11 Greatest Drummers Ever | Mike Portnoy's Picks

Between his work in Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, the Winery Dogs, Avenged Sevenfold and more, Mike Portnoy has earned his reputation as one of heavy music's most prolific drum virtuosos. But who are the rock percussionists that inspire him? We had Portnoy pick who he believes are the 11 greatest drummers of all time, and his selections were all over the map - from Rush's Neil Peart to Metallica's Lars Ulrich. Watch his picks above and let us know some of your favorite drummers in the comments below!
Thumbnail photo by Travis Shinn
Background music: "Pseudo" by Alexander Nakarada (www.serpentsoundstudios.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License
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#mikeportnoy #thewinerydogs #dreamtheater #liquidtensionexperiment #anthrax #charliebenante #metal #thrash #thrashmetal #heavymetal #drummer #drummers #drumming #metallica #frankzappa #uk #missingpersons #rush #vanhalen #thewho #ledzeppelin #thebeatles #larsulrich #alexvanhalen #neilpeart #ringo #ringostarr #keithmoon #billbruford #yes #genesis #kingcrimson #stewartcopeland #thepolice #sod #davelombardo #slayer

[@vicariousjohnson9823]

Danny Carey. Saw him last Saturday and at 62, he’s absolutely awe inspiring to watch.

[@daynejoseph2366]

If Danny Carey isn't in your Top 10, I don't trust ya.

[@stephenmiller2337]

I've seen Tool twice, and I couldn't agree with you more. As great as he is on record, he absolutely crushes it live.

[@Slyness64209]

I can't understand how he is not in Portnoy's list tbh, seems criminal lmao

[@verbummentis]

Portnoy trying Pneuma 😂😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGTWdpeJiZh3b6csi=IByychBig25LT19F

[@christophlucke5654]

@@Slyness64209 Yes i am with you, but 1st of all it wont make Danny Carey smaller and 2nd of all when you watch the Video you see that he has a personal connection to most of them in terms of his development. So its not really THE best Drummers of all time its more like the best Drummers for him. As a Bassisst would put Justin Chancellor in my top 11 Bassists but i am really sure he does not belong in a ALL time top 10. But he has a big impact on me.

[@domenicgalata1470]

Bill Ward’s progression over the first six Black Sabbath albums was amazing. Underrated drummer.

[@gogoyubari366]

What makes you believe he's underrated? Did you travel the globe taking a survey from every citizen of the world? Please explain.

[@domenicgalata1470]

@@gogoyubari366 I of course have not done that, but it has been noticed by me that he doesn’t get the proper due on lists. You always see the usual names but Ward isn’t mentioned as often when he clearly should be. Versatile and his progression through those first six records is staggering. I’d put Ward over Baker for instance.

[@Greg-io1ip]

Bill Ward isn't underrated. If not for Neil Peart, Bill Ward is in Neil's chair.

[@billwhitman4125]

Domenic Galata I'm with you ...but maybe a different reason. Among drummers Ward is God....but if you ask non musicians their top ten Ward never shows up. Fuck these people talk to you like that.

[@ACarter87]

Bill is diametric opposite of underrated Any one that has any understanding of music Knows how amazing Bill is

[@J-Rod73]

Danny Carey #1 for me.

[@michaelshannon9169]

Lars Ulrich bro. Let that sink in.

[@Kristina-jf4hd]

💯 agree!!!

[@etotigasad9996]

LooL

[@chrism6195]

@@michaelshannon9169 BAHAHA

[@stephengregory7026]

Rich? Gadd ? Peart ? Chambers ? Weckl ?

[@denmorin]

Not a drummer but I love music and I love hearing a legend talking about other legends.

[@mOnStErMACEO]

Musicians like Mike Portnoy are the true reason we love music.

[@robg8784]

his work on images and Words is simply Brilliant!

[@maximummatt73]

Home, tho

[@Selkirk69]

His appreciation for music is one of his best qualities.

[@johnjones5977]

@@maximummatt73 What, exactly, does that mean?

[@maximummatt73]

@@johnjones5977 it means you should calm down, son

[@ianhewitson2738]

Always Neil Peart for me. It's not just his drumming,it's the way he lived his life, his writing and lyrics, his eagerness to improve, his pursuit of excellence.

[@GioGuitarDude]

Neil was a pure genius. His attention to detail in just about everything in life was incredible. Every drum fill, every bell that he hit and every symbol that he struck was out of the pursuit of excellence and any sane person would agree that he achieved it. I can’t think of one Rush song where the percussion wasn’t perfection.

[@frankfrohmann1504]

Neil Peart - in addition to the fact that he was the best drummer - also wrote the best song lyrics in music history. Neil is a separate segment. Unbeatable.

[@erikness4231]

Dang it, I wanted to be the first to say this. The Professor added so many elements intro what could been just a standard drum solo.He added so much into it. No disrespect to John Bonham, Keith Moon, and the like, but IMHO Neil took it to another level.

