Well, here it is, The 100 Best Rock Drummers Ever! From early rock ‘n’ rollers, to metal powerhouses, we’ve listed the best rock drummers the world has ever seen.
Of course, music and drumming is subjective, and everyone will have their own idea of who the best drummers are. You might not agree with the list and that’s fine. It’s more of a ball park ranking than anything truly exact.
Ok, we’ll start off at the bottom and work our way up to the coveted number one spot.
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Ok, that’s the first half of The 100 Best Rock Drummers Ever! list done and dusted. Things are hotting up as the The 100 Best Rock Drummers Ever! continues and we get down to the coveted number 1 spot. Let’s take a look…
100. Sandy Nelson
Born – 12/1938 | Nationality – American | Group – Solo Artist
Starting off the 100 best rock drummers list is Sandy Nelson. Drumming in the 50’s, Sandy was one of the guys that inspired countless people to pick up the sticks. His flowing style, and cool beats sound just as good today.
99. Van Romaine
Born – unknown | Nationality – American | Group – Steve Morse, Sessions
Multi-talented Van Romaine has proved himself to be cracking rock drummer, not lacking in ability, speed, creativity or anything else really. A great player in all departments.
98. Matt Johnson
Born – 11/1970 | Nationality – American | Group – Sessions
Matt’s sometimes thunderous and exciting style can get you hooked on a song. His playing with the late Jeff Buckley also demonstrates how he can build a delicate groove into a magnificent wash of drums and cymbals full of passion.
97. Chester Thompson
Born – 12/1948 | Nationality – American | Genre – Frank Zappa, Genesis, Sessions
Chester’s funky-edged rock style always brings a smile to the face. He has immaculate time and feel even when playing a tricky Frank Zappa song. But, partly what makes one of the best rock drummers ever is that he’s just as good when laying down a straight beat.
96. John Densmore
Born – 12/1944 | Nationality – American | Group – The Doors
John’s playing with The Doors alone would be enough for him to earn his place in our best rock drummers list. His strengths are his real drumer feel and creativity. Not every note is perfectly in time, but that’s what makes it sound so good.
95. Ron Wilson
Born – 06/1945 | Nationality – American | Group – The Surfaris
Ron is a drumming icon. Back with The Surfaris in the 50’s, he tore it up with his fun-loving beats. Come on! The guy played the drum part on classic rock tune Wipeout…awsome.
94. Jose Pasillas
Born – unknown | Nationality – American | Group – Incubus
Rock drumming with a hint of hip-hop and latin is probably the best way to describe Jose’s sound. His playing with Incubus is always thoughtful, tasteful, and for the song, and he can also provide an interesting solo too.
93. Tommy Lee
Born – 10/1962 | Nationality – American | Group – Mötley Crüe, Methods Of Mayhem, Fuel, Sum 41
Tommy has certainly lived the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, but is he one of the best rock drummers ever? Well, yes! He’s made a big contribution to the world of rock drumming including monster fills, power beats, and super solos.
92. Lars Ulrich
Born – 12/1963 | Nationality – Danish | Group – Metallica
Metallica drummer, Lars Ulrich doesn’t play over complicated, flashy drum parts. He doesn’t need to. Instead, he uses his single stroke rolls and double kick drum skills to maximum effect and throws some interesting rhythms into the mix for good measure.
91. Charlie Watts
Born – 06/1941 | Nationality – British | Group – The Rolling Stones
Charlie’s style almost sounds out of time (in a good way), but it isn’t. He places the notes as far on edge of the beat as he can, producing a really lively feel. He’s the heart of The Stones’ music and can groove with the best of ’em.
90. Zak Starkey
Born – 09/1965 | Nationality – British | Group – Oasis, The Who
Standing in as drummer for The Who, and doing a stint with indie rockers Oasis among others, has helped Zak truly step out of his dad’s shadow. He has earned his reputation as a creative and intelligent player.
