A Journey Through the Best Rock Drummers from the 1960s to Now

The history of rock music is as much about the drumming as it is about the guitar or vocals. Drummers are the heartbeat of rock, and over the decades, we've been graced with some of the most technically skilled and emotionally expressive drummers who have significantly shaped the genre. This article explores some of the finest rock drummers from the 1960s to the present day, including notable bands they hail from.

1960s

Ringo Starr - The Beatles Keith Moon - The Who Mitch Mitchell - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Ginger Baker - Cream

These drummers from the 1960s were known for their innovative playing styles, which pushed the boundaries of what drumming could do in rock music. Each one left a mark on the genre and influenced countless musicians.

1970s

John Bonham - Led Zeppelin Neil Peart - Rush Bill Bruford - Yes / King Crimson Carl Palmer - Emerson Lake and Palmer

The 1970s saw drummers like John Bonham and Neil Peart gaining fame for their technical skills and dynamic performances. Bill Bruford and Carl Palmer also made significant contributions to rock music during this era, known for their innovative playing and influential bands.

1980s and beyond

Phil Collins - Genesis Stewart Copeland - The Police Danny Carey - Tool Carter Beauford - Dave Matthews Band Dave Grohl - Nirvana / Foo Fighters Travis Barker - Blink-182 Chad Smith - Red Hot Chili Peppers Matt Cameron - Soundgarden / Pearl Jam Taylor Hawkins - Foo Fighters Josh Freese - The Vandals / Nine Inch Nails Brann Dailor - Mastodon Daniel Adair - Nickelback

The 1980s saw a continued trend of innovative drumming, with Phil Collins, Danny Carey, and Stewart Copeland among those who pushed the boundaries of what drumming could achieve. Later, artists like Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, and Matt Cameron contributed to the evolution of rock drumming, influencing the sound of the music we hear today.

The Best Rock Drummers from the 1960s, Simplified

While the list above provides an extensive range of legendary drummers, here are some who stand out from the 1960s:

Keith Moon - The Who Ringo Starr - The Beatles Mitch Mitchell - The Jimi Hendrix Experience Michael Shrieve - Santana Ginger Baker - Cream Carmine Appice - Vanilla Fudge and Black Sabbath Charlie Watts - The Rolling Stones Drumbo John French - Ike and Tina Turner Hal Blaine - The undisputed king of the sixties drummers, played on 40 number one hits and 150 top tens and to date has played on over 35,000 tracks. He’s played with the Byrds, The Monkees, The Supremes, Roy Orbison, John Denver, Nancy and Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, The Carpenters, and hundreds more all different types of music.

Hal Blaine, known as the "united king of the sixties drummers," is often cited as a top drummer due to his incredible output and versatility. His dedication and talent have earned him a place at the top of many lists.

Arguments and Opinions

As in any field, different musicians and listeners have their own opinions on who the best rock drummers are. Below are some of those who are highly regarded:

Stewart Copeland - The Police Terry Bozzio - Missing Persons Jeff Porcaro - Toto and session drummer for a ton of bands in the 70s and 80s, notably Michael Jackson's Thriller Tony Thompson - Chic Tommy Lee - Motley Crue Mick Fleetwood - Fleetwood Mac Shelia E. - Prince protege Omar Hakim - Prolific session drummer, Sting, Madonna, and drummer of Weather Report, one of the most famous Jazz Fusion bands of all time Carmine Appice - Session drummer, notably his work on Rod Stewart's "Blondes Have More Fun" Bernard Purdie - Bandleader and session musician known for the drum pattern called "The Purdie Shuffle" Chad Smith - Red Hot Chili Peppers Phil Collins - Genesis

These drummers continue to be influential in the rock music world, each with unique styles and contributions that have left a lasting impact on the genre.

Feel free to share your thoughts and comments on the best rock drummers below.