Our previous article celebrating seven of the greatest drummers to come out of the 70s, including the likes of legendary Led Zeppelin skin whacker John Bonham and Rush mastermind Neil Peart, inspired a healthy debate amongst music fans about their favourite stickmen of that decade. But it wasn’t just the 70s where drummers excelled, with the 80s bringing with it a whole new generation of heavy hitters who helped shape much of the music of that time. In honour of these mesmerising percussionists, here are eight of the best from the decade of decadence.
Phil Collins (Genesis/solo)
Arguably the greatest drummer turned frontman in music history, Phil Collins has done it all. Starting life as the man behind the kit of Genesis, Collins took over as lead vocalist when Peter Gabriel left in 1975. Responsible for many of Genesis’ biggest hits, Collins went from stand-in to megastar when launching his solo career in the early 80s. Releasing four chart-topping albums where he not only sings but plays all the drum parts, Collins dominated the charts with hits such as “In The Air Tonight,” “You Can’t Hurry Love,” “Sussudio” and “Another Day In Paradise.”
Stewart Copeland (The Police)
Stewart Copeland is somewhat of a contradiction when it comes to stickmen. One of the few drummers to use traditional grip, he’s also left-handed but plays a right-handed kit. Incorporating the urgency of punk rock with funk and reggae grooves, Copeland conjures colourful fills and delicious drum rolls on tracks like “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” and “Synchronicity 1.” He’s that good Peter Gabriel hired him to play only the high-hat on his solo track, “Red Rain.”
Jeff Porcaro (Toto)
“Rosanna,” “Hold The Line” and “Africa.” These three songs alone are worthy of Jeff Porcaro being considered one of the great 80s stickmen. A successful session drummer who worked on close to 700 albums during his lengthy career, Porcaro really came into his own behind the sticks for Toto. The American had a knack for simple yet crafty backbeats and could alter his playing to suit any style or genre of music. Like many great drummers, Porcaro died young at the age of 38 but left behind a musical legacy unlike many others.
Tommy Lee (Motley Crue)
Often overshadowed by his chaotic personal life and drummer gimmicks (the overhead spinning drum kit anyone?), Tommy Lee is much more than just a beat keeper. The Motley Cre lothario is a key component to the band’s hedonistic hair-metal sound, displaying his power and skill on hits such as “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart” and classic “Girls, Girls, Girls.”
Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
One of the pioneers of the thrash metal genre, Slayer has an instantly recognisable sound characterised by the thumping drumming of Dave Lombardo. Best described as hard, fast and super aggressive, Lombardo’s pummelling drumming hits you like a freight train and leaves you dazed. Naturally talented and well respected, his use of the double bass technique earned him the moniker, “The Godfather of Double Bass,” positioning him as one of heavy metals premier drummers.
Nicko McBain (Iron Maiden)
When Clive Burr got his marching orders, many in the rock world wondered if Iron Maiden could find a suitable replacement. Enter Nicko McBain. After spending several years playing with a slew of lesser-known bands around the UK, he made an immediate impact when he joined Maiden for the recording of Piece Of Mind. Technically gifted with the ability to play fast or slow, McBain helped shape Maiden’s sound going forward and is regarded as one of the best heavy metal drummers by many in the rock fraternity.
Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
This one is slightly controversial. Chad Smith only joined Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988, but his impact on the rising Californian band was enough to sneak him onto this list. Paired with John Frusciante’s experimental riffs and Flea’s smooth baselines, Smith’s fast and loud playing style complimented his bandmates and helped the Chili’s breakthrough with Mother’s Milk. He’s since gone on to have a tremendous career with the Chili’s as well as record songs with everyone from Lana Del Rey and Halsey to Joe Satriani and Glenn Hughes.
Stephen Morris (Joy Division/New Order)
While producer Martin Hannett is often cited as a major reason for Joy Division’s unique sound, without Stephen Morris’ machine-like drumming the band’s enduring legacy would never have happened. While his technique is not overly complex, Morris’ snare heavy playing on “Isolation” and brooding work on “Twenty Four Hours” is truly breathtaking. Then there’s New Order, where he honed his robotic drumming into dance-ready anthems on the likes of “Age Of Consent,” “Bizarre Love Triangle” and “Ceremony.”
Listen to more of your favourite tunes from the decade with our Hits of the 80s playlist on Spotify:
Listen to Hits of the 80s on Apple Music:
