months.

Scott Travis - I work on a lot of his stuff from Fight. Great stuff to practice for developing double bass work. I recommend beginners to try the song 'Vicous'. It is hard at first, but really helped me.

As I progress I will probably get into more difficult styles.

[Disco Stu]

Stewart Copeland
Jimmy Chamberlin
Jabo Starks
Clyde Stubblefield
Tony Thompson
Matt Cameron
John Bonham
Charlie Watts
Will Calhoun

...among many others

[texaz]

#1 Carter Buford
#2 Stewart Copeland
#3 Steve Smith
#4 Max Weinberg
#5 Danny Seraphine

[Fur drummer]

Louie Bellson - Love his solos and sound, one of the reasons I play a two BD kit.
Neil Peart - Liked his kits in the 70's and 80's. His solos sound so smooth.
John Bonham - What can I say about him that has not already been said?

They are one of the reasons why I wanted to play drums.

[BellsOfRhymney]

Michael Clarke and Dallas Taylor.

[superbatmat]

So many drummers... ...

- Elvin Jones
- Bill Stewart
- André Ceccarelli
- Tony Williams
- Jojo Mayer
- Jeff Hamilton
- Jack Dejohnette
- Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez

[GoatOfSatan]

Christoph Scheinder

Chris Adler

Martin Lopez

Bonham

those are the main ones that influenced my playing I guess.

[cvighals]

My nr.1 influence and absolute favourite drummer is without any doubt:

Gavin Harrison!!
He has awesome technique and is a creative mastermind. But although he has some seriously crazy skills he does not show them off like many other drummers tend to do.
He plays for the music and fits it perfectly.
And nobody plays odd time signatures with the kind of fluidity that gavin does.
Good examples are the porcupine tree songs: "The Start of Something Beautiful" and "The Sound of Muzak"

Also his concepts explained in his books and the great dvd are absolutely genious!
I like the idea of these concepts to be a variation generator a lot!!

Other influences are:
Jason Rullo
Christoph Schneider
Andy Ward
Martin Lopez

[andyjlambeth]

Jimmy Chamberlin , Mike Portnoy , Billy Cobham , Jojo Mayer and Aquiles Priester are my top five live drummers . My favourite beat orientated music (electronically sequenced) is Aphex Twin , Venetian Snares , Sh^*mat and Squarepusher (although he plays live drums as well sometimes) .

[KLittle123]

hmm

for me:
John Bonham
Mitch Mitchell
Steve Gadd
Chad Smith
Mike Portnoy
Jeff Porcaro
Hawkins
Ginger Baker

[VampiricNightMachine]

Seven years ago chad smith and the chili peppers made me want to start drumming, forunately I got a very good drummer teacher(which I still have today) who is also pretty much into them and the whole rock/funk thing. As time went by I got the ghost notes and the simpler shuffle grooves down as well, like the one of "Scar tissue".
Then some years later I got together with some guys who introduced me into the, for me still unknown, world of metal music and we founded a band that mainly covered metallica songs. Then I got into the harder stuff like slipknot and slayer, also a lot of black metal like dimmu borgir or cradle of filth. Especially joey and paul bostaph from slayer were a great inspiration for me to work on the double bass. On the album "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" by dimmu borgir I heard a blast beat for the first time.
Today I like many styles of music and many different drummers, especially since I have discovered this site.
My heroes and influences today are, e.g., Dany Carey, Martin Lopez, Matt McDonough(Mudvayne), Thomas Haake, still Chad Smith, Mike Portnoy, Marco Minnemann, Virgil Donati, Benny Greb....(the last three ones inspire me in the first place as how far a drummer can explore his instrument, not so much in musical terms)

[syaoran05]

Bernard Purdie
Raimund Marasigan
Jojo Mayer
Lars Ulrich
Vic Mercado
Dom Famularo
Jhoon Balbuena
Carter Beauford
Melvin Macatiag

[JIM_fear]

he will become a bigger influence this summer as Im going to take a few lessons from him !

You get to take some lessons from Chris Pennie. How? He is my favorite drummer and probably my biggest influence. I'm flat-out jealous right now.

[JIM_fear]

My influences:

John Bonham
Chris Pennie
Thomas Haake
Steve Gadd
Neil Peart
Morgan Agren
Zach Hill

[MOONCHILD]

nicko mcbrain
nicko mcbrain
nicko mcbrain
nicko mcbrain and
nicko mcbrain did i mentioned nicko mcbrain? of not then
nicko mcbrain

[Bill Lumbergh]

Nicko McBrain (first album I ever owned was Seventh Son; bought it on tape when I was 7)
Jon Fishman (one of the most tasteful drummers ever)
Art Blakey & Tony Williams (jazz greats)
Virgil Donati (the guy knows how to solo)

[FoneticFreek]

In order of when I was introduced to them and hence influenced:

Jeff Porcaro
Phil Collins (early Genesis)
Omar Hakim (first with Sting then with others)
Buddy Rich
Dave Weckl (with Chick then solo)
Dennis Chambers
Steve Gadd (took me a while to find Gadd strangely enough)
Vinnie Colaiuta

FF.

[meshuggah1324]

Tomas Haake - Meshuggah
Gene Hoglan - Strapping Young Lad
Sean Reinert - Cynic
Morgan Agren - Fredrik Thordendal's Special Defects CD

Most inspiring to me...

[suffer the angel]

1.john bonham
2.buddy rich
3.gene krupa
4.mitch mitchell
5.ian paice (its a left handed thing)
6.joe morello
7.tim alexander
8.marco pitruzella

[crumbdrums]

Major Influences:

-Larry Mullen Jr (U2 is my favorite band so he had and has quite an influence on my playing...early on, I copycatted his stuff like a maniac because it was fun yet relatively easy. Boy was I pleased with myself when I first played 'Bloody Sunday. When I look back at thta, I think what a simple groove is. But that is the beuaty of LMJR's drumming. Beuatiful simplicity.)
-Keith Moon (His hectic style was what really defined "rock" drumming for me)
-Bonham (arguably the greatest ever, this guy has an influence on every drummer)

Others who still impacted me, just not as much as the above:

-Alex Van Halen (didn't influence WHAT I played as much as HOW I played it)
-Stew Copeland (changed how I used dynamics around the kit)
-Ginger Baker (influenced the power with wich I hit my drums...also, helped me control my fills a little more)
-Will Champion (very similar to the aforementioned LMJR situation)

[Goody602]

Probably anyone I've ever listened has influenced me on some level but I can think of specific playing/playing styles in all of the followin, which are somewhat close to the order of conscious influence.

-John Bonham
-David Garibaldi
-Steve Gadd
-Bernard Purdie
-Zigaboo Modeliste
-Billy Cobham
-Dennis Chambers
-Zach Hill
-Danny Carey
-Matt Cameron
-Steve Jordan
-Buddy Rich
-Tony Williams
-Peter Erskine
-Buddy Rich
-Ed Thigpen
-Levon Helm

[Muckster]

Ok here we go in order of influence:

The Formative years
Peter Criss
Alex Van Halen
John Bonham
Aynsley Dunbar
Stewart Copeland
Ian Paice
Neil Peart

Jazz / Fusion
Louie Bellson
Billy Cobham
Casey Schuerell
Rayford Griffin
Steve Smith
Dave Weckl
Peter Erskine

My main overall influences are:

Steve Smith
Dave Weckl
Peter Erskine

[ajgdrums722]

1. Carter Beauford
2. Vinnie Colaiuta
3. John Bonham
4. Steve Gadd
5. Dave Weckl
6. Stewart Copeland
7. Chad Smith

[Drummer Karl]

In the last time I can see very very well that the influences change!
At the moment Elvin Jones influences me MORE than just much...I love to listen to him, one example would be the concert "Jazz machine in Finland 2000" - great concert!
For me Elvin had something great in his style, he could play very abstract and...well...kinda "strange" for non listeners. I really love his playing and his emotions...

Karl

[Synthetik]

I'd have to say in chronological order of discovery:

1. Buddy rich
2. John Bonham
3. Gary Mallaber
4. Alex Van Halen
5. Steve Smith
6. Neil Peart

From there, it explodes into a gigantic list. In fact, there were so many I had to narrow it down to the biggest influences. Every drummer of every style has influence on me to work harder!

[Skitch]

My list:

My first drummer teacher Paul Bowman, know residing in Corpus Christi, Texas.
There isn't a day that doesn't go by when I don't use something he taught me.
Doug Fallis, my second drum teacher
Whoever the guy down the street was playing out in his front every summer day.
Ever drummer I have ever heard - thanks guys! I have always been inspired by every one of you
My drum students, who keep me going!


As far as well-known, famous drummers

Manu Katche
Phil Gould , Level 42
Vinnie Colaiuta
Steve Smith
Zoro
Jeff Porcarro
David Garibaldi
Ringo Starr
Neil Peart
Peter Erskine
Tito Puente
Stewart Copeland




Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com


http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=drummermikemccraw

[michael drums]

Hey Y'all,

Here's my list in order of when they started influencing me:


1) Buddy Rich - First saw him on "The Tonight Show" when I was about
10 years old. OMG!! I was speechless with a dropped jaw. IMHO The GREATEST drummer to ever live!

2) John Bonham - Didn't hear much Led Zeppelin until I was about 12 or
13. But when I did. WOW! That bass foot just floored me!

3) Neil Peart - First song I heard from Rush was "The Spirit Of Radio"
That's when I really got into them. Then "Moving Pictures" came
out and that was it. Hooked on drums forever! "The Professor" - How appropriate!

4) Steve Gadd - First heard him with Paul Simon. Was so amazed
that I researced every recording he had done. Just an amazing style
and impeccable timing! Nice...

5) Dave Weckl - Kept hearing his name mentioned. Got curious about
him and "looked" him up. Been lovin' him ever since!

6) Steve Smith - I liked Journey but never realized how much Steve
had evolved into such an incredible, all-around percussionist. So
much more than just a "rock" drummer! Cool...

7) Vinnie Colaiuta - Wherever I go, Vinnie is being talked, written, and
raved about. I can certaintly see AND hear why. His style of
playing is just so ahead of itself! Whew... Amazing!

And I like some modern drummers as well. Such as Jo Jo Mayer, Marco Minneman, Thomas Lang, Benny Greb, Akira Jimbo, Mike Portnoy, and Manu Katche.

Some honorable mentions: Ian Paice, Simon Phillips, Stewart Copeland, Carl Palmer,
Louis Bellson, Tony Williams, Keith Moon, Billy Cobham,
Kenny Aronoff, Ed Shaughnessy, Virgil Donati, Jeff Porcaro,
Mitch Mitchell, Terry Bozzio, Carmine Appice, Ginger Baker,
Tommy Aldridge, Bill Bruford, etc... Wheww...

There's some I've forgotten, but they know who they are! And I guess you can say I like alot of them and alot of styles! Can't hurt, huh? Play On!

