There’s something about space that has been enough to captivate many of us over the years. It’s just so vast and far away. What if there really could be something more out there? While many of us believed that we would never get the chance to see it for ourselves, NASA will soon be taking tourists to The International Space Station.

To The Stars

If you‘ve ever wanted to see what Earth is like from space, then it could soon be your chance as NASA has announced they have plans to allow tourists on the International Space Station (ISS). This has always been reserved for trained astronauts – until now.

Not The First

Believe it or not, but the ISS isn’t owned by NASA. It was actually built with Russia back in 1998. Although there have always been rules that only allow astronauts on the space station, that all changed in 2001 when a businessman paid Russia $20 million for a trip.

Performing Duties

Anyone lucky enough to get a trip to the ISS is expected to perform a host of duties. This could be anything from bioengineering, manufacturing, or creating regenerative medicine. Tourists will get 30 days to become a part of the team before they are then collected and returned to Earth.

Allowing Businesses

As well as allowing tourists, it’s rumored there could also be plans to add a dock onto the ISS that will enable businesses to attach to the station before they head back to Earth. This means they could rent the space and give tourists a unique vacation that’s out of this world.

Meeting Requirements

Not everyone can get a ticket to the ISS. In fact, people need to have a connection to a NASA mission, need microgravity equipment to perform their work, or want to help build a low-Earth orbit economy if they stand a chance of heading to space.

While it might seem as though we could one day walk among the stars, it appears as though we might need to save up first. That’s right; tickets are believed to cost $35,000 a night for private companies. Still, we could be one step closer to The International Space Station that we ever thought.

When we think of great bands, our minds jump to the guys who stand front and center. But, there’s one person who is left underappreciated — the drummer that ties the band together.

Black Sabbath drummer Colin Trevor Powell was known for his dedication, as Emerson revealed when he forgot his drum sticks: “He considered using some branches from my orchard until a local farmer drove into town to get some proper ones. Then he’d do his drum solo, and it would be like World War III had broken out.”

The first female musician to make this list, Cindy Blackman is an American jazz and rock drummer. She gained prominence and altered the course of her career — transitioning from Tony Williams-style jazz to an arena-playing rockstar — when she joined Lenny Kravitz’s live band in 1993. Since then, Blackman has recorded several solo jazz albums, as well as performed with musicians including Pharoah Sanders, Sonny Simmons, Ron Carter, Sam Rivers, Cassandra Wilson, Angela Bofill, Buckethead, Bill Laswell, Lenny Kravitz, Joe Henderson, and Joss Stone. She also happens to be married to rock guitarist Carlos Santana!

Vinnie Colaiuta is so masterful that many powerful and talented artists jumped over each other just to have him play for them. As a result, Colaiuta got to work with the likes of Joni Mitchell to Sting. Colaiuta takes his craft very seriously and isn’t in it for the fame or glory. He once said of his job, “You’re not there to show off a bunch of crap or be the center of attention. You’re there to blend in and be a part of it.”

John “Dumbo” French was an important part of Captain Beefheart’s Magic Band — a band he joined in 1966. His toms-heavy, polyrhythmic style became an important part of the group, and he even ended up serving as the band’s music director for their masterpiece, Trout Mask Replica. After a bitter argument over money, French ended up leaving and forming his own magic band, which would reflect his powerful and chaotic approach to music and rhythm.

Born in Cuba, Dave Lombardo is described by many of his fellow musicians as being a speed demon. After joining Slayer, Lombardo earned the nickname “A.D.Dave” for his ability to effortlessly keep up with hardcore rager songs like “Angel of Death.” The song, which tops out at 210 bpm, includes an incredibly unique and captivating drum solo that Lombardo repeated — drawing on his Latin jazz influences — in the song, “War Ensemble.” It seems like he was born to drum, with artist Matthew Barney calling him a “caffeine head.”

Dave Garibaldi is undoubtedly an inspiration to some of the best drummers out there. This includes Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer — Chad Smith — who considers Garibaldi to be one of his favorite drummers saying, “His drumming … took me to another level.” Garibaldi began his career playing with James Brown. His late ’70s rhythms helped to broaden James Brown’s audience and were a key element in the band’s hit, “What Is Hip?” He later played with other famous groups such as Beastie Boys.

