The 108 Greatest Drum Intros of All Time

 

Some of these drum intros are my favorite drum intros of all time. The majority are a result of me digging online and a good amount  where crowdsourced via Reddit. By you, the music lovers and drummers who obsess over this stuff just as much as I do!

As you explore these 108 drum intros, you’ll find a mix of styles. Some kick off with just the drums setting the pace, others burst into action with bold fills or tight syncopations that draw the whole band together. Each intro not only showcases the drummer’s artistry but also sets the emotional tone for what’s to come.

We’re kicking things off with our top rock drum intros and then moving on through other genres one by one. If you’d like to jump straight to a particular genre, simply click the links below to navigate directly to that section.

Table of Contents

• Rock
• Soul/Funk
• Pop
• Reggae
• Jazz/Fusion

ROCK

Encompasses Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, Alternative Rock, Grunge, and more. Typically defined by electric guitars, powerful drumming, and prominent riffs.

1. When the Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin

Drummer: John Bonham
Year: 1971
John Bonham’s colossal drum sound, famously recorded in a stairwell, delivers an iconic, thunderous intro that defined the raw power of Led Zeppelin and left an indelible mark on rock music.

2. Rosanna – Toto

Drummer: Jeff Porcaro
Year: 1982
Jeff Porcaro’s signature shuffle on “Rosanna” blends the precision of the Purdie Shuffle with his own unique flair. His masterful drumming creates a deceptively simple yet intricately groovy foundation that has become a textbook example of groove and finesse.

3. Stargazer – Rainbow

Drummer: Cozy Powell
Year: 1976
Cozy Powell delivers an epic, theatrical opening fill that perfectly matches the grandiose, soaring riffs of “Stargazer.” His thunderous drumming sets the stage for Rainbow’s legendary blend of hard rock and fantasy-driven storytelling.

4. Where Eagles Dare – Iron Maiden

Drummer: Nicko McBrain
Year: 1983
Nicko McBrain ignites this track with a rapid-fire tom assault that sets a galloping pace, showcasing Iron Maiden’s signature NWOBHM energy and propelling you into a relentless metal rush.

5. Hot for Teacher – Van Halen

Drummer: Alex Van Halen
Year: 1984
Is there a more iconic rock drum intro? Alex Van Halen bursts into “Hot for Teacher” with a blistering double-bass shuffle that electrifies the intro. His high-energy drumming perfectly matches the song’s fierce guitar riffs, making it one of the most memorable drum openings of the ’80s.

6. 6:00 – Dream Theater

Drummer: Mike Portnoy
Year: 1994
Dream Theater’s “6:00” opens with an intricate, complex progressive metal groove that hits you from the very first second. Mike Portnoy’s technical prowess and dynamic drumming command attention, setting a challenging yet exhilarating tone for the piece.

7. A Song for the Dead – Queens of the Stone Age

Drummer: Dave Grohl
Year: 2002
Dave Grohl’s pounding intro launches this track with raw intensity, creating a fierce, unpolished desert-rock atmosphere that foreshadows the relentless energy to come.

8. Davidian – Machine Head

Drummer: Chris Kontos
Year: 1994
Chris Kontos delivers an explosive drum intro that epitomizes mid-’90s groove metal. His intense, aggressive playing sets a relentless pace, perfectly matching Machine Head’s ferocious energy.

9. My Own Summer (Shove It) – Deftones

Drummer: Abe Cunningham
Year: 1997
I’ve always have been a huge fan of Ab Cunningham’s playing. Tasty grooves and fills and this tune is no exception. It goes to show that simplicity is very effective and is all that is needed. This Subtle tom and snare pattern builds dark tension, perfectly framing the band’s heavy/atmospheric dynamic.

10. Rock and Roll – Led Zeppelin

Drummer: John Bonham
Year: 1971
This classic driving groove was inspired by Little Richard’s “Keep-a-Knockin” by drummer Charles Connor. When Bonzo kicks the groove in, it catapults straight into a timeless rock anthem.

11. Over the Mountain – Ozzy Osbourne

Drummer: Tommy Aldridge
Year: 1981
Tommy Aldridge kicks off this Ozzy classic with rapid linear tom and kick flourishes that lead into one of Randy Rhoads’ most unforgettable riffs, creating an electrifying blend of metal energy and melodic flair.

12. My Hero – Foo Fighters

Drummer: Dave Grohl
Year: 1997
With an instantly recognizable opening fill, Dave Grohl anchors one of Foo Fighters’ most anthemic choruses, infusing the track with raw energy and a powerful, sing-along vibe.

