The fact is that it is simply your opinion versus mine. I opine that Rich is the best. Your retort that surely someone somewhere is better.
We agree to disagree, since neither of us can prove our point with any degree of veracity.
Statistically speaking, the odds weigh in your favor since an infinite number of monkeys on an infinite number of drumsets over an infinite amount of time will eventually produce a solo better than anything Buddy has ever done.
I just don't think we've seen that monkey yet.
I would also ask you to produce a video, or article, where one drummer claims he is better than Rich ever was, and that that claimants peer group support his assertion. I think you'll be hard pressed to find that, but I'm open minded.
I've been drumming for over 20 years. There are thousands of great accomplished drummers and I appreciate them all and all have something to teach. But I just can't imagine anyone being more influential or groundbreaking than Rich, today. He was too far ahead of his time and laid a foundation to inspire drummers for a century.
I'll grant you your claim about "legend" though...it does get crazy. But, with all the video evidence of his exploits, it's not like it's hard to back much of it up.
Over to you.
I would never state so-and-so is the BEST drummer, as I haven't heard every drummer. And even if I had, well, again, how can anyone assess an individual player's bucket of chops and determine these equate to a
better overall bucket of chops than the next guy's? Within reason, a highly accomplished player enters a class where
better-than-him arguments become subjective.
I have never heard a drummer state that he believes he is better than Buddy. Certainly any basher who
would couldn't actually be. Such ignorance and pomposity almost guarantees this individual couldn't genuinely be a world-beater in the skins department. I mean, I guess it's possible, but ... unlikely. True greatness usually doesn't boast in such a way.
I agree that Buddy's influence and impact on the world of drumming is profound and HUGE. And the man's talent is guaranteed to be forever revered.
In general, I don't think we're as far apart in opinion as you might imagine.
There really cannot ever be a "best" when it comes to something as subjectively-assessed as musicianship. There is simply too much criteria to consider.
What one can state, however, is his
favourite player.
