Famous Australian Drummers

Phil Rudd is an Australian drummer best known for his work with the rock band AC/DC. He has had three separate stints with the band, spanning several decades. Rudd entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with AC/DC in 2003. In addition to his work with the band, he released his first solo album in 2014. Legal issues in New Zealand temporarily affected his ability to tour with AC/DC, but he later rejoined the band for their comeback album in 2020.

Russell Hitchcock is a prominent Australian musician known for his role as the lead vocalist of the soft rock duo Air Supply. With a career spanning several decades, Hitchcock has garnered widespread acclaim for his soulful and emotive singing style. His powerful vocals have been a defining feature of Air Supply's music, contributing to the duo's international success and enduring popularity. Hitchcock's talent and stage presence have cemented his reputation as a respected and influential figure in the music industry, making him a beloved icon among fans worldwide.

Ashton Fletcher Irwin is a prominent Australian musician recognized as the drummer of the popular pop rock band 5 Seconds of Summer. Since 2014, the band has achieved remarkable success, selling over 10 million albums worldwide and garnering a massive following with over 2 million concert tickets sold. Their songs have been streamed more than 7 billion times, solidifying their position as one of Australia's most successful musical exports. Ashton's talent and contribution as a drummer have played a crucial role in the band's rise to fame.

Jon Farriss is an accomplished Australian drummer known for his role as a founding member of the iconic rock band INXS. Throughout his professional career, Farriss has made significant contributions to the music industry through his exceptional drumming skills and creative input in the band's music. His rhythmic prowess and innovative musical ideas have played a crucial role in shaping INXS's distinctive sound and establishing them as one of the most successful and enduring bands in the history of rock music.

Paul Hester was an Australian musician and television personality known for his drumming skills. He was the drummer for Split Enz during their final year in 1983-1984 before co-founding the band Crowded House. With Crowded House, Hester contributed to their success as a key member and played an essential role in their music. He was recognized for his energetic drumming style and charismatic stage presence, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry during his career.

Virgil Donati is an Australian drummer, composer, and producer known for his technical prowess. He plays drums in the traditional style and is skilled on the keyboard as well. Donati co-founded the band Planet X with Derek Sherinian and served as the principal composer for their albums. He also collaborated with Jack Jones in various musical projects, such as a Van Halen tribute band and bands like The State and Southern Sons. Donati is highly respected in the music industry for his exceptional drumming abilities.

Colin John Burgess was a prominent Australian rock musician known for his drumming skills. He first gained recognition as the drummer for the Masters Apprentices during the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to hit singles like "5:10 Man" and "Turn Up Your Radio." He later joined hard rock band AC/DC for a brief period. Burgess's career was marked by his induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 1998 with the Masters Apprentices. He collaborated with his brother in various musical projects, showcasing his versatile talents in the rock music scene.

Dave Galafassi is an accomplished Australian drummer known for his work with the band ‘Toni Collette & the Finish.’ He began his music career by taking drumming lessons in his teenage years and played in various local music groups before joining the Sydney indie band, ‘Gelbison.’ After leaving Gelbison, he co-founded ‘Toni Collette & the Finish’ with his wife, Toni Collette, in 2006. Their debut album ‘Beautiful Awkward Pictures’ was released in October, 2006, showcasing Galafassi's talent and contribution to the music industry.

Rob Hirst is an accomplished Australian musician known for his role as a founding member of the rock band Midnight Oil. As the drummer, percussionist, and occasional vocalist for the band, he played a key role in shaping their sound and contributing to their success from the 1970s until their hiatus in 2002. Hirst's talents extend beyond music, as he is also an author, having penned the book "Willie's Bar & Grill," which offers insights into the band's experiences during a tour following the 9/11 attacks.

Steven William Prestwich was an accomplished English-born Australian musician known for his roles as a drummer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He gained prominence as the founding and longstanding drummer of the band Cold Chisel, contributing significantly to their success with iconic songs like "When the War Is Over", "Flame Trees", and "Forever Now". Additionally, Prestwich briefly collaborated with the Little River Band in the 1980s and later pursued a solo career with the release of two albums in the 2000s. His musical legacy continues to inspire fans worldwide.

Peter Robert Jones was a talented musician who made significant contributions to the Australian music scene. He played drums for various bands such as Harem Scarem, Crowded House, and Deadstar. Jones co-wrote several tracks and albums, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess. He also worked as a session musician and producer for different artists. Later in his career, Jones transitioned to teaching, becoming a respected secondary school teacher. Despite battling brain cancer, his passion for music and dedication to education remained unwavering until his untimely passing in 2012.

John Murphy was a highly skilled Australian drummer and percussionist known for his contributions to the post-punk, ambient, and industrial music scenes in Australia and Britain. He made a name for himself as a versatile and talented multi-instrumentalist, lending his talents to various music groups in these genres. Murphy's professional life was marked by his ability to adapt to different musical styles and his proficiency in creating unique and engaging sounds through his percussion work.

Jon Coghill is an accomplished Australian drummer widely recognized for his contributions to the rock band Powderfinger. He joined the group in 1991, replacing the original drummer. Coghill's drumming skills have been showcased on all of Powderfinger's releases, establishing him as a key member of the band. In addition to his work with Powderfinger, Coghill has also toured with the band Regurgitator, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented musician in the Australian music scene.

Jay Watson is an Australian multi-talented musician known for his roles in various prominent bands. As a touring member of Tame Impala and co-founder of Pond, he has contributed to the creation of nine albums. Additionally, Watson releases solo material under the name GUM, boasting six studio albums to date. He collaborates with James Ireland in the duo GUM & Ginoli, remixing songs and assisting in production and mixing for various artists, showcasing his versatility and skill within the music industry.