Shawn’s Top 5 Greatest Classic Rock Drummer’s

If you go to a rock concert today chances are you will see a drum solo. There may not have been such a thing if not for Ginger Baker of Cream. And, if you are the drummer that such drummers as John Bonham and Neil Peart looked up to, you know you are doing something right!

Ok, so he may have been somewhat of a crazy man, thus the nick name "Moon the Loon," but he was also a damn good drummer. Moon was known for dramatic, suspenseful drumming—often eschewing basic back beats for a fluid, busy technique focused on fast, cascading rolls across the toms, ambidextrous double bass drum work and wild cymbal crashes and washes. The Who have never quite sounded the same since his death in 1978, and 35 years after his death he is still recognized in the industry as one of the best drummers ever.

Originally known as a hard rock style drummer, Neil Peart of Rush changed his style mid-career, and believe it or not got better. After always inspiring to be like John Bonham and Keith Moon, Peart started to really like the style of Buddy Rich and began to play a more jazz style like Rich. Peart has received numerous awards for his musical performances, and is known for his technical proficiency ,stamina, and large drum sets. Because of his fame as a drummer he also become a well known writer.

If your name is included in the name of the band and you are the drummer you must be good, huh? The chops delivered by Carl are something to behold! He inspired countless drummers, including Neil Peart, with his magnificent stadium-filling rock and showmanship. He also used his classical training in tuned percussion to great effect. He defines the word spectacle, and is one of the best rock drummers to come from Britain. Known for his technical prowess, another of Palmer's trademarks included solos in many of his performances. His later work in Asia saw a more basic approach, although he began to play double bass drums more frequently during that period, and was one of the first drummers to be inducted into the Modern Drummer Magazine Hall of Fame.

Maybe I am bias being a hug Zeppelin fan, but I must say that when Rolling Stone polled their readers on who was the best drummer John Bonham won in a landslide so I am not alone. The guy who taught us all how to play heavy, powerful rock drums that ooze feel. With awsome bass drum technique and a big open sound, he sent Zeppelin's tunes soaring. He embodies raw, emotional, rock drumming that comes straight from the soul. He's a rock god and undeniably one of the best rock drummers ever.Over 30 years after his death, Bonham continues to garner awards and praise. Adam Budofsky, managing editor of Modern Drummer magazine, writes "If the king of rock 'n' roll was Elvis Presley, then the king of rock drumming was certainly John Bonham."