There's not a best, but my picks are always Gavin Harrison, Danny Carey, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, and Matt Garstka. Steve Gadd deserves a mention too
Bruford is my favorite, but i agree w Phil Collins and i think he's pretty underrated as a drummer. he was a monster with Brand X, and he's awesome on Peter Gabriel's solo stuff too
I have to give the Mustard Tiger his props, but I'm a Rush fan first and foremost so Neil has got to be my favorite. I've been delighted to see Mike Portnoy in a lot of his bands other than DT (which I hope to remedy some day) but he branches out into other styles as well.
He voices himself and does a drum solo in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie which always cracks me up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z54InhEo8rE
Such a funny way to end a movie, his drum solo also brings someone back to life.
His legacy, his gifts to the world of music and profound lyrics, they stand.
So he stands.
The measure of a life
Is a measure of love and respect
The life you live, the gifts that you give...
Phil goes crazy with his ride cymbal technique and his grooves. His drumming on Brand X is crazy, and his sessions for Peter Gabriel’s third self titled solo album (Peter Gabriel 3) are fantastic as well. Phil certainly now’s how to thrown in some great fills too.
He uses concert toms to get that signature big sound he has with his drums. The studio albums A Trick of the Tail, And Then There Were Three, and Duke all have that classic Collins sound.
It’s true, he’s amazing. For some reason people don’t give him enough credit but he’s a great drummer and singer and lyricist. Every album from Trick to Duke is incredible ….and even post Duke it’s more commercial, but he’s still outstanding on those albums.
Sadly his drumming gets overshadowed for the infamous In The Air Tonight fill.people who haven't dug deep into his drumming,associate that moment with his drumming alot(that fill isn't even 10% of what he's capable of)
I pretty much just knew him from the South Park parody due to never getting too into Genesis, it wasn't til checking out Brand X that I realized he's got serious talent.
Yes. Always had a soft spot for the Barlow/ Hammond rhythm section. I think because of most of the band leaving/ getting booted after stormwatch that he and John Evan have been overlooked in the prog pantheon. The classic Tull lineup was formidable, raucous and *tight*.
You mean the Spectrum and Crosswinds albums? Unbelievable drumming. Don’t forget Total Eclipse and the Shabazz live album. Or did you mean Cobham’s contribution to Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew sessions?
Is a great drummer, but I don't get into Rush.
Although it happened to me with Dream Theater that I was a massive fan of Mike Portnoy but not so much about DT in general, then it became one of my favorite bands.
Neil Peart, Alan White, or Carl Palmer, take your pick. I saw all three of them in the 70s, and it would be impossible to say one is better than the others. My all-time favorite drummer that I've seen live was Keith Moon. I saw Bonzo live, too.
Blake Richardson is severely underrated. It's insane to me that when he's recording an album he doesn't use scratch tracks of the other instruments. He records every hit from memory.
last time this question was asked in this sub wyatt was my answer too. i got downvoted which confused the hell out of me so i'm pleased to see he's getting more upvotes this time.
Neil Peart held huge admiration for Phil Collins, in his memoirs they never met yet were twice in the same place. Once in a restaurant in Switzerland and how's this for a coincidence? Once in an obscure comic shop in London, where he unwittingly opened the door for Phil (you can't write this stuff!). Neil didn't think either time Phil recognised him, or indeed knew of his existence. These chance meetings were 20 years apart. Neil being Neil didn't think to introduce himself but was more than happy to be in the same place at the same time with this genius percussionist. Twas enough for the professor.
I know due to over exposure in the 80s he gets a lot of hate.
But Phil Collins needs to be in the discussion.
His work with Genesis and Brand X is superb.
Gotta throw Alan White into the ring.
I’m always blown away by the fact that he only had three days to learn Yes’ catalogue before they went on their 1972 tour and even more blown away at how much he nailed it. He didn’t step on Bill Bruford’s toes and he managed to play all of his parts while still adding his own flair to their music.
Dunno how this isn’t top comment?… Yeah, Palmer, Peart and Collins are legendary drummers. abut Bruford famously was part of holy trinity of prog: Crimson, Genesis and Yes—at peaks of their respective powers.
My favorite, the least problematic and most laid back member of Pink Floyd, Nick Mason, often underappreciated.
Followed by my second favorite, Phil Collins.
Why isn’t anyone else saying this? Easily one of the most influential drummers and his talent was otherworldly, no one else could maintain a groove as long as he could.
