Drummer is one of the most important roles in a rock band. He/she is in charge of setting the times and the rhythm of the songs and some of the greatest drummers in rock history know a lot about that.
Deep Purple – Ian Paice “The Mule” 1972
Another of the mythical. He and Bonham dominated the 70s hard rock drum scene. He is one of the few left-handed musicians to play adapted drums. The only member to have remained in all the Deep Purple formations, Ian made speed his best ally. A very clean sound and frenetic rhythms were his hallmark and influence for many percussionists of the next generations.
Frank Zappa – Terry Bozzio Drum Solo in “Baby Snakes” 1977
Another of the important names in the specialty, and therefore worthy of being on this list, is Terry Bozzio. The man in charge of the rhythmic base of Frank Zappa was and still is a madman of the instrument. So strong was his passion that he was the creator of the ostinato, a piece of melody for drums that uses various kick drums while soloing with the hands. His influence has been enormous and that has made groups like Korn use his skills when creating new rhythms.
The Who – Keith Moon Drum Solo 1974
The great rivalry of this band with Led Zeppelin also reached the drums. Much of the fault was Keith Moon, for many others considered the best. The truth is that his style was different, perhaps more towards pop than Bonham, but just as fast. The madness he unleashed at parties carried over to the band and concerts, where he went crazy with the drumsticks, which nevertheless gave the group incredible power and frenetic rhythms. However, drugs and excess alcohol would take him for life, but his enormous legacy will always remain.
https://youtu.be/O5Up-qHTJdY
Led Zeppelin – “Moby Dick” By John Bonham 1973
The late British drummer for one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin, is considered by many to be the greatest of all time. Bonham changed the way of using the drumsticks with a harder punch than usual and with less embellishments, moving away from the jazz and blues style that predominated in the rock bands of the time. His devilish speed was perfectly in line with the rhythm he was giving to his instrument. Sometimes he managed to go into a trance and ended up playing with his hands and elbows, a real drum scholar and ahead of his time.
Rush – Neil Peart “La Villa Strangiato” 1979
The final point of the Hemispheres album is really monumental and it cannot be otherwise when we refer to the instrumental of little more than 9 ½ minutes “La Villa Strangiato”. The multipurpose structure of this very ambitious piece translates into a great journey through several passages where what predominates is rock punch but where it is committed to the tireless assembly of diverse atmospheres and even openly contrasted with each other.