Best Rock Drummers of the 2000s
The best rock drummers of the 2000s helped craft the sound and style of rock and metal at the turn of the century. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Clay Patrick McBride
Rock drummers are a special breed of musicians. They have totally different duties than any other member of the band, in more ways than just one. Of course, drummers play percussion, unlike the guitarists or bassists who are rocking stringed instruments. But, aside from the obvious, drummers are often in the background of a band, literally, positioned at the back of the stage and behind a huge drumkit, serving as an important, yet unassuming, member of the band.
While the classic rock of the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, as well as the grunge of the 1990s, brought some fantastic drummers, the 2000s also introduced a collection of influential drummers to the rock community. To pay tribute to the incredible drummers that have been rocking hard since the turn of the century, Audio Ink Radio presents its tally of the best rock drummers of the 2000s.
The 2000s’ Best Rock Drummers
Brann Dailor, Mastodon
Mastodon released their debut studio album, “Remission,” in 2002, and from there, they went on to champion the space of heavy metal in the 2000s. The band started out as an instrumental band, which made every band member’s instrumental role even more crucial, but evolved into having vocals. Drummer Brann Dailor is not only an unrivaled drummer on the band’s studio albums, but he is also a thrill to watch live.
Danny Carey, Tool
Tool broke out in the 1990s, but they really ruled the 2000s with their special brand of eerie progressive metal. Frontman Maynard James Keenan was a huge part of Tool getting a cult following, but Tool is the type of band where every single band member matters. Danny Carey is widely called one of the best drummers of his generation, and that’s not an overstatement. They continue to awe audiences.
Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters and Nirvana
Don’t hate on this pick, just because Grohl broke out on drums in the 1990s. Sure, technically, Grohl is one of the best drummers of the 1990s, but his career extended into the 2000s in a big way. Grohl became famous as the drummer for pioneering grunge rock band Nirvana, but after Kurt Cobain passed away in 1994, he launched Foo Fighters. While that band’s debut album came out in the 1990s, Foo Fighters really became one of the biggest rock bands of the 2000s. That makes Grohl one of the best in the 2000s.
Josh Freese, Multiple Bands
When it comes to the most in-demand session drummers of the 2000s, Josh Freese rules the space. Even though he has played in bands, including Devo and Foo Fighters, Freese is really known for his session work, because he is such an accurate and precise player.
Mike Portnoy, Multiple Bands
Mike Portnoy’s drumming spans the generations, but he’s been so active since 2000 that we had to include him on this tally. Portnoy is really one of the most technical and well-versed drummers of his time, mainly in the progressive rock area. It wouldn’t be hyperbole to call him one of the most influential drummers in progressive rock.
Travis Barker, Blink-182
Sure, Travis Barker is almost more known for his personality than his drumming, plus being married to Kourtney Kardashian, but don’t let all the hoopla fool you. Barker is really a crazy-good drummer. With Blink-182, he created some of the best punk beats of the 1990s and 2000s. He also rose up to become a high-profile player in the electronic music world.
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