Favorite drummers

[croseiv]

When I was kid I thought Alex Van Halen was the king of showmanship with his huge drum sets. Neil Peart ranks number one in my mind now. Lars Ulrich and Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) are great too. There's different categories of drummers. You have the ones who can play the blistering metal, ones (like Neil Peart) who can play incredibly complex and off beat, and very precise rhythms, and then you have the background beaters. I thought the guy who played drums for Stevie Ray Vaughan (Chris Layton) was outstanding. Oh yeah, the drummer (Mike Portnoy) for Dream Theater is crazy good too.

Oh yeah, and then there's the whole Jazz scene...

 

[Gov]

Neil Peart of course. My license plate on my truck is 1PEART after all

 

[cym_city]

I read all 9 pages of this thread and couldn't believe that there was no love (unless I missed it) for Billy Cobham. After that, in no particular order

Danny Gottlieb (he's played with everyone)
Paul Wertico (A little Pat Metheny love)
Terry Bozzio
Carter Beauford (smooth as butter)
Chad Sexton
Buddy Rich

 

[jamie2112]

Chad Sexton is a bi poler freak.I worked for 311 for 8 years and pretty much quit because of him......the rest of your list I agree with. Billy Cobham is nuts....

 

[MinusTheBear]

The drummer from the band Everytime I Die is badass. I don't recall his name though.

 

[jazzisnumberone]

Chester Thompson and Phil Collins (seen them 4 times live)
Billy Cobham
Lenny White (Return to Forever)
Ricky Lawson
Neil Mason
Buddy Rich

There is lots more but these come to mind. They are the backbone of their respective group(s).

 

[speakerman39]

Hey guys, I also wanted to mention the likes of Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin whom are drummers for Godsmack. Although, I would not say these two are the best by no means, they certainly make for a potent combination. Here is a link to give you an idea of just how good they are. Enjoy!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoQYG7quf4I

If you are impressed, then please say so. Why not share your thoughts. I am also quite impressed with Mike Portnoy. You can see him here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3p_ob1QsMk&feature=related

Cheers,

Phil

 

[insomniac2587]

Peart is great, as many here have acknowledged. If anyone knows of the band The Mars Volta, their former drummer Jon Theodore was ridiculous.

 

[insomniac2587]

Also a big John Densmore fan!

 

[Now Slappy]

Here's a good example of Carter Beauford.

#41

Sooooooooo smooth....

 

[EYEdROP0]

My favorite is probably Danny Carey from Tool. As far as pure speed, endurance, and consistency, George Kolias from "Nile" is wicked.

 

[jamie2112]

My favorite is probably Danny Carey from Tool. As far as pure speed, endurance, and consistency, George Kolias from "Nile" is wicked.

Danny is the man and a great guy as well. He has been a friend for 8 years now and is the most humble guy you could ever want to hang with....great choice...

 

[MinusTheBear]

I have been watching the show Tommy Lee Goes to College lately and there is an episode where he tries out for the marching band. He struggled mighty, it was embarrasing. He adds some theatrics and stage presence which is entertaining in his live performances but nowhere near a great drummer. A drummer that I would think would own in a marching band and I don't think has been mentioned yet is Travis Barker from Blink 182....I know I know...he's talented though.

Check out the band Candiria from some technical drumming.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

along with many of the others mentioned

Chad Gracy - Live & Jeff Campitelli - Satriani

 

[jamie2112]

Oh my god I almost forgot the baddest player I know:

Vinnie Calliuta

 

[cym_city]

Oh my god I almost forgot the baddest player I know: Vinnie Calliuta

Great catch. I can't believe he wasn't mentioned before.

I would also like to through Gary Chester into the mix. Not so much for what he played, though he played with almost everyone. But mainly because his books on drumset and the method that he approached it are second to none.

 

[zeuiax]

John Bonham /fread.

then Neil Pert.

 

[Sheep]

One of my favorite bands changed their drummer. As I said earlier in this thread, I don't like to single out 1 member, but his addition to this band made them spectacular.

Thomas Pridgen.

Solo work.

In the band.

How they used to sound.

SheepStar

 

[Phil Taylor]

Without reservation - Neil Peart. Recently caught the Rush R30 concert on Palladia and he has a solo about 3/4 into the show. An absolute monster performance using every piece of his massive set - never a single click or stick misplaced. The dude's gotta be going on 60 - and doesn't even break a sweat. Absolutely phenomenal!!! He's an animal and a true master of his craft.

Other notable runners-up
Buddy Rich
Keith Moon
John Bonham
Ed Shaughnessy

Neil's R30 solo via YouTube --

Buddy and Ed battle from the Tonight Show - a couple of guys havin fun --

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Animal!!!!!