All time favorite drummer and why- you can only pick one!!

[JDA]

whole album, Ed Blackwell

lucky strike extra

 

[JohnnyVibesAZ]

Louie Bellson could do it all. That's why so many big names in jazz loved working with him.

 

[mydadisjr]

I loved Mitch Mitchell, Carmine Appice, Ginger back in the day BUT if I could only listen to one guy for the rest of my life, it would probably be this major dude.


ALAN DAWSON (you gotta check out the trading fours at about 5:30)

 

[drumsforme]

Vinnie Colaiuta !

 

[bigbonzo]

Right now it's Tommy Lee. It'll change tomorrow.

 

[Houndog]

I play nothing like him whatsoever , but he influenced me well beyond drumming .
Neil Peart ..

 

[Polska]

Like everyone I have a lot of favorites, but I guess my all-time favorite would be Pat Mastelotto. His playing with David Sylvian, King Crimson and especially Stick Men is a constant inspiration for me. Electronics, acoustics, little percussion toys, multiple odd time signatures or simple grooves - to me he covers all the bases. He's also very diverse with his recording projects and I stay on top of all of them. A player who can adapt is a player who has a long career.

 

[JDA]

whole album
He's like a parade marching band mixed with an African village
now that's a party

 

[Vicey]

Bill Bruford. Musicality, flexibility, distinct sounds, adventurous spirit, playing from the brain, body, and heart simultaneously.

 

[Squirrel Man]

I'll go with Steve Gadd. Innovator, pro and a good guy.

 

[RogersLudwig]

I like a few but Billy Kreutzmann tops the list if I can only name one

 

[xtranoise]

I have two top favorites/influences but if I have to just name one, Jeff Porcaro. Loved listening to his playing in my formative years. Still do.

 

[JimmyM]

Can’t do it. Sorry.

 

[TomC727]

Phil Collins. My all time favorite growing up and the reason I got into playing drums. First song I learned to play was also Phil Collins.

 

[notINtheband]

Neil.
There are better technicians, better groove players, better pocket players, etc.
But his structures so fit the songs without ever being too repetitive, or too complex, or too basic.
He made the complicated look and sound simple, and the simple sound rich and dynamic. I still can’t play the majority of his work, yet I know where every single note is.
Plus he was the lyricist and I admire that as much as his drumming.
Add to that the way he lived his life keeping things in perspective, walking that line between revered and humble, between famous and obscure. Just so sound in so many ways.

 

[bassanddrum84]

Todd sucherman. I grew up looking up to him and Travis barker. I love Thomas lang Stewart Copeland bonham etc but something about Todd I was always drawn to him. He’s also a great person to meet and chat with.

 

[Ryukyu]

Can’t do it. Sorry.

Me neither. Way too many great drummers.

 

[What It Is]

Gotta go with Brian Blade, but the next time we ask the question, it'll be Glenn Kotche of Wilco

 

[Plaid Sabbath]

Bonham. Led Zeppelin II ruined me.

 

[Pickinator]

Very Hard
But

—Joel Rosenblatt-

 

[Steech]

Neil.
There are better technicians, better groove players, better pocket players, etc.
But his structures so fit the songs without ever being too repetitive, or too complex, or too basic.
He made the complicated look and sound simple, and the simple sound rich and dynamic. I still can’t play the majority of his work, yet I know where every single note is.
Plus he was the lyricist and I admire that as much as his drumming.
Add to that the way he lived his life keeping things in perspective, walking that line between revered and humble, between famous and obscure. Just so sound in so many ways.

Very well said.