The 10 most UNDERRATED Drummers of ALL TIME | RANKED 

Animal from The Muppets.

Aynsley Dunbar. Any style. Any band. All time favorite drummer.

Danny Seraphine - Chicago…1969-77; the Kath years. Great technician and power drummer. His fills - a symphony unto itself. No one has ever captured my attention like he did.

Michael Giles from the original King Crimson band. 1969, probably recorded on a 4 track and the drumming is astonising and groundbreaking. It is my Aja

Ian Paice is criminally underrated. Even given the greatness of Blackmore and Lord, Deep Purple could not have become the massive force they became without Ian Paice. Another vastly underrated drummer is Terry Chambers from XTC.

"Barriemore Barlow is the finest drummer England has ever produced." - John Bonham

Kudos for remembering Carlos Vega, one of the greatest yet sadly forgotten. Dino Danelli from The Rascals is another fantastic drummer that was criminally underrated.

Totally agree with you regarding Bill Ward. So good, so funky. No Black Sabbath without Bill Ward, no Who without Keith Moon.

Andy, as a fellow drummer, you totally nailed it with Phil C. Including the reasons why he’s underrated. Between 75-79 he produced some *amazing* drumming with both Brand X and Genesis. People don’t realize how good he was. One of my favorites: Riding the Scree from the Lamb. Both the studio and the live version, which are quite different. Great fills in 9/8 time signature. Astonishing playing.

Carmine Appice invented heavy metal drumming. He deserves to be on this list imo.

I saw Phil & Chester have their massive drum-off on the Genesis tour in 1980. Highlight of the night.

Most underrated - Pierre Moerlen. His best stuff is with Gong obviously, but played on Tubular Bells and still under appreciated in my book. Precision and beauty at work

The Geezer Butler explaining War Pigs impression was everything!!!!

So happy to see Barriemore Barlow in the list. I saw him with Tull in 1979, with UK and Bozzio as the opening act. What a feast for drum lovers!

As someone said below, Mike Giles. This is what Robert Fripp had to say about Giles.... and comparing him (somehow) to the amazing Bill Bruford. "Michael Giles in 1969 was an astonishing drummer. Utterly astonishing. Off stage, he was difficult. On stage, he never played badly, ever. He never, ever played badly. Utterly astonishing. And he was complete although he wasn't a jazz drummer, he could persuade you that he was. He was a rock drummer, and he would convince you of that too, but utterly other. And when he would hit a cymbal, it would be a considered and intentional stroke, and the sound of the cymbal was just right. So, Giles could play a simple ballad, I Talk To The Wind or Rock Out on Schizoid Man, which at the time was unheard of what Giles could do. To quote singer of Steppenwolf, right, who was walking at the back of the Marquee on May the 16th, 1969, my 23rd birthday, walking at the back. They sound like a fucking orchestra overheard by Giles. I cannot exaggerate how good he was, but he did a lifetime's work in about 18 months. And after that, there was never one drummer sufficient for me who could do what Giles could do. So, the next major step was, can two drummers do this? Bill was not enough on his own. Jamie Muir wasn't quite enough on his own."

I thought Terry Bozzio on missing persons was very underrated as well. He has a very unique style.

So happy to see Brian Downey on here. No one ever talks about him and it feels like he's just been forgotten but he was a fantastic drummer.

Topper Headon. Stunning player.. Good shout for Brian Downey! Love too for Levon Helm, Richie Hayward and Andy Newmark.

Mitch Mitchell was perfect for Hendrix and also Ralph Humphrey for his work with Zappa, Roxy in particular.

Brian Downey's genius recognised, and by a drummer! That's just great. Lizzy were so popular in England and Ireland that I'm amazed they're not spoken of the way Zeppelin are. Thin Lizzy had a cool factor found in few rock bands, and there was substance behind it. Bad Reputation is so rhythmically interesting, and that's just one of many tracks.

Absolutely agree about Phil Collins. I saw him live with Eric Clapton and he was a monster.

