Enter Music Publishing’s Annual Drummies Awards Poll is now officially open for voting. Drummers, fans and anybody else interested can now cast their votes online until May 1st at drummagazine.com/drummies.

In 2010, approximately 6500 drummers participated in The Drummies, which comprise 40 categories, from “Best Drummer” to “Most Popular Cymbal.”

“The Drummies is one of the most interesting events that we put on each year,” said Phil Hood, publisher and co-founder of Enter Music Publishing. “And with the success that we had in terms of sheer numbers last year, we expect this year’s Drummies to be just as exciting.”

As reported by the company last year, there are certain rules that govern the Drummies, such as:

1. You can only vote once.

2. Voting is open to anybody – you don’t have to be a subscriber to the magazine or work in the industry.

3. You don’t have to vote in all categories.

4. Drummers who have won five or more times in a single category aren’t eligible to win in that category again. But they can win another category.

Specifically in regard to Point 4 (above) are drummers, who have been inducted into the Drummies Hall Of Fame. These include: Travis Barker (punk) Neil Peart (drummer of the year), Questlove (hip-hop), Chad Smith (funk) Josh Freese(studio), Luis Conte (Studio Percussion) Airto (Jazz percussion), Govanni Hidalgo (Latin Percussion, Joey Jordison (Metal), Dave Weckl (Jazz/Fusion), Carter Beauford (Jam Band).

No More Neil – Who will take the throne?

Since Neil Peart is no longer eligible to win “Best Drummer,” it will be quite a surprise to see who fills the slot. The race for “Best Drummer” last year was quite close between Peart and Barker, with Peart prevailing by just a few votes.

“This category, over the last 15 years, has always been the most active” Hood noted. “As we progress through the voting, it will be interesting to see who takes it this year.”

As stated above, all votes must be cast by May 1st. The complete results will be published in the July 2011 Issue of DRUM!. And, they will be made public simultaneously online.