Phil Collins’ drum solo in In the Air Tonight is one of the most iconic moments in music history. The solo relies on perfect timing and emotional impact. After a hauntingly atmospheric build-up, the thunderous tom-tom fills crash in like a tidal wave, creating a moment that feels unexpected and unforgettable. The simplicity of the pattern, combined with the reverb-heavy production, gives it a cinematic quality that has been imitated countless times.
What makes this solo special is its restraint. Collins holds back for most of the song, letting the tension simmer before unleashing the drums in a way that feels primal and cathartic. It demonstrates how less can leave a lasting impression.
John Bonham’s Moby Dick is a drum solo for the ages. Clocking in at over 15 minutes in live performances, it showcases Bonham’s raw power, speed, and creativity. The solo features thunderous bass drum patterns, intricate snare rolls, and moments where Bonham plays with his bare hands. His use of triplets and syncopation creates a hypnotic groove that feels mesmerizing and technically impressive.
What sets this solo apart is Bonham’s ability to make the drums sing. He creates melodies and textures that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. Moby Dick is a journey through the mind of one of rock’s greatest drummers.
Neil Peart’s drumming on YYZ is a technical marvel. The song’s opening rhythm, based on the Morse code for “YYZ,” sets the stage for a dazzling display of precision and creativity. Peart’s solo is a whirlwind of polyrhythms, odd time signatures, and lightning-fast fills that showcase his unparalleled technical skill.
What makes this solo captivating is Peart’s ability to balance complexity with musicality. Every note serves the song, and his dynamic shifts keep the listener on the edge of their seat. YYZ is an exercise in progressive rock drumming, and Peart’s performance is legendary.
Keith Moon’s drumming on Won’t Get Fooled Again is pure chaos in the best possible way. His solo during the song’s climactic scream is a flurry of tom rolls, cymbal crashes, and unpredictable rhythms that capture the song’s rebellious spirit. Moon’s drumming focuses less on technical precision and more on raw energy and emotion.
What makes this solo memorable is its spontaneity. Moon’s playing feels like it could go off the rails at any moment, but he always manages to bring it back just in time. It’s an example of how drumming can be wild and controlled, creating a sense of excitement that’s impossible to replicate.
Ginger Baker’s Toad is one of the first extended drum solos in rock history. Baker’s jazz background shines through in his use of syncopation, dynamic shifts, and intricate cymbal work. The solo builds tension and releases it, with Baker gradually increasing the intensity before unleashing a barrage of thunderous fills.
What sets this solo apart is Baker’s ability to make the drums feel like a lead instrument. He tells a story with his drums by creating a sense of drama and adrenaline-inducing excitement. Toad is a groundbreaking performance that paved the way for countless drum solos.
Ron Bushy’s drum solo in In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is a psychedelic masterpiece. Spanning over two minutes, the solo is a hypnotic blend of tribal rhythms, tom rolls, and cymbal crashes that capture the song’s trippy vibe. Bushy’s use of repetition creates a meditative groove that draws the listener in and doesn’t let go.
What makes this solo unique is its simplicity. Bushy creates a mood. It’s an example of how a drum solo can be understated and impactful.
Alex Van Halen’s drumming on Hot for Teacher is explosive. The song opens with a blistering double bass drum pattern that sounds like a revving engine, setting the stage for one of the most high-energy performances in rock history. Van Halen’s use of syncopation and rapid-fire fills keeps the listener on their toes, creating a sense of controlled chaos.
What makes this solo impressive is its sheer intensity. Van Halen’s drumming is relentless, driving the song forward with a sense of urgency that matches the band’s over-the-top style. It’s a performance that’s fun and technically impressive.
Ringo Starr’s drum solo in The End is a rare moment where the often-understated drummer takes center stage. The solo is a series of short, punchy phrases that showcase Starr’s impeccable timing and feel. It’s not flashy or overly complex, but it’s undeniably effective, serving as the perfect lead-in to the song’s iconic guitar duel.
What makes this solo special is its simplicity. Starr doesn’t try to show off. He focuses on creating a groove that’s engaging and musical. It’s a reminder that sometimes, less leaves a stronger impression.
Danny Carey’s drumming on Ticks & Leeches is a tour de force of technical mastery and raw power. Carey’s intricate polyrhythms drive the song’s relentless energy, rapid double bass work, and dynamic tom fills. His ability to seamlessly shift between complex time signatures and maintain a crushing groove is nothing short of extraordinary.
What makes this solo stand out is Carey’s creativity. He uses every part of his massive drum kit to create textures and rhythms that feel both primal and otherworldly. Ticks & Leeches is a testament to Carey’s status as one of the most innovative drummers in modern rock.
Phil Collins’ drumming on The Cinema Show is a perfect demonstration of complexity that works. The instrumental section features Collins weaving intricate patterns that blend seamlessly with the song’s shifting time signatures. His use of ghost notes and syncopation adds depth and texture, creating a rhythmic foundation that feels both fluid and precise.
