The Best Pop Drummers Of All Time Ranked
A drummer is a percussionist who creates music using drums. Most contemporary western bands that play rock, pop, jazz, or R&B music include a drummer for purposes including timekeeping and embellishing the musical timbre. The drummer’s equipment includes a drum kit (or “drum set” or “trap set”), which includes various drums, cymbals and an assortment of accessory hardware such as pedals, standing support mechanisms, and drum sticks. Particularly in the traditional music of many countries, drummers use individual drums of various sizes and designs rather than drum kits. Some use only their hands to strike the drums. In larger ensembles, the drummer may be part of a rhythm section with other percussionists playing. These musicians provide the timing and rhythmic foundation which allow the players of melodic instruments, including voices, to coordinate their musical performance. Here are all of the best Pop Drummers of all time ranked.
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20. Tony Thaxton (Motion City Soundtrack)
“Not only one of the best but also one of the most underrated drummers in pop punk, Motion City Soundtrack’s Tony Thaxton has this unique way of making otherwise simple songs infinitely more interesting. Most MCS fans can agree that there are hardly any dull moments on their breakout album, Commit This To Memory, and it’s thanks in no small part to Thaxton’s drumming.”
19. Travis Barker (blink-182)
“Travis Barker is one of the greatest talents in the world. His abilities are amazing. I love that he is willing to work in any genre. I can’t say that he is the best drummer to ever live because I’m biased toward him but if you listen to the Fix Your Face Mixtapes he seems flawless. He is one of my Heroes for sure.”
18. Jess Bowen (The Summer Set)
“A band with ridiculously catchy songs and a badass player behind the drum kit? Yes, please! Jess Bowen’s unique combination of styles made the Summer Set stand out among the more pop-leaning pop-punk bands that emerged in the mid-to-late 2000s. It’s no surprise that other aspiring drummers look up to her, as she’s vocal about being unafraid to shake up a scene populated by men. “
17. Zac Farro (Paramore)
“Although he doesn’t chop like a metal drummer, he is the best drummer I’ve heard. If you’re anything like us and have listened to Paramore’s Riot! front to back a few hundred times, you know just how much drummer Zac Farro added to the band’s sound.”
16. Rian Dawson (All Time Low)
“Don’t get why there are so many haters, Rian may not be the best drummer in the world, but he’s still awesome, doubt any of you could play Love Like war, Me Without You or So long Soldier perfectly.”
15. Andy Hurley (Fall Out Boy)
“When you heard the beat drop in “Sugar, We’re Goin Down,” you just knew something amazing was about to happen. Drummer Andy Hurley held almost every song on From Under The Cork Tree together with tight, driving rhythms. He has really shown off his versatility and creativity as Fall Out Boy’s style has changed throughout the years.”
14. Tré Cool (Green Day)
“Tré is one of those drummers who plays with an immense amount of energy and Most of Green Day’s music is played at breakneck speeds, tempos in which not many drummers can keep up with; but Tré can. I think he’s awesome he manages to put amazing drum fills in where ever he can find.”
13. Longineu W. Parsons III (Yellowcard)
“He is a great guy just like everyone says but his drumming matches his personality I can tell you that. He really makes drumming look effortless and honestly is the best drummer of his class. He’s crazy fast and so creative. He does so many different styles and he’s really great at all of them. It doesn’t matter who he plays for, he’ll make it look like he played with them for years.”
12. Derek Grant (Alkaline Trio)
“Drummer Derek Grant, in particular, has built up an impressive resume outside of Alkaline Trio. Fans have praised his work with the Suicide Machines, the Vandals, Face To Face and several other notable acts. Just listen to any of Alkaline Trio’s isolated drum tracks on YouTube and you’ll get an immediate sense of the nuance he brings to every song. “
11. Cyrus Bolooki (New Found Glory)
“Not too far into his career with the band, he seriously injured himself at a show and was unsure whether he’d ever be able to play live again. Of course, he found his way back behind the kit and has now put out 10 amazing albums with New Found Glory. Bolooki’s raw passion for music shines through in every performance.”
10. Mike Kennedy (The Wonder Years)
“Mike is a monster man behind the drums. What he does is always so awesome and filled with energy. Seriously just look at the mans body movement while he plays. He’s just as hyped as Soupy man. Mike also plays on 5b sticks I’m pretty sure which are like trees trunks to the traditional drummer. He’s amazing at what he does.”
9. Dani Washington (Neck Deep)
“The technical elements in Neck Deep’s music have set them apart and earned them both critical and commercial success. Drummer Dani Washington really knows when to amp it up. His style was a perfect fit for the band’s more aggressive sound.”
8. Mike Jimenez (Rufio)
“Hands down one of the best drummers around. So much skill along with great taste in music. It may have been the band’s insanely tight guitar work that made albums such as MCMLXXXV so memorable, but drummer Mike Jimenez added a whole new layer of technical excellence”
7. Steve Sherlock (Nerf Herder)
“Nerf Herder might consider themselves a “nerdcore” band, but there’s no denying their instrumentation makes them sound more like the cool kids. They combine elements of ska and surf rock with pop punk, and drummer Steve Sherlock’s speed and energy make for a perfect blend of all these styles.”
6. Bill Stevenson (Descendents, Black Flag)
Not only is he a legend in his own right as the main songwriter and only constant member of the band Descendents, his work as a producer for today’s top punk bands and genuine nature commands the utmost respect.”
5. Frank Zummo (Sum 41, Street Drum Corps
“As known and loved as Frank Zummo is for his work on Sum 41’s loud, fast anthems, what’s perhaps most impressive about this drummer is his versatility. He was a founding member of the incredibly innovative and talented group Street Drum Corps and has since played with the likes of Mötley Crüe and Dead By Sunrise.”
4. Steve Jocz (Sum 41)
“Before there was Zummo, there was Steve Jocz, who lent his talents to classic Sum 41 albums such as All Killer No Filler and Does This Look Infected? Jocz’s drumming, of course, is distinctly pop punk, but he also incorporates plenty of elements from other rock subgenres, which helped Sum 41 craft their identity as a multi-talented band and made their style stronger and tighter over the years.”
3. Ashton Irwin (5 Seconds Of Summer)
“Ashton is one of the best drummers I have ever seen. while him being at 420 is hilarious he definitely deserves to be in the top 100. The passion he puts into his drumming is phenomenal. Drummer Ashton Irwin, who’s an absolute pleasure to watch live, proved that there was still a place for high-energy playing in the world of radio-ready pop punk.”
2. Dean Butterworth (Good Charlotte)
“After parting ways with former drummer Chris Wilson, the band initially asked Dean Butterworth to fill in temporarily, and the rest is history. Like other pop-punk drummers before and after him, Butterworth’s style can be described as fast and straightforward, but he also knows how to add all the right fills in all the right places. “
1. Mark O’Connell (Taking Back Sunday)
“While Taking Back Sunday are primarily known for their epitome of emo lyrics, we can’t forget about the creative instrumentals that accompanied them. In particular, drummer Mark O’Connell’s strength lies in knowing when to keep it simple and when to add extra flavor. TBS’ music just wouldn’t be as emotionally significant without him.”