Born in Panama, Billy Cobham is considered by many music critics as a benchmark for what was later called “fusion drumming.” Fusion drumming combines the impressive improvisation jazz dexterity with that head-banging rock power that came to dominate bands of the later years. He first appeared behind Miles Davis on several of his albums where he met guitarist John McLaughlin. Together the two would set a tone that was later repeated in the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Nearly everyone has heard of Buddy Holly, but few people have ever heard of Jerry Allison. It’s fair to say, though, that there wouldn’t be one without the other. Jerry Allison was Buddy Holly’s first collaborator. Together, they became a legendary guitar and drum duo who created music that became famous throughout the United States. The two also set a precedent that revolutionized the music industry by becoming the first rock and roll band in history to use a recording studio.

Before becoming an incredibly successful pop singer in the ’80s, Phil Collins was one of the most prolific drummers of the ’70s, working with some of the biggest names such as Brian Eno, Brand X, and the Peter Gabriel led lineup of Genesis. Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor said of him, “I love his drumming and I’m not afraid to admit it. As Genesis’ drummer, I think he’s phenomenal and not really talked about enough. He’s just such a great, well-rounded drummer.”

Although Bill Ward is considered one of the inventors of heavy metal, his unprofessional behavior ended up becoming detrimental to his career as he hopped from band to band. Beginning in Black Sabbath, he was one of the original players who helped to define the sound of what would later become one of the most popular heavy metal bands ever to play. He later went on to play for Rage Against the Machine, helping to bring them back to prominence with their 2013 album, 13.

“Every audience is different, so we want to try and speak directly to that audience or deliver a different message every time we play. If you play the same thing every time, the word will get out.” That was Carter Beauford’s philosophy on drumming when he spoke with Guitar Center. As a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, he used many of his wildly complicated and busy licks to give them a sound that would last for years.

Jack DeJohnette never actually planned on becoming a drummer, although he was always destined to be a musician. From age four, Jack learned how to play the piano, never actually touching a drum set until he was 18 years old. He would eventually go on to play with Miles Davis, a man he greatly admired. According to the iconic musician, “It was great to play with Miles because Miles loved the drums. Everything came from the drums. He liked boxing, he was a big boxing fan, and he saw drums in jazz as having similar aspects.”

Jim Keltner is quite possibly one of the luckiest drummers to have ever picked up two sticks and wandered over to his drum kit. But, it wasn’t all luck that was responsible for his magnificent career. At the end of the day, Keltner has become one of the most revered drummers of his day playing with the likes of Harry Nilsson, the Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, Randy Newman, Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, the Pretenders, Fiona Apple, Oasis, and, of course, the Beatles.

Jeff Porcaro wasn’t just an amazing drummer, he was a gigantic presence during the rock ages beginning in the ’70s all the way up through the ’90s. His accomplishments were quite impressive. For instance, it was his stick work that ended up giving us the head-bopping beat for Michael Jackson’s “Beat It.” Jeff’s brother once said about him, “You felt like you were capturing lightning in the studio. It was never boring […] He always came up with the best parts instantly, like he’d been playing the song for years.”

Next time you’re rocking out to the fantastic single “Don’t Stop Believin,'” make sure you remember to thank Steve Smith. It was his rock and roll drumming that helped to inspire and create the iconic song by Journey. In an interview with jazz musician Peter Erskine, he revealed that “Smith is part of this important watershed moment in American media… And then here’s Smith in another setting playing Jo Jones on the hi-hat! How many other guys could drive a band like that and also play the hi-hat?”

Fred Below came before the Motown funk records that dominated much of the jazz scene and would later become the inspiration for more modern rock and roll. It was his work that propelled artists like Little Walter, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Howlin’ Wolf into the mainstream. After jazz, Below jumped into blues — something that he was wholly unfamiliar with but ultimately became a staple with hits like “I’m Ready” or Chuck Berry’s “School Days.”

