Have you seen the list by Celebrity Net Worth of the 30 richest drummers in the world? It’s an impressive group of individuals! But their individuality wasn’t the biggest reason they’ve been successful. Take a look at this list and see if you can figure out what they all have in common.
The thing that struck me as I studied the list is that the richest drummers in the world made their money not with technical ability or leading a band but by being a supportive member of a band. And specifically, they are/were members of rock bands. No jazz, country or classical music drummers on the list.
Are They the Best Technical Drummers?
The 30 richest drummers in the world aren’t the best technical drummers although many of them have great chops. Guys like Neal Peart and Carter Beauford have incredible ability. But they couldn’t have made their fortune without being in a band.
Jazz and classical music drummers are considered to be the most technical and have the best training. Yet there are no jazz or classical drummers on the list. In fact Beauford is the only one who comes close to being considered a jazz drummer.
Are They Band Leaders?
And with the exception of a couple (e.g., Phil Collins and Dave Grohl), the richest drummers aren’t bandleaders. I suspect that, in their day, band leader drummers like Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and Lionel Hampton may have been on the list. But those days are in the past.
The richest drummers today are guys like you and me who started playing drums in a no name band that stuck together, got better as a group of musicians and found an audience…a very large audience.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that making money should be your main focus as a musician, especially when you are starting out. I’m saying that, if you want to be successful, this is an impressive group of drummers whose playing style, attitude and musicianship should be followed.
Why Are They So Successful?
This list was, for me, one more piece of evidence that the most successful drummers don’t play the most complex music. They aren’t the ones who are the best technical drummers. They are the drummers who create parts that sound good for each song. The most successful drummers are supportive of their fellow musicians. And they are persistent, willing to invest time into a band that may or may not be successful.
The richest drummers are also willing to give up the comforts of home, including family, for a life on the road. Bands don’t become successful overnight and they don’t become famous without traveling…a lot of traveling.
These guys have sacrificed a lot for their music and their careers. There’s not one drummer on the list who was an overnight success. All of them worked hard, had a little luck and didn’t give up.
This is an impressive group of players. Think of all the joy and influence their music has had on society. The groups that they play/played in have had a profound effect on our culture. They are a very deserving group.
But keep in mind that if these guys can be successful, so can you. It’s not about the talent you were born with but rather what you do with that talent. Keep learning songs. Play parts and fills that sound good for the song. Be supportive of the other musicians in your band. If you do all these things without giving up, you may someday be on the list of the world’s 30 richest drummers!