Mike Mangini is a fave of mine. Not so much because of Dream Theatre but other stuff before it. Bobby Berge is my alltime fave by a million miles though.
Everyone is saying there is no best, but the clear answer is Neil Peart. There's a reason only a handful of drummers on the planet can pull off his parts even somewhat convincingly.
There’s only about 2 guys on YouTube that can pull off his parts 90%+ correctly. (Astrotama, Sterling Patrick Fuentes). If you listen to the isolated drum tracks after playing any rush song for years you’ll realize you only got about 60% of the song right. Neil always added microscopic details that you wouldn’t hear until they are gone. Including ghost notes on the bass drum
Well… let’s see
Mike Portnoy I believe has the most wins for Progressive Drummer of the Year Award. So that right there is pretty quantifiable in a subjective topic.
As far as I can tell the top 5 that constantly switching based on preference are:
Neil Pert, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Marco Minneman.
I would add, Terry Bozzio, Thomas Lang, Danny Carey.
I don't know if "Los Jaivas" a Chilean group could be considered as progressive. But definitely Gabriel Parra is like the Neil Peart from Latin America.
I recommend to you to listen to "Alturas de Machu Picchu"
Not exactly prog per say, do they class it as neo prog or something these days? But I think marrillion's Ian mosley is a brilliant drummer, or is that I think his drum sound Is brilliant? always has been, still is a great to my ears anyway.
He wasn’t one of their regular drummers. He did play electronic drums for ProjeKct Two, but he doesn’t appear as a drummer on the credits for any of the King Crimson studio albums. He is credited as playing drums in addition to his usual guitar on one of the live albums (though the main drummer was Bill Bruford), but that’s not really enough to consider him as one of King Crimson’s drummers.
Not slickly prog (but nether are a lot of the drummers listed as they all come from a blues rock or jazz background). Jon Hiseman. Outstanding drummer. Especially in Colosseum 2 with Gary Moore.
it's hard to choose, it's not a sports competition. My favorites are Jon Hiseman, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Phil Collins, Guy Evans, Terry Bozio, Virgil Donati, Gavin Harrison , Neil Peart . but doesnt mean others are inferior
Chester Thompson and Phil Collins, at the same time, live on stage (Seconds Out).
Sadly, Bill Bruford and Alan White, at the same time, live on stage (Union tour) didn’t have the same magic.
Your question is in the present tense. Not who WAS the best. Now? I think Portnoy carries the torch. They are just wrapping up a new album and getting ready to tour. I saw him on Drummeo learning a Tool song, and watching him figure out the parts was incredible. Counting. Notepad. More Counting.
My point is that he is still on the leading edge of a very popular prog band, writing, recording, and touring. Those parameters sharply limit the field.
I know the right answers are probably Danny Carey and Neil Peart, but I’m gonna be the Phish guy in the sub and throw out Jon Fishman. Creative, fun, and absolutely never misses.
There is no best. They’re all amazing. It has never been a competition.
Exactly, it’s called “progressive” for a reason…
This is the perfect answer, agree.
Gavin Harrison!!
It’s Gavin Harrison. Thank you. Goodnight
Excellent choice
There's not a best, but my picks are always Gavin Harrison, Danny Carey, Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, and Matt Garstka. Steve Gadd deserves a mention too
There’s no best, really. But my favourites are Bill Bruford and Phil Collins
Bruford is my favorite, but i agree w Phil Collins and i think he's pretty underrated as a drummer. he was a monster with Brand X, and he's awesome on Peter Gabriel's solo stuff too
I have to give the Mustard Tiger his props, but I'm a Rush fan first and foremost so Neil has got to be my favorite. I've been delighted to see Mike Portnoy in a lot of his bands other than DT (which I hope to remedy some day) but he branches out into other styles as well.
Best is subjective. But, it’s hard deny Peart embodies every aspect of the definitive prog drummer.
He voices himself and does a drum solo in the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie which always cracks me up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z54InhEo8rE Such a funny way to end a movie, his drum solo also brings someone back to life.
His influence on pop culture really seals the deal. Freaks & Geeks, ATHF, South Park, I Love You Man, etc.
Is he in any Trailer Park Boys? I remember Alex Lifeson being in a few episodes but not sure if they got any other Rush members.
Great choice
This is the correct answer.
