When Dave Grohl gives his stamp of approval on drumming, it’s a true maestro’s endorsement. People may have varying opinions about his work in the Foo Fighters, his songwriting, or his personal life, but one thing is undeniable: Grohl is a generational talent behind the drums.
Much like John Bonham, Grohl effortlessly balances timing, force, and feel in his drumming. His performance in Them Crooked Vultures, where he powers through technically demanding tracks, is a testament to his mastery. But, even a drumming legend like Grohl has had his inspirations.
In interviews, Grohl has cited Tony Thompson of Chic and The Power Station as a major influence on Nevermind. Other drumming icons like Bonham, Ringo Starr, and Stewart Copeland have also shaped his style. But for the longest time, Grohl’s ultimate drumming hero was Slayer’s Dave Lombardo.
Lombardo earned this distinction through his groundbreaking work in metal, particularly his redefinition of the use of two bass drums. Grohl, early in his career, looked to Lombardo as a source of inspiration. However, two decades later, another drummer would come along to take the crown.
In a 2001 interview with Kerrang!, Grohl was asked about the most metal thing he’d done that year. True to his passionate nature, Grohl spoke highly of Slipknot’s drummer, Joey Jordison, calling him “a fucking decathlete.” While Lombardo had been Grohl’s hero for years, Jordison came along and revolutionized the world of metal drumming.
Grohl’s admiration was well-placed. Slipknot, one of the finest metal bands of the 21st century, owed much of its sound to Jordison’s ability to seamlessly adapt to a wide range of influences, from metal to alt-rock to funk and hip-hop. His technical precision and adaptability made him the band’s secret weapon.
A defining moment came in 2004 during Metallica’s headline set at Download Festival. After Lars Ulrich suffered a medical emergency, the band scrambled to find drummers to fill in. They selected Ulrich’s drum tech, Flemming Larsen, Lombardo, and Jordison. The first two did their best, but when Jordison took the stage, he delivered one of Metallica’s best live performances ever.
Sadly, Jordison passed away in 2021 at the age of 46. While his passing is a tragic loss, his legacy as one of the greatest drummers in metal history remains secure.
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