as a drummer and huge fan of this subject,
i would have 2 say...

1. michael b.
john blackwell ( john & michael bring out EVERY aspect of prince's music.

3. sheila e.
4. morris day ( ya'll didn't know that did ya')
5. bobby z.
6. kirky j.

Sheila E. without a doubt!!!!

sheila e. gets my vote

Michael Bland, no question
Everyone is picking Sheila E. for sentimental reasons.

Michael B, for sure.....

Wow,
As much as I have to vote for Sheila E on this one, I cant help but notice the ones that are dissing the hell out of BobbyZ. And I also know that word has it, "on the streets" lol, that Prince kept BobbyZ for so long out of loyalty to him. Sure he was an OK drummer, but also think about this. With all the biographies out there on Prince, it was Prince's idea to use the LM-1 drum machine. He basicly told Bobby to "learn it". This in turn made Bobby into a glorified cymbal player. I have to admit, that when U look at the live performances with the Revolution, he basicly danced, played cymbals, and operated the drum machine. I dont think that it was his choice to go that route, but I think that he was a victim of that decision that has ultimately cast him out of the "good drummer" standing. When Sheila E came to replace him in the band, Prince still used the drum machine to some extent but not as much as before. This I also believe made Sheila look better in live performances because she was playing more on her own and not using the drum machine. I still think Bobby was a good drummer, but a also a victim of circumstance being told to use the machine more than his own drumming skills.
Does anybody out there agree with me?
Let me know. I would love to hear your spin on this.
Peace

Without a doubt, Michael B., just think of "The Jam" or "Shhh", hmmm? nobody can play it like that!

Prince is Prince's best drummer.

Other than him, his best drummer is Sheila E. hands down.

Without a doubt SHEILA E !!!!!

I think it's easy for people to dog Bobby Z. as the "drum machine" guy. But what was he supposed to do? The drum machine is what Prince wanted and that's what Bobby had to do. And if you're going to base an opinion on Bobby, do it off the Parade tour not the Purple Rain tour. I seen the Parade tour in the flesh (not just on video either!) and as a drummer Bobby was amazing. When Wendy did "Alexa de Paris" while Prince was changing the song sounded wonderful. And Bobby handled Sheila's solo in the song VERY well. So he may not be the best Prince drummer ever, but he don't deserve some of the comments he gets either.

John Blackwell IS by far the best and his musical training and tastes are that of GREAT musicians like Billy Cobham. We will see him up there with the likes of Neal Pert and Bonham.
8) 8) 8) 8)

Shiela E & Johnny B.....not necessarily in that order

I agree completely, Bobby should be omitted from judgement on any album between 82 and 84. Anything before and 86 should be fair game. On those merits, I would classify him as a great drummer.

I am quite sure Bobby Z would be in Prince's band is he was not a damn good drummer.

Sheila E of course

MAKEL BBBBB!!!!!

Sheila really makes me smile on "La la la, hee hee hee" and "Cindy C.". She has some kind of giggly funky style.

John Blackwell has a very steady and friendly feel. Tender but powerful.

I agree with the ones who think it would be great to have John as a drummer, while Sheila does percussion.

By the way, the best drum track is "Lady Cab Driver". Sounds like a drum machine with someone playing the snare in a way that's so extremely well arranged. There's something about the space... as M. Davis would have said. Bet it was played by Prince himself.

Sheila E. No question.

Its between Mike B and John Blackwell. I am sure about the worst: Bobby Z. Believe it...just because he was int he Revolution, he is not that great

NotoriousBILL said:

LOL!!!
You have a point with Prince though. He's highly underrated, even by most of his hardcore fans.

Berry said:

Funny you'd mention that. During certain parts on TRC Blackwell's tone on his snare reminds me of Bonham a bit. Bonzo's right foot is untouchable, and wow could he ever swing. Peart, eh. I'm not too keen on him.

I liked Bobby Z and I miss that time sometime.
He wasn't just a good drummer, he was also good looking.
That was one of Prince's best times, He sold more recordings and concert tickets back than.
But I don't think that Prince ever had a "bad' drummer.
I think they all deserve respect for the work they have done. Percussion is one of Prine's best thing.

Some people here know I am an unconditional fan of Michael B. I simply loved his drumrolls and style.
But honestly, I am very happy with Blackwell. He has something that is different from other P drummers...he sometimes leads the band. I dont know why it happened, but it seems Blackwell has more freedom than any other drummer P had. I think Michael, Blackwell and Sheila are great and have strong points. Blackwell adds dynamic. Bland is the master of the classy drumrolls, and Sheila was very creative. I wouldnt say who is best, but I hope Blackwell stays for a looong time

My favorite is Sheila. As far as best, that's a tough call. I love what Sheila did, and I love what Michael Bland did. I'm amazed by what I've heard by Mr. Blackwell, but I've not heard enough from him to make a judgement.

Prince is an excellent drummer, right in the pocket, as is Morris Day.

Here's an interesting question...who is playing the drums on Irresistable Bitch? I always thought it was Prince, but after hearing Morris play on Cloreen Baconskin, I think it could be Morris.

I think it's interesting that people dog on Bobby Z all the time. I have audio of the Dirty Mind tour when Bobby was playing the skins, and he sounds good to me. Someone else mentioned his work on the Parade tour, and I have to agree, he did an excellent job. He balanced playing drum machines and cymbals with real playing and kept it tight as hell. Watch the '86 birthday show in Detroit if you're in doubt.

NotoriousBILL said:

- HAHAHAHA...the joke of the day...3 options:
1) You want to polemize
2) You dont know what a drum is
3) You are a comedian

Question, please: On which songs can I hear Morris Day playing the drums??...I think I've never heard him play... Thanks.

Kind of a stupid question ain't it? what's the maximum allowable universe of PRINCE Drummers 5? 8?

Sheila ever sit at a full trapset with Prince instead of being a percussionists (her natural role)?

I always thought Michael Bland was nice with it. After seeing him perform with the Combo(the band that he and Sonny T were gigging with) several Monday nights last year at the Bunkers Bar in Minneapolis, I'm convinced he's my choice for Prince's best drummer. To see him in an intimate setting like Bunkers relentlessly banging those skins and mastering the Combo's varied set list was enough proof for me. He showed versatility and was extremely funky. Sonny T was equally amazing.

How Prince consistently finds such talented musicians is beyond me.

Michael B

I'd buy him a 20 piece bucket!!

PFunkjazz said:

oh, HECK yeah - check out the SOTT movie. Pretty good...for a girl!