...at least, in my humble opinion. Everyone has their picks for the best rock drummers from today and yesterday. These are mine, the drummers who inspired me to want to learn to play a kit as well.
Drummer for The Police, Animal Logic, Oysterhead and (briefly) Curved Air. Copeland plays with passion and technical skill, which propels him to the top of my list. From his playful high-hat riffs to complicated polyrhythms, his sound is truly unique.
The late great Keith Moon drove the beat for The Who until his untimely death. Although lacking in training and "proper technique," he was the perfect drummer for The Who: frenzied, passionate, and completely over the top.
Rush drummer Neil Peart is a favorite to many, and his technical abilities are without question. Sometimes his extreme technical precision can make his playing sound cold and emotionless, however.
David Grohl first rocketed to stardom as the drummer for Nirvana before fronting his own band, the Foo Fighters. But he proved he is still without few equals behind the kit with his recent supergroup project, Them Crooked Vultures. Grohl is one of the hardest-hitting rock drummers today, and someone who always looks like he is having nothing but complete fun while playing.
Many criticize Ringo's technique, but his slightly swinging, "Ringo shuffle" is a trademark part of many Beatles songs and very difficult to emulate. Also listen to the tasteful, melodious tom fills on songs like "Hello Goodbye" to understand what makes Ringo so good.
It is impossible to come up with a definitive list of rock drummers. The ones listed here are simply my personal favorites. Who are yours? Let the debate rage on!
Great, great list...not sure that Copeland would have made my list...probably would have gave the nod to Carl Palmer (from ELP and Asia)...I think all the rest would make my list. H5
select one here...