Although it’s not easy to replace a band member,these pop-punk bands have had to make the decision of finding new drummers. Each of them has faced this challenge at various points in their careers, much like theclassic metal bands that have replaced guitarists. There are even plenty of pop-punk bands thatsuccessfully navigated the process of changing lead singers.

Of course,losing a drummer means literally losing the beat of the songs. A bond is created, and it’s this type of connection that helps hit songs come to life. However, as demonstrated by Ozzy Osbourne,who ventured out on his own after his exit from Black Sabbath, it’s possible to find other musicians who connect enough to create magic.

It’s never easy, but these groups have continued on, crafting the music they are known for. In fact, if some of them hadn’t made the choices they did, their iconic rise may have been stunted. The drummers selected to fill the seats have all proven to be difference-makers,lending their skills to helping these pop-punk powerhouses move forward.

10Sum 41

During their time together, Sum 41 became one of the premier pop-punk bands. However, the legacy they left behind saw them overcome many obstacles. One of the biggest challenges they faced happened in 2013 whenSteve “Stevo32” Jocz left the band after being there from the beginning through five studio albums.

Although it was a difficult decision to make, they ultimately decided on Frank Zummo as the permanent replacement. Zummo was part of their last three albums before they disbanded in 2025. Zummo made his mark with them and was even includedwhen they were inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

9Paramore

When it comes to Paramore’s history, the band has experienced a lot of change. The only member who has remained constant is singer Hayley Williams. With her voice as the focal point, the band has continued, with many decisions being made along the way. One of the biggest shifts in their lineupoccurred when drummer Zac Farro left in 2010.

Farro had been there from the beginning, playing on their first three albums. His exit from the band lasted for seven years. During that time, Paramore released one album, which had major hits such as “Ain’t It Fun.” After that, Farro returned in 2017 and has remained since,contributing to another couple of records thus far.

8Neck Deep

Since forming in 2012, Neck Deep has made significant headway in the pop-punk genre. Not only have their songs become well-known, but they have found themselves on some of the biggest stages, including opening for Blink-182 and Lil Wayne. Unfortunately,their history has also been filled with change, as a few band members have left the group.

Their most recent departure occurred when drummer Dani Washington left in 2022. Washington had been an original member and was present throughout their first four albums. This move left many in shock, but the band was able to move forward. They have now welcomed Matt Powles, who hasquickly made an impression with his work on the 2024 self-titled record.

7The Offspring

After their original drummer didn’t work out, the Offspring turned to Ron Welty. He was with the band through all of their early successes and their ascent into the mainstream. Once he left, they found a replacement for a few years before bringing in Pete Parada, who contributed to a handful of projects from 2007 until 2021.

Although it seemed that Parada would be a mainstay with the band, a difference in opinion regarding health decisions ultimately split them apart. After having veteran drummer Josh Freese contribute for a short time, they were ready to find a true replacement. Now, they have welcomed Brandon Pertzborn, who has been a great member for them thus far.

6Alkaline Trio

When it comes to finding a permanent drummer, this was something that Alkaline Trio struggled with in their early days. Within the first five years, they had already seen two of them come and go before finding Derek Grant in 2001. For a few decades and many studio albums, everything was working out with Grant, but things would eventually change.

In 2023, Grant announced his departure. He cited mental health reasons, along with a desire to pursue other avenues. Alkaline Trio has now turned to Atom Willard, who has built a terrific career, playing with bands such as the Offspring and Angels & Airwaves. Now, he has a new chapter and has begun releasing work with the band.

5Fall Out Boy

Throughout their eight studio albums, Fall Out Boy’s lineup has remained the same. However, in the couple of years leading up to their first record, there were a few members who played in the band but didn’t last. They went through two drummers, one of whom played an important role in their development as they carved out their path.

During the making of their EPFall Out Boy’s Evening Out with Your Girlfriend, their drummer was Mike Pareskuwicz. After this, Pareskuwicz was replaced by the drummer that everyone came to know, Andy Hurley. This move worked out for the band, as Hurley has been with them ever since, helping them create magic over the past couple of decades.

4Good Charlotte

Once Good Charlotte began releasing records, they quickly became successful. They created hit songs such as “The Anthem” and “Little Things,” and their name became well-known. However, the one thing that kept changing for them was their drummer. The first three albums they producedfeatured a different drummer each time.

Ahead of their fourth studio album,Good Morning Revival, the band welcomed Dean Butterworth. He turned out to be a great choice, as he has been their permanent drummer ever since. What was once a revolving door has finally changed. Many albums in, Butterworth has proven to be a great addition,giving the band consistency that was lacking.

3A Day To Remember

After the release of their debut studio album,And Their Name Was Treason, A Day to Remember made a major impression. They proved that their style of pop-punk worked, and they wouldn’t be changing for anyone. However,some change was on the horizon as drummer Bobby Scruggs exited the bandbefore they could make their second album.

They replaced Scruggs with Alex Shelnutt ahead ofFor Those Who Have Heart. Not only was the album celebrated, but so was the addition of Shelnutt. After his hiring in 2006,he has been a member ever since. He is crucial to the lineup, and with how long his tenure has lasted, it’s almost like he’s a true original.

2Green Day

Green Day’s lineup of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool has become one of the most iconic trios in music history. This makes it all the more surprising thatit wasn’t the original incarnation of the band. Instead, on their first album, Armstrong and Dirnt were joined by drummer John Kiffmeyer. This partnership turned out to be short-lived.

Kiffmeyer left soon after, pursuing education, which left the group with a major decision to make. This is when they welcomed Tré Cool, and the rest is history. Since then, they have becomeone of the biggest rock bands in the world. They are in the Hall of Fame, have played the largest venues, and continue to release hit songs.

One of the most famous drummers in the world is Travis Barker. Throughout his career, he has proven to be a musical genius, not only helping to push forward Blink-182 but also other careers as well. For all he has achieved, it took some perfect timing to make it happen, ashe wasn’t the first drummer Blink-182 had.

During their rise, Scott Raynor was the drummer for the first couple of albums. In 1998, they decided to part ways with Raynor, which gave them the opportunity to bring in Barker. On their live albumThe Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!),it has been well speculated that the song “Man Overboard” is about Raynor’s departure.

Since joining the band, Barker has made the most of his platform and has been a phenomenal hire. He has helped shape the sound of Blink-182 that has caught on in the mainstream. With his abilities, he is able to take songs that may otherwise be considered simple andturn them into intricate tunes that go to the next level.