89. Randy Castillo
Born – 12/1950 | Nationality – Mexican | Group – Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, Red Square Black
The late Randy Castillo was one of rock’s great showmen, and was one of the best rock drummers to play with Ozzy. Big beefy rock drums, huge tom rolls, and driving beats. Just brilliant, in your face rock drumming.
88. Phil Selway
Born – 05/1967 | Nationality – British | Group – Radiohead
Not ever overplaying on a song isn’t as easy as it seems, but Phil always finds the best groove for Radioheads music and adds interesting and intricate drum parts, earning him a place on our best rock drummers list.
87. Travis Barker
Born – 11/1975 | Nationality – American | Group – Blink-182, +44, Box Car Racer, Transplants
Travis is one of the best rock drummers in the world thanks in no small part to his great technique, and unique style – a blend of rock, ska, hip-hop, and jazz. He knows how to rock out and has a great time doing it too.
86. Fred Coury
Born – 10/1964 | Nationality – American | Group – Cinderella
Piercing rock grooves and a solid, hard style are part of what makes Fred such a great player. He always brings his best to the table and plays with taste and class.
85. Vinnie Appice
Born – 09/1959 | Nationality – American | Group – Black Sabbath, Dio, Sessions
As the younger brother of rock drummer Carmine Appice, Vinnie comes from a super talented pack. He more than lives up to that and has his own unique style, not overplaying, but giving the music exactly what it needs.
84. Phil Taylor
Born – 09/1954 | Nationality – British | Group – Motorhead
Solid, powerful, fast, hard, and rockin’. These words really sum up the playing of Phil Taylor with Motorhead. Blazin’ rolls and cracking back beats launched him and the band into the rock ‘n’ roll big time.
83. Scott Rokenfield
Born – 06/1963 | Nationality – American | Group – Queensrÿche
Not the most technical drummer in the world, but he doesn’t need to be. Scott has a great feel, and can turn up the heat when it’s called for. Slick and stylish.
82. Brian Mantia
Born – 1964 | Nationality – American | Group – Primus, Guns N’ Roses, Praxis, Godflesh
What makes Brian ‘Brain’ Mantia one of the world’s best rock drummers is his versatility. That’s perhaps why he’s played with some of the most demanding acts around. He’s techincally great, and plays with a real intensity.
81. Steven Adler
Born – 01/1965 | Nationality – American | Group – Guns N’ Roses
Most well known as drummer with Guns N Roses in the 80’s, Steven’s playing was hard, solid and totally rockin’. He sounded like he could demolish a house with it.
80. Tomas Haake
Born – 07/1971 | Nationality – Swedish | Group – Meshuggah
As drummer with Swedish metal band Meshuggah, Tomas uses his very technical style of playing to great effect. His polyrhythms are both baffling and amazing at the same time. One of Sweden’s best rock drummers.
79. Clive Bunker
Born – 12/1946 | Nationality – British | Group – Jethro Tull
Clive played drums for Jethro Tull back in the 60’s and was friends with, and had similarities to both Carmine Appice and John Bonham. He quit in 1971 to be with his family, but his short contribution has had a huge impact.
78. Larry Mullen Jr.
Born – 10/1961 | Nationality – Irish | Group – U2
Often overlooked, Larry’s playing is deceptively clever. Simple drum parts can often be the best and Larry delivers them beautifully, but he can also turn it up a gear when it’s needed.
77. Mike Mangini
Born – 04/1963 | Nationality – American | Group – Extreme, Steve Vai, Sessions
Mike’s skills have kept him in demand for sessions, Extreme, and guitar god Steve Vai. He has an amazing amount of speed and held 3 out of 4 of the world’s fastest drummer records. But, he backs that up by being awsome in every other department too.
76. Mick Fleetwood
Born – 06/1947 | Nationality – British | Group – Fleetwood Mac
As drummer for Fleetwood Mac, Mick Fleetwood has prooved that he can deliver the goods with style. Never one to over do it, Mick played with a lot of taste, making him of the best rock drummers in his day.
75. Gregg Bissonette
Born – 06/1959 | Nationality – American | Group – David Lee Roth, Sessions
Gregg Bissonette is a great at playing jazz, swing, and funk, but his rock drumming with David Lee Roth and Steve Vai among others, shows he can bring the rock big time! Excellent technique too.
