Well, you asked! I am very lucky that, because I work in the business I know, either as friends or clients, many of the folks listed on this site. Many others I have met in my travels. The first group includes, among others, Stanton Moore, Nick Rich, John Blackwell, Terry Bozzio, Casey Grillo, Carlos McSwain, Billy Ashbaugh. Keith Carlock, Jonathon Moffitt, Omar Phillips, Derek Roddy, Brent Easton, Curt Bisquera and lots of other folks from within the industry including Don Lombardi, Ronn Dunnett, John DeChristopher, Cathy Rich, Danny Britt, Art Verdi and lots more. I am lucky enough to have met Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Lennie White, James Gadson, Bernard Purdie, Neil Peart, Chad Smith, Tommy Igoe, Pete Erskine, Jojo Mayer, Jeff Porcaro, Carlos Vega, Johnny Vidacovich, Cindy Blackman, Chad Smith, Jim Riley, Benny Greb, Ringo, Greg Bissonette, Steve Smith, Ian Paice, Cozy Powell. Steve Jordan, Chad Wackerman, Sheila E., Efrain Toro and many, many others.
I find there to be a real community of drummers who genuinely help and support each other. These are great drummers but more importantly, almost without exception, these are good, kind and generous people. I am honored to know them!
This is just a quick list I did off the top of my head and I am sure I have forgotten several - please don't be offended, I love you too!
Paul