Top 25 Favorite Drummers countdown thread! (Number 1 & 2 Up!)

[KevShmev]

ReapkerKK, we see you. Out with it. 

[ReaperKK]

Alright time to wrap this bad boy up. Thank you for Kev for letting me take the wheel on this one, I really enjoyed and got a real thrill watching these two drummers trade spots with every new list submitted. There is only a one point difference between these two. I'll post all the drummers submitted with their point values tomorrow.

1 - Neil Peart
Appeared on 28 of 29 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (coz, DragonAttack, jingle.boy, KevShmev, Kingly Gizz & Liz Wiz Bizzy, Kram, Metropolaris, Mladen, pg1067, Puppies_On_Acid, romdrums, Stadler, SwedishGoose)
26 Top 10 Finishes

The Professor was going to easily make the list here so this comes as no surprise. He deserves it, an incredible drummer who never stopped learning and getting better through the entirety of his career. Gone far too soon but we at least have a large body of material to appreciate.

2 - Mike Portnoy
Appeared on 29 of 29 lists
Highest Finish: 1 (Adami, Dream Team, DTwwbwMP, Fronzie, lonestar, TAC)
26 Top 10 Finishes

Of course he was going to be listed here. Mike Portonoy was one of the first drummers I obsessed over. I remember working and McDonalds in High School with a buddy who was a pretty good drummer. He tells me to go check out this song called ytse jam, it's a drum solo. I ran home, hopped on KaZaa, downloaded a 180p video of a leotard MP playing the drum solo from the Live in Tokyo video and was hooked since. He has incredible style and personality that just make him the complete package. His body of work is as solid as it is massive.

[TAC]

Who fucking leaves off Neil Peart??

[ReaperKK]

Who fucking leaves off Neil Peart??

You did, you sent Neal Peart and that guy didn't make the top 25

[KevShmev]

Wow, Neil finished 1st. Woohoo!  I figured these would be the top 2, but thought Portnoy would finish 1st simply because this is a DT forum after all.

It's been no secret for a long time that I am not a big fan of Mike Portnoy the man, but Mike Portnoy the drummer is fantastic.  Like ReaperKK said, his body of work speaks for itself, and he plays on many of my all-time favorite albums.  His playing manages to almost always sounds fun despite the technical aspect of it.  He was 2nd on my list.

But yeah, Neil was and will likely always be number 1 (unless someone still comes along and takes the throne, but I'd be shocked).  I have air drummed to his drum parts more than any others in my life, and there was always a musicality to his playing that was so charming.  He was the man.

[Adami]

Yup. Hard to decide between the top 2 but I ended up with MP as one because he just completely changed how I drum in a way that no one else has. Sure, I don't really connect with much of his output over the last 10 plus years, but I find myself having to try to avoid sounding like Mike when I drum because he's so ingrained.

And obviously it's hard to overstate the importance of Neil.

Here's the final list.

25. Should be top 10 but won't cause y'all suck (Guy Patterson)
24. A real reach for favorite but whatever, won't make the list anyway (Casey Grillo)
23. Obvious choice. (Alex Van Halen)
22. Won't be surprised either way with this one (Phil Rudd)
21. Probably gonna make the final list? Maybe? (Charlie Watts)
20. Will definitely make the list (Vinnie Paul....clearly was wrong on this one)
19. Not a chance, but should be if we're including metal drummers (Daniel Erlandsson)
18. Probably not, but who knows? (Taylor Hawkins)
17. Not a chance, but an early influence on my rock/metal groove style (Shannon Larkin)
16. Not a chance in hell and that's fine (Hans Rutten)
15. No way Jose. (Garrett Whitlock)
14. Higher chance that Stadler votes for Hillary (Johan Langell)
13. Obviously will make collective top 5. (John Bonham)
12. Maybe? Out of touch with forum on this stuff (Joey Jordison)
11. Not gonna happen (Roy Mayorga)
10. Probably will make the final list (Roger Taylor)
9. Lock for top 20 (Marco Miniman)
8. It's a crime this guy is so unknown and therefore won't make the list (Dmitry Kim....former drummer for Jinjer)
7. Nah, cause liking his band used to mean you got made fun of (Scott Phillips)
6. Possible? But unlikely. (Jason Rullo)
5. This is the collective forum's favorite drummer.....to poop on! (Lars Ulrich)
4. Better be in the top 10. BETTER BE! (Thomas Lang)
3. Kev won't be voting for this guy, but I imagine he'll rank high (Gavin Harrison)
2. Too obvious (Neil Peart)
1. Also super obviously in the top 5. (Mike Portnoy)

[SwedishGoose]

Neil Peart... my number 1. I was pretty sure that he would end up at number 1 overall. Interresting to hear that he and MP were so close.

Had Mike Portnoy at number 5. Back in 1990-ties I think he would have ended up higher.

