I think you have to separate rockstar drummer from technically gifted drummer.
Bonham did a good job considering how few drums he actually played with.
Billy Cobham was an excellent Jazz drummer. As was Charlie Watts.
Bernard Purdie was Motown's drummer of choice for a long time and the number of 70's 80's and 90's soul tracks he played on probably outnumbers just about anybody else's output. Very innovative too. Check out the odd video on YouTube ! [media=https://youtu.be/C8NPeUhrmnE]
For me, if innovative drumming is how you want to measure a 'great', I guess you have to look to guys like Keith Moon; Carl Palmer; Ginger Baker; Cozy Powell; Francesco Mendolina.....
@helenS Just personal choice and the fact that once you get into each genre you could spend forever trying to list musicians for individual reasons rather than their technical ability specifically
@SW-User it was a dumb question from a dumb reporter to which Lennon replied
He's not even the best drummer in the Beatles
. Search YouTube you'll find it.
Many modern day drummers rate Ringo because he often sets his kit up for a right handed player and then plays left hand dominant. Hard to do and play successfully. But it does give you the ability to play doubles and triples at the lower end of the musical scale.
Not really able to judge the actual drumming ability side, but I've always loved the late great Charlie Watts. The expression often on his face. The smile. Enigmatic. A mix of sheer pleasure, joy, and laughter at how the guys in front of him were acting - distanced from it, yet an integral part.
A lot of gifted drummers haven't been mentioned yet....and drumming is not always about pyrotechnic solos (though they can be great). Fito dela Parra is a favorite of mine, as is Ringo Starr.
@Lonelyandyb lol, I'm not a slipknot fan either. ..not of their music, anyway. They are a very entertaining band to see live though, im not a big fan of Rush or the Who or Slayer either. I'm just giving credit where i think it's due.. Chad Smith is on the list for his timing, not technical skills.
Edit: lol when you said "Danny and Joey Jordison," I thought you were saying Joey had a brother named Danny, who's also a good drummer.. lol ..You're talking about Danny from Tool.. ..yes, Tool is awesome!
Tough choice to make, for balls out rock 'n' roll, no doubt it's Bonham, for actual technical excellence with all percussion, Neil Peart and most drummers would say the same.