It’s another list of top musicians that could cause disagreements. After a BBC site listed the top 31 rock guitarists recently, their attention moved to a different artistry. They have now listed the top 33 rock drummers.
I felt there were some gaps on their first list with five guitarist omissions. I reckon there is room for improvement where the drummers are concerned, too, with another five more who could easily have been included.
To be fair, as with the top guitarists lists, it’s a very solid list of drummers on the BBC article. Perhaps one or two they included might raise eyebrows, but the article makes a good case for them. I’m not going to list all 33 here, do look at the original article if you want to see who is listed, it’s another good read.
Five more essential rock drummers not on BBC Music's list
Again, though, it’s an odd number. I thought listing 31 guitarists meant they didn’t know who to leave out. Maybe that problem got even tougher for drummers now that they’ve settled on 33. It’d be even harder if they’d included some or all of the five below, who I reckon could all warrant a place on the list.
Carl Palmer
After his early days with the Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Atomic Rooster, Carl Palmer went on to much higher levels. He was a fundamental part of the Emerson, Lake, & Palmer sound, way more than just the drummer.
Palmer stood out from other drummers in terms of technical skills and speed. Added to that, his background of jazz and classical training was ideal for ELP. He also reached out beyond the usual drum kit and brought in a range of percussion elements. Their big hit, “Fanfare for the Common Man,” illustrates that well.
Some of Palmer’s best live performances came after ELP with prog supergroup Asia, where his solos became legendary and miles away from the often boring rock drummer set we sometimes have to put up with. It’s hard to understand why this highly respected drummer didn’t make the top 33 on that list.
Phil Collins
The man behind the Genesis drum kit who strode forward into the spotlight. Phil Collins is well known for making the move to become the lead singer when Peter Gabriel left the band. That didn’t mean he left his drum kit behind. Collins continued to play both with the band and in his solo career. Though other drummers, like Chester Thompson, did step in and cover to allow a fuller focus on the vocals.
Is he a good drummer? Certainly, Collins is highly accomplished, and although now known for his vocals, everyone can play air drums to his “In The Air Tonight” song and its iconic drum break. Is he a brilliant drummer worthy of being named in such a list?
I’d say he is a strong contender; his skills outrank some of those listed, and to do that alongside his writing, singing, solo, and group experiences is quite something.
Dave Lombardo
The Slayer drummer, Dave Lombardo, would be a surprise omission here for many. He’d make it to many people’s top drummer lists. Lombardo is regarded as one of, if not the, best metal and especially thrash metal drummers.
He is quick, technically very sound, and adds aggression to his playing, making him highly suited for metal. His double bass technique helps identify his style when listening. Perhaps oddly for that genre, he too brings a wider range of percussion into his playing.
Lombardo was influenced by some of the greats on the list, including Keith Moon, John Bonham, and more. But he, too, is proving very influential to others following on.
Don Brewer
Like many drummers, Don Brewer played for quite a few bands. He is, though, best known for his time with two iconic acts. He was a founder member of Grand Funk Railroad, where he also wrote and sang on many of their top songs. Brewer was also a touring drummer for many years for Bob Seger, with and without his Silver Bullet Band.
Brewer played with passion and energy. He helped underpin the blues-rock and touch of funk style of the Grand Funk Railroad. He was loud and hard-hitting on his kit. I remember being told he played like a man possessed. There is some truth in the incredible sound he makes. Another influential drummer worthy of a mention on any top list.
Taylor Hawkins
Some might say there is sentimentality in suggesting Taylor Hawkins for the list. I can see why. It’s also the case that you don't always value some things enough until they are gone.
Hawkins was an integral part of the Foo Fighters. He wasn’t flamboyant, highly innovative, or groundbreaking either. But he did an excellent, very solid job as the drummer in a top rock and roll band. Hawkins inspired others and won’t be forgotten.
He did everything asked of him to a high standard and then some more. Hawkins kicked up accolades along the way, including a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry with the Foos, and a Best Rock Drummer Award from Rhythm magazine in 2005. Enough to make him a very good contender to be added in.