Very exciting topic I recently watched the Carl Palmer solo on the Pictures at an exhibition DVD 1971 Absolutely frightening !! I also put Pierre Van der Linden from Focus among the great prog drummers
I'm glad he picked Alan White. For me the following drummers are worth mentioning: Marco Minnemann, Michael Giles, Robert Wyatt, Jaki Liebezeit, Guy Evans.
Nice to remember Barriemore Barlow. For me his best playing is in Minstrel In The Gallery, in fact is my Tull's favorite. Title track, Cold Wind to Valhalla, Black Satin Dancer and Baker Street Muse are standout tracks.
Yes ! Barlow, and Martin Barre as well, are first rate rock players, not just backing for Ian A. Cold Wind is an awesome Tull track. And the electric part of the Minstrel title track, with that incredibly badass MB guitar riff and power chords, is up there with Locomotive Breath, IMO. Don’t know why SFTW and Minstrel aren’t more acclaimed by critics and Tull fans.
My all-time favourite prog drummer and, in fact, my favourite drummer of all time, bar none, is Chester Thompson. His work with Zappa alone is enough for me to put him at the top (let alone his touring work with Genesis). Just listen to what he does on Zappa's album One Size Fits All, particularly on Inca Roads and Andy. Flashes of pure genius there! And he's so relaxed and natural! LOVE Chester Thompson!!!
Hats off for having Barrimore Barlow on this list. He must be the most underrated drummer of all times. Love his work on A Passion Play. An honorable mention Jon Hiseman.
Bill Bruford... absolutely without a doubt! Yes, "UK" was a perfect album to exemplify the application of Bruford's musicianship behind the drums. He's the only drummer in rock that I know of to repeatedly reinvent himself, come up with some new stylistic innovation and sound unmistakably like himself every time. Over years of listening you begin to hear "Brufordisms"; little patterns that creep up in his rhythmic extensions and that often display an intelligent sense of humor; and the groove. Bill is one of the only prog drummers I know who actually works a groove; simple kick, hi--hat and snare but the deepest pocket, a pocket you can feel and a pocket that gives the song... I don't know how to describe it... a certain deep legitimacy not found in flourishes and complexity but almost like "here's the pocket... in case you didn't know... and don't forget it". Perfect example: Asbury Park from the KC live album "USA". Many of Bruford's grooves are straight up funk, without the smell :-) They could easily transfer to a tight neo-soul or modern R&B song. Bruford is one of the only rock drummers who knows how to seriously work "4 on the floor", eighths on the hi-hat, 2 and 4 on the snare and all quarters on the kick; a pattern so static yet so tight that it elevates the song with such a strong foundation. He did this quite effectively on One of a Kind, Gradually Going Tornado and on KC's Discipline and Beat. Definitely most influential for me, as a drummer, just ahead of Phil Collins, Neil Peart and Allan White.
Bruford has the drumming sound of a neo-soul jazz-rap beatmaker imo, but of course with the virtuoso chops thrown here and there ala fusion. That's why he was the perfect fit for Fripp: both are virtuoso performers/composers that love to create loops and drones and also imbued them with the jazz and world music sensibility.
Fantastic and a honest list! Also I would give a honor mentions if you dont mind.. Christian Vander (Magma) Franz Di Cioccio (Premiata Forneria Marconi) Giulio Capiozzo (Area) Jon Hiseman (Colosseum, Tempest) Nick D Virgilio (Spock's Beard) Sean Reinert (Cynic, Gordian Knot) Thanks for this amazing top list
Just subscribed. Great list Andy. I saw Phil Collins with Brand X at the Marquee in the long hot summer of '76. I was 19. amazing drummer and musician.
To this day, after 40 plus years of hearing it, I still stand in awe of Bruford's playing on Roundabout. Plenty other tracks he has played on are awe inspiring, sure, but his playing on that track in particular is beyond perfect. Hors catégorie, as they say en France.
As a young dumb high school kid I thought Carl Palmer was the best because his chops were so fast. When you’re young you think that’s most important. But now, as a card carrying old fart, I look back on the triple live album-Aquatarkus in particular-I’ve never heard such a moving rhythm that mesmerizes your brain.
Great to see two fellow brummies in your list: Carl palmer and Barriemore barlow. John Bonham said that Bariemore barlow was the best british drummer. Excellent video as always Andy.
Very cool ranking episode Andy. Obviously Bruford will be on this list but I am waiting to hear of your more less known drummers ... possibly Guy Evans of VDGG? Regards, Sal.
You don't have to take my opinion...here is another list...and look who is at number 13 (he said boastfully) www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/greatest-prog-drummers/
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I respect you list because of your great drumming experience. I am lol bias as a prog music fan of VDGG. Please forgive me lol. You should imho (non-musician) also be on the top 10 prog drummers list. Best regards, Sal.
Bruford persuaded me to put down the guitar and pick up the sticks. I learned the importance of empty space in composition. He can blow your mind playing slow.
What a great leftfield Carl Palmer track pick , The Sherriff , but I get it , sort of earlier linear playing and very funky as is Living Sin off Trilogy , sometimes wished he done more of that style , but the hyper kinetic Brain Salad and Tarkus are his best known. great list , love Barlow getting in there and Moerlen . I do miss the more top kit playing these days ( toms / snare) which seems to have got lost in double kick mayhem !
Another great top kit player was Brian Davison, especially in the latter days of the Nice on things like Rondo 69, Country Pie, what little recorded work there is with Gong and Refugee-A tremendous player with incredible cymbal and top kit coordination.
I was glad to see you mention Barriemore Barlow . I remember reading an interview with John Bonham in which they were discussing all of the great English rock drummers in the 70s . The interviewer asked Bonham which one that he thought was the best , and he answered , Jethro Tull’s drummer , Barriemore Barlow . You mentioned his free flowing style . Ian Anderson said that when Barriemore came into the band , he started to write songs that would take advantage of that free flowing style . My top 5 favourite drummers to listen to would be : Carl Palmer Bill Bruford Phil Collins Neil Peart Barriemore Barlow Cheers !
Yes, fabulous with Camel though never struck me as a strong or defining player, despite me loving both the band and his playing. He had a light touch and flowing feel that, IMO, worked particutlarly well when Richard Sinclair was in the lineup. That said, Simon Phillips really kicked things up on 'Sasquatch'...and he is another player who would certainly have dominated this list were he to have done more proggy things.
Fully agree with your list. I'm really a big fan of Pierre Moerlen's drumming, bought almost any available LP of PM Gong after I heard Gazeuse (also thanks to AH!). Obviously all drummers in the list are each one fantastic. Seen Gavin Harrison with Pineapple Thief and I was at the concert primarily for him ... such a tasteful drumming! And this year coming back to see him with Porcupine Tree. Terry Bozzio and Bill Bruford with UK ... what a choice! I remember when I was teaching math to some students (I'm not a real teacher, only gaining some money) and let them listen to Carrying No Cross ... they still remember 30 years later this and the discovery of Prog thanks to Terry Bozzio drumming (maybe you can replay this like you done with YYZ of Neil Peart!). Thanks for your video! BTW, also if you are not counting yourself in the top ten, you were absolutely fantastic on Frost first 2 Cds and IQ Frequency, such a spectacular drumming in Experiments in Mass Appeal!
