11 Greatest Drummers Ever | Mike Portnoy's Picks

Danny Carey. Saw him last Saturday and at 62, he’s absolutely awe inspiring to watch.

Danny Carey #1 for me.

Not a drummer but I love music and I love hearing a legend talking about other legends.

He wasn't a metal drummer, but Jeff Porcaro of Toto was definitely one of the best. His finesse and taste was legendary.

Bill Ward’s progression over the first six Black Sabbath albums was amazing. Underrated drummer.

Musicians like Mike Portnoy are the true reason we love music.

And now a moment to appreciate how many of us were inspired to get into drumming by Mike himself. Legend in his own right. And such a nice guy.

I am glad to hear Mike mention Clive Burr. One of the greats and doesn’t get the credit he deserves. His work on all (3) Maiden albums was incredible

Always Neil Peart for me. It's not just his drumming,it's the way he lived his life, his writing and lyrics, his eagerness to improve, his pursuit of excellence.

Man for me, Ian Paice is one of the all time greats and I really don't think he gets the credit he deserves.

Absolutely, Neil Peart, One of the BEST IN ÀLL OF ROCK AND ROLL!! NOONE COULD DO ON THE DRUMS OR WRITE MUSIC 🎵🎶 LIKE NEIL. HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE THE BEAST OF THE DRUMS!! WE SORELY MISS YOU,NEIL. R.I.P. BROTHER...

Ginger Baker of Cream was a definitely a unique drummer. He was a big influence in the late 60s early 70s

Neil Peart really is more than a drummer he is a full on percussionist, lyricist , had no ego like many musicians have and a nice down to earth guy, thats what sets him way out beyond the rest of the group and number 1 for me .🤘RUSH🤘Smiles 😃 from Canada 🇨🇦

Mike always comes off as big music buff/nerd so it’s always nice to listen to him talk about music. So happy I got to see him perform “honor thy father” live!

Another drummer I would like to mention here is Nicko McBrain of Iron Maiden, great drummer, he never gets tired of too old to play, he’s been the backbone of the best Iron Maiden albums

I’m 66 years old and still rock hard. The drummer that made me slap my forehead was Alex. An amazing drummer and never comes up in conversation. Awesome list, Mike!

Mike Portnoy is 55 going on 29. He's experienced and accomplished so much, yet he describes these drummers like he's still a kid listening to records and being in a band. Rock forever ✌️

Can't forget drummers like Jeff Porcaro, Vinnie Colauita, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Carlos Vega, Gavin Harrison & Nick Menza as well.

I am 62 yo and have been going to rock shows since I was about 12. I have seen pretty much all of the greatest bands over the years, but I have never seen a better drummer live than Mike Portnoy. Respect.

There are two Drummers that were my Inspiration for picking up a set of sticks 50 years ago and learning to play drums. I saw Mr. Buddy Rich on the tonight show and he completely blew me away, I read and watched everything i could find on him and for a guy who never had a lesson all I can say is Incredible! The 2nd guy I heard and my drum Hero was Mr. John Henry Bonham, as Mike said bonzo hit those drums like a lumber jack but he also had so much finesse on the kit. And one thing he had that a lot of drummers don't have is the ability to groove, and bonzo could groove like a M.F. I absolutely loved the guy and like a lot of others I was devastated when he passed. There were many amazing drummers and many have been an inspiration to me over the years. Neil Peart "the Professor" every drummer mike mentioned, + we can't forget Mike Portnoy, Awesome.drummer, Alan White, Mitch Mitchell was incredible, Nick Mason, Carl Palmer ELP., Clive Bunker, Dave Grohl Amazing, I could go on forever, Jo Jo Mayer! WOW....