1:17 - 1:20 just 3 seconds are enough to understand who he is...the best rock (and swing I would add) drummer of the world of his generation...incredible Paicey!
Ian just cooks. Has always been my favorite. Ian and Mick Tucker from Sweet are two of my personal faves. I also love carmassi on montrose first album. Just one tasty drum part after another. But I digress. I love Ian's playing it is inspiring always. This is how drums were meant to sound.
I don't play any more, but I've seen many drummers, going back to Elvin Jones, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa (well I've heard Gene), but I love Ian Paice's stuff. This is not the best example, though. Drumming is like art - subjective. Depends what style you like. But for a rock drummer, Ian's got great jazz feel.