25  highly likely
24  no way
23  Phil Collins - probably
22  no chance
21  slight possibility
20  Stewart Copeland  - possible
19  slight possibility
18  doubt it, but he should
17  Nick D'Virgilio  -  possible
16  probably not
15  possible
14  Marco Minnemann - possible
13  sadly not a chance
12  doubt it
11  no way in hell
10  Mike Mangini - definitely
9  possible
8  possible
7  Bill Bruford - possible
6  sadly not a chance
5  Mike Portnoy - definitely
4  Danny Carey - definitely
3  Gavin Harrison - high probability
2  sadly I don't think he will make but he should
1  Neil Peart -  Locked in here....


Not ranked: 

Gene Hoglan
Cozy Powell
Blake Richardson
Bill Ward
Carter Beauford
Alex Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield
Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Brann Dailor
Nicko McBrain
John Bonham

[devieira73]

Neil Peart (my #9) was my second obsession with a drummer (my first one being Stewart Copeland!) when I discovered Rush around 1988/89. I still love his approach as a compositional drummer (as opposed to his more improvisational style in S&A and CA), so much thought in his drum parts and in the way they increase complexity during the songs. I also love his 80's electronic percussion approach, a lot of amazing work that I think sometimes is overlooked, like what he did on Mystic Rhythms.

Like DT in rock, I think Mike Portnoy (my #8) is truly the responsible to blend metal and prog in the drum world (although there was forerunners in both cases for sure). From WDADU to 8V, what a incredible and revolutionary work he did! I would highlight his FII  more groove oriented work and superb drum sound. I still think he's an amazing drummer for today's standarts, with a lot of consistency in all his projects.

Thanks, ReaperKK for doing this, really loving it!

[KevShmev]

Here is what my top 25 was, with my predictions for each.

25 Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters) - Outside chance
24 Andy Ward (Camel) - 1,000 to 1 odds he makes it
23 Todd Sucherman (Styx) - Probably no chance in hell
22 Roger Taylor (Queen) - Decent shot, but I won't be surprised if we do not see him
21 Raymond Hearne (Haken) - Pretty good chance considering how popular his band is here
20 Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson solo) - Very likely to make it
19 Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) - Better than average chance
18 Albert Bouchard (Blue Oyster Cult) - 1,000,000 to 1 odds he makes it
17 Dominic Howard (Muse) - Very unlikely
16 Carl Palmer (ELP, Asia) - Very unlikely, but likely would have here 15 years ago
15 Ed Warby (Ayreon) - 2 to 1 chance to make it
14 Jaime Salazar (Flower Kings) - Very little shot
13 Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) - Extremely likely
12 Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) - I'd be stunned if he doesn't make it
11 Chris Maitland (Porcupine Tree) - Solid chance, but could see a bit of overshadowing hurting his chances
10 Zoltan Csorsz (Flower Kings) - Highly doubtful
09 Phil Collins (Genesis) - Likely to not make a lot of lists, but should finish high enough on some to make it
08 Keith Moon (The Who) - A stone cold lock
07 Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard) - Solid shot
06 Stewart Copeland (The Police) - Highly unlikely, and it will be the crime of the century when he is left off
05 John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) - 100% lock
04 Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) - 100% lock
03 Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band) - Almost no chance
02 Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Transatlantic, Neal Morse Band, Flying Colors) - 100% lock
01 Neil Peart (Rush) - 100% lock

I was happy to be wrong about both Copeland and Beauford.

I totally forgot I had ranked Minnemann. 

[lonestar]

So far the snubs I'm most surprised about are Hearne and Hawkins. I was pretty sure we'd see both on the final list, and both you and Adami had them.

[KevShmev]

I am curious as to whom some of you thought I was referring when I said a certain drummer's exclusion would be the crime of the century.  I was talking about Copeland, but did some of you think I meant Supertramp's drummer (whose name I don't even know )?

[King Postwhore]

2 awesome drummers I've had the privilege to see 40 times live.  My list below.

25.  Chad Smith
24.  Keith Moon
23.  Nicko McBrain
22.  Bill Bruford
21.   Danny Carey
20.  Stewart Copeland
19.  John Bonham
18.  Simon Phillips
17.  Omar Hakim
16.  Chad Sexton
15.  Carter Beauford
14.  Mike Mangini
13.  Todd Sucherman
12.  Ray Hearn
11.  Manu Katche
10.  Nick D'Virgilio
9.  Billy Cobham
8.  Jeff Porcaro
7.  Steve Gadd
6.  Marco Minnemann
5.  Mike Portnoy
4.  David Weckl
3.  Vinnie Colaiuta
2.  Gavin Harrison
1.   Neil Peart

[Metro]

MP was #11. He was my first favorite drummer. And while my opinion on him as a drummer and as a person has gone up and down over the years, there’s no denying his ability.