[michael drums]

Hello guys and gals. Now I know I'm not the last poster that has had a drummer or drummers that influenced them, am I? I hope to keep this thread going and get more examples of influentual drummers who peaked the interest of others and got them to start beating things with sticks! Come on, are you ready? Let's hear from more of ya...Play On!

[rendezvous_drummer]

New list in no specific order:
1) Larry Mullen Jr.
2) Tony Williams
3) Jeff Burrows
4) Dave Weckl
5) jojo Mayer
6) Jeff Burrows
7) Aaron Solowoniuk
8) Bonham
9) Chad Smith
10) Daniel Adair
11) Ronnie Vannucci
12) Phil Selway
13) Dejohnette
14) Gadd
15) Latham

[Ozzy Biz]

I'd have to say...

John Corniola, Robi Parolin, and Campbell Robinson --> my teachers over the years
Josh Freese
Steve Jordan
Steve Gadd
Stanton Moore
John Bonham
Dave Grohl
Max Weinberg
Carter Beauford
?uestlove
Rodney Holmes
Stephen Perkins
Benny Greb
Vinnie Colaiuta
Ben Hall
Lucius Borich
Stve Judd
Josh Eppard
Brad Wilk
and the list goes on...

Biz

[nickg]

i think every good drummer influences all of us in one way or another.

but with that being said:
gene krupa
buddy rich
ringo
jeff porcaro
danny seraphine
billy cobham
john bonham
tony thompson

and many many many others for sure!!!

[Class A Drummer]

Started out that the two main drummers who influenced me were

1) John Bonham
2) Neil Peart

This is because Led Zeppelin and Rush were the two bands that i would play alond with on the drums thanks to my drum books.

Now the main Influential drummer for me would probably be Steve Gadd.

[Drumsword]

Hmmmm, quite a list:

Tommy Lee
Tommy Aldridge
Neil Peart
Terry Bozzio
Ken Mary
Frankie Banali
Robert Sweet
John Bonham
Carter Beuford
Danny Carey
Tony Thompson
Dave Weckl
Vinnie Colaiuta

[LinearDrummer]

Hmmm...tough one but for starters -

Some Rock
Neal Peart
Stewart Copeland
Will Calhoun
Greg Bissonette
Keith Moon

Whole Lotta Funk
Mike Clark
David Garibaldi
Dennis Chambers
Omar Hakim

Little Latin/Jazz
Peter Erskine

Daily Instructional
Rick Latham
Chuck Silverman
Gary Chaffee
Steve Houghton
Rick Gratton
Jimmy Branly

All-Around
Steve Smith
Steve Gadd

Probably forgot someone...

And of course my absolute favorite number one most inspirational drummer is.....
Just check out my sig and do tha math :-)

[michael drums]

Great lists, everyone! Thanks. Nice to hear from you all! Play on!

[Melvin]

Well I have many favorite drummers. I'll list here whoever comes to my mind:

John Blackwell
Steve Smith
Virgil Donati
Dave Wekl
Vinnie Colaiuta
Mike Portnoy
Bernard Purdie
Aquiles Priester
Nikko McBrain
Benny Grebb
Thomas Lang
Neil Peart
Max Weinberg
Andreas Johansson
Bobby Jarzombek
Stanton Moore
Jo Jo Mayer
Johnny Rabb
Tony Royster Jr.
Horacio Hernandez
Akira Jimbo

Damn My brain hurts!

[khanedeliac]

Danny Carey - notonly for the monster drummer that he is, but also for showing methat i dont need to follow everybody else's approach. i can still do things my own way as long as im learning.

Mitch Mitchell - my all time favorite drummer, so versatile, so groovy, its so all about Mitch. those fills, accents and the way he emphasised different parts of the music. he was 20 when Hendrix played Woodstock....ridiculous!

Zigaboo Modeliste - Funk, funk and more funk, the pocket of this man is amazing. can sit back and lay it down fat and funky as hell, or rip it up. a true pioneer of what it means to have GROOVE

Chad Smith - hard funk master. grooving and slamming his way while constantly having a great time! his laid back approach is one i find soothing. its like he's telling you "yes, play out, take this seriously and kick it....but dont take YOURSELF too seriously!"

Oliver Charles - drummer for Ben Harper on "Fight For Your Mind" with some of the most delicious beats ive heard. has chops a plenty, but also shows how to apply it groovtasmically.

Luke Flowers - plays drums in the amazing Cinematic Orchestra,an unsung jazz maestro. the man's feel and emotional playing are unbelievable...just please go listen to Cinematic Orchestra, they are something else.

Benny Greb - from the first time i saw him, i wanted to be able to play that WELL, that gracefully. the New Orleans style piece he played shows oodles of everything you need as a drummer. he also seems like a really nice guy and probably a lot of fun to hang out with!

?uestlove Thompson - the first two full-length Roots releases are fantastic, and Questlove is a highlight throughout, i strive to attain that much control and consistent groove. not to mention he fires it up when they play live, and his playing with other artists such as D'Angelo and Erykah Badu is very different and just as good.

John Bonham - people go on about his right foot and his power, but what did for me was his finesse and thriftiness of his parts, his syncopation between bass and snare and his embellishing.

Elvin Jones - his sudden switch from hecticness to complete control and smooth playing along with hard swinging are the things that stand out most for me. quite breathtaking.

Patrick Keeler - finally Jack White chose to get his act together with an awesome drummer. when i watched him this summer i was so entranced by what he was doing, i forgot i was at a festival...in a massive tent...surrounded by people making noise....i just snapped out of it, and knew something about his playing was unique.

Dave Abruzzesse - the drum track for the Pearl Jam song "Animal" is one of my favorites...just power, groove and feel. where is he now??

Tiki Fulwood - his playing on early Funkadelic records (pre ' 75) is so phat, i would air drum along to that all the time.

Peace,
Saif

[Spence]

In no particular order (and I'm sure I'll miss someone out)

Vinnie Colaiuta
Billy Cobham
Dennis Chambers
Dave Weckl
Lenny White
Buddy Rich
Stewart Copeland
Chad Smith
David Garibaldi
Jack Dejohnette
Mike Portnoy (gone off him a bit recently)
Louis Bellson
Johnny Rabb
Thomas Lang
Marco Minnemann
Carter Beauford
Mitch Mitchell
Matt Camerson (used to love him with Soundgarden in my younger years)
Dave Grohl (used to want to be him, until I discovered FUNK & JAZZ FUSION!!!)

Whoa, almost forgot Steve Smith.

[KzSgDrummer]

I think I gotta give it to Weckl, but I also like Vinnie's low toms sound a lot.

[DrumMasterDave]

For me there are obviously a ton of famous drummers that have influenced me. But the real ones are the local hoem grown drummers you used to watch when growing up. Those ones are the ones that really influenced me.

[nickg]

i also have to add Ginger Baker to my list as well.

[King Crimson]

Bill Bruford
Neil Peart
Richie Heyward
Barrimore Barlow
Alan White

[ledzeppelins666]

My list [no order, just who I think of]

Ginger Baker- He has such a smooth feel. Love his work with Cream.
Mitch Mitchell- One of my more recent inspirations. I find my style a bit like his.
Nick Mason- The most dynamic drummer I've heard. Can make anything sound swing-ish.
Neil Peart- The sole reason I started drums. His music is what I grew up on.
John Bonham- Listening to him makes me use my kick more. And such a great feel.
Gene Krupa- Made me get in to swing. Love his work with Benny Goodman.
Jo Jones- He could play the blues. Especially with Count Basie.
Steve Gadd- Made me get into funk music. One of my favorites.
Brad Wilk- The grooves he plays are tremendous. Absolutely fantastic drummer.

And I think Zach Hill has the most unique drumming as of today.

[aahznightsky]

Bill Bruford
Neil Peart
Richie Heyward
Barrimore Barlow
Alan White


yeah another alan white fan!

[timebandit]

1) drummerKarl 2) neil peart 3) akira jimbo 4) marco minneman 5) virgil donati 6) mike portnoy 7) dave weckl 8) buddy 9) bozzio 10) lang 11) smith 12) copeland

[michael drums]

For me there are obviously a ton of famous drummers that have influenced me. But the real ones are the local hoem grown drummers you used to watch when growing up. Those ones are the ones that really influenced me.

That works, DMD. I love that answer. Probably the 1st drummers you saw live, so that makes perfect sense. Play On!

[michael drums]

1) drummerKarl 2) neil peart 3) akira jimbo 4) marco minneman 5) virgil donati 6) mike portnoy 7) dave weckl 8) buddy 9) bozzio 10) lang 11) smith 12) copeland

I can really relate to this list, tb. Similar to mine. Neat...Play On!

[hawk9290]

Of course all the great drummers (Peart, Chambers, Donati, Lang, Buddy Rich, etc...) have had tremendous influence on me, but really, I would say I look for people at all levels.

My drum instructors have all been great at helping me, and have gotten me farther than I ever thought I would. Also, Daniel Adair has been a great influence because of not only his playing style, but also his mindset and his persistence of always improving. And then there are some great drummers who don't get enough attention, such as Chad Szeliga, Jeremy Hummel, Aaron Montgomery, Phil Robinson, and so on.

Really, I cannot narrow down the list to any small number, I think that every song, every drummer I listen to has an influence on me, no matter how simplistic the song may be.

[djp132]

You guys are probably sick of me talking about it, but Johnny Rabb is HUGE on my list of influence right now. I learned more in a few hours of watching and jamming with him than I have in years. The last week has been rediculous as far as the amount of inspiration and motivation I've had to take things up a notch.

He showed me a practice mechanism that he uses and already I've seen my creativity jump 100 miles in the sky just from using it each day.

[drummerchick435]

Roger Taylor (great with grooving)
Neil Peart (great period)
Jon Bonham (super fast bass drum pedaling with a single pedal)
Carl Palmer (excellent percussionist. I listen to him a lot before band rehearsal)

[sir_willy]

Bill Bruford and Ginger Baker are my top two, but I also like: steve Gadd, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Mitch Mitchell, Carter Beauford, Carl Palmer, Jo Jo Mayer, and Keith Moon.

[JoeyWaters]

These aren't neccessarily all of my favorites, just the ones that I think have influenced me in some way.

Bonham
Danny Carey
Matt Cameron
Sean Kinney (underrated)
Dave Farris (local guy)
Chuck Nicholas

[larlev]

Tommy Taylor.........

[aahznightsky]

He showed me a practice mechanism that he uses and already I've seen my creativity jump 100 miles in the sky just from using it each day.

Uh oh, what would that be??

[michael drums]

You guys are probably sick of me talking about it, but Johnny Rabb is HUGE on my list of influence right now. I learned more in a few hours of watching and jamming with him than I have in years. The last week has been rediculous as far as the amount of inspiration and motivation I've had to take things up a notch.

He showed me a practice mechanism that he uses and already I've seen my creativity jump 100 miles in the sky just from using it each day.

