The 1970s was a golden era for drumming, with many of the world's greatest drummers coming to prominence during this decade. From rock to jazz and everything in between, the 70s saw an explosion of new sounds and styles that showcased the drummers' skills and creativity. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the best drummers of the 70s.
1. John Bonham (Led Zeppelin)
John Bonham is widely regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time and his work with Led Zeppelin in the 70s is legendary. His powerful, hard-hitting style was the backbone of the band's heavy blues-rock sound, and his intricate drum fills and solos set a new standard for rock drumming.
2. Neil Peart (Rush)
Neil Peart joined Rush in 1974 and quickly became known for his virtuosic drumming style. His complex, progressive rock rhythms and technical prowess on the kit helped make Rush one of the most influential bands of the 70s.
3. Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson)
Bill Bruford was a founding member of Yes and later joined King Crimson, showcasing his incredible versatility and range as a drummer. He was known for his intricate jazz-influenced drumming style and his ability to seamlessly blend different genres and styles.
4. Ginger Baker (Cream)
Ginger Baker was the drummer for the legendary power trio Cream, known for his explosive drumming style and incredible solos. He was a master of polyrhythms and his influence on rock drumming can still be heard today.
5. Tony Williams (Miles Davis, Lifetime)
Tony Williams was a jazz drummer who made a significant impact in the 70s, both as a member of Miles Davis' band and later with his own group, Lifetime. His innovative drumming style, which blended jazz and rock influences, helped to shape the sound of jazz fusion in the 70s.
6. Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Billy Cobham was the drummer for the Mahavishnu Orchestra, one of the most influential jazz fusion bands of the 70s. His fast, complex drumming style and use of odd time signatures helped to push the boundaries of jazz and rock music.
7. Ian Paice (Deep Purple)
Ian Paice was the drummer for Deep Purple, one of the most popular hard rock bands of the 70s. His powerful, driving drumming style was a perfect match for the band's heavy sound, and his intricate solos and fills helped to define the sound of 70s hard rock.
In conclusion, the 70s was a decade that saw the emergence of many incredible drummers, who helped to shape the sound of rock and jazz music. From the powerful, hard-hitting style of John Bonham to the complex jazz-influenced rhythms of Tony Williams and Billy Cobham, these drummers pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the kit and left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire musicians today.
