LOL - Maybe... because the old pharts who grew up listening to Sandy got sick and tired of having to play requests for, Wipe-Out at each and every gig!

Sandy was a terrific drummer, but I would never put him in the same class of musician as, Krupa, Rich etc. Those cats are out of everybody's league!

Sandy was a 'fun' rock drummer (Surf music really,) to listen to.

John

I graduated high school in `84.

Although I was well aware of Krupa, Buddy, and certainly Neil Peart, they were not the guys that made me want to play.

Really only knew of Sandy Nelson because of Wipeout, but Wipeout was almost a cliché at that time. It had been played to death by every amateur with a pair of sticks in their hands.

Keith Moon, Ian Paice, Kenny Jones, Phil Collins, John Bonham, Mick Avory, Stewart Copeland, these were some of the guys that inspired me. Why mostly British drummers, I do not know!

I was never blown away by solos, but I was drawn to these drummers, and others, because they had drum parts that I thought did not overshadow the band.

I don't think Sandy Nelson was overlooked by drummers of that time period, but I agree that he does not get a lot of recognition from younger drummers.

I remember being very impressed by Karen Carpenter, but you won't hear anyone under the age of 40 say that.

It was fun growing up as a teen and listening to Sandy Nelson. He's the main reason I am a drummer today.

He has more than 30 album releases and more than 30 singles....many in the Top 40 Hit range. He has done lots of session work and played on some hits. While not being in the same class technically as some of the very best drummers....he has made his 'mark' on history moreso than most drummers. He is the only musician in any field to make a very successful career by-way-of instrumentals where the feature instrument is drums. Think of it...who else has made more than 30 instrumental albums...or even close to it..where the main instument is drums.

He is not my favourite drummer but I do like some of his stuff and I very much respect what he has done..........many of us are drummers today because of Sandy Nelson.

I agree sandy was more of a "fun" drummer. He's probably the most successful drummer as far as album sales. I have a couple of his albums and he's good, not great. A million times better than me of course, but not even close to Buddy. Good point though. Sandy made the drums cool.

Karen Carpenter is/was a smokin' good drummer!

Nobody should feel embarrassed about liking Karen Carpenter! I was never a fan of her music, it was too soft, commercial and 'pop' for me, but I always thought she was an excellent drummer. I listened to her music for her drumming, not because I liked the commercial pop she and her brother produced. I've never been apologetic for liking Karen. She was a terrific drummer.

John

R.I.P Sandy Nelson 2/14/22

Karen Carpenter had excellent chops and the voice of an angel. What's not to like?!!

-Mark

I had some of his albums back in the 70’s that I played along to. Great way to learn and practice.