74. Pat Mastelotto
Born – 09/1955 | Nationality – American | Group – Mr. Mister, King Crimson, XTC
Pat Mastelotto has played with many great rock acts and has been an in-demand studio drummer too. He’s a powerful and driving drummer with heaps of feel, style, and creativity.
73. Steve Shelley
Born – 06/1962 | Nationality – American | Group – Sonic Youth
Sonic Youth’s music has benefitted from Steve Shelley’s solid and groovin’ style. Great use of the toms, maracas, and super dynamics are just some of his qualities.
72. John Weathers
Born – 02/1947 | Nationality – British | Group – Gentle Giant
John Weathers is best known for his drumming with prog rock band Gentle Giant. Apart from his drumming skills, he could pull some of the best drumming faces ever when he played.
71. John French
Born – 1949 | Nationality – American | Group – Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa
John’s creative, and stylish drumming with Captain Beefheart has influenced many other experimental musicans. His real drummer feel and grooves and right on the money.
70. Dennis Thompson
Born – 09/1948 | Nationality – American | Group – MC5
Dennis Thompson is best known for drumming with punk rockers MC5. He got the nickname “Machine Gun” because of his super fast, hard-hitting style resembling a Tommy Gun.
69. Christian Vander
Born – 02/1948 | Nationality – French | Group – Magma
Christian Vander’s band Magma have a very unique sound and are generally labelled as prog rockers. His drumming with them is often virtuosic and is full of ideas and action. Some his drum solos are a sight to be seen – nuts!
68. Clive Burr
Born – 03/1957 | Nationality – British | Group – Iron Maiden
Clive Burr was drummer with Iron Maiden on their first 3 records. He was brilliant at coming up with drum parts to match the band’s guitar and bass riffs, and had a raw and powerful style.
67. Brann Dailor
Born – 03/1975 | Nationality – American | Group – Mastodon
With metal band Mastodon, Brann Dailor has recieved a lot of acclaim for his drumming skills which incorporate elements of jazz and prog rock. A lot of cool, fast fills are is his trademark, and he’s seen as one of the best rock drummers of recent times.
66. JoJo Mayer
Born – 01/1963 | Nationality – Switzerland | Group – Nerve, Sessions
Starting out in jazz but moving into jungle and rock, JoJo has made a name for himself as a great technical player, and does clinics all over the world for his adoring fans.
65. Josh Freese
Born – 12/1972 | Nationality – American | Group – A Perfect Circle, The Vandals, Devo, Nine Inch Nails
Josh’s versatility, speed, and precision have earned him the name The Bruce Lee Of Drums. His tasteful rock drumming has kept him in-demand for sessions with many big name artists. Cool.
64. Ralph Humphrey
Born – 1944 | Nationality – American | Group – Mothers Of Invention
Drumming with Frank Zappa and the Mothers Of Invention, Ralph Humphrey showed his talent for coming up with great drum parts that were inventive and slick.
63. Chad Wackerman
Born – 03/1960 | Nationality – American | Group – Frank Zappa, Steve Vai, Sessions
The fact that Chad has played with people like Frank Zappa and Steve Vai goes to show how good he is. His technique, stamina, and limb independence are oustanding, not to mention his groove and style.
62. BJ Wilson
Born – 03/1947 | Nationality – British | Group – Procol Harum, Joe Cocker
BJ brought his creative grooves to Procol Harum’s rock tunes and also had a stint as Joe Cocker’s drummer too. He’s got great beats, fills, and touch.
61. Richard “Pistol” Allen
Born – 08/1932 | Nationality – American | Group – Funk Brothers (Mowtown)
As one of the talented drummers in the Mowtown house band, Richard took his jazz drumming background and turned it into some of the greatest pop/rock drumming ever. Full of feel with an irrestistable grooviness, and a master at playing for the song.
