Super List: Top 5 Drummers

This week on the Super Blogs I bring forth an offering to you in list form. The topic on the agenda for tonight is top 5 drummers. I have been a drummer for creeping up on 10 years. Unfortunately I'm probably not 10 years good due to inactivity and such but I feel qualified to discuss drumming, and can certainly justify my list.

#5 Alex Van Halen

The Lesser known of the Van Halen Bros Alex has been very influential to me. One of those in a select group of drummers whose style is so original, and is often imitated but never replicated.

From the late 70's to the mid 80's there were not many drummers in the mainstream rock world that could be compared to Alex Van Halen. As kids Eddie and Alex both started on their paths to musicianship. What many don't know is that in the beginning Alex played guitar and Eddie on the drums. At some point I think they realized something didn't quite feel right and they switched up... That switched ended up with Eddie becoming on of the best and most influential guitarists of out time, and Alex becoming a god off thunder. If you would like a source for that statement listen to the intro of Hot for Teacher and realize that the insanely fast, drum pattern you are hearing is being done with his feet, and try to tap along to it yourself

#4 Max Weinberg

You know him from Conan O'Brien, the one and only Max Weinberg, leader of the Max Weinberg 7.

Max is a Jazz style drummer that found his niche applying his signature drum style to rock music with Bruce Springsteen and the E street band. Max is extremely charismatic, hits the drums extremely hard, but makes everything seem extremely effortless. Wearing a full suit and jazz grip this guy can shred something nasty on the drums. The video to go along with Max is a drum duet he did with his son in 2009. 

#3 John Dolmayan

Never mind the fact that he is a huge comic book nerd, and has a customized drum kit with artwork on it by over 20 different comic book artists, He is also the drummer of my all time favorite band System of a down.

He is not the most technical and or intense drummer, in fact he is quite ordinary. The fact that he keeps things basic is why he makes my list. All of his beats and grooves fit the songs so well. System of a down is an Armenian Rock group that incorporates a lot of middle eastern type scales into their music. Their songs sometimes frantically change pace and dynamics. John was the first drummer I actually tried so hard to mimic his style. I learned to play just about everything he recorded. He was extremely influential on me as a drummer and for that I tip my hat to you John.

#2 John Bonham

Not much explaining is necessary hear for the seasoned classic rock fan, for those of you not in the know let me just break it down a little. John Bonham was the drummer for one of the most beloved and respected classic rock bands Led Zeppelin. 

As you can see from any live Led Zep footage you can find, the guy is bananers. He is ridiculously active and fun to watch, on top of that he created the most epic drum rolls that where so dramatic and larger than life you can't believe the fit in his alloted "fill" period. From the funky rhythmics to the massive see-through acrylic drum kit to playing with his hands, the man was a legend, and thats why he makes the list.

#1 John Blackwell

Jazz influenced Drummer who has made a name for himself playing with Prince and Justin Timberlake, John Blackwell tops my list of Best Drummers. 

John Blackwell is second to none in his level of technicality and showmanship. He is the type of guy  who adapts the theology that  we never stop learning and have limitless potential to get better. He is constantly pushing the boundaries and trying to hit the next level of greatness. He has the abilities to take the most basic beats and put the nastiest swagger on them. Watching his solos part of what makes them great is that occasionally you will catch him make a mistake. Its not carelessness its, rather him pushing the limits of his abilities right there in front of a live crowd. Gotta respect his raw talent and positive attitude...

At the Urgency of Toast Robot, and Technicator: Honorable Mentions

Neil Peart

Dave Grohl

Danny Carey

Keith Moon

Mike Portnoy