Famous British Drummers

Phil Collins is best known for his work with the popular rock band Genesis. Having sold more than 150 million copies worldwide, he is one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Phil is one of three recording artists who have sold more than 100 million records both as principal members of a band and as solo artists.

English musician, singer, and songwriter, Ringo Starr, gained international fame as the drummer for the rock band, the Beatles. Raised by a single mother, he had a difficult childhood. He sought solace in music and it became his vocation. After finding success with the Beatles, he embarked on a solo career as well.

John Bonham was an English drummer and songwriter. Considered one of the most influential and greatest rock drummers in history, Bonham was part of the world-renowned rock band Led Zeppelin. He influenced several drummers like Joey Kramer, Dave Grohl, Ian Mosley, Neil Peart, and Tommy Lee among other famous drummers. Bonham is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.

Keith Moon was an English drummer whose drug addiction and self-destructive behavior overshadowed his contribution to the rock band The Who. His drumming continues to attract appreciation from critics. Several other drummers like Dave Grohl and Neil Peart have cited Moon's drumming style as an influence. In 1982, he was inducted posthumously into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

English drummer, Charlie Watts, was best known as a member of the band Rolling Stones. He was associated with the group for almost 60 years. He began his career as a graphic designer for an advertising company and played with bands in his leisure time. He eventually started drumming full time with Rolling Stones.

Born to a documentary film maker, drummer Nick Mason was no stranger to art and entertainment as a child. He formed his first band while studying architecture. He was the only original member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd member to have been part of the band since its inception.

The son of legendary English drummer and singer Phil Collins, Simon Collins is now an established drummer and singer and has also been the lead vocalist of the British progressive rock band Sound of Contact. He is known for his albums such as U-Catastrophe and Time for Truth.

Topper Headon is an English drummer renowned for his association with the popular punk rock band The Clash. Also known for his immense contribution to the drumming world, Topper Headon was made an inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003.

Considered the Father of Rock and Roll Percussion, Grammy-winning English percussionist Ray Cooper worked with the who’s who of the music industry, such as Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, and The Rolling Stones. His most long-running partnership, however, was with Elton John, and he also performed for John’s AIDS foundation.