Best Rock Drummers

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The Top Ten

1Neil Peart
THE PROFESSOR DEFINITELY RULES THE DRUM WORLD, EVERYONE ELSE HAS BEEN OR IS INFLUENCED BY HIM, INCLUDING ME! I've SEEN RUSH LIVE SEVERAL TIMES AND BELIEVE ME THEY VERY RARELY HAVE AN OFF NIGHT, BUT I WITNESSED ONE OF THOSE RARE OCCASIONS ONCE AND WHILE ALEX WAS BREAKING STRINGS AND PLAYING OUT OF TUNE AND GEDDY WAS SINGING OUT OF TUNE, NEIL HELD IT ALL TOGETHER AND NEVER MISSED A BEAT! LONG LIVE THE KING!
Neil peart is most definitely the worlds beat drummer. With his amazing drum solos that can last up to 15 minutes he definitely deserves at least first place
Neil Peart blows everyone above him out of the water. Listen to ANY of Rush's songs and tell me that && drummers are better than him. They AREN'T.
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2Jimmy The Rev Sullivan
He is the best drum
I like he skill and I love avenged sevenfold
Nobody like the rev because he is the best drum in the world
Avenged sevenfold is my favorite band and the the rev is drummer favorite
I have been looking at a number of "Best Drummer" lists and sadly, the Rev isn't listed on any of them. This is a tragedy! His drumming, in my humble opinion is pure genius, easily as good as Neil Peart (who is usually listed as the number one best drummer) and I feel that is only because of the Rev's untimely death that his talent and genius will never be fully appreciated, particularly by those who have no taste for A7X's music. The Rev is, indeed one of the best, if not THE best drummer I have ever heard and listening to his rhythms, solos and the complexity of his playing is music in itself even without the rest of the band's accompaniment.

REV FOR NUMBER ONE!
he is the best drummer & funny man ever... I love avenged sevenfold forever!
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3Shannon Leto
Full of energy, plays like a beast.
So pure, so natural, love it
Shannon plays with a passion that it be circulated to anyone who is around. And it only takes passion, but also love, fun and every particle of his body. Shannon is all one with the drums, the rhythm, rhythm that sweeps you making you lose track of time. Hearing him play is like hearing the heart beat of life... Well, we can say that is the best drummer of all time!
Love to watch him play! He's just a perfect drummer!
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4John Bonham
How in the name of GOD is Bonzo near the bottom? Where is Keith Moon as well? Do you people even know what good drumming is? It's not just ridiculous thrashing about on a kit at a mind numbing pace. You have to find a rhythm and keep its pace while sounding unique. Without this man none of these guys would even be up on that list! Nobody on this list is even CLOSE to the quality of Bonham's style and groove. You all suck, I give up on music!
Really? Number 8? Bonham should be a lot closer to number one after all he was the drummer for Led Zeppelin, the greatest rock band of all time! Yes that's right "greatest rock band of all time"
Kept scrolling thinking "Well surely Bonham's next... " Sixth? Really? I'm about to give up on humanity. It should be Bonham and Neil Peart battling for first and Keith Moon being satisfied with third and by "satisfied" I mean smashing his drums in disappointment.

I've got bad news for everyone who thinks the top 4 are even the best drummers today. They aren't. Mastodon's drummer makes them all look retarded. 32nd notes on one hand? Yeah, he's that good. He was trained as a jazz drummer too, so his technical precision is rediculous. His hands are as fast as Bonham's right foot.

No one can touch Bonzo though.
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5Gustav Schafer
He doesn't say much in interviews but on stage behind his drums you definitely hear him! It's like he's in paradise every time he hits those drums. It's his passion and he's one hot, talented drummer The best in the world!
Gustav is one of the best drummers I've ever heard, he have an energy full of emotion!
Gusty's THE best! He's very talented on the drums, has years of experience and a true passion for music! He's had A LOT of practice- HIS MUSCLES TELL THE TALE and so does the band's increasing popularity. TOKIO HOTEL FOR EVER!
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6Mike Portnoy
People who rate this list are not drummers, travis barker is and always will be nothing compared to MP, ya Danny bonham and neil are the only ones in the top 10 that deserve to be there (personally they should be higher up, but what are you gonna do? )Buddy is 22! 22! Mp is 12! Keith moon could own 75% of the top 10. Lars is good, Metallica has been holding back a bit but not top ten more like 15. Shannon can't do crap, and I've never even heard of the Japanese guy so ya...

Schwanie3

his odd time signature was so great. really awesome. and his jamming, it was cool.. also his speed, his feet's speed and his hand's speed. I think no one that can be compared with him. best talent ever! MIKE PORTNOY!
15? Considering he made progressive drummer of the year 13 consecutive years straight he should at least be in the top ten. There have been drummers such as Mike Mangini, also known as the fastest drummer in the world, tell the media that there is no way he could compare to Portnoy. Portnoy elevated the level of difficulty for progressive metal consistently. But as the poster before me mentioned, it's obvious that there are some that comment only on the drummer in their favorite band. There are so many genres out that it would only be safe to do a "progressive" top ten or "metal" top ten or "thrash" top ten, since portnoy would be classified as the obvious, Lars Ulrich would be classified under thrash, (his words) etc... I mean, c'mon. What about Chris from Lamb of God... at this point in time he's listed as 43... that's shameful... He's much better than that. I am quite fond of the voting system you've got going on here.
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7Tré Cool
The best drummer in the world, and the best band They are fantastic! I love their music, because it carry consignment. Greetings from Poland!
GO TRE!
You do not get anywhere as much credit as you deserve.
Just listen to some of the rolls and beats in dookie, they are crazy!

Keep the beet going' Tre!
You never go through one video from a concert without him goofing off. And with some of the drumming this guy has to do, why isn't he #1.
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8Keith Moon
Ohh! How disapointing! He is obviously better than much of the "drummers" before him. Have you ever listened to drums solos as "Cowbebs and Strange", "Won't get fooled again" or "Young Man's Blues", or the powerful beat of "My Generation", "Bab O'Riley" or "I Can See for Miles"? I Have, and I can tell you something: He is the BEST!
The posthumous tribute to him, "Under a Raging Moon" featured about 10 great drummers, who when playing simultaneously, barely added up to the sonic thunder of ONE Kieth Moon!
Keith Moon as #16, now come on this is a joke! Keith Moon, John Bonham, Gene Krupa, in no particular order, thats the given top 3. Keith Moon being my favorite though as he was an amazing personality, a true madman. Pete invented smashing the guitar on stage. Keith though followed swift and regularly blew (literally! ) up his drum set on stage. Now that's mad if anything. Not to mention his habit of blowing up hotel toilets. The Who, they were pretty much first with everything, there's not a trick any band can do that The Who did not already do. Young voters of this list, do some research. Go look up Keith Moon on Youtube, see and feel the magic. The Who, out-punking punk before punk was invented.
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9Joey Jordison
Without question the most amazing drummer on the planet today. You know it from the first moment you watch him. There are so many other great drummers on this list, but it isn't even a contest anymore when Joey Jordison walks in.
BEST DRUMMER that I've ever heard! Joey is the fastest. If you would listen to some of Slipknot's songs, you wouldn't believe how fast he is!
Dude it is not just about being fast but yeah he is really fast and he keeps his beat to that is what makes him awesome and the best drummer in the world no other drummer can compare.
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10Travis Barker
Travis Barker I think, is definitely one of the best drummers of all time. He's got some major talent. I'm amazed every time I see him start playing the drums. He should at least be in the top five.
Travis your drumming is awesome its like if you play whole night ill be there to listen it and loved the way you played hi hat in your song first date by blink 182
Every time I think a song couldn't be any better Travis Barker changes my mind with his unique timing. He got mad skills!
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The Contenders

