I'm going to finish this series for the year today with one of the at times underrated but yet also one of the most important components of a good rock band: the drummer. Despite the stereotype portrayed in the movie "Spinal Tap," most drummers are the anchor to a great sound. With that in mind, here are the five best drummers I've heard live in concert in alphabetical order:
Michael Bland, Soul Asylum
I find it hard to believe that Bland has been playing drums for Soul Asylum for over a decade now. Previously known as a session drummer for different acts, Bland has come into his own in Soul Asylum. Last summer when I saw the band play in St. Cloud, I was amazed at how he helped the band move seamlessly from song to song.
Bun. E. Carlos, Cheap Trick
Although back problems have stopped Carlos from touring nowadays, I remember how his drumming a Cheap Trick show at the historic Paramount Theatre in downtown St. Cloud really kept the balance for the rest of the musicians on stage. I was impressed by his even demeanor throughout the entire show too.
Paul Crosby, Saliva
I remember a couple of great solos from Crosby at the band's 2008 concert at the now-defunct Trobec's Entertainment Center in St. Joseph. His energy and enthusiasm were a big part of the crowd's fevered reaction during their show.
Barry Kerch, Shinedown
One of the original Shinedown members and probably one of the most underrated guys in the band. Kerch can switch tempos quickly and really helps his bandmates get in the flow of a song. This is especially important when they feed off the crowd's energy during fast and slow songs.
Morgan Rose, Sevendust
Morgan's quite simply one of the best rock drummers in the business. I always enjoy watching him play different Sevendust songs onstage, because he takes a different approach to each one. He even plays the same songs a little differently at each show, which is a tribute to an artist who's always working on perfecting his craft. I also like to give him a little good-natured grief after shows for being such a diehard New York Yankess fan. I have to respect him though, not only for his work in Sevendust but also for keeping busy in his downtime, producing albums for Candlelight Red, playing in the side project Call Me No One and filling in behind the drum kit for Eye Empire and Korn at times.
Well, that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed this series - it took longer than I thought to complete, but that's what happens when life gets in the way, I guess. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!
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