Writing an article here often triggers thoughts about a follow-up or related subject. One classic rock topic can easily lead to another. In a recent article I reflected on drummers usually being the butt of jokes about bands. It brings to mind this poor attempt: Q: What is the last thing a drummer says in a band? – A- Hey, how about we try one of my songs?
Yeah, it’s harsh and unfair. As my mind wandered from writing about classic rock drummers as lead vocalists, I looked at those with songwriting credits. As it happens, there was a strong crossover with many of the top singing drummers. Perhaps that's not a huge surprise.
They’ve shown their musicality and skills with their singing, so perhaps writing isn't such a huge step for some. I have put aside Roger Taylor, Don Henley, and Phil Collins from that other list for now. That avoids repeating similar information here about their songwriting prowess.
Six rock drummers who wrote iconic songs
Instead, let's focus on six other drummers who have had a hand in writing at least one song for their band. They may have been prolific songwriters or just written one or two, but they are eligible as long as there is a top hit among them. Here are six of the best examples of songwriting drummers on that basis.
Dave Grohl - Nirvana
I’ve listed Dave Grohl under Nirvana, where he was a drummer more than the frontman and guitarist he has become with Foo Fighters. Grohl does have writing credit on several Nirvana songs. To keep it simple, let's look at one song and then a second that links from it.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” was their biggest hit. Kurt Cobain created the main tune and riffs, but when he shared his workings on the song with Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic, they could contribute to it. Grohl primarily added the drum beat and reportedly drew from a disco-style backing to make it all work.
Grohl also has credit for the B side to that single, “Aneurysm.” It was finalized in January 1991 in Grohl’s first studio recording session with the band. Although he had joint credit on those two and others he contributed to, Grohl has become the primary songwriter with the Foo Fighters.
Bill Berry - R.E.M.
R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry was well-versed in several instruments besides his drum kit. Those included guitar, bass, and piano, and helped support his occasional songwriting work. Berry co-wrote a couple of the band’s top and most well-known songs - “Man On The Moon” and “Everbody Hurts” and several other album tracks.
The band did share songwriting credits, and it’s understood Berry wrote most of “Everybody Hurts,” though oddly, he didn't feature on the recording. They chose to use a drum machine for that instead. I doubt he minded when the song became such a huge seller.
Topper Headon - The Clash
The Clash had plenty of great songs, so it’s a credit to Topper Hedon, their drummer, that he can write one of their best. “Rock the Casbah” perhaps wasn't one of their most frenzied or angriest songs, but it is among their best-known. Headon and the band scored their only top ten Billboard 100 hit with the single.
Headon was alone in the studio and built the song from a simple melody he created. He also played a lot of the musical parts on the recording, in addition to the drums; he was behind the bass and piano on the song recording, too. Exceptionally talented, isn’t he?
Tommy Ramone - the Ramones
Tommy Ramones wrote a couple of songs for Ramones' first album, Ramones, but would have been very proud of one in particular. He created “Blitzkrieg Bop,” taking co-writing credit with Dee Dee Ramone. Tommy was behind the sound of this one, and Dee-Dee was reworking the lyrics.
Rolling Stone ranked the song 92nd on the 2004 500 Greatest Songs of All Time list. This is not a bad accolade for someone who was supposed to be the band’s manager, didn't play drums, but got drafted in behind the drum kit regardless.
Lars Ulrich
Regarding influential songwriting drummers, Lars Ulrich is up there, taking many plaudits and awards. Along with James Hetfield, Ulrich is the other remaining original member of Metallica. He has a songwriting credit on many of the band’s songs; it would be a much shorter list to try to mention those he didn't have a hand in creating.
Metallica is one of the biggest thrash metal bands, and their songs have made a distinctive mark on music. Ulrich is firmly behind that mark, and not just for his thrash drums.
Neil Peart - Rush
One of the best drum kit masters, Neil Peart, was part of the powerful Rush trio, renowned for its vast musical sound. Peart was behind many of their songs, often focused on the lyrics, but he did have input and creativity on the music at times, too. His musicality shone through in his drumming style and his songwriting, too.
With so many songs to choose from that he wrote, it’s tough to name a couple, but the Rush classic “Tom Sawyer” was co-written by Peart with Pye Dubois and has to get a mention. Peart’s lyrics on “Limelight” reflect how uncomfortable success can be and are worth a special call-out.