Get ready to dive into the world of rock percussion! We're counting down the most legendary drummers who've shaped the sound of rock music, from thunderous beats to mind-blowing solos. These are the rhythmic titans who've defined generations of music and influenced countless musicians.
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most seriously sick
00:10individuals to ever pound skins behind a drum kit.
00:18Number 30.
00:19Alex Van Halen Van Halen.
00:21It's been fairly easy for the rhythm section of Van Halen to have been historically overshadowed
00:27by the larger-than-life personalities of David Lee Roth and Eddie Van Halen.
00:35Still, this takes nothing away from the elder Van Halen brothers' prowess behind the drum
00:42kit.
00:48Alex Van Halen's work alongside bassist Michael Anthony actually provides some excellent textural
00:54dynamics behind Eddie's guitar pyrotechnics.
00:57Additionally, Alex's blissfully busy-sounding drum intro to Van Halen's Hot For Teacher
01:03has gone on to become something of a classic rock proving ground for young drummers honing
01:07their skills.
01:16There's something to be said about Alex Van Halen's rock-solid chops, a dependability
01:20always assisted the driving groove of Van Halen's back catalogue.
01:33Number 29.
01:34Carl Palmer Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.
01:37There are many great rock drummers that have plied their trade with a variety of acts over
01:42the years.
01:50Carl Palmer cut his teeth with Arthur Brown and proto-metal legend Atomic Rooster, before
01:55eventually making his way to the supergroup that partially bears his name.
02:07Emerson, Lake, and Palmer were among one of progressive rock's most dizzying adept groups,
02:12balancing classical influences with heady jazz fusion chops.
02:24Palmer's expertise as a drummer assisted ELP's musical cause, spinning a complex
02:29web of rhythms behind the band's expansive sound.
02:32This was no mere timekeeper, but instead a musician's musician, lifting up rock drumming
02:38to the level of high art.
02:47Number 28.
02:48Terry Bozio, Missing Persons, and Frank Zappa.
02:51It takes a certain type of elite-level musician to join the esteemed ranks of a Frank Zappa
02:56ensemble.
03:04Luckily Terry Bozio was just the sort of A-list talent that seemed destined for drumming
03:10greatness.
03:19There is a charm to Bozio's personality behind the kit that lifts up the man's energetic
03:23and physically demanding style.
03:26Jazz fusion, hard rock, and even new wave styles seem to have come easy to this journeyman
03:31drummer.
03:34Terry Bozio has excelled in everything from groups of his own, like Missing Persons, to
03:38collaborating with Fantomas, and guesting on songs like I Will Protect You from new
03:43metal icons, Korn.
03:54Number 27.
03:55Peter Criss, Kiss.
03:57There have been a number of excellent drummers that have performed with Kiss over the years.
04:08Eric Carr died tragically young from heart cancer, and is profoundly missed by his fans.
04:14Eric's singer played with Kiss off and on up until their retirement in 2023.
04:19It's Peter Criss that was one-fourth of Kiss' iconic original lineup however, having joined
04:25after the dissolution of his former band, Chelsea.
04:34To some, Criss' skills as a drummer feel somewhat overrated, while his lead vocals
04:38on Kiss hits like Black Diamond and Beth are notably distinctive and soulful.
04:52Criss' contribution to Kiss and makes them feel essential to the band's early growth
04:56is the varied influences from other genres of music that Criss brought to the band.
05:09Number 26.
05:10Cozy Powell, Jeff Beck Group, Rainbow, and Black Sabbath.
05:15We realize that we've listed three bands here for Cozy Powell, but the reality is that
05:20this British drummer has recorded much, much more than that over the years.
05:32The Jeff Beck Group and Bedlam helped kickstart Powell's hard-rocking pedigree, while stints
05:37in Rainbow and Black Sabbath solidified the man as one of heavy metal's most reliable
05:42drummers.
05:49Powell's ability to be both hard-hitting and restrained assisted albums like Rainbow's
05:53Rising and Headless Cross by Black Sabbath to achieve cult classic status.
05:59Meanwhile, Powell's blues roots worked wonders on the early Whitesnake material, prior to
06:03that band's explosion as a hair metal stage success.
06:11Number 25.
06:12Tommy Lee, Motley Crue.
06:15It's perhaps an unfair misconception that the glam rock metal scene of the 1980s was
06:20totally bereft of musical talent.
