These are my top ten favorite drummers. Note that this is not a top ten best drummers list as I have omitted legends like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich. These are my favorite drummers.
1. Stewart Copeland – The Police – Stewart mixes rock, jazz and funky beats and his snare was always one of my favorite tones. His hi-hat work is legendary. Go ask Peter Gabriel. Recommended listening: O My God and for those who think a four point cannot be funky go listen to When The World Is Running Down.
2. Neil Peart – Rush – He is the gold standard of modern times. Although he is second on my list, I have no arguments with him being number one on any list. His drum solos are massive and feel epic every time you see/hear one. Recommended listening: Two words. Tom Sawyer.
3. John Bonham – Led Zeppelin – Remember what I said said about not having an issue with him being number one on any list? Same thing applies here. The top three on my list are all interchangeable. Go listen to any Zeppelin record and that will be your recommended listen. For me, when Bonham comes in on ‘Stairway To Heaven’ it is a hair on my arm raising moment – every time.
4. Dave Abbruzzese – Pearl Jam – This guy does not get enough love on all time best drum lists. He absolutely should. In my opinion PJ lost a little something (it’s ok.. I think they’ll be alright) when they parted ways. Dave was a monster behind the kit with PJ. Take listen between the two ‘Even Flow’ recordings. One with Dave Krusen and the one with Abbruzzese. The latter one has so much life and Abbruzzese is a big reason for that. Recommended listening: Pink Pop 1992
5. Tony Thompson – Chic/Power Station – This guy had it all. He could groove. He could rock. He could session you to death. His time in Chic produced some of his funkiest work. When he teamed up with John Taylor, Andy Taylor and Robert Palmer in The Power Station he gave the rythym section the perfect mixture of groove and straight forward rock. His session work with Madonna and David Bowie is so solid it almost gets lost. But go have a listen, there is some great work there. Recommended listening: ‘Lonely Tonight‘ by The Power Station.
6. Taylor Hawkins – Foo Fighters – If I were starting a dream band today, Taylor would be the drummer I would choose. Combination of power and finesse. Go watch some live footage. Dude is intense. Recommended listening: Bridge Burning
7. Steve Jordan – Touring/Session – Steve Jordan has seen it all. From playing with some all time great artists like Stevie Wonder, Neil Young, Keith Richards to John Mayer. Guy has so much dynamic, it’s almost unfair. Recommended listening: Watch his performance with Stevie Wonder in 1974. SICK.
8. Manu Katche – Artist/Session – I’ve always admired his work. This guy is like a human metronome. He works his away around the drum kit so effortlessly. It’s like he doesn’t want to offend any of his equipment and makes sure he plays everything that is set up. He does all of this and make it look so easy. Check out one of his videos on YouTube.
9. Keith Moon – The Who – His live drum solos were a semi-controlled rage. On album versions, his playing style was subdued and gave the songs exactly what they needed. He was a special drummer with a special sound. Recommended listening: This is pure Rock and Roll
10. Tony Royster Jr. – Tony has been in the drum spotlight since he was 12 years old starting with his tremendous Guitar Center Drum Off debut. He has since played and toured with a ton of artists like Jay-Z, Charlie Puth and Katie Perry just to name a few. I’ve spent many hours going down the rabbit hole on YouTube watching him playing. Here’s a clip from him on Letterman: Tony Royster Jr.