Neil Peart. Nuff said.

25   Nicko McBrain
24   Bill Ward
23   Mike Mangini
22   Carl Palmer
21   Blake Richardson
20   Marco Minneman
19   Nick Menza
18   Keith Moon
17   Michael Cavanaugh
16   Charlie Benante
15   Morgan Ågren
14   John Bonham
13   Ryan Van Poederooyen
12   Josh Eppard
11   Mike Portnoy
10   Marco Duplantier
9   Dave Lombardo
8   Phil Collins
7   Danny Carey
6   Gene Hoglan
5   Bill Bruford
4   Brann Dailor
3   Nick D’Virgilio
2   Gavin Harrison
1   Neil Peart

Great job and thanks for doing this, Reaper! 

[TAC]

So far the snubs I'm most surprised about are Hearne and Hawkins. I was pretty sure we'd see both on the final list, and both you and Adami had them.

I know Hawkins but not Hearne.

[devieira73]

My list, in bold, my "biggest disappointments":

25. Bill Bruford
24. Ian Paice
23. Steve Smith
22. Charlie Benante
21. Paul Craddick
20. Rod Morgenstein
19. John Bonham
18. Nick D’Virgilio
17. Dennis Chambers
16. Alex Van Halen
15. Stewart Copeland
14. Terry Bozzio
13. Mike Mangini
12. Raymond Hearne
11. Tim Alexander
10. Will Calhoun
9. Neil Peart
8. Mike Portnoy
7. Danny Carey
6. Carter Beauford
5. Gavin Harrison
4. Bobby Jazormbek
3. Mark Zonder
2. Thomas Lang
1. Marco Minnemann

[lonestar]

I am curious as to whom some of you thought I was referring when I said a certain drummer's exclusion would be the crime of the century.  I was talking about Copeland, but did some of you think I meant Supertramp's drummer (whose name I don't even know )?

Honestly surprised I didn't think that lol



And fess up whoever left Neil off...

[lonestar]

I had both of those gents, though in reverse order. It might have been the other way around if it wasn't for the recent JP solo tour which cemented MP on top again, the guy is just such a treat to watch live. As to Neil, what can I add? The guy is a legend in every sense of the word, and when he passed and seeing literally every drummer on the planet pay tribute speaks to how revered he was by his own community.


Teh final list...

25- Alex Van Halen
24- Kenny Jones- The Faces, The Who
23- Nick Mason- Pink Floyd
22- Mickey Hart- The Grateful Dead
21- John Bonham
20- Ian Paice- Deep Purple
19- Danny Carey
18- Kozo Saganuma- Liv Moon, Vienna, most notable here for being Senri's teacher since she was 8. This guy is absolute magic to watch play.
17- Blake Richardson
16- Carl Palmer- ELP
15- Bill Bruford
14- Simon Phillips- Too many to list, made it for me for work with Pete Townshend and The Who
13- Akane Hirose- BAND-MAID (Jimmy Page referred to her as the female reincarnation of Bonham)
12- Mike Mangini
11- Tamu Murata- Nemophila
10- Ray Hearne- Haken
9- Ian Mosely- Marillion
8- Gavin Harrison
7- Alan White- Yes (my biggest surprise that he got snubbed)
6- Paul Cook- IQ
5- Marco Minneman
4- Senri Kawaguchi - Solo, Kyo-Sen, The Jazz Avengers, Triangle
3- Keith Moon
2- Neil Peart
1- Mike Portnoy



Only had 10 make the list, with two snubs I was really surprised by (White and Hearne), all the other peeps I figured wouldn't make the cut.

Thanks Reap for doing this.

[Zydar]

I'm surprised Joey Jordison didn't make the cut. And probably Ray Hearne too, but not enough Haken fans on the forum for that.

[SwedishGoose]

Thanks for organizing this.... it's been fun

Here is my full list with the ones that did not make it in parenthesis.

Saw Manu Katche live another time a couple of days ago with Peter Gabriel. It's such a joy watching and listening to him. Sad he did not make it.... but then I did not think he would

25  (Ian Paice) - highly likely
24  (Thomas Lejon) - no way
23  Phil Collins - probably
22  (Andy Sturmer) - no chance
21  (Leo Margit) - slight possibility
20  Stewart Copeland  - possible
19  (Martin Axenrot) - slight possibility
18  (Jeff Porcaro) - doubt it, but he should
17  Nick D'Virgilio  -  possible
16  (Andy Edwards) - probably not
15  (Craig Blundell) - possible
14  Marco Minnemann - possible
13  (Morgan Ågren) - sadly not a chance
12  (Ed Warby) - doubt it
11  (Roy Ward) - no way in hell
10  Mike Mangini - definitely
9  (Pat Mastelotto) - possible
8  (Mario Duplantier) - possible
7  Bill Bruford - possible
6  (Evan Carson) - sadly not a chance
5  Mike Portnoy - definitely
4  Danny Carey - definitely
3  Gavin Harrison - high probability
2  (Manu Katché) - sadly I don't think he will make but he should
1  Neil Peart -  Locked in here....


