In a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show to promote their latest album, Saviors, Green Day engaged in a discussion about some of the world’s most exceptional drummers, offering praise for Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and defending his unique style.

Tré Cool, Green Day’s drummer, began by listing several renowned drummers, surprising many by starting with The Beatles’ Ringo Starr, a drummer often criticized despite his popularity. This choice seamlessly segued into Billie Joe Armstrong’s later commendation of Ulrich.

Cool mentioned iconic drummers like Keith Moon (The Who), John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Meg White (The White Stripes), and Buddy Rich. Howard Stern threw Cream’s Ginger Baker into the mix, prompting Cool to reflect on Starr’s ability to play what is essential for the song.

According to Cool, drummers sometimes forget their role in a song, emphasizing the importance of playing in harmony with the music. Stern then highlighted Ulrich’s unique stage presence, a quality that sets him apart from many other drummers.

In response, Armstrong expressed his admiration for Ulrich’s unorthodox playing style, describing him as a highly creative drummer. He noted that while many metal drummers tend to adopt a studious approach influenced by Metallica, Ulrich stands out due to his seamless collaboration with James Hetfield. Armstrong praised the distinctiveness of Ulrich’s drum fills, appreciating the synchronization between him and Hetfield.

“I really dig the way Lars [plays], he’s a great drummer,” Armstrong stated, highlighting Ulrich’s infectious energy and humor by likening him to a “heavy metal muppet,” a playful characterization of the Metallica drummer.

Green Day’s positive remarks about Lars Ulrich’s drumming style showcase their appreciation for his creativity, uniqueness, and dynamic presence within the realm of metal music.