The Krupa/Rich debate has been going on for years. And Gene Krupa is certainly a legend...a pioneer. But Rich to me is the greatest drummer that ever lived. He influenced basically all of them, Bonham, Appice, Bruford, Pretty Purdy, Palmer, Ringo, Cobham...all of them. His speed, power, finesse and dynamics are legendary. And to his credit Krupa said of Rich, "He is the greatest drummer to ever draw breath." To be honest I really never cared for most drum solos. Buddy was one of the few exceptions because of the creativity. Anyway the debate will rage on. I met him briefly after one of his shows. He had just come off a smoking solo and was on his bus. I tapped on the door and surprisingly it opened. I stepped on and there he was. He was in a robe with a towel around his neck like a prize fighter lol. I complimented him on his performance and told him he inspires me to get better. He said thanks I wished more kids said that to me. I asked him what books he might recommend and he said you don't need books man lol again. I had the show program with me and he autographed a picture of himself right across his chest. The picture is hanging in my studio. Pretty cool.