60. Ron Bushy
Born – 12/1945 | Nationality – American | Group – Iron Butterfly
What makes Ron one of the best rock drummers ever? Well, With Iron Butterfly, Ron showed off his pounding, primal drum beats and super drum soloing in the track In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida. A real rock-steady groover.
59. Jim Gordon
Born – 01/1945 | Nationality – American | Group – Derek And The Dominos, Beach Boys, George Harrison
Jim Gordon was a talented session drummer in the 60’s and 70’s. He played with many great groups, lending them his stylish licks. His classic drumming on the album Layla still stands tall today.
58. Virgil Donati
Born – 10/1958 | Nationality – Australian | Group – Planet X, Steve Vai
Virgil is one of those drummers whos just got excellent technique, feel, and groove. His style is precise and cutting while always being full of ideas and flair. He makes it look easy and is certainly one of the best rock drummers from Australia.
57. Scott Travis
Born – 09/1961 | Nationality – American | Group – Judas Priest, Racer X
One of the best rock drummers in metal, Scott Travis has an unforgiving style that’s accurate and penetrating. He’s very handy on the double bass drums and has a killer sound.
56. Jaki Liebezeit
Born – 05/1938 | Nationality – German | Group – CAN
Stark, pummelling, and hypnotic. Those words probably best describe Jaki Liebezeit’s drumming with 70’s experimental rock band CAN. A super cool customer.
55. Nick Mason
Born – 01/1944 | Nationality – British | Group – Pink Floyd
Nick Masons drumming with Pink Floyd was super cool, interesting, and inventive. He played a big part in creating the atmosphere and mood in those songs. A classic rock drummer.
54. Mark Zonder
Born – unknown | Nationality – American | Group – Fates Warning, Warlord
Mark Zonder’s thunderous beats and chunky fills have been the powering force behind metal rockers Warlord’s music. He’s got masses of energy, and can nail the perfect beat for the song.
53. Phil Ehart
Born – 02/1951 | Nationality – American | Group – Kansas
Classic, heavy, and tasteful. These words probably best sum up Phil Eharts playing with Kansas. A real solid technique and feel earn him a spot on the best rock drummers list.
52. Nick Menza
Born – 07/1968 | Nationality – Germany | Group – Megadeth
Megadeath’s intense sound needs and intense and passionate drummer, and that’s exactly what Nick brought to the band. He’s got devastating beats, fills, and doube bass drum skills.
51. Alan White
Born – 06/1949 | Nationality – British | Group – Yes, John Lennon, George Harrison
Best known for his 34 years with prog rockers Yes, Alan White uses an array of drums, cymbals and percussion along with his excellent technique to produce a quality, classy style.
50. Gavin Harrison
Born – unknown | Nationality – British | Group – Porcupine Tree, Sessions
Starting off page 2 of the best rock drummers ever is Gavin Harrison. Gavin’s intelligent, technical rhythms and tighter than tight sound have gained him a lot of fans. He’s carved out a niche sound/style for himself and knows how to lay it down.
49. Brian Downey
Born – 01/1951 | Nationality – Irish | Group – Thin Lizzy, Gary Moore, Phil Lynott
Brian is the man that put the strut in Thin Lizzy’s step with his rockin’ grooves. As the only member to stay in the band from start til finish, he made the band one of top hard rock acts around. His beats are driving and are played with creative flair. Superb.
48. Jon Theodore
Born – 12/1973 | Nationality – American | Group – Mars Volta, One Day As A Lion
Powerful and creative playing with the likes of Mars Volta has made Jon one of rock drumming’s most recent idols. He’s techically sound and can play odd time signatures with ease.
47. Alex Van Halen
Born – 05/1953 | Nationality – American | Genre – Van Halen
Always solid at the back of Van Halen, Alex uses his ability to lay the foundation for his brother’s guitar work. But, he is not sidelined and plays some killer double kicks and rolls, to earn his place on in the best rock drummers ever list.
46. Max Weinberg
Born – 04/1951 | Nationality – American | Group – Bruce Springsteen, E Street Band, The Max Weinberg 7
Max has held the drum seat with Bruce Springteen’s E Street Band for many years now. why? Because Springsteen and the rest of us know that Max has the goods – a soild back beat, and colourful, explosive fills that breath added life into Springsteen’s hit songs.