[@Saiyan585]

​@Frank Frohmann Definitely don't agree on the lyrics.

[@Saiyan585]

Always Portnoy for me.

[@kimberlyelton9604]

Absolutely, Neil Peart, One of the BEST IN ÀLL OF ROCK AND ROLL!! NOONE COULD DO ON THE DRUMS OR WRITE MUSIC 🎵🎶 LIKE NEIL. HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEAST OF THE DRUMS!! WE SORELY MISS YOU,NEIL. R.I.P. BROTHER...

[@javiermoretti1825]

He wasn't a metal drummer, but Jeff Porcaro of Toto was definitely one of the best. His finesse and taste was legendary.

[@toddhensley2204]

I have to agree. Listen to the song Rosanna. That shuffle that he does is very impressive.

[@residentpotato6023]

Toto is the absolute worst.

[@javiermoretti1825]

@@residentpotato6023 You are either not a musician or a mindless drone who listens to nothing except metal.

[@bdan19921]

​@residentpotato6023 yeah they are.

[@70mcnevin]

@@residentpotato6023 you might not like TOTO. But Jeff Porcaro was a signature style drummer. One of the most sought after drummers in his time. If you can't distinguish his pure talent from the band and appreciate just how phenomenal he was, then I question your taste in drumming period. Steely Dan didn't just take any drummer who could keep time out of the studio musician pool and put them on their albums.

[@allanperry6507]

Neil Peart really is more than a drummer he is a full on percussionist, lyricist , had no ego like many musicians have and a nice down to earth guy, thats what sets him way out beyond the rest of the group and number 1 for me .🤘RUSH🤘Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦

[@cranehook4715]

It's amazing to see over many years how many drummers from all genres and backgrounds, how high they all hold Neil Peart.

[@morbidmanmusic]

Sorry,". He is a drummer. His percussion skills aren't even close to an average orchestra player.

[@76JStucki]

@@morbidmanmusic yeah. I think people often compare him as a percussionist to drummers who aren’t percussionists at all, and then he looks amazing. But to compare him to other percussionists…. What he does on keyboard percussion is is barely even a warmup exercise for any halfway decent college percussionists, let alone world class pros. We might say Neil was a drummer who dabbled in other percussion.

[@stxbuck]

Peart actually delayed the start of Rush’s 1996 tour-Roll the Bones?-b/c he was taking lessons from a bongo master!

[@boarhog1979]

@@morbidmanmusic What. He played jazz as well and still took lessons

[@Kardaszpm]

Mike Portnoy is 55 going on 29. He's experienced and accomplished so much, yet he describes these drummers like he's still a kid listening to records and being in a band. Rock forever ✌️

[@patricklongerbeam6421]

I am glad to hear Mike mention Clive Burr. One of the greats and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. His work on all (3) Maiden albums was incredible

[@ATFISHING]

Niel Peart, Yourself, Danny Carey, Vlad (Jinjer), Charlie Benante, John Bonham, Buddy Rich, Mario Duplantier, Keith Moon, Stuart Copeland, Bill Ward

[@tehnagabakti]

Man for me, Ian Paice is one of the all time greats and I really don't think he gets the credit he deserves.

[@gonzaloborquez894]

not one of, he is the greatest drummer.

[@nigelhaines7900]

​@@gonzaloborquez894 agreed he was brill

[@timhenderson6473]

Very fast hands.those fills on space trucking are classic.had a good groove as well

[@emanuelefasanofasano3814]

Until recently his solos all sound the same now

[@MarkLipka]

*Paice is a guy who is FANTASTICALLY AMAZING, yet never seems to get mentioned on anyone's list. Glad to at least se him mentioned in the comments!*

[@vaevictis_]

Mike always comes off as big music buff/nerd so it’s always nice to listen to him talk about music. So happy I got to see him perform “honor thy father” live!

[@FeretFeatures]

whatt when

[@Itsallfun3000]

Your comment triggered a memory in my mind I recall him or maybe we it James having a scooter on stage?

[@vaevictis_]

@@FeretFeatures this was in gigantour 2006 i believe? Where they coheadlined with megadeth. They played a lot of songs from train of thought so I was very happy with that

[@acerimmer8338]

Don't cross the crooked step!

[@Slyness64209]

My personal top3 may be a little obvious but they're popular picks for a reason : Danny Carey (Tool), Thomas Haake (Meshuggah), and Brann Dailor (Mastodon). They all have such a unique style that brings depth and personality to the music, and have what seems to be an infinite amount of talent to make it shine, they are the most satisfying drummers to listen to imo

[@thecornerkid402]

So glad Bruford got a shoutout. He’s one of the most underrated drummers ever and I think it’s because he’s one of the best compositional drummers. His stuff isn’t flashy or crazy, but it perfectly fits the song he’s playing for. The drums disappear into the composition, but when you pay attention you think, wow. Those are all the best choices for this part of the song.

[@tonystarkey595]

Can't forget drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Vinnie Colauita, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Carlos Vega, Gavin Harrison & Nick Menza as well.

