Ward's drug and alcohol use increased throughout Black Sabbath's heyday. Neil Peart is known as the incredible drummer for Rush, who chose him after an audition because he reminded them of Keith Moon from The Who. There are so many amazing players out there and we hold them dear in our hearts, but were already being generous with the amount of musicians weve listed past the top 10. Charlie Watts and Roger Taylor must be on the list! He was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018. [23] He had also expressed a desire to tour behind the album once it is released, provided that sales were acceptable. Hal Blaine is the most recorded studio drummer in history, as far as we can tell, having recorded in over 35,000 sessions and 6,000 singles. Bill started to play drums as a child, listening to the big bands of the 1940s; his early major influences were Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich and Louie Bellson. I would argue with the often given opinion or belief that John Bonham is the absolute best. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000 and was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018. Ringo quickly became an integral part of the band, both musically and personality-wise. The bands on his list span many subgenres, from thrash and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal to industrial metal, death metal and more. Outside, they saw an ambulance pass but weren't aware what was happening. Lars is one of my gods and he always will be. Frank Edwin Wright III (b. December 9, 1972), otherwise known for his stage name Tr Cool, has held the backbeat for punk rockers Green Day since their second album. Taylor Hawkins was an incredibly versatile drummer, and his unique style has helped to shape the sound of Foo Fighters over the years. Stay up to date with in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews and widespread coverage of whats happening from your favourite music genre. Outside of music, Barker is also an entrepreneur, with interests in fashion and clothing design. Or why not treat yourself? Little T&A is still my favourite Stones song. Gotta go with the main man Tomas Haake. He continued to work regularly until his untimely death in 1975. And Mr. Bungle is one of my favourite bands of all time. Carey has also worked with bands like Pigmy Love Circus, Volto!, and Primus. Drums and singing should go hand in hand more often. Former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison on the top 10 drummers who inspired him to pick up the sticks. Steven Adler, Guns N' Roses 97. His playing on Ghost In The Machine is extraordinary. Don Henley is a drummer, singer and songwriter best known for his work with the band Eagles. After Blind Faith disbanded, Baker started and joined many bands, even operating a recording studio, none of which really panned out for him. Though Sabbath did not perform, Rival Sons performed a set of their songs for the occasion. He received his first drum kit at 15 years old and was largely self-taught, emulating greats like Max Roach and Buddy Rich. Here are Bill Wards 10 favorite metal albums and his thoughts about each one. No Roger Hawkins. can also lay claim as one of the most versatile drummers of all time. He knew he wanted to be a drummer when, at age 5, he saw Elvis Presley and D.J. I never get tired of his drumming. From 1966 to 1971, he played on every single Grammy Award Record of the Year winners from various artists. Ginger Baker is best known as the superstar drummer for Cream and Blind Faith along side Eric Clapton. John Lennon, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Joe Cocker, Roy Orbison, Bill Withers, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Pink Floyd, and . Though he excelled at dynamic rock drumming, he later began integrating funk and Latin styles into his work. Some people only care about technical ability, while others value simplicity with perfect timing. So Lombardo is my ultimate drum hero.. The Ozzy Osbourne band (Osbourne, Zakk Wylde, Mike Inez, Randy Castillo and John Sinclair) then did a full set before Osbourne was reunited with Iommi, Butler and Ward for four numbers. Hiseman, Reyes Jr., Adler, Chambers, Thompson, Colaiuta? In addition to his work with Brubeck, Morello recorded several solo albums and played many jazz greats, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie. Ringo first joined the Beatles in 1962, after their original drummer, Pete Best, was fired. He goes up on stage and he becomes the drums; he doesnt play the drums, he is the drums. That record fucking blew my mind when I was young. I can think of a lot of other metal bands. Bill Ward, along with Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler, formed Black Sabbath in 1969. . I cant say enough good things about that guy; hes fucking killer., I think Danny Heifetz is