Most rock bands are known for their front men or guitar players, but who are the most famous drummers of all time? An incredible song requires several elements for its grandeur: an enticing melody, well-written lyrics, a memorable voice and, of course, a beat that ties everything together.
While some people see the drummer as just another musician, I believe their skills can make or break a song, making them one of the most essential parts of any band. Mickey Hart once said that “Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts are pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that’s what we are”, and I wholeheartedly agree with him. The most famous drummers of all time have made it onto this list through their ability to infest our ears with an irreplaceable beat.
Now, there’s a vast universe of drummers in the music industry, but unlike the top 10 one hit wonders of all time, which we covered in a previous article, this list is reserved for rhythmic legends. Although musical taste and preferences will influence any ranking of the most famous drummers of all time, some masterminds’ skill level behind a drum set simply can’t be denied. So let’s see who can take a walk into the drumming hall of fame.
9. Ringo Starr
Many will argue that Ringo Starr doesn’t have the precision or speed to be amongst the best drummers in the world. However, as one of the four Beatles, it’s clear that his offbeat drumming skills are irreplaceable for their unique sound. And although his only solo appeared on the last song of the last album released by the brit pop-gods, his talent is duly noted, by myself at the very least.
The eight most famous drummers of all time are yet to come on our list. Check them out on the next pages.
8. Uriel Jones
Known as Motown’s beat-man, Uriel Jones earned his spot on this list through his impeccable, technical percussion. He’s responsible for one of the most recognizable drum intros on Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, but also for being one of Stevie Wonder’s go-to drummers.
7. Questlove
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson began his drumming career when he was seven years old and had already formed today’s famous rap-jazz fusion group The Roots while he was still in highschool. The king of cymbals, Questlove put his signature stamp on hip-hop, and is one of the most beloved drummers in the industry. Also, no one rocks a comb like him.
6. Ginger Baker
As Cream’s star drummer, Ginger Baker defied the rock genre’s sound by contributing African and jazz influenced technique to the band. Apart from playing in Cream, he also lent his skills to Blind Faith and African musician Fela Kuti. He’s also considered one of the founding fathers of the extended drum solo, and is a pioneer of the double bass drum technique.
5. Dave Grohl
Before Dave Grohl became the front man of the Foo Fighters, he showcased his talent as a world-class drummer in one of the most influential grunge rock bands of the 90’s: Nirvana. Known for his heavy-handed drumming style, Grohl played drums for numerous bands, such as Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures.
4. Keith Moon
One of the saddest losses in the music industry, this spectacle of a drummer passed away in 1978, altering the rhythmical spirit of The Who forever. Apart from his technical skill, Keith Moon exuded a high-strung energy and power on the drums that was unlike any other. His untamed drumming nature defined the sound of one of the most epic bands of all-time.
3. Neil Peart
Some call Neil Peart the professor because of his broad knowledge and eclectic style fusion on the drum set, but he’s also an eternal student. As the drummer and lyricist of Rush, Peart built a sound legacy that many drummers today consider unbeatable. Even if you aren’t a fan of the 80’s rock band, this legend will make you appreciate the drum solo in a way you never have before.
2. Buddy Rich
Known for being a perfectionist and hot tempered, Buddy Rich earned his spot as the second most famous drummer on this list by playing with Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, and Oscar Peterson. However, his character, speed, power, and control on the drums made him an undercover band leader who pushed musicians to the edge of their skills.
1. John Bonham
As Led Zeppelin’s drummer, John Bonham was able to showcase his incredible talent on the drums through extended solos without overshadowing his other band members. A true “soul” percussionist, Bonham outshines all other drummers with his right foot swing and high speed intensity, making him the most famous drummer of all-time.