Not ranked: 

Gene Hoglan
Cozy Powell
Blake Richardson
Bill Ward
Carter Beauford
Alex Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield
Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Brann Dailor
Nicko McBrain
John Bonham

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

I am curious as to whom some of you thought I was referring when I said a certain drummer's exclusion would be the crime of the century.  I was talking about Copeland, but did some of you think I meant Supertramp's drummer (whose name I don't even know )?

Yeah that's who I thought you were referring to, Bob Siebenberg. I thought crime of the century was a little on the nose  I actually considered him.

[HOF]

I had Peart at number 2 and Portnoy at number 4.

For a long time, Portnoy would have been my number 1 without question. Definitely was the first drummer I was obsessed with. I remember pounding the crap out of furniture in my room trying to replicate his double bass patterns when I was a teenager. I was just enthralled by this music he was making and specifically the drumming, whether it was DT or LTE or then Transatlantic or OSI. It started with drumming but went way beyond that with MP introducing me to so much of the music I love. If this were a list of artists with the biggest musical impact, it would be him. It’s no secret though that my interest in DT cooled off (really after SDOIT), and over time it seemed like there’s been more emphasis on the metal and speed aspect of his playing at the expense of musicality. But I’ve still enjoyed his work in Flying Colors and especially Winery Dogs. He continues to be a big part of my musical world.

I started getting into Rush late in high school, and then a little more in college, and a lot more after college. I remember hearing Distant Early Warning on the radio when I was maybe 16 or so, soon after first getting in to DT, and something about the playing made me think “that’s where Portnoy’s drumming comes from.” I already knew lots of Rush from the radio, but I don’t think I noticed the drumming until MP got me obsessed with it. Anyway, over time my interest in Rush increases really about the time I was losing interest in DT. Everything Peart did was so musical, much more constructed and orchestrated. I’ve always thought of his playing as sort of lyrical. His parts themselves are almost as thought out as the lyrics and serve the song so well. He was really the second drummer I became obsessed with, which included reading his books, his blogs, etc., and for a while he would have been my number 1. He’s still way up there for me. 

[Kram]

NP was my #1 and MP was my #2, so I got these right lol. Other than that a lot of mine didn’t make the cut.

[TAC]

Thanks for organizing this.... it's been fun

Here is my full list with the ones that did not make it in parenthesis.

Saw Manu Katche live another time a couple of days ago with Peter Gabriel. It's such a joy watching and listening to him. Sad he did not make it.... but then I did not think he would

25  (Ian Paice) - highly likely
24  (Thomas Lejon) - no way
23  Phil Collins - probably
22  (Andy Sturmer) - no chance
21  (Leo Margit) - slight possibility
20  Stewart Copeland  - possible
19  (Martin Axenrot) - slight possibility
18  (Jeff Porcaro) - doubt it, but he should
17  Nick D'Virgilio  -  possible
16  (Andy Edwards) - probably not
15  (Craig Blundell) - possible
14  Marco Minnemann - possible
13  (Morgan Ågren) - sadly not a chance
12  (Ed Warby) - doubt it
11  (Roy Ward) - no way in hell
10  Mike Mangini - definitely
9  (Pat Mastelotto) - possible
8  (Mario Duplantier) - possible
7  Bill Bruford - possible
6  (Evan Carson) - sadly not a chance
5  Mike Portnoy - definitely
4  Danny Carey - definitely
3  Gavin Harrison - high probability
2  (Manu Katché) - sadly I don't think he will make but he should
1  Neil Peart -  Locked in here....


Not ranked:

Gene Hoglan
Cozy Powell
Blake Richardson
Bill Ward
Carter Beauford
Alex Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield
Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Brann Dailor
Nicko McBrain
John Bonham

Hey Goose, maybe you could put in parentheses who each guy that didn’t make the list plays for. I don’t recognize any of their names but I might know their bands.

[Kram]

I had Peart at number 2 and Portnoy at number 4.

For a long time, Portnoy would have been my number 1 without question. Definitely was the first drummer I was obsessed with. I remember pounding the crap out of furniture in my room trying to replicate his double bass patterns when I was a teenager. I was just enthralled by this music he was making and specifically the drumming, whether it was DT or LTE or then Transatlantic or OSI. It started with drumming but went way beyond that with MP introducing me to so much of the music I love. If this were a list of artists with the biggest musical impact, it would be him. It’s no secret though that my interest in DT cooled off (really after SDOIT), and over time it seemed like there’s been more emphasis on the metal and speed aspect of his playing at the expense of musicality. But I’ve still enjoyed his work in Flying Colors and especially Winery Dogs. He continues to be a big part of my musical world.

