You tell those grasshoppers, Bartman. Not liking Collins is one thing; calling him one of the worst drummers ever is quite another. At least in my opinion.
I remember how I'd sit in those many Genesis shows absolutely fixated on Collins... just a drummer, but man, what a focused and talented guy. He'd stare off into space into some otherworld groove while he'd stay spot-on with the odd meters and tempos challenging him at every turn.
Simple 4/4 was not an option for most of these bands--been there, done that, way boring. And damn, in spite of these complicated challenges, especially in a rock setting no less, he'd keep the band sharp as a razor and many of us glued to his every move.
I do think that's it's incomplete knowledge, above all, that might lead someone to speak so negatively about a guy like Phil. Sure, if you just focus on his more recent stuff, you could easily miss the drum talent he was for many years prior. But a musician's record is certainly not just the last 5 or 10 years.
In fact, anyone with enough age and/or experience knows what an exciting time that early-mid 70s era was for progressive rock music--and for drummers. Lots of us musicians, from many directions, were absolutely captivated by the extreme creativity and new directions at that time. The band of innovative groups, with drumming talents to match, ranged from Led Zep, Yes, Genesis, ELP, Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Tull to lesser known but still popular bands like PFM, Camel, Flash, Dixie Dregs, and Gentle Giant. And it's no surprise that many of these bands traded musicians throughout this fascinating period.
Interestingly, at that time, when disco was beginning to hit the waves, these groups (often playing 10-20 minute "tunes") were the only thing that kept many of us going musically. They were truly pioneers even if tastes have changed since.
Looking back, Collins and Bruford (and Bonham, of course) were arguably two of the best drummers to emerge from that early 70s period. They're worth a listen. In fact, Bruford's still going strong these days although in jazzier veins.
Personally, I don't listen much any more to these old-timers, with the occasional new Crimson, Dregs, or Yes CD. Instead, I spend most of my time with newer jazzier stuff because, frankly, much of the younger rock bores me. Simple and safe. Still, I'm always searching for newer, younger folks who are still breaking the limits. Spock's Beard is interesting, and Phish and a few others have taken some chances and done some fine stuff. I just wish I could find more newer and fresher groups, though, and would appreciate any tips from anyone who knows of some younger bands taking some chances while also presenting some great musicianship and writing.
Sorry for the ranting, but I hadn't thought about this topic for a while... and it's just my opinion, of course. I do hope that some of our younger colleagues here will check out some of the interesting music, for drummers especially, from that era. Some of it gets pretty self-indulgent, but a lot of it's pretty inspiring stuff. At least it was for me.
Best,
J.
)
so trying to convince me back then that Ringo or Simon Kirke or Charlie Watts or even (gasp 
) John Bonham were 'great drummers' just made me roll my 'Im-young-but-I-know-it-all' eyes at you... 
