Amplificity’s Top 10 Drummers of all time

“Everything government touches turns to crap.” – Ringo Starr

When I started writing this piece I released how little I knew about drumming. So it took many weeks of research and studying to identify what I believe to be the Amplificity Top 10 drummers of all time.

All the research I got from this article was also sourced from some of our music greats. A special thanks to;

• “The Top 10 Drummers Of All Time” by Gavin Harrison, published on MusicRadar
• “Top 10 Drummers of All Time” by Daniel Kreps, published on Rolling Stone
• “Top 10 Greatest Drummers Of All Time” by Damian Fanelli, published on Guitar World

I often feel that drummers are the underappreciated musicians of our time, yet when I go through the list of my favourite drummers, it’s just undeniable how talented and brilliant these guys were. Ahead of their time. Musicians In their own rights.

However, let me first start by introducing you to 5 drummers that popularised the drum and push its boundaries.

• Gene Krupa: Considered by many to be the first modern drumming superstar, Krupa was a jazz drummer who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his energetic and flashy playing style, and his solos helped to bring the drums to the forefront of jazz music.
• Buddy Rich: Another jazz drummer, Buddy Rich was known for his incredible speed and technical proficiency on the drums. In the 1930s, he played with various big bands, including those led by Joe Marsala, Bunny Berigan, and Artie Shaw.
• Ringo Starr: The drummer for The Beatles, Ringo Starr helped to define the sound of the band with his simple yet effective drumming style. His use of unconventional techniques and rhythms helped to push the boundaries of pop music drumming.
• John Bonham: The drummer for Led Zeppelin, John Bonham was known for his powerful and heavy drumming style. His use of complex rhythms and innovative techniques helped to shape the sound of hard rock and heavy metal.
• Neil Peart: The drummer for Rush, Neil Peart was known for his incredible technical proficiency and innovative drumming style. He incorporated elements of jazz and progressive rock into his playing, and his intricate drum parts helped to define the sound of the band.

Although the above 5 are those that I believe were the most influential

1. John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
2. Neil Peart (Rush)
3. Buddy Rich (Jazz Legend)
4. Keith Moon (The Who)
5. Ginger Baker (Cream)
6. Stewart Copeland (The Police)
7. Steve Gadd (Session drummer)
8. Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix Experience)
9. Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters)
10. Phil Collins (Genesis, solo)

 

#1 Drummer of all time

John Bonham (1948-1980) best known as the drummer for the rock band Led Zeppelin. Bonham is considered to be one of the greatest drummers in rock music history, known for his powerful drumming style, speed, and intricate rhythms.

Bonham was born in Redditch, England, and began playing drums at an early age. He played in various bands throughout his teens and early twenties before joining Led Zeppelin in 1968.

With Led Zeppelin, Bonham helped to define the sound of hard rock and heavy metal. He contributed to many of the band’s most iconic songs, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and “Whole Lotta Love.” He was known for his thunderous drum solos and his ability to improvise on stage.

Bonham’s life was tragically cut short when he died in 1980 at the age of 32. His death was attributed to asphyxiation from vomit after consuming large amounts of alcohol. Despite his short life, Bonham’s influence on rock music is still felt today, and he is remembered as one of the greatest drummers of all time.

 

#2 Drummer of all time

Neil Peart was a Canadian musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer and primary lyricist for the rock band Rush. He was born on September 12, 1952 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and passed away on January 7, 2020.

Peart joined Rush in 1974, after the band’s original drummer John Rutsey left. He quickly established himself as one of the most innovative and technically skilled drummers in rock music, known for his complex rhythms, intricate drum fills, and virtuosic solos.

In addition to his drumming, Peart was also the primary lyricist for Rush, writing songs that explored science fiction, philosophy, and other intellectual topics. His lyrics often featured intricate wordplay and allusions, and he was widely regarded as one of the greatest lyricists in rock music.

Peart was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1983, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Rush in 2013. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books, including memoirs and travelogues.