I started getting into Rush late in high school, and then a little more in college, and a lot more after college. I remember hearing Distant Early Warning on the radio when I was maybe 16 or so, soon after first getting in to DT, and something about the playing made me think “that’s where Portnoy’s drumming comes from.” I already knew lots of Rush from the radio, but I don’t think I noticed the drumming until MP got me obsessed with it. Anyway, over time my interest in Rush increases really about the time I was losing interest in DT. Everything Peart did was so musical, much more constructed and orchestrated. I’ve always thought of his playing as sort of lyrical. His parts themselves are almost as thought out as the lyrics and serve the song so well. He was really the second drummer I became obsessed with, which included reading his books, his blogs, etc., and for a while he would have been my number 1. He’s still way up there for me.

This is a great point and the same for me. If it wasn’t for MP,
I may have never gotten into Spock’s Beard (and therefore all the great Neal Morse projects), Porcupine Tree (Steven Wilson), Opeth, Pain of Salvation, Haken and probably more that I’m forgetting right now. These are some of my favorite bands/artists. MP has probably had a bigger musical influence on me than anyone now that I think about it.

[jingle.boy]

I'm not surprised at the ranking whatsoever.  Mike has gotten a little too 'samey'/predictable in his later years, and not really all that much creativity.  That could simply be a function of he's drummed on so many albums (studio and live), it's not unrealistic to think "yeah, I've heard this before" from him.

Neal on the other hand, was still fresh (for my ears) right up until R40.

25. His reputation should put him on here
24. No chance in hell
23. I highly doubt it.
22. perhaps?
21. Ringo Starr Should be, but most will probably overlook him
20. Phil Collins Maybe?
19. Legend, but won't make it
18. Mike Mangini Fo sho
17. Doubt it
16. Nope
15. Prolly not
14. Dunno… maybe?
13. Nope
12. Even the fans of this band have probably forgotten about him
11. should be, but doubt it
10. Keith Moon He's gotta be there
9. Nada
8. Scott Rockenfield Possibly
7. Nicko McBrain Fo sho
6. Nope
5. Not gonna happen ('specially if Joe/RJ didn't put him on their lists)
4. Alex Van Halen He better be
3. John Bonham Him too (I'm bothered by your lack of faith, RJ) ... RJ, I'm virtually certain the list you shared with me was a revised one from the one you matched your predictions from
2. Mike Portnoy Guaran-damn-teed
1. Neil Peart As for sure as death and taxes

I'll fill out my list later when I have time to add some commentary, but 10/26 ain't bad.

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Neil Peart - It's no secret that Neil is my favorite drummer. From the time I was 6 years old I was obsessed with all things Rush, mostly with the drums. I would be banging out drum parts on all the furniture throughout the house. My parents finally got tired of it and bought me my first drum kit. The rest is history, as they say. I am the drummer I am today because of Neil. He eventually opened up my world to many other amazing drummers and bands. I occasionally wonder how my life would have turned out had I not been turned on to Rush at such a young age. I don't think I would be on this forum posting, for one. I don't think I ever would have become a drummer. I'd probably still be listening to all the crap on top 40 radio and would be ignorant to the wide world of music out there that takes a little more digging, rather than what's on the radio.

Mike Portnoy - I had Mike at #7, but if this were 15 years ago he would have been #2. Mike's problem is because of him I was introduced to other drummers that I ended up liking more, plus a couple that I found on my own that I also like more. Not much really needs to be said here, other than my first exposure to Mike and DT was picking up SDoIT on the recommendation of my high school computer teacher. Listening to The Glass Prison for the first time, my jaw was on the floor the whole time. I'd finally found the second coming of Rush!


Here's my full top 25, plus honorable mentions that just missed the cut.