11Lars Ulrich
Lars should be at least 5th in the list... If you listen to the song "frantic" you will understand...
NO. Lars CANNOT be any lower than fifth. At the very least. Listen to literally any song by Metallica and you notice that the rhythm and speed are unmatched and flawless. Why? Lars. He doesn't miss a single beat, ever. And he's incredibly creative with everything he does, especially the double bass, which is best exhibited on the Justice album I'll throw out a list of his very best drumlines: Hit the Lights, Whiplash, Metal Militia, Fight Fire With Fire, Creeping Death, Fade To Black, Battery, Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Disposable Heroes, Damage Inc, virtually everything from Justice, Sad But True, Through the Never, Fuel, That Was Just Your Life, The Day That Never Comes, and Cyanide. These are his very best songs in my opinion, listen to ANY of them and you'll know that there's genius behind that kit. Seriously, I've listened to songs by all of the drummers above, and there is NOBODY in there who can do anything that Lars can't. Always has and always will be the very best.
Well, in my opinion, Lars Ulrich is by far the best. He may not be the fastest drummer, but he can play amazing drum beats without even trying, and, he is pretty fast. Being fast isn't what it takes to be a good drummer, it takes being able to play complicated beats, staying on tempo throughout the entire song, and being able to smoothly change beats. Lars Ulrich does all of these in all of Metallica's songs. He is actually one of the biggest inspirations in the world. He inspired Joey Jordison, John Dolmayan, Jimmy The Rev Sullivan, Tre Cool, Alex Lopez, myself, and many others, if it wasn't for him, this list would be missing half the people on it. By the way, Tre Cool seriously sucks, he can't go above 16th notes, he has terrible beats, and has absolutely no right to be in the same list as Lars Ulrich, Joey Jordison, The Rev, Yoshiki Hayashi, or Neil Peart. P.S. who the heck are Gustav Schafer and Shannon Leto?
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12Yoshiki Hayashi
It's easy to think someone besides Yoshiki is the best drummer, if you haven't heard very many drummers. Some of the mentioned drummers are very good, some are just decent (but seem like the best, if it's your favorite band... ), but I've been listening to music for a long time. Metallica in their heyday, Green Day, and in high school got into keeth moon an stuff like that, and honest to God, Yoshiki Hayashi is just the best. I stumbled upon X Japan kind of by accident on YouTube, and the first thing I saw was one of their older performances and I was like "woah! This is a really catchy Japanese hair band! (the song was Week End)" After hearing Blue Blood (Blue Blood Tour), & Kurenai (The Last Live) -all written by Yoshiki, the bandleader/drummer/pianist/primary composer, who put out the bands first album, Vanishing Vision, on his own lable, Extacy Records, which he created for that purpose, since no record companies at that time would give a (primarily at that time) metal band the time of day. There were also other bands other bands at that time that wore KISS-esque costumes but with a more punk flare, but it was Yoshiki who coined the name Visual Kai (pronounced Kay), and brought this look, & Metal into the mainstream in Japan. This was no stroke of dumb luck. Yoshiki is a brilliant musician and a visonary, and after X Japan broke up in '97, he just went and did other great things, like write the best selling classical album of al time in Japan, write a song for the Emperor of Japan, and in 2011 he was asked to write a themesong forthe American Golden Globe Awards. It debuted it 2012, & now every year you will hear Yoshiki's song, which in my opinion is not only beautiful, but has a hint of his song Without You in the melody, which is the song he wrote for his closest friend (and X lead guitarist, Hide), and is also the song that brought Yoshiki and his estranged, oldest friend Toshi back together and reunited X Japan. If you more like rock and metal than ballads, which I suspect you do, since this is about drummers, go on YouTube and find Yoshiki Forever Love Solo (it's his solo from the Last Live Concert). Like I read in another comment, I never liked drummers this much before I heard Yoshiki Hayashi. I found loud drumming to be annoying and drum solos to be obnoxious... But no lie, I heard that 14 minute solo, and then listened to it at least 2 more times in a row, maybe 3x I don't remember. But like someone else said on a comment, you will hear X Japan and wonder what the hell you've been listening to all this time, when you could have been listening to X instead. Seriously. If you give Yoshiki and X Japan a chance, your whole musical world will open up, and at first, you will curse yourself, as I did, for not discovering them sooner, when you were listening to much more simple punk, and rock, and metal, but hopefully you'll get over that regret eventually, and be able to fully enjoy your new favorite band and Drummer (which they will be, you'll see. ;)) Newcomers to X check out the XJAPANdemonium channel on YouTube for a good set of playlists, and NaxxyChannel channel which has tons of full concerts and Film Gigs & the fully English subtitled The Last Live concert. Yoshiki is a ' powerhouse drummer, who can change the tons and emotions lof his drums as if they were a full symphony, at the same time playing with the speed and force and stamina of any great rock drummer, and all with an outwardly soft and gracious demenor, that would never make you suspect he was even a drummer in the first place. He's amazing, X Japan is amazing, and I hope you'll go onto YouTube right now (get off this silly page! ) and go check them out!
Yoshiki's drumming is by far the best. He doesn't just hit the drums fast and show off, he actually plays them beautifully.
I challenge all of the other drummers to play Art of Life. Good luck.
Watch the drum solo from "X Japan: The Last Live. " We are so ingnorant in the west! Just because he's not white doesn't mean he's not good... Hands down Yoshiki wins this. Neil Peart, John Bonham, Keith Moon... great players... but Yoshiki: GOD
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13Danny Carey
WOW! Such a cool drummer isn't in the top 5?! I bet the guys from two first places can't even after long rehearsal play what Danny does without any troubles!
Danny is a maniac on the drums. In concert he goes hard from start to finish. I mean, the dude hits drums behind and over his shoulder, then hits a gong, then right back to pillaging a land of traditional and electric drums without missing a beat. Danny Carey, top 5 without a doubt!
This guy deserves the name of possibly the best drummer in history, maybe even ahead of Neil Peart, who's incredibly overrated. And Travis Barker?!? You guys must be retarded! No competition there. Danny has incredible speed and creativity, especially in The Pot, Sober, Schism and Lateralus, but also the craziest time sigs, far better than Mike Portnoy. It's difficult to compare all these drummers because their genres differ from alt. metal to deathcore to progressive rock. But there's no question that Danny's playing is incredibly more versatile than several of today's metal drummers. Obviously better than Joey Jordison and whoever those Japanese guys are. Best drummer hands down. None of you guys know drums at all!