06:28This couldn't be further from the truth as evidenced by the superior skinsmanship of
06:32Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.
06:34The man's skills behind the drum kit wasn't just limited to the showmanship of his revolving
06:39stage setup that thrilled audiences.
06:41Instead, Tommy Lee was a timekeeper who could be flashy while remaining dominant and aggressive
06:47throughout a song.
06:52The double bass aggression of early Crue jams like Live Wire were fundamental to heavy metal's
06:57cool and dangerous reputation throughout the 80s.
07:01Meanwhile, latter-day Crue hits like Dr. Feelgood were mid-tempo jams that relied heavily on
07:07Lee's heavy hands.
07:13Number 24.
07:14Tommy Aldridge, Black Oak, Arkansas, Ozzy Osbourne, and Whitesnake.
07:19There are few rock drummers out there as authoritative as Tommy Aldridge.
07:29The man's place behind the kit has been a story of dominating double bass grooves and
07:33terrorizing Tom Tom work.
07:35Tommy Aldridge held a long tenure with sleazy southern rock pioneers Black Oak, Arkansas
07:40before presiding over drums for both Ozzy Osbourne and Whitesnake.
07:48The latter group's Slip of the Tongue album included a particular barn burner titled Wings
07:53of the Storm, which made the best use of Aldridge's insane skills.
08:04He also recorded the drums for Osbourne's iconic Bark at the Moon and helped forge the
08:08ex-Black Sabbath frontman's early years as a live act.
08:16Number 23.
08:18Don Henley, Eagles.
08:20Drummer-singers remain something of an anomaly today, but Don Henley helped make this idea
08:25cool way back in the early 70s.
08:31Henley's requirements as a lead vocalist essentially mean that the drums for Eagles'
08:38songs generally don't achieve heights of virtuosity.
08:42Then again, they don't really need to, do they?
08:50Instead, Henley's drumming is laid back like the California sun.
08:55This allows the guitars and vocal harmonies to shine, while the drums keep a steady and
09:00rhythmic backbeat.
09:07There's something to be said about performing for the song, after all.
09:10And this is essentially where Don Henley tends to shine.
09:19Number 22.
09:20Chad Smith, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Chicken Foot.
09:24One need only glance at the resume of Chad Smith to know that this drummer is the real
09:29fricking deal.
09:35Smith's chops are beyond reproach at this point, having collaborated with everyone from
09:40Deep Purple's Glenn Hughes to Dua Lipa, Post Malone and Eddie Vedder.
09:44It's this versatility that sits at the center of why Smith is so in demand by so many people.
09:54The man simply knows how to achieve a great groove.
09:57It's not only the funky alternative sounds of the Red Hot Chili Peppers that made Chad
10:02Smith famous, however, nor the classic hard rock of Chicken Foot.
10:11Instead, it's how this drummer always works to the song, making each recorded collaboration
10:16better than his last.
10:25Number 21.
10:26Mark Portnoy, Dream Theater.
10:29It's perhaps the biggest softball on this list.
10:32Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater is one of the first names that come up whenever modern
10:37progressive metal is discussed.
10:44This is no accident either, because Portnoy helped redefine the genre back when his band
10:49Dream Theater formed as Majesty in 1985.
10:52Recorded efforts like Images and Words and Awake proved that heady mathematical metal
10:58could also be diverse and melodic.
11:05Portnoy and his DT bandmates even achieved surprise single success with the tune Pull
11:10Me Under.
11:16Meanwhile, the drumming on those early records, as complex as it was, always remained memorably
11:22driving and dedicated to Dream Theater's intelligent songwriting.
11:31Number 20.
11:32Levon Helm, The Band.
11:35If ever there was a gold standard for drummers that also sang, Levon Helm would have to be
11:40in the conversation.
11:42He worked with a truly underrated group called The Band, known for touring with Bob Dylan
11:47before venturing out on their own acclaimed career.
11:50Helm was the only American in the mostly Canadian band.
11:54That fact helped bring an added authenticity to their folksy tales and southern fables
11:58that they so often explored.
12:12His singing ability also never took precedence over his percussion skills.
12:17With a charismatic style, he ensured that every track felt like its own distinct blend
12:22of roots and country rock.
12:34Number 19.
12:35Michael Shrieve, Santana.
12:38While Michael Shrieve's work with Santana isn't mentioned as much as others in the
12:42pantheon of rock drummers, he served an important role during the group's breakout period.