13. Ticks & Leeches – Tool

Drummer: Danny Carey
Year: 2001
Danny Carey unleashes complex polyrhythms right out of the gate, setting a brutal yet mesmerizing stage for this dynamic, progressive metal rollercoaster.

14. Scentless Apprentice – Nirvana

Drummer: Dave Grohl
Year: 1993
Dave Grohl’s explosive fill at the beginning of this grunge track heralds the heavier, raw edge of Nirvana’s In Utero era, setting a fierce and unrelenting tone..

15. Moby Dick – Led Zeppelin

Drummer: John Bonham
Year: 1969
Known for its legendary extended drum solo, this track features Bonham’s iconic intro—a colossal, thunderous beat that’s a rite of passage for rock drummers and a cornerstone of Zeppelin’s legacy.

16. Money for Nothing – Dire Straits

Drummer: Terry Williams (with overdubs by Omar Hakim)
Year: 1985
I mean, who remembers this iconic video. If you come from the MTV era then i’m sure you do! I just love the way Omar phrased the toms into an epic fill that brings in one of Mark Knopfler’s most famous riffs.

17. Sunday Bloody Sunday – U2

Drummer: Larry Mullen Jr.
Year: 1983
Larry Mullen Jr. sets a militaristic tone with a precise, march-like snare pattern, introducing U2’s politically charged anthem with urgency and disciplined force.

18. We’re an American Band – Grand Funk Railroad

Drummer: Don Brewer
Year: 1973
Don Brewer kicks off the track with a cowbell-laced intro that immediately energizes the crowd. This signature moment captures the spirit of ’70s arena rock with its anthemic, unrestrained rhythm.

19. Walk This Way – Aerosmith

Drummer: Joey Kramer
Year: 1975
Joey Kramer’s funky, syncopated beat in this classic bridges rock and hip-hop. His groove provides a tight foundation that perfectly complements the song’s raw energy and iconic riff.

20. YYZ – Rush

Drummer: Neil Peart
Year: 1981
This instrumental opens with an iconic Morse code–inspired pattern by Neil Peart, showcasing his technical wizardry and setting the stage for a complex, exhilarating progressive rock journey.

21. The Spirit of Radio – Rush

Drummer: Neil Peart
Year: 1980
Though the guitar starts this classic tune, the syncopations that follow shortly after with Geddy Lee’s bass makes this an epic intro and a hallmark prog-rock anthem.

22. The Crunge – Led Zeppelin

Drummer: John Bonham
Year: 1973
John Bonham leads Zeppelin’s playful foray into funk with a funky, 9/8 but still head-nodding beat. His signature style adds a lighthearted groove that transforms the track into a spirited rhythm ride.

23. Territory – Sepultura

Drummer: Igor Cavalera
Year: 1993
Igor Cavalera’s tribal-like tom patterns carve out a raw, aggressive groove, kicking off this thrash/groove metal track from Chaos A.D. with unbridled power and rhythm.

24. Polaris – Megadeth

Drummer: Nick Menza
Year: 1990
A thrash metal staple where Nick Menza’s rapid-fire drumming launches Megadeth’s tightly wound, shredding assault, setting an aggressive, high-energy tone from the start.

25. Reggatta de Blanc – The Police

Drummer: Stewart Copeland
Year: 1979
The title track of The Police’s second album opens with Stewart Copeland’s crisp, reggae-infused drum intro. His tight, energetic beats blend rock urgency with reggae grooves, setting a vibrant tone that defines the band’s innovative sound on this classic track.

26. We Will Rock You – Queen

Drummer: Roger Taylor
Year: 1977
Instantly recognizable worldwide, Roger Taylor’s iconic stomp-stomp-clap rhythm in “We Will Rock You” has become a universal sports anthem. Its simplicity and sheer power create an anthemic beat that unites crowds and stands the test of time.

27. Come Together – The Beatles

Drummer: Ringo Starr
Year: 1969
Ringo Starr’s laid-back, tom-driven intro immediately sets a swampy, bluesy feel for this Beatles classic. His subtle yet precise drumming perfectly complements the song’s fuzzy guitar riff and Lennon’s quirky vocals, creating an unmistakable groove that’s both relaxed and compelling.

28. Dani California – Red Hot Chili Peppers

Drummer: Chad Smith
Year: 2006
Chad Smith launches “Dani California” with an explosive drum fill that seamlessly transitions into a powerful, melodic alt-rock groove. His dynamic style and raw energy help define this mid-2000s Chili Peppers anthem, making it an unforgettable head-banger.

