For me, Mark will always be the ultimate creative and musical drummer. On one hand; a magical blend of power and drive, and on the other hand, one of the most subtle and delicate musicians you will ever hear. It's quite simple: If it wasn't for Mark, I wouldn't be playing or teaching drums. www.bigcountry.co.uk / www.myspace.com/bigcountryscotland

One of the most giving and inspiring musicians I have ever met. Gregg's energy, enthusiasm and love for the instrument quite simply radiates from him, and subsequently comes across on any recording you will hear. He is a performer, a writer, an educator and an ambassador to the drumming world. www.greggbissonette.com

Carter is the driving force behind the Dave Matthews Band, and one of the most musical drummers you will ever hear. There are times when you could swear that you are hearing a drummer and percussionist playing together; but no - it's just Carter! Incredibly technical at times, yet always tasteful - a real drummer's drummer www.davematthewsband.com

One of the defining moments of my musical experience was seeing Steve Gadd playing for Eric Clapton, from the front row of the Hollywood Bowl. The epitomy of the "less is more" concept, the Godfather of feel, and one of, if not the most recorded drummer in history. The ultimate in musicianship and craft, and a real living legend. www.drstevegadd.com

Simon is one of the noted professionals of the drum business. Not only is he a dynamic player with admirable versatility, he is obsessive about his drum sound. As such he is very particular about sound engineering, and has a great ear for the overall picture - a musical approach to drumming and the entire recording process. www.simon-phillips.com

It’s what Nigel doesn’t play that makes his style so appealing. He is unpredictable, embraces subtlety, and plays with a finesse that has kept him playing with some of the world’s most demanding musicians. Beautiful timing, distinctive drum-fills, and a musician who likes to play for the song, and the especially the vocalist. www.eltonjohn.com

I first heard Ralph play on the 1996 soundtrack to the motion picture Evita. I went to see it again the following night, just to hear the drums again. Ralph is an extremely versatile player, and one of the UK’s foremost session players. His technique is simply awesome, and he has the ability to bring any musical score to life. www.myspace.com/ralphsalmins

Neil’s work touches me on many levels. Not only is he a superb drummer, but also a creative and imaginative lyricist, and an accomplished author. His career with Rush has spanned over 30 years, and he is the worthy recipient of the Order of Canada which is the highest civilian award. www.neilpeart.net

I admire Steve for his tenacity and vision: playing drums at Wembley Stadium at the age of eighteen, and for his Buddy Rich inspired approach to the drum set. He has honed his own sound, his own style, and he is one of the hardest working educators on the clinic circuit today. He loves drums, and his passion is evident in everything he does. www.whiteydrums.com

My earliest memory of being impressed by a drummer was listening to the Greatest Hits of Queen at an early age. Roger was the charismatic dynamo of the band, and the true epitome of a Rock Star in every sense of the word. His look, his sound, and his style were all conducive to being in one of the biggest band phenomenon’s of the modern time. www.queenonline.com

Terry has raised the bar in the study of drums, and his approach to the drum set. He has toured the world with his innovate concept of drumming over an ostinato foot pattern, and has left audiences in awe of his challenge to conventional drumming. His drum pieces are compositions in their own right, and the work of a true genius. www.terrybozzio.com