Okay I'll put up one of my favorite ever rock groups against Mani's.
Their recorded version was technically better, but this live performance is amazing. The drum solo starts about 2 minutes in. . . .
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pz0sFZVjOZI]YouTube - ‪Mel Taylor {The Ventures} Best Drum Solo Ever! - Caravan - LIVE!! (1984)‬‏[/ame]
I was a huge Blackmore fan and thought Cozy Powell was a huge presence as a drummer but Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater absolutely fucking demolishes the introduction in the first 10 seconds