Who was a better drummer, Keith Moon or John Bonham?

Question

Sadly linked by tragic overdose deaths, Keith Moon (The Who) and John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) were both great drummers gone before their time. Who was the better drummer of the two, and were there any drummers in the industry better than either?

Answer 1

both keith and john are great drummers.



jughead jones of the archies was a major influence on both of them.

Answer 2

They were pretty close, but if i HAVE to pick one, I'd go with Moon because he came on the scene about 4 years sooner, blazing a trail for people like Bonham.



However, Imho, neither of them were anwhere close to being the best. Off the top of my head, here is my list of drummers of the same general era that were better than Moon and Bonham. I'm sure there are more that I can't think of right now:



Buddy Rich

Bill Bruford

Carl Palmer

Neil Peart

Idris Muhammad (Leo Morris)

Gene Krupa

Buddy Miles

Ginger Baker

Louis Bellson

Levon Helm

Pete Erskine

Lenny White

Tito Puente

Barriemore Barlow

Aynsley Dunbar

Steve Gadd

Danny Barcelona

Jai Johanny Johansen

Dennis Chambers

Bill Lordan

Mike Shrieve

Artimus Pyle

Doyle Bramhall

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith

Answer 3

John Bonham

Answer 4

Not only two great drummers, but both perfectly suited for the music created by their respective bands, making their contributions to music even greater.



But to answer the question, my vote goes to Keith Moon. Bonham's playing strikes me as a heavier, pounding style. Moon's is more careening, energetic, and distinctive from any other drummer I've ever heard. I consider his a more "signature" style.



Bonham's influence cannot be underestimated (the entire group was dissolved after his demise). But on an aesthetic level, in addition to skill, few drummers (if anyone) can top Keith Moon.

Answer 5

John Bonham over any drummer

Answer 6

Bonham

Answer 7

Bonham

Answer 8

It's almost a coin toss, but I think Keith Moon just barely edges out ahead of Bonham because of how dynamic his playing was.

Answer 9

That's a tough one love em both,flip a coin(check out some of Buddy Rich's solos that guy was nuts on a kit,while both those drummers were still shitting green)

Answer 10

I would have to say John Bonham. There are few that can touch them.

Answer 11

Bonzo, with Ginger Baker a close second

Answer 12

Animal is by far the best drummer ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8aGlOj2VFo

Answer 13

I vote Keith.