NationStates Jolt Archive

On Friday night, my boyfriend and I went to see a Kiss tribute band (seriously, don't ask). After the concert, and very deep into the cup, we started a...well, we'll say "lively" discussion on which drummer was better; John Bonham or Neil Peart. Now, I'm a Zeppelin fan, but an even bigger Rush fan, so my views might have been a bit biased. That and I was working on my fourth whiskey sour.

It basically ended with me pulling out all my Rush albums, tying him down, and forcing him to listen to drum solos, intros, etc. In the end he agreed with me, but only so I would untie him.

Now that I'm sober, I'm starting to wonder. Is Neil Peart better than John Bonham? I say yes, but I'm open to arguments. Also, who is the greatest rock drummer of all? Hmm.

I hear Tomas Haake is pretty good.

Great drummers:
Bonham
Keith Moon
Charlie Watts (trained as a jazz drummer! Listen close next time you hear the Stones)
Best drummer? The Beatles original one ;)

Great drummers:

Best drummer? The Beatles original one ;)

That would be Pete Whatsisname? Which songs did he do?

That would be Pete Whatsisname? Which songs did he do?

In Soviet Russia, joke tells you!

This reminds me of the episode of "Freaks & Geeks" when Mr. Weir hears Nick listening to Rush & they start talking about Nick's dreams to be a drummer...& at the end Mr. Weir says, "By the way, that drummer you're listening to..."
"Yeah?"
"He's terrible!"
Nick is of course aghast: "What? That's Neil PEART, he's the greatest drummer alive!"
"Neil Peart couldn't drum his way out of a paper bag!"

And then he has Nick listen to Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich. WIN.

Much as I hate to admit it, yes.

I'd have to go with Neil Peart...

Even though neither really qualify as 'rock' drummers; Carter Beauford, Buddy Rich, Future man (just because of the innovation) anyone?

Generally I don't give 'band' drummers a lot of credit. Playing a radass solo in a song is WAY different than being able to carry a melodic 'tune' and using your accessories tastefully and not just to make loud noises. In a rock band type setting, you can play the badiest of assiest solos and not really display any amazing talent. Not to say that i'm knocking ALL 'band drummers'. I'm just saying that a show of true talent is a solo drummer who is versatile and musical. AMIRITE?

Well, my boyfriend read this thread and we agreed that if Neil Peart is ahead in the poll by six tonight, boyfriend buys the pizza and beer. If Bonham wins, pizza and beer is on me. So come on, vote for Peart! It's personal now.

It's really hard to compare them; their styles are so different. Peart is a very precise and detailed drummer, while Bonham's drums had so much feeling in them.

I love Rush, and I'm really impressed by Peart, but I think I have to go with Bonham on this one. Bonham's heavy bluesiness wins the day.

Though, it's been raining for days, and that could be why I prefer Bonham right now.

It's really hard to compare them; their styles are so different. Peart is a very precise and detailed drummer, while Bonham's drums had so much feeling in them.

I love Rush, and I'm really impressed by Peart, but I think I have to go with Bonham on this one. Bonham's heavy bluesiness wins the day.

Though, it's been raining for days, and that could be why I prefer Bonham right now.

I know what you mean by Bonham's drumming having feeling, but you've probably not seen live footage of Peart. He waxes pretty much anybody in the feeling category. O Batterista or Der Trommler, anyone? Perhaps the R30 versions of Red Barchetta?

I love Led Zeppelin, but as far as musicianship goes, Rush is the superior band. Geddy Lee and Neil Peart are virtually without peer, and Alex Lifeson is truly outstanding with his own unique style.

And, if you want to bring lyrics into the debate, Led Zeppelin totally falls flat by comparison. Sorry, but they had nothing on Neil's literary masterpieces.

As for Buddy Rich... See Neil's "Burning for Buddy" tribute show. Peart played just like him, which really says a lot about his skill as a percussionist.

Why The Drummer Boy is the best drummer!

Nicko McBrain

This reminds me of the episode of "Freaks & Geeks" when Mr. Weir hears Nick listening to Rush & they start talking about Nick's dreams to be a drummer...& at the end Mr. Weir says, "By the way, that drummer you're listening to..."
"Yeah?"
"He's terrible!"
Nick is of course aghast: "What? That's Neil PEART, he's the greatest drummer alive!"
"Neil Peart couldn't drum his way out of a paper bag!"

And then he has Nick listen to Gene Krupa & Buddy Rich. WIN.
I loved that show, i'd say it was cut way too early.

I'd agree that Peart is better than Bonham. Not going to get into any arguments about the best drummer of all time, but I will say this:

Doktor Avalanche > all other drummers.

Thank you all for your input. I'm pleased to announce that I will not be financially responsible for the pizza and beer tonight. Huzzah! :D

Potarius has no doubt created multiple puppets to vote for Peart.

Potarius has no doubt created multiple puppets to vote for Peart.

Eh?