That's kind of what I'm getting at. I feel it's more about how they apply their skill to make themselves unique, rather than being able to stand up to Thomas Haake in an endurance competition.

All legends but for me personally Dave Lombardo would possibly be the number 1

Please explain? I don't see how Danny Carey doesn't apply his skill. I think he's actually really good at applying his skill. Listen to several tool tracks and you have to admit he's a creative drummer that tries to come up with new sounds all the time.

You're right that there are many drummers that are very skilled but aren't able to explore their abilities. I heartly disagree Carey is one of them. I don't think you can put him on the same level as Peart, Bonham, Moon though. I think I mentioned it before in this thread that I really can't pick a #1. There are too many brilliant drummers that I have to choose from. But of course that's the fun of a thread and discussion like this.

Why did no one mention Mick Fleetwood???????
He is the glue of fleetwood mac and an incredible drummer!

I seem to offend a lot of Tool fans when I truly why/how much I 'dislike' the band. So you know, I'll just say that I feel Tool are some of most pretentious 'pretend-to-be-smart-both-musically-and-lyrically' guys that I've ever heard. As a drummer, he really just conveniences odd time signatures and uses certain distinct fills, why doesn't really make him all that original, in my opinion. He's definitely got skill -- But he could be applying in a way that's more appropriate.

Baker < Bonham < Moon < Peart = Carey

Neil Peart gets my vote. Not only was he an amazing drummer, but he also wrote many of Rush's songs.

Wasn't he the main lyricist?

I've always found Rush's lyrics to be negligible. A little bit too upfront, but not lacking the slight pretentiousness that comes with most prog-rockers (not by their own design). I only think of him as a drummer when I'm trying to be positive towards the guy.

Thats true. Some of Rush lyrics are, well, lets say cringe-worthy. As much as I like the band, they go over the edge with the corny **** sometimes.