Here’s a list of the best drummers in the world, according to a recent list by Rolling Stone. Of course, there are many other names on that list that have proven themselves over time, such as Paul McCartney, but it still seems to be a highly subjective list. Drummers, like guitarists, can be judged by their individual prowess, their ability to contribute to a band, their technique, their creativity, and how much they contribute to the overall sound of the song.
So who made the list this year?
While you’re perusing the Best Drummers list here, listen to this:
Drummers from all genres make the cut, with the exception of classical acoustic players, and even then, only one player, Robin Thome of Rush, managed to crack the list. Almost by definition, pop/rock drummers dominate Top 10 best drummers in the world, but then, some notable jazz players, such, Art Blakey, Max Roach, Shelly Manne,and Gene Krupa, were included, while another very important jazz drumming presence, Terry Lewis, made the list. Other notable drummers who did not make the list include Paul McCartney, drummer for The Beatles; John Entwistle, drummer for The Who; and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
So who made the best drummers in the world this year?
Well, it looks as though the biggest factor this year was outside drumming talents, as everyone put out records and performed on stage. The next four best drummers in the world were: drummers from Spain, Finland, France, and New Zealand. If you’re from the UK, you’re only just scratching the surface. Let’s see who else made the list this year.
Spain’s Jose Maradona is known for his crazy drumwork, his insane vocals, and his dance moves. One other thing that sets him apart from the other great drummers is his showmanship. He has a very distinctive style of drum playing that is an interesting mix of tapping, legato, and flamenco. One of his greatest hits, “Mano Corpo,” is a great example of his incredible showmanship.
Another band from Spain that impressed us this year was P-tex. P-tex has actually been around since the early ’70s, but they made a big splash when they put out their first album in the U.S. This band featured both ex Pistols members (ex drummer Scott Weiland), as well as some rising stars, like Jamie Ward. P-tex is best known for its hypnotic sound, and for their awesome guitar work. They always have great songs to showcase their wonderful guitar talents. We liked “Hips Don’t Lie,” from their debut album, and “Bailand”, from their second. This band has a unique blend of music, and if you like fast paced drumming, you will love them.
Finally, what about Questlove?
Sure, he’s no stranger to the drums, having played with The Roots and everyone knows him for his amazing drum beats. But what we were really interested in was how he incorporated pop music into his drumming. His most famous song, with guest artists like Kanye West and Rihanna, comes to mind. He’s also done an amazing amount of collaborations with other artists, including 50 Cent. Questlove is one of the best drummers of our time, and has influenced many other drummers to try and do what he does.