Hey Derrick! I've seen your technique videos and enjoy them. I really like the way you present yourself with a "down-to-earth" style that's easy to understand. The student feels very comfortable watching and listening to your instruction. Thanks for offering your methods and insight! Teach and Play On....Peace

[djp132]

Uh oh, what would that be??

Its basically the "toolbox" idea.

He would take a simple lick, for example a 3 count linear pattern with a certain sticking, and he would play it over and over again along with a hihat pulse. Then when he was comfortable with the pattern he would groove for awhile using the lick as a fill. Then when he was comfortable inserting it into a groove he would start changing the voicing. Hitting different surfaces, or change the timing like or turning it into a triplet feel. Within 15 minutes he was able to do ANYTHING he wanted with it. By then it sounded like 10,000 different patterns of all shapes and sizes but they were all just variations on the one simple original lick. It was wild to see that in action. It's not a new or revolutionary idea, but I've never seen it used so efficiently or creatively.


Lets take a quick example: 7 16th notes at the end of the measure
S=snare T=tom F=floor tom K=kick

e + a 4 e + a
S T T F F S B
r l l r r l f

Play that pattern over and over again with the correct sticking along with a hihat quarter note pulse. Once you have it in muscle memory, Start playing a simple groove and use that as your fill. Do not change it. Once you have it down cold and you can insert it anywhere in the groove, start changing the voicings. Instead of the high tom hit the hihat with the double left on + A, or bring the floor tom notes back to the snare or replace them with a double on the kick which accenting a splash for the last note. As long as the pattern and sticking remains the same. Then maybe take those first three notes of the grouping and make them into sixteeth note triplets causing the whole pattern to now start on the AND of four instead of E.
Pretty soon, before you even know it you'll have a million new fills and licks, but again they are all just small variations on the original one written above.

Give it a try. Its killer.

[rendezvous_drummer]

YES! SEAN KINNEY!! Totally forgot about him, Alice in Chains, imo, were the best band of the 90's.

[Beyer]

Not too manny but these drummers have influenced my style a lot:

-Travis Barker
-Travis Smith
-James Sullivan
-Alex Rodriguez
-John Bonham
-Mitch Mitchell
-Joey Jordison
-Brandon Saller

....like most of the replies, there are many more but those drummers are most influential to me.

[Dr. Neaux]

Danny Noe---my dad, a great drummer who got me hooked on his hero, Gene Krupa, and the next guy on this list......
Buddy Rich---Got to see Buddy when I was 10......frickin' amazing!
Robert Sweet---my rock/metal influence...I love his playing
Alan Evans---If you've never heard this guy check him out with the band Soulive. His groove/soul/funk/blues/jazz drumming is awesome.
Chris Layton---Can't live in Austin, TX. and not be influenced by him. He did some great blues-rock drumming with Stevie.
Oscar Seaton---More of a session drummer but has played with the likes of Lee Ritenour. This guy can flat jam!

[michael drums]

Danny Noe---my dad, a great drummer who got me hooked on his hero, Gene Krupa, and the next guy on this list......
Buddy Rich---Got to see Buddy when I was 10......frickin' amazing!
Robert Sweet---my rock/metal influence...I love his playing
Alan Evans---If you've never heard this guy check him out with the band Soulive. His groove/soul/funk/blues/jazz drumming is awesome.
Chris Layton---Can't live in Austin, TX. and not be influenced by him. He did some great blues-rock drumming with Stevie.


Thanks, Doc. Hey, do you remember where you saw Buddy? Had to be incredible! Interesting list, here. Play On!

[Merkaba]

For me it is definitly.....

1.Danney Carey
2.Niel Peart
3.Matt Mcndough
4.Tim Alexander
5.Jon Theodore
6.Abe Cunningham
7.John Blackwell
8.Jose Pasillas
9.Billy Cobham
10.Buddy Rich

[Merkaba]

For me it is definitly.....

1.Danney Carey
2.Niel Peart
3.Thomas Lang
4.Matt Mcndough
5.Tim Alexander
6.Jon Theodore
7.Abe Cunningham
8.John Blackwell
9.Jose Pasillas
10.Billy Cobham
11.Buddy Rich

[Dr. Neaux]

Thanks, Doc. Hey, do you remember where you saw Buddy? Had to be incredible! Interesting list, here. Play On!

Saw Buddy in 1983 in Sulphur, Louisiana(just 5 minutes from Lake Charles, La. where I'm from) at Sulphur High School. I didn't really want to go because I wasn't sure what to expect at a jazz concert. My dad had given me a Jazz At The Philharmonic Drum Battle cassette(remember those) with Buddy and Gene's classic drum battle but I didn't really listen to it........until after that night. I was blown away! Man, I look back now and I realize how fortunate I was to be able to see Buddy before he died in 1987. That's a night I'll always remember, especially since I got to see him with my biggest influence as a drummer, my pops.

[Scatman]

Carter Beauford is one of the most underated drummers around

[kaseli]

1. Carols Vega
2. Vinnie Colaiuta
3. Steve Gadd
4. JR Robinson
5. Rick Marotta
6. The old school big band drummers

[nickg]

Saw Buddy in 1983 in Sulphur, Louisiana(just 5 minutes from Lake Charles, La. where I'm from) at Sulphur High School. I didn't really want to go because I wasn't sure what to expect at a jazz concert. My dad had given me a Jazz At The Philharmonic Drum Battle cassette(remember those) with Buddy and Gene's classic drum battle but I didn't really listen to it........until after that night. I was blown away! Man, I look back now and I realize how fortunate I was to be able to see Buddy before he died in 1987. That's a night I'll always remember, especially since I got to see him with my biggest influence as a drummer, my pops.

i probably saw Buddy about 10 times as he usually came around here every summer. NEVER ceased to amaze!!!

[jiltednut]

This may sound corny, but every drummer that I see that plays, does, or uses something that I haven't seen before influences me. I see them do something and then I can't stop thinking about it until I can somehow incorporate it into my playing, so many ideas so little time.

[michael drums]

Saw Buddy in 1983 in Sulphur, Louisiana(just 5 minutes from Lake Charles, La. where I'm from) at Sulphur High School. I didn't really want to go because I wasn't sure what to expect at a jazz concert. My dad had given me a Jazz At The Philharmonic Drum Battle cassette(remember those) with Buddy and Gene's classic drum battle but I didn't really listen to it........until after that night. I was blown away! Man, I look back now and I realize how fortunate I was to be able to see Buddy before he died in 1987. That's a night I'll always remember, especially since I got to see him with my biggest influence as a drummer, my pops.

Wow Dr.! Fantastic! Would've loved to have seen that show. You were VERY fortunate to see him live. Thanks for sharing your experience...Play On! ;-)

[michael drums]

i probably saw Buddy about 10 times as he usually came around here every summer. NEVER ceased to amaze!!!

10 TIMES? Holy Teledo! Now THAT'S amazing in itself, nickg. Bet it was a different show every time too. Buddy was so improv! Whatever he felt, on any givin' night, he'd play. Never the same, always spectacular. Thanks nickg...Play On!

[michael drums]

This may sound corny, but every drummer that I see that plays, does, or uses something that I haven't seen before influences me. I see them do something and then I can't stop thinking about it until I can somehow incorporate it into my playing, so many ideas so little time.

Are you kidding, jiltednut? That's not corny, at all! That's how we learn, man. Excellent! You've figured it out. The secret of self-teaching. Though having a good teacher is always recommended to get a different perspective. Among much more "influence". Thanks, and DO Play On!

[II xMETALx II]

THhis is interesting stuff. I would say that the drummers that influenced me are:

Martin Lopez
Dave Lombardo
Travis Smith
Joey Jordison
Derek Roddy

Unfortunately iv only been playing one genre of drums so far which i plan to stick to until i master, that obviously being metal. One jazz drummer that i saw that really stunned me though was Dave Weckle (not sure on spelling).

[superprog]

These guys are the tops for me:

John McEntire (Tortoise) - taut yet fluid.....awesome!

Jarle Vestetpad (Supersilent) - powerful improvisational dynamics

J Read (Revenge) - insane monomaniacal human tornado!!!

Jaki Liebzeit (Can) - seriously tripped out trance funker!!!

Stephen Morris (Joy Division) - great minimal style

Klaus Dinger (Neu!) - the inventor of mad motorik!!!

[Drummer2112]

Personaly, any drummer i hear influence's me in some way, bad or good. my top 5 though are

1). joey barron-self tought monster
2).tomas hakke-independance blows me away
3).tomas lang-master of fusion
4).bill bruford-amazing jazz player
5).steve gadd-grove master and for kicks #6
6). tony willams or marvin smith

[michael drums]

Personaly, any drummer i hear influence's me in some way, bad or good. my top 5 though are

1). joey barron-self tought monster
2).tomas hakke-independance blows me away
3).tomas lang-master of fusion
4).bill bruford-amazing jazz player
5).steve gadd-grove master and for kicks #6
6). tony willams or marvin smith

That's interesting, 'cause I've never considered Bill Bruford as a "jazz" player. I consider him a "prog rock" turned "fusion" player, myself. And fantastic at both. Play On!

[cnw60]

Before I even took my first lessons - I would put on the headphones and jam along with these albums on my big bro's drum set - so from the beginning...

Dino Danelli - The Rascals
Mickey Dolenz
Mike Smith - Paul Revere and the Raiders
Karen Carpenter
Floyd Sneed - Three Dog Night
Gary Peterson - The Guess Who
Gregg Errico - Sly and the Family Stone

And for the guys who influenced me as I continued drumming through middle and high school...
Danny Serraphine
Bobby Colomby
Keith Moon
Jim Keltner
Stewart Copeland
Bill Bruford
Billy Cobham
Lenny White
Airto Moreira
Tony Williams
Max Roach
Elvin Jones
edit - march 23rd - Holy crap - I left out Steve Gadd.... and it only took me three months to notice...
At this point - there are tons of drummers that I like and listen to - but as far as being truly influential, I have to stick with the drummers I heard in my younger, formative years.

And of course the biggest influence would have to be my big brother - for obvious reasons, and the list wouldn't be complete without my teacher from 5th grade thru high school - Bill Roth.

[mlehnertz]

I guess you don't know too much about Bruford then. Not surprising to be honest. Just add it to the list of things you don't know but are willing to talk about.

Pssst, check the Drummerworld profile. The second sentence.

That's interesting, 'cause I've never considered Bill Bruford as a "jazz" player. I consider him a "prog rock" turned "fusion" player, myself. And fantastic at both. Play On!

[michael drums]

I guess you don't know too much about Bruford then. Not surprising to be honest. Just add it to the list of things you don't know but are willing to talk about.

Pssst, check the Drummerworld profile. The second sentence.

Pssst, I didn't say he wasn't a jazz player, just didn't consider him one, Mr Holmes.

And once again, Thank You for your inspiring and informative reply without malice.

Merry Christmas...Play On!

