This topic is very special to me as I've been playing drums for over 20 years now.
Most of the above mentioned drummers (Buddy Rich, John Bonham, Neil Peart, and others) are indeed awesome. Some of those above, however, aren't technically great and I think that's apparently to even non-drummers. I also agree that the old classic jazz days produced a great lot of talented drummers.
That said here are some who gets my votes:
Tony Royster Jr.--This kid is a true Prodigy (he's grown up now and even better) and he gets my top vote:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4jPxJUi3lQ
Also, Mike Mangini is super-fast and is the fastest (recorded) drummer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyaFL24Zu8c ,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_qNXfVQTYA
This drummer's really fun to watch, too:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Pn0a_IXhF8w
Also, check out this little gal--she has lots of charisma (no, not my kid):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xZ_0tBwEQI
...Is there a parallel thread like this for guitarists?...my votes for rock guitarists: Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, and George Lynch.