Ringo Starr or Charlie Watts???

As Charlie has said himself, "I'm not really a very good drummer. My favorite Stones drum parts are on songs where I didn't play!"

Ringo has said, "I can keep time but since I'm self taught (usually a not-so-good thing) I can never do the same fill twice."

I'm convinced Watts cannot play the high-hat and snare at the same time. Don't think I've ever seen him do it. And since we're branching out a little, how about Mitch Mitchell? That Brit could PLAY!!

I think we all should admit Ringo is the most influential drummer of the last 50 years. Bonham had said he took up drums because of Ringo. I know I did along with every other drummer of my generation.

OK. Mitch Mitchell. Check out his drumming on the live Hendrix recording from the Isle of Wight, or his work on "Cry of Love" and "Rainbow bridge", both co-produced by Mitchell and Eddie Kramer after Hendirx died (and now both available as part of the 1997 release "First Rays of the New Rising Sun"). Mitchell is all over his kit in these later recordings, and just like Keith Moon, using the drum kit as another "lead" instrument. Too bad Mitchell didn't continue to have significant influence after Hendrix's death, except through his excellent work on the latter's headlined recordings...

Got a soft spot for Ringo, but Bill Bruford and Jeff Porcaro are tops for me in the rock genre. John Bonham with honorable mention.

Mitch actually played harmonics and melody with his kit, at least for my ear.

Hey! Someone in this thread said that Buddy Rich could not read music. Is that true?