Heavy Metal Drummers That I Love

Author Al Beck

May 17th, 2023 9:04 AM

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 20: Devildriver perform at the 3rd Annual Revolver Golden God Awards at the Club Nokia on April 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

I didn’t even realize that there was a National Drummer Month until I saw the article here on the WRIF website, but here we are!

I admit that I was a little disappointed that I didn’t find any heavy metal drummers on our list, but I also understand; metal is a little bit more of a niche genre. And, frankly, that’s how we prefer it!

That being said, I am always a sucker for a good drummer, so I thought I would take a few minutes to highlight a couple of drummers who really stand out to me. I didn’t dive deep in to find out “who sold the most albums” or “who stayed with a band the longest” and I wouldn’t even call this a list of “The Best Metal Drummers Ever”. This is just some drummers that I really like, for one reason or another and these are just a few off of the top of my head. There are way too many to mention them all, so I am guaranteed to leave some worthy names off of the list!

Take a look at the list and be sure to let me know who is missing from my list or who your favorites are! You can always reach me via email ([email protected]), Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

Of course, you know I have to start off with an honorable mention to my Slayer drummers! After you check out my list, keep on scrolling for more great rock drummers!

Al Beck autograph

Al Beck

Dave Lombardo – SLAYER

Paul Bostaph – SLAYER

George Kolias – NILE

Mario Duplantier – GOJIRA

Kevin McGuill – WITHIN THE RUINS

Nicholas Barker – DIMMU BORGIR

John Boecklin – DEVILDRIVER

Vinnie Paul – PANTERA

It's National Drum Month and The Greatest Drummers of All Time

It’s National Drum Month and The Greatest Drummers of All Time

While everyone loves a strong voice and solid guitar work, an incredible drummer is a glue that cements the music of great bands. And according to National Today, May is National Drum Month! Have you ever been tapping your toes and fingers to a great beat? The drums are usually the beat causing that magical energy in your body.

Drumcenternh.com has a brief history of drums dating back to 5500 BC. The first drums, covered in alligator skin, originated in the Neolithic age. Drums spread to Europe in the 1200s and then to America in the 1500s.

The parts of the modern-day drum kit: snare, cymbals, bass, and other percussion instruments were originally played separately. In the late 19th century, Dee Dee Chandler created the first drum “kit”. Even though more parts were added to the drum kits of today, they were based on Dee Dee Chandler’s kit.

Few genres of music have utilized drums better than rock and we have some of the best classic rock drummers of all time!

Ginger Baker - Multiple Bands
Two of the many bands Ginger Baker included Cream and Blind Faith. Gained a reputation, happily as a instigator and troublemaker. This turbulent energy was also expressed in his drumming.
Neil Peart - Rush
A quote from Donna Halper speaking to NPR:

“There’s a stereotype about rock music, that it’s mundane or predictable. Neil’s lyrics were neither. … [He] had the ability to express complicated ideas in a rock song,” Donna Halper, an associate professor of media studies at Lesley University, tells NPR Music.
Keith Moon - The Who
According to Drummerworld.com, Keith Moon was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1982. The stereotype of “rocker” was for real with Keith. He destroyed drum kits and hotel rooms and delighted in blowing up toilets. His birthday party here in Flint is legendary rock decadence. But despite all of that, his energy on stage was nothing short of amazing.
Charlie Watts - Rolling Stones
The New York Times described Charlie Watts as “reserved, dignified and dapper”. He never wanted to be flashy and flamboyant. He stayed mellow and played the same way. Contrasting perfectly with rest of the band.
Tommy Lee - Mötley Crüe
Everybody knows Tommy Lee! Unfortunately or not unfortunate depending on who, he is probably better known for his relationship with Pamela Anderson than his music. But there is no question that he is a legendary drummer with every part being a classic rocker.
Ringo Starr - The Beatles
One of my favorite songs is Yellow Submarine, sung by the legendary Ringo Starr. While his song writing and singing was more rare in the Beatles, his iconic style, character and drumming was a integral part of the Beatles sound and identity.
Frank Beard - ZZ Top
How many people have noticed the irony of being named Frank Beard and being the only band member without a beard in ZZ Top?
John Bonham - Led Zeppelin
John Bonham was the deep core drum sound of Led Zeppelin for 12 years till his unfortunate passing in 1980. To many this was the end of that era of “Led Zeppelin”. The sound would would never be quite the same.
Alex Van Halen - Van Halen
Van Halen New Desk details how close Eddie and Alex were as brothers. At one point Eddie was doing drums and switches with Alex because Alex learned them so fast.