29. Take the Money and Run – Steve Miller Band

Drummer: Gary Mallaber
Year: 1976
Kicking off with a lively opening fill, Gary Mallaber sets the stage for this breezy, storytelling rock tune. His energetic drumming injects a sense of adventure and fun that perfectly matches Steve Miller Band’s signature sound.

30. No Excuses – Alice in Chains

Drummer: Sean Kinney
Year: 1994
In a genre often marked by heaviness, Sean Kinney introduces this surprisingly upbeat cut with a bright, shuffling groove. His precise drumming lightens the mood, giving Alice in Chains a refreshing, melodic touch that stands out from their grunge catalog.

31. My Sharona – The Knack

Drummer: Bruce Gary
Year: 1979
Launching with a crisp, attention-grabbing drum fill, this power-pop anthem became a chart-topping hit thanks to its unforgettable guitar riff and infectious energy.

SOUL & FUNK

Rooted in R&B and gospel influences, Soul & Funk emphasize groove, syncopated bass lines, and passionate vocals. Subgenres include classic Motown, Philly soul, P-Funk, afrobeat, disco-funk, and contemporary/neo-soul.

32. Lowdown – Boz Scaggs

Drummer: Jeff Porcaro
Year: 1976
Jeff Porcaro’s smooth groove underpins this silky blend of pop, soul, and funk. The subtly intricate drumming provides a warm, laid-back foundation that perfectly complements Boz Scaggs’ soulful vocals and lush instrumentation.

33. Kissing My Love – Bill Withers

Drummer: James Gadson
Year: 1972
This track opens with an infectious drum break by James Gadson that grooves irresistibly. The beat has not only defined the song’s smooth R&B feel but also found new life through extensive sampling in hip-hop and R&B, cementing its place in musical history.

34. Theme from the Planets – Dexter Wansel

Drummer: Keith Benson (commonly credited)
Year: 1976
This spacy soul-funk excursion opens with Keith Benson’s crisp breakbeat, setting the stage for a cascade of lush synth layers. The rhythm feels both slick and otherworldly, inviting you on a cosmic groove journey that’s as soothing as it is exciting.

35. Can’t Hide Love – Earth, Wind & Fire

Drummer: Fred White
Year: 1975
This polished soul tune opens with immaculate vocal harmonies and a subtle, pocketed drum entrance from Fred White. His understated yet perfectly timed groove sets a smooth, irresistible foundation that lets the soaring vocals and rich instrumentation shine, epitomizing the effortless elegance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s classic sound.

36. You’ll Like It Too – Funkadelic

Drummer: Tyrone Lampkin
Year: 1979
A funk-driven jam straight from George Clinton’s camp, this track kicks off with Tyrone Lampkin laying down a deep, syncopated groove that immediately grabs your attention. His precision and flair perfectly complement Funkadelic’s wild, psychedelic energy, making the song irresistibly danceable and a quintessential slice of funk history.

37. Joy – Isaac Hayes

Drummer: Willie Hall
Year: 1973
This long-form soul masterpiece begins with Willie Hall’s warm, steady drum intro that sets a comforting, rhythmic foundation. As Isaac Hayes’ rich baritone takes over, the track unfolds into an expansive, soulful journey, blending heartfelt vocals with a groove that remains both soothing and profoundly moving.

38. The Boogie Back – Roy Ayers

Drummer: Dennis Davis
Year: 1974
This jazz-funk vibraphone track grooves with Dennis Davis’s tight, danceable beat. His crisp drumming underpins Roy Ayers’s signature vibes, creating a lively, infectious rhythm that has made the track a beloved staple for crate-diggers and fans of soulful, danceable funk.

39. Booty – Erykah Badu

Drummer: Questlove
Year: 1997
Description: Questlove eases into this groove with a smooth, effortless press roll before locking into an ultra-slick, syncopated beat. His signature pocket and swing give this track an undeniable bounce, perfectly complementing Badu’s cool, confident delivery. It’s a masterclass in restraint and feel, proving that groove is just as powerful as complexity.

40. Squib Cakes – Tower of Power

Drummer: David Garibaldi
Year: 1974
Kicking off with a syncopated funk groove, David Garibaldi’s intricate drum architecture perfectly showcases Tower of Power’s signature horn brilliance. His complex yet infectious rhythms set a lively foundation, making this track a quintessential funk gem that grooves irresistibly from start to finish.

41. Breakthrough – Isaac Hayes

Drummer: Willie Hall
Year: 1974
Featured on the Truck Turner soundtrack, this track explodes with a full-bodied soul-funk groove backed by Willie Hall’s tight, infectious drumming. Isaac Hayes’ lush orchestration and cinematic flair weave