I've learned to respect Ringo. He is probably the ultimate song drummer. Never overplays and has a slight back beat

Gregg Bissonette is a great drummer that can play any genre of music. He is also a very cool guy. Many drummers know him, but the average person never heard of him. He is criminally underrated.

Love Bill Wards drumming for over 40 years. One of my all time favorites. Everything swings! Live at last although panned for sound quality is a drumming masterclass.

Brian Downey 🙌 So good! My favourite drum moment of all time is on ‘Still in love with you’ on ‘Live and dangerous’. That subtle groove change from just before the 6mins mark to the end of the track is perfection. The fill at 6:20. Locking in with Phil moments later. It’s as good as it gets.

Not mentioning Levon Helm from The Band is absolutely criminal. He had amazing timing and groove. Especially live.

The most Underrated Drummer is: Bob Siebenberg of Supertramp! Once again overlooked, unacknowledged and dismissed.

So, so happy you mentioned Barriemore Barlow!! (A very sporting gent)... I could never understand how he wasn't regaled as a master of experimentation on the drums. Definitely one of my major influences, for sure. Nice one, Andy! 🙂👍

Mick Tucker of The Sweet rarely gets mentioned. His playing on The Man with the Golden Arm from the 1973 live album where he trades solos with himself on a pre recorded backing track is not only innovative, but showcases his amazing double bass drum playing while wearing platform boots. Steve Jansen of Japan and Andy Ward of Camel are other names that rarely feature on lists like this.

What you said about Barrymore is exactly what I've been saying for yonks - to anyone that'd listen. Hilarious Brum impressions 🤣

You’re exactly right why Phil Collins is overlooked. I never knew how great he was until I heard the Peter Gabriel era of Genesis for the first time. I love his playing. People crap on Ringo but I always defend him. Influenced millions of drummers.

Barriemore Barlow is my favourite drummer and I teared up a bit at your testimonial of him.

Bill Ward was/is SO underrated. I totally agree about Tony Thompson.... he was incredible.

Barriemore Barlow and Brian Downey. Yes, yes, yes!

Peter Erskine

Thanks for the Mark Craney drop, Brother to Brother by Gino Vanelli is top tier shit

Ringo on "Rain" is just incredible especially considering that the originally recorded version is faster than the one we all know. It was slowed down to make the drums sound heavier.

Here ya go... Pierre Van Der Linden, John Weathers & Michael Tucker, yes, drummer from The Sweet...great drummer. 😎

Downey is just brilliant. Never misses a beat!

Great video AE. Love the Brian Downey shout. The essence of drums as an instrument in a band within a team framework is summed up so perfectly with the vast majority of Lizzy’s catalogue and in particular, Downey’s ability to drum flawlessly in the pocket

I'm a guitarist, Thin Lizzy were and still are my fave band. I took Brian Downey for granted for a long time, it was only when I started listening closely to other stuff I realised that his shuffle and all that other stuff he does is pure genius. He's the drummer I judge all others by

Mick tucker from the sweet was a great drummer apparently he used to chat with Ian paice and they would compare notes about each other’s work ,can’t get much higher commendation than that ! Thanks for all the videos Andy . You do make me chuckle

A fine piece of work. So glad to see Phil, Barriemore, Bill, and particularly Brian getting the respect they deserve. You also made me laugh....a lot... cheers

When I saw the title, I watched your video hoping that Mark Craney's name would be on your list. You did not disappoint! Mark was great even though he faced tremendous physical obstacles. His work with Gino and Ponty is at the top of my list of Craney moments. I was lucky enough to see Mark during his tenure with Tower of Power during their lean years. Mark was a great guy and is greatly missed. [He pronounced his last name as if it rhymed with 'granny'.]

Todd Sucherman has the chops, the feel and can play live as good as anyone.

Listening and simply watching Ringo play drums has always been pure joy!

