Keith Moon was the first modern drummer.

[sir pball]

First drummer to use the kit as an instrument - all the rest before him played as a rhythm.

[GReedDiamond]

1. As a drummer myself, I like Keith Moon a lot...

...and was certainly influenced to some extent by him.

However, what about the great jazz drummers such as Rich and Krupa...or Elvin Jones, Ginger Baker, John Bonham, Kreutzmann/Hart of the Grateful Dead, or the recently departed, probably-the-most-recorded-person ever, Hal Blaine - for just a few examples of drummers who played their instruments, and either preceded or were contemporaneous with Keith?

And the female drummer playing Moon is pretty accomplished, but she's no Keith.

Just my opinion(s).

[Aristus]

2. I was going to say: Gene Krupa is a better candidate for that title.

n/t

[GReedDiamond]

3. And I agree, you would be correct...nt

[Brother Buzz]

5. I believe Earl "Godfather of drum fills" Palmer could be on your list, too

"I played all the rock and roll shit so I could afford to play jazz drums"

[denbot]

4. Umm, I'm pretty sure that was not Keith, and you never heard of D J Fontana..

Just saying.