Top 5 Drummers
Being a budding drummer myself, sometimes I could care less how much I dislike a music overall as long as it's got quality drumming to it. I never listen to jazz or swing, but damn there are some good drummers in that field. Shockingly, there are still a number of famous drummers I have not listened to, so perhaps this list will change in the future.
Honorable Mentions: John Bonham, Claude Coleman, Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Derek Grant, Josh Freese, Travis Barker.
5 - Neil Peart. Perhaps you've heard of this band, Rush. A great drummer who is known for doing non stop fills and being one of the rare drummers who has a drumset so big it has it's own zip code, and actually use ALL of it, instead of having more of a set dressing than actual professional equipment.
4 - Dennis Chambers. An independent drummer known mostly by drummers only, and if anyone's had to watch an instructional tape they've probably seen one by Dennis Chambers. The guy shows off rhudement skills like he does it in his sleep, and is so modest about it, too.
3 - Buddy Rich. Legendary drummer known for stealing the show by doing solos in the middle of measures of songs as if it's part of composing the song. "Ah yes, and I think right here Buddy should do a 3 minute solo, but we'll still keep playing despite the fact nobody will pay any attention to us." I heard he was a big jerk in person, though. Perhaps the reputation got to him.
2 - Carter Beauford. The awesome Dave Matthews Band drummer, a phenomenal performer that's more about technical skill than loud, fast, blasting beats most people want to hear today. A lot of people under rate him because when they hear the songs on the radio or cd, it may not sound like he's doing anything special, but he will prove you wrong if you watch him live.
1 - Danny Carey. I could listen to him all day, all week, all year long. Some of the best syncopated drumming I've put my ears to, and everything he does is pleasing to listen to despite being so complex. Also now that Adam Jones writes most of the music for Tool, the time signatures are more obscure than usual, and Danny can still steal the show with them, something most drummers have trouble even playing basic beats to. My idol.