Q: In a rock band what could be better than hearing the drummer banging out a killer rhythm?
A: How about two drummers?

Most popular with groups formed in the seventies, the phenomenon of bands with two drummers -- each with their own full drum kits set up live and/or in recording sessions -- have included the Allman Brothers with drummers Jai Johany Johansen & Butch Trucks, the Doobie Brothers, the Grateful Dead with Mickey Hart & Bill Kruetzman, .38 Special, the Outlaws, Genesis (post Peter Gabriel as in the above clip from 1976 with dual percussionists Bill Buford and a bearded/pre vocal pop sensation Phil Collins), (for part of their career) space rockers Hawkwind, King Crimson (in the nineties), Foreigner, Yes, Adam & the Ants, and the more contemporary rock group Modest Mouse. Note that some of these only occasionally/sporadically utilize the two drummer set up.
               













The advantage of having two drummers varies depending on who you ask. In fact, many believe that it is just plain unnecessary -- that if one drummer is good enough, that he/she can do an adequate job alone. There are many reasons to utilize two drummers, including that together two drummers can create a more full big beat sound and groove, that they can switch up types of drums each play, and that together they can really speed up the tempo.

And then there have been a few bands over the years like Slipknot (see live clip below) that have not two but three (some even more) drummers. If you can add any other bands with two or more drummers please do so in the COMMENTS below. Thanks!