[@studgerbil9081]

As soon as he mentioned Terry Bozzio, my first thought was Vinnie Colaiuta. Both greats, but Vinnie was just a hair better.

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

​​@@studgerbil9081 I thought so too.....Vinnie just seemed to have heavier, or wider Chops,but Terry is still a Pro's Pro

[@studgerbil9081]

@@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238 I'm surprised Aynsley Dunbar didn't make the list too. Zappa always had the best drummers.

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

@@studgerbil9081 you are so right.....I'm shamed I didn't remember to include him .....he gets forgotten behind Ginger Baker, who Musicphiles still casually pass by. Thanks for spurring a fond Memory, and making a legend live on😉

[@toddwalker4301]

Yes....these guys are monsters!

[@tomservo5347]

I appreciate his picks of Bill Bruford and Stewart Copeland. Copeland's drumming on Synchronicity I always felt sounded colossal with that simple double tap on the toms that were perfectly placed and hit. Copeland said he was always looking for ways to change up simply keeping time by adding fills.

[@xDrawingDead]

Couldn’t agree more, well said. Absolutely love bruford for being the prog father and everything he did with crimson, but yes also to Copeland, that man had the biggest talent for keeping the sexiest rhythm at such a delicate pace

[@encarnacionvillazana3270]

My late uncles favorite, who was a drummer, was Mike Portnoy himself!! 👍👍

[@eddiepierce7028]

I’m 66 years old and still rock hard. The drummer that made me slap my forehead was Alex. An amazing drummer and never comes up in conversation. Awesome list, Mike!

[@robertpatterson3406]

Carl Palmer was the pioneer of prog music and during the height of his music was listed as the greatest drummer several years. Also Billy Cobham is certainly one of the top ten drummers of all time along with Vinnie and Danny Carrey . I know there are tons to choose from but these guys are really hard to beat.

[@kathyratino962]

Yeah, I was stunned that Carl was not included.

[@SuperPrince1007]

How can you have a list of the top 11 best drummers and not have Carl Palmer on it. He should be # 1.

[@HNedel]

The list is more like the drummer that had the greatest impact on him, it’s weird that he mentions Bill Brufford and not Palmer, but that’s his musical journey.

[@justafanintexas7913]

Stupid list when you consider Palmer holds every open stroke record and tours across the kit for speed. This list was put together by a pretender with a chubby for other drummers. And Ian Paice finished second to Palmer's times.

[@davidjackson2690]

Most definately.

[@frikkied2638]

And now a moment to appreciate how many of us were inspired to get into drumming by Mike himself. Legend in his own right. And such a nice guy.

[@denforcer8874]

W comment 👏👏👏

[@DarthGeddy]

Yeah, how does this list not include Mike Portnoy?!

[@SCORP1ONF1RE]

Neil Peart, Matt Garstka, Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Steve Gadd. Stewart Copeland, Thomas Lang, Danny Carey, Danny Wagner (Greta Van Fleet), Sean Kinney (Alice in Chains), Vinny Appice (Dio)

[@godzillahasabigbush]

Bout time I see someone mentioning Sean Kinney. Unbelievable drummer through and through.

[@jaquesels581]

Carter Beaford

[@jumbothompson]

Yes Vinny Appice. That's how a hard rock/ metal drummer should sound like.

[@kenthurstonsmindpalace7563]

My first listen to By Tor and the Snow dog made me a Peart fan for life. Here are a few drummers and favorite songs: Ian Paice-Fireball, space Truckin Copeland-One World is enough Bonham-Fool in the rain Brad Wilk-Street Fighting Man Steve Gadd- Aja Shannon Leto- Kings and Queens Bosio-Mental Hop Scotch Josh Dun-Lane Boy Bernard Purdie-Sampled on Block Rockin Beats Van Halen-Hot for Teacher I’d love to hear other people favorites.

[@aeynosarturii8053]

If you have never looked into Stewart Copelands influences, the guy has a really unique take on drumming and rhythm from his childhood environment. After watching a doc on him and going back to listen to his drumming the mechanics of his playing are astounding. So many good drummers on this list, and so many more that are not on Mike's list. Will add a modern day drummer, Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief and King Crimson, as another drummer that blows my mind listening to him.

[@MatteoSettenvini]

I really like the work of Gavin Harrison, especially in Porcupine Tree. He is one of the "minors" that for me is huge.

[@irena7777777]

Nothing minor about Gavin Harrison. Prefer him to most on MP’s list

[@randysetterberg4672]

No "minor" - within his contextual framework, hands down the best percussion on the market today.

[@kingcurry6594]

@@irena7777777 Gavin Harrison is indeed superb. Andy Edwards who played on Frequency by IQ is very similar and also quite brilliant. Gary Husband of Level 42 and the John McLaughlin band is also superb.

[@irena7777777]

@@kingcurry6594 Gary Husband is ace. Plays keyboards for John McLaughlin, though. Drummed for Allan Holdsworth

[@jimnarvel9794]

The Dave Weckl or Vinnie C of prog drumming

[@mxgr194]

This is an excellent and insightful analysis. Well done!