45. Mike Giles
Born – 06/1945 | Nationality – American | Group – King Crimson, Giles, Giles & Fripp
As drummer with prog rock experimentalists King Crimson, Mike was confident playing grooves, creating sonic soundscapes, and coming up with intricate rolls and touches that were a delight to hear.
44. Simon Phillips
Born – 02/1957 | Nationality – British | Group – Toto, The Who, Whitesnake, Judas Priest
Taking over the Toto drum seat from legend Jeff Porcaro isn’t easy, but Phillips does it with style and class. His feel for a groove is impeccable, and his playing is always tasteful, making him one of the best rock drummers ever.
43. Martin Lopez
Born – 05/1978 | Nationality – Swedish | Group – Opeth
One of the best rock drummers to come out of Sweden, Martin and his band Opeth hit death metal lovers right between the eyes with their powerful, deep sound.
42. Gene Hoglan
Born – 08/1967 | Nationality – American | Group – Death, Strapping Young Lad, Dark Angel
Gene is well known for his very impressive double kick drum rhythms, and his amazingly creative drum arrangements including the use of some unusual objects for percussive effect. His playing is highly technical, accurate, and extremely fast earning the nickname “The Atomic Clock”.
41. Rod Morgenstein
Born – 04/1953 | Nationality – American | Group – Dixie Dreggs, Winger
Best known for his work with 80’s rockers Winger and later jazz-fusion band Dixie Dreggs, Rod is comfortable showcasing his chops and grooves in many genres. Brilliant at keeping it steady or lighting up the kit.
40. Bobby Jarzombeck
Born – 09/1963 | Nationality – American | Group – Rob Halford, Iced Earth, Pain Museum, Demons And Wizzards
A hard hitting metal master, Bobby’s double kicks and fast rolls are super tight, accurate, and are played with great musicality. His chops totally rock!
39. Jimmy Chamberlin
Born – 06/1964 | Nationality – American | Group – Smashing Pumkins, Zwan, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex
What makes Jimmy one of the best rock drummers ever? Well, his playing is very tasteful and full of intensely quick snare rolls and runs. He uses dynamics to maximum effect too, and keeps it all in a tight pocket. He was integral to the Smashing Pumkin’s sound.
38. Topper Headon
Born – 05/1955 | Nationality – British | Group – The Clash, Bobby Tench
With his background in jazz and soul music, Topper brought many new dimensions to The Clash’s punk sound. Reggae, rockabilly, funk and more can be heard in their songs, and Topper played them all with power and grace.
37. Vinnie Paul
Born – 03/1964 | Nationality – American | Group – Pantera, Rebel Meets Rebel, Damageplan
Woaaahhh! This guy is heavy! Vinnie is a hard hitting powerhouse that is always grooving hard too. That’s why he has been so heavily copied – power with an iressitable pocket = a great sound.
36. Dave Grohl
Born – 01/1969 | Nationality – American | Group – Nirvana, QOTSA, Foo Fighters, Them Crooked Vultures
Dave Grohl’s powerful, hard-hitting rock beats helped define the sound of an era with Nirvana, where his explosive drumming on Nevermind brought punk energy and polished precision to the mainstream. After Nirvana, Grohl continued to showcase his versatility, drumming with Queens of the Stone Age, Juliette and the Licks, and Killing Joke, while also stepping into the spotlight as frontman for Foo Fighters. Known for his relentless drive and musical intuition, Grohl has become one of rock’s most respected multi-instrumentalists. His legacy extends beyond drumming, as he continues to influence new generations with his dedication to rock and roll and his deep commitment to preserving its raw, authentic spirit.
35. Al Jackson
Born – 11/1934 | Nationality – American | Group – Booker T And The MG’s
If anyone could deliver rock steady beats that force you to pay attention, it’s Al. He wrote the book on playing for the song, he was never the main attraction in the MG’s but he sat back and blended the band together with his drum parts.