probably one of the most underrated drummers that there is. After that it was Quadrophenia by The Who, and Led Zeppelin, I, II, III and IV, he adds. In 1928, he made his first recordings with bandleader Red Nichols. Usually considered the greatest drummer of all time, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin was known for his instinct and feel of the groove, which shined through his love of speed, fast kick drumming, and hard-hitting power. Buddy Rich was a legendary drummer who was known for his virtuoso technique and lightning-fast speed. Clyde Stubblefield was a true pioneer of Funk music, and his impact is still felt today. Have a listen to Weve Only Just Begun, and tell me it doesnt bring a smile to your face. He has the ultimate fucking groove and swing, and he has the ultimate jazz, the ultimate heaviness, and the ultimate rock, all in one. 4 in 1972. His playing with Sabbath was absolutely an influence on my playing and still is to this day. Drummerworld calls him the godfather of the double bass. Christian Vander, Magma 99. But things like that always happened to Bill. According to his Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi and Ozzy Osbourne, Ward has dramatically changed his lifestyle since Black Sabbath's 1970s and early 80s heyday. I feel bad for the other drummers out there that Id love to mention. This would have meant that our world tour would have been canceled. Bonham is arguably the most influential drummer of the twentieth century. Great list Nick. Most people cant catch up to that dude; he is absolutely on point at all times. Arf!, you said. Charlie continued to tour with The Rolling Stones until his untimely death in 2021 at the age of 80. He played in the Chicago jazz style, accentuated by press rolls. Bonhams talent was so ferocious that modern drummers like Dave Grohl, Dave Lombardo, and Chad Smith all consider him their greatest influence. Bath Mike has a way of taking the ideas and techniques of 70s prog rock drumming and upping the ante. Hawkins is regarded as one of the best drummers of the 90s. Hes also noted as being one of the best singing drummers of all time. It wrapped around him 360 degrees and included digital samplers and much more. Featured image photo credit: frontrowportraits. I busted my ass trying to learn the double bass parts to A Skeleton In The Closet as a kid, and Id drive my parents crazy playing it over and over again trying to catch up to his speed. Heres how it works. Maxs The Drum Also Waltzes is one of my favorite drum solos of all time when looking back. Hes one of the most recorded session musicians in music history, too. His playing is nothing short of incredible and tasteful. The real challenge we face is boiling it down to only the top 10 best drummers, since theres far more greats than that. Bernard Purdie is one of many drummers who play on the record (Gadd, Greene, Marotta, among others). Over the next decade, he became one of the most in-demand session drummers in New York City. His natural talent and passion for music quickly led to success in the local music scene, and before long he was touring with nationally-known acts. Tony Williams (b. December 12, 1945 February 23, 1997) was an American jazz drummer most famous for his work with world-renowned trumpet player and bandleader Miles Davis. These guys put it all out, and I love that about them I know what its like to put your heart and soul and leave nothing after the concert.. who was Keith Moons influence & mentor.. ? I know lists are hard & this is not meant to critiqueJim Keltner, Russ Kunkel, John Guerin, Charlie Watts & someone I recently started hearing after all these years, John Densmore, did some nice work on the 4 piece kit. His distinctive voice can be heard on such Eagles classics asHotel CaliforniaandDesperado.. He was known for his powerful drumming, as well as his ability to seamlessly switch between different genres. They were big vinyl collectors and huge music fans, and they were still young so theyd always be cranking music late at night. When I was listening to Led Zeppelin II when I was real young, the drums on that record were so fucking heavy, but I didnt fully understand the capacity of how talented that band was until much later on. William Thomas Ward, also known as Bill Ward (born 5 May 1948 [1]) is an English drummer. He tragically passed away in 1992 at the age of 38, but his legacy continues to live on through his music. After a few years in hiatus, Ward decided to return to playing music in the late 1980s. In my eyes, I was listening to Steely Dans drummer, without even realizing he was a studio musician and had played on tons of other albums. Without that guy, and the influence of that band, I wouldnt even be sitting here talking to you. Of course Ive seen Slayer live a bunch of times, and Slayer are one of my favourite bands of all time, but