Debbie Peterson is best known for her role as the drummer of classic ’80s band The Bangles. But not only did she bang the drums for so many of their hits, but she also sang lead vocals for singles such as “Be With You” and “Going Down in Liverpool.” It turns out that the Bangles decided to keep it in the family as Debbi is the sister of fellow member Vicki Peterson. After the band separated in 1990, Debbi started her solo career and two years later, she founded the duo Kindred Spirit with Siobhan Maher.

Someone up there was looking out for the world of rock and roll when they introduced Mickey Hart to Bill Kreutzmann. The two of them ended up combining forces to become rock and roll’s first-ever double-drummer outfits. “The language that Bill and I share is not spoken,” said Hart. “It’s body language, winks, and movement…a secret language that we cannot describe.” The drum duet between the two later evolved into a completely improvised style of music which thrilled music fans everywhere.

Tony Allen was known for always pushing the envelope in the world of rock and roll. He was considered by some of the best in the industry as being a radically polyrhythmic “groove machine” with Afrobeat co-inventor saying, “It’s incredible.. the way you play one wouldn’t even need a percussionist.” Tony Allen brought American music to Africa — combining the local West Africa highlife, apala, and Nigerian mambo with the jazz and funk that had taken over the states.

Born Sheila Cecilia Escovedo, Sheila E. has been banging the drums for many decades now. Having first come onto the scene with The George Duke Band, Sheila eventually came into her own after leaving the group in 1983. Her debut album was well-received by both critics and fans alike and her single “The Glamorous Life” was a career highlight. Other singles that she released include “Sister Fate” and “A Love Bizarre.” She has been referred to as The Queen of Percussion.

Roger Hawkins impressed some seriously important people in the music industry including the legendary Jerry Wexler, the producer whom he actually coined the incredibly important term — “rhythm & blues” — with. In spite of that accomplishment, Wexler was in awe of Hawkins who he considered to be “the greatest drummer in the world.” Some of the songs he played for included Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools,” Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There,” and Percy Sledge’s unforgettable “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

“When I made the record Bo Diddley in 1955, it turned the whole music scene around. Caucasian kids threw Beethoven in the garbage can.” There’s no doubt that Clifton James was a big influence that helped bridge the gap between jazz and rock and roll. From humble beginnings, James grew up in Chicago with 13 siblings and learned how to play on chairs and tin cans. He was a contributing drummer to Chicago blues legends including Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Willie Dixon, and Sonny Boy Williamson.

Described by Time Magazine as a “pioneering rock drummer,” Sandy West was a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock. Not only did she play the drums for the Runaways, but she also wrote many songs and even sang. Back in the ’70s, this band became the first all-girl hard rock band to achieve mainstream success. Sadly, West passed away in 2006 after a bout with cancer. “Sandy West was by far the greatest female drummer in the history of rock and roll,” Cherie Currie said.

Reggae music owes a lot to Carlton Barrett. Preferring to go by the name “Carlie,” Barett’s tom-tom drum and cracking snare can be heard on some of the most popular reggae songs to ever be released. He is also credited with the signature “one drop” rhythm that can be heard in nearly every reggae song, and was initially featured in Bob Marley’s solo band. When talking about drumming, Barrett has said that “good reggae drummers make playing a spiritual experience.”

When it comes to drumming, Carmine Appice literally wrote the book. That book, The Realistic Rock Drum Method, was released in 1972 and has since become a must-read for anyone who wants to drum like a rockstar. In the words of the artist himself regarding his accomplishments, “I pioneered the use of big drum sets and played with the butt end of the sticks early on. I did that because there were no P.A. systems.”

Danny Carey joined Tool — one of the most powerful and memorable bands in the heavy metal arena — in 1990. A giant both on stage and in person (standing at six-feet-five-inches tall), Carey is arguably one of the most admired rock drummers of his entire generation. His trick is in combining the delicate technique of odd meters and polyrhythms with an incredibly powerful force and a fluid feel. For a true appreciation of his talent, you just have to listen to Tool play.

