Starting to look like the ever going debate about the functional/inventive drummer and the drummer's drummer.

Technically Ringo (for example) is a midget compared to Peart, but somehow musically they have the same function, they created drumparts that are an integral part of a song. Personally I just can't listen to Rush, it makes me tired and nervous. I don't like the Beatles either, the're way to sweet for me. But that's beside the point, that's just taste.

I have the uttermost respect for any drummer getting a song really going, moving people by it, making a living out of it, selling records, etc. None of the drummers mentioned in this thread are overrated in my point of view.

What I find strange is: Why would Peart retire at all? Ok, because of age he can't do what he used to do, but why not do something else?

I saw youtube clips of Steve Jordan laying down a hell off a groove with the verbs, with only one or two simple fills somewhere. It had a damm good feel and he didn't look bored at all playing it. Looked like he was completely present in what he was doing. There's more to music than complexity. There might be a new musical and spiritual journey for Peart to make.

I hope he enjoys the time away. Rush live was always a good show.

Creighton

If you go back to the first album you hear John Rutsey on drums. Fly By Night would be the first with Peart. :) My first taste of Rush was late. 2112 album the first I heard of them. Then back tracked to FBN and RUSH. Was hooked and amazed this was a 3 man band I was hearing. And they never stopped.

Yeah but they are all so supremely unique, not rounded down the middle session players, but sparky edgy players who bring only their own flavour to the mix, and leave it for all (us in drumland) to follow. Apart from Mick Fleetwood maybe, I would swap him out for Ginger Baker. Oh throw in Charlie Watts too.

And Gene Krupa...............

Oh go on put Mick back in.

In my time doing studio work over the years, other than lars all of those names have been mentioned in describing the feel needed for me to lay down a track. I think in general (not always) our other musician friends outside of drumming have a totally different take on what makes a great drummer great.

Look at Jabo and Berny, two of the greatest players to of lived and hardly a fill between them!