Strong list. Prog rock is music of so many talented and musically gifted virtuosos. Hard to say who's better than other. Nevertheless, I feel I have to mention my loved drummer, so underrated, but so important for prog music. Guy Evans from VDGG - his play is different, because this band is different - no solos, not so many instrumental parts, but a lot of music, brilliant compositions and moods painted with instruments. Genius drummer of ingenious band.
Guy is unique! I can remember one review that criticized his drumming-just made me more interested in him. He and Chris Cutler were like the equivalent of Milford Graves of rock drumming.
I am not a drummer, just a serious prog rock fan since the ‘70s, and I could not agree more with your top 3, in that order. My personal favorite bit of drumming from your top 3 is Bruford’s playing on Yes’ Starship Trooper- especially on the “speak to me of summer” sections. Brilliant and one-of-a-kind.
Both Ian Mosley and Gavin Harrison appeared on Songs From Renaissance Days by Renaissance and then Jordan Rudess was on the album Blessings In Disguise by Annie Haslam's Renaissance. The number of people that have been involved with both Curved Air and Renaissance is incredible. Ebay has the late Florian Pilkington-Miksa (Curved Air) set for sale 😑🥁🙂🤟👍
1. Carl Palmer (by far) 2. Gavin Harrison 3. Bill Bruford 4. Terry Bozzio 5. Mike Portnoy 6. Guy Evans 7. John Weathers 8. Pierre Moerlen 9. Neil Peart 10. Simon Philips
Nice to see Pierre get some recognition. I saw him on the Shamal tour, and it was a fab show. And Bill is #1, obvs. I saw his band support Brand X, then saw Allan playing in the next bar at Leeds Uni. A good night!
I would add John Weathers from Gentle Giant, he's an amazing player. I was hoping Bill would be number one. He's been a huge influence on my playing along with John Bonham and Bill Ward.
Vander will turn 75 in three days: always pushing his drumming further: a complete beast: composer, pianist, singer, top drummer: I never attended such brutal and fierce complex playing. Currently on tour.
Great list. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I couldn’t agree more with your number 1 😊. Good to see shout out to Barlow and Moerlen. One of my favorite drum entrances ever is on Gong’s “The Isle of Everywhere”, about a minute in. Love that riff. Collins’ 70’s stuff is pretty much all great. Always loved his playing on “Selling England…”. Gavin Harrison has been one of my favorites for the last decade or so. There are a number of Crimson videos out there with Harrison in the drumming front line. Very cool to be able to see him play as well as hear him.
I get why he was excluded, but I would have loved to see John Weathers on this list. He is so damn good. I think he might be the grooviest prog drummer.
He was on the list until I decided to put Bozzio on. I love JW and his choice to go for simplicity inside GG's complexity is pure genius. And he can really groove. But Bozzio played The Black Page which is possibly the most proggiest drumming ever recorded and set a standard in the drum world
Funny, I have an interview with Bozzio, well I have a few actually, but in one of them, he sad about him being labeled a prog drummer, " I have been associated with musicians, and a style of music with whom I have absolutely no inclinations or desires to be associate with " he said that it probably came from him playing for Zappa of course. But he wasn't crazy about that style of music, so as Bruford, the man always considered himself a jazz drummer, which is the case for 95% of the first generation of prog drummers. These videos are great by the way.
I know some very serious drummer-friends who'd sell a body part to play like Vinnie Colaiuta. Frank Zappa was auditioning Colaiuta *WITH* Terry Bozzio in attendence. Frank stated, "Play something," where Vinnie played something by Frank, perfectly. He then handed Vinnie some written music (with no backing track) and told Vinnie to read his sheet music. Vinnie nailed it (he can read sheet music). - Terry Bozzio tossed the sheet music in the air in front of Frank and said, "He's your man."
Pierre Moerlen is very close to my favourite drummer of any style, along with Bruford and Pierre van der Linden from Focus. More great prog drummers ... Chester Thompson, Pip Pyle, Michael Giles, Ian Wallace, Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Rod Morgenstein.
I would add as an honorable mention; Kevin Ellman from Todd Rundgren's Utopia. He influenced me greatly, and Neil Peart stated that Kevin's use of concert toms left an impression on him.
1. bill bruford 2. mike portnoy 3. sean reinert 4. alan white 5. marco minnemann 6. vinnie colaiuta 7. chad wackerman 8. terry bozzio 9. john weathers 10. neil peart
wanted to mention terry bozzio with alex machacek I don' think you have talked about alex machacek or the fabulous austrian trio (FAT), his solo records sound like zappa with holdsworth solos, I'm sure you know played with eddie jobson in ukz (uk+zinc) and the uk reunion tours, which makes him a prog and a fusion musician ukz released an ep in 2009 with alex machacek titled radiation he also played on 2 live uk records titled "Reunion - Live in Tokyo" and "Curtain Call"
I would agree, it has to be Bill Bruford, and the reason I would state is that he made such a name as a drummer in Yes, in mybteens i could see that what i was listening to on Fragile and Close to The Edge was very special, then he joins King Crimson and Fripp says: "forget everything you did with Yes, i do not want that repeated" and do hevhad to find a completely new style, and he does it. Add to that U. K. , Bruford and Earthworks , the man is sn absolute legend, definitely my favourite drummer of all time.
Great list. But. Christian Vander. I think he’s the best ever. Just one album: Magma Live 1975. He’s possessed. A beast. He can be subtle too. He has it all.
Only been listening to you for a couple of weeks. Man, you do go on, and it's hard to know when you are being straight and when it is tongue in cheek. But, entertaining it is and your comments on Awaken. Agree and I would join Patrion or whatever if you had one! BTW, all my LPs were nicked. Could you do a vid on prog album covers, inside covers, sleeves w lyrics. Ta mate!
@@mauricegallagher9170 Difference? In your opinion? I tend to think the only distinction is that fusion drummers have more improvisational freedom. At a certain point (maybe 1971) prog became more composed. Lots of great prog drummers do improvisation (like Carl Palmer, for instance). Just my take. Yes and Genesis in particular moved from improvisation while ELP maintained it. And pretty much all music is fusion music. I am just curious about how idioms that at one point seemed very close to my ears got separated and specialized.
I would easily watch, and love, an entire clip only about Phil Collins. I too, am constantly trying to steer people towards his drumming. It has been marginalized in his own CV. He is IMo one of the most picturesque drummers. I can see his drumming; it's so fluid, so melodic. With Genesis he was insane! The way he approached ballads, or softer passages in the music is unheard of. I always try to get drummers to do that. "Just because it's a ballad, doesn't mean you have to lay low". Take just one of their hits "Carpet Crawlers" - it goes against a regular drummer's grain, what he does. He also seemed to love to hit punches, or accents in a 9 count over a 4/8 pattern. His sound, with the flat toms is great. He is one of the very few drummers, who deserves a huge drum kit; he makes good use of it all. Very economic in his movements. It's deceptive, because there isn;'t much flailing of the arms, and nonsense. It always moves too. "the Waiting Room" on live recordings might5 be some of his best work. Abstract, and experimental, never the same twice, but so fluid. I still wish somehow, that he had not taken over as singer. His songwriting was reactionary, not pro-active, but that's a totally different topic. Sorry, to ramble so much. Collins - great drummer.
More of a british fusion drummer for me. Even Colloseum I is more fusion than prog...bit like putting Simon Phillips on the list...but Simon is in the background if you look hard
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer played a bit of blues based stuff, Jack Bruce’s, Rope Ladder to the Moon been one song. The stuff he did with Tempest was mainly rock music, a case of a drummer with a foot in both camps?