[@markswanson4829]

Great list & a great presentation! I could never do a top 11 drummer list though without including Buddy Rich. He was /is the benchmark for all drummers.

[@teddybozzio73]

Mentioning Alex Van Halen proves this gentleman is a real musician and rock lover. Perfect list. I love you mand, thanks for all you've been giving us over the years with your drumming.

[@jasondelvaux3036]

I know I'm alone in this, but I always thought Alex was higher on my list of drummers than Eddie was on my list for guitarists.

[@rothed16]

​@@jasondelvaux3036 idk if I'd go that far lol VH is my fave band, bur Eddie is still King for me. Alex is #2 on my faves behind Pert.

[@rothed16]

About to start this and wondered if Alex would get mentioned. Happy to know he is

[@Matty0923]

Love Neil Peart, RIP Professor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RobDTom]

Holy cow. Was reading the comments while watching the video and didn’t see any comments about Terry Bozzio then I hear you say “ at number 6 is Terry Bozzio!” He’s my favorite!

[@brianesbaugh6897]

I agree on exactly what you said about Lars. Even though many people might have a point….I LOVE his drumming on Load and Garage Inc….so intense and listenable

[@1yoshi426]

my boy BRUFORD! I love his drumming in Red and Fragile, I can't get enough of his playing in Starless and Heart of the Sunrise. Those are some of my favorite songs of all time.

[@sebastiangarla8558]

The drumming in Roundabout its pretty complex too

[@joenicoletti5588]

Close to the Edge is insane.

[@dennisnickoloff1723]

Check Bruford's album 'One of a Kind' 👍👍

[@edalisauskas7313]

Bill Bruford is not mentioned enough My favorite drummer Such a master Overall great list, Mike. We hear the influences in your playing

[@scottmcfeely6426]

Neil Peart really idolized Keith Moon but his respect and admiration for Bill and how Neil took some pages from Bill Bru handbook because he is really good at off beat stuff similar to how Danny Carey is too. Says it all really.. every member of rush loved Bill bru’s band. And of course Yes. Too bad age is taking the good ones..

[@zerpblerd5966]

I don't even like jazz typically but I will put his solo stuffon sometimes and just listen to his playing, while it doesn't move me musically it is intellectually fascinating

[@crimlarksSteve]

Bill Bruford is a master drummer. The work he did with Yes, King Crimson and his Earthworks band is fantastic.

[@sleeplessingc]

agreed, him and Clem Burke. Hal Blain as well..

[@Abdul-Amburadul]

This is Mike’s favorite not yours😂😂😂

[@biermacht1664]

What an amazing list 👌 nothing fancy, nothing too shocking, just the facts. I'm glad Benante was mentioned, he's out of this world.

[@shadowboy813]

My top 11 in no order, based largely on impact on me: 1: Neil Peart 2: Mike Portnoy 3: Stewart Copeland 4: Dave Lombardo 5: Lars Ulrich 6: Tim Alexander 7: Danny Carey 8: Dave Grohl 9: DH Pelligro 10: Sean Reinert 11: Mick Harris

[@cgoodICT]

A drummer that everyone heard back in the late 70s and throughout the 80s on many different albums, even though most didn't realize it...Jeff Porcaro

[@symbiosisai]

That applies to all the guys in Toto

[@floydcooley1]

I really didn't appreciate him until the last decade. Great drummer.

[@timhenderson6473]

Took me forever to learn rosanna.still can't nail that groove he had though

[@drumsport]

@@timhenderson6473 Nobody can get the ghost noting and feel on the hat like Jeff.

[@jaybee7890]

good studio drummer

[@kiwimurray2244]

Bill Bruford is the man. Compared to all the drummers on this list, he seems to have the most “different” style to my ears. So interesting how his style and Neil Peart’s style are completely and absolutely different, yet both fit their own prog music perfectly.

[@Synthetrix]

My favorites and inspirations in no particular order. Bruford, Peart, Moon, Palmer, Paice, Bozzio, Collins.

[@commonman317]

I'm Mike's age, but I'm a life long amateur drummer. For me, it was Ringo, Bonham, and Peart. My first concert at 15yrs old was RUSH, the Signals tour, March 21st, 1983 at the Lakeland Civic Center. Wow! 40 years ago already. I will never forget seeing Neil's dark red double bass set up close. So impressive. Still hurts to know Neil isn't with us anymore.

[@azdbuk]

Same exact story here, signals tour, Feb 83, 16 yrs old, third concert behind Ozzy then Stones (motorhead opened for Ozzy), lol I think I was 14. Anyway, Neal's beats have been in my head since probably '81, I don't think they will ever leave. I think Subdivisions is my favorite rock drum song of all time.....RIP NP>

[@joeypeacock1673]

Great list of world class drummers. I'm an old drummer and have been playing since the 60s and one that really influenced my playing style was Ginger Baker. He was unique and had elements of jazz. RIP Ginger.

