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The drummers of Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson, aka Prince, was, himself an awesome drummer, and played or programmed the beats on much of his considerable recorded output.

But live, he always picked the very finest sticksmen and women to back him and play those incredibly funky tunes with pocket, feel and chops.

As we reach the fourth anniversary of Prince's passing, here's a look back at some of the great drummers who backed him over the years.

Bobby Z

Robert Rivkin, aka Bobby Z, was the drummer in Prince's seminal band The Revolution, who backed him on classics including the Purple Rain album.

While Prince himself played many of the instruments on his recordings, Bobby Z's touch brought real human and funky feel, and he adapted to the increasingly electronic drum sounds on Prince's records.

He was a crucial part of Prince's live performance.

Sheila E

One of the best known of Prince's drummers, and a great percussionist from a famous pe