Ok, I know I must have posted my favorite drummer(s) somewhere in this thread, but since it's 15 pages deep as of this post I ain't lookin'! But I would like to add a couple of things.
Currently, my favorite is Neil Peart. I don't think that will change, because of what he represents to me: a complete drummer, who cares more for the song than for himself, who's solos are creative in a song-like sense, and not just a display of rudiments and chops, and lastly but not leastly: he
never rests on his laurels. I love how he (and the other guys of Rush) just won't go through the motions, that they always go all out when they perform. I love it.
Steve Smith is my 1b favorite. I love his technical skills and his desire to try new things (such as the Indian rhythms) -he's just a joy to watch.
I have a few more, but those are my main two. I just recently wrote an article at my site about what I think about drummer comparisons, and what makes us view our favorite drummers the way we do:
Passion for Our Favorite Drummer
I've seen lot's of debate regarding who's the best, this drummer vs. that drummer, and that got me thinking if it's even worth making those comparisons! I hope you enjoy the article (I think you will!).
Ok, I give in. Here are a few more of my favorites:
Alan White
Thomas Lang
Alex Van Halen
Marco Minnemann
Mike Portnoy
P.S. You may get a pop-up box when you go to my site. If it bothers you, just close it - no harm done!