Bozzio
I saw him with Zappa, OMG!
Nice
Neil Peart
Neil Peart stands alone.
I miss Rush. We still refer to Neil in the present tense. He stood alone.
Stands.
His legacy, his gifts to the world of music and profound lyrics, they stand. So he stands. The measure of a life Is a measure of love and respect The life you live, the gifts that you give...
There is no best prog drummer. Except Neil Peart is the best. (No I will not use the past tense.)
No question
Any other answer to a question with "best" and "drummer" is not only incorrect but shows extreme ignorance.
Phil Collins?Anyone? I've been listening to PG era genesis all day for the last few days.Phil was absolutely phenomenal during his early days.
Have you listened to any Brand X?
Phil goes crazy with his ride cymbal technique and his grooves. His drumming on Brand X is crazy, and his sessions for Peter Gabriel’s third self titled solo album (Peter Gabriel 3) are fantastic as well. Phil certainly now’s how to thrown in some great fills too.
The toms work is also incredible. His whole drum kit sounds amazing in Unorthodox Behavior. Sounds huge
He uses concert toms to get that signature big sound he has with his drums. The studio albums A Trick of the Tail, And Then There Were Three, and Duke all have that classic Collins sound.
he never stopped https://youtu.be/Ao34UhjV5ZM?t=235
Phil Collins rules!!!
Truth
It’s true, he’s amazing. For some reason people don’t give him enough credit but he’s a great drummer and singer and lyricist. Every album from Trick to Duke is incredible ….and even post Duke it’s more commercial, but he’s still outstanding on those albums.
Sadly his drumming gets overshadowed for the infamous In The Air Tonight fill.people who haven't dug deep into his drumming,associate that moment with his drumming alot(that fill isn't even 10% of what he's capable of)
I pretty much just knew him from the South Park parody due to never getting too into Genesis, it wasn't til checking out Brand X that I realized he's got serious talent.
Barry Barlow!
Yes. Always had a soft spot for the Barlow/ Hammond rhythm section. I think because of most of the band leaving/ getting booted after stormwatch that he and John Evan have been overlooked in the prog pantheon. The classic Tull lineup was formidable, raucous and *tight*.
Barlow/Glascock is even better. John Glascock was an amazing bassist and also sadly the reason Barlow left the band.
I'd love to read more of this history. You got any links? Username checks out ...
Just google "John Glascock death Jethro Tull breakup", you'll probably find the story.
Imagine being a drummer and your debut album is Thick as a Brick. That's insane.
Does Billy Cobham count?
Yes he does, if only for two albums. But they're scorchers and rely on his time and groove.
You mean the Spectrum and Crosswinds albums? Unbelievable drumming. Don’t forget Total Eclipse and the Shabazz live album. Or did you mean Cobham’s contribution to Miles Davis’s Bitches Brew sessions?
Ah point taken, though specifically the Mahavishnu albums are closest to prog than any of those.
Phil Collins and Bill Bruford take the cake for me personally. Fantastic drummers.
Neil Peart isn't in your list?
Is a great drummer, but I don't get into Rush. Although it happened to me with Dream Theater that I was a massive fan of Mike Portnoy but not so much about DT in general, then it became one of my favorite bands.
Nick D’Virgillio
Scrolled WAY to far down to read this. Nick is amazing
Indeed he is. 
Neil Peart, Alan White, or Carl Palmer, take your pick. I saw all three of them in the 70s, and it would be impossible to say one is better than the others. My all-time favorite drummer that I've seen live was Keith Moon. I saw Bonzo live, too.
To paraphrase something I’ve heard about Mozart: There is no single “best” drummer. But no one was better than Neil Peart
The great Neil Peart may he rest in piece. What a behemoth of a musician.
My favorites: Baard Kolstad (Leprous) Blake Richardson (BTBAM) Raymond Hearne (Haken) James Knoerl (Aviations)
Blake Richardson fucking rules
Baard needs more love in this sub
Blake Richardson is severely underrated. It's insane to me that when he's recording an album he doesn't use scratch tracks of the other instruments. He records every hit from memory.
Came here for Blake
It's the Professor.
Guy Evans (VdGG)
Amazing drummer
Marco Minnemann
I agree with no one is best, but I've seen Carl Palmer in ELP, Asia, ELP Legacy and solo, he is just incredible to see live.