12:56He and the band received an invitation to Woodstock that put them into the history books
13:00with an amazing performance.
13:02Captured in the event's official documentary, Shrieve's work on Soul Sacrifice is forever
13:08an incredible showcase for high-powered drumming.
13:22His lively input on eight Santana records never ceased to enhance any of their productions.
13:28When the act was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the percussionist was included
13:32among the essential members that shaped their diverse sound.
13:44Number 18.
13:46Steve Gadd, Multiple Artists.
13:49He might not have been known for being in a band, but Steve Gadd made a significant impact
13:54on drumming for several decades.
14:03His session work ranks among the best of the 70s, with an adaptive skill set that's
14:08suited for any style.
14:10Some of his greatest collaborators include James Taylor and even Paul Simon.
14:14For the latter, he played on the track 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover.
14:22Next to his work with solo artists, Gadd also recorded with Steely Dan on their album, Asia.
14:27His two drum solos on the title track still blow people away with their rapid-fire rhythms.
14:41This only covers a small portion of a never-ending career where he's added a jazz flair to
14:46many memorable rock tunes.
14:49Number 17.
14:51Danny Serafin, Chicago.
14:54One of the many original members of Chicago, Danny Serafin remains their unsung superstar.
15:03His dynamic roles and fills provide the perfect accent on their finest work.
15:08On the band's first album, Serafin immediately made himself known on Beginnings.
15:12The group's rapidly changing sound in the 70s always needed his drums to deliver an
15:25extra shock to the system.
15:28His finest achievements on his kit have an effortless feeling, alternating between complete
15:32control and a wonderfully freestyle quality.
15:35Although he asked to leave Chicago in 1990, his efforts on their first 19 albums always
15:47stood out and surprised audiences.
15:50Number 16.
15:52Bill Bruford, Yes and King Crimson.
15:55Most drummers are lucky if they leave an impression on one group.
15:59That's why Bill Bruford's work with both Yes and King Crimson is fantastic.
16:06By producing some of the more experimental and detailed music of the late 60s and 70s,
16:10each band became integral to the progressive rock scene.
16:14Bruford co-founded Yes and performed on their classic releases such as The Yes Album and
16:19Close to the Edge.
16:20Any fans of their songs Long Distance Runaround or Roundabout will hear textbook cases of
16:25his ingenuity.
16:27His later work with King Crimson on 80s albums such as Discipline represent some of the more
16:32daring pieces of musical excellence.
16:44Not to be outdone, his highly recognized career also included touring with Genesis and multiple
16:49solo records.
16:51Number 15.
16:53Jeff Porcaro is generally known as the drummer for the hit-making collective Toto.
16:58He contributed to many great singles with his drum pattern for the song Rosanna regarded
17:03as an influential piece.
17:10Porcaro's fast hands kept up any time signature with complete ease and precision.
17:15Some of his best work was on the hit-making collective Toto.
17:19His reputation as a major session player in the 70s and 80s put him in a category all
17:24his own.
17:30Over the years, Porcaro played for everyone from Boz Skaggs to Michael Jackson.
17:41Whether he was with his main band or working in the studio, he was a regular on the set
17:46Whether he was with his main band or working in the studio for someone else, he never let
17:51his tracks be boring.
17:53Number 14.
17:54Danny Carey, Tool.
17:57Tool is an alternative metal band that grew a considerable audience after their 90s breakthrough.
18:02Their success as a cult rock group is in part because of Danny Carey's expertise on the
18:08drums.
18:09Honestly, it feels like no time signature is too complicated for this performer.
18:14He has the ability to run through their difficult set list like it's a light breeze.
18:18Any percussionist that can articulate the rhythms of Sober or Schism deserves a mention
18:23for their artistry.
18:32Studying the greatest rock and jazz musicians, Danny Carey is a great example of that.
18:38Along with the greatest rock and jazz drummers, Carey incorporates a whole host of techniques
18:43that put him on lists next to his heroes.
18:46Anyone who doubts his progressive drumming prowess should look no further than his own
18:50work on Numa.
19:00Number 13.
19:01Roger Taylor, Queen.
19:03Queen simply personified glam rock.
19:06And Roger Taylor's drums were every bit as integral to their bombastic sound.
19:16While Freddie Mercury and Brian May were often considered the two stars of the band, Taylor
19:21competed for the spotlight in many noteworthy tracks.
