The 10 Best Drummer Girls/Guys

From Zepplin - The Who and everyone in between

As far as I'm concerned the drummer makes a band good or bad. If a drummer doesn't have good drumming capabilities then the band will never be good to me. The following is a list of the 10 best drummers both males and females. These drummers that I chose have talent and are some really kick @$$ talents.

10. Sheila E



Sheila was the very first girl drummer who caught my eye. Her signature single was "A Glamourous Life" with a video that showcased her percussionistic talents. Before her solo career she was the drummer for Prince's band The Revolution.




9. Keith Moon (The Who)



AKA Moon The Loon and boy did he ever earn his nickname. Keith was the drummer for the british rock band the Who. He was best known for his onstage antics and his heavy partying which lead to his death in 1978 from a drug overdose. Keith's death shows just how many rockstars in the 70s and 80s truly lived that rock n roll lifestyle. His talents can be heard in the signature Who songs Magic Bus, Won't Get Fooled Again, and Who Are You?



8. Tico Torres (Bon Jovi)



Tico Torres is the oldest member of Bon-Jovi and perhaps my favourite drummer in the world. He plays on a set of Pearl brand drums and his talents can be heard in the signature Bon-Jovi songs Livin on a Prayer and Lay Your Hands On Me to name a few songs.




7. Tommy Lee (Motley Crue, Rockstar Supernova)



If there's anything that Tommy is known for it's having a good time while he's doing his work. Let's just forget about the things that lead him into trouble. He is known for his onstage antics that include his drumstick tricks and awesome stage personna. His talents are showcased in the Motley Crue songs Home Sweet Home, Dr Feelgood, and Hooligan's Holiday.



6. Phil Rudd (AC/DC)



If there ever was a reason why AC/DC is known as the "Thunder from Down Under" Phil Rudd would be it. His drumming style can only be described as thunderous. Probably the other reason why AC/DC is known as the "Thunder From Down Under" might have to do with Angus Young's guitar playing. But I'll save that for another article. Phil's drumming can be heard in the signature AC/DC singles TNT, Jailbreak, and Back in Black among other songs.



5. Roxy Pertucci (Vixen)



After watching VH1 Bands Reunited on Much More Music I found that Roxy's drumming style was something of a mixture of a lot of things that I'm not too sure. I never saw a girl that was more aggressive in her drumming style especially when she had just been reunited with her band mates.

4. Cindy Blackwell (Lenny Kravitz)



Cindy is the most explosive drummer who sits behind Lenny Kravitz. Raw and aggressive are the words that best describe her drumming style. Her talents are showcased in the singles It Ain't Over Til It's Over, Are You Gonna Go My Way, and Let Love Rule.

3. Steve Adler (Ex-Guns N Roses)



Steve joined Guns N Roses in 1986 shortly before the band was signed to their major label debut but that rock n roll lifestyle lead to a crippling addiction to heroin. This addiction became too much for band leader Axl Rose to handle and in 1990 Steve was imediately relieved of his drumming duties aftewhich he spent time trying to kill himself. Steve's drumming talents are showcased in the singles Paradise City, Welcome To The Jungle, and Paitence.


2. John Bonham (Led Zepplin)



John was a wild man behind the drums of Led Zepplin his aggressive and raw style was a match for Robert Plant's piercing vocals and Jimmy Page's thunderous guitar playing. John was one who lived that rock n roll lifestyle with alcohol. This lifestyle would lead to his death in 1980 after he drank 23 straight shots of vodka and passed out. The remaining members of Led Zepplin would never perform together again.




1. Ringo Starr aka Richard Starkey (The Beatles)



Ringo is tops on my list for a number of reasons. He has good rythm, and he has the talent to keep the rythm going, and he has been in the music biz for 40 years.



Some of the other characteristics that make Ringo Starr so good at what he does is that he never misses an opportunity to speak of how good he is with the drums especially when it's to promote what he's doing with his All-Star Band.



All and all Ringo is an awesome drummer and he has the talent to keep on going making him my #1 best drummer.
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Comments
    Sikkinixx Posted 1 year 1 day ago
    As a percussionist....I'm quite infuriated with this list. Ringo Starr is cool and all but by no means should he be placed in any top ten, let alone as number 1. Check out Thomas Lang and try to tell me that any other drummer on this list is better then him.
    Funkmonkey Posted 2 years 17 days ago
    I really hope you are kidding with this list. I mean ringo Starr at number 1?! He has a snare a crash and a bass drum for god's sake! I repect everyone on your list, because lord knows I am not a famous drummer, but man! Here are some drummers you may want to check out to give you perspective....

    1. Danny Carey-Tool
    2. Nicko McBrain-Iron Maiden
    3. Mike Portnoy-Dream Theater
    4. Scott Rockenfield-Queensryche
    delgriffith Posted 3 years 2 months ago
    Rush123 -

