Athletes Got Nothin' on Rock 'n Roll Drummers

Sure, the lead singer gets all the attention, but how about a little respect for the drummer? Sports scientists are taking up the cause with a new study that says the rockers are as fit as Olympic athletes, the Times of London reports. The best of them lose 2 quarts of water a night, burn about 500 calories an hour, and have a heart rate that rivals a top soccer player. "You get a three-hour workout every night," says the Blur's Dave Rowntree.

One scientist followed around Blondie's Clem Burke for 8 years. “For me, as a sports scientist, he is no different to the Olympic athletes I have worked with." Contrary to the stereotypical rock regimen of hangovers and heroin, drummers often have a fitness schedule on tour that includes saunas and massages. “I do see drummers who start preparing hours before they go on,” says one indie drummer. “They say, ‘Right, it’s time for my banana now.' It does seem a bit boring." (More drums stories.)