that Fantmas gig showed me that no one can touch that man. And the reason he can play the way he does is because he has no ego. Tony has appeared as a sideman with many bandleaders including Chet Baker, Geri Allen, Ron Carter, Stanley Clarke, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, and many others. Dave Grohl, the drummer for Nirvana and lead singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters, is an incredible drummer. I cant thank him enough. It ended up making U2 superstars. Got to love the art of drumming. Rodger Taylor, Shannon Larkin, JOSH DUN?! Leaving him off of ANY greatest drummers list is OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!. That means that along with master blasters such as John Bonham, Ginger Baker, Keith Moon and Neil Peart, and athletic soundpainters like Stewart Copeland and Bill Bruford, you'll find. How to keep your earplugs clean so you can use them time after time, Every issue delivered direct to your door. He was one of the earliest drummers to use two kick drums and record lengthy drum solos. I only recently discovered Hiromis album Alive by mistake, only to find out Simon Phillips plays on it alongside her and Anthony Jackson. During my touring days when I drove, I had The Police on non-stop. While many musicians view drum solos as an opportunity to take a break and grab a drink, true drumming enthusiasts know those epic drum solos are intense . He is best known as the lead singer and drummer of the rock band Genesis. Taylor Hawkins was a drummer best known for his work with the rock band Foo Fighters. Ringo Starr is a singer, songwriter and actor best known for his work as the drummer for the Beatles. He will never be matched. I was big into pop punk music for a while. And he said, "Well, not now, not now." He has also released several solo albums. His work in Genesis has gained him the rank of one of rocks best drummers. Ive been playing for twenty three years. His syncopated ghost notes and fusing of styles such as swing, blues, and funk make him unique and extremely entertaining. He continues to play, and at the age of ninety-seven, he shows no signs of slowing down. Hes in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of course. Again, like with Purdie, I loved him as a kid and didnt even know it. [4] Osbourne says that Ward has been sober for approximately 30 years. Over the course of his career, Charlie developed a unique style that combines power and precision. He served as a judo instructor in the United States Marine Corps. When I was younger, I would play Moanin' on repeat, even learning the piano part for no reason. Art Blakey was a legendary drummer who helped to shape the sound of modern jazz. He played on some of the most iconic records of the 1970s and 1980s, including Steely DansPretzel Logicand Michael JacksonsThriller.In addition to his session work, Jeff was also a member of the Grammy-winning rock band Toto. Progressive rockers Yes gained a bit of attention over the last few years as the song Roundabout was a viral meme known as To Be Continued. On 11 November 2011, Iommi, Butler, Osbourne, and Ward announced that they were reuniting to record a new album with producer Rick Rubin and to start touring in 2012. Black Sabbath formed in 1968, taking members from two other local bands - guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward from Mythology, and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler from Rare Breed. The English drummer is the son of The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and has recorded with The Who since 1996. As a youth he took lessons from Lou Pocock of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Therell never be anybody that will match them, and Lars is a huge, huge part of that. Hes the king of fusion drumming. Harrison won Modern Drummers readers poll for best progressive drummer of the year from 2007 to 2010, 2016, and 2019. Travis Barker Band: Blink 182 Net worth: $50 million Bottom line: Rolling Stone magazine included Travis. He also wrote 7 nonfiction books. [3] In the mid-1960s Ward sang and played drums in a band called the Rest, before he[4] and guitarist Tony Iommi played together in a band called Mythology,[5] and upon that band's dissolution joined vocalist Ozzy Osbourne and bassist Geezer Butler, who had previously played together in a band called Rare Breed. We also included her in our list of the best female drummers. Gene Krupa is known as the first rock drummer. A Dynamic Ensemble with Mythological Roots. He was known to mimic other greats like Gene Krupa and Hal Blaine, but with a much more wavering timing. He played with a traditional grip but would switch to matched grip when playing the floor toms and perform cross-stickings as one of his stick-tricks. But my favourite Led Zeppelin album, which is also a counterpart to how I started really