metalhead89

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14Buddy Rich
You are all retarded. lars should be nowere near any list of good drummers. Buddy was THE and always will be the best drummer alive. as a drummer, I'm completely offended at the stupidity of this list. Carter and Danny should be top ten. shannon leto as #1? WTF?! Do your research dummys. Were the F. is Tomas Haake, Stef Broks, Martin Lopez?! what about Dave Mackintosh and Dave Weckl?!?!? You are all crazy
Buddy is by far better than any of these drummers. Travis Barker 5? Really? Just because he can play an average snare solo doesn't mean he can sum up to the career of a man who has been playing the drums his whole life without lessons. Let's start off by saying he has more technique, style, and flair than any of these drummers. Sure he didn't have an enormous drum kit like Neil Peart, but Buddy could make it sound like a whole coliseum of drum kits. Buddy not only played with technique but he also play with speed, which almost all the drummers above him on this list couldn't do. Buddy was also a genius, being able to invent technical beats on the fly. I mean come on, even Neil Peart said it himself that Buddy is the best. I think that's nuff' said.
What a joke putting Buddy in 32nd place. Like the 31 drummers in front of Buddy Rich could not last one minute. Buddy Rich is upstairs in drum heaven looking down and laughing. Buddy Rich could and would make every drummer look like a child in a sand box. Buddy Rich was the MASTER.
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15Dave Grohl
Dave Grohl played with Nirvana, Tom Petty and the Heart breakers, Queens of the Stone age, Them Crooked Vultures, and played every instrument including the drums on the FF debut album and that album went gold.
This man is a legend, deserves to be at least in the top 5. Dave is the most amazing drummer ihave ever seen.
Dave Grohl not on top ten? Impossible! He played for Nirvana and made his first FF album solo and it went gold!
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16Rob Bourdon
The diversity of Linkin Park's music means that Rob has to be a totally rounded drummer, which he is. The work he did to get 'Faint' right was extremely impressive!
Rob is the best drummer! LP fans love you so much!
He's the best... Crawling and one step closer is best songs played by rob! You rocks
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17Dave Lombardo
Seriously... Just because you like Metallica and Green Day doesn't mean their drummers are the best drummers. I love Metallica but Ulrich isn't that good. I like Green Day too but Tré isn't the best drummer in the world either. Tré is very good at what he's doing. He's tight and and does not do more than he need to do. Dave Lombardo on the other hand is extremely fast and he's kicking the crap out of the bassdrums. He's very tight too and that's not very easy when you're playing that fast.

I like Metallica and Green Day more than Slayer but we're voting for who is playing the best drums right?
Oh my god only fanboys here... DAVE LOMBARDO SHOULD BE NUMBER ONE, just listen to his solos. No drummer here other than Dave could play in Slayer.
Only 38th? What?

Dave Lombardo is the undisputed king of double bass, he should be higher than most of the drummers on this list! In fact he should have been top of the leaderboard. Shannon Leto is simply the wrong genre, Tre Cool doesn't have flashy fill-ins, and Lars Ulrich, while good with composing music, is not what you'd say was the best drummer.

Only The Rev and Dave Mackintosh might come close, but Rev is dead and gets a lot of sympathy votes here, while Mackintosh's fill-ins get a bit repetitive after a while.
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18Ginger Baker
I can hardly believe the position of these two in this list (Bonham 8, Baker 52? ) Drumming is very peculiar to say the least... Some sound very rehearsed and predictable, some sound very much on target timing wise as we think they "should sound" well timed, pronounced and profound exactly the moment that is anticipated with creative impulse conspicuous and impressive - all which deserve credit for the hard work and effort expended to get on this list... But nil are they to the unreasonable creativity of these two Rock Drummers. Always a millisecond off expected tempo, they paint beat the way Van Gough painted "Starry Night" - they decide the next moment and we arrive... These guys determine things the other guys realize but only worship in their quiet moments... These two are truly the the different drummers that most of will never march to... Because our ears are closed... These two never do what is expected... They create the great that "is" the sound of Led Zeppelin and Cream and forever more what should be worshiped in the art of percussion if such things exist...
baker's underrated. there's one song that not many people have heard before. do what you like by blind faith. the song features a solo from all three instruments, guitar solo with clapton, bass with winwood, and drums with baker. the drum solo is incredible, where he hits almost every one of his drums at the same time or within half a second.

pauler94

Royal Albert hall did me in Still one of the best
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19Dominic Howard
Muse is my favorite band in the whole world. And Dominic just makes them that much better. Love you Dom!
Muse is just amazing full stop but with a drummer like dom its clear how you get blown away with their music he is the best rock drummer never using an annoying double bass and keeping it smooth
I think he is a very good drummer with a particular regularity which caracterise him. Maybe not the best but on of the best drummer I had ever hearing
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20Shinya
This guy is phenomenal and versatile drummer who makes whole use of his massive drumset. Just check out Dir en grey's song 'VINUSHKA' and you'll know.
Shinya is by far the best drummer in the world. His idol used to be or still is Yoshiki, but it's obvious that Shinya has surpassed even Yoshiki's level of skill. Just seeing Shinya drum, one can immediately tell that he is gifted beyond his years. And just look at how huge & expansive his drum set is! Shinya knows how to use all his equipment to its fullest capacity. ^_^ Shinya is God.
Yeah shinya is very cool and awesome. I am Mongolian. We love you shinya! Gambette!
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21Ringo Starr
Ringo is the best Drummer in the world, I'm not the only one who say that, it was Paul McCartney before me, and many more
Here's the deal; the biggest stars [and biggest sellers] in the history of rock music are the Lennon/McCartney song compositions, which will last forever.
The drummer's responsibility is to keep the beat, and let the song be the star, not himself.
Most of the so called "star" drummers would have been unable to allow the greatest songbook ever written to shine; Ringo did it exactly as it needed to be done.
Any criticism against Ringo`s work is relative --
it should go without saying any other drummer would give front teeth for his legacy. Just listen a first pure rock drumming at "A Hard Day's Night" or" You Can't Do That".. Have you heard something similar before? No way! BTW Mike Portnoy is a diehard Beatles fan! he asked Tama to make him a replica of Ringo's Classic 1960's Ludwig drum kit!
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22Ian Paice
I just found that every time I ask someone who playing the drum's in a this song or that song and it seem'this name keep's poping up so I did a little investagation I fould out he play for deep purple then thought to myself that all stand's to reason I ALWAY LOVE DEEP PURPLE and their drummer was I can. T think of word that fit's people over use awesome. Earthshaking is a little better. As a kid was'nt paying no mind to the name. S of the people in band. I was 16 yrs old and had my head under THE hood of big block camaro and if I took it out it was for a girl so I don. T no a lot list of drummer but it wrong that can tell as for niel peart it. S not how big the set is it's how you use them it nothing aginst NEIL PEART I. M not puting him down.
he's a killer dummer but he no IAN PAICE but that's my opinion I could be wrong erie pa. LOVE YA. IAN your best PAY NO MINED TO THIS LIST TILL IT. S FIX BECAUSE IT. S IS BROKIN,
Ian is extremely talented and one of the most underrated drummers. His speed and footwork are among the best. He should be around number 5.
Ian Paice should be in the top 10 as he is one of the best drummers I have ever seen
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23Kai
he is so talented on drum with his style when he played drum I believe that he will become the great drummer in the future!
Kai is a GOD of drums. He plays excellent and he shows us all his feelings and emotions during the play. I want that he become one of the 10 greatest drummers in the world!
I believe that Kai unique drummer) is found nowhere else! His game can be instantly recognizable by their unique style of play))) hearing day to remember forever
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24Nicko McBrain
Absolutely wrong.