What makes this performance remarkable is Collins’s ability to balance technicality with musicality. Every note serves the song, and his dynamic control keeps the listener engaged throughout the extended instrumental passage. The Cinema Show showcases Collins’ talent for making complex drumming feel effortless.
Michael Shrieve’s drum solo in Soul Sacrifice is a highlight of Santana’s legendary Woodstock performance. At just 20 years old, Shrieve delivered a solo that combined jazz-inspired phrasing with Latin rhythms, creating a performance that feels both spontaneous and meticulously crafted. His use of cymbal swells and rapid tom rolls builds tension before exploding into a flurry of rhythmic energy.
What makes this solo unforgettable is its sense of freedom and creativity. Shrieve’s drumming feels like a conversation, with each phrase building on the last. Soul Sacrifice is a perfect example of how a drum solo can elevate a live performance to legendary status.
Joey Jordison’s drumming on Eyeless is a relentless assault of speed and precision. The song’s breakneck tempo is driven by Jordison’s rapid double bass work, intricate snare patterns, and explosive fills. His ability to maintain such intensity while adding subtle variations keeps the performance fresh and engaging.
Jordison uses the drums to create a sense of chaos and urgency that perfectly matches the song’s aggressive tone. Eyeless is a showcase of Jordison’s talent and a defining moment in Slipknot’s discography.
Nick Mason’s drumming on Pink Floyd's Time is a study in atmosphere and restraint. The song’s iconic intro features Mason’s tom-heavy patterns, which create a sense of tension and anticipation. His use of space and dynamics adds depth to the song, allowing the other instruments to shine while maintaining a strong rhythmic foundation.
What makes this performance special is Mason’s ability to serve the song. He focuses on creating a mood that perfectly complements the song’s themes. Time is a reminder that drumming is as much about feel as it is about technique.
Don Henley’s drumming in the extended outro of the live version of Hotel California features Henley locking in with the band while adding subtle variations and fills that elevate the performance. His ability to maintain a steady groove while navigating the song’s complex arrangement is impressive.
What makes this performance stand out is Henley’s musicality. The live version of Hotel California is a testament to Henley’s skill as both a drummer and a musician as he enhances the song's emotional impact
Joe Morello’s drumming on Take Five by the Dave Brubeck Quartet is a jazz masterpiece. The song’s 5/4 time signature provides a unique challenge, but Morello navigates it with ease, delivering a solo that feels both effortless and intricate. His use of brushes, cymbal accents, and dynamic shifts creates a performance that’s as engaging as it is technically impressive.
What makes this solo remarkable is Morello’s ability to make complexity sound simple. He uses the drums to tell a story, with each phrase building on the last. Take Five is a timeless example of how drumming can be both technical and musical.
Lars Ulrich’s drumming on One is a defining moment in Metallica’s career. The song’s climactic section features Ulrich’s rapid double bass work, machine-gun snare rolls, and thunderous tom fills. His ability to maintain such intensity while keeping the groove tight is a testament to his skill and endurance.
What makes this performance iconic is its emotional impact. Ulrich’s drumming perfectly captures the song’s themes of chaos and despair, adding a layer of intensity that elevates the entire track. One is a showcase of how drumming can enhance a song’s narrative.
Michael Giles’ drumming on 21st Century Schizoid Man is a whirlwind of complexity and power. The song’s intricate time signatures and rapid tempo changes provide a challenging framework, but Giles navigates it with precision and creativity. His use of syncopation and dynamic shifts adds depth and texture to the performance.
Giles creates a sense of tension and release that perfectly matches the song’s chaotic energy. 21st Century Schizoid Man is a landmark in progressive rock drumming.
Mick Fleetwood’s drumming on Go Your Own Way carries the song’s groove and feel. The song’s driving rhythm is propelled by Fleetwood’s tom-heavy patterns and syncopated snare hits, which create a sense of urgency and momentum. His ability to maintain such a strong groove while adding subtle variations keeps the performance engaging.
What makes this performance special is Fleetwood’s sense of restraint. He doesn’t rely on flashy techniques or complex patterns; instead, he focuses on creating a solid foundation that allows the song to shine. Go Your Own Way is another reminder that, sometimes, simplicity is the key to greatness.
Charlie Watts’ drumming on Honky Tonk Women is a lesson in groove and subtlety. The song’s laid-back rhythm is driven by Watts’ steady snare hits and perfectly placed fills, which add just the right amount of flair without overpowering the track. His ability to maintain such a relaxed groove while keeping the energy high is impressive.
What truly sets this performance apart? It's all in Watts' exceptional sense of timing and feel. He never seeks the spotlight, focusing instead on elevating the song's overall vibe. It's a perfect example of his skill and his dedication to serving the music above all else.
Travis Barker’s drumming on Anthem Part Two is a high-energy display with a rapid tempo driven by Barker’s relentless snare rolls, intricate hi-hat patterns, and explosive fills. His ability to maintain such intensity while adding creative variations keeps the performance fresh and exciting.
Barker uses the drums to create a sense of momentum that perfectly matches the song’s punk energy. Anthem Part Two is a showcase of Barker’s talent and a defining moment in Blink-182’s discography.