Bill Bruford #1 of course..He found his way and fit magnificantly in almost evry major prog band that ever was.. Glad you included Barriemore Barlow-Oh Yeah-Songs from the Wood-Listen to Hunting Girl. I believe , whoever mentioned Vinnie Colaiuta-played with Zappa-Great all around drummer-One of the best.
I heard a little story about the black page, apparently it was a drum solo written out and there were so many black dots on the page, that's how it basically looked like the whole page was black The live version on make a jazz noise here is with chad wackerman and ed mann
Agree with you that Awaken is the greatest prog piece of all time. As someone who was raised on classical and film scoring, I find the thematic development and the majestic melodies & arrangements in Awaken are closest to a rock interpretation of a classical or romantic era suite (think French symphonies and requiems of the 1800s).
I think Phil Ehart (Kansas) and Christian Vander (Magma) should have made the list, but I agree all of your picks are amazing, and I especially agree about the top 3 spots: Collins is a unique voice in drumming, it's such a shame his HUGE solo career kinda washed away all his drumming contributions. And, yeah, the versatility of Bruford and all his works across the prog and fusion genres definitely make him the ultimate prog drummer.
I have to agree with your pic on the great bill bruford. He along with Carl Palmer should have the top position especially for progressive rock. The order of the two rather in the first or second spot really doesn't matter as it could be either one. Good list brother except I probably would have placed Terry Bozzio higher on the list definitely higher than Alan White or Barry Bartholomew.
To some degree it's pretty likely that personal favorites will be looked at differently than other players when it comes to putting out a ranking list. Obviously all the guys on this list are excellent drummers. Some changed the landscape or moved the bar more than others. Bruford compared to White is kind of an easy example. If staying under a prog umbrella during its most significant growth period is the aim, it does seem like Wyatt, Vander, Liebezeit, Cutler, Evans, Van der Linden, Pyle and a few others could be acknowledged.
Isn't every list subjective Andy?it is after all,the meaning and preforance of that person.Shouldn't every great drummer cappable of being a progdrummer?I think Stewart Copeland would be a great progdrummer.What's you're opinion on that?Nice tot see your love for UK !! Phil Collins would probably be my nr 1.I also have a soft spot,allthough maybe not so technical,for Andy Ward.
I remember going to a gig with Curved Air and Druid, one drummer joined Gary Numan and went number one, the other joined The Police and went to number one🙂 not bad albums the two Druid discs, I've been enjoying watching these rundown, although it is a little disconcerting listen to a drummer struggle to count from 10 to 1😁
I think when you talk Progressive Rock it needs to be a Total Musician. That means the person not only can read and write music, but plays keyboard percussion, tuned percussion Sala timps/toms and ethnic percussion. Barlow, Bozzio, Bruford, Palmer, Collins, Moerlen, Harrison, Copeland, Pugwash, Peart. Honorable Mention: Andy Ward, Michael Giles, Pip Pyle and Danny Carey.
A fantastic list except for the ranking of Neil Peart. I would not have included him in my top ten. I’ve seen him live several times, always hoping he would match the hype. Without exception, starting in 1974, I’ve always found his drumming to be stiff, mechanical and lacking any swing whatsoever. For me he’s not progressive, he’s derivative. I would have included Michael Giles (of King Crimson) based on his dazzlingly ethereal and exemplary drumming on the first two King Crimson albums “In The Court Of The Crimson King” and “The Wake Of Poseidon”. For the record I’ve been playing drums for nearly 50 years and I can read music and standard drum notation. I played in several Rock and Progressive Rock bands including “Surface”, “Tomorrow” and “CHOAM” (an acronym for “Combined Harmonics Of Advanced Music”). Thanks for your perspective and expertise. Bravo!
@@edljnehan2811 in my opinion, he isn’t. I’ve seen live performances (often multiple times) of nearly all of the premier progressive rock drummers; Michael Giles, Bill Bruford, Carl Palmer, Bob Siebenberg, Barriemore Barlow, Phil Collins, Chester Thompson, Gavin Harrison, Alan White and Danny Carey. Although Peart is a solid Rock drummer, he isn’t even close to the percussive brilliance of the progressive rock drummers I’ve seen live.
@@magiscichoam me too my musical Journey began in the 60s. I've seen Maybe ten times that amount of drummers mostly progressive rock. I've never seen anyone let me repeat anyone better than Carl Palmer. The closest one I've seen to Carl is the great bill bruford. Also don't forget Aynsley Dunbar. I watched the old Journey open up for ELP in 1975. I had friends who after watching Journey swore that there was no way Carl could beat him and he was great. But after seeing Palmer they all change their minds real quick. However I do love Aynsley Dunbar before punk ass Steve Perry ruined Journey just like Phil Collins did Genesis. Also check out Phil ehart of Kansas back in the day or Star castles drummer. Sorry I can't recall his name right now. Phil ehart idolized Carl Palmer.
@@edljnehan2811 he should have kept playing By Tor and the Snowdog, the Necromancer, Xanadu, 2112 and Hemispheres for decades on end so that nerds on the internet could have an easier time differentiating between rock and prog rock for purposes of making favorite lists. He's easily a top 3 most important drummer in all of rock music generally. He's a person who makes people even care about the craft at all. Sitting there high on LSD noticing nuances some people use and others don't never really did end up selling any number of these other players that keep getting mentioned. And it's not to say they're bad, but they never did sell people on the idea of drumming at the same scale. Why is that? (It's not because Neil is overrated, it's because he's... really good).
@@colinburroughs9871 Neil isn't good Neil is great. And he is definitely in my top five. I've been around a long time and I've seen them all and I understand drums and percussion. I saw Neil Peart when he first came to the United States with Rush in 1974 at a free concert in Forest Park. I recognized his genius immediately however the person that truly made people want to drum especially progressive rock was the great Carl Palmer. He predated Neal piert and inspired Neal piert. Palmer was the first one to bring all of the various percussion onstage as part of his kit. If you've ever seen him in the early 70s you would instantly know he could run rings around Neal piert. To keep up with the legendary Keith Emerson you better be on your game and I mean better than anyone else. Go to RUclips and watch his drum solo on California Jam 1. That was right at the height of his career. After Carl I would put bill bruford then Dave weckl followed by Neal piert Terry Bozzio Bobby Caldwell Aynsley Dunbar Vinnie colaiuta Michael shreves Billy Cobham Phil ehart cozy Powell Narada Michael Walden Ginger Baker Keith Moon and finally Mitch Mitchell. You stick with that lineup and you can't miss. By the way I'm a maestro percussionist and have been listening since the sixties.
I think Michael Giles deserves an honorable mention. He was really the daddy of prog rock drummers. I had a chance to see him up close n 1969 with King Crimson. Believe me, he was the real deal. His playing was incredibly detailed and precise. He incorporated double bass drums, had fantastic taste, great use of dynamics, had a deep understanding of jazz independence, Prog drumming starts here. Too bad his career seems to have been derailed by an early departure from KC. Other thoughts. Any list of great prog drummers needs at least a nod to Christian Vander. Carl Palmer was one of the few drummers who has Buddy Rich-like chops, but tends to overplay in my opinion. Pierre Moerlin is a very overlooked player. Gavin Harrison is my favorite out there right now.