    Perhaps you should read a book before you come on a forum and flame somebody without knowing yourself what you are talking about. AC/DC has many nicknames, one of them indeed being "The Thunder From Down Under". Brian Johnson's previous band was named "Geordie". You are right about one thing - Neil Peart is indeed the best drummer in the world.
    rush123 Posted 3 years 5 months ago
    neil peart is the best drummer in the world. ringo starr isnt even that good. AC/DC is my favorite band, phil rudd is no where near top 10 material, hes fitting or the band, but not amazing, also AC/DC isnt called Thunder ffrom Down Under, that was just brian johnson's previous band. this list is bull shit(altho bonham IS definittly #2, after neil peart of course)
    jo8196 Posted 4 years 4 months ago
    Tre Cool anyone?
    Celeste Posted 5 years 4 months ago
    Maybe if it doesn't get my head chewed off.
    1800collect Posted 6 years 28 days ago
    Don't forget Joey Kramer of Aerosmith! He's just about the one rock'n'roll drummer not mentioned in either the article or any of its comments so far!
    dalmatianlover Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    I think we all need to calm down, people. The author of this article just has his/her own opinions. By putting Ringo as his/her #1, we can s/he is obviously a huge Beatles fan. And I agree with deathmetal17. There is no best drummer; it's all based on opinions.
    Mad about drumming 87 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    As a drummer myself, I have to say I loved this article.
    dragontheater1981 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Wow all these comments and no one has said anything about Mike Portnoy.
    Juicyjes Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Wow, you gave props to Roxy from Vixen! They were under rated for a bunch of chicks that could really play. A lot of people would disagree with that Roxy girl being up here for biased reasons, but I think she deserves a spot just for rockin' it up to "guy" level. Anyway, I don't think crue fans or acdc fans would be too happy with this order, though. ;)

    John Bonham definitely deserves his spot on any top ten. Ringo as number one? Maybe in popularity, but I don't see how in technicality. However, if you're going along the lines of those who were most innovative, which kind of seems like you are, then I could see why.
    jgando1112 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Having Ringo Starr ahead of Bonham and Keith Moon is blashpemy. Who the hell is roxy pertucci anyway?. gay list
    deathmetal17 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    There is no best drummer. Its all opinions. But some Iron Maiden, or King Diamond, or some other 80's metal bands should be in there somehwere. There better than the beetles.
    fairweather1125 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Oh come on. That is a terrible order.
    I've been drumming for 17 years. It is nearly impossible to make a top 10 list. But if I did it wouldn't look anything like your list. Koodos for the effort but Neil Peart is definatly the number drummer of all time. Out of your list Keith Moon should be at #1. The Who and Guns N Roses are my two favorite bands. While Keith Moon should definatly be on there Steven Adler should not. In fact Keith Moon and John Bonham are the only drummers on your list that should even make a top 50 drummers of all time list to say the least.
    dalmatianlover Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Thank you so much for not putting Meg White from the White Stripes on your list! While, she does keep rhythm well, she can't really play, just like her brother can't really sing or play guitar. Yet, they are a popular duo strangely.
    dalmatianlover Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Nice choices. There aren't a lot of music articles on Retrojunk. Here are my Top 10 Drummers:
    10. Don Henley (The Eagles)
    9. John Dalmayan (System of a Down)
    8. Phil Collins (Genesis)
    7. John Ponozzo (Styx)
    6. Ringo Starr (The Beatles)
    5. John Bonham (Led Zeppelin
    4. Mike Leasure (Edgar Winter Group)
    3. Keith Moon (The Who
    2. Don Brewer (Grand Funk Railroad)
    1. Neil Peart (Rush)
    warriorman Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention Alex Van Halen he should be on here too.
    SkaDan Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    come on, Keith Moon at number 9?? he's atleast in the top 5.

    you forgot, Topper Headon of the Clash, Pete Thomas of Elvis Costello and The Attractions
    Funky Guy Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Oh, almost forgot:

    John Densmore (the Doors, John Densmore's Tribal Jazz)
    Funky Guy Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Um...

    Marky Ramone Bell (Dust, Ramones, The Intruders, Osaka Popstar ect.)

    Ansley Dunbar (Solo artist, Zappa, Jefferson Starship ect.)

    Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, UK, Earthworks ect.)

    Alan White (John Lennon POB, Yes and occasionally Steve Winwood and the new lineup of the Ventures)

    Viv Prince (the Pretty Things)

    Mark Brezekki (Big Country, session drummer)
    pbot Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Ringo Starr is the #1 greatest drummer of all time you say? Ringo Starr?
    warriorman Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Drummers that shuold also be on here include
    Peter Criss-KISS
    Eric Carr-KISS
    Bill Ward-Black Sabbath
    Roger Taylor-Queen
    Frankie Banali-Quiet Riot
    Lars Ulrich-Metallica
    Ron Matthews-Iron Maiden(Original Drummer)
    Rick Allen-Def Leppard (The Only one armed drummer in Rock history now that is an acomplishment in itself)
    darrin_h2000 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Wait a minute...you go to the drummers forums and the debate is allways Bonham vs. Copland (Police)...but never Ringo...you didnt even mention Neil Pert...Liverty DiVito...and you listed a bunch of percussionists who were nothing more than eye candy...heck Shelia E. was a poser...while a drum machine did all the work.
    MattNash Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    David Lombardo (Slayer)
    SummertmeBrews Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    nope Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Stewart Copeland (the Police), Neil Peart (Rush)......come on!
    RetroBen81 Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    I have to mention the following other drummers for this post:

    Charlie Watts (of The Rolling Stones)
    Gina Schock (of The Go-Go's)
    Budgie (of Siouxsie & the Banshees, since 1979)
    Boris Williams (of The Cure, from 1984-95)
    Phil Ehart (of Kansas - check out "Incomudro (Hymn to the Atman)" as that has a drum solo)
    Roger Taylor (of Queen)
    Bob Siebenberg (of Supertramp, since 1973 - and credited as 'Bob C. Benberg' early in his time with the band)
    Stewart Copeland (of The Police)
    Karen Carpenter (of The Carpenters)
    J-Man Posted 6 years 5 months ago
    Wow dude you forgot Eric Carr from Kiss, Phil Collins from Genesis, and everyone's favorite drummer Neil Pert from Rush, no one can wail like Neil
    Score:
    -8
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