Vistalite Black
Ludwigs in the Basement
Let’s give a hearty salute to the impressive drummers who played with four-limb independence while simultaneous sending clouds of smoke skyward.
Thankfully, we now live in a time when 90% of the population realizes that smoking is unhealthful and horrifyingly expensive.
But, in an earlier age, we watched concerts and club shows with a careful eye on the drummer as the ash on his lit cigarette fell to his lap like black snow.
It’s increasingly rare sight ... Younger drummers haven’t picked up on it in the decade since most states banned smoking in indoor public spaces.
Little evidence survives of the big-time drummers who refused to heed the Surgeon General and played with the ever-present risk that dropping their coffin nail could immediately immolate their Remo – and bring the show to a quick halt.
We’ll welcome additions to the list, but your nomination should be documented with a photo or video of the smoking drummer performing. We’re sticking to the Rock Era … Smoking was as much a part of the Jazz Age as skinny ties and felt hats.
Top Smoking Drummers of the Rock Era
10. Stewart Copeland
9. Travis Baker
8. Ginger Barker
7. Jim Gordon
6. Phil Rudd
5. Roger Taylor
4. Jeff Porcaro
3, Bun E. Carlos
2, John Bonham
1. Ringo Starr
Honorable Mention: Buddy Rich – Played jazz in the rock era and loved to smoke both tobacco and jazz cigarettes.
Thankfully, we now live in a time when 90% of the population realizes that smoking is unhealthful and horrifyingly expensive.
But, in an earlier age, we watched concerts and club shows with a careful eye on the drummer as the ash on his lit cigarette fell to his lap like black snow.
It’s increasingly rare sight ... Younger drummers haven’t picked up on it in the decade since most states banned smoking in indoor public spaces.
Little evidence survives of the big-time drummers who refused to heed the Surgeon General and played with the ever-present risk that dropping their coffin nail could immediately immolate their Remo – and bring the show to a quick halt.
We’ll welcome additions to the list, but your nomination should be documented with a photo or video of the smoking drummer performing. We’re sticking to the Rock Era … Smoking was as much a part of the Jazz Age as skinny ties and felt hats.
Top Smoking Drummers of the Rock Era
10. Stewart Copeland
9. Travis Baker
8. Ginger Barker
7. Jim Gordon
6. Phil Rudd
5. Roger Taylor
4. Jeff Porcaro
3, Bun E. Carlos
2, John Bonham
1. Ringo Starr
Honorable Mention: Buddy Rich – Played jazz in the rock era and loved to smoke both tobacco and jazz cigarettes.
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