Nicko McBrain is one of the greatest drummers in metal. I'm not sure about other genres taken into account in this list, but Nicko McBrain is easily one of if not the greatest metal drummer. He should be at least in the top 5, McBrain is a god of drums. Listen to the albums Piece of Mind, Brave New World, and A Matter of Life and Death, and if you know much about drumming, you'll realize Nicko is unbelievable.

I'm very disappointed he's below Joey Jordison, and even Lars Ulrich. Nicko blows those two out of the water, no competition for him at all.
I am always thinking about this, why don't mcbrain be the first... Just listen to where eagles dare, deja-vu, the evil that man do or even face in sand. He was playing pedal by just one foot... In the face in sand song, mcbrain playing only one pedal, one foot, but the sound just like two pedal and two foot...
Mr McBrain is the very reason I took up playing the drums, the man is a genius and a nice fella to boot.
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25Nakajima Yuto
He is a member of Japan's boy band group Hey! Say! JUMP. He play drum since little. He already in the entertainment world since elementary school. He just graduated from high school. He young and cute. Other than drums, he also can sings, dance, tap dance, acts. He also acts in drama. He awesome and also a nice kid. He plays the drums really well for a youngster.
He is the prince of drums. He can sings, play drums, dance, tap dance, moon-walk. He only 18 years old. He the best drummer. He is really talented.
He loves to play drums, passionate about it and he plays well too! Conclusion, he is an amazing drummer.
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26Alex Van Halen
Look up one of his drum solos. He is really fast!

rocker1796

I saw Alex in concert in 1980. He speed was incredible. He keeps a cup of drum sticks in the center of his set in case he loses one. He did lose one or tossed it to a fan and quickly grabbed another one and did not lose a beat. That was at the Cape Call of Duty Coliseum in 1980
Brilliant!, overshadowed by his brothers guitar work, but incredible in his own right
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27Chad Smith
Very underrated drummer, extremely talented. Can keep a great beat and one of the few people would can keep up with Flea and John Frusciante (at least before. ) Also seems like a really nice guy with a great sense of humour
Chad Smith is underrated, he's a really funky drummer. Is able to play more genre's, why not?
What would they be without him? Also he is never seen as the main part of the band, he should be as recognized as the others in my opinion.
Really deserves a higher place in the Top 10.
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28Stewart Copeland
Shocked he's not higher up, he was a huge part of what made The Police so tight of a group. But you know what they say about opinions, they're like buttholes -- everyone has one, and most of them stink.
The truth is that the best drummers are from jazz (Rich, Roach, Blakley etc... ). So, the best rock drummers are probably those who are influenced by jazz drummers. Copeland is a great example of this. He is skilled at syncopated beats and his cymbal work is stellar and interesting. He also can keep a great straitfoward rock beat.
Copeland's plays a complex off-beat style that is creative and difficult to match.
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29Bill Bruford
So low! Just listen his powerful beat in "Heart of the sunrise", "Red", "Yours is no disgrace" "One more red nightmare"... He could be inthe Top 5 with Nick Mason, Keith Moon, John Boonham and Wyatt!
I really think more people need to listen to Mr. Bruford's work. He deserves the top 20.
Wow. 77. This is THE worst top drummer list on the internet. And where the hell is Jaki?
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30Mike Mangini
Ex-Berkley professor, set multiple World's Fastest Drummer records, expert at poly-rhythmic techniques, now the drummer of the most technically proficient band in the world... And he's rated 101. This list is a joke.
I'm about to barf on my mac! Half the drummers on this list can't do things this exceptional machine. As John Petrucci said about Mangini "He can do things with one hand that takes others two". OH but he's "Petrucci" is probably rated in the 90's if at all on the guitar poll. John Myung DT's Bass player was voted #1 of all time on one of theses polls. So take the best Bass player EVER and pair him with the 96th in the world drummer. That makes as much sense as this poll and every one like it. Just keep drumming... No matter who you are!
Good luck within Dream theater Mike. Hearing the new album, you did a great job.
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31Roger Taylor
Roger is the downright most amazing person on the face of this Earth,
1 he knows how to play all types of drums, including the timpani
2 he also plays guitar
3 he also back up sings
4 he can drum and sing to I'm in love with my car, sound damn good, and breath afterwards
5 he has 5 kids, and lives with someone other than his wife, but you can't control who you love
6 he really knows what rock is
7 last, but not least, he rocks a pair of shades like he's the hottest thing since sliced bread.

Queen-aholic

Roger has inspired a generation of drummers and his song writing is amazing
Come on! He's got amazing rhythm! Plus he could sing at the same time!

abbytoledo1293

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32Chris Adler
All you people keep talking of how fast you play the drums, Chris Adler isn't just about speed, he is exceptional.. Playing a wicked cool beats at high speeds, that takes skill... He should be no-1, or at least in the top 10, #45? damn!
This guy kicks some serious a** behind the drums! And not just speed!
Just listen to any of lamb of gods songs and be amazed by his double kicks and unique beats
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33Mitch Mitchell
hahahahaha, why is he so low on the list. he deserves to be in top 20
Agreed. He's certainly not the best, but this is the ONE name I kept scrolling to see. Hendrix switched bands, but he didn't switch drummers.
he's certainly not the best best but this is wwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaay to low for he can own 85 percent of people on this list.

russian

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34Steven Adler
He should be higher bro I love this guy he's amazing as hell

Are you never heard paradise city, mr. Brownstone, rocket queen?
You must hear that!
Ok now that song, listen and then vote him!
He's truly amazing

ryanfarolddanielwenas

Not only is he the best drunmer! But he's heart is pure and he's so nice. He has such an awesome smile! I really admire the guy.. lets vote guys!
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35Brann Dailor

Just listen to the music. he is insane. thomas haake is too. lets get together on this one. these guys put jazz drummers to shame. they create new genres! they use jazz theory. they are gods. bran is god.

Why Brann isn't top 10 is beyond me. Just listening to any of his work and you'll see why he is one the best drummers out there. Awesome band, awesome drummer.

Brann is one of the best drummers today and he deserves more recognition as such. If you haven't heard him you need to. Even if you don't like the groups music, you will see (hear) he should be among the top five.