[IAChoquette311]

1. Danny Carey (TOOL)- Most creative drummer and is in one of the best bands ever. And, He may not be the best at double bass but it is so tastefull. Ex. H.
2. Derek Bloom (From First To Last) - Dont know how to describe his drumming, just amazing. His double bass (ITs not the fastest) and bell work is better than anything i've heard before. Ex. Note To Self
3. Abe Cunningham (Deftones) - Just watching him play drums makes me want to play more than anything else.
-Total Opposite -1. Thomas Haake and Thomas Lang - I see guys like this and just want to give up on drums. Stuff they do doesn't look fun and I've tried doin some stick tricks i saw Lang do and almost lost an eye.

[rockinrider]

I'd have to start with Gene Krupa. Although I was quite young when I first head him (maybe 6 or 7), he awakened the primal drummer in me. "Sing, sing, sing" with Benny Goodman, live at Carnegie Hall, changed my life.

Others include:
Buddy Rich (for obvious reasons)
Ringo (He was SO cool)
Neil Peart (I discovered Neil late, in 1989 Presto. I was 35 years old and he took me in a totally different direction)

Every drummer I've ever heard has influenced me in some way. I find I use Lars Ulrich technique sometimes as well as Manu Katche.

Now that I think about it, the names are just flooding my mind.
Danny Seraphine, Bill Bruford, all of the Jetho Tull drummers, Carl Palmer, Jim Keltner.

Some dummer names I don't know:
Earth, Wind , and Fire; Steppenwolf, all of the Top 40 hits of the 60s (probably Hal Blaine).

Everyone has added spark to that primal rhythmic urge.

[Ironcobra]

mike portnoy is my choice, he really is just amazing. hes really slowed down my playing and boosted my technique. if buddy rich and neil peart were athletes at drumming, mike portnoy would be einstein

[Ozzy Biz]

mike portnoy is my choice, he really is just amazing. hes really slowed down my playing and boosted my technique. if buddy rich and neil peart were athletes at drumming, mike portnoy would be einstein

No, that would probably be Colaiuta, possibly also Weckl.


I think I've already posted in this thread, but I'll give you the top of the list anyway...

Josh Freese - he's everywhere, and kicks pure arse in APC
Steve Jordan - did you say groove?
Steve Gadd - gotta love the paradiddle groove, and for playing great blues music.
Jean Paul Gaster - I've just gotten into clutch recently, and damn this guy has groove & power to boot
Vinnie Colaiuta - anything you can do, he can do better...
Dave Grohl - listen to QOTSA's "Songs for the Deaf" album to see how to play drums in a rock band
Bernard Purdie - 1/2 time shuffle. 'nuff said.
Max Weinberg - plays for the song so well. Love his Springsteen work.
Rodney Holmes - I just love his style
Jon Theodore - Listen to "The Delousing of the Comatorium" by the Mars Volta followed by "Frances the Mute" & if you're not inspired, you should put down the sticks
Brad Wilk - for the fattest groove needed to power RAGE
John Densmore - loose, tight, and reserved, all at the same time
Mitch Mitchel - great chops, great feel
Carter Beauford - making pop drumming interesting
Josh Homme - making simple drumming shine, and swapping his rack tom for cowbell, jam block & tambourine
and of course John Bonham.

But also any drummer I see playing; I pick up things from everyone, no matter how small.

[tomgrosset]

Practically, every drummer I've come across has influenced me to some extent.

[millersc]

Steve Gadd has been the greatest influence in my drumming. I had been drumming a couple of years, and when I first heard Steve play, it was exactly how I thought drumming should sound and be approached. I just can't ever get enough of his groove skills and chops. Anytime I find another track I didn't know he was on, I just have to hear it.
Elvin Jones
Tony Williams
Art Blakey
Jimmy Cobb-for his simplistic yet effective approach to playing time on the ride cymbal for straight ahead jazz.

[caprisun3484]

John Bonham is probably my biggest influence

[Drummer Karl]

1) drummerKarl 2) neil peart 3) akira jimbo 4) marco minneman 5) virgil donati 6) mike portnoy 7) dave weckl 8) buddy 9) bozzio 10) lang 11) smith 12) copeland

? wow. Honor. For me. thanks!
Why am I an influence? Do I have even a developed style? lol

PS: I have to mention LEWIS NASH! he got a very big influence.

Karl

[Chunkaway]

Long time influences

Joe Morello
Ringo
Jon Wurster (Superchunk)
Charlie Watts
Larry Mullen Jr.
Papa Jo Jones
Bun E. Carlos (Cheap Trick)
Steve Gorman (Black Crowes)
Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello)
Steve Gadd
Steve White (Paul Weller)
Keith Moon
Mike Musburger (The Posies)
Mitch Mitchell
Gilson Lavis (Squeeze)

Recent Influences

Jason McGerr (Death Cab)
Tommy Igoe
Matt Chamberlain
Josh Freese

[dw D]

Ingo Schwinhtenberg
Vinnie Paul
Steve Smith
Derek Roddy
Mike Mangini

[UVT_Drummer]

Keith Moon= I love his creative placement of fills, and the years when he didn't have hi hats or a ride.
Joe Morello= He is so laid back
Dave Macintosh (Dragonforce)= I like his fills between his feet and his hands
Christoph Schnieder (rammstein)= I learned to play off of these CD's and I often find myself using the techno bass quarter note and hi hat off beat pattern in my playing

[spyder]

originally when I started playing I was really into

Terry Bozzio
Tim Alexander
Neal P.
Etc.

In the past 5 years (I'm 23 now)

Danny Carey
Morgan Rose
Josh Freese
Shannon Larkin
etc..

I'm a little more into the visual guys now then before.

[Styx]

Phil Rudd
Nicko McBrain
Stewart Copeland
Alex Van Halen
John Stanier
Clayton Cameron
Steve Gadd
Steve Smith
Tim Herb Alexander
John Bonham
Frankie Banali

Have all influenced me in one way or another. Thanks Lads

[BigSexyPanda]

Benny Greb
Thomas Lang
Carter Beuford
Jojo Mayer
Chad Smith

[duff]

Great thread. Many come to mind. In my teens : Moon,Bonzo,Peart. Fast forward to 2007: Russ Kunkel,Steve Gadd,Dennis Chambers, Ringo Starr,Charlie Watts,Mick Fleetwood,Steve Gorman (Black Crowes) ,Jim Keltner. It may come with age but I appreciate 'groove' drumming ...nothing too fancy..a tasty fill here & there..simplicity...not too compicated.

[Doom]

Most importantly I need to mention Mike Bordin of Faith No More. It was him that really made me want to play drums. After him it is Igor Cavalera of Sepultura, who has influenced me constantly since I took up playing.
I consider my earliest influences the most important because since I became more and more interested in drumming the new players and styles came thick and fast and couldnt possibly influence me in the way that the first few did.
Along with Mike Bordin and Igor Cavalera they would be...
Lars Ulrich (Metallica)
Eric Kretz (Stone Temple Pilots)
Chad Smith (RHCP)
and all of the Skyclad drummers.

More recent important influences for me are JP Gaster of Clutch, Peter Wildoer of Darkane and Benny Greb.

[raffingora 21]

Ansley Dunbar
Stewart Copeland
Neal Peart
John Bohham
Bill Bruford
Steve Gadd

in that order. As far as sheer talent is concerned I would rate them in reverse order

[they_call_me_diesel]

1.Kenny Aronoff (Sessions Drummer)
2.Tre Cool (Green Day)
3.Bill Ward (Black Sabbath)
4.Jimmy Pemberton (Gone Baby Gone)
5.Carl Menard (Old Teacher)
6.Christoph Schneider (Rammstein)
7.Steve Gadd (The Steve Gadd Band)
8.Tony Medeiros (Space Whale)
9.Dave Lombardo (Slayer/Fantomas)
10.Phil Collins (Genesis/Phil Collins)
11.Paul Kohler (Silverstein)
12.Travis Barker (Blink-182/The Transplants/Boxcar Racer)

[EternalArcadia]

virgil donati has influenced me more than any other drummer. i love his style and ability to play the most complex phrases and his machine like independence. and cant forget to mention his great grooves..

[foursticks]

Elvin and Tony. Both unique and brilliant in their own right.

[Dr.Hook]

Neil Peart
Alan White
Jimmy DeGrasso
Steve Smith
Peter Criss
Eric Carr -"amazing, amazing talent"

[jimmyd]

1) Ringo
2) Gene Krupa
3) Sandy Nelson
4) Keith Moon
5) Dino Danelli

[cjl71178]

http://www.festivalcitybigband.com/images_members/muppets-animal.jpg
http://www.irocknroll.com/images/Motley_Crue_Tommy_Lee.jpg
http://www.mrbigsite.com/images/photo_pat01.jpg
http://www.late20thcenturyboy.com/pics/exhibition/KEITH-MOON-1.jpg
http://a1259.g.akamai.net/f/1259/5586/1d/images.art.com/images/-/Ringo-Starr-Photograph-C10110786.jpeg
http://twtd.bluemountains.net.au/cream/img/bonham2.jpg
http://www.andrewolson.com/Neil_Peart/neil_images/neil_d13.jpg
http://www.drummerworld.com/pics/drum13/alanwhite.jpg
http://perkusja.rockmetal.art.pl/800/perkusisci/bruford/foto/duze/bruford4.jpg
http://www.coutant.org/vanhalen/alex.jpg
http://www.thedrumland.com/photos/copeland/scweb206ed.jpg

[Drummer Karl]

Have to add:

Jorge Rossy

(Brad Mehldau Trio)

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/Jorge_Rossy.jpg

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h84/Drummer_Karl/bradmehldautrio-ird.jpg

Karl

[skidz13]

Dave Weckl
Steve Gadd
Steve Smith
Beauford
Vinnie Colaiuta
Tony Roy Jr.
Tony Roy Sr.
Denmar Perez
Vic Mercado
Michael Alba.

[tihom]

drummers that have influenced me...
1. jeff porcarro - toto- i just love the sound of his drumming, great ghosting and the classic "rosanna" beat
2. zoro - i went to one of his clinics and also got a lesson with him and was absolutely inspired. this guy is the king of funk and has amazing skills
3. marco minnemann - i admire his seperation and independence
4. steely dan (drummer's name escapes me) great beats, with plenty of sound that is just right for the mood of the song
5. john bonham, keith moon - just great drummers who defined music in their time
6. neil peart - really cool drummer with great rhythm
7. phil collins
all of these drummers i have picked up a few things from, and so i think that is why they are an influence

[drozzy]

Brann Dailor
Chris Adler
Michael Barker
Stanton Moore
Sean Kinney
Martin Lopez
Jose Pasillas

That sums it up really, nice mix of metal, funk, rock and such... They're the drummers i find most expressive and captivating, even if they dont have the uber-technical mathematic polyrythmical circumstances of a lot of other pro drummers. They do their job, and do it damn well!

