musical drummers...who are they ???

Eric Montzka(Patricia Barber band) and Lars Ulrich from Metallica are probably the best drumers I heard on recordings and in live performance.

Eric Montzka's drumming on Companion, track 7 - "Black Magic Woman" is just outstandning.

Lars' drumming on Metallica's Load cd, track 14 - "The Outlaw Torn" is incredible.

Steve Jansen of Japan. Actually, he's David Sylvian's brother and has drummed on most of David's solo albums. Great drummer, totally under-rated, very musical (??what else could drummers be??)

Carl Palmer
Manu Katche
Andy Newmark
Simon Philips
Phil Collins (yes, when he keeps his mouth shut and drums)
Bill Bruford
Jack DeJohnette

Having played drums in my youth,started in junior high band,I practically worshipped Buddy Rich.There are/were a lot of good ones,but I cannot think of one I have heard that is better than he was.Yes Ginger Baker was good,but he was no Buddy Rich.

i've been over peter erskine's house and took some lessons (yeah i play)--i think he is a robot with no real heart...the only drummer on your list is ringo #1 by miles (no pun intended)--honorable mention: narada walden and tony smith....then maybe max roach--just my personal increadable list.
brad