The Best Grunge Drummers Of All Time Ranked

Grunge music is generally characterized by “dirty” guitar, strong riffs, and heavy drumming. The “dirty” sound resulted both from a stylistic change in the standard method of playing punk rock, and from the common use of guitar distortion and feedback. Grunge involves slower tempi and dissonant harmonies that are generally not found in punk. The lyrics are typically angst-filled — anger, frustration, ennui, sadness, fear, and depression are often explored in grunge songs. These lyrics may have come from the feelings of angst that are common in adolescence; many grunge musicians began their careers as teenagers or young adults. However, other factors, such as poverty, discomfort with social prejudices, and a general disenchantment with the state of society may also have influenced grunge lyricism. Nevertheless, not all grunge songs dealt with such emotions: Nirvana’s satirical “In Bloom” is a notable example of more humorous writing. Many other grunge songs had a sense of humor as well, which often went unnoticed by the general public. Much of the humor in grunge satirized heavy metal and other forms of rock music that were popular during the 1980s. Here are all of The Best Grunge Drummers Of All Time ranked.

See more: The Best Metal Drummers Of All Time Ranked

See more: The Best Drummers Of All Time Ranked

13. Neil Sanderson

“Neil Sanderson is the drummer, backup vocalist, pianist and percussionist of Three Days Grace, and I have so much respect for him. He never worries about what’s going to happen next or what happened in the past and he takes everything one day at a time. That’s one of the things I really like about him.”

12. Ben Gillies

“Benjamin Gillies is widely popular with the name ‘Tomohawk.’ Ben Gillies generally works with the genres grunge, art rock, and alternative rock. The instruments he plays include guitar, drums, lead vocals, and percussion.”

11. Jack Irons

“Jack Steven Irons is an American drummer and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known as the founding drummer of the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, and as a former member of Pearl Jam”

10. Stephen Perkins

“Of Jane’s Addiction, Porno for Pyros, and Banyan, Perky is a rock god, looked up to by other drummers for decades, he will melt your brain live. He is an amazing drummer who brings a lot of passion and energy to the band. His time keeping is solid and his fills and grooves fit what the music requires despite often being quite technical. He is more than just a drummer. He is a true musician, a true artist.”

9. Dale Crover

“When The Melvins first moved to San Francisco in the late 80s, I had never seen a drummer quite like Dale. If Buzz’s riffs were like soldiers attacking in a battle, Dale’s drumming was heavy artillery backing up the offensive. He’s also an all round drummer that can go from face melting fills to funk laden grooves with ease. Stylistically, he set the bar for the whole genre.”

8. Brad Wilk

“Bradley J. “Brad” Wilk is a musician, actor, and activist from the United States. He is best known as the drummer of the rock bands Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Prophets of Rage. Half of one of the best rhythm sections of any rock band, Rage Against The Machine. His grooves are unmatched, and they work perfectly with Timmy’s bass lines and Tom Morello’s riffs. He can also play some killer fills.”

7. Steve Shelley

“I’m not a musician nor am I familiar with the various instruments used by drummers. However, I am amazed that he can use one drumstick in one hand and a different instrument in the other. So each arm is playing a different rhythm while using his legs. I don’t understand how anyone can have coordination like that.”

6. Dan Peters

“Peters served short stints with Nirvana and Screaming Trees before it seemed that fame beckoned when Mudhoney signed to Reprise Records in 1992. Yet the band never did fit the rock star mould, producing music that’s acerbic and laced with a twisted sense of humour. “

5. Dave Abbruzzese

“Nobody beats the crisp, grooving sound that Dave A brought to Pearl Jam. Too bad nobody who isn’t a big Pearl Jam fan knows who he is. Dave’s playing has such perfect balance and power! Every stroke is disgustingly solid and cymbal hits smack! The space between the notes you play is just as important and this man is a master!”

4. Eric Kretz

“One of the most popular and discreet Rock drummers, he came to prominence during the 1990’s as a member of the Stone Temple Pilots. But despite his low profile he has contributed to the band’s songwriting, most notably writing the music to the band’s 1996 hit “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart” and along with lead vocalist Scott Weiland, he also wrote the lyrics to the Grammy Award-winning Stone Temple Pilots 1992 hit “Plush”.

3. Sean Kinney

“Most people don’t know how creative this guy actually is. He is such a professional despite being hit with some of the worst things a human being should have to go through. He’s been drumming since he was five. He’s both a brilliant natural and technical drummer. This musician is underrated.”

2. Matt Cameron

“The only drummer who can play for two of the most successful bands of the 90’s (Pearl Jam and Soundgarden) at the same time. Not to mention ask of the super groups he’s been in like Temple of the Dog. Matt Cameron is fantastic and one of the best in the business now.” 

1. Dave Grohl

“Dave Grohl isn’t only one of nicest guys in the industry, he’s also one of rocks greatest when it comes to drumming. His power and presence are huge on almost every song he plays in but he never tries to upstage his bandmates. He can play extremely complicated fills with ease and he never misses a beat.”