[TheBeyonder]

I definately find any drummer inspiring. Those who gave me a burning desire to drum would include:
Borris Williams (a longstanding drummer for The Cure),
William Reiflen (Ministry/Rev.Co./Pigface),
Martin Atkins (Pigface/Murder Inc.),
cEVIN Key (Skinny Puppy/Tear Garden/Doubting Thomas/Download),
Biff "Barefoot" Sanders (Ethyl Meatplow)

and the drummers for (I don't know their names, it's been quite a while):
The Swans,
Crash Worship,
Primus,
James Brown (back in the 60's/birth of funk era),
The Doors

I have a deep appreciation for those who teach, with a strong focus on technique that is in alignment with nature, including:
Jim Chapin (I'll never stop watching Power Speed Control Endurance),
Dom Famularo,
Steve Smith

[jiltednut]

OK, any actual list...

Dave Lombardo - The man who showed the power that drums have as a source of inspiration and power.

Dave Grohl - Along with Lombardo, showed me the power and driving force that I feel drums are supposed to have.

They're probably my 2 biggest influences - Nirvana and Slayer, pretty much sums me up.

Other fave drummers:
Vinnie Paul - Legend.
Chris Kontos - until u can play davidian properly u are NOT a metal drummer.
Jeff Porcaro - Rosanna is such a fantastic song.
Thomas Lang - a constant reminder of how far I have to go.
Brann Dailor - IMO perfectplaying style.
Joey Jordison - I don't care what anyone says that guy is an insane drummer.
Travis Barker - Same as above, really creative inside what I would class as a restrictive genre.
Steve Gadd - that paradiddle groove is driving me insane.
Paul Bostaph - although not Lombardo, God Hates Us All is a masterpiece ( honorable mention for Disciple and Scrum )
Mike Portnoy - not a dream theatre fan at all, but Paradigm Shift is amazing.
Lars Ulrich - Early Lars - Master Of Puppets/ Battery...need I say more??
Brad Wilk - Rage.
Jimmy Chamberlain - not so much Pumpkins as Zwan.
Not sure of names but bands drummers that have I've drawn influence from-
Glassjaw
Funeral For A Friend
Obituary
And surprisingly CAROLINE CORR,
its true you can learn something from everyone!!

[aydee]

from the age of 10-15

Michael Shrieve, Ringo,

15-18

John Bonham, Ian Paice, Don Brewer

18-30

Buddy Rich, Blakey , Billy Higgins, Billy Cobham, Lenny White, Steve Gadd, Alex Acuna, Danny Gottlieb, Peter Erskine, Will Kennedy

30- present

Weckl, Colauita, Kirk Covington, Han Bennink, Rodney Holmes, Jojo Mayer, Aaron Spears......

[Mr. Pasquini]

hmm...

In no discernible order

Tim Alexander
Dave Lombardo
John Bonham
Brian "Brain" Mantia
Brann Dailor
Martin Lopez
Chris Adler
Buddy Rich
Mitch Mitchell

[Tomtom123]

Any drum teacher I'm ever had has had an influence on me and my drumming.

[nebula821]

Chad Smith - I can't really help it I just happen to play like him

Jose Pasillas is a major influence as well

[Steamer]

Boy that makes for a good question and BIG list. My interest are so diverse I have to cover alot of ground on influences not just kit drum players. Everyone from known to complete unknowns from individuals in tradtional tribal Aftrican drum ensembles to many individuals in Scottish pipe band snare drumming and old school Swiss Basel snare drumming masters some being old teachers to countless jazz players dating back from the beginning of jazz to it's current innovators. I Have a huge appreciation with current explorations in latin kit playing i'm hearing too. Some true current real drumset innovation happening by some young amazing individuals and some very serious leading edge drumset developments going on in that camp by again people known and not known to the greater population. A real melting pot of firmly rooted African traditional drumming with the later mix of latin and jazz influences thrown into the pot. The most exciting thing i'm hearing these days for a fresh new sound in music and drumming in general is coming out of the latin camp now and is having a current influence on my own playing and ways of thinking about music. Like they say you never stop learning if you leave your mind open to many new surprises crossing your path in a musical journey. Gilberto Moreaux living right here in Vancouver B.C. Canada is one of the scariest and most musical innovators of this new approach to the latin drumset i've heard to date,a truly inspiring player indeed.

For a general list of known drumkit players to share i'll give it a go and i'm sure i'll miss quite a few in the process:

Baby Dodds
Papa Jo Jones
Max Roach
Roy Haynes
Art Taylor
Art Blakey
Elvin Jones
Claude Ranger
Bob Moses
Tony Williams
Jack Dejohnette
Marvin "Smitty" Smith
Ralph Peterson Jr.
Dennis Chambers

the list goes on...

[Beginer]

Only a few..
1.David Silveria with his funky stuff..
2.Terry Bozzio - he has kinda dark and weird feeling..
3.John Bonham..

[drummingman]

these are in no order.
dom famularo
dave weckl
tomas haake
tiger bill
jimmy chamberland
lars ulrich
raymond herrera
david husvik
gene hoglan
mike portnoy
neil peart
vinnie paul
steve smith
tim alexander
rick lathem
martin lopez

[stevedrum]

My Drum Teacher
Dave Weckl
Manu Katche
Jojo Mayer
Alex Acuna
Buddy Rich
Louis Bellson
Keith Carlock
Thomas Lang
Abe Laboriel Jr.

[Erik Lund]

Louie Bellson (mom gave me about 30 albums of him when I first started)
Elvin Jones (my favorite, such an emotional heavy heavyweight...)
Buddy Rich (yes, even though I find him completely boring now)
Philly Joe Jones (his sense of swing and rudiments)
Papa Jo Jones (swing swing swing)
Shadow Wilson (totally underrated and unknown...)
Jimmy Lovelace (ditto)
Nasheet Waits (1 lesson and he totally messed my mind up - in the best way)
Hamid Drake (the king of the drums)
Eddie Prevost (the smartest, most intellectual drummer I've ever talked to)
Joe Chambers (Footprints...'nough said)
GL Stone (you kids know his main book but do you use Accents & Rebounds too?!?!)
Joe Morello (his books, not his playing)
Jim Chapin (ditto + private instruction)
Lionel Hampton (those floor tom solos are ridiculous)
Gene Krupa (my mom spoon-fed him to me)
Mark Saners (one of the most amazing drummers ever...you are all sad to me)

[Michael G]

Baby Dodds
Zutty Singleton
Tony Sbarbaro
Gene Krupa
Big Sid Catlett
Chick Webb
Jo Jones
Louie Bellson
Joe Morello
Buddy Rich

Kind of an odd when to most others.....

[Erik Lund]

Louie Bellson (mom gave me about 30 albums of him when I first started)
Elvin Jones (my favorite, such an emotional heavy heavyweight...)
Buddy Rich (yes, even though I find him completely boring now)
Philly Joe Jones (his sense of swing and rudiments)
Papa Jo Jones (swing swing swing)
Shadow Wilson (totally underrated and unknown...)
Jimmy Lovelace (ditto)
Nasheet Waits (1 lesson and he totally messed my mind up - in the best way)
Hamid Drake (the king of the drums)
Eddie Prevost (the smartest, most intellectual drummer I've ever talked to)
Joe Chambers (Footprints...'nough said)
GL Stone (you kids know his main book but do you use Accents & Rebounds too?!?!)
Joe Morello (his books, not his playing)
Jim Chapin (ditto + private instruction)
Lionel Hampton (those floor tom solos are ridiculous)
Gene Krupa (my mom spoon-fed him to me)
Mark Saners (one of the most amazing drummers ever...you are all sad to me)
Rashied Ali (hated him for the stories I heard - loved his playing always)
Ginger Baker ("Toad" - my dad's answer to Mom giving me all that big band jazz)
Tony Williams (simply astounding. More people need to know...)
Susie Ibarra (met her in NYC and fell in love...With her playing! amazing)
Hamid Drake (are you even reading these? Go buy Emancipation Proclomation)
Dylan van der Schyff (I haven't heard drumming like him...ever)
Han Bennink (Buddy who? Oh I'm sorry...This guy also has artistic vision...)

etc etc

Eric McPherson
Charlie Persip
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

[fourstringdrums]

Bernard Purdie (probably my biggest at the moment)
Steve Gadd
Dom Famularo
Rick Allen (just from his determination as a disabled drummer, not really musically)
Billy Ward
Pistol Allen
Uriel Jones
Benny Benjamin
Jabo Starks
Clyde Stubblefield
JoJo Mayer
Tom Ruckey (current teacher)
Don Kirby (old teacher)
John Blackwell
D'erico Watson

That's a good list for now :)

[Erik Lund]

Max Roach
Max Roach
Max Roach
Max Roach
Max
Mr. Roach
Max Roach
Maxwell Roach
Max Roach
Max Roach
Max Roach

[pdp 9091]

updated list

John Bonham
Neil Peart
Chad Smith
Travis Barker
Matt Sorum
Keith Moon
The Rev

[Ozzy Biz]

The guys that I'm really into are all groove-based drummers

?uestlove
Steve Jordan
JP Gastier
Stanton Moore

as well as a heap of reggae, funk & blues drummers. They're all the cats that get a great feel going, usually with a shuffle, swagger or swing feel, and don't play a myriad of fills with umpteen toms, etc. Just pure, hard groove.

[mitchjames50]

Mike Portnoy
Neil Peart
Bill Bruford
Gavin Harrison
Chris Adler
Lars Ulrich (he got me into drums so had an early influence but not so much now)

[LiveGoat]

I think I posted a list before in this thread but I can't find it so I'll add Bobby McIntyre formerly (recently) of the Twilight Singers.

also.............................................. ............(sips wine).....Satan!


---LG

[Gilded]

Joey Jordison
Chris Adler
Spug
Marthus/Adrian (Cradle Of Filth)
Virgil Donati

[tomsmithkinross]

Chad Smith Started me off.
Brad Wilk Kept me going (Rage in particular).
Michael Barker is my favourite and Nicky Bomba is pretty sick too.

[Street Crab]

John Stanier -- originally of Helmet, Tomahawk, Battles, TMOC
Danny Carey -- Tool
Abe Cunningham -- Deftones
Tim Alexander -- Primus, and various..
Morgan Rose -- Sevendust
Josh Freese -- A Perfect Circle, Black Light Burns, and various..
Alex Albert -- formerly of Project 86
Sean Kinney -- Alice In Chains
Mitch Mitchell -- Jimi Hendrix Experience


Stanier was my main reason for wanting play. Helmet was/is one of my all time favorite bands. I've definitely listened to my share, and have always loved John's sound and pulse-pounding rhythm. The others are various drummers/percussionists off the top of my head that I've paid particular attention to over the years within my addiction to music. There are many more.