19:24His intensity kicks off the hard rock sequence of Bohemian Rhapsody, shining bright on an
19:29already awesome song.
19:34As the group transitioned into their arena phase, the performer also adapted his playing
19:39to suit crowd-pleasing tunes like We Will Rock You.
19:43If his varied talents behind the kit weren't enough, he's also got a killer voice.
19:54Number 12.
19:55Dave Grohl, Nirvana, Queens of the Stone Age, and Them Crooked Vultures.
20:01Dave Grohl's chemistry with his Nirvana bandmates created a strong bond that helped
20:05to catapult them to success.
20:12On Nevermind, Grohl fills the entire record with career-best recordings.
20:17His opening part on Smells Like Teen Spirit is only one of his welcome additions to rock
20:22history.
20:22Grohl brought them the same energy to their follow-up in Utero, defining his role as the
20:28premier drummer of grunge music.
20:30After the group dissolved, the musician played on the early Foo Fighters albums and as a
20:35one-time player for Queens of the Stone Age.
20:44He even got to play with hero John Paul Jones in supergroup Them Crooked Vultures.
20:53This epic gig further established him as an alternative rock star with a natural rhythm.
21:03Deep Purple doesn't always get the credit they deserve for their 60s and 70s output.
21:08Drummer Ian Pace was part of their winning formula in their prime, playing on Smoke on
21:13the Water and Highway Star.
21:15The latter includes just one example of his style that went on to inspire many metal and
21:20hard rock drummers.
21:22He's also the one member that stuck around for every incarnation of the band, bringing
21:26his loud and driving sound to each and every track.
21:30Pace's ability to keep up with the group's forays in the psychedelic, metal and other
21:34rock subgenres show how enduring his presence is in music.
21:4510.
21:52Charlie Watts – The Rolling Stones Until his death in 2021, Charlie Watts was
21:58a vital piece of the Rolling Stones lineup.
22:06While his bandmates stole the spotlight, he made sure every track was rhythmically whole.
22:12Watts is also the perfect case for a drummer who didn't need to be flashy.
22:17Miss You is entirely incomplete without his instantly recognizable beats behind it.
22:28Other classics, from their early 60s period to their more daring 70s releases, all feature
22:33Watts as a constant and reliable element.
22:36He was also regarded as the heartbeat to rock's longest serving band.
22:40For a band as notable as the Rolling Stones, that's no small feat.
22:509.
22:52Phil Collins – Genesis Sometimes, it's important to remind people
22:57of Phil Collins' contributions to drumming beyond In The Air Tonight.
23:02Before taking center stage in the music world as a solo artist, he honed his skills in Genesis.
23:08His early days in the band consisted of elaborate and progressive compositions.
23:19He mainly plays drums behind lead singer Peter Gabriel.
23:22Once Gabriel left, Collins filled the void with his own distinctive vocals.
23:27He guided the group through the end of their progressive period and into a more pop-oriented
23:32sound to great success.
23:34Regardless of the sub-genre, Collins brings the heat with assured drum patterns.
23:478.
23:48Mitch Mitchell – The Jimi Hendrix Experience There's only a handful of drummers that
23:53could keep up with Jimi Hendrix.
23:55Playing with the best guitarist in rock, Mitch Mitchell held his own as a formidable musician
24:01himself.
24:09His lasting impact on the Jimi Hendrix Experience permeates through every second of the recorded
24:14material.
24:15There are normal cymbals, and then there's Mitchell's cymbals, which create a beautiful
24:20cacophony on the track Foxy Lady.
24:26He and Noel Redding backed up the legendary shredder and, in the process, became legends
24:31themselves for their efforts on other classics, like Voodoo Child, Slight Return.
24:37If anybody could deliver the goods and stand out next to a true artist, it was Mitchell.
24:437.
24:44Nick Mason – Pink Floyd Nick Mason is as important to the sonic landscape
24:49of Pink Floyd as Roger Waters or David Gilmour.
24:53While his drum parts don't always receive the same attention as Gilmour's solos, his
24:58work on Live at Pompeii is a particular one.
25:01There's a lot of music that's not as well-received as Gilmour's, and that's why he's so
25:06popular.
25:07He's also a very good drummer, and he's also a very good guitarist.
25:11He's also a very good drummer, and he's also a very good guitarist.
25:16He's also a very good drummer, and he's also a very good guitarist.