Earl Palmer was born in New Orleans and helped to define much of the beautiful improvisational jazz that much of the city is known for. As a result of this, Palmer became one of the most recorded drummers in history. According to fellow band member Carol Kaye, “Earl took over […] he was the greatest drummer I’d ever heard.” Much of his rhythms have been heard in songs like “La Bamba,” “Summertime Blues,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” and “You Just Sent Me.”

“Every drummer wants to play like Gadd because he plays perfect,” said jazz musician, Chick Corea. “He has brought orchestral and compositional thinking to the drum kit while at the same time having a great imagination and a great ability to swing.” Indeed, Gadd introduced into rock music the deep and gentle funk that most people couldn’t have even imagined before. His most recognized works include the mind-bending syncopation of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”

James Gadson is considered by many to be one of the most important drummers in Los Angeles’ music scene. He was the core member of the Watts 103rd St. Rhythm Band and later, Bill Withers’ band. Even though he had duties to his full-time groups, he still played with some of the biggest names in the local record labels including the Jackson 5’s, the Temptations, and even with Marvin Gaye. All this L.A. noise from a man who was originally from Kansas City.

“There is nothing new about timekeeping, it’s just that some people can keep better time than others,” Jones said in a Down Beat interview in 1977. “Some people are more sensitive to rhythmic pulses, and the more sensitive you are, the more you can utilize the subtleties of timekeeping.” Jones had such impeccable timekeeping that a modern-day computer likely couldn’t have done it any better. He inspired many with his works including Ginger Baker, Mitch Mitchell, and John Bonham.

Originally from Marvell Arkansas, Levon Helm spent much of his youth in the ’50s and ’60s driving all over the United States and Canada as a member of Ronnie Hawkins’ band. Once 1965 rolled around, Helm was backing Bob Dylan on his first electric tour and a few years later, in 1968, they had decided to form their own group. After Helm’s passing, Dylan expressed that he was “one of the last true great spirits of my or any other generation.”

Ian Paice is credited as a major influence on heavy metal music. He’s perhaps best known for his time with Deep Purple, providing the drumming for major hits like “Hush” and “Smoke on the Water.” Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse once said about Paice, “He has a swing that feels just right. And his dynamics are great. The drummer in my trio, Van Romaine, calls him the ‘Steve Gadd of rock.'”

Even though Bernard Purdie grew up in Maryland, his nickname — “Mississippi Bigfoot” — was known throughout New York during the early 1960s. It was there that he began playing jazz sessions with artists like Nina Simone and Gabor Szabo. He later rose to be one of the most in-demand drummers throughout the entire city, and he served several years as Aretha Franklin’s musical director. When he wasn’t doing that, he was recording with names like Steely Dan and Bob Marley.

When Tony Williams went up on stage with the legendary Miles Davis for the first time, he was only 17 years old. The year was 1963 and he was incredibly nervous but by the end, Miles Davis said of him in his autobiography, “Man, just hearing that little [solo] made me excited all over again […] I could definitely hear right away that this was going to be one of the baddest to ever play a set of drums.”

After touring with Joseph Modeliste for several months, Rolling Stone reporter Joe McEwan described his drumming as “standard technique to the wind… punching out rollicking… rhythms with a stiff-armed attack.” That wild style of drumming ended up making him one of the most lyrical funk drummers ever to sit behind a drumset. Much of his style was inspired by his hometown of New Orleans, where he grew up watching the incredible drummers of that city produce jazz and blues styles.

Terry Bozzio isn’t just any old drummer — he’s on this list after all. He went on a solo tour with one of the largest tuned drum and percussion set played by one person. In spite of that, Bozzio said that “I’m not really interested in the circus act part of it at all.” His obsession with technique has put him in the line up for many great bands including Horn, Faith No More, and Missing Persons from the ’80s new wave movement.

A talented drummer from the start, Bill Bruford was already raising eyebrows and turning heads by the time he appeared for the public on the first five albums of the band, Yes. By 1972, right when Yes was just moments away from becoming world-famous, Bill decided to move on to a new band called King Crimson. Here, he conjured new music as if out of thin air night after night. By 2009, he decided to retire and has since completed his Ph.D.

