Who do you think is the better drummer, John Bonham or Carter Beauford? I'm having a hard time deciding on this one.
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Carter Beauford Vs John Bonham
- Thread starter MAJOR METAL
- Start date
What is this, a cage match?!? They're both tremendously talented musicians (well, one of them isn't anymore).
Music isn't a competition.
Bonham was amazing. The standard against whom a lot of other drummers were measured. He had power but could groove amazingly well. I'll forgive the over-indulgence of the "Moby Dick" solos, simply because that was a product of it's time. But his own personal demons began to affect his playing. Witness the copious ammounts of flanging on his drums on later era live tracks.
Carter Beaufort is great, too. I think he's an amazing musician. Do I dig the music of the band he plays with? Not so much.
Bonham was amazing. The standard against whom a lot of other drummers were measured. He had power but could groove amazingly well. I'll forgive the over-indulgence of the "Moby Dick" solos, simply because that was a product of it's time. But his own personal demons began to affect his playing. Witness the copious ammounts of flanging on his drums on later era live tracks.
Carter Beaufort is great, too. I think he's an amazing musician. Do I dig the music of the band he plays with? Not so much.
I know that's a long standing mantra-
That said-
Have you ever auditioned for a gig (one you & many others really wanted)...it's a competition.
Anyway-
I really like both guys. I do think Carter is the better drummer/musician, though. I have played with guys 'like that'...they really threw my little world upside-down/inside-out. I liked that.
Carter, IMO, could play with Led Zep (today)...and they wouldn't miss a beat.
No knock on Jason Bonham...he was great on those Celebration Day discs!
Bonham was an innovator and great at what he did. I respect him very much.
However, Carter is a vastly superior drummer. The guy is just amazing.
However, Carter is a vastly superior drummer. The guy is just amazing.
Its been hard but the impression I come away with after listening closely to both of them is I think Carter is a bit more dynamic and tighter than John.
Carter is better!
If John heard Carter in his life time, he could be better.. Carter definitely gets his jam vibe from John tho. Without a John, there'd never be a Carter... or most other jam drummers we know and love today.
If John heard Carter in his life time, he could be better.. Carter definitely gets his jam vibe from John tho. Without a John, there'd never be a Carter... or most other jam drummers we know and love today.
I haven't heard much Dave Matthews Band but I remember when they first started charting in the USA in the mid '90s I thought he was one of the best drummers I'd ever heard.
That said, I really rate Chad Sexton too, although I don't like 311.
Stewart Copeland is still the benchmark though.
That said, I really rate Chad Sexton too, although I don't like 311.
Stewart Copeland is still the benchmark though.
eh... if we're talking technique/talent/versatile musicianship, I would definitely pick beauford, no questions. I never found Bonham amazing in any way, but that's simply an opinion.
as stated a billion times by those who know better, its beyond even apples and oranges.. music is never a competition unless youre auditioning, and even then its always more about fit.
Is Bonham a better true rock musician? of course. is beauford the superior technician in terms of finesse and completeness? absolutely. would either do a good job if they got called to the others' gig? probably
as stated a billion times by those who know better, its beyond even apples and oranges.. music is never a competition unless youre auditioning, and even then its always more about fit.
Is Bonham a better true rock musician? of course. is beauford the superior technician in terms of finesse and completeness? absolutely. would either do a good job if they got called to the others' gig? probably
I enjoy listening to Bonham's grooves more than I do Carter's, even though Carter is technically better IMO. I saw DMB live in Atlanta a few weeks ago and it was amazing. No question he's technically better than Bonham, but I enjoy Zeppelin's music more. Gotta give personal preference to Bonham. Both are incredible though!
