Top 10 Best Modern Drummers
The best modern drummers with double bassing, and overall speed, and difficulty.
James Owen Sullivan (February 9th, 1981 - December 28th 2009), better known by his stage name "The Rev" (Short for "The Reverend Tholomew Plague") was an American musician, singer and songwriter, best known as the former drummer, backing vocalist and co-founder of the American alternative metal/ metalcore... read more Probably the best metal drummer ever. He could do it all. He was a master at almost all aspects of drumming. He was also a musical genius. He wrote most of Avenged Sevenfold's greatest hits. Jimmy could also lay down some of the fastest beats. Just listen to songs like "Unholy Confessions," "Chapter Four," "Beast and the Harlot," "Burn It Down," "Almost Easy," "A Little Piece of Heaven," and although he didn't actually record "Nightmare" and "Welcome to the Family," he wrote those ones.
R.I.P. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. A7X foREVer!
Travis Landon Barker is an American musician and producer, and the drummer for the American rock band Blink-182. Barker has also performed as a frequent collaborator with hip-hop artists, and with the alternative rock band +44, the rap rock group the Transplants, and the alternative rock band Box Car... read more Travis is way better than Greiner. Travis has way more passion in what he does. Not only was he in Plus 44 and now back in Blink 182, but he has done covers and played for other bands when they wanted a sick drummer to play in their song. Rappers, punk bands, metal bands, and a bunch more genres have used Travis Barker before. I'd say that's a pretty good drummer.
I mean, yes, he is popular and is seen a lot all over social and news media these days. However, long before now, Travis was a big deal just by being himself. He has a talent that he hasn't taken for granted. He has taken that talent and made it something spectacular. He isn't afraid to be himself and do what he loves.
Joshua William "Josh" Dun is an American musician. He is currently the drummer for the band Twenty One Pilots. For somebody who didn't take any lessons and literally got kicked out of music stores for playing too long as a kid, it's amazing to see the dedication and passion he has for what he does. Of course, he's not flawless. Some say that what he does is mediocre, but I think that he successfully handles half of his band and would continuously do so.
His energy is contagious, and for a guy who hides from the mic, he's extremely confident behind his drums. He is very innovative, willing to try new things, and is improving so much. And don't forget how many he's inspired. He's in a suitable position on this list, I think.
Chadwick "Chad" Smith is an American musician and current drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which he joined in 1988 and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. One of the best of this generation alongside Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, and Phil Selway. Just listen to his skills on Purple Stain (amazing outro), By The Way, Brendan's Death Song, and pretty much all of the Stadium Arcadium album. Absolute beast.
One of the most versatile drummers ever to have walked the earth. He's usually involved in a lot of side projects, like the rock supergroup Chickenfoot. Definitely deserves to be on the list.
Chad's drumming brings the RHCP together. He is surely one of the best ever. Of course, this is a subjective matter, but Chad has my vote with no reservations.
Joey Jordison, was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work as the former drummer and co-songwriter for the heavy metal band Slipknot as well as guitarist in the Horror-punk band Murderdolls. He is the co-founder and drummer for the Blackened Death Metal band Sinsaenum... read more I suppose The Rev is a decent #1. Don't get me wrong, he is in my top three for modern drummers, which half of this list certainly is not. But Travis Barker 1% behind him for number two? In this information age, we have access to any music at any time. Please, somebody justify Travis Barker's place on this list, let alone his #2 spot.
No, I'm not inferring he's unqualified for the modern portion like the great Chad Smith (RHCP was 80's), but he is unqualified for the great portion and hardly qualified for the drummer portion. It pains me to see a talented and musical drummer like Jordison so far behind this generation's closest thing to Lars Ulrich. Okay, he's not that bad, but he certainly makes more of a diva of himself.
His cymbal setup is sick, man. He is a very talented dude who has extremely talented creativity in his beats, fills, and everything. Why don't you guys listen to August Burns Red songs before you vote? I recommend you guys not listen to August Burns Red songs because you all will piss your pants due to their awesomeness.