Back when the Beatles were looking for a drummer, they invited Ringo Starr in for an audition. By the end of it, nobody could believe what they’d heard. Looking back Paul McCartney said, “I remember the moment, standing there and looking at John and then looking at George, and the look on our faces was like, ‘What is this? And that was the moment, that was the beginning, really, of the Beatles.” Ringo Starr has since become a household name as both a Beatle and a solo artist.

Back at a time when country and bluegrass groups were turning away from drummers and percussion altogether, Dominic Joseph “DJ” Fontana was making a name for himself on many of the early albums of the one and only Elvis Presley. He combined hillbilly music with the rock and roll of the 1950s to help create songs like “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Hound Dog.” With D.J. on stage, many music critics commented that Elvis had been given a foundation from which to perform.

When Charlie Watts was playing with the very well established Blues Incorporated, he was suddenly approached by a man named Mick Jagger to play in his new band, The Rolling Stones. Looking back then, most agreed that there was no way Jagger could afford the rising star, but he ended up making the best decision of his career and joining their group. His talent on the drums led to hits like “Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil.”

“He had a distinctive knack for executing various rhythms all at the same time. He had a pulse, a steadiness, that kept the tempo better than a metronome.” That quote was from none other than the Motown founder himself, Berry Gordy, who would often refuse to play in the studio unless Benny Benjamin was there with him. Benjamin was a staple in the Motown world — and was the inspiration of other talented artists such as the one and only Stevie Wonder.

If there’s one thing that drummers can do well, it’s keeping pace in a song, but none did it quite like Al Jackson Jr. — who was known as “the Human Timekeeper” during his prolific career. That crisp and groovy sound helped to create the sounds of legendary artists like Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Al Green. In fact, Jackson ended up assisting Al Green in writing one of his most famous songs, “Let’s Stay Together.” He also played for “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

Mitch Mitchell, the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience, took an interest in music from an early age. With his style and sound, it’s no surprise that he has gotten more accolades from fellow artists than nearly any other drummer. Roger Taylor of Queen said that “he played the kit like a song, it was just wonderful… [his] fusion of jazz technique and wonderful riffs, but with this rolling ferocious attack on the whole kit … Total integration into the song. Not just marking time.” Stewart Copeland of the Police even credited much of his inspiration from Mitchell.

During a 2015 interview with NPR, Neil Peart commented on how Gene Krupa “was the first rock drummer, in very many ways. He was the first drummer to command the spotlight and the first drummer to be celebrated for his solos… He did fundamentally easy things, but always made them look spectacular.” Today, Krupa is still considered to be the godfather of the drumset artistry — he proved that drumming isn’t just about the music, it’s also a sport and a spectacle.

John “Jabo” Starks had a background in jazz and blues while the man known as Mr. Funky Drummer — Clyde Stubblefield — was more familiar with R&B. The two had a distinct style but it worked well together, often elevating each other’s strengths while compensating for the other’s weaknesses. Their mastery of the art would be felt during the entire hip hop Golden Era.

Born and raised in sunny California, Travis Barker is an American musician and songwriter best known as the current drummer for punk-rock band Blink-182 although he has been known to perform as a frequent collaborator with various hip hop artists. Now 44 years old, Barker found his love for drumming at an early age. He began playing for the Aquabats in 1996 but it was only a couple of years later, in 1998, that he’d leave the band to join Blink-182. Throughout the years, Barker has undeniably established himself as a versatile drummer.

An Ohio native, Steven Adler is a musician best known as the former drummer and co-songwriter for the hard rock band Guns N’ Roses. Throughout the late 1980s, Adler rose to fame and achieved worldwide success with the band, although he was later fired in 1990 for substance abuse. Since then, the 55-year-old has bounced around from band to band. Still, though, there’s no denying that talent courses through his veins — especially when you consider the fact that he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 as a member of Guns N’ Roses.

Larry Mullen Jr. — the name may ring a bell considering that he’s both the drummer and co-founder of the rock band U2. Hailing all the way from Ireland, Larry co-founded the band in 1976 after posting a message on the school’s notice board. Little did he know at the time that he would go on to receive 22 Grammy Awards, as well as an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Larry is known for his distinctive, almost military drumming style, which he developed from his childhood days playing for various marching bands.