54. Chad Sexton
53. Hellhammer
52. Ginger Baker
51. Buddy Rich
50. Andrew Forsman
49. Josh Freese
48. Carl Palmer
47. Tomáš Corn
46. Mike Cosgrove
45. Matt McDonough
44. Hannes Grossmann
43. Sean Kinney
42. Thomas Lejon
41. Taylor Hawkins
40. Alex Rüdinger
39. Marco Minnemann
38. Morgan Ågren
37. Mick Pointer
36. Abe Cunningham
35. Stewart Copeland
34. Negru
33. John Dolmayan
32. Jimmy Chamberlin
31. Bill Bruford
30. Truls Haugen
29. Jason Rullo
28. Samus Paulicelli
27. Alan White
26. the Reverend
25. Daniel Presland (Most likely not)
24. Baard Kolstad (Unlikely, but should be considered by anyone that's listened to them)
23. Carter Beauford (Should be a lock, but probably forgotten about by everyone)
22. Cato Bekkevold (Probably the only person that considered them)
21. George Kollias (The speed mixed with technicality alone should make them a worthy consideration, but won't make most lists)
20. Marko Tarvonen (I'm the only one with this drummer on my list....ask me how I know...)
19. Tobias Schuler (No chance)
18. Josh Eppard (I can think of a couple other people that might have them on their lists)
17. Phil Collins (Should be a lock)
16. Ian Mosley (This drummer gets a bad rap from some, but shouldn't, and won't make the list most likely)
15. Brann Dailor (Could potentially make the list in another 10-15 years)
14. Proscriptor McGovern (Odds are probably less than 25%)
13. Martin Lopez (Odds are probably more than 25%)
12. Mario Duplantier (50/50 shot that they were considered by other people)
11. Jon Theodore (A snowball's chance in hell)
10. Mark Heron (See 21)
9. Alex Holzwarth (Extremely unlikely)
8. Gene Hoglan (Perhaps a small chance)
7. Mike Portnoy (Definite lock)
6. Aquiles Priester (Possible chance of just making it in the bottom third)
5. Mark Zonder (See above)
4. Gavin Harrison (Should make it)
3. Blake Richardson (Better make it)
2. Danny Carey (Definitely might make it)
1. Neil Peart (See 7)

[lonestar]

Good to see some love from someone else for Moseley, he's such a delicate player.

[TAC]

Hey Pup, maybe some bands next to the drummers names?

[HOF]

My full top 25:

25. Rick Allen (had to give him a nod!)
24. Matt Cameron (largely due to Temple of the Dog, but a bunch of others too)
23. Vinnie Colaiuta (largely due to his work with Sting, but he’s done so much more)
22. Jimmy Chamberlin (what a fun, high energy drummer for Smashing Pumpkins)
21. Andy Ward (great chops and jazzy feel on the early Camel albums)
20. Ian Mosely (drummer in my favorite band who’s slowed down with age but still good)
19. Bill Bruford (see prior comments)
18. Mark Zonder (see prior comments)
17. Dennis Chambers (he’s done a ton I don’t know, but is awesome in Niacin)
16. Marco Minnemann (see prior comments)
15. Gavin Harrison (see prior comments)
14. Jerry Gaskill (so great on the early King’s X stuff. Lights up a smaller kit).
13. Paul Hester (Crowded House drummer gone too soon. Really talented, fun player).
12. Alex Van Halen (see prior comments)
11. Tommy Taylor (his work on the first 3 Eric Johnson albums is sooo good)
10. Manu Katché (go check out Secret World Live, Tears for Fears’ Bad Man Song)
9.  Steve Smith (raised the musicality in Journey from the start, some of his best work on Trial by Fire, great jazz player too)
8.  Carter Beauford (see prior comments)
7.  Rod Morgenstein (Winger, Jelly Jam/Platypus, Dixie Dregs, but especially love his work on Kip’s solo stuff)
6.  Paul Craddick (early Enchant stuff was amazing, should have been heir to NP but largely walked away from music in early 2000s, aside from the excellent Rocket Moth album.
5.  Pat Torpey (so good in Mr. Big. Check out Take Cover, Colorado Bulldog, Mr. Gone, or the solo on his instructional video. Also gone too soon)
4.  Mike Portnoy (see prior comments)
3.  Phil Collins (see prior comments)
2.  Neil Peart (see prior comments)
1.  Nick D'Virgilio (see prior comments)

[SwedishGoose]

Hey Goose, maybe you could put in parentheses who each guy that didn’t make the list plays for. I don’t recognize any of their names but I might know their bands.

Sure thing....

25  (Ian Paice - Deep Purple) - highly likely
24  (Thomas Lejon - A.C.T, Andromea) - no way
23  Phil Collins - probably
22  (Andy Sturmer - Jellyfish) - no chance
21  (Leo Margit - Pain of Salvation) - slight possibility
20  Stewart Copeland  - possible
19  (Martin Axenrot - Opeth) - slight possibility
18  (Jeff Porcaro - Toto) - doubt it, but he should
17  Nick D'Virgilio  -  possible
16  (Andy Edwards - Frost,IQ
, Rain) - probably not
15  (Craig Blundell - Steven Wilson  Steve Hackett and more) - possible
14  Marco Minnemann - possible
13  (Morgan Ågren - Kaipa, Karmakanic,  Mats/Morgan band) - sadly not a chance
12  (Ed Warby - Ayreon, VUUR and more) - doubt it
11  (Roy Ward - City Boy) - no way in hell
10  Mike Mangini - definitely
9  (Pat Mastelotto - Mr Mister, King Crimson, O.R.k) - possible
8  (Mario Duplantier - Gojra) - possible
7  Bill Bruford - possible
6  (Evan Carson - iamthemorning, solo) - sadly not a chance
5  Mike Portnoy - definitely
4  Danny Carey - definitely
3  Gavin Harrison - high probability
2  (Manu Katché - Peter Gabriel, Sting and more) - sadly I don't think he will make but he should
1  Neil Peart -  Locked in here....