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36Awaji Yukihiro
He is very very cool style Drummer and he is very very good stamina, I LOVE YUKIHIROO
first time I saw his playing, I felt like I watching a God of drummers. he is so awesome, so amazing, and incredible! oh God
the way he played the drums are very different from the others. Very fast, very accurate, very strong, and very typical. Thank god you have created Awaji Yukihiro as a new reference for drummers of the world. check the new single (GOOD LUCK MY WAY) 2011
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37John Dolmayan
Has anyone heard Cigaro, Chop Suey, BYOB or Attack? Listen to those songs and tell me that John shouldn't be higher up on this list

SoldierSide1224

He has everything. He can play anything.

arpanhmr

System is on hiatus. They are now away from media. That doesn't means they can't play. John, Daron, Shavo are some of the all time greatest.

arpanhmr

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38Rick Allen
How is a one-armed drummer not in the top 10? Especially as seing how he can still play complex beats. Whether it's electronic or acoustic, Rick Allen should be at least in the top 20, let alone the top 10. What is this?
Are you kidding me? This guy rocked hard, with one arm? Give the guy some props. 41 is a joke.. Show Rick Allen some love, for perserverence, and the love for music he had to continue, at least. Who else would have felt sorry for themselves and quit music? Not this guy. He was a boss. Top 10, if not top 5 material.
Rick Allen should be much higher up on this. Although all the amazing drummers are not very high. Your top ten is totally screwed up. Open your ears and listen to some good music!
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39Steve Forrest
I really like him. He is so passionate, so dedicated. And crazy with all his tattoos and wild expressions. And he can sing too! Very talented.
It's a very brilliant drummer! Beautiful Sunshine Steve ;)
He's always full of energy! Nobody can compare with him!
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40Bill Ward

Bill Ward was recognized with black sabbath, you people who believe some unknown japanese loser is better than neil peart, john bonham, and keith moon, etc. but you should listen to rat salad on the album paranoid and you'll comprehend that bill ward is one of the best drummers ever

pauler94

WOW! So good. Very underrated. Just listen to war pigs. Fantastic. Just fantastic. Vote for him. Top Ten material definetly.

war pigs blew my mind with awesomeness

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41Chad Szeliga
Ok.. being a drummer myself I can say without a doubt that Chad should be in the top 10. His playing has absolutely been the biggest influence on my own. I have studied his playing religiously and have found his style to gel very well with my own.. which I know may make me a little bias but whatever. He is so technical and dynamic.. knows when to shine and when to let the music breath. "Musical" is the word that comes to mind when describing his playing. His presence (in my opinion) has brought so much more to Breaking Benjamin. I think any true, serious musician has to agree that Chad is one of, if not the best, rock drummer of our time. A true student of his craft. Congratulations Chad! You deserve every bit of acclaim you have accuired. I could go on.. but who wants to be bored with the details.. haha. Chad is the best! Period.
He's been my drum idol for years. I have never been so hooked on a players drumming than I have with Chad's. This man has become my greatest friend, role model, and now teacher... He is just the best at what he does period, and is underrated like no other. If any of you took the time do your research then you would realize that Ben Burnley is the reason that Chad's playing is so held back on the albums. My man can do anything you ask, he's sponsored by DW drums for a reason. Your always the best in my heart bro, love you Chad.

- Danny Anton Watts (dwattzdrummer)
Chad is the most amazing drummer I have ever seen! One of the many reasons why he is so amazing is how he really works with Ben Burnleys amazing voice. (The lead singer For Breaking Benjamin) He Even has videos showing how to play some of Breaking Benjamins songs. That is petty awesome if you ask me because he is going out of his way to involve himself with his fans and taking time out of his busy schedule. I think he should be number one cause he damn well deserves it. If you don't know who this is I highly recommend checking into him and Breaking Benjamin cause he and Breaking Benjamin are The Best!
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42Terry Bozzio
Popularity contest. Terry Bozzio is way better than Ringo Starr, and all these other drummers. He invented a whole new drumming style, and has the most intricate hardest, and musical parts known to man. He does what no other has done, with ostinatoes. He has amazing independence considering the parts he is playing
Terry bozzio OWNS genesis' drummer! I can't beleive he is not in the top ten!
Fastest and most truly intense drummer ever.
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43Clive Burr

44George Kollias
In Sacrifice Unto Sebek on the album Annihilation of the Wicked...notably...he has some of the fastest feet of any drummer to date... his double bass speed clocks in at 265bpm (16th notes) or 1060 single strokes of the bass pedal if measured over a one minute time scale
Not a big fan of Nile, my fave band is DEATH but George kollias from Nile is a machine, easily the wolds best drummer, no one on this list can come close to his drumming style. I bet if we could get all these drummers on this list to compete against each other in a real life competition George will blow the rest away. And All the voters who have voted otherwise will be in shock with there jaws dropped
This list seems to be ranked by sexual appeal for girls, not by any sort of talent whatsoever. George Kollias isn't only about being fast since he can play nearly anything.
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45Michael Shrieve
Shrieve sits among the top 10 or 20, among the likes of Buddy Rich. Amazing speed, accuracy, and creativity. The youngest musician at Woodstock in 1969, he overshadowed practically all musicians at the festival. I'm a Mitch Mitchell fan, but Mike sits above most drummers historically. I dreamed of playing like Shrieve after Woodstock, and still do.
Also check out an amazing unknown master who is based in Chicago: David Jennings. Zen like master, a brilliant jazz musician and composer, and an effortless precision and fast, smoothe percussionist.
It is very important to understand te concept that Michael was. Very impressionant attitude for rock, jazz, blues and latin music. In my opinion he must be in a top 20.
Can you say "Santana"?

46Max Weinberg

In terms of the basic melodies and the lyrics Springsteen is of course the genius of his music but in terms of understanding and execution Max is THE member of the band. And when playing live he understands Bruce like no other member of the band and that transcends so powerfully to the audience. Plus he is so cool, non-sentimental and fun to watch when he plays.

Still going strong with The E Street Band and The Boss! Has to be in here, he's the heartbeat of the band!

redmess

Weinberg is the greatest drummer ever. He is a real rock "power" drummer. Awesome.

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47Tico Torres
Do I have to say something about how much he rocks?
One of the world's most underrated drummers and never fails to impress with his talent. He beats lars ulrich and others by a huge margin
Tico is one of the best drummers in the world. He can also sing! Love watching Tico perform! He's a valuable part of the Bon Jovi Band!
The best drummer in the world. In live concerts he play perfectly and rocks all time
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48Charlie Watts
yeah its charlie watts anyone heard of the stones? lol
Hello!
Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones.......Ring any bells!

He belongs to the greatest Rock n Roll Band in the Universe At least we should honour him by puuting him on the TOP TEN !!

Come ON people!!

XOXO Charlie Watts

Love ya always
Citra
Charlie Watts has kept the beat for the greatest rock in roll band in the world for 50 years. Watch him on Midnight Rambler, Honky Tonk Woman and all the other classic Stones. I have not even heard of half of these people you have n the top 10. Mr. Watts should at least be in the top 10.
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49Tommy Aldridge

An amazing drummer that deserves better place.
For me, is the best.

Tommy Aldridge deserves to be at least in the top 10. He's much better than lots of those that are above him here.