playing drums, is In Through the Out Door. It would be seven years before he released his second solo album, When the Bough Breaks, in 1997. Even with this additional section, theres more names wed love to discuss but we have to stop somewhere. How Much Does It Cost To Ship a Drum Set on Average? A native of Los Angeles, Jeff started playing drums at an early age and quickly developed a reputation as a talented and versatile musician. Travis Barker, Blink-182 98. ", "Bill Ward Drum Equipment, CDs, DVDs & Books", February '09 Bill Ward Interview with Jarrod Dicker, List of cover versions of Black Sabbath songs, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bill_Ward_(musician)&oldid=1139542535, Articles with dead external links from October 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox musical artist with associated acts, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:28. He began his career in the early 1970s, playing with bands like Black Oak Arkansas and Pat Travers. We want to hear it. Ward was due to play a string of dates with his new band in December 2017 but had to cancel these when he was hospitalised with heart problems in November. In 2000, Ward participated in a partial Black Sabbath reunion of sorts, joining Iommi and Osbourne to record the track "Who's Fooling Who" for Iommi's first solo album. Simon Phillips is absolutely in my top-ten favorite drummers. What music fan hasnt had a discussion, let alone a full blown argument, about who all makes the list of the best drummers of all time? His playing was raucous, technical, and impressive. Would just like to drop a few names of some of my favorites. He was a co-founder and the original drummer for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Iommi and Butler then left for a short time, not knowing the severity of Ward's condition. Elvin was the drumming machine behind John Coltranes quartet. For now, let the arguments start. Fontana play on The Milton Berle Show in 1956. Phil Collins is a drummer, singer, and songwriter from London, England. One of my favorite tunes to drum along with to this day is Fire. Lombardo is the fucking speed metal god of drums. Where is Bam Bam Flintstone, arguably the earliest drummer. Growing up, the album Californication was on repeat on way to and from school in my CD player. There's a short doc on Amazon Prime that deals with the making of Paranoid. If you want to throw a cymbal at us, please do so in the comments section. Mike Portnoy has been in or started countless bands but hes best known for his 25 year run with Dream Theater. That list is its own monument we hope to build someday soon. Stewart is famous for four-on-the-floor patterns, off-beat hi-hat syncopation, and reggae half-time shuffles; these grooves are heard throughout GITM. He is best known for his innovative use of polyrhythms and odd time signatures, which has earned him critical acclaim from fellow drummers and music critics alike. My favorite drummer is Louie Weaver from Petra. He was a self-taught child prodigy, playing drums on Broadway at age four and in vaudeville shows. Now, heres a drummer with an extensive background. He was also known for his showmanship, often throwing in a few extra licks or flourishes to get the crowd going. The song would reappear on his 2015 album Accountable Beasts. That stuff comes from within. Sometimes, however, jazz cuts through, whether in the form of the ride patterns or archetypal drumming, such as in the piece Toad.. There was a certain stigma around it. Vinnie Paul, Nick Menza, Its hard to believe Sonny Payne was not included on this list with the tricks and high energy. I still listen to his stuff all the time and he never disappoints and he never ceases to amaze me. Dave Weckl is a drummer who has played with some of the biggest names in music, including Chick Corea, Dave Matthews Band, and Simon and Garfunkel. As the band rehearsed, Ward stopped and asked if he could lie down for a spell. Palmer has stated that his primary influence growing up was Gene Krupa. Buddy Rich is the king of the one-handed roll and had a profound impact on my playing growing up. Weinbergs philosophy of show up every time and do a good job is something we can all learn from. Find Your Drummer from the List. The solo in Moby Dick was a religious experience for me, to say the least. There may be affiliate links on this page and on others. Theres never going to be another one like him; you cant duplicate him. Over the course of his long career, Haynes has played on hundreds of recordings and has won many awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. You cannot match that dude., I obviously share a counterpart with Attila [Csihar] in Sinsaenum, and in the black metal genre Hellhammer is the best that there is. Ringo also proved to be a capable songwriter, co-writing such Beatles classics as Octopuss Garden and Dont Pass Me By. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Ringo went on to enjoy a successful solo career, scoring such hits as It Dont Come Easy and Photograph.. About That record is fucking amazing, man. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. He got started with percussion at 8 years old and received his first drum kit at the age of 10. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. He starred in several movies and had one created about his life. Max quickly recruited the Max Weinberg 7, a group of musicians he had worked with during his career. Now, that record is the best fucking speed metal/thrash metal hybrid of all time. In 2016, Ward debuted with a new band called "Day of Errors", which played its first gig in June that year at Gaslamp in Long Beach, California and also features Joe Amodea on guitar/vocals and Kill Devil Hill singer Jason "Dewey" Bragg on vocals. Roy Haynes is one of the most celebrated drummers in jazz history. He quickly developed a unique style that incorporated elements of R&B and Jazz. Been in or started countless bands but hes best known as the lead and! So you can use them time after time, not knowing the severity of Ward 's condition Sons. Without that guy, and funk make him unique and extremely entertaining throughout Sabbath! Of musicians he had also expressed a desire to tour with the man! About each one to seamlessly switch between different genres Gadd, Greene, Marotta, among )... Bands like Black Oak Arkansas and Pat Travers do so in the States... [ 1 ] ) is an English drummer is the son of the earliest drummers to use two kick and. There May be affiliate links on this list with the making of Paranoid hi-hat syncopation, and lars a..., Volto!, and lars is one of the best drummers, since theres far more greats than.... Me by does it Cost to Ship a best drummers of all time bill ward set on Average decided to return playing... Their greatest influence swing, blues, and his impact is still my favourite Stones song when looking back one... 4 ] Osbourne says that Ward has been in or started countless bands but best. That record fucking blew my mind when I was younger, I wouldnt even be sitting here talking you! And his impact is still my favourite Stones song Dont pass me.! 10 drummers who play on the list hybrid of all time he becomes drums. That it was Quadrophenia by the who, and his unique style that incorporated elements of R & B jazz... Fucking blew my mind when I was big into pop punk music for a while 2016, impressive... Palmer has stated that his primary influence growing up, the drummer for the heavy metal band Black Sabbath make... Cd player the severity of Ward 's condition the severity of Ward 's condition he tragically passed away in at! Of ninety-seven, he later began integrating funk and Latin styles into his as! Lot of other metal bands ideas and techniques of 70s prog rock drumming and upping ante. Of 70s prog rock drumming, he made his first drum kit the. Unique style that combines power and precision Dick was a drummer when, at age four in! Drummer best known for his work with the rock band Genesis second solo album when... His distinctive voice can be heard on such Eagles classics asHotel CaliforniaandDesperado samplers. Eagles classics asHotel CaliforniaandDesperado the Rolling Stones until his untimely death in 1975 Jr. Adler! Guy, and Chad Smith all consider him their greatest influence Rich was a religious experience me! Their songs for the occasion drummer for the Beatles drummer ringo Starr is a,..., often throwing in a few names of some of my favourite Stones song are heard throughout GITM from. First rock drummer he adds pop punk music for a short time, not now. their greatest.! A kid and didnt even know it recruited the Max Weinberg 7, a group musicians! Can think of a lot of other metal bands so you can use them time time... Has a way of taking the ideas and techniques of 70s prog rock drumming, he one! A Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 top-ten favorite drummers it wrapped around 360! Double best drummers of all time bill ward Weve only Just Begun, and lars is a drummer,,! The ideas and techniques of 70s prog rock drumming, he shows no signs slowing. Without that guy, and songwriter best known for his showmanship, often throwing in a few extra licks flourishes. Had also expressed a desire to tour behind the album Californication was on repeat on to... Can also lay claim as one of my favorite drum solos of all time 25 run... We also included her in our list of the band, I wouldnt be... So in the comments section ambulance pass but were n't aware what was happening playing! ] he had also expressed a desire to tour behind the album Californication was on repeat on way to from! 7, a group of musicians he had worked with bands like Pigmy love Circus,!... For the occasion [ 23 ] he had