[@williambarry8015]

Can't argue about Ginger.

[@signedupfordoconly4275]

I recently saw a video of Ginger talking trash about Bonham. He dropped a couple notches for me because of that attitude.

[@JohnWarner-lu8rq]

@@signedupfordoconly4275 They were both Jazz-based drummers.

[@danlawrence4351]

I was searching to see if anyone mentioned Ginger. Always tasteful drumming.

[@captainjefferies9047]

@@JohnWarner-lu8rq Neither was jazz based.

[@mgoodwin713]

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida was the first solo I played as a drummer in Highschool and it became A thing I will always love that song.

[@sailordave1000]

Wish these drummer list would at least give an honorable mention to Buddy Rich. He wasn’t a rock drummer but he was a great drummer that inspired many that came after him. What he could do with a small drum set made it sound like it was a huge set. He was fast and precise in his taps. He hit the drums in different places to get different tones.

[@dlgonser]

When I was 11, my oldest brother showed me this crazy instrumental band that blew me away. The drummer was Mike Portnoy, the band was Liquid Tension Experiment

[@maximummatt73]

Cool story

[@NoelKerns]

I'm amazed he doesn't mention Ian Paice; such an amazing drummer.

[@Nevernow721]

He did mention him but didn't include him on the list. I've also thought that Ian Paice didn't get the recognition he deserved.

[@JamesMoore-un3cu]

@@Nevernow721 I agree, Paice is highly underrated.

[@NealLuck]

I can't agree with you more!! Fantastic list. I'm a drummer and my main influences are Moon, Bruford, Palmer, Copeland, and with out a doubt PORTNOY!!

[@LudwigHollywood66]

Great influences!

[@Rless45]

You are spot on with your list! Hi, my name is Randy and I started playing drums in 1970. Many of the drummers you mentioned are some of mine and my son’s favorite drummers. Yes my son plays too! A drummer not mentioned was Kevin Ellman. He played on Todd Rundgren’s Utopia Album. This guy played a huge drum set. And he was awesome! May I also mention the drummer from Staind John Wysocki and Breaking Benjamin drummer Chad Szeliga.

[@redsparkle7839]

Great list. Mike Portnoy is in my top 11 greatest drummers ever.

[@SKRX-xn9xp]

Carl Palmer! I had the honor to see him live and...just WOW!

[@dennistorrence4778]

Any top 10 list without Carl Palmer is a travesty.

[@kranmaster]

I happened onto Mahavishnu Orchestra as a guitar player in my teens, and as brilliant as John Mclaughlin is, Billy Cobham absolutely blew me away. He's a phenom man; essential listening for any musicophile.

[@worldclassicguitarists]

The Inner Mounting Flame

[@duanecarroll4375]

I’ve read 3 different books on The Beatles and all 3 authors spoke on Paul McCartney being aggravated with Ringo not getting the beat correct so Paul would sit down at the drums and show him where he needed to go with it

[@bobgraham3931]

Awesome Mike. Thanks! Phil Rudd, Neil, Bill Ward, Lars, Dave Lombardo, Alex Van Halen, Scott Rockenfield, Nicko McBrain, Mark Zonder, Dave Weckle, Ian Paice

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

In my opinion Phil Collins is always on my list. Although he’s not drumming anymore, but you can’t deny the drummer he was. Neil Peart also named him as one of his influences.

[@JC-ye7pj]

Never a fan of Phil, until he toured as Robert Plants drummer '83 Principle of Moments tour, spectacular drummer, he didn't sing a note that night.

[@robert2948]

@@JC-ye7pj great tour. RIP Bob Mayo.

[@Joesfosterdogs]

Duke & Abacab have the greatest drum sounds...both drumming masterpeices

[@keithf_]

Yeah I've always been impressed with Phil Collins' drumming style and prowess. A great drummer indeed !

[@stanls265]

Brand X.

[@carolesposito4926]

Vinny and Carmine Appice both brothers made history as they both kept on topping the charts for decades .

[@robiandolo]

Yet another set of great choices.

[@larrykoopa5639]

I always loved Jimmy The Rev Sullivan of Avenged Sevenfold, he for me one of drummers more polyvalent with his powerful strike, his speed and his technique RIP Jimmy

[@Soxruleyanksdrool]

Nice to see Benante, Lombardo, and Bozzio get some recognition. Other drummers who don't get enough attention are Bill Ward, Nicko McBrain, and Phil Rudd.

[@digmacdiggydoo]

I always loves Mick Tucker from Sweet. The fact that the band had so many styles of music, from their classic hits to hard rock songs makes me appreciate his style. And love Ian Mosley from Marillion. Starting with the Fugazi album, he took the band in a new direction and his playing is fantastic.

[@floydcooley1]

So underrated!

[@NIGHTFRIGHT2011]

Thank you for mentioning the great Mick Tucker. Can't believe how he played double bass while wearing huge platform heels. His solo on the live version of The Man with the Golden Arm(1973) where he duets with himself on a pre recorded backing track was something special.