I completely agree with you about Michael Giles. His drummer was musical and magical but unfortunately very few people know of him. And Gavin is also my favorite current drummer.
not ranked: Phil Collins John Weathers Pierre van der Linden Bill Bruford Neil Peart Carl Palmer Cesar Zuiderwijk (during Golden Earring's prog stage) Chris Slade (With Manfred Mann's Earth Band) Mel Pritchard Barriemore Barlow
Brufor UK ok, but in your second solo album-One Of A Kind- he was brilhant and songwriter too, with YES and Crimson especially in 80's when he was very inovated in tecnicall and timbre aspects.
Oh little question here, is it possible to get that UK live album re-edited on CD? I try to find it but I can't. I had it on vinyl decades ago, but loan it to a friend, and of course it never came back. So if someone can give me some infos on that, I would appreciate it a lot thanks.
Great video, I remembered watching you with Frost opening set for Dream Theatre at Southampton Guild Hall (a great show indeed despite the crap acoustics there. Loved your drumming style shame your not in the band now
Just came over from your Best Drummer video and after I heard that segment, I am astounded the you have Neal Peart at #2 prog drummer. You said in that video Neal was great for Rush but not one of the greatest drummers. But we are splitting hairs. Bruford is such a jazzy prog drummer I almost can't argue with making him Numero Uno. But I do. Beyond a doubt the #1 Best Prog Drummer is PHIL COLLINS. For innovation, versatility, a sense of swing, tasteful application of technique, skill in navigating changes, mood creation, dynamics, thoughtful integration with the music itself, there is no one close. Apocalypse in 9/8 alone is beyond amazing in invoking Stravinsky yet completely in control. His feel on The Lamb is sublime.
They are both incredible drummers and I agree Phil could be number 1. For me Bill has an even more signature sound, incredible technique and has played in such a wide variety of settings including Genesis (which I think he sounded amazing in) But in the end we are splitting hairs and these lists mean nothing and are only there because they make people watch and give me an excuse to talk about musicians I love, If you don't beleive me watch my biscuit video thena ask yourself what my real opinion of these lists is.
I cut Phil some slack for achieving his accolades against a crop of individuals for who it was essentially all drumming, all the time. I think he deserves some kind of special waiver for being such an inventive and highly regarded drummer on top of all the other things he did. He'd be considered a pop legend on his own if one were to pretend he never picked up a stick. He's in elite air joining Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson as the only people to sell 100M albums in a band and also as solo artists. And he's an Oscar winner from doing the Tarzan soundtrack! I suppose that doesn't, and shouldn't, count for much when it comes to ranking in terms of drumming, but it's something worth keeping in perspective. Phil was on top of the world in the mid-80s with the Live Aid Concorde spectacle, the 4 sold out Genesis concerts at Wembley, Miami Vice, and the monster known as gated reverb which spread throughout music like a virus. If any other drummer was to be compared in that way, there'd be nothing to compare! Yet in spite of all that outside of drums, Phil still makes the discussion on who might be #1! You almost have to wonder where he'd reach if he had done nothing but drums all those years instead. As it stands, most of the drumming he's celebrated for was in the 70s. After around 1980 or so as he was gearing up for solo work, he didn't actively strive to stay at the top of his drumming game, not that he had anywhere near enough time and focus anymore. Indeed, I remember an interview where he said he got a kick out of not playing fills where people used to hear them, and playing more simplified. Still great even then though....But as for prog drummers, I can understand Bruford getting the nod (at least based on Andy's mood that week :P).
I've been re-listening to Phil Collins on the "Genesis Live 1973" album and what a great drummer he was. His influences are there but already quite accomplished and so tight for a young man. The best Prog drummers have to have the biggest ears because of what the genre demands. The competition in the 70's was fierce. Cheers.
Great Drummers all of them. Im glad you mentioned Pierre Moerlen and Barriemore Barlow But can you exsplain why. Drummers like Virgil Donati. Marco Minneman and Baard Kolstad is not included?
Pierre Moerlon played on the Flying Teapot Trilogy, Barriemore of Songs For The Wood. None of those drummers have done anything near that level in terms of prog history
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer The prog history goes further than United Kingdom. Im just trying to follow your logic. If the prog history is the same as commersial sucsess on the 70s Nick Mason should be on top off the list.
Very exciting topic
I recently watched the Carl Palmer solo on the Pictures at an exhibition DVD 1971
Absolutely frightening !!
I also put Pierre Van der Linden from Focus among the great prog drummers
I'm glad he picked Alan White. For me the following drummers are worth mentioning: Marco Minnemann, Michael Giles, Robert Wyatt, Jaki Liebezeit, Guy Evans.
Nice to remember Barriemore Barlow. For me his best playing is in Minstrel In The Gallery, in fact is my Tull's favorite.
Title track, Cold Wind to Valhalla, Black Satin Dancer and Baker Street Muse are standout tracks.
Barriemore Barlow is an astonishing drummer. Underated...
Yes ! Barlow, and Martin Barre as well, are first rate rock players, not just backing for Ian A.
Cold Wind is an awesome Tull track. And the electric part of the Minstrel title track, with that incredibly badass MB guitar riff and power chords, is up there with Locomotive Breath, IMO.
Don’t know why SFTW and Minstrel aren’t more acclaimed by critics and Tull fans.
My all-time favourite prog drummer and, in fact, my favourite drummer of all time, bar none, is Chester Thompson. His work with Zappa alone is enough for me to put him at the top (let alone his touring work with Genesis). Just listen to what he does on Zappa's album One Size Fits All, particularly on Inca Roads and Andy. Flashes of pure genius there! And he's so relaxed and natural! LOVE Chester Thompson!!!
Listen to the fugitive cd from Tony Banks, Chester is on it and he is super .
he's ok
Hats off for having Barrimore Barlow on this list. He must be the most underrated drummer of all times. Love his work on A Passion Play.
An honorable mention Jon Hiseman.
In Aqualong writes about:"drums and a million percussions"..'
"One Of A Kind" was an album that just blew me away in the '70s. Thanks for the presentation Andy!
Thanks for listening
Bill Bruford... absolutely without a doubt! Yes, "UK" was a perfect album to exemplify the application of Bruford's musicianship behind the drums. He's the only drummer in rock that I know of to repeatedly reinvent himself, come up with some new stylistic innovation and sound unmistakably like himself every time.
Over years of listening you begin to hear "Brufordisms"; little patterns that creep up in his rhythmic extensions and that often display an intelligent sense of humor; and the groove. Bill is one of the only prog drummers I know who actually works a groove; simple kick, hi--hat and snare but the deepest pocket, a pocket you can feel and a pocket that gives the song... I don't know how to describe it... a certain deep legitimacy not found in flourishes and complexity but almost like "here's the pocket... in case you didn't know... and don't forget it". Perfect example: Asbury Park from the KC live album "USA".
Many of Bruford's grooves are straight up funk, without the smell :-) They could easily transfer to a tight neo-soul or modern R&B song. Bruford is one of the only rock drummers who knows how to seriously work "4 on the floor", eighths on the hi-hat, 2 and 4 on the snare and all quarters on the kick; a pattern so static yet so tight that it elevates the song with such a strong foundation. He did this quite effectively on One of a Kind, Gradually Going Tornado and on KC's Discipline and Beat.
Definitely most influential for me, as a drummer, just ahead of Phil Collins, Neil Peart and Allan White.
Bruford has the drumming sound of a neo-soul jazz-rap beatmaker imo, but of course with the virtuoso chops thrown here and there ala fusion. That's why he was the perfect fit for Fripp: both are virtuoso performers/composers that love to create loops and drones and also imbued them with the jazz and world music sensibility.
