Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Superbooth 2026
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About us
More
  • Heart of Gold
  • Vince Clarke's favourite synth
  • 95k+ free music samples
  • The Beatles' medley masterpiece
  1. Artists
  2. Drummers

Drummer's World Cup: Classic Rock results

News
By Chris Burke published 27 November 2012

The Rhythm Drummer's World Cup First Round results in full

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

John Bonham

John Bonham

An easy win in the end for John 'Bonzo' Bonham, who coasted through to the last 16 on more than 51% of the votes. Such was the force of Bonham's steamrollering performance that many of his Classic Rock contemporaries as well as those influenced by the great man were left choking in the dust. Even Ringo Starr didn't, as they say, turn up.

Page 1 of 10
Page 1 of 10
Keith Moon

Keith Moon

A strong but not convincing showing for The Who legend sees Keith Moon scrape through to the next round. But where were his legion of fans? Yes, we're talking about his generation! And every generation since! Still, it's job done and onto the last 16, where he's likely to find the going tough against some of the young and not so young guns in the genres of Metal, Rock, Jazz, Funk and Pop.

Page 2 of 10
Page 2 of 10
Ian Paice

Ian Paice

Thanks to his fantastic contribution to the Classic Rock pantheon having drummed on timeless rock anthems such as 'Smoke On The Water' and 'Black Night', the Deep Purple man almost beat Keith Moon to automatic qualification for the next round of the Drummer's World Cup. Mr Paice will be hoping that he can still get through on a 'next most votes' wildcard.

Page 3 of 10
Page 3 of 10
Phil Collins

Phil Collins

Mama, this one was close. The Genesis man, in the end, lacked his famous 'Invisible Touch' to just fall short of qualification. Unless 'Against All Odds' he's still managed enough votes in the wider competition to get through on a wild card. Otherwise it's looking like he's on his way 'Home (By The Sea)'.

Page 4 of 10
Page 4 of 10
Bill Bruford

Bill Bruford

The thinking prog rock man's prog drummer, Yes's Bill Bruford managed a respectable fifth place position in a group dominated by big beats and big hair. His intelligent jazz beats were just no match in the end for sheer power and brutal attacking play.

Page 5 of 10
Page 5 of 10
Mitch Mitchell

Mitch Mitchell

A relatively poor showing for the brilliant Jimi Hendrix sticksman saw him floundering in sixth place in the end. Gaining just over 4 percent of the votes, Mitchell fell victim to what they're now calling the 'Group Of Death', with Bonham calling the shots at every turn.

Page 6 of 10
Page 6 of 10
Roger Taylor

Roger Taylor

Tied at seventh in the qualifying group, Queen's Roger Taylor will be looking closely at his performance, the result of what can only be described as not having had enough votes from Rhythm readers. Some Taylor fans are already complaining about waterlogged pitches and "Not knowing anything about a poll."

Page 7 of 10
Page 7 of 10
Alex Van Halen

Alex Van Halen

Look at Alex, he's looking so happy, arms aloft like he's won! But nobody's told him yet that he's tied in seventh with Queen's Roger Taylor. The genius drumming powerhouse deserved more than a paltry 3.03% of the votes. Come on Van Halen fans! Where were you?! Where were you!? Let's be havin’ you, as Delia Smith once said.

Page 8 of 10
Page 8 of 10
Cozy Powell

Cozy Powell

The 'Dance With The Devil' and Rainbow drumming behemoth was sunk in the first round thanks to a lacklustre performance and only 2.5% of the votes. Really, you have to wonder who votes on these things. John Bonham fans, that's who.

Page 9 of 10
Page 9 of 10
Ginger Baker

Ginger Baker

The Cream man went into the competition as at least an outside favourite, but only just managed to scrape into the top half of the group with a poor 2.02% of the votes. He won't be happy with that. We would suggest a change of manager and a complete restructuring of himself in time for the Euros in two years time. Although we might have taken the football tournament analogy too far with this one.

Page 10 of 10
Page 10 of 10
CATEGORIES
Drums
Chris Burke
Read more
Vanilla Fudge
Artists “We could have been as big as Led Zeppelin”: The heavy rock innovators whose drummer was a star before John Bonham
 
 
Genesis in 1975
Artists “Some of the public found Genesis with Peter Gabriel a bit too strange”: How Phil Collins became the singing drummer and led Genesis to superstardom
 
 
Anika Nilles of band Rush plays the drums at the KIA Forum on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Inglewood, CA
Drummers “The perfect choice for this!”: Mike Portnoy praises Anika Nilles’ performance at Rush comeback gig
 
 
Noel Gallagher of Oasis performs on stage during the opening night of their Live 25' Tour
Guitarists “They’re not really football people are they?” Noel Gallagher watch the World Cup final half-time show
 
 
Bad Company
Artists “Simon said to Rodgers, ‘If you want to hit anyone, hit me’ – so he did”: The supergroup who split after a punch-up
 
 
A close-up of James Gadson playing drums
Drummers “The beat goes on, but the pocket will never be the same": Stars pay tribute to James Gadson
 
 
Latest in Drummers
Anika Nilles of band Rush plays the drums at the KIA Forum on Sunday, June 7, 2026 in Inglewood, CA
Drummers “The perfect choice for this!”: Mike Portnoy praises Anika Nilles’ performance at Rush comeback gig
 
 
Dave Grohl performing with a blue guitar
Artists "Kurt kissed me and said, 'now I don't have to be the only songwriter!'”: Dave Grohl's evolution as a songwriter
 
 
Dave Grohl visits SiriusXM Studios on April 29, 2026
Drummers “I was like ‘That’s not my one’”: Dave Grohl recalls the time Nine Inch Nails laughed at him
 
 
elestepariosiberiano
Drummers “Don’t work with somebody that’s destroying your job”: El Estepario Siberiano urges non-collaboration with Suno users
 
 
The Smashing Pumpkins
Artists “I don't think Kurt really dug me”: Smashing Pumpkins drummer Jimmy Chamberlin recalls the heady days of the early ’90s
 
 
Dave Grohl and David Bowie compositie picture
Singers & Songwriters “I would never say that to anybody” What did Dave Grohl say to David Bowie the first time he met him?
 
 
Latest in News
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 03: Billy Ray Cyrus performs onstage at AMERICAN IDOLS - Live in Concert presented by 19 Recordings Takeover on June 03, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for 19 Recordings )
Artists Billy Ray Cyrus on the moment he was inspired to beat his vocal paralysis
 
 
Noel Gallagher of Oasis performs on stage during the opening night of their Live 25' Tour
Guitarists “They’re not really football people are they?” Noel Gallagher watch the World Cup final half-time show
 
 
Ed Sheeran has launched a new grassroots music campaign and a signature line of busking-friendly acoustic amps.
Artists “Playing music should always be fun. It should feel like an escape”: Ed Sheeran teams up with Orange to create the “ultimate busking amp” and launches grassroots music campaign to encourage young players to get out and play
 
 
Close up hand holds paper card with No AI, prohibition sign
Tech "A first step in making sure that AI doesn't dilute the royalty pool": Deezer launches new AI detection tool
 
 
Mick Jagger with his tongue out in a pub
Artists “Almost nobody seemed to realise it was him”: Mick Jagger turns up and sings at an Oxford pub folk session
 
 
Paul McCartney
Artists We just listened to all of The Boys of Dungeon Lane with Paul McCartney himself, here’s what he said about each track
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...