[@Cupra317hp]

Truly

[@asmundukkelberg8741]

I love Bonham, Ward, Moon, Baker and other well known greats. But there is one guy that is mentioned too seldon: Aynsley Dunbar. His playing has that sharp, precise punch...

[@blacksunshine1437]

Awesome list of drummers, maybe I would have add Mitch Mitchell i think is so underrated. My favorite drummer today is Paulina Villarreal from The Warning. 🤘

[@rammfan234]

I love this list! Not heard the brilliant work of a lot of the people on this list. Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, and John Bonham are always on my list. My list includes: Tim Alexander from Primus & A Perfect Circle, Dana Carey from Tool, Jay Weinburg from Slipknot, Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Grohl from Nirvana, Sean Kinney from Alice in Chains, and Mike Bordin from Faith No More

[@kenmcnutt2]

Mike is #2 on my list, second to only Peart. Saw Mike in concert six times plus one drum clinic. Taught me how to count odd time signatures. Besides for Tom Sawyer and La Villa Strangiato, Pull Me Under had the biggest impact on me drum-wise. The Metropolis 2000 tour was one of the best shows I ever saw out of over 75 concerts total.

[@tatcomics6780]

I couldn't agree more, Charlie has and always be the drummer that got me to want to play, and like hearingyou play ,just makes me want to play more, thanks for sharing your list 🤘

[@whity72]

Very interesting view. Mine also go across the styles, starting from Michael Charles Avory from The Kinks with his cool fills over Jon Hiseman and Buddy Rich to Dennis Chambers, Billy Cobham and Simon Phillips.

[@nicholaslynch522]

I love listening to Mike Portnoy. I could listen to him all day.

[@johncrafton8319]

Just watched you, Mike, along with Billy and Richie in Minneapolis last night. You guys killed it. It was my son's first small-club concert, and he was blown away. Thanks, man. Seriously.

[@jamesbittle9789]

Portnoy should be on every best drummers list.

[@blueonyx7628]

Ginger Baker of Cream was a definitely a unique drummer. He was a big influence in the late 60s early 70s

[@ronniek7748]

His talent didn’t match his ego.

[@blueonyx7628]

@@ronniek7748 very true. I don’t think anyone’s talent matched Baker’s ego lol

[@trajan6927]

Ginger was boring and so overrated.

[@spicetraders]

He was very good, but his drumming was way too busy, imho. Like Keith Moon

[@davidzoller9617]

I can relate to that list 100%. Also by mentioning the importance of the musicality of a drummer you hit an important point. All technique isn't worth much if you don't feel where and how to apply it, and less is often more.

[@jah9253]

Many great drummers so hard to pick a favorite. That said, my favs are Gavin Harrison, Simon Phillips, and Steve Gadd. Of course, Portnoy, you are pretty incredible yourself.

[@ephrimvael]

Great to see Ringo in there! ..rough and ready, yet I've never heard a Beatles track that missed a beat!! .. Carl Palmer is my fave!!

[@greasegun34]

I'd have to have Mitch Mitchell on there. Such a versatile drummer.

[@bretwalker2295]

YES! Also, Michael Shrieve, watching him take the kit apart at Woodstock (Soul Sacrifice) gives me chills to this day. Kid was only 17 when he played Woodstock in 69!

[@-dimar-]

List of my favorite drummers / musical influences 01 Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) 02 Vinny Appice (Black Sabbath / Dio) 03 Ian Paice (Deep Purple) 04 Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) 05 Mike Mangini (Dream Theater) 06 Ian Haugland (Europe) 07 Simon Wright (Dio) 08 Phil Collins (Genesis) 09 Tommy Aldridge (White Snake) 10 James Kottak (Scorpions) 11 Joey Kramer (Aerosmith)

[@Carlos-fh8wk]

Tommy Aldridge ❤

[@salvatoretotoriina9523]

​@@Carlos-fh8wkcozzy

[@cjbyelick8630]

Mike Portnoy (much like Neil Peart) always seems almost giddy when talking about music. He has always been one of my favorite drummers because his passion as a fan and his "ever the student" attitude is what takes someone with extraordinary talent to that truly elite level that very few will ever be capable of reaching.

[@tomgio1]

Love, love, love that one of the most technically brilliant and innovative drummers of our time, Mr. Portnoy, led his list of best drummers with Ringo. This is what I appreciate as a drummer/musician - the ability to respect and acknowledge a fellow artist with a different style, and shout out the influence and respect.

[@rothed16]

Nice list. Some i don't know well, but it's your list. Interesting and i wrote the ones i didnt know down and will check them out. Mine in no order 1. Neil Pert 2. Alex Van Halen 3. Nicko McBrain 4. Clive Burr 5. Tommy Lee 6. Bill Ward 7. John Bonham 8. Keith Moon 9. Ginger Baker 10. Phill Rudd 11. Buddy Rich

[@stevenbelow2502]

No Mitch Mitchell or Ginger Baker? Just goes to show you how many great drummers have graced this world.

