The top 25 British rock drummers of all time

Avory didn't play on The Kinks' hits “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night,” — that was studio veteran Bobby Graham — but he still remains one of the pillars of British drumming. As The Kinks' sound evolved, so did Avory's playing. Whether it was swing, power pop or straight up speed, Avory delivered, and quite well. The 1969 cut "Mindless Child of Motherhood" offers some insight into Avory's talent.

A disciple of the blues and jazz, Baker is considered one of rock's first star drummers. The co-founder of the band Cream, along with Eric Clapton, Baker's smooth tempo and infinity for using two bass drums helped create his signature sound. The Hall of Famer, who also spent time with Blind Faith, stars on the 1966 Cream instrumental "Toad." Stewart Copeland, Alex Van Halen and Neil Peart are just a few who have cited Baker as an influence.

Considered by many to be the greatest rock drummer of all time, Bonham used Led Zeppelin as a showcase for his brilliance that has influenced the likes of Dave Grohl, Tommy Lee and Joey Kramer to name a few. Hailed for his speed and force, Bonham delivered the goods on classic Zeppelin tracks like the "Immigrant Song," "When The Levee Breaks" and "Misty Mountain Hop." But it was the marvelous 1969 instrumental "Moby Dick" that truly defined Bonham as a star — one taken too soon as the result of an alcohol-related death in 1980 at age 32. 

Influenced early by jazz drummers, Bruford is best known for his work as the original drummer for prog-rock giants Yes. His ability to successfully handle the band's daunting arrangements left some to call him the "godfather of progressive-rock drumming." After his first stint with Yes, Bruford joined fellow prog-rockers King Crimson and also toured with Genesis in the 1970s. Modern-day drum heroes Matt Cameron and Mike Portnoy are just two who consider the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer a major influence on their careers. 

Burr played on Iron Maiden's first three albums, the last of which was its 1982 breakthrough "Number of the Beast." His work on that title cut," the funky "22 Acacia Avenue" and unforgettable intro and overall effort on the classic "Run to the Hills" are etched in heavy metal lore for Burr's sheer quality. Anthrax's Charlie Benante and ex-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo regularly pay homage to Burr, who passed away in 2013 at 56 due to complications from multiple sclerosis.

Graham never spent significant time in bands, but that didn't keep many from hailing him as the best drummer to come out of England. It was Graham's session work that made him a legend in the United Kingdom. He played on such classics as the The Kinks' “You Really Got Me” and “All Day and All of the Night,” "Glad All Over" by The Dave Clark Five, "We Gotta Get Out Of This Place," by The Animals and Petula Clark's "Downtown." Graham died in 2009 at age 69 following a bout with stomach cancer.

There's no doubt Collins is most well-known for his frontman, solo hits like the radio-friendly "Sussudio," but his drum work with Genesis, especially before the it became a full-blown pop band in the mid 1980s, is considered genius on many levels. Collins' presence on the 1974 concept album "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" and the title track from '81's "Abacab" have been praised for decades. And we know Mike Tyson digs the fill on Collins' solo classic "In the Air Tonight."

As legend has it, the Liverpool-born Dunbar lost a coin flip to Mitch Mitchell for the gig as Jimi Hendrix's drummer. Things ended up fine for Dunbar, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Journey for his work in the band's early days. He's played with big names like Jefferson Starship, UFO, Frank Zappa, David Bowie and Lou Reed. Dunbar is considered a prolific rock drummer, known for his timing and consistency.

The additions of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks took Fleetwood Mac to new heights in terms of songwriting and popularity, but Fleetwood has always been — and still is — as solid as they come on the skins. Even before his undeniable presence on hits like "The Chain" and "Tusk," Fleetwood shined on tunes such as the 1969 bluesy opus "Oh Well." He also played on Warren Zevon's classic "Werewolves of London." Fleetwood's not flashy or overally technical — just simple, straightforward drumming at its best. 

Harrison is carrying the progressive-rock torch passed down by the likes of Bill Bruford and Phil Collins and keeping it relevant today. Perhaps best known for his work with English prog-rock band Porcupine Tree and a later version of King Crimson, Harrison is one of the top contemporary drummers to surface from across the pond. Porcupine Tree's 2009 cut "Bonnie the Cat" is considered one of Harrison's best efforts.

Indie rockers Arctic Monkeys can credit their maturity as a band to the playing of Helders, whose quick, pulsating beats have awarded the band mainstream success. The Sheffield native also supplies plenty of background vocals for the group. Helders' talent is on full display with "Brianstorm," the opener from 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare.

Howard might currently be England's most popular drummer while playing for perhaps the nation's most popular band at the moment. He has mastered the rhythm that's associated with Muse's combination of alternative/progressive rock and electronica. Howard's contribution on 2001's "New Born," keeps getting better and stronger as the song goes on. A true work of art. 

The Pink Floyd drummer is far from flashy, and at times it was easy to forget Mason was on stage because he rarely drew attention to himself. But whether he was providing the rhythmic support for Floyd's early psychedelic offerings or amping things up for the band's dominance in the 1970s and early '80s, Mason delivered. His work on the "Dark Side of the Moon" classic "Time" and presence on 1972's "Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii" truly show his chops.