[NIMBY]

when i first got into drumming, the one soul person who made me want to drum was Travis Barker. i was obsessed with Blink so i guess thats how it happened, playing along to his songs was so much fun

these days its more

Brooks Wackerman (Bad Religion) - he is so fluid

Josh Freese (The Vandals / other bands, i mostly admire his Vandals work) - such creative fills and killer speed

Tony Royster Jr. - That dude showed me what real chops were!

[TOMANO]

Andy Newmark - Restraint, heavy pocket, definite groove. His stuff with Sly & The Family Stone and Roxy Music is some of my favorite drumming. His commitment is 100% to the song.

Bill Bruford - Boundless musicality. Drummer as composer. Thinks in terms of integration between players. Incredible talent. One of my all-time favorite musicians.

Terry Bozzio - Innovative approach to the kit is inspiring and admirable, though I don't have much of his style in my playing. He's off the charts in my book and has taken drumset playing to the next plateau.

Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) - Added very musical and melodic parts to his role. Greatly underrated.

Aynsley Dunbar - Remarkably versatile. Played any genre at top level. A drummer's drummer.

Paul Thompson - Roxy Music drummer, played incredibly well and enhanced every song with good choices and support. Check out his stuff on the albums "Country Life" and "Siren" to hear what I mean.

Vinnie Colaiuta - Like Bozzio, a source of awe and admiration, not necessarily a relatable style to my approach.

Buddy Rich - Tops in my book.

If I had to say who had the most direct influence on my playing, I would have to note a combination of Newmark, Ward, Thompson and Buford. (Not that I'm anywhere NEAR their levels, mind you!)

I would also point out some local players that I've grown up watching and digging in Chicago:

Gregg Potter - Excellent showman and hard driving monster of a player.

Tom Scheckl - Plays with The Buckinghams now. Another monster.

Bob Berg - Plays with The Stanley Paul Orchestra. Incredible musician. Wonderful human being.

Rock On!

TOMANO

[StriveForMelody]

The biggies (not necessarily the most influential in my overall playing, but the cats I always practice along with):

Jo Jones

Philly Joe Jones

Vernel Fournier

Sonny Payne

Al Jackson, Jr.

Zigaboo

All these cats just have inimitable groove and style worth soaking up. For the cats with real progressive ideas and unique sounds, I prefer to just listen. I may be more influenced by Tony Williams, but I'd rather try to groove along with Al Jackson. Dig?

[bumhead]

sounds corny,but I'm not a 'drummers' fan.solo's rarely interest me,and although I can clearly see how drumming influences other drummers,I'm more into songs and song structure.A good song moves me more than a good drum beat.The first song which got me thinking about drumming was 'Phantom of the Opera' by Iron Maiden,even though the drummings not particularly hard it really got me fired up,and wanted to make me hit things :)

[druid]

I will try to go in order as much as posible...


Drum Track to Jesus Christ Superstar ( London cast)
Peter Criss
'Music Minus One' recording drummer
Ringo
John Bonham
Cozy Powell
Neil Peart
Gene Krupa
Terry Bozzio
Stewart Copeland
Billy Cobham
Lenny White
Simon Phillips
Vinnie Coliauta
Rod Morgenstein
Chad Wackerman
Tony Williams
Manu Katche
Gregg Bissonette
Dave Weckl
Buddy Rich (although I had heard him plenty earlier)
Louie Bellson ( See Buddy)
Tim Herb Alexander
Cindy Blackman
Elvin Jones
Gary Novak
Marco Minneman
Jo Jo Mayer
Ari Hoenig
Gavin Harrison

And literally I am forgetting a bunch of others who I have liked and been influnced by over the years for sure!

[Dimroc]

#1 Gavin Harrison - He's simply incredible. Tasteful, heavy when needed, dynamic, technical, he's got it all in his bag of tricks
#2 Mike Portnoy - I've loved listening to all of his projects. The guy is balls-to-the-wall 24/7.
#3 Josh Freese - His work with APC blew my mind.
#4 Carter Beauford - The groove! The groove! It's unparalleled. Carter lays it down.
#5 Steve Gadd - When I first heard "Spanish Fantasy Pt. 1" and the amazing snare & kick in the intro...I was hooked.

These are my top guys...I love the rest (Rich, Weckl, etc.) but these are the guys I listen to most and have sculpted my style.

[Pavlos]

Influenced by lots, but the tops are (in no particular order).

Stewart Copeland
Neil Peart
Billy Cobham
Bill Bruford
Keith Moon
Manu Katche
JoJo Mayer
Alan White
Phil Collins
Max Weinberg
Ringo Starr
Steve Gadd
Dave Grohl
Tim Alexander
Jimmy Chamberlin
Boris Williams

[Clayton_C]

Tony Williams (for his solid ride playing)

Max Roach (for his jilting, melodic style)

David Garibaldi (for hitting the punches and grooving through it)

Jojo Mayer (for mixing up 16th and sextuplets between left hand and right foot)

Larry Mullen, Jr. (for playing 16th note rock beats that would normally be cheesy and incorportating them into great arena rock)

Dave Weckl (for truly playing "In the Pocket")

Bernie Dresel (for being a great, crazy modern big-band drummer)

Steve Gadd (for showing how AWESOME simplicity can be when mixed with ingenuity)

[CavGator]

As a kid, I loved (and largely still love):

1. Ringo: For the deceptively difficult fills. Less is more, but still creative.

2. Carl Palmer: Single stroke rolls, superb snare work, technique.

3. Bill Bruford: Effortless, efficient, graceful, hits his drums like they are made of glass.

4. Michael Giles: Creativity, snare work.

5. Keith Moon: Energy, enthusiasm.

6. Billy Cobham/Narada Michael Walden: Superhuman skills.

7. Bonham/Alan White/Cozy Powell: Great bashers when i was in the mood to slam the skins.

Today, I would add:

1. Hal Blaine: Less is more. Very tasteful.

2. Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Vinnie, Ralph Humphrey, Manu Kache: Can play ANY style with just the right approach, and make any music glitter!

3. Bozzio, Portnoy, Wackerman, Peart, Bissonette, Harrison: Worthy carriers of the Palmer/Mitchell/Bruford torch.

4. Roach, Jones, Blakey, Morello: Without them, who knows how drumming would develop?

5. Gene, Buddy, Louie: The Big Three who basically started it all...

[mattsdrums]

it's interesting but not so surprising that the same names tend to crop up time & again ... there is a reason some of these guys are so succesful huh?!

I would say I'm probably influenced in some way or another by almost every drummer I hear, but if forced to name a few I would mention, in no particular order...

Levon Helm
Steve Jordan
Ginger Baker
Fred Below
Charlie Watts
Earl Palmer
Steve Gadd
Jim Keltner
Steve White
Elvin Jones
Pete Thomas
Zig Modeliste
Sonny Freeman
Buddy, Gene & Louie
anyone who played with Ray Charles
Michael Shrieve
Kenny Clarke
Bernard Purdie
Ringo
more recently I've been well into Stanton Moore

oh the list could go on for ever ... etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc etc!!!

Then there are the unsung heroes, friends and teachers that have been instrumental (no pun intended!) in helping me develop my own voice ... again, this list could go on forever ...

Tom Meadows, Dean Beresford, Justin Scott, Bosco D'Oliviera ... etc etc etc

I raise my glass & tip my hat to all of you!

[Naigewron]

I'll just copy and paste the "influences" section from my MySpace page (http://www.myspace.com/naigewron) ;-)

The drummers that inspire my playing directly these days tend to be groove-oriented players, with enough skill to play rock-steady grooves, and show off when the music calls for it (along with a couple of chop animals):
- Daniel Adair (Nickelback, Martone)
- Chad Szeliga (Breaking Benjamin)
- Ray Luzier (Army Of Anyone, Korn)
- Jeff Campitelli (Joe Satriani)
- Neil Sanderson (Three Days Grace)
- Ben Hall (The Butterfly Effect)
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
- Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, etc)
...and so on.

Then there are the guys who are just in a league of their own, who I use as a source of inspiration, but who I simply aren't able to "steal" much from:
- Mike Mangini (James LaBrie, Steve Vai, Annihilator, etc)
- Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, 03ric)
- Simon Phillips (Toto, Gary Moore, etc)
- Marco Minnemann (Paul Gilbert, Necrophagist, etc)

[DoublebassFTW]

Ahhhh here's a few off the top of my head.

Neil Peart
Travis Barker
Mike Portnoy
Dave Grohl
Taylor Hawkins
Alex Rodriguez (drummer from saosin NOT the baseball player lol)
Michael Thomas

[SGT_Drummer]

holy crap! where to begin?

Travis Barker
Lars Ulrich (his EARLY days)
Jon Theodore
Fabrizio Moretti (The Strokes)
Tony Royster Jr.
Dave Weckl
Buddy Rich
Gene Krupa (the original showman)
Neil Peart
Dennis Chambers
Max Roach

and that's just off the top of my head! probably too many others to mention.

[paradiddler]

Hi guys.

I have somewhat of a different slant on this topic, but very related. I look at how I currently play and think when I play, and I think who I'm trying to imitate, even subconsciously. To me, that would be Neil Peart. No, I can't play like him, but his style heavily influenced (and influences!) my approach. I wrote an article about this on my blog that I hope you find interesting:

The Reference Drummer (http://theparadiddler.com/2008/08/27/the-reference-drummer/)

I'd love to know what you think, and share it here (there too, if you like!). By the way, these are some of my other influences:

Steve Smith
Alex Van Halen
Alan White
Thomas Lang

Well, that's the short list. Drum on!

[freebirdgdw]

Good thread!

My main influence is probably Dave Grohl. When I first started playing I learnt a few Tenacious D songs and after loving them I learnt a couple of Nirvana tracks and a couple Queens of the Stoneage. Because of this exposure to Dave Grohl from very early on (Grohl-sure) it has really influenced my playing. Now I play solid rock with the occasional explosion!!!

others include:

Travis Barker
Jon Dolyman (spelt right?)
John Fred Young
Ed Graham (The Darkness anybody?)
Vinnie Paul

there's many more but can't be bothered traipsing through my iPod.

[vinngadd]

When I first started playing drums, I had only heard of two names because they were two guys one of my friends was listening to. Those two drummers are Carter Beauford and Dave Weckl. However, these two weren't an influence on me at all. The drummers that had a great impact on me were, at the time, nameless drummers but played on all of the stuff my father listened to all the time. Once I got to college and actually started paying attention to who was playing drums, I ran into five names CONSISTENTLY those names are:

Steve Gadd
Steve Ferrone
Jeff Porcaro
Ricky Lawson
Vinnie Colaiuta

These guys were on like everything I was listening to. And they are all still a huge influence to me. Other drummers who have impacted my playing are, in no particular order, and I know I'm going to leave someone out........

