Dave Grohl and Meg White are two of rock’s most memorable drummers—but they couldn’t be more different. Yet both have left a huge mark on music, showing that there’s more than one way to be great behind the kit.
Dave Grohl has always loved drumming. Before becoming the frontman of Foo Fighters, he was the powerhouse drummer for Nirvana. Inspired by legends like Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and Rush’s Neil Peart, Grohl’s style is fast, loud, and full of energy.
With Nirvana, he created iconic drum patterns that defined songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit and Heart-Shaped Box. His drumming wasn’t just fast—it was musical, driving the songs while leaving room for melody.
Meg White: The Beauty of Simplicity
Meg White of The White Stripes took a very different approach. Her drumming was simple, almost childlike, with steady beats and minimal fills. While some critics thought it was too basic, Grohl admired her for it.
He said, “She’s one of those drummers where if you hear 15 seconds of her playing, you know exactly who it is. That’s the gold standard to me.” Meg proved that you don’t need complicated rhythms to make a lasting impact—sometimes simplicity is more powerful.
Both Serve the Song
Despite their differences, Grohl and White share the same philosophy: the song comes first. Both knew when to hold back and let the music shine, whether through explosive fills or steady, minimalist beats.
Dave Grohl and Meg White show that there’s no single way to be a great drummer. One uses power and energy, the other uses restraint and simplicity. Both styles have influenced countless musicians and left a permanent mark on rock music.