34. Phil Collins
Born – 12/1951 | Nationality – British | Group – Genesis, Phil Collins
Ok, yes he’s a sensitive singing kinda guy, but he is also one of the best rock drummers ever. His playing with Genesis alone would be awesome, but the creative drumming on his solo tunes like ‘In The Air Tonight’ further shows off why he’s meant to be behind a kit.
33. Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste
Born – unknown | Nationality – American | Group – The Meters
The sharp, edgey beats played by Joseph combined with the angular riffs of The Meter’s to make some super cool tunes. He opened the door for the funk-rock drummers of Prince and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
32. Matt Cameron
Born – 11/1962 | Nationality – American | Group – Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, QOTST, Skin Yard, Wellwater Conspiracy
Funky, Zeppelinesque beats with a good helping of ghost notes and odd time twists are what give Matt his extremely musical quality. Combined with dynamics and a deep groove, it’s no wonder he’s considered one of the best rock drummers around.
31. Roger Taylor
Born – 07/1949 | Nationality – British | Group – Queen, The Cross, Smile
Big stadium filling riffs need big drums, and that’s exactly what Roger brought to Queen. Some super fast rolls, a fat back beat, glorious cymbals, and great feel put him squarely in the top 100 best rock drummers ever.
30. Tim Alexander
Born – 04/1965 | Nationality – American | Group – Primus, A Perfect Circle, Laundry, Fata Morgana, Puscifer
Tim has a tight and tasteful style of playing that is precise and groovy. Unlike many other players who also have some astounding chops, Tim only brings them out if the music requires it. Odd and complex rhythms are no problem either.
29. Carter Beauford
Born – 11/1957 | Nationality – American | Group – Dave Mathews Band, Santana
What makes Carter one of the best rock drummers ever? Well, as drummer for the diverse Dave Mathews Band, Carter uses his intricate grooves and ability to play many styles, keeping listeners guessing. His ride cymbal and hi-hat work is awsome as it dances around the on and off beats.
28. Nicko McBrain
Born – 06/1954 | Nationality – British | Group – Iron Maiden, Pat Travers, Streetwalkers, Trust
What makes Nicko McBrain one of the best rock drummers ever is his killer precision and tub thumping rolls. He’s got the techinque and is relentless in suppyling a driving, hard-edged, groove.
27. Cozy Powell
Born – 12/1947 | Nationality – British | Group – Rainbow, Jeff Beck Group, Emerson Lake & Powell, Black Sabbath
Amazing chops, and excellent grooves are what made Cozy one of the best rock drummers of his time. He’s played with some of the biggest acts in rock music, and is hugely charismatic and talented. A class act.
26. Aynsley Dunbar
Born – 01/1946 | Nationality – British | Group – Jeff Beck, David Bowie, Frank Zappa, UFO, Whitesnake, Lou Reed, Black Sabbath, and many more
The list of top rock acts that Aynsley has played with is testament to his excellent drumming skills. Very adaptable, and able to play complex and odd drum parts, as well as keeping a killer groove ticking over. Whatever he plays, it’s done with feel and passion.
25. Mike Shrieve
Born – 07/1949 | Nationality – American | Group – Santana
Mike played the latin-rock rhythms that kept Santana ticking along nicely. He had plenty of limb indpendance, an ability to play polyrhythms and super cool grooves, but he also put a fat helping rock power into the mix as well.
24. David Garibaldi
Born – 11/1946 | Nationality – American | Group – Tower Of Power
David has great taste and his magical beats are often much more complex than you might think. While very funky, he can also dish out a very mean rockin’ beat too.
23. Mitch Mitchell
Born – 07/1947 | Nationality – British | Group – Jimi Hendrix
Mitch matched Hendrix’s guitar with his lighting fast reflexes and thunderous rolls. He brought a jazz sensibility to rock and used it to improvise and respond to Hendrix’s every move. He was very creative and had a sublime feel.
