Pioneers of the Two Bass Drums in Rock: Van Halen, Metallica, and Beyond

The use of two bass drums, or double bass pedal, in rock music saw a significant evolution in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with several drummers playing critical roles in pioneering this technique. This article highlights the key pioneers, including notable figures like John Bonham, Lars Ulrich, and Alex Van Halen, while also addressing the earlier origins of the double pedal in jazz and rock music.

Early Pioneers and the Jazz Connection

The idea of using two bass drums in a drum kit originally emerged in the jazz world. One of the earliest innovators in this regard was Louie Bellson. Born in 1923, Bellson was a prolific jazz drummer whose contributions to the genre were significant. He first explored the double pedal technique during his teenage years, a feat that likely stood out in the jazz community of the time. His father, who owned a music store, may have played a role in providing him with the necessary equipment to experiment with the double bass pedal.

Bellson's groundbreaking work laid the groundwork for future drummers to explore this technique further. His innovation set the stage for the evolution of drumming in rock and metal music.

John Bonham: Innovator in Rock

While Louie Bellson's work in jazz paved the way, the full integration of the double bass pedal into rock music can be attributed to the Drummer of Led Zeppelin, John Bonham. Bonham's powerful and dynamic drumming style introduced the double bass setup to a wider audience, influencing countless rock and metal drummers that followed. His use of the double bass pedal was not just a technical achievement; it brought a new dimension of intensity and complexity to rock drumming.

Van Halen and Metallica: Popularizing the Technique

The late 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of heavy metal drummers who further popularized the use of two bass drums. Alex Van Halen of Van Halen and Lars Ulrich of Metallica were instrumental in this trend. Alex Van Halen, in particular, was noted for his technical proficiency and sharp, precise drumming. His rhythmic precision and speed were a defining characteristic of Van Halen's hard rock sound, making the double bass pedal an integral part of their music.

Lars Ulrich, on the other hand, pioneered a different but equally effective use of the double bass pedal. His rhythmic complexity and steady tempo helped define the metallic sound of Metallica, making it one of the most influential hard rock bands of the era. Both drummers contributed significantly to the evolution of rock drumming, elevating the art to new heights of complexity and intensity.

Other Influential Drummers

While Bonham, Van Halen, and Ulrich were key figures, other drummers also played significant roles in the development and popularization of double bass pedal techniques. Drummers like Neil Peart of Rush and Dave Lombardo of Slayer were known for their innovative rhythmic structures and technical prowess, further pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the double bass pedal.

Neil Peart was a master of complex rhythms and drumming techniques, his work with Rush helped to bring a new level of sophistication to the use of the double bass pedal. His intricate compositions and innovative drumming pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved with a double bass setup. Similarly, David Lombardo, the former drummer of Slayer, was known for his relentless and powerful drumming, contributing to the metallic sound that defined Slayer's music.

Phil Taylor: An Underrated Pioneer

Phil Taylor, the drummer for Motorhead, is often overlooked in discussions of double bass pedal innovation. Taylor pioneered the use of the double kick, a technique that laid the foundation for the double bass pedal's integration into rock drumming. Despite his contributions often being overshadowed, Taylor's influence on drumming remains significant. Many modern drummers, including Lars Ulrich of Metallica, cite him as an inspiration for their use of double triggers and the double bass pedal. Taylor's work with Motorhead, his innovative rhythmic style, and his use of double triggers played a crucial role in popularizing the double bass pedal in rock music.

Conclusion

The evolution of the two bass drums in rock music is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of several drummers. From Louie Bellson's pioneering work in jazz to John Bonham, Alex Van Halen, and Lars Ulrich's contributions to rock and metal, the double bass pedal has become a defining characteristic of modern drumming. Other influential drummers like Neil Peart and Dave Lombardo added to this tradition, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the kit. Phil Taylor deserves special mention for pioneering the double kick, a precursor to the double bass pedal's popularity in rock music.

The use of two bass drums continues to be a vital element in advanced rock and metal drumming, embodying the spirit of technical innovation and rhythmic complexity that these genres embody.