Gerald Heyward
Adrian Young
Jojo Mayer
Brian Blade
Max Roach
Elvin Jones
Aaron Spears
Chris Dave
Antonio Sanchez
Cliff Almond
Thomas Pridgen
Andrew Marsh
Kendrick Scott
Tom Arey
Rick Marotta
Chad Smith
Terreon Gully
George "Spanky" McCurdy
Horacio Hernandez
Dafnis Prieto
David Garibaldi
Fred White
Ralph Johnson
Steve Jordan
J.J. Johnson
J.R. Robinson
Lil' John Roberts
John Bonham
Stewart Copeland
Travis Barker
Steve Smith
Gregory Hutchinson
Art Blakey
Tony Williams

I know I left someone out.........this is a dangersous thread!!!! LOL!!!!!

[natureboy]

John Bonham
Phill Rudd
Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Chad Smith
Joey Jordison

[lhindependance]

Kenny Clare
Peter Cater
Buddy Rich
Steve Gadd
Alex Acuna
Dave Weckl
Joe Morello
Tommy Igoe
Vinny Colauita
Gregg Bissonette
Dennis Chambers
Danny Barcelona
Peter Brown

[Ian Williams]

I have been influenced by many, many drummers but mainly are the old school:

Bill Ward - Ian Paice - Carmine Appice - John Bonham - Cozy Powell.

In addition, Ginger Baker ~ Mitch Mitchell ~ Clive Burr ~ Ivan de Prume ~ Phil Rudd.

[Strangelove]

Phil Rudd and Charlie Watts.

LOL - Just kidding.

My main influences were guys like Danny Seraphine of early Chicago days, Carl Palmer of ELP Days, and Neil Peart. Speed, timing, and syncopated rythms. And of course all three of these guys were greatly influenced by Rich, Krupa, Bellson, et al.

[LinearDrummer]

I'm looking at this thread and I've noticed no one has mentioned any of their teachers...
I mean c'mon wouldn't your instructors have some influence on you?

I'm giving props to mine!
Rick Latham
Chuck Silverman
Frank Briggs
Jeff Deleon ( RIP died from cancer) - one of my earliest teachers who took me under his wing and opened my eyes to guys like Gadd and Weckl....showed me that there was more to drumming than just Neil Peart. I would pay for a 1/2 lesson but he would sit there for 1 1/2 to 2 hours teaching me stuff. He'll always be remembered!

[dannypenalver]

These are the people that have influenced me and the main reason...

Here they go!!!

Jeff Porcaro (shuffle and half time groove master genious)
Gavin Harrison ( in time playing and amazing acuracy)
Todd Sucherman (musicality to no end)
Steve smith ( from the player he was, to the one he is these days)
Steve Gadd (control on the snare drum,and patterns)
Gene Krupa ( 1-beat and blows the house down)
Dave Weckl ( on a league of his own haha!!)
Ricky Lawson ( a man who knows what grooving means)
Virgil Donati (best double bass drum playing I will ever see)

and many more.....

[Ian Williams]

I'm looking at this thread and I've noticed no one has mentioned any of their teachers...
I mean c'mon wouldn't your instructors have some influence on you?

I'm giving props to mine!
Rick Latham
Chuck Silverman
Frank Briggs
Jeff Deleon ( RIP died from cancer) - one of my earliest teachers who took me under his wing and opened my eyes to guys like Gadd and Weckl....showed me that there was more to drumming than just Neil Peart. I would pay for a 1/2 lesson but he would sit there for 1 1/2 to 2 hours teaching me stuff. He'll always be remembered!

If I had one - teacher, instructor - of course, I would mentioned it with pride but never had one for free, couldn't afford to pay one. I am self-made and still learning, the art of drumming.

Cheers,

[Dave_Major]

Here goes, (no particular order but i will justify)

In the beginning...

John Dolmayan - So brillaintly inventive and heavy at the same time!
Dave McLain - Always plays what the song needs and does it with great power.
Stevie Wonder - Genius..nuff said
Animal - Because the first song I learned on the set was Moving Right Along from the muppets movie.


Present
Rodney Holmes - Chops + groove = Brilliant!
Thomas Lang - not because i want to be like him but because he inspires me to constantly challenge everything. Anything is possible.
And he's a really nice guy to chat to..bonus!
Jojo mayer - because he saved my drumming career!
Steve Smith - Just awesome
John Riley - everything is so effortless and smooth.


books I am going through at the moment are influencing my current ideas.

George L Stone - Stick Control and Accents & Rebounds
John Riley - Jazz Drummers Workshop
Jim Chapin - Advanced techniques
Dom Famularo - Its your move

Finally the big 2.
My drum teachers I have had.
Jim ' Papa Dubbs'
Martin Duffy

I think a teacher plays a great role in inspiring their students. I am a teacher now and I hope I can inspire my students in the same way I have been inspired.

Dave

[Strangelove]

Rodney Holmes - Chops + groove = Brilliant!


Yeah,

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/rodneyholmesmd2005.html

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/rodneyholmesgroove.html

[bdrums777]

my big 3 as i refer to them are first and foremost.

1) abe laboriel jr.
2) steve jordan
2) steve gadd

somewhere in there lies the perfect drummer...

[curiousnomad]

My first post...and in no order....

Elvin Jones
Tony Williams
Roy Haynes
Jack Dejohnette
Papa Jo Jones
Billy Higgins
Bill Stewart
Brian Blade
Vinnie Colaiuta
Joe Chambers
Baby Dodds
Milford Graves
Max Roach
Philly Joe Jones
and almost everyone I've ever heard

[wy yung]

http://http://www.drummerworld.com/drummerchoice.html

Pretty much everyone there. ^

[yesdog]

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

[yesdog]

I failed to 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)

[bigtom59]

Neil Peart, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, John Bonham.

[ccsimms]

some of my favorites:
Jon Karel
Bobby Jarzombek
Danny Walker
Brann Dailor
Chris Pennie
Tomas Haake
Derek Roddy
Peter Magadini
Gary Novak
alot more...

[vegassuper]

Phil Collins
Chester Thompson
Art Blakey
Billy Higgins
Philly Joe Jones
Steve Jordan

[curiousnomad]

Phil Collins
Chester Thompson
Art Blakey
Billy Higgins
Philly Joe Jones
Steve Jordan

Very nice mix- they all have that thang.

[sqadan]

There's more - but these guys really influenced me during my formative years:

Stewart Copeland
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Brendan Canty
Billy Fica
Steve Shelley
Joe Morello
John Bonham
Topper Headon
Earl Hudson
Bill Berry
Steve White
Adam Wade
Zach Barocas

[Syrith]

Mitch Mitchell, Keith Moon, Ginger Baker

[RogerLudwig]

Charlie Watts and Bill Kreutzmann

[whiterhino]

in the present time; to keep it short and sweet..

Bernard Purdie
Clive Bunker
Jojo Mayer
Chirstopher Guanlao

[Random Name 123]

Alan Wren
Tony Allen
Topper Headon
Keith Moon

Also many others, mostly seemingly old, black jazz & funk players from the '70s and back such as Papa Jones, Clyde Stubblefield, Jabo and so on.

Sidenote - anyone else hear the funk in Keith Moon's playing?

[whiterhino]

Random Name 123 - i agree that you can pick out some funk from Keith Moons drumming, i can really hear it in the song Christmas (but thats my ears) from the Tommy album. To me its the way he plays his cymbals.

[maggie897]

ray luzier. joey jordison.

[infamouspdp]

John Bonham
Artimus Pyle
Alex Van Halen
Steven Adler
Lars Ulrich
Chad Smith
Travis Barker
Shannon Larkin
Chad Sexton
Scott Phillips
Sam Loeffler
Jimmy Sullivan
Morgan Rose
Vinnie Paul
Dave Grohl

[lo-fi]

No particular order:

Topper Headon
Charlie Watts
Keith Moon
Steve White
Clem Burke
DJ Bonebrake
Brendan Canty

[KBadd]

A to Z.........................................

[Biscuit]

Ok i'll play.

No particluar order...

Dave Abbruzzese
John Tempesta
Shannon Larkin
Morgan Rose
Tommy Lee
Niko McBrain
Sean Kinney
Ray Luzier
Rick Allen
Chad Smith
Daniel Adair
Danny Carey
Dave Grohl
Steven Adler
Taylor Hawkins
Dominic Howard
Bill Ward
Scott Rockenfield
David Silveria
Will Calhoun
Matt Sorum
Joey Kramer
Mike Bordin
Blake Richardson
Tommy Clufetos
Steve Gorman
Lars Ulrich
Phil Rudd

[conchrandy]

Then-Rich, Krupa, Morello, Roach

Now-Stanton Moore, Steve Smith, Dave Weckl, Gavin Harrison

[Jivi]

Shinya from Dir en Grey, Benny Greb, Travis Orbin, Virgil Donati, Jojo Mayer, Thomas Lang, Dave Weckl, Bobby Jarzombek, Grant Collins

They would be my top picks

[Frost]

I play a lot of different styles and write fairly Avant-Garde music so I have quite a diverse set of influences,

I guess the most influential drummer would have to be Louie Bellson, he inspired me to pick up a kit in the first place.

Nicky Bomba is a local drummer I really admire, I loved his work on Sunrise Over Sea by the John Butler Trio.

On the heavier side of things, Martin Lopez of Opeth, Sean Reinert of Cynic/Death and Johan Hallgren (ex-Pain of Salvation), all of them proved to me that metal drumming doesn't have to be "extreme" and that while metal is signifcantly denser then a lot of music there is still a place for texture.

[moqtev]

Jeff Porcaro (times ten)
Brian Blade
Per Lindvall
Dave Weckl

[Russ Morse]

Gavin Harrison
Jojo Mayer
Jeff Porcaro
Steve Gadd
Steve Smith.
and my Grandfather.......

[BuddyBeaufordGaddNeil]

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

[metaldrummer28]

Shannon Lucas,Vinnie Paul, Chris Adler, Joey Jordison, Gene Hoglan, Richard Christy, Neal Peart

[Hercules]

yes, lots...

Pierre Moerlen firstly

and in no particular order....
Pip Pyle
John Bonham
Buddy Rich
Clayton Cameron
Phil Collins
Charlie Watts
Ringo
Bobby Caldwell
Louis Burdett
Alan Turnbull
Simon Phillips
Terry Bozzio
Bill Bruford

[Fishbones]

Tony Williams
Max Roach
Clyde Stubblefield
Ringo Starr
Jojo Mayer
Adam Deitch
Elvin Jones
John Bonham
Stanton Moore

[Wick]

Nick Mason
Mitch Mitchell
Chad Smith
John Bonham
Alex Van Halen

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few, but those are the mains..

[joe182]

Travis barker
Glenn porter, Mike femulee, Derek grant(all have played for alkaline trio)
My cousin who inspired me to get a set when i was younger.

Im sure theres more but i cant remember them all haha

[scorch whammin]

John Bonham
Buddy Rich
Dave Weckl
Vinnie Colauita
Neil Peart
Ian Paice
Steve Gadd......and on and on....

