Drummers I like (my influences)

These are the drummers I've listened to and learned from. These are in no particular order, except for the first 10. If you haven't heard of some of these guys, check them out when you get a chance. If someone's not on this list, it just means they haven't influenced me in a significant way, or I overlooked them. Feel free to send me a list of your influences, as I'm always interested in listening to new drummers.

If a drummer has a personal Web site, I've included a link to it.

  1. Neil Peart - Rush (deceased, 2020)

  2. Stewart Copeland - The Police, Oysterhead, various

  3. Terry Bozzio - Independent, clinician, Frank Zappa, Jeff Beck

  4. Tim "Herb" Alexander - Primus (see this great impromptu drum lesson on Herb's cider YoutTube channel)

  5. Mike Portnoy - Dream Theater, Adrenalin Mob, and others

  6. Matt Chamberlain - Critters Buggin, Tori Amos, studio

  7. Vinnie Colaiuta - Sting, Frank Zappa, studio

  8. Alan White - Yes, John Lennon, George Harrison (deceased, 2022)

    Watch an extensive interview I did with Alan White in 2011 about the Yes album Fly from Here and an album he did with Tony Levin and David Torn.

  9. Phil Collins - Phil Collins, Genesis

  10. Steve Smith - Vital Information, independent

  11. Buddy Rich - Buddy Rich Band, various (deceased, 1987)

  12. Joe Morello - Dave Brubeck (deceased, 2011)

  13. Steven Perkins - Jane's Addiction

  14. Alex Van Halen - Van Halen

  15. Chad Wackerman - Independent

  16. Carter Beauford - Dave Matthews Band

  17. Manu Katche - Sting, studio

  18. Jeff Porcaro - Toto (deceased, 1992)

  19. Rod Morgenstein - Dixie Dregs, Winger, various

  20. Chad Smith - The Red Hot Chili Peppers

  21. Stevie Wonder

  22. David Weckl - The Dave Weckl Band, Chick Corea

  23. John Bonham - Led Zeppelin (deceased, 1980)

  24. Bill Bruford - Yes, Earthworks, King Crimson

  25. Dave Grohl - Nirvana, Foo Fighters

  26. Chad Gracey - Live

  27. Omar Hakim - Independent, Sting

  28. Larry Mullen, Jr. - U2

  29. Nicko McBrain - Iron Maiden

  30. Billy Cobham - Independent

  31. Mickey Hart - The Grateful Dead, Planet Drum

  32. Simon Phillips - Independent, The Who

  33. Dave Abbruzzese - Pearl Jam, Independent

  34. Matt Cameron - Pearl Jam, Geddy Lee, Soundgarden

  35. Lars Ulrich - Metallica

  36. Travis Barker - Blink 182

  37. Tre Cool - Green Day

  38. Chester Thompson - Phil Collins, independent

  39. Tony Thompson - Power Station (deceased, 2003)

  40. Gerry Brown - Studio

  41. Aaron Comess - The Spin Doctors

  42. Tommy Aldridge - Various

  43. Danny Carey - Tool

  44. Ringo Starr - The Beatles

  45. Scott Rockenfield - Queensryche