JR

greatest drummer of all time no doubt

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50Phil Collins
Phil Collins- from The Genesis album - Nursery Cryme, until Wind & Wuthering- not only drummed with incredible suppleness, and fluidity, but also played with amazing dynamics, AND complex Polyrhythms- just listen to his drumming on "Selling England by the Pound"- Brilliant all throughout, but especially in the behind-the-beat synchopations of "I Know What I like", and the almost Mahavishnu Orchestra-like Poly-metrics of "The Battle of Epping Forest"- not to mention his wonderful Fusion side-project- Brand X, often while singing back-up to Peter Gabriel! Neil Pert? Are you serious? Don't let his solo career close your ears & mind to this MOST AWESOME Musical Genius! Far and Away- the Best Prog-Music Drummer of our time!
I'm dumbfounded to find phil down here! Listen to slipperman in the cage medley- then change your mind! This guy is a drumming god, very much missed over, out of place down here should be at the very least top 5, but in my humble opinion number 1!
Phil is my favorite. His style is so unique. He goes beyond just keeping the beat. Along with the occasional use of the drum machine, Phil makes the drum bits stand out. He is certainly top 10.
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51Carl Palmer
Carl Palmer (also Emerson Lake and Palmer) easily is number three or four on this list after Bonham, Keith Moon, etc.; most of the others, especially the likes of wankers like Travis Barker pale in comparison to rock drummers like Ginger Baker, Mitch Mitchell, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Chad Wackerman, I saw a guy the other night, Graham Broad, with the Roger Waters band that makes Barker look second rate. It's a shame that people with limited knowledge think such lesser talent is top ten material.
Too many people voting for whoever played drums in their favourite band. No thought about the technical ability, the range of percussion instruments played to a high standard, the variety of musical styles, etc. The list is therefore devalued. When some idiot lists being able to play guitar as well and (give me strength... ) the ability to wear sunglasses in a cool manner as reasons to vote for a mediocre drummer like Roger Taylor then one knows the list is devalued to the point of being worthless.
He could make a song from the beat of drum. One of the few drum soloist that did not have a cliche drum solo. I agree with all the comments written here, he should be much higher in the list. Definitely top 5.
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52Chad Sexton
Chad has, hands down, the best meter. His symbol work is crisp and artistically brilliant. Have never really heard a drummer play so melodically. So for him it's not just timing... he adds the layers with such taste and precision that his gift is a perfect dimension to any song. I just think that not enough people have ever been privileged enough to hear what he really does. If they did he would certainly be in the top 5 here.
Chad Sexton is such an accomplished drummer with an incredibly unique sound. If people really payed attention to his drumming he would definitely be much higher on this list and others alike. Chad, you are absolutely number one in my book as well as many others!
If this were my list he would definitely. Be in the top 5! If you have never seen him drum go to the unity tour and you will be voting for him no doubt about it!
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53Aki Hakala
Oh yes aki is the best drummer of the world, I love it when he edited his drums and the songs of the rasmus the drums makes perfect.

Aki is the best drummer in the world! His style is unique, always innovates with new rhythms in the band. He is very devoted to his work, is an exceptional person both with friends and families like us fans
Aki Hakala need no explanation, it´s just hear him playing!
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54Taylor Hawkins
Although the other drummers on this list are amazing I think that Taylor should be much higher. Playing in a band with the legend that is Dave Grohl isn't easy yet he is still amazing. Plus he plays in one of the best bands of the 21st century so...
Taylor Hawkins and Travis Barker are the best drummers of the 2010's era so far and are both in amazing bands, should be higher considering his achievements with Foo Fighters for 16 years
Taylor Hawkins!!! he rules!!!
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55Carter Beauford
For Carter to be ranked anything less than number 1 is a pitiful joke and an insult to drumming in general. But number 30? Really?! What a shame, you can tell this list was compiled by people that have never got within 10 feet of a drumset propably. Carter is like a well tuned machine. Every beat he lays down is a perfect masterpiece that no other drummer on this list could even dream of matching in style and/or quality. He is not a master at the drums, he is THE master. For all intent and purposes, Carter Beauford is God as far as drumming goes, hell as good as he is he may actually be God.
Probably the most tasteful drummer out there. Incredible feel, he always plays in the pocket. He makes some very complicated rhythms sound perfectly natural within fairly simple songs. Every thing is tasteful and well thought out. Every hit serves a purpose. Great drummer.
He can probably play anything that the drummers ahead of him can play - better. I doubt that they can do what he can do on a drumset. For Carter to be #30 is a joke. Creative, innovative, and always on time. His playing is a seamless masterpiece. I can't imagine him not being number 1
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56Charlie Benante

57Deen Castronovo
WOWOWOW Great drummer. How is this guys not on the top of this list?! He's great! Deen your Rule. From Nico ;)
One of the best drummers ever heard in my my life... Tell nico I said hi!
Not only a great drummer but also a great singer! He has them all! You rock Deen.

qwin27

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58James Kottak
Pure energy! Simply amazing drumming! James Kottak should definitely be in the top 10. He is absolutely fabulous to watch live!
His so good
full of energy
he deserve to be on the top 10
I swear
I Saw Him Play IN lebanon back in 7/7/2011
He Rocks!
this guy is nutz with the sticks! he redefines playing drums with that explosive energy and impenetrable aura!
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59Bob Bryar
Bob might not be a member of MCR any more, but he still lives on in fans' hearts and deserves a much higher place in this list.
MCR are so amazing but they were 10x better when Bob was in the band. Since he left them something has been missing. They used to play with so much energy but now it's not there.
the best drummer in the world Bob! he is my inspiration and my reason for exist
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60Thomas Lang
His undoubtedly THE best drummer of the world. Even though he is a specialist in rock, he versatility is absolutely amazing. He is definitely the king of modern drumming.
This guy is for sure the best rock drummer i´ve heard. And believe me, i´ve listened almost the 100% of the work of the drummers that are now listed in the first ten positions.
The one and only reason for Thomas not being more voted is that he doesn't play in a famous band, but his beats, fills, technique, sticktrics, etc. are always excellent
Maybe not a famous. But one of the greatest. If he would played in just one popular rock band, he would need a separate hit list. that's the gruesome fate of a studio and solo drummer
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61Nick Mason
Most Drummers only hit the drums (dur :P), but this guy isn't playing drums on a song, he is playing a song on his drums. There's not other drummer that can play with such patience and taste like Nick Mason. I'm a drummer, and most of those punk/metal retadrs (Ulrich, that Slipknot guy, Travis Baker) are PRETTY overrated, and Nick Mason kicks their asses. Trust me, I've been playing drums for 27 years, and I know when a drummer s a GOOD, Gifted drummer, and Nick Mason is one of these drummers.
A true artist who understood music, not just a glorified show-off like certain others. Listen to "One of These Days" to understand what real drumming sounds like.
watch "Live at Pompeii" and see the Master in full flow.
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62Blake Richardson

63Jeremy Spencer

DUDE, Spencer should be in the top 5. 44 come on this must be an old list or something. Or whoever made this list is anti FFDP or something. This guy is AMAZING.

