Great drummers are often remembered for their iconic solos, but equally impressive are their precise fills, explosive breaks, and memorable intros. Here’s a ranking of 25 of the most legendary drum solos, fills, breaks, and introductions of all time.
25. “Angel of Death” by Slayer (Dave Lombardo)
Lombardo’s relentless drumming in “Angel of Death” stands out for its sheer intensity. While he’s known for his mastery across other Slayer tracks, this one showcases his full throttle approach. Highlights include a fill coming out of the first guitar break and a concluding double-bass rattle that leads into a powerful solo surge, cementing its place among thrash metal’s finest moments.
24. “Black Betty” by Ram Jam (Pete Charles)
While Black Betty is most remembered for its famous guitar intro, Pete Charles’ drumming deserves attention too. His two short but memorable solos—one around the song’s halfway point—bring added intensity to this 1977 hit.
23. “One of These Days” by Pink Floyd (Nick Mason)
Nick Mason, often underrated among rock drummers, shines in this instrumental piece from 1971. His subtle solo halfway through “One of These Days” is a perfect example of his finesse, making this track a standout in Pink Floyd’s catalog.
22. “Won’t Get Fooled Again” by The Who (Keith Moon)
Keith Moon’s chaotic brilliance is on full display in “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” The 8.5-minute epic builds to a thrilling drum solo just before Roger Daltrey’s famous scream. Moon’s playing is electric throughout, but this moment is unforgettable.
21. “The Glamorous Life” by Sheila E.
In her 1984 hit The Glamorous Life, Sheila E. exhibits her exceptional percussion skills. The song includes two dynamic drum solos, the first coming about halfway through, delivering a blistering performance that showcases her talent.
20. “Overkill” by Motörhead (Phil Taylor)
Phil Taylor’s intro to “Overkill” remains one of thrash metal’s most influential moments. His double-bass drum intro and subsequent solo near the middle of the song set the stage for thrash drummers to come, with Taylor’s ferocity defining the genre.
19. “The End” by The Beatles (Ringo Starr)
Ringo Starr’s drumming often gets overlooked, but his solo on “The End” from Abbey Road is a standout. His short but powerful solo at the track’s conclusion is a testament to his talent and importance within The Beatles.
18. “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
John Bonham’s iconic drum intro on “Rock and Roll” kicks off Led Zeppelin IV in spectacular fashion. This high-energy intro encapsulates the essence of rock, and Bonham’s jazz-inspired solo at the song’s conclusion further demonstrates his versatility.
17. “Karn Evil 9” by Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Carl Palmer)
Carl Palmer’s drumming on this epic from Brain Salad Surgery is a showcase of brilliance. With complex progressive rock beats and jazz-infused solos throughout, Palmer’s performance is a masterclass in drumming.
16. “Aja” by Steely Dan (Steve Gadd)
Steve Gadd’s solo on “Aja” is considered one of the greatest moments in jazz fusion. His largely improvised solo in the second half of the song left bandmates in awe, cementing Gadd’s place among drumming’s elite.
15. “Hot For Teacher” by Van Halen (Alex Van Halen)
Alex Van Halen’s double-bass-driven intro to “Hot For Teacher” is one of the most recognizable drum openings in hard rock. His energetic and complex drumming pattern sets the tone for the song, standing out even alongside Eddie’s guitar.
14. “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins
Phil Collins’ infamous drum break in “In the Air Tonight” is short but unforgettable. The four-second drum fill became one of the most iconic moments in pop music, with the eerie build-up and sudden release remaining a staple in drumming history.
13. “Tom Sawyer” by Rush (Neil Peart)
Neil Peart’s drumming on “Tom Sawyer” is one of the defining moments of his career. His exceptional fill and mini-solo halfway through the song demonstrates his precision, creativity, and influence on rock drumming.
12. “The Mule” by Deep Purple (Ian Paice)
Ian Paice’s drumming on “The Mule” is a highlight of his career and a showcase of his rock drumming prowess. His explosive solos and intricate fills throughout the track, especially in the latter half, make it a concert favorite.
11. “Sedation Deprivation” by Nerve (Jojo Mayer)
Jojo Mayer’s “Sedation Deprivation” showcases his virtuosity and experimental style. As the leader of Nerve, Mayer delivers a progressive and trippy performance that continues to inspire drummers worldwide.
10. “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” by Iron Butterfly (Ron Bushy)
The 17-minute version of “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” features Ron Bushy’s incredible solo around the six-minute mark. This extended drum break, building to a frantic pace, stands as one of the most impressive performances of the late ’60s.
9. “Soul Sacrifice” by Santana (Michael Shrieve)
Michael Shrieve’s solo during “Soul Sacrifice” at Woodstock in 1969 remains one of the greatest moments in drumming history. At just 20 years old, Shrieve’s commanding performance helped define his career and set the tone for Santana’s legendary live shows.
8. “La Villa Strangiato” by Rush (Neil Peart)
Neil Peart’s drumming on “La Villa Strangiato” is a shining example of his technical mastery. The complexity of his fills, solos, and intricate timing make this track one of the defining moments of progressive rock drumming.
7. “Ticks and Leeches” by Tool (Danny Carey)
Danny Carey’s drumming on “Ticks and Leeches” is an explosive display of technical prowess. His opening solo sets the tone, and his relentless precision throughout the song makes it a standout on Lateralus.
6. “My Generation” by The Who (Keith Moon)
Keith Moon’s chaotic but brilliantly structured solo in “My Generation” is the highlight of his drumming legacy. The energy and timing Moon brings to the track—especially his finishing solo—remains a defining moment in rock music.
5. “Bugle Call Rag” by Buddy Rich
No list of great drummers would be complete without jazz legend Buddy Rich. His performance of “Bugle Call Rag” is a jaw-dropping display of technical ability, offering over three minutes of non-stop brilliance.
4. “Toad” by Cream (Ginger Baker)
Ginger Baker’s “Toad” is considered his greatest work with Cream. His five-minute drum solo on this track is a technical and emotional high point, showcasing his unmatched talent in rock drumming.
3. “YYZ” by Rush (Neil Peart)
Neil Peart’s drumming on “YYZ” is a masterclass in time signatures and fills. The live version from Exit… Stage Left includes an added solo, turning an already brilliant track into one of Peart’s most legendary performances.
2. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris (Ron Wilson)
Ron Wilson’s “Wipe Out” remains one of the most iconic drum performances in history. The instrumental’s infectious rhythm and Wilson’s energetic drumming made it a standard for beginner drummers and an enduring classic.
1. “Moby Dick” by Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
John Bonham’s performance on “Moby Dick” is often considered his masterpiece. The live drum solos, which stretched far beyond the studio recording, became a highlight of Led Zeppelin’s performances and an essential part of Bonham’s legendary drumming legacy.
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