7 Classic Rock Bands Hampered by Drummers Who Never Got Better

Rock history isn’t all power chords and soaring vocals — sometimes the weakest link isn’t a guitar solo, but the beat behind it. Over the years, several major bands featured drummers who inspired harsh criticism or divided opinions. For every fan who loved their groove, there was another who thought the timing was off, the fills flat, or the energy missing. Below are seven well‑known bands whose drummers sparked consistent debate — not necessarily because they were terrible, but because their style or performance never silenced their critics.

AC/DC — Phil Rudd

Phil Rudd is often described as providing a steady, simple backbeat rather than flashy fills. Critics sometimes call that minimalist style “too basic” for what rock could demand.

Yet many fans praise that steadiness as the backbone of AC/DC’s hard‑rock punch — his groove gives their riffs room to breathe and keeps the energy tight.

The White Stripes — Meg White

Meg White has faced harsh words. Some critics call her drumming “rudimentary” or “sloppy,” arguing the rhythm can feel loose and unsophisticated.

Others see that roughness as part of the band’s raw, garage‑rock identity. Her simple beats leave space for guitar and vocals — and some say that minimalism is exactly what the songs need.

KISS — Peter Criss

Peter Criss’s drumming has sometimes been criticized in fan forums and discussions as not keeping up with the band’s ambitions, especially when songs shifted toward heavier or more complex arrangements.

Still, supporters argue that his style matched KISS’s early sound — simple beats that served the songs’ rock‑and‑roll energy rather than overshadowing them with technical flourishes.

Eagles — Don Henley

Don Henley’s drumming sometimes draws criticism for being too restrained or predictable for some listeners expecting more adventurous percussion.

However, others believe his measured drumming helped define the smooth, country‑rock‑tinged style that made the Eagles’ songs timeless. The subtle rhythm offered a steady foundation rather than flashy drumming.

U2 — Larry Mullen Jr.

Larry Mullen Jr.’s drumming style is often described as straightforward and minimal, which leads some to argue it lacks flair and creativity compared with more showy rock drummers.

But many fans say that simplicity is U2’s strength. Mullen’s steady beat allows the guitar and vocals to carry the melody, and supports the band’s atmospheric style rather than competing with it.

Aerosmith — Joey Kramer

Joey Kramer sometimes gets labeled as “basic” by critics who prefer more dynamic drumming styles. In certain songs, the drum patterns don’t stray far from standard rock beats

Nonetheless, fans often note that his consistent rhythm and solid playing are core to Aerosmith’s groove‑heavy, blues‑tinged rock. For many songs, the steady backbone fits the band’s style better than technical flash.

Metallica — Lars Ulrich

Some of the strongest voices calling out Ulrich point to inconsistent live timing and a lack of technical complexity compared with peers in thrash metal.

Despite this, many defenders — including fellow musicians — argue his drumming suits Metallica’s music. As one supporter put it: he gives the songs groove and energy instead of complexity.