I see some of what you are saying.....that being said, for me great drummers coincide with great music and taste, style and feel is a big part of that. For instance, Neil Peart is arguably one of greatest drummers on earth. For me I prefer RUSH's original drummer. Neil Peart is too busy for me. If a drummer plays with more toms, more cymbals does that make him a better drummer? How about a creation of some sort of style? It's not all about technique........in the end it is my opinion, and as a drummer I primarily dig drummer's in a band concept.
Just saw this. Ok, so Neil Peart has to create a style? If you prefer John Rutsey to Neil, that's your choice and that's fine, but having technique is always a bonus. Does having more cymbals and drums make someone a better drummer? No. But Neil Peart obviously utilized everything he had around his kit, and utilized them very tastefully (unlike many other drummers with humongous kits). And if you "dig" drummers in a band concept, well, I think that Neil was pretty much born to play with Geddy and Alex. Rush wouldn't have lasted as long as they did with Rutsey. Not even close.
And there's no argument about Peart being one of the greatest drummers on earth...he is.
