[nutfloppa]

When you say greatest drummer I would assume you base that on technical ability, musicality and originality. Using those criteria It would most likely be a jazz drummer. Anyone who can count to four, has a little rhythm and some coordination could become a "rock" drummer. Of course "feel" is what sets an average rock drummer apart from a great one. When people say a guy like John Bonham is he greatest drummer of all time they usually dont know what they are talking about but what they mean is he had a great feel when came to playing which is hard to be taught. Alot of metal drummers have great technical ability but when it comes to feel they just dont have it. You could teach a monkey to play 128th notes on his base drums but he would be far from great.

Trying to pick the greatest rock drummer is like trying to pick the greatest tournament poker player. Its really just a personal preference with little difference among the top players. With that being said here is a list of what I think are the "greatest" drummers that have played in rock bands.


Terry Bozzio - Zappa
Vinnie Colaiuta - Zappa
Chad Wackerman - Zappa
Steve Smith - Journey
Jeff Porcaro - Toto
Stewart Copeland - Police
Steve Gadd - Steely Dan
Simon Phillips - Pete Townshend
Bill Bruford - Yes
Kenny Aronoff - John Melon Camp
Dennis Chambers - Parliament/Funkadelic (is that even rock?)
Neil Peart - Rush
Carter Beauford - DMB

Alot more out there but thats all I can think of right now. Not sure if Dave Weckl ever played in a rock band but anyone interested in great drummers should check him out