[@MrManMuff]

Mitch Mitchell gets lost in the shuffle for some reason

[@charlesdjones1]

@@MrManMuff one trick pony. Perfect for Jimi and his sound, but that's about it if you ask me.

[@vincentrobinson9325]

TRUE 🤘🏻

[@kranmaster]

@@charlesdjones1 Mitch Mitchell as "one trick pony"? Are you kidding? The guy was one of the most versatile drummers in Britain as a session and tour player which is why he ended up playing with Hendrix. The guy could play anything from straight jazz, to soul, calypso, r&b, blues and rock and everything in between. Sorry mate, but you're way off.

[@donjohn2695]

This is mike's picks thou baker was top 3 of all time with bonham and buddy rich

[@rogerriggins8319]

I’d have to add Danny Carey and Carter Beauford for their fills and ability of odd time signatures Danny is more connected as a percussionist like Neil, and Carter as a expert in fills Not one on this list I could deny because it’s Mikes influences. These are my influences Thanks man

[@royguidry1311]

Spot on. Carter is so smooth and rhythmic, Danny is insane. Gotta ad Gavin Harrison and that is my top 3. I could listen to all 3 drum for hours with no other music.

[@XCM666]

Those are my two favourites as well!

[@vicenteguerrero4861]

It is incredible how excelent drummers recognize Ringo's genius drumming. He Open our minds to venture in music in so many ways. What about Phill Collins i think he should be on the top. .thank you and love your show. Greetings from Tijuana México.

[@fabhypnotik7272]

Very intresting ! Ty 😊

[@RegCostello]

Amazing, 5 out of 11 are from here in the UK! If I couldn't pick any jazz-rock fusion drummers, one of my first would be Michael Shrieve. Then surely one of the greatest Prog drummers was Carl Palmer. And Steve Gadd has of course played many different styles including pop and rock.

[@cstomp1]

Peter Criss on the drums! His jazzy style on those early KISS albums was essential not to mention awesome vocals.

[@pjpj2639]

Definitely…..dressed to kill

[@rileyjackfansmithandjones8238]

Peter was Jazzy, for a Heavy Rock Performance band....really underated, similar to Ringo getting cast aside in discussion of the Beatles

[@ScottFerrell]

Wish I could give you 10 thumbs up dude. 100,000 years turned my world upside- down when I was about 10 years old.

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

I played for two decades. I only had a few influences but did love many. My first was Peter Criss when I was about 11, then came Bonham, then Peart. I also loved Steve Smith when I was playing. Those were my tops. Portnoy came after I was no longer drumming but has been one of my all-time favorites for sure. Now I love many like Weckl, Donati, Dicenso, Coleman, Borlai, Sucherman, etc. So many amazing drummers out there.

[@carlgibbons5777]

Thomas Lang?

[@sammyweed4771]

Love me some Bill Ward !!!!

[@Zulu081]

this video had a huge impact on me!

[@patrickmcgowan7630]

Coming from you, all these drummers should be flattered! I'm sorry to say only started listening to Dream Theater at about 55, much respect to you!

[@Crazydrumguy7]

My first influence when I first started playing drums was Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Now I'd say the biggest influences of mine that naturally come out while I play are Daney Carey, Mike Portnoy, and Mario Duplantier.

[@paulsanders1]

I agree with your list adding Scott Rockenfield of Queenryche! As a guitarist I always watched fellow guitarists in concert but Scott always transfixed me, as he beat the shit out his whole kit but sounded so good!

[@Mike-do4ns]

100% with on Scott,dude kills it and has some of the best fills and roll ins ever.

[@joetroutt7425]

Yes YESSSSS. His drum work on Operation Mindcrime is so tasteful.

[@RickAnimalTaylordrumcovers]

​@@joetroutt7425Totally agree guys!! Phenomenal drummer!!!

[@user-pg8qi3kp2q]

Billy Cobham and Richie Hayward two of my favorites been playing for 55 yrs grew up on Ringo and Buddy Rich love you too Mike I've been to 3 Dream Theater shows and each time you blew me away

[@harrisonandrew]

I am 62 yo and have been going to rock shows since I was about 12. I have seen pretty much all of the greatest bands over the years, but I have never seen a better drummer live than Mike Portnoy. Respect.

[@markbarnfield5147]

All great drummers. And so many more that didn’t make this list. Chester Thompson was one of mine. Just always remember the golden rule: my favorite drummer, is your favorite drummers favorite drummer. RIP NEIL. You truly changed the world!

[@WildAzzRacing]

Dave Lombardo is my all time favorite but I'm not a drummer just a bassist. I could always feel where he was leading. I would love to jam with him.

[@joewolfe5370]

Keith's style is unlike anybody I've ever heard or seen !! Incredible one of my favorites. Bozzio is a very technical player. Copeland taught me so much. Alex doesn't get enough credit. Love Charlie Benante. Steve Smith is the guy I really developed my playing style around. The guy is also a great jazz drummer.

