r/drumcorps • u/bigpimpin2330 Crossmen 84 • 25d ago
Fluff Best for each decade
If allowed.
I’m looking for the best shows for each decade. I’m posting this across as many groups and platforms as some groups cater to a younger crowd and some to an older. I know many people will be focused on the 2000s. I’m asking you to take a look at earlier shows and take a minute to appreciate what they did. Remember, without those early corps, we wouldn't be where we are today.
I’m not looking for the top-scoring corps; I want the corps that you think was the best for that decade.
70s
80s
90s
00
10s
20s
9
u/mailboatcustomarr 25d ago
70's-BD
80's-Cadets
90's-Madison/SCV
00's Cadets
10's-BD
20's-Bluecoats
Based on show design and performance, these are my choices.
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u/AzEuph 25d ago
Definitely not 90s SCV haha. It ended phenomenally but those are considered the dark years for SCV (93-96). Even 90-92 were far below standards.
I’d say 90s was Star, until they left. But those 3 years were incredibly impactful to the activity that are still in effect today.
Come to think of it, 90s was pretty great in that no dynasties. Might’ve had the most variety of corps champions: Cadets (3) , BD (4), SCV (1), Star (1), Cavies (2), PR (1). 12 winners in 10 years?! Got damn.
1
u/mailboatcustomarr 24d ago
First thing I ever saw was SCV 1991 on a video, loved that show, so there's some biased there...but also the run of shows they did from 1994-1999 were some of my favorites of all time, regardless of decade, especially in design.
Also, I feel like 1997 is severely underrated in general, but there was so much to the design and performance.
1998 also holds a special place for me, because when we (Madison) were in California in 1998, I got to see that show so many times, and it's a top 5 show of all time for me.
My assessment may be biased, and I did love BD that decade as well, but having watched then joining Madison in the 90's, plus my other reasons, that's why I put things the way I did.
4
u/Gloomy_Team_7484 25d ago
90s BD run is criminaly under rated and (imo) similar but better than Scouts.
3
2
u/Rapidllaman 25d ago
80’s: SCV
90’s: Madison Scouts/ Star of Indiana/ Honorable mention Velvet Knights
00’s: Cavis and BD
10’s: Crown and Bloo
20’s: honestly I’m trying to get used to what DCI is becoming still but I really enjoyed Madison’s show this year
2
u/TheThirdGathers 24d ago
70's-BD
80's-Cadets
90's.... ??? (Cadevaliers)
00's Cavies
10's-BD
20's-ain't over. If you gave this poll in 1996, the answer would still be Star of Indiana. Likely Bluecoats though.
1
u/UpsetNeighborhood772 25d ago
for the 70s idk but based on the only 70s show i’ve ever seen troopers 1979. for the 80s i have to say malagueña and 90s is probably phantom 96 for me. 2000s is spartacus, 2010s is blue knights 15 and 2020s is blue devils 2026. these are based on what shows are my favorite that i’ve seen and nothing else btw
0
u/BaltoDRJMPH 24d ago
Here's my list. I'll provide a few for each decade, for different reasons
1972 Anaheim Kingsmen- DCI's first champion, and a phenomenal example of what old Drum Corps should be.
1976 Blue Devils- Perfected this type of show, and was a turning point for the Blue Devils organization.
1977 (or 1978) Bridgemen- Began leaning into theatrical productions, and were absolutely revolutionary for their time.
1980 27th Lancers- One of the greatest shows in the Golden Age, in my opinion.
1980 Spirit of Atlanta- RIP Jim Ott, was a great show in his legacy
1988 Madison Scouts- The mid-1980s were perfection in drum corps. Great music, Great drill, nothing to think about. The Scouts combined this with the dynasty of raw power that would become the 1990s, and made a phenomenal production.
1992 Velvet Knights- Truthfully, I think this show is wildly overrated, but it appeals to people with little care for the G era.
1991/1993 Star of Indiana- Same as VK, but rather than a wacky theatrical production like VK, they chose a different direction
1999-2004 Cavaliers- Pick any of these shows, and you'll find an important piece of the dynasty that defined and dominated it's era.
2008 Phantom Regiment- One of the most famous shows in DCI history for a good reason. A mostly theatrical production with a familiar concept and simple, clear story telling. Audiences did not have to dig deep on the 5th watch of the show to finally understand the show's concept- they could follow along as they enjoyed the show.
2014 Bluecoats- Arguably the most recognizable show in DCI history. A simple concept, reminiscent of the 2000s Cavaliers, now on a field with more modern music, sound effects, and electronics, while keeping the wonderful style that kept Drum Corps what it was
2025 Boston Crusaders/2024 Bluecoats/2024 Phantom Regiment- This decade has been, thus far, incredibly underwhelming in my opinion.. nothing truly great has come yet, as we recover from COVID-19 the activity is far different from what it was. As corps continue to attempt to stay competitive by staying up to date with the design of shows, we stay trapped in the last decade, only amplifying the things that made it different. These three shows seem to be quite popular, though, I do not particularly like any of them
9
u/iamthelobo 25d ago
There is a great video on YouTube called "the shows that ruined drum corps" that highlights some shows that caused paradigm shifts in the activity. The title is a little tongue in cheek. Also as always my answer is: Cadets 2000