Greatest Rock Drummers

OK, I suspect some will beat me up adding this:

I don’t consider him a "rock drummer", but in my opinion the "greatest rock percussionist" is Ringo Starr.

I would consider John Bonham the "greatest rock drummer", was lucky to see him with Led Zeppelin, one of the best rock concerts I attended.

When the "chops" players and fans of that style playing starting badmouthing Ringo for his lack of technique, one of his fiercest defendants was a very technically accomplished player---Greg Bissonette, drummer in the Maynard Ferguson Big Band. Greg is currently touring with Ringo! I can’t be bothered making the case for Ringo’s abilities; either you get it, or you don’t.

Ian Pace stated that Ringo Starr was his favorite drummer while he was learning to play (or something similar). He mentioned that Ringo was a swinging drummer like no other. I've always admired Ringo Starr for his musicality, his unpredictability and as a reliable time keeper (which is under-estimated). I'm just not a big Beatles or Stones guy. However, Charlie Watts is also an excellent drummer. So who's the greatest rock drummer, the one you like the most.

There are chops.

There is musicality (contribution to the song)

There is time keeping.

Chad Smith has all three. Porcaro, Keltner, Bonham and many greats had all three. Ringo had two but he was exceptionally good at two. Most drummers are at most exceptional at two out of three. It is rare to have all three in balance and even rarer to be exceptional at all three.

The drummers that get the gig tend to be good at musicality and time keeping - chops is not in high demand. Ringo is proof that musicality and time keeping is more important than chops! Ringo doesn’t seem to even count to get things right he just listens and learns - an intuitive thing - he plays by feel and what he did worked fir the Beatles. Steve Ferrone is another great player but he will count carefully and can read music and can adapt his style. Session musicians often are skilled at adapting their style of playing which is altogether a whole other level of musicality!!!