Born and raised in the ‘land down under’ — or Australia — Phil Rudd first gained fame as the drummer for rock band AC/DC whom he played with from 1975 to 1983, and again from 1994 through 2015. Throughout the years, Rudd has undoubtedly made a name for himself, getting inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003 along with other members of the band. Known for his huge groove and solid backbeat, Rudd has earned praise from peers like KISS drummer Eric Singer, who described him as “the heart and soul of AC/DC.”

Born Thomas Lee Bass, Tommy Lee is an American musician and founding member of the popular heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. Having received his first set of drum sticks when he was just four years old, Lee’s passion for music clearly started from an early age. Known for his gimmicky drum solos — which feature a revolving and spinning drumset — Lee has undoubtedly become an icon in his own right, as well as the epitome of what it means to be a rockstar.

Regarded as one of the greatest drummers of our time, Steve Jordan was only a teenager when he first played in Stevie Wonder’s band. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Jordan was a member of bands for television shows including Late Night With David Letterman and Saturday Night Live — in which he was the drummer for John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s Blues Brothers tour during the late ’70s. Since the mid-1980s, Jordan has been a member of the X-Pensive Winos, the side project of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards. In fact, Jordan and Richards have been producing and songwriting partners on many of Richards’s solo works.

Mick Avory is a London-born musician who gained popularity as the longtime drummer and percussionist of English rock band the Kinks. Avory joined them shortly after their formation in 1964 and remained with them for 20 years, until 1984, when he left amid creative friction with guitarist Dave Davies although they later settled their differences. Known for a simple yet sharp drumming style, Avory had always been sensitive to the needs of composer and bandleader Ray Davies’ songs. A few years after leaving the group, in 1990, Avory was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Born Maureen Ann, Moe Tucker is an American musician and singer best known for having been the drummer for the New York City-based rock band the Velvet Underground. Throughout the years, Tucker became known for her unconventional style of playing in which she would drum with mallets rather than drumsticks. She’d use a simplified drum kit of tom-toms, a snare drum, and an upturned bass drum. According to Lou Reed — guitarist, singer, and principal songwriter for the band — “I think Maureen Tucker is a genius drummer. Her style of drumming, that she invented, is amazing.”

Michael Shrieve is an American drummer, as well as a percussionist and composer who gained worldwide prominence as the drummer of the hit rock band Santana — whom he played with on their first seven albums from 1969 to 1974. During this time, he got to perform at 1969’s Woodstock when he was just 20 years old! There, he undeniably made a name for himself with his performance being described as “electrifying.” Considering that the San Francisco native was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998 for his work with Santana, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the greatest drummers of all time.

Now 71 years old, Greg Errico is a musician and record producer from sunny California. He’s best known as the drummer for the popular and influential psychedelic soul/funk band Sly and the Family Stone. As a member of the band, Errico played at Woodstock was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. Errico has also spent his time collaborating with icons such as David Bowie, Santana, the Grateful Dead, and the Jerry Garcia Band. Today, he continues to play, produce, and tour with The Family Stone.

Born and raised in Michigan, Meg White is an American drummer especially known for her work alongside Jack White in the Detroit rock duo The White Stripes. The band quickly became a Detroit underground favorite before going on to gain both national and international fame. Known for her “primal” drumming style — which has drawn praise and criticism — Meg has been nominated for various accolades. In fact, she has even received four Grammy Awards. Although her musical influences are wide and varied, Meg’s favorite artist and main inspiration is Bob Dylan.

Here we have Kenny Aronoff, an American drummer who has been a sideman for many bands both live and in the studio including for John Mellencamp, with whom he worked from 1980 to 1996. Aronoff developed a passion for music from an early age, he studied classical, jazz, and every style in between — creating a base that evolved him into the multifaceted drummer he is today. Due to his distinctive style, Aronoff has landed endorsements and celebrity branding by several musical equipment companies.