[vtmathndrums]

Travis barker
Glenn porter, Mike femulee, Derek grant(all have played for alkaline trio)
My cousin who inspired me to get a set when i was younger.

Im sure theres more but i cant remember them all haha

Derek Grant's playing on The Suicide Machine's first two albums is basically a handbook on what good ska-punk drumming should sound like.

[Florian]

Neil Peart
John Bonham
Keith Emerson
Keith Moon
Gavin Harrison


gotta say that is my list....a couple of bangers, a couple of mathrockers and Keith.


F

[Spinozalove]

John Bonham
Brendon Canty
Chad Smith
Billie Cobham
Elvin Jones
Tony Williams
Jojo Mayer

[j.son]

viv prince from the pretty things...definitly a huge influence on me...nice rythmic breakups and solid lightning quick jazz fills in an r&b setting..but with a surf rock sound
and cindy blackman....her playing is soooo energized.like she puts all that pent up jazz chop rage into a simple 2-4 beat with lenny.
my friend bam bam from j.f.a. is a huge influence...he is like the ozzy of drummers

[Kenny Allyn]

Actually mostly local guys ... but then again this is Memphis
and you can't throw a dead cat in any direction
without hitting a badd azz drummer or two.

A few of the great local cats ...

W.C. Garrison (My rhythm secion partner for the last five years)
Dennis Falanga (My current rhythm section partner)
Ron Perrone Jr. (Ex of The Dempseys)
Rodd Bland (Bobby Blue Blands son)
Pee Wee Jackson (You see him on MyCymbal sometimes)
Big Harry Peel (THE master of using just a kick and snare)

Ron Perrone Jr with bassist Slick Joe Fick

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k220/kennyallyn/RonandJoe.jpg

[madidus]

Ringo
Brian Bennett
Mitch Mitchell
Josh Freese
Jimmy Chamberlin
Chad Smith
Bill Ward

[Pollyanna]

I'm not sure I know any more. There are various times I've adapted my own version of another drummer's lick, or feel or their approach to space but whenever I've posted stuff people say I sound a bit like some drummer I've never heard of. Then I check out that other drummer and see the similarities.

For the most part, it's the usual suspects - Ringo, Mitch, Bonzo, Gadd etc (yawn) ... add Sol Amarfio because I love African drumming (in measured doses) and also I find Bill Bruford's willingness to try non standard approaches is inspiring as well as the bright sounds in his kit.

Hercules, glad you mentioned some of those guys - Pierre Moerlen was fabulous, right up there with the best, and Pip Pyle was one of those players who was always spoken about a lot less than other without his imagination and talent. Same could be said about Robert Wyatt before he fell and became wheelchair bound.

[wisemeat96]

Pretty much drummers in the "fusion" area.
I would say my four main influences are:

Vinnie Coluatia - For his ability to play many different genres and play beats and fills that
fit the music.

Billy Cobham - For single stroke roll (which I am pretty good at) and those ligntin' fast fusion beats.

Dave Weckl - For precision and the way his playing "flows".

Lenny White - For those laid-back funky fusion beats.

P.S. I'm not saying I've mastered all of these traits. These are just some of the things that I've tried to incorporate into my playing, and I'm pretty good at a few of them.

[Timekeep69]

Peter Criss
Tommy Lee
Carmine Appice
Nick Menza
Iggor Cavalera
Vinnie Paul
Dave Lombardo

[N.I.B.]

In no particular order:

Mats Ekstrom (Candlemass' very first drummer)
Jan Lindh (the guy that replaced Mats after their first CD)
Bill Ward
Vinny Appice
Carmine Appice
Bonham
Ian Paice
Mike Portnoy
Neil Peart
Terry Williams (Dire Straits, anyone?)
Mick Fleetwood
Anders Eek
Aynsley Dunbar
Pete Sandoval
Derek Roddy
Stewart Copeland
Dave Lombardo
Paul Bostaph
Andrea Vadrucci
Alex Van Halen

Most of these guys are in the rock / metal business, so I'd say the nature of their music accounts for why I'm a hard hitter. A good portion of metal is really fast, but I prefer the slow but bombastic style of Anders / Jan / Mats. My style itself, as I see it, comes mostly from what these guys don't play rather than what they do play - in simpler terms, I'll take a recorded fill and play something completely different from it that still works for what I'm playing. The way I work is that I strive to be an unorthodox player - the one that follows what he think works best for the music no matter what and will actually use every single piece of a monster-size kit if put in that type of situation.

[con struct]

I just thought of another guy who influenced me; it was Carl Cunningham's drumming on the tune "Soulfinger."

[Numberless]

For actually starting to play: Lars Ulrich and Mike Portnoy, Metallica was the first band that I paid attention to just the drums, Dreamtheater, the first time I heard Metropolis Pt. 1, I thought it was impossible, that only Mike could do that.

Other influential drummers:

Brian Viglione (of The Dresden Dolls)
Kashikura Takashi (of Toe)
Akira Jimbo
Matt Greiner (of August Burns Red)
Blake Richardson (of Between the Buried and Me)
Jojo Mayer
Benny Greb

Right now I'm pretty much obsessed with Benny's playing, I love everything about it.

And of course, a wide range of local drummers and musicians, from my dad to other band's drummers in the local scene, other drummers in college, the professors, ect.

[jfarrell]

Vinnie Paul
Bill Ward
Chad Smith
Gar Samuelson
Mike Portnoy
Derek Roddy
Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor
Buddy Rich
Billy Cobham
John Bonham
To name a few

[viraj.bharat]

Tony Allen
Buddy Rich
Jojo Mayer
Dave Weckl
Stewart Copeland
Steve Gadd

[JimboJim]

All Time #1 - Jimmy Chamberlin

Short List
- Mick Fleetwood
- Al Jackson Jr
- Keith Moon
- Danny Carey

[ELPdrummer]

Carl Palmer
Buddy Rich
Peter Rivera

[ineedaclutch]

Iggor Cavalera


I haven't thought about Sepultura in a long time. Thanks for the reminder!

[I-Wan]

Here are the ones I listen and studied the most:

Kruno Levačić (Croatian best jazz and all drummer and my old teacher)
Janko Novoselić (one of the best Croatian drummers)
Steve Jordan
Questlove
Stewart Copeland
Ringo Starr
Art Blakey
Brian Blade
Benny Greb
Steve Gadd

Also any other good drummer I've ever heard...:)

[joezack2003]

the one and only billy cobham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPHd2NyQ4TM

[Dan79]

The first time I got hooked on drumming was when I was about 8-9 years old and I watched one of my Dad's Genesis' videos.

Chester Thompson was on the drums but it was when they played Home By The Sea (My all-time favourite song) and Phil Collins got behind the drums during Second Home By The Sea. I was like 'whoah. That is sooo coool'

He influenced me so much that even though I'm right handed I learned to play left handed!

These days (in my 30's) I'd have to say Carter Beauford (I play open now), Matt Cameron, Danny Carey, Chad Smith, Johnny Rabb and more recently Jojo Mayer would be my main influences. Heaps more too.

[Themeerkatdrummer]

No real order:
Jukka nelavainen
Dave grohl
Ray luzier
Terry Bozzio
Buddy Rich
Lars Urich
Mike portnoy
Neil peart
Jimmy "the rev" sullivan

[careerdrummer]

A drummer that has heavily influenced me and millions more: Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste.

A Ziggy drum beat transcription: http://wp.me/pRlGU-6U

[drum_aruba]

Steve Jordan
Benny Greb
Steve Gadd

The GROOVE masters!

[thunderstruck]

Buddy Rich
Chad Smith
Charlie Watts
Eric Singer
Keith Moon
Neil Peart
Phil Collins
Ringo Starr
Stewart Copeland

And my first drum teacher Jimmy Green.

[Drumbo]

Chad Smith
John Bonham
Dennis Chambers
Todd Sucherman
Jojo Mayer
Stephen Perkins

to name a few :P

[Midnite Zephyr]

When I'm playing a part in an original song or a jam and what I'm playing fits the song but feels like it could be better, I always ask myself while I'm playing, "what would Bonham do here(?)". So I guess JB is my biggest influence. He always seems to know the perfect beat or feel for the song. I'm sure he didn't think of the perfect beat for the song on the first take everytime, but whatever beat ended up on the record always sounded perfect for the song, IMHO.

[Jeff Almeyda]

Every drummer that I've ever heard and liked has influenced me one way or another. But my real list is that of those teachers who have shaped me.

Rod Morgenstein
Joe Morello
Dom Famularo
Mike Mangini
Art Verdi
Tommy Igoe.

I also took lessons from

Jim Chapin
Tim Waterson

Looking back, I would have to say that Mike and Tommy had the biggest overall influence on my sound.Two VERY different drummers yet both masters of their instrument.

[britchops]

Phil Gould/Gary Husband - Level 42 80's jazz/funk band

Fantastic chops!

[D Money]

Nick Mason (Mainly)
Ringo Starr
Keith Moon
Dennis Wilson
John Bonham

[Mad About Drums]

Right, it's long overdue, but here's a list of drummers who influenced me over the years, some more than others...

Firstly, the mighty Simon Phillips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rxYw7Y45Eo

...then in no particular order (as they're coming through in my dying memory cells)

Jeff Porcaro
Steve Gadd
Dave weckl
Vinnie Colaiuta
Peter Erskine
Jojo Mayer
Cozy Powell
Ian Paice
Billy Cobham
Manu Katché
Abe Laboriel
Benny Greb
Keith Carlock
Cindy Blackman
Neil Peart
Steve Jordan
Brian Blade
Ringo Starr
Steve Smith
John Bonham
Keith Moon
Carmine Appice
Nick Mason
Peter Criss
Stanton Moore
Chad Smith

There's probably more, but I can't think of them right now....

[Marsh-King]

John Bonham
Neil Peart
Ringo Starr
Roger Taylor

[Formless Method]

The one and only Buddy Rich

[drumdruid]

Mr Copeland
Mr Bonham
Mr Rich
Mr Belson

& Mr Basley ( who lived next door to me as a kid & played vibraphone and drums .. )

[MaryO]

As someone fairly new to this whole drumming thing...I don't have a long list of "influences" because before I decided to take it up myself, I really didn't study drummers per se...I just knew what I liked. But I would have to say the following were ones that made me want to take up drumming:

Phil Collins
Ringo Starr
Neil Peart
Roger Taylor
Sheila E
Gene Krupa
Buddy Rich
Bev Bevins
Karen Carpenter

These were ones I would watch and say, I want to do that someday!

[wildbil]

Ditto to Marys post.....In this past year my perception on drummers as changed...Listening to music in the last 45 years to wanting to play music in this past year gives music a whole new meaning to me at least..Good to see Charlie Watts name on here I practice to him more then anyone else....

[Rockadian]

John Bonham
Mitch Mitchell
Ansley Dunbar
Mike Derosier
Ian Paice
Simon Phillips
Nigel Glockler
Randy Black
Bobby Jarzombek