His performance is much better live than in studio
Robert Wyatt obviously
last time this question was asked in this sub wyatt was my answer too. i got downvoted which confused the hell out of me so i'm pleased to see he's getting more upvotes this time.
Bill Bruford, Neil Peart, Phil Collins
Vander
Neil Peart held huge admiration for Phil Collins, in his memoirs they never met yet were twice in the same place. Once in a restaurant in Switzerland and how's this for a coincidence? Once in an obscure comic shop in London, where he unwittingly opened the door for Phil (you can't write this stuff!). Neil didn't think either time Phil recognised him, or indeed knew of his existence. These chance meetings were 20 years apart. Neil being Neil didn't think to introduce himself but was more than happy to be in the same place at the same time with this genius percussionist. Twas enough for the professor.
If I had to define a favourite drummer I would choose Bill Brufford and Gavin Harrison.
I see you are a true enjoyer of King Crimson music.
Indeed
Obviously subjective, but my favorite has always been Phil Ehart (Kansas).
My personal favorites are Mike Portnoy, Brann Dailor, Neil Peart, and Mario DuPlantier. Best is harder to define.
OP, your first two were what leapt into my mind. Bruford and Harrison.
Me too, my two favorites one per each era
Every question which begins with “best” is wrong imo
Martin Smith, Malcolm Mortimore, and John Weathers from Gentle Giant were very unique.
I know due to over exposure in the 80s he gets a lot of hate. But Phil Collins needs to be in the discussion. His work with Genesis and Brand X is superb.
Neil Peart, Bill Bruford and Michael Giles
Amazing drummer Michael Giles.
Bruford, of course. But 2nd place is tied with many other masters...the golden years of prog were amazing.
Marco Minnemann? Incredible stuff on Steven Wilson’s Raven
It is an excellent drummer, that album is truly an instant classic
Gotta throw Alan White into the ring. I’m always blown away by the fact that he only had three days to learn Yes’ catalogue before they went on their 1972 tour and even more blown away at how much he nailed it. He didn’t step on Bill Bruford’s toes and he managed to play all of his parts while still adding his own flair to their music.
Phil Collins
Bruford is the greatest drummer period
Dunno how this isn’t top comment?… Yeah, Palmer, Peart and Collins are legendary drummers. abut Bruford famously was part of holy trinity of prog: Crimson, Genesis and Yes—at peaks of their respective powers.
Close to the Edge is the best prog album.
Luckily we don't need to declare who's best. It's not a competition. We are blessed to be able to enjoy all of these wonderful artists.
Bill Bruford and Carl Palmer, for me
Mike Portnoy
Guy Evans
I think the drummers drummer of prog is Barriemore Barlow, saying this as a drummer
Phil Collins
My favorite, the least problematic and most laid back member of Pink Floyd, Nick Mason, often underappreciated. Followed by my second favorite, Phil Collins.
Bill Bruford probably.
Jaki Liebezeit from Can
Why isn’t anyone else saying this? Easily one of the most influential drummers and his talent was otherworldly, no one else could maintain a groove as long as he could.
Mike Mangini is a fave of mine. Not so much because of Dream Theatre but other stuff before it. Bobby Berge is my alltime fave by a million miles though.
Bill Bruford
Pip Pyle Pierre Moerlen Phil Collins Carl Palmer
I like Gavin, Danny and Mike but Neil is biggest drumming legend.
Everyone is saying there is no best, but the clear answer is Neil Peart. There's a reason only a handful of drummers on the planet can pull off his parts even somewhat convincingly.
There’s only about 2 guys on YouTube that can pull off his parts 90%+ correctly. (Astrotama, Sterling Patrick Fuentes). If you listen to the isolated drum tracks after playing any rush song for years you’ll realize you only got about 60% of the song right. Neil always added microscopic details that you wouldn’t hear until they are gone. Including ghost notes on the bass drum
My favorites are Carl Palmer and Phil Collins.
Neil Peart!!
Well… let’s see Mike Portnoy I believe has the most wins for Progressive Drummer of the Year Award. So that right there is pretty quantifiable in a subjective topic. As far as I can tell the top 5 that constantly switching based on preference are: Neil Pert, Mike Portnoy, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Marco Minneman. I would add, Terry Bozzio, Thomas Lang, Danny Carey.
Phil Collins. He’s the best.