ROFL. Lars Ulrich is surely a modern drummer, laugh out loud. Why the heck is Jordan Mancino higher? He deserves to stay with Matt Greiner due to his skills too. Seriously, I tell you, Matt Greiner is another awesome drummer that has appeared in this world.
Michael Portnoy is an American drummer primarily known as the former drummer, backing vocalist, and a co-founder of the progressive metal/rock band Dream Theater. Known for his technical skill as a drummer, Portnoy has won 30 awards from the Modern Drummer magazine. Well, Mike is officially the best drummer in the world. So...
Very clean sound, perfect rhythm, and genius patterns and fills. The best ever.
Seeing Josh Dun above the greatest metal drummer ever is ridiculous.
Neil Ellwood Peart, (September 12, 1952 - January 7, 2020) was a Canadian musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. Peart received numerous awards for his musical performances, including an induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983, making... read more This guy is behind Josh Dun and all these other mediocre drummers?! This should be an easy #1 right here.
If you don't know this drummer, you need to educate yourself. YouTube, Rush.
I concur. Buddy Rich, with Peart a close second.
Mike Mangini is an American drummer. Since 2010, he has been a member of progressive metal band Dream Theater, following the departure of founding drummer Mike Portnoy. Between 2002 and 2005, he set five World's Fastest Drummer records. Speed isn't the only quality of his drumming. He plays some of the most complex material. It's sad he's ranked lower than some jokes.
World's fastest drummer and world record holder. Not the best, but just as good as everyone else on the list.
One of the best. Can't wait to see him join the stage with Mike Portnoy.
Daniel Edwin "Danny" Carey, born May 10, 1961 in Lawrence, Kansas, is an American drummer and instrumentalist best known for his work in American Grammy Award-winning progressive rock band Tool. He has also contributed to albums by and played with such artists as Zaum, Green Jellÿ, Pigface, Skinny... read more Unreal! The guy is very unconventional and does it all. It's pretty incredible to watch someone his size work the kit the way he does. Love him.
Danny is the best. Period. But really, how come Mike Portnoy isn't higher on the list?
No question, he is the absolute genius modern drummer!
The Newcomers
He's just incredible. He mixes many genres into one to form a style like no other.
Mario Duplantier is a French musician and artist best known as the drummer of technical death metal band Gojira. I don't know why he's so underrated. For me, his drum lines are the best of the modern era!
Shannon Leto is an American musician and songwriter best known as the drummer of rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Shannon Leto leaves no one indifferent or calm. Concerts by 30 Seconds to Mars largely depend on the excellent rhythm section! Shannon works flawlessly. He watches Jared carefully, understanding his every move!
Jared quietly talks to the crowd, warming up and motivating, and Shannon is like clockwork! This causes true admiration and indicates a high level of professionalism. The show by these guys is always different and does not look like each other.
This man is my favorite drummer. He is so incredible and emotional. He has boundless energy and is a beast!
Jordison, Leto, Barker, and Smith don't belong on the same list as Richardson, Greiner, and Costa. Out of those, Richardson seems to have the best integration of polyrhythms into the music and the most breadth in style, thanks to BTBAM's progressive sound. Costa is incredibly fast and technical. Greiner is just a beast in general.
Album sales and jamming with Joe Satriani do not qualify someone to be on this list. There are so many drummers missing from this list anyway: Mike Mangini, Dirk Verbeuren, Gavin Harrison, Navene Koperweis, Chris Pennie, Bran Dailor. Man, the list goes on.
He maximizes the potential of a simple and affordable drum setup, showing players like us in the real world that you don't need a thirty-thousand-dollar setup to sound incredible. He also demonstrates that you don't need a huge kick to achieve a powerful sound. His timing signatures are impressive, and he maintains a tighter groove compared to many metal drummers out there.
Anyone with a brain cell can perform blasts, gravity blasts, and heel-to-toe techniques. However, utilizing them in a musical context rather than simply playing fast requires talent. Welcome to the world of drumming, noobs.
David "Dave" Lombardo is a Cuban American drummer, best known as a co-founding member of the American thrash metal band Slayer.