Hi Andy. This is an excellent list. Thanks for giving proper respect to Clive Bunker, even though he’s not on your main list. Here’s a bit of Clive Bunker esoterica for you. I grew up in Luton and Clive was local boy made good. After he left Tull (ostensibly to start a family and breed spaniels) he set up a small recording studio and rehearsal facility in Luton called Quest Studios. Loads of top bands of the time recorded demos there - Steeleye Span, Wishbone Ash, and, oddly enough Split Enz, who eventually morphed into Crowded House - if you search RU-vid for the Rootin Tootin Luton Tapes you will find those Split Enz demos. As you say, Clive is a really lovely guy. He was incredibly supportive of local musicians in Luton.

Bun E Carlos made 5 piece drum kit sound like 20 piece, Carmen Apiece is also forgotten in conversations

I've had the 'Phil Collins argument' many times. Got my first drum kits as a teenager in 1979. Not long after, saw him on BBC2's OGWT with Brand X playing a song called And So To F, which just blew my mind.

Phil Ehardt - KANSAS

Pat Mastelotto... I only saw him live once, with the Stickmen and Manchester Academy 3 playing a double header gig with GH05 (Gavin Harrison!! and guitar/bassist 05Ric...aka Ric Byer) Being a bass player I expected to be focused on Tony Levin as they played (the only time I have seen him live too). But no.. Pat was a visual and sonic spectacle... The sounds he coaxed out of that kit...just amazing. Possibly the best drum performance I have seen? Anytime there's a chat going on about drum performances I always have to mention that gig. Never a drummer you hear mentioned much. Shame

I think Gavin Harrison is underrated because he's hard to overrate.

The Fact that Bill Ward is not Mentioned in the same sentence as Moon and Bonham Is the greatest injustice in Rock Music

So glad you mentioned Mark Craney. I was one of those nodding yes. I was in a record shop on Market Street in downtown Troy OH in the fall of 1978 trying to find something to buy. I looked at BTB several times. The only song I knew was I've Just Gotta Stop, which was a hit that summer, and which was a great song. A slow song but with Gino's voice, and the music so strong but still nicely arranged. I took it home and it changed my life. I remembered thinking after listening to the first side - holy crap IJGS might be the weakest song on the side! River Must Flow and Love & Emotion bracketing it are terrific. The I flip it over, and Mark's drumming on BTB just blew me away. I had heard Aja, which had come out prior, and had acknowledged Gadd's solo, but had not really tuned in to what Gadd was doing. BTB was such a great song, I had to listen to it over and over. I never envisioned what Craney was doing was possible (I was naive and ignorant). Since that moment I have aspired to play BTB on my drums and never come close. But that's OK; a man's got to know his limitations. the song BTB is my favorite song ever, and IMO the album is the best album of the 20th century. Awesome songs, awesome vocals, and tremendous musicianship. Yes Carlos Rios is on guitar, and he's fabulous too. Thanks again. I had to send you a tip for this one. PS we used Put The Weight On My Shoulders from Nightwalker as our wedding song. She finally divorced me after 37 years, but at least I got Gino and Vinnie Colaiuta for that dance.

Mike Shrieve, Bernard Purdie, Zigaboo Modeliste, Mick Fleetwood, Chris Slade. All of them great drummers that never get mentioned

Andy Ramsay of Stereolab is a superb drummer. He reminds me of Paul Thompson(where was he on the list? Grrr!) a rock drummer in the engine room of an arty band.

Andy…love your inclusions of - Barriemore, Phil (but think all drummers know he’s an ace), Downey (whatta pro talent!) and esp Craney…his stuff with Gino is purely magical

Bill Ward was a big band/jazz drummer, he had chops ! I saw Clive Bunker at the Isle of Wight with Jethro Tull and he was FAST with incredible chops. John Wilson of Taste incredible on a tiny drum kit also IoW 1970. Shout out to Jon Hiseman and Danny Seraphine who between them invented jazz rock drumming.

Mike Clark his druming on Herbie Hancock's Thrust was groundbreaking.

That Bill Ward bit had me cracking up. I'm really beginning to appreciate your sense of humor, Mr. Edwards!

Ringo got the last laugh hr married Barbara Bach!

