Moving on from the greatest female singers, male singers, guitarists and live albums, today’s rock list covers drummers.
As always, I’m simply setting out my thoughts for your entertainment and reading pleasure. I’m sure you won’t all agree with my selections, so please let me know why. Have I missed your particular favourite? Who would you have left out?
Drummers have to be immensely fit. Recent research suggests that playing drums for a rock band requires the stamina of a Premiership footballer! Tests on Clem Burke, the Blondie drummer, revealed that 90 minutes of drumming could raise his heart rate to 190 beats a minute. And during a one hour concert a drummer can burn between 400 and 600 calories.
The drums are the heartbeat of a good rock group; the power behind the beat. All of the great bands have had strong rhythm sections, built on the power of the drums. The spotlight may fall mainly on the lead singer and the guitarist but if you take away the drummer what do you have?
There are a vast number of very good drummers who came under consideration, and perhaps a few surprise omissions. But there isn’t space for everyone and this is my take on the subject, nothing more.
So who are the very top rock drummers?
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10. Max Weinberg – “Mighty Max” just has to be on the list. Solid, colourful and at times explosive he has been the power behind the E Street Band for the past 36 years. A band so overloaded with musical talent needs a solid foundation and that is exactly what Weinberg continues to provide with his solid, rocking style. Just listen to Born In The USA. Weinberg has also played as a session musician on many albums, most notably on Bat Out Of Hell.
9. Phil Taylor – Fast, powerful and loud is perhaps the best way to describe “Philthy Animal” Taylor. His lightning fast drumming was a crucial part of the Motorhead sound back in the early days. Anyone who doubts his place on this list should listen to Overkill or Ace of Spades.
8. Carter Beauford – The Dave Matthews Band have never been one of my favourites. The major appeal that the band has comes from the superb drumming of Carter Beauford. With a technique that makes the most of his ambidextrous nature, he is technically admired by many modern drummers. His style is fluid and varied, but always intricate and expressive.
7. Phil Collins – Yes, Phil Collins. Younger readers may know Phil as the balding singer of dull pop songs who moved to Switzerland. But for the first part of his career he was a fine drummer in the rock band Genesis. One of the few left handed drummers, Collins was a massive part of Genesis’ success before he stepped from behind the kit to take over as lead vocalist.
6. Mitch Mitchell – It may have seemed almost impossible for anyone playing behind Hendrix to shine, but John “Mitch” Mitchell managed it. He was creative and could improvise but he also brought a lightning fast, whirlwind, style that responded to Jimi’s guitar to add to the excitement of the musical genius. Manic Depression and Stone Free are perhaps his finest works.
5. Ginger Baker – Combining jazz and blues styles, Peter “Ginger” Baker created his own place in rock history. He pioneered the double bass sound and while his style was solid and simple at times, it could also be expressive and downright commanding. Baker’s dexterity and tremendous stamina made him a true great – and he pretty much invented the 13 minute drum solo too. His work while in supergroup Cream with Clapton and Bruce stands the test of time superbly. White Room is a classic track, largely because of Baker.
4. Carl Palmer – Palmer has inspired countless rock drummers with his magnificent stadium-filling rock and showmanship. He used his classical training in tuned percussion to great effect. He simply defines the word spectacle, and his drumming with ELP is quite magnificent at times. Listen to Toccata and marvel.
3. Neil Peart – Canadian Peart of Rush is cited as a major influence by many rock drummers. He uses a massive kit and combined drums with bells, xylophone and other percussion instruments. His explosive and exciting style, played with immense technical excellence cannot be imitated. And he wrote most of the lyrics too!
2. John Bonham – “Bonzo” had it all. Power, rhythm, technical ability and precision. In a band full of superstars he shone. He developed a heavy rock style that many others would try to copy, with its massive bass and thunderous fills. He provided Led Zeppelin with a solid foundation on which Plant and Page could shine. Kashmir and the end section of Stairway To Heaven show him at his best.
1. Keith Moon – What can you say about “Mad Moon”? Legendary party animal and practical joker. A self destructive and sometimes violent drunk. But also a man who revolutionised rock drumming with his unique style, impossibly fast hands and boundless energy. His power from behind the kit was such a massive part of the Who’s sound. Moon was an original talent and a total one off. There will simply never be another Keith Moon.
Wot? No Dave Mattacks? No Animal fae the Muppets? No Loyalist Lambeg bashers?
For your next list, I’d suggest Top 10 timepieces to be worn by drummers.
Here’s my entry:-
the wristwatch for a drummer
Ognir Ratts?
How about: Philip Bailey? Philip has played the drums
with Phil Collins for years…
Some good shouts folks, keep em coming.
How could I have forgotten about Animal??
what about Alan White of Yes,plastic ono band.
Reni from the Stone Roses a great drummer lost, if the stories are true, to drug addiction.
Victor De Lorenzo from Violent Femmes drummer who makes you realise you don’t need to have 12 toms to get a good beat and be original.
Ringo few drummers have such a recognisable style as our Mr Starkey.
I totally agree with Mitch Mitchell – one of the few people who would be able to take your ear away from listening to Hendrix’s playing.
In any top ten there must be a certain amount of bias depending on an individual’s perferences and priority with regard to technical and artistic abilty. However, there can only be one name in the top slot for #1 rock drummer – Keith Moon.