#3 Drummer of all time

Buddy Rich (1917-1987) an American jazz drummer widely considered to be one of the greatest drummers of all time. He had a career spanning over six decades and played with numerous famous bands and musicians.

Rich began his career as a child prodigy, playing in vaudeville at the age of four and touring with his own band by the age of 11. In the 1930s, he played with various big bands, including those led by Joe Marsala, Bunny Berigan, and Artie Shaw.

In the 1940s, Rich joined Tommy Dorsey’s band as the lead drummer, a position he held for four years before leaving to form his own big band. The Buddy Rich Orchestra performed throughout the 1950s and 1960s, playing a mixture of jazz, swing, and bebop.

Rich also played with various other musicians and bands throughout his career, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, and Count Basie.

In addition to his work as a performer, Rich was also a respected bandleader and music educator, and he made numerous appearances on television and in films.

#4 Drummer of all time

Keith Moon was a legendary drummer, famous for his energetic and innovative drumming style in the British rock band The Who. He was born on August 23, 1946, in Wembley, London, England, and showed an early interest in playing the drums.

One of Moon’s famous sayings was, “I am not trying to be a great drummer. I am trying to play music.” This quote highlights Moon’s approach to drumming, which was not just about technical proficiency but also about creating a musical experience for the audience.

Moon joined The Who in 1964 and quickly became known for his wild stage antics, which included destroying his drum kit, exploding fireworks, and driving a car on stage. Despite his erratic behavior, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time, with a unique style that blended elements of rock, jazz, and surf music.

Moon’s life was marked by excess and tragedy. He struggled with alcohol and drug addiction throughout his career and had numerous run-ins with the law. He also suffered from mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.

Moon died on September 7, 1978, at the age of 32, from an overdose of pills that he had taken to combat his insomnia. His death was a shock to the music world, and he was widely mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike. Despite his short life, Moon’s legacy as a pioneering drummer and rock icon continues to inspire generations of musicians.

#5 Drummer of all time

Peter Edward “Ginger” Baker was an English drummer, best known for his work with the power trio Cream, which also featured Eric Clapton on guitar and Jack Bruce on bass. He was born on August 19, 1939, in Lewisham, London, England.

Baker was known for his complex and powerful drumming style, which incorporated elements of jazz, African rhythms, and rock. He was a pioneer of the drum solo in rock music, and his virtuosic playing helped to redefine the role of the drummer in a band.

In addition to his work with Cream, Baker also played with other notable musicians, including Blind Faith, Fela Kuti, and Public Image Ltd. He released several solo albums throughout his career and continued to perform and record music well into his later years.

Baker’s life was marked by controversy and personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction and financial problems. He died on October 6, 2019, at the age of 80, after suffering from multiple health problems. Despite his personal issues, Baker’s contributions to rock music and his influence on generations of drummers continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

 

#6 Drummer of all time

Stewart Copeland is an American musician, best known as the drummer of the British rock band The Police. He was born on July 16, 1952, in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.

Copeland’s drumming style was influenced by his background in jazz and his extensive travels throughout the world. He was known for his precise and innovative playing, incorporating elements of reggae, punk, and world music into his drumming.

As a member of The Police, Copeland co-wrote many of the band’s hit songs, including “Message in a Bottle,” “Walking on the Moon,” and “Every Breath You Take.” The band’s success in the late 1970s and early 1980s helped to popularize reggae and new wave music around the world.

After The Police disbanded in 1986, Copeland went on to have a successful career as a composer, scoring music for films, television, and video games. He also continued to play and record music, both as a solo artist and with other musicians.

 

#7 Drummer of all time

Steve Gadd is an American drummer, widely regarded as one of the most influential and accomplished session drummers in the world. He was born on April 9, 1945, in Rochester, New York, USA.

Gadd’s drumming style is characterized by his use of dynamics, intricate rhythms, and a deep sense of groove. He has played on countless recordings in a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, pop, and R&B, and has worked with many of the biggest names in the music industry.

Some of Gadd’s most notable collaborations include playing with Paul Simon, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, and Chick Corea. He is also known for his work on the jazz fusion classic album “Breezin'” by George Benson, which features Gadd’s iconic drumming on the hit song “On Broadway.”

