AC/DC's 'Back in Black' Named Best Drum Song Ever by Drumeo's Ranking

While debates over the best guitar solo of all time garner a lot of attention, drummers often don't inspire the level of passion that their bandmates do. However, they should because they provide the all-important beat at the core of iconic music. That is the reason it is so fascinating to learn why an acclaimed drummer recently named AC/DC's 'Back in Black' the single best drum song ever recorded.

What Makes AC/DC's 'Back in Black' the 'Best Drum Song of All Time?'

In November 2024, Drumeo published a ranking of "The 50 Best Drum Songs Of All Time," which named AC/DC's 1980 track 'Back in Black' No. 1. The ranking placed Phil Rudd's drumming in that track above the work of other legendary players like Ringo Starr, Bill Ward, Phil Collins, Dave Grohl, Mick Fleetwood, and John Bonham. The article included the following brief explanation for the choice.

"Although many people learn this pattern early on, they seldom play it with the same authority and discipline as Phil Rudd. His drumming provided the perfect foundation for the rest of the band to create an all-time classic."

Related: 1978 Hit Ranked Greatest Saxophone Solo of All Time

That explanation for why the song was ranked No. 1 underlines the very different and completely pivotal role drummers play in a band compared to anyone else. Unlike guitarists who seek to write solos that are placed front and center, drummers typically serve as the backbone of a band and songs. While some drum solos stand out, like Collins' iconic moment in his song 'In the Air Tonight,' that wasn't what Rudd was seeking to do during 'Back in Black.'

Rudd has been praised for playing simple beats with incredible precision, groove, and power. That helped him to be the engine behind AC/DC's biggest songs, including 'Back in Black,' an iconic hit song that spent 15 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. The track has also been deemed the gold standard of masterful drumming that perfectly fits the song.

Who Named AC/DC's 'Back in Black' the 'Best Drum Song of All Time?'

Drumeo's ranking of the best drum songs ever was written by Dan Kavanaugh, as he celebrated on his Instagram account. While he isn't a household name, he is a talented and respected performer who has worked with Jamie Lenman and Godsized. He was also once named one of the 10 best young British drummers.

The Top 10: Dan Kavanaugh and Drumeo's Ranking of the Best Drum Songs

• 1. AC/DC – ‘Back In Black' (Phil Rudd)
• 2. The Beatles – ‘Come Together' (Ringo Starr)
• 3. James Brown – ‘Funky Drummer Pt. 1 & 2' (Clyde Stubblefield)
• 4. The Dave Brubeck Quartet – ‘Take Five' (Joe Morello)
• 5. Black Sabbath – ‘Rat Salad' (Bill Ward)
• 6. Billy Cobham – ‘Stratus' (Billy Cobham)
• 7. Phil Collins – ‘In The Air Tonight' (Phil Collins)
• 8. Chick Corea Elektric Band – ‘Got A Match?' (Dave Weckl)
• 9. John Coltrane – ‘Resolution' (Elvin Jones)
• 10. Cream – ‘Toad' (Ginger Baker)

Next: 1983 Hit Named ‘Greatest Bass Guitar Solo of All Time' by Bassists

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 3:00 AM.