“Dope! Drum! Fills!”..................................Palmer

Dope! Drum! Fills!

Compiled By Julian Palmer

Not even sure what technically qualifies as a drum fill so here’s this nifty description I swiped from Wikipedia: “In popular music, a fill is a short musical passage, riff, or rhythmic sound which helps to sustain the listener’s attention during a break between the phrases of a melody.” Disclaimer: I am not a drummer so perhaps I am not entirely entitled to write an article about such a subject but fuck dat because there’s just something about drum fills that really gets me going. Second disclaimer: These are just some great fills that I have organized based on the music that I listen to so excuse the limited range of genre.

“This Velvet Glove” Red Hot Chili Peppers

One of my favorite RHCP songs and probably my favorite off of 1999’s Californication. Beautiful electric + acoustic guitar intro, and when this fill comes in at 0:16 it’s just OMG. Chad Smith is honestly a spectacular drummer who shows incredible versatility. Unfortunately he is often not recognized as such because he dwells in the towering shadows of Flea and John Frusciante.

“Thank You” Led Zeppelin

Another nice chill one, especially for John Bonham, this highly technical fill comes in right around 0:10. Actually, there’s an even better one that Bonzo does for us at 0:50. I could probably compile a list of just Led Zep fills, but I have to say this one is my favorite.

“Business Dog” JC + the Voidz “Above and Below” the Bravery

This is a great song off the band’s sophomore album The Sun and the Moon. The fill comes in at 0:30, and gets the groove of the song started after a fairly stripped down, vocal-focused intro.

Alex Carapetis is actually a sick drummer - he sounds like a whole indigenous tribe pounding away, but actually it’s just him! Wow! This song focuses on percussion in fact, and Carapetis’ talent is undeniable. The drums first come in at 0:12 with some exhilarating smashing, but he displays his true skill at 0:17 with a baller fill.

“Don’t Look Back in Anger” Oasis

This is a pretty chill fill but stellar nonetheless. The way it comes in with the vocals circa 0:10 truly tugs at my heartstrings.

“Venice Queen” Red Hot Chili Peppers

Okay I know, another Chili Peppers one, but hear me out: This is a two part song, electric guitar in the first one and badass acoustic strumming in the second, and what’s better to launch the second part of the song but another fantastic display of drummer swag from The Animal himself - Chad Smith. Mentally and spiritually prepare yourself for 2:52.