Who Is Or Was The Best Rock Drummer

[winston]

Drummers like John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon, Carmine Appice, Ray Cooper, Bill Bruford, Ian Paice, Terry Bozzio, Carl Palmer, Don Brewer, Nick Mason, Aynsley Dunbar, Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts to name but a few; each gained fame and went on to become revered as members of an exclusive club. They are considered to be amongst the best drummers in the world.

Their drumming styles all differ but individually they provide or have provided the backbone of the rhythm section for their respective highly successful bands.

But there is a lingering question. Who is or was the best of the best and why? Is it one of the drummers named above or is it someone like Gene Krupa, Tommy Aldridge, Neil Peart or.....................?

So again, the question is: Who is the best of the best and why.

[jps]

You really can't name THE one best as you yourself commented above on their all having an individual style. At least, that's the way I see it.

[scotty]

My vote goes to Heather McCartney.Shes been banging a drum real good recently.

[godber]

I'd like to see her paradiddle.

[kenposurf]

So many...
Michael Shrieve
Neal Peart
Dusty Watson..for surf

[johneek]

The best drummer I ever saw live was Buddy Rich....but that's not rock.

[phlemmy]

the one that impressed me the most based on sheer technical ability is Terry Bozzio. mind numbing abilities.

if i had to choose someone to be in any rock band i am in, it'd be a toss up between Gene Hoglan, Mikkey Dee or Charlie Benante. Each of the 3 of them can play any style on any given day with power, feel and/or grrove.

[charlyg]

Ginger, Keith, and John, in that order, but VERY close.

There are a few musicians who bring something new to their instrument. I am not talking technical expertise like Geddy or EVH. More like Jaco on the bass, Jimi on the guitar, etc. Ginger opened new horizons for rock drummers IMHO.

[royclough]

Watch the Master, IMO of course.

[admin]

Nice pick, Roy.

Here is another for consideration. do you recognize him?

[charlyg]

His Dad ain't a bad bassman either!!

[winston]

I asked my wife (who is very discerning when it comes to identifying top notch drummers) who her favorite drummer is and she said without even thinking about it for a nano second; Ginger Baker. Great minds think alike Charly. I agree with you both

Ginger btw was the first to really fuse jazz and rock into his very loud and heavy playing style. After watching some of his more recent performances I would also postulate that despite his age, he has not lost his edge at all. Playing drums is a very physical, demanding profession that requires precision in execution. You have to be in great shape mentally and physically to stay on top of your game.

My vote also goes to Ginger.

[jps]

Wellllllll, if I have to pick only one, after seeing him play up close last year, I would have to say Carl Palmer.

[rick_ovic]

My vote goes to Keith Moon. I just love his style and flair. I would have loved to have seen him in concert.

[royclough]

Peter

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