Ringo Starr changed my life. The drum beat at the beginning of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper Reprise" was the first thing I ever played on drums. And It's the reason I'm a musician today. It quite literally changed my life. I was 13 and had been fascinated with that beat for months. One Saturday, David Smith's drum set was set up in our living room for practice with my brother Ned's band. While they played I watched his drumming like an awkward hawk - a "hawkward," if you will. While they broke for lunch I sat down at the kit, picked up the sticks and tried to figure the beat out. I'd memorized how to hold the sticks and work the pedals and determined which thing made what sound when struck. And within a couple of minutes I had the "boom-chick - boom-boom-chick" going pretty steadily. The band came back and caught me playing the drums and Ned was furious. But David pulled me aside and showed me a few other things to practice - fills with triplets, when to open the high hat and so on. Then he left his drums in our living room for a few days for me to play. Later he invited me to join the high school marching band, which I did. I was a gawky, pimply, croaky tween. My mom cut my hair. My clothes were hand-me-downs. I was quiet and shy and was even bullied verbally. A couple of redneck kids liked to follow me around and threaten to kick my ass. I felt ugly and stupid and weird. But then I figured out the "boom-chick" - the heartbeat of rock 'n' roll. After that, nothing could stop me. So, thank you, Ringo. Great list, Andy. Although I'd love to see Joey Baron on there.

So glad Brian Downey made it, hard rock and a dash of funk - fantastic. If I was making a list I would put Mick Tucker from Sweet in there. Ballroom Blitz alone is so iconic. I've seen a lot of RU-vid vids where they show you how to play that part, and none of them get it right.

that bit on black sabbath and geezer just had me rolling on the floor laughing... pure genius!!!! you got yourself a new subscriber mate...!

Drummers of Kansas and Triumph: so under-rated i dont even know their names

Having watched Barriemore Barlows solo on RU-vid with Tull... there's no doubt.. he's astonishingly good. Tip of the hat to Clive Bunker. Adore his style and agree his stuff with Tull is the best.

The underrated sublety of Jim Keltner. No bells, whistles, gongs or fireworks. Quiet power

Prairie Prince

I'm glad to see Tony Thompson get his due. He was fantastic. And great choice with Phil Collins

Jeff Porcaro... Although he was more 'unknown' than 'underrated'... He was a drummer's drummer, respected by peers of any genre... ( like Paul Rogers for vocals )

1. BJ Wilson (Procol Harum) 2. Skip Alan (Pretty Things) 3. Pete Rivera (Rare Earth) 4. Barrymore Barlow (Jethro Tull) 5. Tony Fernandez (Strawbs) 6. Stuart Elliot (Alan Parsons Project 7. Michael Schrieve ( Santana) 8. Simon Kirke (Free,Bad Company) 9. Corky Laing (Mountain) 10. Terry Sullivan (Renaissance)

Jim Keltner, Jim Gordon, John Guerin, Earl Palmer, Larrie Londin, Roger Hawkins, Kenny Malone, Buddy Harman, Ron Tutt, Richard Hayward, Richard Bailey, Idris Muhammad, Steve Jansen.

love your Birmingham accent, still lying on the floor laughing.

Yes! Mark Craney was a monster. All the "heavy cats" knew who he was for sure! And when you got to number six, I just knew knew knew you were going to say Barriemore Barlow!!

_Christian Vander_ of Magma. When it comes to Magma most of the people get stuck on the language. Some listen to the guitar or the keyboards. Vander is outstanding on drums! _Michael Shrieve_ of Santana.

This was truly enjoyable, entertaining, informative and oh so relevant. Well done!

I was laughing with tears about War Pigs lyrics! Priceless!!!!!

Prairie Prince- XTC Skylarking, power pop drumming brilliance David Garibaldi- Tower of power debut, funk drum and bass masterclass Chad Wackerman- Hardly ever mentioned in Zappa discussions

Brian Downey is my favourite, so it's good to see him make the list. I think he's the consummate all-round rock drummer, and makes it look effortless. It's also worth listening to the first three Thin Lizzy albums where the band was still a trio and trying out a variety of different styles. And yes, music from Birmingham and the Black Country has never received the accolades it deserves. It will never be cool or romantic. I think it has something to do with being in the centre of the country and not being able to see the sea.