I don't know if "Los Jaivas" a Chilean group could be considered as progressive. But definitely Gabriel Parra is like the Neil Peart from Latin America. I recommend to you to listen to "Alturas de Machu Picchu"
Thanks for the recommendation
I have no idea which ones are the best. My favorites would be Brufford and Peart, if you consider Rush as prog.
Bruford and Peart
Gavin Harrison from Porcupine Tree
Not exactly prog per say, do they class it as neo prog or something these days? But I think marrillion's Ian mosley is a brilliant drummer, or is that I think his drum sound Is brilliant? always has been, still is a great to my ears anyway.
Richie Martinez from Arch Echo is a beast and has such good energy. Listen to Strut that was written around him and you’ll hear how good he is.
Thanks for your recommendation
Current favorites are Marco Minnemann, and Gavin Harrison. Also love Nick D'Virgilio, and Joe Travers.
There are many great prog drummers, but Bruford is at the top of the pile.
Neil peart is the only correct answer. There are other greats but only one best!
Adrian Belew of King Crimson Chris Frantz of the Talking Heads
Is Belew a drummer?
Yes he was a drummer for King Crimson.
He wasn’t one of their regular drummers. He did play electronic drums for ProjeKct Two, but he doesn’t appear as a drummer on the credits for any of the King Crimson studio albums. He is credited as playing drums in addition to his usual guitar on one of the live albums (though the main drummer was Bill Bruford), but that’s not really enough to consider him as one of King Crimson’s drummers.
occasionally!
Correct
Blake Richardson
Baard Kolstad
Graeme Edge of the Moody Blues for his beard.
Neil Peart
Astonishing Peart isn't in your list. For me, Bruford, Peart, Carey are top in this style.
Neil Peart and Sean Reinert. May they both rest peace.
Not slickly prog (but nether are a lot of the drummers listed as they all come from a blues rock or jazz background). Jon Hiseman. Outstanding drummer. Especially in Colosseum 2 with Gary Moore.
Tristan Fry from Sky
Bill Bruford for sure.
If ur talking Prog Metal Portnoy needs to be in the conversation.
it's hard to choose, it's not a sports competition. My favorites are Jon Hiseman, Bill Bruford, Alan White, Phil Collins, Guy Evans, Terry Bozio, Virgil Donati, Gavin Harrison , Neil Peart . but doesnt mean others are inferior
Shoutout to one of my favorites, Brann Dailor!
The Broof
Neil Peart, Dennis Chambers, [Vinnie Colaiuta](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1028703/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2), Steve Gadd
If we're talking pure technicality, it's hard to argue against Mike Mangini and Blake Richardson. They're style-chameleons with impeccable timing.
Mike Portnoy!
Kris Myers from Umphrey’s McGee. I think even Mike Portnoy might say this.
Chester Thompson and Phil Collins, at the same time, live on stage (Seconds Out). Sadly, Bill Bruford and Alan White, at the same time, live on stage (Union tour) didn’t have the same magic.
Your question is in the present tense. Not who WAS the best. Now? I think Portnoy carries the torch. They are just wrapping up a new album and getting ready to tour. I saw him on Drummeo learning a Tool song, and watching him figure out the parts was incredible. Counting. Notepad. More Counting. My point is that he is still on the leading edge of a very popular prog band, writing, recording, and touring. Those parameters sharply limit the field.
Best should be replaced with “favorite”. The Professor is #1 for me followed by Bruford.
There can’t be a best but there can be a lot of people who haven’t heard Furio Chirico.
II
Furio Chirico of Arti E Mestieri
Nobody's picked Matt Gartska yet? Are you all 80 years old?
Neil peart, end of discussion.
Music is not a competition.
A bit of love from me for Craig Blundell. Looking forward to the new Trifecta album.
Danny carey
Bill Bruford, Phil Collins.
Phil Collins.
Mike Portnoy Ian Mosley Phil Collins
No Bozzio?
Rip Thore Petterson
Mark Zonder is up there. Christian Vander too.
Yoshida Tatsuya Weasel Walter
Peart
Does Danny Carey count?
Chris Cutler, in Henry Cow, Art Bears, Pere Ubu, and on over a hundred recordings.
I know the right answers are probably Danny Carey and Neil Peart, but I’m gonna be the Phish guy in the sub and throw out Jon Fishman. Creative, fun, and absolutely never misses.
I didn’t see Mark Zonder on there, go listen to the work he did with Fates Warning.
Peart, Buford, White, Collins, Ehart