In addition to his session work, Gadd has also released several solo albums and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1984.

Gadd’s influence on the drumming community is significant, with many aspiring drummers citing him as a major inspiration. His innovative playing and versatile style have made him one of the most respected and sought-after drummers of all time.

 

#8 Drummer of all time

Mitch Mitchell was an English drummer, best known for his work with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. He was born on July 9, 1947, in Ealing, London, England.

Mitchell’s drumming style was characterized by his use of jazz-influenced rhythms and unconventional techniques, such as using his snare drum as a tom-tom. He was a key member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, helping to create the band’s groundbreaking sound on classic songs like “Purple Haze,” “Foxy Lady,” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).”

In addition to his work with Hendrix, Mitchell also played with other notable musicians, including Jeff Beck and John Lennon. He continued to perform and record music throughout his career, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience in 1992.

Mitchell died on November 12, 2008, at the age of 61, from natural causes. His innovative drumming style and contributions to rock music continue to be celebrated and remembered today, and he remains one of the most influential drummers of his generation.

 

#9 Drummer of all time

Dave Grohl is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and producer, best known as the drummer for Nirvana and the frontman of the Foo Fighters. He was born on January 14, 1969, in Warren, Ohio, USA.

Grohl began his career as the drummer for the iconic grunge band Nirvana, playing on their classic albums “Nevermind” and “In Utero.” Following the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, Grohl formed the Foo Fighters in 1994, and has since led the band to become one of the most successful rock acts of the past few decades.

As a drummer, Grohl’s style is characterized by his powerful, driving rhythms and his ability to play with both precision and raw energy. He is also a talented guitarist and vocalist, and has contributed his skills to many other musical projects over the years.

In addition to his work with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters, Grohl has played with other notable musicians, including Queens of the Stone Age, Tenacious D, and Paul McCartney. He has also produced albums for a variety of artists, including the Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, and Nirvana’s posthumous release “In Utero (20th Anniversary Edition).”

Grohl’s contributions to rock music and his influence on generations of musicians have earned him widespread acclaim and recognition, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Nirvana.

#10 Drummer of all time

Born in Chiswick, London, England on January 30, 1951, Phil Collins is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame as the drummer and later the frontman of the progressive rock band Genesis, and for his successful solo career. Collins joined Genesis as a drummer in 1970 and eventually took over as the band’s lead vocalist after Peter Gabriel left in 1975. During his time with Genesis, he played a significant role in steering the band towards a more pop-oriented sound, leading to hits such as “Invisible Touch” and “Land of Confusion.”

Collins is also renowned for his successful solo career, with chart-topping hits like “In the Air Tonight,” “Against All Odds,” and “Another Day in Paradise.” He is known for his distinctive voice, emotive songwriting, and powerful drumming.

“Drummers are the heartbeat of sound, Their rhythms pound and echo around. With sticks in hand, they create a beat, That moves the body and taps the feet. The snare snaps like lightning strikes, The bass booms like thunder in the night. The cymbals crash like waves on the shore, And the drummers keep on pounding more. Their hands move like lightning bolts, As they pound out beats and thundering rolls. Their bodies sway to the rhythm they make, And the music they create, we cannot fake. Drummers bring the beat to life, And make the music come alive. They keep the band in time and in sync, And the audience can’t help but bob and wink. So let us all give thanks and praise, To the drummers who set our souls ablaze. For without their rhythm and beat, Our music would be incomplete.”

Other great Top 10 drummer articles.

• “The Top 10 Drummers Of All Time” by Gavin Harrison, published on MusicRadar: https://www.musicradar.com/news/the-top-10-drummers-of-all-time-212456
• “Top 10 Drummers of All Time” by Daniel Kreps, published on Rolling Stone: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/top-100-drummers-of-all-time-77933/
• “Top 10 Greatest Drummers Of All Time” by Damian Fanelli, published on Guitar World: https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/top-10-greatest-drummers-all-time