Asbury Park. Listening now. This is great. What year was this concert? USA. Spotify says "2013 remix". Thanks
That’s a GREAT list. Very well thought out Andy. 👍🏻🥁
Fantastic and a honest list! Also I would give a honor mentions if you dont mind..
Christian Vander (Magma)
Franz Di Cioccio (Premiata Forneria Marconi)
Giulio Capiozzo (Area)
Jon Hiseman (Colosseum, Tempest)
Nick D Virgilio (Spock's Beard)
Sean Reinert (Cynic, Gordian Knot)
Thanks for this amazing top list
Good choices!
Perfect top 10 ..Bozzio-Bruford! Someone I wish had done more was Mark Craney, such an incredible drummer.
Yes he was fantastic...very fusiony though
Still a great drummer.
Andy I wish Tull h retained his services after A.
Great list Andy. Really pleased to see Pierre Moerlen getting mentioned. 👍🥁
Just subscribed. Great list Andy. I saw Phil Collins with Brand X at the Marquee in the long hot summer of '76. I was 19. amazing drummer and musician.
Great Band of musicians (Brand X) Percy Jones my favorite electric bassist.
To this day, after 40 plus years of hearing it, I still stand in awe of Bruford's playing on Roundabout. Plenty other tracks he has played on are awe inspiring, sure, but his playing on that track in particular is beyond perfect. Hors catégorie, as they say en France.
It just grooves so hard. And in a way no else ever had before
As a young dumb high school kid I thought Carl Palmer was the best because his chops were so fast. When you’re young you think that’s most important. But now, as a card carrying old fart, I look back on the triple live album-Aquatarkus in particular-I’ve never heard such a moving rhythm that mesmerizes your brain.
Aquatarkus. I can't find it. Is it an official release. Just now getting into ELP. Thanks for any help.
@@Frip36 tarkus is made up of 5-6 parts. Aquatarkus is the last. On the triple live album, it was separated from the rest because it’s over 10 min
Great to see two fellow brummies in your list: Carl palmer and Barriemore barlow. John Bonham said that Bariemore barlow was the best british drummer. Excellent video as always Andy.
Very cool ranking episode Andy. Obviously Bruford will be on this list but I am waiting to hear of your more less known drummers ... possibly Guy Evans of VDGG? Regards, Sal.
I think Guy Evans and Jaki Liebezeit deserved to be on this list over some of the others mentioned.,,
You don't have to take my opinion...here is another list...and look who is at number 13 (he said boastfully) www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/greatest-prog-drummers/
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I respect you list because of your great drumming experience. I am lol bias as a prog music fan of VDGG. Please forgive me lol. You should imho (non-musician) also be on the top 10 prog drummers list. Best regards, Sal.
Bruford persuaded me to put down the guitar and pick up the sticks. I learned the importance of empty space in composition. He can blow your mind playing slow.
@@klutz3213 exactly!
This was a really great list. I seriously came into this episode ready to be disappointed but you got my top 3 spot on. Great work mate!
I am on the edge of my seat here!.....Drum Special. The UK album caught my eye. Brilliant!
I plan to do top ten prog bass, guitar and keys this month too.
Nice video. You're output has been quite consistent.....keep up the fine work!
What a great leftfield Carl Palmer track pick , The Sherriff , but I get it , sort of earlier linear playing and very funky as is Living Sin off Trilogy , sometimes wished he done more of that style , but the hyper kinetic Brain Salad and Tarkus are his best known. great list , love Barlow getting in there and Moerlen . I do miss the more top kit playing these days ( toms / snare) which seems to have got lost in double kick mayhem !
Another great top kit player was Brian Davison, especially in the latter days of the Nice on things like Rondo 69, Country Pie, what little recorded work there is with Gong and Refugee-A tremendous player with incredible cymbal and top kit coordination.
And The Sheriff is the one in which he makes a mistake and says "shit" and they keep it in.
Barlow's playing on "Bursting Out"!
I agree with the choices not necessarily the order. Well done.
I was glad to see you mention Barriemore Barlow .
I remember reading an interview with John Bonham in which they were discussing all of the great English rock drummers in the 70s . The interviewer asked Bonham which one that he thought was the best , and he answered , Jethro Tull’s drummer , Barriemore Barlow .
You mentioned his free flowing style .
Ian Anderson said that when Barriemore came into the band , he started to write songs that would take advantage of that free flowing style .
My top 5 favourite drummers to listen to would be :
Carl Palmer
Bill Bruford
Phil Collins
Neil Peart
Barriemore Barlow
Cheers !
Glad to see Portnoy on here. For me, as a layman, his playing has a fantastic energy and musicality.
Andy Ward so underrated
Yes, fabulous with Camel though never struck me as a strong or defining player, despite me loving both the band and his playing. He had a light touch and flowing feel that, IMO, worked particutlarly well when Richard Sinclair was in the lineup. That said, Simon Phillips really kicked things up on 'Sasquatch'...and he is another player who would certainly have dominated this list were he to have done more proggy things.
Fully agree with your list. I'm really a big fan of Pierre Moerlen's drumming, bought almost any available LP of PM Gong after I heard Gazeuse (also thanks to AH!). Obviously all drummers in the list are each one fantastic.
Seen Gavin Harrison with Pineapple Thief and I was at the concert primarily for him ... such a tasteful drumming! And this year coming back to see him with Porcupine Tree. Terry Bozzio and Bill Bruford with UK ... what a choice! I remember when I was teaching math to some students (I'm not a real teacher, only gaining some money) and let them listen to Carrying No Cross ... they still remember 30 years later this and the discovery of Prog thanks to Terry Bozzio drumming (maybe you can replay this like you done with YYZ of Neil Peart!). Thanks for your video! BTW, also if you are not counting yourself in the top ten, you were absolutely fantastic on Frost first 2 Cds and IQ Frequency, such a spectacular drumming in Experiments in Mass Appeal!
I've seen most of these great drummers live and think you nailed it! - #1 BILL!
Strong list. Prog rock is music of so many talented and musically gifted virtuosos. Hard to say who's better than other. Nevertheless, I feel I have to mention my loved drummer, so underrated, but so important for prog music. Guy Evans from VDGG - his play is different, because this band is different - no solos, not so many instrumental parts, but a lot of music, brilliant compositions and moods painted with instruments. Genius drummer of ingenious band.
Guy is unique! I can remember one review that criticized his drumming-just made me more interested in him. He and Chris Cutler were like the equivalent of Milford Graves of rock drumming.
Barrymore Barlow! One of my favorites! John Bonham said he was the best drummer in rock music... and I would agree.
Don't forget that Gavin Harrison was playing with Renaissance when he was only 19 years old. Very impressive playing that music at such a young age.
Had to watch, Night after Night! One of my favorite live albums!
I am not a drummer, just a serious prog rock fan since the ‘70s, and I could not agree more with your top 3, in that order.
My personal favorite bit of drumming from your top 3 is Bruford’s playing on Yes’ Starship Trooper- especially on the “speak to me of summer” sections. Brilliant and one-of-a-kind.
Yeah, that first UK album with holdsworth and bruford is probably in my top three of all time
Bill Bruford propelled my two favorite bands.
