Is Buddy Rich the Greatest Drummer Ever?

If this doesn't prove it, he's awfully close. Amazing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esWG...&feature=share

Between him and Gene Krupa

Although a necessary instrument; I have never been a fan of the drum solo, no matter how great thou art.

Buddy Rich was a monster. In terms of more contemporary drummers check out Vinny Calaiuto or Terry Bozio. Saw a concert of Jeff Beck at Ronny Scott's with Calaiuto. Terrific stuff.

Greatest ever?? Probably not. There are some awfully good drummers that are/were very versatile and talented since that time. But he's certainly in the conversation.

Greatest ever?? Probably not. There are some awfully good drummers that are/were very versatile and talented since that time. But he's certainly in the conversation. Originally Posted by TexTushHog

Got anybody in mind or are you just being contrary?

"Drums" are such a very wide range of instruments it's hard to equate them all. Buddy Rich is certainly one of those near the very top, but I would have to add Ginger Baker, Tito Puente, and Mustapha Tettey Addy to the conversation. Each very different,


http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/g...kertoad68.html

I would definitely throw Louis Bellson into the mix. He was a contemporary of Buddy's and they respected and admired each other. In fact, when Buddy was unable to tour with his own band due to back problems, he asked Louis to take over for him and the request was happily granted. Also, Louis Bellson was called "not only the world's greatest drummer" but also "the world's greatest musician" by none other than Duke Ellington. And here's a little dose of both Buddy and Louis playing together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR8dAmTbBMw

I saw Buddy Rich a couple of times on the Tonight Show.

Yes, he was technically capable on drums, but not really gifted and about the same level as Ringo Starr.

Personally, I always preferred the more raw energy of Sandy Nelson.

. . . Let there be drums!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46SZ1laJJWA

Jesus, FastGoon. You are a trip! Buddy Rich = Ringo Starr. You're killin' me, man!

Heck Max Weinberg is darn good

I hate to agree with Ekim but I'll take Krupa.

Krupa and Rich battle http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-GoQ...eature=related

When you get that good, it is hard to pick a winner. I'm just always on the side of the Rich. Ask anyone.

But to compare him to Ringo Starr? I mean, Ringo was great because he knew his limitations, and he blended well with the best pop group ever, but he was never in Rich's class.

When you get that good, it is hard to pick a winner. I'm just always on the side of the Rich. Ask anyone.

But to compare him to Ringo Starr? I mean, Ringo was great because he knew his limitations, and he blended well with the best pop group ever, but he was never in Rich's class. Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

The only drummer in popular music who's not better than Ringo Starr is the guy from Def Leppard who has only one arm.

The only drummer in popular music who's not better than Ringo Starr is the guy from Def Leppard who has only one arm. Originally Posted by Ducbutter

I think you exagerate a bit, but so does equating Rich to Ringo. Except that Ringo is indeed very rich.