It's hard for any other musician playing behind Jimi Hendrix to stand out, but Mitchell pulled it off. Teamed with fellow Brit, bassist Noel Redding, it was tough to find a better rhythm section in rock during the late 1960s. Heavily influenced by jazz, Mitchell's precise, tempo-driven drumming was a perfect complement to Hendrix's creative guitar playing. Mitchell, who died in his sleep in 2008 at age 62, drew accolades for his effort on the 1967 Experience classic "Are You Experienced," which include hits "Foxy Lady" and "Manic Depression."

"Moon the Loon," was as talented on stage as he was self-destructive off it. From trashing hotel rooms to blowing up toilets, the legendary drummer of The Who was the ultimate character who took excess — on and off the stage — to new heights. He was known for his remarkable speed, precision and fills that graced songs like "Won't Get Fooled Again," "Substitute" and "Bargain." He would destroy his kit at the end of shows, then head off to drink for hours — alcohol consumed much of his life as did prescription medication at the end. Moon died of an overdose in 1978 at age 32.

The only member to remain with Deep Purple throughout its history, Paice has solidified himself as one of hard-rock's finest drummers. Longtime Deep Purple bandmate Richie Blackmore called Paice the "motor of the band." "Music Radar" identified Deep Purple's "Black Night" as one of the best examples of Paice's talent. He also spent time with Whitesnake and collaborated with such legends as Paul McCartney and George Harrison.

Another prog-rock star, Palmer was fortunate to be a member of two successful bands — Emerson, Lake and Palmer in the 1970s and pop super group Asia in the '80s. A technical master, Palmer was known for his spirited solos with ELP and still for the ability to incorporate many genres into his playing — as evidenced by the 1973 epic "Karn Evil 9." Pushing 70, Palmer still remains active behind the drums. 

The question shouldn't be who has Phillips played with but rather who hasn't he? One of the most seasoned session drummers ever, Phillips has sat in with the likes of Mick Jagger, The Who, Judas Priest and Jeff Beck. Following the death of star drummer Jeff Porcaro in the early 1990s, Phillips played with Toto until 2014. His work on The Jack Bruce Band's 1977 release "How's Tricks" might be his most acclaimed performance. Whether playing rock, jazz or pop, the technically savvy London native still keeps as busy as ever.   

A staple behind the kit during the 1970s and '80s rock scene, Powell was as versatile a player as they came. The hard-working, seemingly always busy drummer played with heayweights like Jeff Beck, Rainbow, Michael Schenker, Whitesnake, Black Sabbath and Brian May of Queen. He could adapt to any style, which made him a highly sought after session drummer. Powell was killed as result of an automobile accident in England in April 1998 at age 50. 

In comes Ringo, out goes Pete Best. The rest is history. And what a historic run it's been for Starr, from The Beatles to his own band of All-Stars and everything in between, Starr is perhaps the most popular drummer in the world and a cultural icon, but he's also well respected for his universally recognizable beats and dedication to his craft. Sir Ringo was no doubt overshadowed by Lennon and McCartney, and even George Harrison to some extent, but his greatness was heard in such Beatles classics as "Rain" and "Come Together." 

Known as "Philthy Animal," Taylor is considered one of the true pioneers of speed metal drumming. His use of the double-base drum, specifically, on Motörhead's 1979 gem "Overkill," influenced seemingly an entire generation of hard-rock drummers such as Metallica's Lars Ulrich. Taylor, who abused alcohol throughout his life, died in November 2015 at 61 — a little more than a month before iconic bandmate Lemmy passed. 

If anything, Taylor's work might be the most recognizable of anybody on this list. Memorable Queen tracks like "We Will Rock You" and "Radio Ga Ga" are at the forefront of his legacy with the band. Taylor also contributed heavily as a song writer and background vocalist for one of the biggest bands in rock history — not to mention, his son Rufus, has blossomed into a fine drummer of his own as a member of British hard rockers The Darkness. 

Black Sabbath's original drummer is often credited with creating heavy metal drumming, which is tough to argue. Sabbath's drum parts were more complex than would seem to casual fans who only know "Iron Man" or "Paranoid." Some of Ward's best work came on deeper cuts like "Symptom of the Universe" off 1975's "Sabotage" or "Killing Yourself to Live" from 1973's "Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. " Ward was far from technical, but his ability to improvise and work off fellow bandmates Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler was quite impressive.

Heavily influenced by jazz legend Charlie Parker, Watts' longevity is just as strong as his playing. At 77, there still might not be a tighter drummer on the planet than Watts, who has been the true backbone of the Rolling Stones for more than 50 years. "Paint It, Black," and "Get Off of My Cloud," showcase Watts at his best, but some of his blues and jazz heavy solo stuff are just as stellar.

White was just 17 years old when he began playing with "Modfather" Paul Weller's The Style Council in the 1980s. His time with the band also included an appearance at Live Aid. White has played consistently since then, plying his trade in pop, swing and jazz circles throughout the years, and he remains quite popular in his native England.