Both Ian Mosley and Gavin Harrison appeared on Songs From Renaissance Days by Renaissance and then Jordan Rudess was on the album Blessings In Disguise by Annie Haslam's Renaissance. The number of people that have been involved with both Curved Air and Renaissance is incredible. Ebay has the late Florian Pilkington-Miksa (Curved Air) set for sale 😑🥁🙂🤟👍
Renaissance is a fantastic band!
good list, I would have Guy Evans from VDGG instead of Collins or Palmer. Very underrated.
1. Carl Palmer (by far) 2. Gavin Harrison 3. Bill Bruford 4. Terry Bozzio 5. Mike Portnoy 6. Guy Evans 7. John Weathers 8. Pierre Moerlen 9. Neil Peart 10. Simon Philips
Nice to see Pierre get some recognition. I saw him on the Shamal tour, and it was a fab show. And Bill is #1, obvs. I saw his band support Brand X, then saw Allan playing in the next bar at Leeds Uni. A good night!
I would add John Weathers from Gentle Giant, he's an amazing player. I was hoping Bill would be number one. He's been a huge influence on my playing along with John Bonham and Bill Ward.
Great list, personnally I would have added Christian Vander, but your list is fine anyway..
Nearly made the list as did Jaki L from Can
Vander will turn 75 in three days: always pushing his drumming further: a complete beast: composer, pianist, singer, top drummer: I never attended such brutal and fierce complex playing. Currently on tour.
Great list. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I couldn’t agree more with your number 1 😊. Good to see shout out to Barlow and Moerlen. One of my favorite drum entrances ever is on Gong’s “The Isle of Everywhere”, about a minute in. Love that riff. Collins’ 70’s stuff is pretty much all great. Always loved his playing on “Selling England…”. Gavin Harrison has been one of my favorites for the last decade or so. There are a number of Crimson videos out there with Harrison in the drumming front line. Very cool to be able to see him play as well as hear him.
Yes...I'm pleased with this list....
I get why he was excluded, but I would have loved to see John Weathers on this list. He is so damn good. I think he might be the grooviest prog drummer.
He was on the list until I decided to put Bozzio on. I love JW and his choice to go for simplicity inside GG's complexity is pure genius. And he can really groove. But Bozzio played The Black Page which is possibly the most proggiest drumming ever recorded and set a standard in the drum world
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Fair enough. Would have been fun if you put Weathers on instead of Palmer. You could have a tradition of skipping ELP.
I would have liked to have seen Brian Davison of the Nice and Refugee, Guy Evans.
I've been learning about him from the excellent GG at Golders Green show... groovy indeed, and locked in w Ray as it is the Right Way to do it...
Funny, I have an interview with Bozzio, well I have a few actually, but in one of them, he sad about him being labeled a prog drummer, " I have been associated with musicians, and a style of music with whom I have absolutely no inclinations or desires to be associate with " he said that it probably came from him playing for Zappa of course. But he wasn't crazy about that style of music, so as Bruford, the man always considered himself a jazz drummer, which is the case for 95% of the first generation of prog drummers. These videos are great by the way.
Great list! I definitely owe Danny Carey of Tool for leading me to most of the drummers on here.
Barriemore Barlow is the Michael Giles of Jethro Tull.
I know some very serious drummer-friends who'd sell a body part to play like Vinnie Colaiuta.
Frank Zappa was auditioning Colaiuta *WITH* Terry Bozzio in attendence.
Frank stated, "Play something," where Vinnie played something by Frank, perfectly. He then handed Vinnie some written music (with no backing track) and told Vinnie to read his sheet music. Vinnie nailed it (he can read sheet music). - Terry Bozzio tossed the sheet music in the air in front of Frank and said, "He's your man."
That story is nearly true
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer - Yes sir....absolutely.
@@JamminClemmons I know the story, it's not quite accurate.
@@JamminClemmons Absolutely Maybe. New Oasis album.
We could add honorable mentions all day long, but I really like what Pat Mastelotto has brought to KC.
When I cross myself, I say "Emerson, Lake and Palmer"!!!!
Awesome idea. I'm going to start doing that immediately. After all Emerson and Palmer especially are God on their instruments. Thank you
Pierre Moerlen is very close to my favourite drummer of any style, along with Bruford and Pierre van der Linden from Focus.
More great prog drummers ... Chester Thompson, Pip Pyle, Michael Giles, Ian Wallace, Simon Phillips, Chad Wackerman, Rod Morgenstein.
What album is best Simon Phillips listening. Thanks
I would add as an honorable mention; Kevin Ellman from Todd Rundgren's Utopia. He influenced me greatly, and Neil Peart stated that Kevin's use of concert toms left an impression on him.
1. bill bruford
2. mike portnoy
3. sean reinert
4. alan white
5. marco minnemann
6. vinnie colaiuta
7. chad wackerman
8. terry bozzio
9. john weathers
10. neil peart
wanted to mention terry bozzio with alex machacek
I don' think you have talked about alex machacek or the fabulous austrian trio (FAT), his solo records sound like zappa with holdsworth solos, I'm sure you know played with eddie jobson in ukz (uk+zinc) and the uk reunion tours, which makes him a prog and a fusion musician
ukz released an ep in 2009 with alex machacek titled radiation
he also played on 2 live uk records titled "Reunion - Live in Tokyo" and "Curtain Call"
I would agree, it has to be Bill Bruford, and the reason I would state is that he made such a name as a drummer in Yes, in mybteens i could see that what i was listening to on Fragile and Close to The Edge was very special, then he joins King Crimson and Fripp says: "forget everything you did with Yes, i do not want that repeated" and do hevhad to find a completely new style, and he does it.
Add to that U. K. , Bruford and Earthworks , the man is sn absolute legend, definitely my favourite drummer of all time.
Great list. But. Christian Vander. I think he’s the best ever. Just one album: Magma Live 1975. He’s possessed. A beast. He can be subtle too. He has it all.
Only been listening to you for a couple of weeks. Man, you do go on, and it's hard to know when you are being straight and when it is tongue in cheek. But, entertaining it is and your comments on Awaken. Agree and I would join Patrion or whatever if you had one! BTW, all my LPs were nicked. Could you do a vid on prog album covers, inside covers, sleeves w lyrics. Ta mate!
Pip Pyle? So glad to see Pierre Moerlen in there. A quality player. PM's Gong are phenomenally underrated.
I have done a video on those albums
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I'll check that out. Thanks
Pip was a phenomenal drummer who was constantly evolving.
@@garygomesvedicastrology Not Prog, imho. More jazz/rock/fusion
@@mauricegallagher9170 Difference? In your opinion? I tend to think the only distinction is that fusion drummers have more improvisational freedom. At a certain point (maybe 1971) prog became more composed. Lots of great prog drummers do improvisation (like Carl Palmer, for instance). Just my take. Yes and Genesis in particular moved from improvisation while ELP maintained it. And pretty much all music is fusion music. I am just curious about how idioms that at one point seemed very close to my ears got separated and specialized.
I would easily watch, and love, an entire clip only about Phil Collins. I too, am constantly trying to steer people towards his drumming. It has been marginalized in his own CV. He is IMo one of the most picturesque drummers. I can see his drumming; it's so fluid, so melodic. With Genesis he was insane! The way he approached ballads, or softer passages in the music is unheard of. I always try to get drummers to do that. "Just because it's a ballad, doesn't mean you have to lay low". Take just one of their hits "Carpet Crawlers" - it goes against a regular drummer's grain, what he does. He also seemed to love to hit punches, or accents in a 9 count over a 4/8 pattern. His sound, with the flat toms is great. He is one of the very few drummers, who deserves a huge drum kit; he makes good use of it all. Very economic in his movements. It's deceptive, because there isn;'t much flailing of the arms, and nonsense. It always moves too. "the Waiting Room" on live recordings might5 be some of his best work. Abstract, and experimental, never the same twice, but so fluid. I still wish somehow, that he had not taken over as singer. His songwriting was reactionary, not pro-active, but that's a totally different topic. Sorry, to ramble so much. Collins - great drummer.