64Gavin Harrison
I just checked out the drummer in 30 Seconds to Mars. and well he SUCKS even if there are so many people who think he is good they have no idea of what they are saying.
He doesen't do ANYTHING that is advanced at all!
Gavin should be at least in the top ten with Buddy Rich, Keith Moon and Mitch Michell. I get really pissed when idiots think drummers like the ones in Slipknot, Metallica and 30 Seconds to Mars are so damn good. People like that doesen't even know what music is.

/From a musician
Seriously, he deserves to be way higher... He can play fast as hell, but just chooses to play something so innovative! His drumming is absolute genius... The guy knows exactly what goes well with the melody of the song, and doesn't just give beats! Brilliant guy, deserves to be way higher! PS: watch anesthetize live version, you'll know what I'm talking about!
Definitely deserves a higher rating than this. The most creative and rhythmically genius drummer in the world. Much better than some of the drummers on the list above.
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65Cozy Powell

Simply the best musical and high tech drummer both on stage live and on recording. My comments come from a lifetime of top flight drumming. Cozy a sad loss to the world of drumming RIP, super star.

I knew Cozy personally throughout my school life and til the day he was tragically killed.. A truly talented drummer who deserves to be at the other end of the poll! RIP dear friend X

For the love of God CP was one of the best of his era and the only drummer of the time who was truly comparable with John Bonham.

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66Steve Jocz
this can't be happening... stevo 32 should be in the top 10s he plays like lars ulrich... whos one of the the greatest drummers of heavy metal bands around... and if you see stevo... he's one of the best drummers compared to drummers of punk rock bands like green day...
stevo 32 all the way...!
well... for a rock band, we need a very good guitar player, a very good bass player AND a very good drummer. Sum 41 is a very good band so Steve Jocz IS a very good drummer. He must be on the top 10 :D I'm gonna see them in 13 July in France and it's my second show of them and no one can tell me that this band sucks.
Sorry for my english I'm French ;)
... THIS IS A TOTAL DISASTER... THIS isn't HAPPENING AT ALL... HE WAS THERE IN THE THIRTIES AND NOW 58... I can't TOLERATE IT... HE IS AN LEGENDARY DRUMMER... BEST A PUNK ROCK BAND LIKE SUM 41 CAN EVER EVER HAVE... HIS SKILLS ARE MIND BLOWING... EVERY BEAT IN SONGS LIKE STILL WAITING I'M NOT THE ONE AND HAPPINESS MACHINE... IS SOMETHING NO OTHERS CAN COMPARE TO.. AND I THINK HE SHOULD BE LINGERING TOWARDS THE FIRST TWENTIES.. AND HE'S ONE OF MY favorite DRUMMERS THAT COME AFTER LARS ULRICH AND THE REV SULLIVAN... AND ROB BOURDON ... STEVO IS WAY BETTER THAN THAT...
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67RUKA

Ruka is in a band called Nightmare one of his best songs are White Room (No not the one by Creme. )

He is the best drummer he is the perfects man in the world he played so good he is the best human in my life he is my lifesaver really I love him so much he is the only man who I love I wish he lives in my country but he is only in japan I wish so much that he come to germany yes that's my onlyest wish I will meet him I will live with him together please ruka when you see this and anyone translate this for you come to my country pleasr I will see nightmare live

Ruka is very rude! But he's always playing with emotion, with intensity and feeling the power of every song

68Matt Greiner
absolutely the most amazing drummer I've ever seen theres no one that can top him in white washed or composure and if you think so id like to see him cause he must be from heaven. matt greiner. best drummer.
It's Matt Greiner for Christ's sake. The dude even looks like Jesus. He plays drums like Jesus too. He's so technical and he makes August Burns Red easily one of the best in the metalcore genre.
In my opinion one of the best drummers of al time! Great speed, while staying creative throughout. Hands down one of the most talented drummers ever, and quite possibly the best in the genre.
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69Dave Mackintosh

OMG. NOT EVEN IN TOP 20?...
THIS GUY IS SIMPLY THE BEST IN THE WORLD.
HAS THE ABILITY TO PLAY ALONG WITH THE FASTEST OF ALL SOLOS AND RHYTHMS.
HE CAN PLAY ANY DRUM BEATS BY ANY OF THE DRUMMERS HERE. BUT NO OTHER DRUMMER HERE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO PLAY THE BEATS PLAYED BY HIM.
WATCH HIS DRUM SOLOS ON YOUTUBE. HEROES OF OUR TIME IS SIMPLY AMAZING.

for me, Dave is one of faster drummer in the world and he have highest double paddle skills

His speed is simply amazing, also keep in mind that he keeps up that incredible speed for about 7 minutes straight, he should be higher up

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70Dale Crover

71Kami

Kami is really amazing. As a drummer and as a person. Not "was", but "is". People are alive, when we keep them in our hearts. You are in our hearts, dear Kami-san. We remember You. Thank You from the bottom of our hearts. Rest in peace.
He is the best. Definitely.

Kami the best, fhf, fyobr which I know. It the God and sitting for shock it gives all itself(himself). Gave more precisely. We grieve over its death, such person as it should not die, for such people as Кami are not present more. Only it. Only Kami. Not only that it it is remarkable plays on drums, it also is very good itself(himself). A small angel with long red hair...

72Frank Beard

73Gene Hoglan
Shame on you guys.. For what this guy has done and is doing, he deserves at least a Top 3 spot. It's not for some stupid reason that he has been nicknamed Gene "the Atomic Clock" Hoglan and the Human Drum Machine. You guys don't realise his influence on today's Metal drummers. IT IS HE WHO SHOWED DAVE LOMBARDO HOW TO UTILIZE THE DOUBLE BASS DRUM SET.

74Mark Zonder

75Mick Fleetwood
Just saw Fleetwood in concert and the artistry behind the musical section was amazing. Mick Fleetwood has not only incredible timing but he is a musician. Playing fast and loud isn't the mark of a great drummer. His timing is perfect and he knows when to hit and when not to hit. Truly a talent. Neal Pert is amazing and a wonderful musician as well. Mick deserves to be up there based on pure musical talent.
Mick Fleetwood is amazing and has more energy than a man half his age. Just saw him in concert and could not believe that anyone could keep up such a pace without a break. Great musical talent who deserves a higher place in the list.
Unbelievably gifted drummer. Not so cool to like him but he and McVie on bass are unbeatable.
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76Gene Krupa
Krupa was definitely one of the best drummers in his era. Certainly he was a very charismatic drummer to watch. He had, as buddy rich had, IT. IT is star quality. 99.9% of drummers don't have IT. Krupa certainly influenced many young people to pick up the sticks and start playing drums. From that standpoint Krupa is in the same league as buddy rich.
Bestjazz record ever gene krupa's THAT DRUMMERS BAND listen to the trumpet!