Love your list. Thank you for including Brian Downey, long one of two drummers that I do not feel get much recognition, in relation to their contributions. Andy Parker from UFO being the other.

Craney. From Zero Ted to Tommy Bolin in his early days to Imaginary Voyage and Brother to Brother and Jethro Tull and touring with Tower of Power with a portable dialysis machine. Live footage of him with Tull and Gino are very telling. Mark was always on. Did an Elvis Impersonator gig with Mark. Whole band cooking along with Mark's giant groove on CC Rider. We had to show the Elvis where the one was. Poor guy had never been around drumming like that. Mark said a big highlight was auditioning for Stevie Wonder. Stevie kept his old drummer but just jamming with Stevie for the tryout was a peak experience.... Mark was gone too soon...

IAN PAICE of Deep Purple. One of the top drummers in rock for over 50 years, but barely gets a mention in most peoples' lists.

Bill Ward on "War Pigs" live in Paris 1970 is just insanely good. I never realized how creative and integral he was to their sound (and the genre as it would unfold over time) before seeing this video. Punch it up here on YT and prepare to be amazed.

Andy, thank you for giving some love to Barriemore Barlow. He has never gotten the recognition that he deserves. I laughed until I cried while listening to your take on Bill Ward and the Birmingham bands. I enjoy your humor almost as much as your musical knowledge.

Pete Thomas (Elvis Costello & the Attractions) and Clem Burke (Blondie) always deserve a mention.

Barriemore Barlow... darn right! I have no idea why people forget about this cat. Incredible techique, tremendous precision, just a monsterious tallent, yet entierly self taught. He has always been on my short list of favorites.

Here's a vote for Pierre Moerlen!!! ♥

Great video - love the Black Sabbath lyric parody.

Barrie Barlow, my favorite rock drummer!

Great list Andy, so glad to see Barriemore Barlow in there, never mentioned...ever, keep up the good work x

Jimmy Chamberlain of Smashing Pumpkins fame has never gotten the recognition he deserves. Great chops but never overplays.

What a brilliant list. Wow!! You nailed it.

It could have been... "Generals gather in their map rooms, just like witches under black moons."

So glad you mention Carlos Vega. One of my all time favourites and yes, should be a household name. In my humble opinion, the bridge between Gadd and Porcaro.

Gotta agree about Tony Thompson. His bombastic sound put the power into the Power Station Station album, an album that is certainly underrated as well. Here's a few of my own picks, off of the top of my head: -Mick Avory: It hard to imagine that a Hall of Famer that played on 20 albums of one of the greatest rock bands ever is pretty much ignored. I recently listened to the Kinks' entire run on the Pye label, and Mick's playing is just what the songs needed and yet, imaginative and diverse. -Clem Burke: The guy is a rock machine. Maybe it's hard to realize how good he is until you watch an old Blondie live performance. -Albert Bouchard: He's the guy that got me interested in playing drums at an early age. His playing, full of interesting, unique patterns and fills really stood out from other rock drummers. BÖC was never the same after he left. -Andy Edwards: A very fine drummer that excels in various styles, from jazz to prog to rock. Hell, he's even played with Robert Plant (we know this because he mentions it in every video that he posts!)

Great to see my favourite hard rock drummer - Brian Downey - being rated for once (even though it’s for the wrong reason)! As a guitarist, not a drummer, I think there’s something unique about his playing - he has a rhythmic musicality that I can’t explain but you’ll know what I mean! 👍🙂

#1 Andy Edwards

Doing Highway to Hell 😂😂😂funniest thing I’ve ever seen on RU-vid but sums up AC/DC perfectly 😂

Mark Craney.Yessssssss!¡!!Love his playing.Thanks for mentioning him.

Mark Brzezicki, the drummer for the 80s pop rock band Big Country, and who also played for The Cult, is actually a very talented and underrated drummer. When asked how he learned to play he said he just went through the old standard drumming workbook "Stick Control" from cover to cover. Just long, tedious, LRLRLR and LLLRRR exercises, but that's just what it gives you, excellent stick control in both hands and it shows in his really nuanced and subtely complex playing.