Since I seem to have drummers on the brain lately, I thought I would go ahead and list my favorite drummers.
#10. Alex Rodriguez of SAOSIN
I’m struggling to find a decent video to showcase the amazing drumming from this band and their self-titled album. It’s even hard for me to put this as my #10. Being an ex-drummer myself, I am always aware of drums in a song, more than other instruments, etc - a lot of songs and albums have great drumming - but rarely do I find an album that really convinces me that the drumming is the absolutely BEST part about an entire album. But for Saosin and their self-titled album, the drumming is SO great that, in my opinion, it actually carries it.
As for this video, there are no quality audio videos for my favorite song “Collapse” and the CRAZY drumming that takes place around 2:40 of that song… BUT a close second would be their song “It’s Far Better to Learn”. This video is from their DVD “Come Close” (which is awesome) and you can see the drumming beast at work, his fills just make me nuts.. Enjoy!
#9. Matthew McDonough of MUDVAYNE
Matt is an absolute madman on the drums and ANYONE who listens to Mudvayne knows that. But even past the non-stop double bass, Matt is actually an amazingly talented drummer. It’s not just about speed for this guy and he’s so fun to watch!
This video is Matt drumming for the video of their song “Dig” from back in the day. It shows his skills pretty well.
#8. Shannon Leto of 30 SECONDS TO MARS
It is very very very very hard to distract me from Jared Leto when I’m watching 30STM (that is the understatement of the year), but if anyone could do it, Shannon could. I could watch this dude drum for HOURS and not get bored. Not much else to say, he’s incredible, just like all the others on this list. And I love his kit.
This is an AMAZING video of a drum solo during a show - accompanied by the Street Drum Corps (who are awesome, I’ve seen them several times). Enjoy it. Isn’t 30stm’s stage set-up & back drop amazing as well? LOVE it.
#7. Branden Steineckert formerly of THE USED
It hurts to talk about Brandon a bit. He has been one of my favorite drummers / musicians / band PEOPLE since I discovered The Used back in 2001. In 2006 he was kicked out of the band and has since joined Rancid. He is absolutely a killer drummer, captivating to watch, and seems like a really nice guy. The Used will always be one of my favorite bands, but they have definitely fallen a notch or two in my mind since Brandon has been gone. It’s just not the same.
There are about a million videos out there worthy of showing Brandon’s talents. I chose one of their song “Taste of Ink” because it’s my favorite (and because I found it humorous that Brandon has a Rancid shirt on.)
#6. Aaron Gillespie of UNDEROATH
The only original member of this stellar band, Aaron Gillespie is an all-around incredible talent. He’s the drummer from Underoath, as well as the SINGER (they have a “screamer” also). And also has a very successful side project band called The Almost, in which he is the lead singer. To hear the mixture of RAD complicated drumming and solid singing come out of this dude is just jaw-dropping. I can never believe he acutally does BOTH and does them so well when I see him play. He is one inspiring dude.
Damn, there are so many cool videos. I chose this one so you can see him singing and playing. It’s called “It’s Dangerous Business Walking Out Your Front Door” and it’s from their debut CD in 2004 “They’re Only Chasing Safety”. You can probably see the drumming much better than the singing (but that’s the purpose of this post, the drumming).
#5. Chad Sexton of 311
I’ve been a 311 fan for many many years and Chad is such a great DETAILED drummer with so many cool layers to his style that I absolutely love it. Obviously 311’s music isn’t the type that would greatly showcase a drummer like other heavier rock bands would, but he’s still a huge influence on me. He is so controlled, smooth and precise it’s awesome.
This video starts out a little slow, but it’s a GREAT example of his talents to the drumming world. Just wait until around 1:40. WOW
#4. Taylor Hawkins of the FOO FIGHTERS
Taylor Hawkins earns this spot and probably one MUCH higher even. Such an awesome drummer and not just in the Foo Fighters. Another reason that I love Taylor so much is his contribution to one of my favorite bands and albums Coheed & Cambria - they enlisted Taylor’s skills in the studio for their 4th album, Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow. One of my FAVORITE ALBUMS ever. And c’mon now - who wouldn’t love a guy who started off as Alanis Morissette’s drummer?? haha..
Here is a GREAT video I found. It’s Taylor and DAVE GROHL drumming together! Gotta love Dave. They are just both bad-a$$ drummers if you ask me.
#3. Morgan Rose of SEVENDUST
One of my drumming heroes and a major influence in the heavy rock drumming area. When I see Sevendust live, Morgan Rose is ALL I SEE. I cannot take my eyes off of him, he’s so interesting and entertaining to watch. He always has a sweet kit too - HUGE, but he makes use of all of it.
Check him out playing “Denial” at House of Blues - Watch those arms go!!! He’s awesome, hands down one of the best drummers ever. My signed drum stick from him is a prized possession. 
#2. Travis Barker of BLINK 182 fame
The only reason Trav isn’t my #1 is because if it WEREN’T for my #1 drummer, I would never have gotten interested in playing drums in the first place. BUT when you talk about amazing drummers, favorite drummers, etc, Travis IS my #1. He’s also an incredible person and someone I look up to greatly. I don’t even LIKE Blink 182, nor have I ever really liked ANY of the musical projects he’s been involved in, but the SKILLS this guy has are unbeatable. I just love to watch and hear him drum.
This video is one of my favorite things about Travis - he takes these ordinary rap or dance songs and drums to them - which I think is so inspiring. It’s different and original and THAT is why I love Travis Barker. I find it humorous how I go from a guy who plays this enormous drum kit and ROCKS the sh*t out of it, to a guy who (normally) plays a 4-piece in a punk band.
#1. Phil Collins of GENESIS and solo career fame
Surprised?
I have loved Genesis, Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins since I was little. Genesis was my FIRST favorite band, one of my FIRST concerts, and the single reason I wanted to be a drummer. Phil Collins may have gained his fame and recognition from being the singer of Genesis, along with his hugely successful solo singing career; but first and foremost, Phil is a drummer. And he is nothing short of PERFECT. I cannot say higher things about Phil Collins, his talents, and the influence he has had in my life. As a drummer, as a music lover, and even as a person. Genesis changed my life.
There are hundreds of videos of Phil and his drum solos. It is my favorite part of his tour each night, when he takes his spot behind the kit and him and Chester Thompson go at it. Pretty amazing for a man who is deaf in 1 ear, and almost deaf in the other. This video is from his solo tour DVD and it’s 8 minutes long. I suggest you watch all 8 minutes. :) You will get 1:30 into it and you will understand why he is #1.