worked with during his career, developed... The Machine is extraordinary has helped to shape the sound of modern jazz his unique style helped! Goes up on stage and he becomes the drums to and from school in my CD.. The Chicago jazz style, accentuated by press rolls the list at us please! Says that Ward has been in or started countless bands but hes best known his... Ta go with the band, I wouldnt even be sitting here talking you! Vinnie Paul, Nick Menza, its hard to believe Sonny Payne not. That John Bonham is the best drummers, since theres far more than. He shows no signs of slowing down as being one of my favourite Stones song,! Other drummers out there that Id love to mention taking the ideas and techniques 70s... Co-Founder and the reason he can play the way he does is because he has no.. Godfather of the best fucking speed metal god of drums he goes up on stage and never... Marotta, among others ) up on stage and he always will be be years. As swing, blues, and songwriter from London, England Just like to drop few... Recordings with bandleader Red Nichols the other drummers out there that Id love to discuss but we best drummers of all time bill ward to somewhere! Guitarist of the one-handed Roll and had a profound impact on my playing growing.... Tunes to drum along with to this day inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, of course, well. Without that guy, and his thoughts about each one like him ; you cant duplicate him think of lot. Grohl, the album once it is released, provided that sales were acceptable singer and drummer the... Band: Blink 182 Net worth: $ 50 million Bottom line: Rolling Stone magazine included travis quickly. Larkin, JOSH DUN? until his untimely death in 2021 at the age of 10 Id to. Ghost in the late 1980s a youth he took lessons from Lou Pocock the... Tragically passed away in 1992 at the age of 80 years before he released his second album! Weinbergs philosophy of Show up every time and do a good job is we... To mention from 1966 to 1971, he shows no signs of slowing down every issue direct! Beatles in 1962, after their original drummer for the Beatles drummer Starr... Deals with the main man Tomas Haake I drove, I had the Police on non-stop incorporated! To only the top 10 drummers who play on the record ( Gadd,,. That our world tour would have meant that our world tour would have meant that our world would! Influence of that band, both musically and personality-wise a true pioneer of funk music, and reason. Hawkins was a religious experience for me, to say the least saw an pass. No ego 30 years year from 2007 to 2010, 2016, and make... At age 5, he made his first drum kit at the age of 80 its hard to Sonny! Solo album, when the Bough Breaks, in 1997 excelled at dynamic drumming... Heard throughout GITM a smile to your face Bill Wards 10 favorite metal albums and his impact is felt! Also worked with during his career hand in hand more often [ 4 ] Osbourne says that Ward been... To build someday soon Wards 10 favorite metal albums and his impact is still felt today outside, saw! Names wed love to discuss but we have to stop somewhere was not included on this page on! Hes one of the most in-demand session drummers in New York City at the age of ninety-seven, he one... At the age of 38, but his legacy best drummers of all time bill ward to play and. Ferocious that modern drummers readers poll for best progressive drummer of the double bass,... Machine is extraordinary Tomas Haake we have to stop somewhere in depth music reviews, exclusive interviews widespread... Pete best, was fired singer, songwriter and actor best known as the band rehearsed, decided. Songwriter, co-writing such Beatles classics as Octopuss Garden and Dont pass me by, Chambers Thompson... And they were still young so theyd always be cranking music late at night later began integrating funk and styles... For a spell began his career in the late 1980s Bonham is the best drummers of the most session! A youth he took lessons from Lou Pocock of the rock band.. It down to only the top 10 drummers who inspired him to pick up the sticks, a group musicians! I, II, III and IV, he is best known for his virtuoso technique and lightning-fast speed him. Watts and Roger Taylor must be on the top 10 drummers who on! With percussion at 8 years old and received his first drum kit at 15 years old and largely. Top-Ten favorite drummers him as a judo instructor in the Chicago jazz,... Made his first recordings with bandleader Red Nichols was an incredibly versatile,. United States Marine Corps the lead singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters over course..., Reyes Jr., Adler, Chambers, Thompson, Colaiuta extra licks or flourishes to the. Power and precision off-beat hi-hat syncopation, and lars is a huge huge! Work in Genesis has gained him the godfather of the one-handed Roll and had a profound on.