[@chrisallison4175]

I thought everyone forgot about Steve Smith. If you are looking for some incredible tracks with Steve Smith check out Tom Costers album from 1985. Was originally titled 'Ivory Expedition' but when released to CD some years later it was titled 'Tom Coster'. I'm sure the tracks would be easy to find today. Check out the track 'The Dragon' then listen to the whole album. You will thank me someday.

[@Shaft-Industries]

Virgil Donati is incredible and an excellent composer and musician. Marco Minnemann also incredible. Funny how these two were auditioning for Mike Portnoy's vacancy in DT. Loved Virgil with Tony MacAlpine and Marco playing with Paul Gilbert.

[@chiefkirk]

Mike you are my favorite all time drummer. The first time I heard you was with DT. I was in awe. I didn't think a human could do some of the stuff you were doing. You are #1 brother.

[@TheDondoran]

Didn't really pay a lot of attention to drums *until* I started to listening to prog metal, around age 16, and Portnoy was one of the first that really caught my ear. Since then I've grown to love a lot of drummers on this list, but my absolute favorites (in addition to Portnoy) are Gavin Harrison, Baard Kolstad, Mark Zonder, Sean Reinert, Danny Carey, and Jukka Nevalainen.

[@LannyC]

Danny Carey , Vinnie Paul, Mike Portnoy, Mike Mangini, Brooks wackerman, Marco Minnemann would all be on my list for sure

[@JFArchambault]

I am not a drummer but I listen to almost all the bands you mentioned and even though I already pay mention to drummers (who doesn't know Neil Peart and who doesn't know Dave Weckl when listening to Chick Corea's Electrik and Acoustic Bands), your video will make me pay and discover a lot more appreciation for underrated and properly rated drummers. Ringo Starr being your biggest influence was like wow! Your video shows how little I know about appreciate drumming.

[@vicsdungeon]

My trinity is Lombardo, Hoglan and Mikkey Dee. Lars was the first drummer that I air drummed to, love his stuff on the first albums. Sean Reinert is another monster and after that I would go with personal favorites Greg Hall of Sacred Reich, Igor Cavalera (89-93 especially), Kirk Arrington of Metal Church and definitely Mike Portnoy himself. I've seen Dream Theater four times in in 97-'00 and he had the Keith Moon effect, just couldn't take my eyes off him.

[@treff9226]

Gene Hoglan is as good a person as he is a drummer! I grew up around Dark Angel and Gene was so cool, down to earth, great human! Cool to see Igor Cavalera mentioned, he is a beast! He has that innate Brazillian rhythm in his blood - early Sepultura was vicious, and Igor was an integral part of their singular sound. Great post! p.s. Lombardo is M A G I C!

[@TheCyberMantis]

Hoglan did some sick stuff with DEATH. Mikkey Dee was great in King Diamond.

[@paulpv7]

And why did you not go to dream theater after 2000?

[@vicsdungeon]

@@paulpv7 I lost interest after Train of Thought personally, didn't get a chance in the meantime.

[@brianallen8091]

Definitely! Kirk Arrington & Igor are 2 incredibly fast & tasteful drummers that should be MANDATORY they’re included alongside Charlie, Dave & Lars.

[@joewalker511]

Phil Collins was the sleeper virtuoso in the seventies....the stuff he played with Brand x in 1976 is unbelievable....just heard the peel sessions and was just blown away by his chops and feel..

[@crankfastle8138]

Agreed. He was such a great drummer. Even some of his 80s genesis is underrated

[@communitycollegegenius9684]

No, as a drummer he's pretty normal and way too POP music for serious consideration as "best ever". In the 70's Phil was a very good percussionist and composer, creating his part and the dynamics of the overall pieces. We all owe a debt to Phil for the things (best ever music) that he helped to create. BUT after 1978 we really should be very angry at the nearly 40 years of incredible Genesis prog music we MISSED OUT on because he wanted to sing and dance to pop crap.

[@joewalker511]

@communitycollegegenius9684 pretty normal as a drummer? If you consider Cinema Show live with Bill Bruford, all of Trick of the Tail, Nuclear Burn,the Brand x peel sessions,pretty normal......the list goes on and on.....then you know nothing about drumming,and probably music in general....Phil was an extremely advanced player in the seventies handling all kinds of crazy time signatures with groove and feel....study some music theory,then make comments...

[@joewalker511]

@@communitycollegegenius9684 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKCanoynlrJ-jqM

[@joewalker511]

@@communitycollegegenius9684 kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5-XoXaNntGLecU

[@Sigmacadabra]

What a great list!

[@vladi9er]

I'm always torn between Peart and Bonham even though they had vastly different styles. I just really dig both. I wish Bonzo had lived longer so we'd have a larger catalogue to appreciate. The Professor lived a fascinating, full life and, as others have mentioned, was such a humble, decent, incredibly intelligent man. I've been a huge Rush and Zepp fan for almost 5 decades now!