22. Steve Smith
Born – 08/1954 | Nationality – American | Group – Journey, Vital Information
Steve is like a jack of all trades when it comes to drumming – he can play any style excellently. His rock drumming demonstrates his ablity to play tight and often technically demanding grooves, with speed, great dynamics and perplexing time signatures.
21. Bill Ward
Born – 1949 | Nationality – British | Group – Black Sabbath
One of the original heavy metal drummers who paved the way for those that followed. There’s a dark, brooding quality to his playing that is matched with bursts of intense power.
20. Bernard Purdie
Born – 06/1939 | Nationality – American | Group – Sessions
Not lacking in confidence, Bernard was one of the session world’s most in-demand drummers. Lending his tasteful playing to the likes of BB King, Roberta Flack and Steely Dan, his beats literally made songs into hits. Truly one of the best rock drummers ever.
19. Tommy Aldridge
Born – 08/1950 | Nationality – American | Group – Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy, Pat Travers, Black Oak Arkansas
Tommy is one of the absolute best rock drummers to come through the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond having played with some of the top rock acts in the world. He can be a blaze of rolls, cymbal crashes, and double kicks, but he’s also a top groove player.
18. Stewart Copeland
Born – 07/1952 | Nationality – American | Group – The Police, Oysterhead
Stewart’s reggae/rock grooves, inventive fills, and textures helped make The Police’s sound stand out as truly unique. He squeezes as many interesting little rhythmic touches, splashes, and fills into his playing as possible without ever over doing it. Very creative with a great ear.
17. Jeff Porcaro
Born – 04/1954 | Nationality – American | Group – Toto, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, Sessions
Jeff was capable of playing some delicate and flowing grooves as well as some smashing pop-rock beats with the likes of Michael Jackson and Toto. His style was solid but creative at the same time, often with flashes of absolute brilliance.
16. Benny Benjamin
Born – 07/1925 | Nationality – American | Group – Funk Brothers (Mowtown)
Benny is one of the best rock drummers ever because he brought his swinging big band style to Mowtown’s rock/pop sound and drove some of the best-loved tunes in the world with his lively beats. He totally understood how to play for the song, and he inspired thousands of others to do the same.
15. Earl Palmer
Born – 10/1924 | Nationality – American | Group – Sessions
Earl Palmer basically invented modern rock drumming. When other drummers where playing shuffles and swing patterns he played straight eighth notes on the hi-hat and emphasied the back beat. His playing can found on classic rock ‘n’ roll tunes by Little Richard, Fats Domino and many more. One of the very best rock drummers from the 50’s.
14. Carmine Appice
Born – 12/1946 | Nationality – American | Group – Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck, Bogert & Appice, DNA, Ozzy Osbourne, Rod Stewart
Carmine was one of the rock drummers who showed the way for today’s big sounding, heavy hitters. He also influenced John Bonham, but is sometimes overlooked for his importance to the development of rock and rock drumming. Well, not here, as he takes a very respectable 14th on our best rock drummers ever list.
13. Ringo Starr
Born – 07/1940 | Nationality – British | Group – The Beatles, Ringo’s All-Star Band
Many people say that Ringo wasn’t all that good, but that’s because they don’t truly understand what he did for The Beatles music. If you replaced Ringo’s drum parts, countles Beatles songs would be only half as good. He was inventive, and was brilliant at finding the best groove to add something special to the music.
12. Danny Carey
Born – 05/1961 | Nationality – American | Group – Tool, Pigmy Love Circus, VOLTO!, Green Jelly
Founder of Tool, Danny brought his mega complex polyrhythms to the band’s sound which helped set them apart from the likes of Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Solid grooves, power, and creativity are what make him one of the best rock drummers in the world.
11. Dave Lombardo
Born – 02/1965 | Nationality – Cuba | Group – Slayer, Voodoocult, Apocalyptica
Dave is one hell of an extreme metal drummer and one of the best rock drummers ever without a doubt. He has buckets of power, groove, and feel. Plus, his fills are often astonishing and leave you wondering how on earth he just pulled that off.