Not ranked: 

Gene Hoglan
Cozy Powell
Blake Richardson
Bill Ward
Carter Beauford
Alex Van Halen
Scott Rockenfield
Lars Ulrich
Dave Lombardo
Keith Moon
Ringo Starr
Brann Dailor
Nicko McBrain
John Bonham

[Fonzie]

My list, in bold, my "biggest disappointments":

25. Bill Bruford
24. Ian Paice
23. Steve Smith
22. Charlie Benante
21. Paul Craddick
20. Rod Morgenstein
19. John Bonham
18. Nick D’Virgilio
17. Dennis Chambers
16. Alex Van Halen
15. Stewart Copeland
14. Terry Bozzio
13. Mike Mangini
12. Raymond Hearne
11. Tim Alexander
10. Will Calhoun
9. Neil Peart
8. Mike Portnoy
7. Danny Carey
6. Carter Beauford
5. Gavin Harrison
4. Bobby Jazormbek
3. Mark Zonder
2. Thomas Lang
1. Marco Minnemann

Finally, another Steve Smith fan!

His stuff with Gambale was great, and his dvds are excellent.
I’m not even considering his Journey stuff at this point

[HOF]

My list, in bold, my "biggest disappointments":

25. Bill Bruford
24. Ian Paice
23. Steve Smith
22. Charlie Benante
21. Paul Craddick
20. Rod Morgenstein
19. John Bonham
18. Nick D’Virgilio
17. Dennis Chambers
16. Alex Van Halen
15. Stewart Copeland
14. Terry Bozzio
13. Mike Mangini
12. Raymond Hearne
11. Tim Alexander
10. Will Calhoun
9. Neil Peart
8. Mike Portnoy
7. Danny Carey
6. Carter Beauford
5. Gavin Harrison
4. Bobby Jazormbek
3. Mark Zonder
2. Thomas Lang
1. Marco Minnemann

Finally, another Steve Smith fan!

His stuff with Gambale was great, and his dvds are excellent.
I’m not even considering his Journey stuff at this point

See my list above as well!

[King Puppies and the Acid Guppies]

Hey Pup, maybe some bands next to the drummers names?

Yep I can do that.

54. Chad Sexton (311)
53. Hellhammer (Age of Silence, Arcturus, Mayhem, plus a ton more, pretty much the ultimate session black metal/extreme metal drummer)
52. Ginger Baker  (Cream)
51. Buddy Rich
50. Andrew Forsman (The Fall of Troy)
49. Josh Freese (A Perfect Circle, Foo Fighters new drummer, and numerous other bands, basically the ultimate Alternative Rock session drummer)
48. Carl Palmer (ELP)
47. Tomáš Corn (Lykathea Aflame, Appalling Spawn, Cult of Fire)
46. Mike Cosgrove (Alien Ant Farm)
45. Matt McDonough (Mudvayne)
44. Hannes Grossmann (Alkaloid, Blotted Science, Eternity's End, Necrophagist, Obscura, and dozens of guest spots)
43. Sean Kinney (Alice in Chains)
42. Thomas Lejon (A.C.T, Embraced, Andromeda)
41. Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters)
40. Alex Rüdinger (Conquering Dystopia, 7 Horns 7 Eyes, Good Tiger, just another one of those ultimate session drummers in the metal community)
39. Marco Minnemann (too many bands to recount)
38. Morgan Ågren (lots of Devin Townsend stuff, Kaipa, Karmakanic, Flesh Quartet, dozens of other session work)
37. Mick Pointer (Marillion's original drummer, Arena)
36. Abe Cunningham (Deftones)
35. Stewart Copeland (Police)
34. Negru (Negura Bunget)
33. John Dolmayan (System of a Down)
32. Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins, Zwan, Jimmy Chamberlin Complex)
31. Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson)
30. Truls Haugen (Circus Maximus)
29. Jason Rullo (Symphony X, first Redemption album, food truck enthusiast)
28. Samus Paulicelli (big Youtube drummer, played with Devin Townsend on Empath, Decrepit Birth, Abigail Williams, Suspyre)
27. Alan White (Yes)
26. the Reverend (Avenged Sevenfold)
25. Daniel Presland (Most likely not) (Ne Obliviscaris)
24. Baard Kolstad (Unlikely, but should be considered by anyone that's listened to them) (Leprous, ICS Vortex)
23. Carter Beauford (Should be a lock, but probably forgotten about by everyone)
22. Cato Bekkevold (Probably the only person that considered them) (Enslaved)
21. George Kollias (The speed mixed with technicality alone should make them a worthy consideration, but won't make most lists) (Nile)
20. Marko Tarvonen (I'm the only one with this drummer on my list....ask me how I know...) (Moonsorrow, Barren Earth, October Falls, Arthemesia)
19. Tobias Schuler (No chance) (Der Weg einer Freiheit)
18. Josh Eppard (I can think of a couple other people that might have them on their lists) (Coheed and Cambria)
17. Phil Collins (Should be a lock)
16. Ian Mosley (This drummer gets a bad rap from some, but shouldn't, and won't make the list most likely) (Marillion)
15. Brann Dailor (Could potentially make the list in another 10-15 years)
14. Proscriptor McGovern (Odds are probably less than 25%) (Absu, Melechesh)
13. Martin Lopez (Odds are probably more than 25%) (Opeth, Soen)
12. Mario Duplantier (50/50 shot that they were considered by other people) (Gojira)
11. Jon Theodore (A snowball's chance in hell) (The Mars Volta, Queens of the Stone Age)
10. Mark Heron (See 20) (Oceansize)
9. Alex Holzwarth (Extremely unlikely) (Sieges Even, Dol Ammad, Avantasia, (Luca Turilli's) Rhapsody (of Fire))
8. Gene Hoglan (Perhaps a small chance)
7. Mike Portnoy (Definite lock)
6. Aquiles Priester (Possible chance of just making it in the bottom third) (Angra, Hangar)
5. Mark Zonder (See above)
4. Gavin Harrison (Should make it)
3. Blake Richardson (Better make it)
2. Danny Carey (Definitely might make it)
1. Neil Peart (See 7)

