Mythically, drummers are the guys at the heart of every live rock band, the ones who lay down the beat and make it all happen. Traditionally, they are the band members most “into” the band. The vibrant, muscular ones with the most positive attitude. The guys who own the band-van and eagerly help haul the band-gear. And ever since Ringo of the Beatles helped bring drummers out of the backline and into the limelight, they have been colorful rock celebrities in their own right, exuding a certain lovable charm of their own via animal energy, comic flare or even heartthrob attraction.

This article spotlights nine accomplished gay male rock drummers from all across the U.S. (you can also find a Q&A with four of the drummers here, in which they talk about their experiences in the music industry, why there are still so few openly gay drummers, and what it's like being a guy magnet).

New York City-based gay drummer Richard Dworkin and his friendly, jazz/punk-styled playing have been an integral part of the NYC queer music scene for decades. It would be difficult to tally all the many, varied musical acts to which this enduring, supportive player has contributed to over the years.

Among the many recordings that feature Richard’s drumming, some special standouts are Alex Chilton’s (ex-singer for The Box Tops) 2000 CD release called Set; 1998’s Fruit Cocktail GLBT CD compilation; and 2005’s Captain Beefheart tribute CD entitled Pork Chop Blue Around the Rind from the band Fast ‘n Bulbous.

Richard Dworkin is also the surviving life-partner to singer-songwriter and pioneer AIDS activist Michael Callen, who died in 1993. Richard produced the posthumous album of Michael's work called Legacy. Additionally, Richard was a roommate, in San Francisco, of another pioneering “out” gay singer: Steven Grossman, who died in 1994.

Drummer Luis Illades of Pansy Division fame joined the California-based Plus Ones back in 2001. This exciting “power-pop/fuzz rock” trio, which features loud guitars, tight song craft and three-part harmonies, is now his main band. Clearly happy with their acquisition, the Plus Ones website proclaims, “Luis brought an entirely new life to the music, and his high energy and pure feeling invigorated many of our songs”. The band is currently celebrating its new CD release, Oh Me of Little Faith.

Luis has also remained the drummer for Pansy Division during the last 9 years, but as he says, “We don't play too much these days. A festival here and there”.

Queercore music fans know San Francisco’s Pansy Division for their playful, punkish pop lyrics that glorify the more edgy, underground aspects of gay life. Pansy Division achieved considerable mainstream attention when Green Day chose them as opening act on their 1994 tour. As a result, Pansy Division garnered a leading role in the homocore punk rock movement and even attained some bonafide rock star status.

Northwest drummer Scott Plouf has been a member of Built to Spill for several years now. Before that he was one half of the duo, The Spinanes. Scott also played briefly in the original founding line-up of the queercore revolutionary band, Team Dresch.

Built To Spill, currently signed to Warner Bros., was one of the most popular indie rock bands of the 1990s and can still boast of a core mainstream following today. They also have albums out on Up Records, CZ records and K Records. Their new album is expected to be released some time this spring. Fans can catch drummer Scott and Built to Spill playing small and mid-sized clubs along the West coast.