10. Mike Portnoy
Born – 04/1967 | Nationality – American | Group – Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Neal Morse, Yellow Matter Custard, OSI, Flying Colors, Sons of Apollo
With Dream Theater, Mike took techicality and complexity to new levels. The band are sometimes slated for concentrating on that instead of the song, but what they manage to come up with is exciting, inspirational, and mind-blowing.
9. Ian Paice
Born – 06/1948 | Nationality – British | Group – Deep Purple, Whitesnake
One of the speediest rockers we’ve seen, Ian combined his speed with spectular rolls, undeniable beats, and flair. His foot technique is also awsome and baffles mere mortals like us. He doesn’t even look like he’s trying…sigh…
8. Hal Blaine
Born – 02/1929 – Died 03/2019 | Nationality – Australian | Group – Sessions
Hal was a session legend and played on more hit rock tunes than you’ve had hot dinners. His genius is that he could turn a good song into a great song by finding the perfect beat.
7. Bill Bruford
Born – 05/1949 | Nationality – British | Group – Yes, King Crimson, Genesis, UK, Earthworks and many more
Perhaps one of the main reasons that Bill is one of the best rock drummers we’ve had is that he always strives to evolve, grow, and change. He stays relevent and does it with an awsome technique and understanding of what works.
6. Terry Bozzio
Born – 12/1950 | Nationality – American | Group – Frank Zappa, Solo Artist, Sessions
His playing with music giants like Frank Zappa would have been enough to put Terry this far up the list, but his own drum compositions on his huge kit further show off his killer technique, speed, musicality, dynamics, and creativity. He’s got it all.
5. Ginger Baker
Born – 08/1939 – decesead – 10/2019 | Nationality – British | Group – Cream, Blues Incorporated, Ginger Baker’s Air Force
With super-group Cream, Ginger pioneered double bass drums in rock, and always had a big untamed drum sound. His style was solid and seemed simple at times, yet it gave the songs exactly what they needed and then some. His delicate jazz skills are just as impressive, and show off his sublime technique even more.
4. Keith Moon
Born – 08/1946 | Nationality – British | Group – The Who
He wasn’t techically great. He wasn’t amazingly precise. But, he was totally unique and came up with a style and sound that broke through boundaries. He didn’t use hi-hats (often), and didn’t play conventional beats, but rolled, splashed, and double bass drummed his way all over the kit giving an incredable sound and feel to The Who’s music.
3. Carl Palmer
Born – 03/1950 | Nationality – British | Group – Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Asia, Atomic Rooster
Wow. The chops delivered by Carl are something to behold! He inspired countless drummers, including Neil Peart, with his magnificent stadium-filling rock and showmanship. He also used his classical training in tuned percussion to great effect. He defines the word spectacle, and is one of the best rock drummers to come from Britain.
2. John Bonham
Born – 05/1948 | Nationality – Brtish | Group – Led Zeppelin, Band Of Joy, Terry Web & The Spiders
Yes, it’s John Bonham. The guy who taught us all how to play heavy, powerful rock drums that ooze feel. With awsome bass drum technique and a big open sound, he sent Zeppelin’s tunes soaring. He embodies raw, emotional, rock drumming that comes straight from the soul. He’s a rock god and undeniably one of the best rock drummers ever.
1. Neil Peart
Born – 09/1952 – Deceased 01/2020 | Nationality – Canadian | Group – Rush
Neil Peart, who passed away on January 7, 2020, holds the number one spot in The 100 Best Rock Drummers Ever — and for good reason. As the driving force behind Rush, Neil continually pushed the boundaries of drumming with extraordinary technical skill, unmatched musicality, and a unique fusion of power and precision. Over his career, he evolved from hard-hitting rock styles to highly complex, jazz-inspired rhythms, incorporating influences from big band and African drumming into his style. His meticulous approach to drum composition and profound dedication to self-improvement inspired countless drummers and solidified his role as a pioneer in progressive rock. From iconic, storytelling solos to intricately crafted fills, Neil’s work has left an indelible mark on rock history. His position at the top of our list is more than deserved — it’s a tribute to a legend who changed the world of drumming forever.