58-year-old Chad Smith is an American musician who has been the drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988, although he also plays for the hard rock supergroup Chickenfoot as well as the all-instrumental outfit Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. Throughout the years, Smith has become an extremely influential drummer with a style that’s primarily a mixture of hard-hitting and loud rock — along with groovy, tight, and driving funk. With that said, there’s really no doubt Smith’s talent helped to induct Red Hot Chili Peppers into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

Mick Fleetwood — best known as the drummer, co-founder, and de facto leader of the hit rock band Fleetwood Mac — has undeniably made waves in the music industry throughout the years, so much so that the British musician was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. Mick’s unorthodox drumming style has been described as “casual, nontechnical and inexplicable.” Aside from having an extremely successful career with Fleetwood Mac, Mick has enjoyed a wonderful solo career. He has also published written works and tried his hand at acting.

Born Harold Simon Belsky, Hal Blaine recorded with some of the greatest artists of all time, making his career a truly memorable one. Some of the artists that Blaine partnered up with include Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, Elvis, and the Supremes. Hal Blaine also holds the record for being the most recorded drummer in history, topping off at about 35,000 different songs. To this day, he’s still considered one of the most epic drummers to ever exist.

Ramon Fulwood was the drummer for funk bands, Parliament and Funkadelic. A lead vocalist of the group — Grady Thomas — said of Fulwood, “Man… [Ramon] was the hardest foot drummer I ever heard!” According to a legend from the band, Fulwood used to sneak into the clubs at 17 years old in order to play his drums and had to actually beg his mother to let him go on tour. He was later defined by his unique, heavy-handed drumming, which made him a drummer to be admired.

Ginger Baker was known for two things — having an enormous amount of talent that would make any musician jealous, and having a massive temper that would make any Hollywood primadonna look on in shock. He clashed constantly with his fellow Cream bandmates but he was still able to captivate the rock world with his incredible virtuosity and face-melting solos. Even though Cream has long since broken up, Baker is not often seen far from a drumset today.

Dave Grohl is the drummer who helped bring the unbelievable sound of Nirvana to life. Butch Vig — producer of one of the band’s hit albums Nevermind — revealed that “Kurt had called me up and said, ‘I have the best drummer in the world now. He plays louder and harder than anybody I’ve ever met.'” Can you imagine a compliment like that from one of the greatest? All this from a guy who learned how to play in the DC suburbs on a makeshift drumset.

Said Jane’s Addiction’s Stephen Perkins of him, “Keith Moon, he’s really orchestrated, like a timpani player or a cymbal player in an orchestra. He’s making you know that this is an important part, even though it might not be exactly at the end of the four bars. I love that drama, that theater and I love the emotion.” Keith was known for refusing to play drum solos, and instead preferred that the drums remain as the Who’s lead instrument.

Buddy Rich was a self-taught man with a technique that surprised many of his colleagues and eventually earned himself the title as, according to big band drummer Gene Krupa, “the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath.” He landed a once in a lifetime gig with Tommy Dorsey, which led him to meeting his friend/rival Frank Sinatra. His music had reached around the world, and for many people in Britain, he was the first drummer that they had ever heard.

Stewart Copeland’s sound came from having seen the world by the time he was an adult. His father, Miles, had been a diplomat and as a result, Copeland moved from country to country throughout the Middle East before returning to his native country of England. That time spent abroad ended up inspiring much of the sound that he brought to the band, the Police. As Sting said, “It made me realize it’s all about how he attacks his drums; how he plays.”

When Neil Peart came in for his Rush audition in 1974, his future bandmates likely had no idea that they were in the presence of true greatness. But by the end, their jaws had hit the floor as was described by guitarist Alex Lifeson who said, “We were so blown away by Neil’s playing. It was very Keith Moon-like, very active, and he hit his drums so hard.” Rush’s most recent work was released in 2012 and it’s actually considered to be some of their best.

It’s fair to say that from the moment Led Zeppelin released its first album, John Bonham would forever change the world of drumming. The sound was absolutely jaw-dropping, with Jimmy Page laughing about how “everyone was laying bets that Bonzo was using two bass drums, but he only had one.” Dave Grohl sums up the experience many amateur drummers had when first hearing Bonham saying, “I spent years in my bedroom…listening to Bonham’s drums and trying to emulate his swing or his behind-the-beat swagger or his speed or power.”