Twelve Drummers Drumming Trivia Quiz

Answer: Rick Allen

Despite the loss of his arm, Allen continued as the band's percussionist with their full support, compensating for the loss of his arm with the use of his legs. Engineers custom-built an electronic drum set so he could use his legs to manipulate sounds normally produced by his missing arm.

His performance at the "Monsters of Rock" festival in 1986 was his first since his accident. It was a success.

Answer: Ringo Starr

Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, England, Ringo enjoyed worldwide fame when The Beatles became a household name in 1964. He contributed much to the band's sound, although he sometimes felt that he was not contributing enough to the band's songwriting efforts.

He wrote "Octopus's Garden" and co-wrote other songs. Ringo later branched out into acting, appearing in films such as "Caveman" and the children's TV programs "Thomas the Tank & Friends" and "Shining Time Station."

Answer: Stewart Copeland

In 1977 Copeland co-founded The Police along with Sting, whose real name is Gordon Sumner. Although he is from the U.S., Copeland's family moved to other countries, including England, which is where he met Sting. Copeland is known for his infusion of several distinct styles, including reggae and Lebanese.

His innovative use of splash cymbals and traditional grip, as opposed to match grip, set him apart from other drummers.

Answer: Charlie Watts

Charles Watts was born in London, England in 1941. Although he has been an important member of the the Rolling Stones, Watts also enjoys jazz music and leads a jazz band. In 1962 he met the founding members of the Rolling Stones but didn't join the band until the following year. Always impeccably dressed, Charlie Watts has been happily married to his wife Shirley for 47 years, no easy feat in the world of rock music.

Answer: John Bonham

Bonham first played drums for Band of Joy before joining Led Zeppelin. Even though he died young, he is still remembered as being one of the world's greatest drummers. His drum solo, nicknamed Moby Dick and featured on the Led Zeppelin II album, showcased his endurance and power when he used his hands to create different sounds, his solos often lasting thirty minutes. Bonham later added congas and tympani to his repertoire.

His early death was the result of asphyxiation.

Answer: Carter Beauford

Carter enjoyed the concert so much his father bought him a toy drum set. After that, there was no turning back. Beauford is well known for playing drums in a variety of styles, including R&B and fusion, and for his ambidextrous style which he taught himself to do as a child practicing in front of a mirror.

Answer: Keith Moon

Keith died at age 32 from an overdose of prescription drugs. "The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame" credits Moon with being one of the rock world's best drummers. Known as much for his dramatic flair on the drums as well as his colorful antics both onstage and off, Keith was known for throwing furniture out hotel windows and flushing explosives down toilets just for the sheer thrill of it all. One biographer felt that Moon suffered from a border personality disorder.

In 1978 Moon overdosed on a prescription of Clomethiazole, a sedative prescribed for use in alcohol withdrawal.

Answer: Roger Taylor

Roger Taylor is a drummer, songwriter, and lead vocalist. He is also adept at playing guitar and keyboards. "Radio Ga-Ga" and "These Are the Days of Our Lives" are two of the hit songs written by Taylor for Queen. Known for his four-octave vocal range, Taylor fronted his own band "Cross" from 1987-1993 in addition to his regular gigs with Queen. According to Taylor, drummers John Bonham and Mitch Mitchell were his greatest influence.

Answer: Tommy Lee

Tommy Lee Bass received his first drum kit when he was still in his teens. Prior to playing drums for Mötley Crüe he played for the band Suite 19. When he met Nikki Sixx in the early '80s, the two decided to form their own band. When lead guitarist Mick Mars joined the band followed by lead singer Vince Neil, Mötley Crüe was born.

The band is known for their wild life style and excessive drug use.

Answer: Bill Ward

Before he co-founded Black Sabbath, Ward was in a band called Mythology. Although he was primarily a drummer, he sang vocals on two of the band's songs: "It's Alright" and "Swinging the Chain." Due to bad health and other issues, Ward played with Black Sabbath off-and-on during the '80s.