[lonestar]

Hey Reap, are we gonna get a list of all drummers mentioned?

[coz]

As predicted, 15/26.  Thanks Reaper and everyone else for participating.  25 just wasn't enough for so many greats to be recognized!   
Side note, why is the longer list called the short list?

25. Keith Moon I think this maniac will be picked
24. Matt Cameron (Soundgarden) Dirty chance he'll make it
23. Alex Bent (Trivium) Pretty sure you'd say "who"?
22. Eric Carr (Kiss) I miss this guy.  Wish he was still with us.  Not gonna make it here. :'(
21. Jon "Bermuda" Schwarz (Weird Al) This weirdo won't make it.  40 years and 14 studio albums with the same original quartet+.  Impressive stuff.
20. Carter Beauford A unique cat whose style is highly revered in drumming circles.  Not sure here though.
19. Larz Huge name.  Guaranteed pick.
18. Rod Morgenstein Spicy lefty.  He has a shot.
17. Martin Lopez  In 2005, a no-brainer to be on here.  Today.  Maybe?
16. Charlie Benante (Anthrax) Probably won't be here.  It's a crime.
15. John Bonham 100% this monster's here.
14. Alex Van Halen  Brother of a legend on one of our other lists.  Won't be surprised if he makes this list.
13. Chris Adler (Lamb of God) Groove metal master.  Won't make the list though.
12. Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins) Another real cool cat.  A rock player with a huge jazz background.  I'm gonna say he won't be named here.
11. Stewart Copeland Classic rocker who's very likely.
10. Blake Richardson Also very likely but not a classic rocker.
9. Will Calhoun (Living Colour) Liked him before, but since the band's 3rd release in 93 I have loved his playing.  Not going to make the list.
8. Danny Carey He started further down my list.  But the more I thought about it, his talent and style make him absolutely unique.  Probably.
7. Nicko McBrain This forum?  Of course.
6. Nick D'Virgilio Prog dude.  Pretty sure he'll be here.
5. Brann Dailor Not sure on him.  Highly respected, but not sure how well his name is known outside the drumming community.
4. Tim "Herb" Alexander (Primus, Laundry, Michael Manring, Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, Attention Defecit) Second one on my list who's known by a nickname.  (My first draft had three).  Not going to be named here.
3. Ringo For sure.  Legend
2. Mike Portnoy I've thought mostly highly and sometimes low of this guy.  He's still my number 2 basher though.
1. Neil Peart The master

26. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan
Mike Mangini
Phil Collins
Dave Lombardo
Sean Kinney
Jerry Gaskill
Pat Torpey
Dave Abbruzzese
Brooks Wackerman
Gavin Harrison
Eric Kretz
Brad Wilk
Charlie Watts
Chad Sexton
Phil Rudd
Mike Bordin
Bill Ward
Chris Pennie
Josh Eppard
Dave Grohl
John Dolmayan
Chris Layton
Tre Cool
Stephen Perkins
Peter Criss
Tommy Lee
Liberty DeVitto
Martin Axenrot
Nick Mason
Roger Taylor
Chad Smith
Joey Jordison
Ginger Baker
Rick Allen
60. Steve "The Mad Drummer" Moore