Great drummers are usually known for notable solos, often marathon in length. But, there are also those precise fills, thundering breaks, and catchy introductions -- regardless of the genre of music -- that span generations. Here's our ranking of the 12 best drum solos, fills, breaks, and introductions of all time.
12. "Black Betty," Ram Jam (Pete Charles)
While the song is certainly famous, probably not many can name the man behind the drums for Ram Jam's successful version from 1977. That would be Charles, who delivered two short, but notable solos, or extended fills, for those looking to get technical during the halfway mark of the song. While the guitar intro might garner most of the attention, Charles' contribution to the song should not go unnoticed.
11. "One of These Days," Pink Floyd (Nick Mason)
Perhaps the most underrated member of Pink Floyd, Mason does not always get the credit he deserves as a solid, above-average rock drummer. There might not be a better example of Mason's talent than this instrumental from 1971. Mason's performance is the highlight of the piece, especially his subtle solo about halfway through. It's not over-the-top like others on this list, but a strong effort that is worth recognition.
10. "Won't Get Fooled Again," The Who (Keith Moon)
The first of two times the maniacal Moon will appear on this list. With one minute left in this 8 1/2-minute finale to the classic Who's Next, Moon unleashes a memorable solo that leads into Roger Daltrey's legendary scream. While the solo is one of the best parts of the epic track, Moon's playing is dynamite throughout. It's yeoman's work considering the length and intensity of the tune.
9. "Rock and Roll," Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
There is more to come from the great John Bonham later on this list, but we begin with one of the great drum intros from the second song off Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth LP -- otherwise known as Led Zeppelin IV. The title perfectly describes Bonham's drum intro -- pure rock and roll. And if that wasn't good enough, Bonham ends the song with a jazz-fused solo for an exclamation mark.
8. "Karn Evil 9," Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Carl Palmer)
Carl Palmer never passed up an opportunity to solo. There are solos, fills, and breaks aplenty during this extended epic track from ELP's classic Brain Salad Surgery record from 1973. It's kind of hard to pick out one that stands out. From the very beginning of the song's "1st Impression," Palmer makes his presence known. His drumming on this mammoth cut is a mix of brilliant progressive rock with plenty of jazz peppered in for good measure.
7. "The Mule," Deep Purple (Ian Paice)
Not only is "The Mule" one of the great musical moments for Deep Purple as a collective, but it's perhaps the defining moment for Paice's legacy as one of the best rock drummers of all time. A concert favorite, Paice took center stage with his performance throughout the track and certainly his solo moments. Which essentially rules the second half of the song, and delivers a supersonic climax that stands out, even among Ritchie Blackmore's guitar and Jon Lord's organ.
6. "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," Iron Butterfly (Ron Bushy)
The album version of this Iron Butterfly classic clocks in at just over 17 minutes. One of the highlights of the song is Bushy's solo at just over the six-minute mark -- lasting for roughly 3 1/2 minutes -- that offers a kind of George-of-the-Jungle vibe. It builds up to a frenetic pace and cools off before the band comes together for a collective jam. Bushy again moves into the forefront at the 13-minute mark. An overall drum performance that was quite impressive for the late 1960s. And, is still today.
5. "Soul Sacrifice," Santana (Michael Shrieve)
The most widely recognized version of this stellar Santana jam came at Woodstock in 1969. Not only did music lovers get to visually see Carlos Santana's legendary ability on the guitar on the track, but also the underrated talent of the then-20-year-old Shrieve on drums. This performance tends to be a defining moment in Shrieve's career, thanks to a splendidly raucous solo at about the halfway mark of the song.
4. "Bugle Call Rag," Buddy Rich
We've kept this list pretty much to rock and pop drummers. Yet, a list of drumming greats of any kind can't be without the great Buddy Rich. His focus was jazz, and there are plenty of great musical Rich moments to choose from over time. However, one can't go wrong with this rendition of "Bugle Call Rag." This version is a little more than three minutes long, but it could be 30 minutes and we wouldn't stop listening and marveling at the legendary talent.
3. "Toad," Cream (Ginger Baker)
Widely considered Baker's masterpiece with Cream, and perhaps the defining moment to his legacy as one of the great drummers of all time.. Baker, who passed away in 2019 at age 80, wrote the piece that spans five-plus minutes and put him squarely in the forefront whether on vinyl or during live performances. It's a remarkable offering that should be forever celebrated by all generations of music fans.
2. "Wipe Out," The Surfaris (Ron Wilson)
Wilson made a living out of what's perhaps the most recognizable drum performance in music history. From 1963, this drum-heavy, surf-vibe instrumental was the gold standard for budding drummers just starting out. To the casual music fan, however, most likely don't know much about the man behind the song's drum work. Sadly, Wilson passed away in 1989 at age 44 from a brain aneurysm.
1. "Moby Dıck," Led Zeppelin (John Bonham)
Reportedly born out of a Bonham studio jam, "Moby Dıck" is without a doubt the highlight of Bonzo's legacy with the classic rockers. This nearly 4 1/2-minute romp from Led Zeppelin's stellar second album is considered Bonham's masterpiece. In live settings, Bonham's performance of the song would do even longer, and into an even more impressive realm of musical improvisation.
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