25:19His work on Live at Pompeii is a particular standout.
25:23Mason's presence is deeply felt on every single studio album because it spans the many
25:28diverse eras of the group.
25:40Any listener who enjoys The Dark Side of the Moon has to salute Mason's songwriting
25:44credits that include Speak to Me and Time.
25:49He disregarded any one style in favor of his own imaginative approach to percussion
26:00on Floyd's many concept albums.
26:07More than almost any drummer from the late 70s and early 80s, Stuart Copeland was more
26:12interested in the drums than just hollow showmanship.
26:20His work with The Police combines elements of classic rock, punk, and jazz into an effective
26:27approach.
26:28He played his instruments with an amazing ear for unique beats and reliable grooves.
26:39Contributing pristine parts to a collection of unmistakable hits, Copeland was the true
26:44backbone of the New Wave group.
26:47Few artists can play on tracks as varied as Roxanne and Wrapped Around Your Finger without
26:52breaking a sweat.
27:00While he's achieved much more than his efforts with The Police, he'll forever be known
27:04as an essential piece of a successful trio.
27:08It almost goes without saying that Ringo Starr is the most famous drummer in music history.
27:14His steady pulse helped build the early pop sound of the group.
27:22Before they went into the studio full time, Starr was already experimenting with more
27:26refined beats.
27:27His work on Ticket to Ride makes for one of his better performances due to its unique
27:31patterns.
27:37Another one of his best efforts is on Rain, an underrated Beatles single with wonderful
27:48drum rolls.
27:57If anything, Starr's achievements were largely ignored until reappraisals reminded everyone
28:02of his genius.
28:04His fame and namesake aside, this artist has a catalogue full of worthy tracks to rediscover.
28:19A drummer's drummer through and through, Ginger Baker influenced a generation of performers
28:25with his work in Cream.
28:27His rhythms progressed the art form beyond just a simple drum arrangement.
28:32Backing Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton, Baker infused his beats with a variety of influences
28:37from the jazz world and beyond.
28:48Although his work with the band only lasted two years, he was an essential part of the
28:53The drum solo on Toad is only a fraction of his accomplishments behind the kit.
29:08Even if you didn't count his work in Blind Faith or other efforts, his presence in rock
29:12history wouldn't be lost on any of his countless admirers.
29:16Neil Peart was known by many Rush fans as the true heart of the band.
29:26With one of the biggest kits in rock music, the drummer played the instrument as well
29:30as anyone in the history of the genre.
29:32Not to be outdone, Peart also had time to write lyrics for his group.
29:37His one-of-a-kind skills and lacklustre performance made him one of the most popular artists in
29:43his group, as one-of-a-kind skills and lightning-fast reflexes produced beats for many progressive
29:48classics.
29:552112 is just one of a slew of musical projects that the performer released for the world.
30:07Alongside two of the best instrumentalists ever, the technical wizard never failed to
30:12wow a crowd with a signature fill or a masterful drum solo.
30:20A true wild child of rock and roll, Keith Moon was also a master at controlled chaos.
30:25His work with The Who stands the test of time as awe-inspiring percussion.
30:36As his bandmate Pete Townsend wrote many epic songs, Moon layered in some heavy hits and
30:41cymbal crashes.
30:42The likes of Won't Get Fooled Again wouldn't feel the same without the musician's signature
30:47performance.
30:55Beyond his powerful showmanship, Moon also broke ground as a destructive stage presence.
31:00His sudden death in 1978 was a massive tragedy.
31:04Who knows how much he could have achieved with his inimitable talents.
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31:30Number 1.
31:31John Bonham – Led Zeppelin Often considered the greatest drummer of
31:36any rock band, John Bonham earns his title with every single track in Led Zeppelin's
31:41history.
31:47His contributions to the group are integral to their success and enduring legacy.
31:53Bonham's beats are the definition of in-the-pocket, providing the hypnotic pulse of rock's greatest
31:59singles.
32:06The performer's work has been taught, sampled, and copied for good reason.
32:12Songs like Whole Lotta Love or the band's rendition of When the Levee Breaks never fail
32:16to get listeners pumped.
32:18He's also a skilled technician with Fool in the Rain being among the more difficult
32:22patterns to replicate.
32:24Even after dying much too young, Bonham's continued to inspire rockers for generations.
32:36What, to you, is the mark of a truly great drummer?
32:42Let us know in the comments.