21 Famous Drummers That Died and Are No Longer With Us

Drum Helper ^ | 2/4/25 | Gideion Waxman

[DallasBiff]

One of the greatest things about music is that it can be recorded and enjoyed at any time. This allows us to enjoy music made by people who are sadly no longer with us.

There have been countless outstanding drummers since the beginning of popular music history, many of whom have passed away. Their legacy lives on through their songs, albums, live performances, and of course, the stories about them.

[higgmeister]

I wear headphones that have about 27.08 dB attenuation so her music and shows don't disturb me and what I hear, she doesn't hear.

After fifty years we get along fine but the key is compromising.

[FamiliarFace]

I guess we’re lucky. Most of the time we like the same things. When he wants to watch a show I’m not that in to, he watches, and I FReep. If I find something he doesn’t want to watch, he’ll watch on his iPad. Those occurrences are few and far between. We are about 10 years behind you in marriage.

I will say, empty nesting has been wonderful for our relationship. In a few years, he’ll retire, and I think we’ll do even more fun stuff. God willing.

[MomwithHope]

Yes she is good.

[MomwithHope]

I still have all my Beatles albums plus some others.

[Shoefus]

“Chester is still with us.”

And has a new recording out with unknown (/s) guitar legend Phil Keagy!

[sushiman]

I remember him , also Ndugu Chancler , Chester Thompson and Peter Erskine . Yes , I am a drummer . ; )

[dfwgator]

If you haven’t watched this yet, it’s a must...

Phil Collins: Drummer First
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdGmydR715Q

[MomwithHope]

Awesome, I am impressed.

[sushiman]

Charlie was perfect for the Stones .

[wardaddy]

Some greats

Peart

Bonham

Moon

Helm

I love my drummers

An innate skill hard to learn just for shits and giggles

[wardaddy]

Charlie and Ginger

Shame on me leaving them out

[dfwgator]

Just as Keith Moon was perfect for The Who, and Ringo was perfect for The Beatles.

[sushiman]

The list of great jazz drummers from the “ golden age “ of jazz which I consider to be late 40’s through early 60’s would be quite extensive . Amongst my faves are Art Blakey , Philly Joe Jones , Shelly Manne , Tony Williams , Jimmy Cobb , and Billy Higgins .

[Political Junkie Too]

As opposed to the drummers who are alive and no longer with us?

-PJ

[dfwgator]

What about Terry Bozzio?

[Mariner]

“What about Terry Bozzio?”

A great drummer that never worked with great song writers to bring their music to life.

[PerConPat]

I watched and heard Max Roach perform, up close, in a Seattle jazz club...Phenomenal...

[dfwgator]

My favorite Max Roach story is when he punched Ornette Coleman in the mouth after hearing one of his concerts.

[ladyjane]

I don’t know a lot about drumming but I once went to a concert that I thought was going to be classical music. It turned out to be very different and I had the opportunity to see/hear/feel a dueling drum performance of Buddy Rich and Louis Belson. The concert was at the Berklee School of Music and many students were there. I have to say it was an amazing experience.

[dfwgator]

Dannie Richmond (Charles Mingus)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqU3tsZ-Grk