I just had a feeling that a number of responses were talking about the drummers they liked best or figure are the best (as far as they can tell, based on taste, drumming value systems etc).
My list includes some very simple players because, with limited technique, outrageous laziness and zero drive to be a "monster", I'm interested in a more minimalist, "non-drummy drummer" approach because that's something I reckon I can pull off with enough headroom not to sound too sloppy. Since I also enjoy quirky drummers who give songs unusual flavours, the first four players I mentioned inspire me to think outside the square in a manageable way.
As for drummers who I tried (badly) to ape in 1975, it comes down to the first two albums I bought (aside from stuff like
20 Dynamic Hits, Slade, The Sweet and other trash rock/pop) -
Machine Head and
David Bowie's Pinups ... Ian Paice and Aynsley Dunbar. I drummed along with those records a
lot. The first "rudiment" I remember playing was playing fast 16ths (singles, of course) going back and forth between snare and mounted tom. I had no idea they were 16ths at the time; it was just flashy fast stuff with the musical sensibility of a brick that I figured would give me enough cred to get in a band. My poor, poor neighbours
I was in a band in three months. We were bad and we knew it, but we were pretty pragmatic about it because we just wanted to play rock n roll.
Con struct (if we're being all formal/subterfuge about it
, I agree 100%. The point of "best of" lists to my mind is to be reminded of players you've forgotten and introduced to enjoyable new players.
PFOG, I could never be inspired by Vinnie. It would be like being inspired to be a sexpot like Elle. I'm a "one", Vinnie and Elle are "tens" (Vinnie's not a bad looking fella too). I'm the audience ... yeah, I'm giving you cheek *grin*
Eclipse, are you big on showmanship when you play these days?
Jeff, I don't understand "The Fifth".
Gee, I've written a lot. I'll shut up now ...