Georgios "George" Kollias is a Greek heavy metal drummer and music teacher best known for his work with American technical death metal band Nile.
Dominic James Howard is an English musician, best known as the drummer, percussionist and co-producer for the alternative rock band Muse. He also contributes to the synthesized and electronic-based elements found in their music. Drummer for Muse, and brings the power to Muse! Bringing drum beats that go incredibly well with what the band is looking for makes up a good portion of the band. If you are doubting me, then take a listen to songs such as "Resistance," "Assassin," "Exo-Politics," "Apocalypse Please," and "Stockholm Syndrome," and that's just the start! It's pretty awesome how they incorporate such a strong beat in their music.
Even if you're not a huge Muse fan, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of their DVD, Live from Wembley Stadium. If you can even copy that (let alone dream it up in the first place), you are doing extremely well! Easily the #1 modern era drummer in my book!
Frank Edwin Wright III, known professionally as Tré Cool, is a German-born American drummer, best known as the drummer for the American punk rock/pop punk band Green Day. He replaced the band's former drummer John Kiffmeyer in 1990. I've been lucky enough to go to a Green Day concert, and honestly, he's just amazing. His energy, funny faces, and insane drumming skills made the concert so much greater than what it was already.
Tre Cool below Josh Dun, Travis Barker, and Shannon Leto, aka the three most overrated drummers ever? No!
How is he not in the top 3, man? Travis Barker? Haha, you've got to be kidding. Tre runs rings around Blink-182.
David Eric "Dave" Grohl is an American rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer and film director. He is best known as the former drummer of the hugely popular 90s grunge band Nirvana and the vocalist/guitarist for the alternative rock band Foo Fighters. He has sat behind the... read more Great as a singer, guitarist, and drummer! Complete musician!
Should be number one, no doubt. If you want proof, just listen to I'll Stick Around.
Oliver Taylor Hawkins (February 17, 1972 - March 25, 2022) was an American musician, best known as the former drummer of the rock band Foo Fighters. Best drummer of all time, in my opinion. With Dave Grohl at his side, nothing can stop him. Just love the Foo Fighters. Can't forget that Hawkins also has a killer rock voice.
Best of the best modern drummers. Also, his singing while playing is flawless.
The best modern drummer. With Grohl, he is the heart of Foo Fighters.
Robert Gregory Bourdon is an American musician, best known as the former drummer and one of the founding members of the American rock band Linkin Park He remained with the band until their hiatus in 201.7 When the band members began working together out of the public eye in 2019, he declined to rejoin... read more Wait, seriously? This guy is the heartbeat of Linkin Park. Rob provides Linkin Park with great drum beats and has really worked hard, becoming a successful drummer. He should be higher on the list.
Awesome drummer. He deserves to be higher on the list. With great hard work, he is one of the most successful drummers now.
He should be at least in the top 20! He is a great drummer.
I feel like this list is just a popularity contest. If you just look at the number of comments here just for Tony, you can see that he should be in first. For those of you who don't think so and don't know him, please look him up before you vote, and I'm sure you will change your mind. Personally, I think if you don't see he's the best, then you just don't understand drumming.
Clearly the best. Maybe not as popular, but he can play all styles. And the list with no Dennis Chambers? Really? Today's gospel drummers are killing this list when played correctly. Add Aaron Spears also!
Nearly flawless in execution. One of the best technically adept drummers anywhere.
Simply fantastic, a really "Two Hands" drummer, vigorous as well as tender and with a wonderful voice... what else?
Live shows are for life, and he's full of fans because he's Dave's hero... and he's a hero for all of us. Carter forever, a myth!
The fact he isn't higher is shocking. The man's sheer speed and precision are unmatched!
One of the most talented individuals to ever play the drums.
John Dolmayan is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American songwriter and drummer. He is best known as the drummer of System of a Down. During System's hiatus, he made a solo album based solo on covers called These Grey Men, which featured vocal performances from Serj Tankian, M. Shadows, Franky Perez, Jonathan... read more The drummer from System of a Down who won DRUM! Magazine's 2006 Drummer of the Year.