We’ve shown appreciation for hair metal singers, guitarists, and bassists — now it’s time to rank the top five hair metal drummers.

Hair metal — or glam metal, or pop-metal, or whatever you prefer to call it — is not a genre typically celebrated for its drumming virtuosity, but that’s not to say the musicians behind the kit were lacking in skill.

On the contrary, the best hair metal drummers provided the driving force to countless arena-sized rock anthems. Energy, charisma, and showmanship were essential, and the drummers on this list managed to keep the proverbial freight train moving at high speed while finding opportunities within the songs to showcase their talents.

Many hair metal drummers were influenced by the classic rock giants of the ’60s and ’70s, and it shows in their powerful grooves and thunderous fills. Motley Crue and Def Leppard might seem far removed from Led Zeppelin and Cream, but rhythmically, Tommy Lee and Rick Allen drew inspiration from legends like John Bonham and Ginger Baker.

READ MORE: <span style="text-decoration: underline">The Heaviest Song by 11 Big Hair Metal Bands</span>

And let’s not forget that hair metal drummers rarely performed in the most … clinical environments. Instead, they had to stay in the pocket while executing various outrageous stick tricks and performing on moving platforms. In some extreme cases (some of which you’ll see on our list), they had to literally fly through arenas without missing a beat.

So, in celebration of musicians who play hard and look cool doing it, read on to see our top five hair metal drummers… and one honorable mention!