The 10 most overrated drummers of all time

[N_Singh]

The 10 most overrated drummers of all time.

This is actually pretty well written . I'm not familiar with a few, but for the other ones it makes sense. I only disagree with one of them -- Steve Gadd. And even though the author says that Steve is incredible .

So completely true about Keith Moon and Ginger Baker. I remember reading a review of the bad plus, and the reviewer said, "the drummer is so ham-fisted, he makes Ginger Baker sound like Philly Joe Jones".

https://thezreview.com/2017/07/24/to...drummers-time/

[2steves]

agree with the list---in so much that you can agree with any list---with exception of Steve Gadd---think his drumming has more swing than Perth---not sure about Charlie Watts either

[BravadoNJ]

interesting list, i was expecting the usual suspects but got to admit- it's a good list.

...although i think that Ringo should be on the list.

[BravadoNJ]

^^^ obviously the person who made the list isn't a prog fan.

[JJ88]

agree with the list---in so much that you can agree with any list---with exception of Steve Gadd---think his drumming has more swing than Perth---not sure about Charlie Watts either

That Watts and Wyman rhythm section was superb. Listen to the original studio 'Under My Thumb', they sound joined at the hip!

[Rufus]

Is Collins on it, if not why not?

[Baribrotzer]

It is interesting. There's the usual whipping boys, of course - Moon and Baker. But most of them are the kind of major stars, understated pocket drummers, professional sidemen, and studio immortals that music writers tend to accept unquestioned or revere. Surprising to see someone turn it around like that, and bop such guys for being dull, stiff, plodding, or one-trick ponies.

[JJ88]

^I will say that after a while I started to know when Hal Blaine was on a record because there are stock fills he uses.

Keith Moon plays some very interesting things on albums like The Who Sell Out, Tommy and Who's Next IMHO. It's a pity his exploits tend to be cheered as much as they are, as that gets obscured.

[ronmac]

^^^ obviously the person who made the list isn't a prog fan.

Or very well educated on drummers.

For example, his comment about Ginger Baker totally misses his African influence, which is quite evident.

This particular comment made me roll my eyes:

... who felt he was the most important aspect to Cream – the truth is, he was one unbelievably lucky bastard to be along for that ride.

Along for the ride? He formed the fucking band, you idiot!

[wilcox660]

Well, since noted drum expert Reuben Levy wrote it, it must be spot on, huh? Every drummer I've met bows to the innate knowledge base of Reuben Levy. I thank him for his unbelievably non-biased thoughts on this important issue.

[Steve F.]

I postulate that no one who loves the Who 1965-1970 thinks re Keith Moon, "It’s a pity, because so much of The Who’s music could have benefited from a steadier groove. But he was ultimately a detriment to the band."

anyone? Anyone here love the Who and really thinks that?

I mean, him and the Ox is mainly what I'm listening for, except when I'm listening for Pete or Roger.....

[Gizmotron]

Ah yes, the inflammatory school of journalism...don't have anything to say, don't know much about the theme? Then simply nay say, insult fine artists, and publish away!

What a load of crap this article is...

[Zappathustra]

Good article and well documented , with the obvious exaggeration this kind of writing contains. Of course I don't agree with Keith Moon being included but I can very well understand his point. I can understand it even better with Ginger Baker. With Cream his savage overplaying worked wonders but in stuff like Hawkwind's Levitation it's annoyingly disconnected from the rest of the band.

And what about Phil Ehart? I love early Kansas but always considered him as the weakest link in the band.

[taliesin]

I postulate that no one who loves the Who 1965-190 thinks re Keith Moon, "It’s a pity, because so much of The Who’s music could have benefited from a steadier groove. But he was ultimately a detriment to the band."

anyone? Anyone here love the Who and really thinks that?

I mean, him and the Ox is mainly what I'm listening for, except when I'm listening for Pete or Roger.....

Ummmm sorry Steve but much as I love the Who I find Moon ruins many of their finest moments - for me he plays like he's having a seizure on the kit.

And not in a good way.

[Steve F.]

Ummmm sorry Steve but much as I love the Who I find Moon ruins many of their finest moments - for me he plays like he's having a seizure on the kit.

And not in a good way.

OK.

that's one! First one I ever met, but ok!

[ronmac]

I was never a fan of The Who, but consider Keith Moon's presence in the band essential to their legacy and about much more than his playing.

That being said, I never liked his playing and wish he would have eventually grown up.

[Steve F.]

That being said, I never liked his playing and wish he would have eventually grown up.

OK. Very interesting.

For me, in the early days, he and Ox is what sets them apart from every other 'beat' group. Moon's playing is unbelievably exciting and unpredictable and unlike anyone else's (again, imo).

But obviously I was wrong about what fans like about early Who.

And I'm not interested here in discussing his legacy or 'much more than his playing'. I'm speaking very specifically OF his playing. Which at least two folks don't like. And which surprises me, because I figured if you don't like his playing, you simply would not like The Who.

[mogrooves]

Rueben Levy said: " ...like somebody dropping a heavy cardboard box down a large flight of stairs."

This guy his hardly in a position to criticize any drummer's lack of originality, given that he bootlegged the above quote (without attribution).

I don't know four of those listed, but I do agree that Max Weinberg just may be the worst drummer of his generation.

Baker and Moon?! Baker requires no defense; no one was playing like that in '66.

Moon was perfect for the Who in so far as they were essentially a song oriented pop-based group, rather than blues-based, and therefore didn't really require a pocket drummer. He was a lead player in a three-piece outfit, charged with filling out the texture and creating musical interest, not so much in rhythmic terms but in terms of lines and momentum. Townshend was the rhythm player.

[arabicadabra]

I only this year discovered the juggernaut that was live Cream - and even their guitarist couldn't quell that volcano from erupting every time they hit the stage. I may be unable to endorse Ginger Baker for "father of the year" but his playing is a revelation and still UNDER-rated in my estimation.

[Steve F.]

I only this year discovered the juggernaut that was live Cream - and even their guitarist couldn't quell that volcano from erupting every time they hit the stage. I may be unable to endorse Ginger Baker for "father of the year" but his playing is a revelation and still UNDER-rated in my estimation.

I agree. Especially for the time period.

[Fracktured]

I used to know a drummer who thought Portnoy was God and Bruford was overrated. Personally my list would include Don Henley and Ringo.


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[per anporth]

It's when I heard Baker playing along with Tony Allen on Fela's Live album from 1971 that I really started to rethink my opinion of him.

[strawberrybrick]

Slamming Charlie Watts? Where would we be without Charlie Watts? In fact, Moon, Baker, those two guys kinda put rock drummers on the map. Before that it was all Krupa, Jones, et al... right?

[Skullhead]

And Moon and Baker were supposed to sound like WHAT?

Those bands were CHEMISTRY bands. It's ALL the ingredients that gave them their signature sound. A band cannot be better than it's drummer. Any accolades any band receives starts with the drummer and bassist. Guitar solos, vocals, keys are the icing on the cake. Sure.. it's what most hear first, but without the cake, it's just a pile of frosting.

Horrible article.

[Wounded Land]

Agree 100% on Questlove, Max Weinberg, and Charlie Watts. Especially Questlove...I just don't get the adoration.