In the 1960s and 1970s, it was an integral part of any major rock concert and often elicited controversial reactions from the audience: the drum solo. Let’s explore the greatest drum solos of all time. Have fun!
Such a solo could be as long as 20 minutes and caused some to shake their manes enthusiastically, while others took the opportunity to treat themselves to a beer in the foyer. The stylistic and dynamic range of the classic drum solos was just as varied as their length: Some were technical displays at the very highest level that made amateur drummers want to quit playing drums immediately, others were inspiring, soulful solos in which the drums were played like a melody instrument.
Power & Dramaturgy
John Bonham: Moby Dick
The song “Moby Dick” was released in 1969 on the album “Led Zeppelin II”. After a one-minute intro, Bonham begins his solo, which lasts a good three minutes on the album, but was often much longer on stage. The version on the 1973 live album “The Song Remains The Same”, for example, is around ten minutes long. Bonham creates a great dramaturgy here and also incorporates his two kettledrums into the solo. An earlier version of the solo can be heard in this video:
Neil Peart: YYZ live
This legendary rock drum solo by Neil Peart, which appears on the live album “Exit… Stage Left” by the Canadian trio Rush, has influenced generations of drummers to this day, thanks to its varied structure and the combination of flawless technique, musicality, and inventiveness. Embedded in the song “YYZ”, the three-minute solo is characterized by Neil’s tasteful and dynamic tom fills, in which he uses the entire range from the small 6-inch concert tom to the mighty 22-inch gong tom. He also makes effective use of his cowbells.
Coordination & Groove
Terry Bozzio: Slow Latin / Klangfarben Melodie
Former Frank Zappa drummer Terry Bozzio takes a radical approach to his drum solos. Using a kit made up of countless toms and effect cymbals, he plays melodies and chords in the same way that pianists or guitarists do, even tuning his drums to specific pitches for this purpose. He typically underlays the melodies with a constant foot ostinato, which requires an extremely high degree of coordination between the various limbs.
Steve Gadd: Drum Solo 1989
In contrast to many well-known drummers, studio legend Steve Gadd usually takes a minimalist approach to his solos. They’re often based on a continuous groove that begins quietly and sparsely and is gradually embellished with often very surprising and technically highly demanding fills. Steve gained extensive experience in marching bands at the beginning of his drumming career and perfected his technique during this time. You can definitely hear this in his solos, where feeling, groove, and, above all, dynamics always take center stage.
Technique & Dynamics
Thomas Lang: 30 Minute Drum Solo
Austrian drummer Thomas Lang has been known for his extraordinary technical skills for decades, incorporating breathtaking grooves and fills in his often very long solos. His drum set may not be anywhere near the size of Terry Bozzio’s kit, but what he does with it is likely to make some people gasp. Thomas Lang is also the author of various drum instruction books and has published numerous DVDs. He also teaches drum workshops around the world.
Buddy Rich: Drum Solo 1974
Many consider Buddy Rich to be one of the greatest jazz drummers, if not the greatest ever. A true natural, he claimed that he never had a single drum lesson in his entire life. The solos he played in concerts with his big band were bursting with brilliant technique, tempo, and dynamics, and always offered great entertainment value thanks to various show interludes. Just as well as for his drumming, he was known for his discipline, which he also expected from his band members. Anyone who didn’t keep up or made mistakes was mercilessly kicked out.
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A Zildjian Studio Pack
Musicality & Minimalism
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Max Roach was undoubtedly one of the giants among jazz drummers. Like Steve Gadd, he also utilized the entire dynamic range, especially towards the bottom. His drum composition “The Drum Also Waltzes” from 1966 is considered a classic and, as the title suggests, shows that waltzes and drumming can be an exciting combination. The minimalist piece follows a compositional pattern in which the waltz rhythm between the bass drum and hi-hat forms the recurring theme, while Roach improvises licks and patterns over it with his hands.
Zildjian
K Series Paper Thin Crash Set
“Papa” Jo Jones: Caravan live
Having honed his skills in Count Basie’s orchestra, “Papa” Jo Jones is regarded as a key founder of modern jazz drumming. For example, he was one of the first drummers to use jazz brushes. He wasn’t really a fan of extensive drum solos, but when he did play one, it was hard to resist the magic he created with sparing means. Like Max Roach, he was also a master of quiet tones. His solos were peppered with finesse, moments of surprise, and plenty of humour. One highlight was the solo he played in the jazz classic “Caravan”, heard here in a version from 1964 with the Coleman Hawkins Quintet.
The Greatest Drum Solos of All Time!
These drum solos shaped generations of musicians – but the debate never ends. What’s your pick for the greatest drum solo ever?
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