Anders Jordan of Opeth is a great modern progressive drummer. His work on Morningrise alone is a clinic.
Great list Andy! But very surprised that, Jon Hiseman wasn’t in your top ten, he is definitely in my top 5 list of prog drummers.
More of a british fusion drummer for me. Even Colloseum I is more fusion than prog...bit like putting Simon Phillips on the list...but Simon is in the background if you look hard
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer played a bit of blues based stuff, Jack Bruce’s, Rope Ladder to the Moon been one song. The stuff he did with Tempest was mainly rock music, a case of a drummer with a foot in both camps?
@@johnhenfrey5936 Yes, he was an unsung pioneer of fusing jazz with rock forms
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer I was thinking 'bout Simon.. Thanks for explaining.
@@lornestein7248 Thinking about it now...JH's drumming on Variations is also very proggy.
Bill Bruford #1 of course..He found his way and fit magnificantly in almost evry major prog band that ever was.. Glad you included Barriemore Barlow-Oh Yeah-Songs from the Wood-Listen to Hunting Girl. I believe , whoever mentioned Vinnie Colaiuta-played with Zappa-Great all around drummer-One of the best.
chad wackerman too!
I heard a little story about the black page, apparently it was a drum solo written out and there were so many black dots on the page, that's how it basically looked like the whole page was black
The live version on make a jazz noise here is with chad wackerman and ed mann
Sort of...Zappa heard a musician describe a chart as The Black Page and decided to write a tune to fit that title.
GREAT List! No arguments from me!
Agree with you that Awaken is the greatest prog piece of all time. As someone who was raised on classical and film scoring, I find the thematic development and the majestic melodies & arrangements in Awaken are closest to a rock interpretation of a classical or romantic era suite (think French symphonies and requiems of the 1800s).
Great video
Thanks!
Chris Cutler and Dave Kerman would be in my list.
Dave Kerman!! Yeah!!!
I think Phil Ehart (Kansas) and Christian Vander (Magma) should have made the list, but I agree all of your picks are amazing, and I especially agree about the top 3 spots: Collins is a unique voice in drumming, it's such a shame his HUGE solo career kinda washed away all his drumming contributions. And, yeah, the versatility of Bruford and all his works across the prog and fusion genres definitely make him the ultimate prog drummer.
Two drummers in my top ten that weren't mentioned yet are Bobby Jarzombek and Mark Zonder.
And I never will.....
I have to agree with your pic on the great bill bruford. He along with Carl Palmer should have the top position especially for progressive rock. The order of the two rather in the first or second spot really doesn't matter as it could be either one. Good list brother except I probably would have placed Terry Bozzio higher on the list definitely higher than Alan White or Barry Bartholomew.
To some degree it's pretty likely that personal favorites will be looked at differently than other players when it comes to putting out a ranking list. Obviously all the guys on this list are excellent drummers. Some changed the landscape or moved the bar more than others. Bruford compared to White is kind of an easy example. If staying under a prog umbrella during its most significant growth period is the aim, it does seem like Wyatt, Vander, Liebezeit, Cutler, Evans, Van der Linden, Pyle and a few others could be acknowledged.
What a great list - but I really need to check out Barriemore Barlow who seems to have eluded me coming up as a drummer.
Isn't every list subjective Andy?it is after all,the meaning and preforance of that person.Shouldn't every great drummer cappable of being a progdrummer?I think Stewart Copeland would be a great progdrummer.What's you're opinion on that?Nice tot see your love for UK !! Phil Collins would probably be my nr 1.I also have a soft spot,allthough maybe not so technical,for Andy Ward.
Hard to argue with that list
I remember going to a gig with Curved Air and Druid, one drummer joined Gary Numan and went number one, the other joined The Police and went to number one🙂 not bad albums the two Druid discs, I've been enjoying watching these rundown, although it is a little disconcerting listen to a drummer struggle to count from 10 to 1😁
I seen curved air 1971..
@@michaelmarino3013 you caught them very early, they started in 1970 🙂
@@hughjarrse they were an opening act at the FILLMORE EAST NYC. Maybe ELP was the headliner.memory very faded.
Christian Vander of Magma?
Great list...Now do jazz fusion drummers please.
ruclips.net/video/B2lGDSt2OHs/видео.html
I think when you talk Progressive Rock it needs to be a Total Musician. That means the person not only can read and write music, but plays keyboard percussion, tuned percussion Sala timps/toms and ethnic percussion. Barlow, Bozzio, Bruford, Palmer, Collins, Moerlen, Harrison, Copeland, Pugwash, Peart. Honorable Mention: Andy Ward, Michael Giles, Pip Pyle and Danny Carey.
Pat Mastelotto would have been a worthy choice, as would Manu Katche' and Jerry Marotta. Just my tuppence.
Great list, Perfectly reasoned, great top 3 and Bruford has to be no1, so versatile, so experimental and can rock! Noice
Would you remember to include the fantastic Guy Evans at list in a 20 drummers list?
In the chapters, all of the drummers' names are listed, but for Carl Palmer, ELP is listed.
A fantastic list except for the ranking of Neil Peart. I would not have included him in my top ten. I’ve seen him live several times, always hoping he would match the hype. Without exception, starting in 1974, I’ve always found his drumming to be stiff, mechanical and lacking any swing whatsoever. For me he’s not progressive, he’s derivative. I would have included Michael Giles (of King Crimson) based on his dazzlingly ethereal and exemplary drumming on the first two King Crimson albums “In The Court Of The Crimson King” and “The Wake Of Poseidon”. For the record I’ve been playing drums for nearly 50 years and I can read music and standard drum notation. I played in several Rock and Progressive Rock bands including “Surface”, “Tomorrow” and “CHOAM” (an acronym for “Combined Harmonics Of Advanced Music”). Thanks for your perspective and expertise. Bravo!
I agree with you. While I like Neil Peart I think he's grossly overrated. He's not really a progressive rock drummer is he?
@@edljnehan2811 in my opinion, he isn’t. I’ve seen live performances (often multiple times) of nearly all of the premier progressive rock drummers; Michael Giles, Bill Bruford, Carl Palmer, Bob Siebenberg, Barriemore Barlow, Phil Collins, Chester Thompson, Gavin Harrison, Alan White and Danny Carey. Although Peart is a solid Rock drummer, he isn’t even close to the percussive brilliance of the progressive rock drummers I’ve seen live.
@@magiscichoam me too my musical Journey began in the 60s. I've seen Maybe ten times that amount of drummers mostly progressive rock. I've never seen anyone let me repeat anyone better than Carl Palmer. The closest one I've seen to Carl is the great bill bruford. Also don't forget Aynsley Dunbar. I watched the old Journey open up for ELP in 1975. I had friends who after watching Journey swore that there was no way Carl could beat him and he was great. But after seeing Palmer they all change their minds real quick. However I do love Aynsley Dunbar before punk ass Steve Perry ruined Journey just like Phil Collins did Genesis. Also check out Phil ehart of Kansas back in the day or Star castles drummer. Sorry I can't recall his name right now. Phil ehart idolized Carl Palmer.
@@edljnehan2811 he should have kept playing By Tor and the Snowdog, the Necromancer, Xanadu, 2112 and Hemispheres for decades on end so that nerds on the internet could have an easier time differentiating between rock and prog rock for purposes of making favorite lists. He's easily a top 3 most important drummer in all of rock music generally. He's a person who makes people even care about the craft at all. Sitting there high on LSD noticing nuances some people use and others don't never really did end up selling any number of these other players that keep getting mentioned. And it's not to say they're bad, but they never did sell people on the idea of drumming at the same scale. Why is that? (It's not because Neil is overrated, it's because he's... really good).
@@colinburroughs9871 Neil isn't good Neil is great. And he is definitely in my top five. I've been around a long time and I've seen them all and I understand drums and percussion. I saw Neil Peart when he first came to the United States with Rush in 1974 at a free concert in Forest Park. I recognized his genius immediately however the person that truly made people want to drum especially progressive rock was the great Carl Palmer. He predated Neal piert and inspired Neal piert. Palmer was the first one to bring all of the various percussion onstage as part of his kit. If you've ever seen him in the early 70s you would instantly know he could run rings around Neal piert. To keep up with the legendary Keith Emerson you better be on your game and I mean better than anyone else. Go to RUclips and watch his drum solo on California Jam 1. That was right at the height of his career. After Carl I would put bill bruford then Dave weckl followed by Neal piert Terry Bozzio Bobby Caldwell Aynsley Dunbar Vinnie colaiuta Michael shreves Billy Cobham Phil ehart cozy Powell Narada Michael Walden Ginger Baker Keith Moon and finally Mitch Mitchell. You stick with that lineup and you can't miss. By the way I'm a maestro percussionist and have been listening since the sixties.
I think Michael Giles deserves an honorable mention. He was really the daddy of prog rock drummers. I had a chance to see him up close n 1969 with King Crimson. Believe me, he was the real deal. His playing was incredibly detailed and precise. He incorporated double bass drums, had fantastic taste, great use of dynamics, had a deep understanding of jazz independence, Prog drumming starts here. Too bad his career seems to have been derailed by an early departure from KC.
Other thoughts.
Any list of great prog drummers needs at least a nod to Christian Vander.
Carl Palmer was one of the few drummers who has Buddy Rich-like chops, but tends to overplay in my opinion.
Pierre Moerlin is a very overlooked player.
Gavin Harrison is my favorite out there right now.
I completely agree with you about Michael Giles. His drummer was musical and magical but unfortunately very few people know of him. And Gavin is also my favorite current drummer.
Brilliant as usual
Terry Bozzio's audition was in playing "The Black Page." When he was done, Frank looked at him and said, "Bozzio, you're a fucking GENIUS."
Really surprised not seeing Michael Giles on your list.
Honorable mention to the late Ron Howden from Nectar?
I like after You mentioned the album red I think of that iconic trash cymbal sound and then you hit the cymbal by accident a little subliminal nod 👍
Love you dude
not ranked:
Phil Collins
John Weathers
Pierre van der Linden
Bill Bruford
Neil Peart
Carl Palmer
Cesar Zuiderwijk (during Golden Earring's prog stage)
Chris Slade (With Manfred Mann's Earth Band)
Mel Pritchard
Barriemore Barlow
Now yer bloody talking! I wonder where I will rank!
Brufor UK ok, but in your second solo album-One Of A Kind- he was brilhant and songwriter too, with YES and Crimson especially in 80's when he was very inovated in tecnicall and timbre aspects.
great list, thanks
Thanks for watching!
Oh little question here, is it possible to get that UK live album re-edited on CD? I try to find it but I can't. I had it on vinyl decades ago, but loan it to a friend, and of course it never came back. So if someone can give me some infos on that, I would appreciate it a lot thanks.
Great video, I remembered watching you with Frost opening set for Dream Theatre at Southampton Guild Hall (a great show indeed despite the crap acoustics there. Loved your drumming style shame your not in the band now
UK! DANGER MONEY!
VANDER IS A BEAST
Just came over from your Best Drummer video and after I heard that segment, I am astounded the you have Neal Peart at #2 prog drummer. You said in that video Neal was great for Rush but not one of the greatest drummers. But we are splitting hairs. Bruford is such a jazzy prog drummer I almost can't argue with making him Numero Uno. But I do.
Beyond a doubt the #1 Best Prog Drummer is PHIL COLLINS. For innovation, versatility, a sense of swing, tasteful application of technique, skill in navigating changes, mood creation, dynamics, thoughtful integration with the music itself, there is no one close. Apocalypse in 9/8 alone is beyond amazing in invoking Stravinsky yet completely in control. His feel on The Lamb is sublime.
They are both incredible drummers and I agree Phil could be number 1. For me Bill has an even more signature sound, incredible technique and has played in such a wide variety of settings including Genesis (which I think he sounded amazing in) But in the end we are splitting hairs and these lists mean nothing and are only there because they make people watch and give me an excuse to talk about musicians I love, If you don't beleive me watch my biscuit video thena ask yourself what my real opinion of these lists is.
I cut Phil some slack for achieving his accolades against a crop of individuals for who it was essentially all drumming, all the time. I think he deserves some kind of special waiver for being such an inventive and highly regarded drummer on top of all the other things he did.
He'd be considered a pop legend on his own if one were to pretend he never picked up a stick. He's in elite air joining Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson as the only people to sell 100M albums in a band and also as solo artists. And he's an Oscar winner from doing the Tarzan soundtrack! I suppose that doesn't, and shouldn't, count for much when it comes to ranking in terms of drumming, but it's something worth keeping in perspective. Phil was on top of the world in the mid-80s with the Live Aid Concorde spectacle, the 4 sold out Genesis concerts at Wembley, Miami Vice, and the monster known as gated reverb which spread throughout music like a virus. If any other drummer was to be compared in that way, there'd be nothing to compare! Yet in spite of all that outside of drums, Phil still makes the discussion on who might be #1!
You almost have to wonder where he'd reach if he had done nothing but drums all those years instead. As it stands, most of the drumming he's celebrated for was in the 70s. After around 1980 or so as he was gearing up for solo work, he didn't actively strive to stay at the top of his drumming game, not that he had anywhere near enough time and focus anymore. Indeed, I remember an interview where he said he got a kick out of not playing fills where people used to hear them, and playing more simplified. Still great even then though....But as for prog drummers, I can understand Bruford getting the nod (at least based on Andy's mood that week :P).
I've been re-listening to Phil Collins on the "Genesis Live 1973" album and what a great drummer he was. His influences are there but already quite accomplished and so tight for a young man. The best Prog drummers have to have the biggest ears because of what the genre demands. The competition in the 70's was fierce. Cheers.
Great Drummers all of them.
Im glad you mentioned Pierre Moerlen and Barriemore Barlow
But can you exsplain why.
Drummers like Virgil Donati.
Marco Minneman and Baard Kolstad is not included?
Pierre Moerlon played on the Flying Teapot Trilogy, Barriemore of Songs For The Wood. None of those drummers have done anything near that level in terms of prog history
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer The prog history goes
further than United Kingdom.
Im just trying to follow your logic.
If the prog history is the same as commersial sucsess on the 70s
Nick Mason should be on top off the list.