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Barker named top rock drummer

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By ( Classic Rock ) published

Blink-182 sticksman tops poll in front of Taylor Hawkins, John Fred Young and Brent Fitz

Blink-182’s Travis Barker has been named the best rock drummer of the year.

He’s been acclaimed by readers of Rhythm magazine for his live work during 2014. He leads a top 10 including Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters, John Fred Young of Black Stone Cherry and Brent Fitz of Slash’s solo band.

Rhythm say: “Travis has proved his popularity once again. Blink-182 put in a great performance at the Reading and Leeds festivals this year, and are working on a new album for 2015 – which should make Travis a shoe-in for top-spot next year too.”

Rhythm readers’ top 10 rock drummers

  1. Travis Barker, Blink-182

  2. Taylor Hawkins, Foo Fighters

  3. John Fred Young, Black Stone Cherry

  4. Brent Fitz, Slash

  5. Tommy Clufetos, Black Sabbath

  6. Stix Zadinia, Steel Panther

  7. Matt Cameron, Pearl Jam

  8. Shannon Larkin, Godsmack

  9. Michael Miley, Rival Sons

  10. Matt Helders, Arctic Monkeys

Martin Kielty
Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.