77Doug Clifford

78Aaron Gillespie
great drummer, his timing is impeccable. he's defiantly an influence on me music wise. oh and he can freaking sing man! love his music
His is just so talented. You can feel every drip of passion he have in music. His vocal is great too. Great singing.
He is one of the best and he did a whole cd (the almost) with no help. He did bass guitar drums vocals and came up with it all by himself
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79Meg White
It's true that he is not the best drummer ever but she should be on the top ten

80Larry Mullien
A distinct style, clearly inspired by his time in his marching band as he uses two hands on one drum for 16th notes. Brilliant!
It's not just a coincidence U2 are the best band in the world, they've got the best drummer in the world. As well as the best guitarist (The Edge), best singer (Bono) and best bass player(Adam Clayton). Best ever film theme tune (Mission Impossible) is by Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, not Larry Mullien.
Listen to him: Sunday Bloody Sunday, Desire, Bullet The Blue Sky, I could go on. 'I Threw A Brick' also features an outstanding solo from him. Oh yeah, and the best ever snare fill in Pride. Seriously, listen to him. I can't believe he's 80th.
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81Mick Tucker (Sweet)

82Martin Chambers

Woah. How isn't he on the top 5. He is one of the beat drummers of all time. Watch vh1 decades of rock performance. He is the best drummer of all time with the pretenders and can put on a real good show.

83Peter Alcorn

84Matt Cameron
very tight groove, especially in soundgarden! he has a lot of idea for heavy songs.
Matt Cameron is fantastic and one of the best in the business now.
"two words, (To easy)is there anything he can['t do
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85Mikko Siren
Great drummer!
Part of the best band in the whole world!
LONG LIFE TO CELLO METAL!
Mikko is an amazing musician. He has such passion when he plays! He gives and gets energy to and from the crowd! Not to mention he is a super nice guy. So many musicians don't seem to have the time or patients for the fans but I've met Mikko and he loves the "meet and greet" time as much as the Apocalyptica fans do! ! So for this reason and many more he should be voted as the best drummer!
Mikko is one of the most under-rated drummers for sure. His style is very unique and skilled and his creativity knows no bounds! I can't really put into words my admiration for him and how he thinks outside the box, but I couldn't be more proud to say I own one of his drumsticks!
Mikko's also one of the coolest guys I've ever met - he's so easy going and friendly! And will deny it to the ends of the earth if you compliment him. He's constantly making us all laugh with his great sense of humour too. Mikko "Mikko Sirén" Sirén - YOU ROCK!
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86Brandon Barnes
His fills, intros, and drumming work are all equally captivating. I used to like Rise Against because of Tim's voice and lyrics. The guitars are super-solid as well, but the drums have a very big impact as well. Take a listen to:

The Good Left Undone
Under the Knife
Kotov Syndrome
Prayer of the Refugee

The list could go on. There are better songs, but that's a few to start with.
rly good drummer so much bass

87Alan White
It is Shameful to be adding this Guys Name at the bottom of this list. But he can not go unmentioned. He Most Certainly should be in the top ten.
Check out the drumming to Sound Chaser by Yes, its phenomenal. Then there's the likes of Instant Karma where the drumming makes the song.
Great drummer fabulous rhythm don't know why he's not up there when drummers like ul rich are up there, why?

88Shawn Drover

89Kris Kohls

90Ronnie Vannucci Jr.
Ronnie Vannucci Jr... Need I say more?

He's an awesome drummer and hard to cover as well, the way he bonds with his band and their music is just inspiring; to me as well.

An Amazing Drummer who deserves more credit.
Ronnie should be on 1-3 best in the world! Nobody can copy his expression, those hit hat hits! This list suck
Ronnie Vannuci doesn't have as much recognition as he should... His technique is so unique and the way he holds his drum-sticks is special. I think that he is one of the best right now. He plays with passion and facial expressions. In my opinion he should be in top 10.
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91Nick Menza

The guy gut ears, his drumming fits perfectly to the songs,
can't get his drumming especially the outro at 'ashes in your mouth'

Awesome

Can't Stop Listening Dread And The Fugitive Mind

prateekkathal

Nick Menza is probably one of the most talented drummers of the 80s heavy metal era (not that death metal crap). The way he drums is just fantastic to watch and listen to.

Haydos

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92Arin Ilejay

93Scott Phillips

Scott Phillips drums like a champion. Strong rhythms and tasteful fills.

Scott- an awesome drummer. I love AB. Scott is definitely the best Can't wait to see them again

Just listen to his job at Alter Bridge and you'll sure know he must be at least in the top ten

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94Sakura

What should I say, about an amazing man, like Sakura - San. First, that I admire him very much. The fist time, I heard him, was the time, he was L'ARc~en~Ciel and I really like his style, the way he combines wild riffs with soft rhythm. But for what I admire him most it, that he never had let bring him down, even when he was at the deepest point in 1997. But from there he fought himself high up. For that he has my very deep respect. He's right, when he's saying, that music creates a nice civilization, when children hear good music from very early childhood on and learn to play it. I love music, since I was a little child. Today I'm a singer and songwriter.

Sakura the best drummer that L’Arc~en~Ciel ever had! He was also great at inspiring Hyde if you know what I mean ^.~

When Sakura was the drummer, there was style and soul in their music, it was really a basic instrument. Now, after he's gone from the band, the drum sounds the same in every song... so sad.

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95Bun E. Carlos
Cheap Trick are one of the most influential bands of the past 30 years, and one of the reasons for that is their heavy rhythm section and the crisp and steady drumming of Bun E. Carlos.
The backbeat behind one of the best American bands of all time.
I was listening to Dream Police and was impressed so much with how Bun E's playing "blended" in I had to look and see where he placed in the world of drumming.

My personal opinion is that if you don't hear the drums you got yourself a great drummer. It simply means they are one with the song. Great skill required here.

There are many other factors, I know, but if they hurt the sound of the band or damage the song or music, then what good are they.

As Hippocrates said... Physician "do no harm"...
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96Martin Lopez

he has a very interesting drumming style

Opeth drummer has fantastic symbol work and a Latin style with some amazing death metal stylings, the guy is the best drummer I've heard, so diverse.

97Don Henley

He can't be overlooked with songs like Withcy Woman and Hotel California. Drums don't always have to be played super fast - even if a piece can be reproduced by a good musician reproduction is not the same as creation, and creation is a unique thing. I played Bass but when I hear Don Henley play I want to play drums.

ekos

98Cobus Potgieter
Man has extreme fluidity when playing and has some major hidden skills up his sleeve.

99Michael Moose Thomas
Untouchable double bass, terricfic sound of drums. I have really not heard other drummers pound the drums like that, giving Bullet their sound. Pity he's not even on this list. Listen to " Alone", "waking the demon", "scream aim fire" etc... Unbelievable drumming.

shankarrohan

Moose is an unbelievable drummer. He has fast, powerful beats that mix in with what Matt, Jay and Padge are trying do with the other music in the songs. When needed, Moose can also create beats and solo's that make amateur drummers like me just wish that we could play some of the stuff that he does, eveen the stuff the sounds easy, it's not.
90 is seriously unfair! He definitely deserves to be placed much higher! His drumming is unbelievable! Take for example Waking The Demon! Just Awesome!
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100Mario Duplantier
Top 10 easily... He is even better live

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      List Info

      This list was created 6 years, 160 days ago and has been voted on over 123,000 times. This top ten list contains 368 items, has been remixed 59 times and has been blogged about 32 times.

      Updated Tuesday, June 18, 2013

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