Neil Peart ( Rush)
Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa)
Ainsley Dunbar ( Jeff Beck )

You're an idiot... :banghead:

I'm ignoring jazz/session drummers, because they're in a completely different category and incomparable.

1. Danny Carey (Tool)
2. Martin Lopez (Opeth)
3. Neil Peart (Rush)
4. Bill Bruford (King Crimson, Yes etc.)
5. Gene Hoglan (Dark Angel, Death, SYL, Testament etc...)
6. Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree)
7. Tim Alexander (Primus)
8. Stewart Copeland (Sting and the Police)
9. Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins)
10. Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)


Even though I said I'm ignoring jazz/session drummers... I feel the need to say this. Vinnie Colaiuta is possibly the greatest drummer known to man. I saw Herbie Han**** with Colaiuta and even as a non-drummer I was practically exploding in my pants. That guy is so skilled, yet so tasteful. He has the perfect fills and doesn't overplay at all... He is amazing.

I've recently been in love with John McEntire's drumming. He has been in Stereolab, Gastr Del Sol and The Red Krayola, but is now currently in The Sea And Cake and Tortoise. His style is just so clean and powerful, kind of jazzy, and is just always changing up the rythym.

In no particular order, just a few that I like (mostly metal drummers)

Pete Sandoval (Morbid Angel)
Gene Hoglan (Death)
Dave Lombardo (SLAYERRRRRR)
Neil Peart (RUSH)
George Kollias (Nile)
Chris Adler (Lamb Of God)
Mike Smith (Suffocation)
Martin Lopez (Opeth)
Frost (1349)
Hellhammer (Mayhem/Arcturus)
Donald Tardy (Obituary)

Edit: And Thomas Haake (Meshuggah)

Best Drummer ever = Damon Che
He's a mother****ing octopus.

Hmm, perhaps I'm biased because I just ranted about him in another thread, but what of Blake Richardson from BTBAM?

As for my list, I can't say I know many drummers off hand aside from the ones at the top of this list. Danny Carey is definitely up there for me. When it comes to instruments in a traditional band, I am partial to the bass.

Not a single mention of John Wright from NoMeansNo. He is amazing, doesn't seem to get much credit.

Josh Freese is another I would add.

One word: ZachHill