[dtxtremeiiispecial]

Louie Bellson was still working in the recording studio cutting an album at age 83.

Buddy Rich was still playing with his big band only weeks before his death at age 70. (And by the way, how could Jake Jerger teach Buddy Rich if Buddy never had a lesson? I question the claims about Jake Jerger.)

Ed Cassidy played at least until 1998, when he was 75. But it's hard to pin down. He may have played longer.

Jim Chapin may be 89, but in the last 20 or so years of his life, he has focused on music education and hasn't been playing out. I don't think he fits the thread question -- "still playing gigs."

Freddie Gruber will be 83 this May, and he may still teach, but I don't believe he's been a performer for some time. I don't think he fits the thread question, either.

Anyway, at this point I'm saying Louie Bellson was the oldest productive drummer, doing studio work until age 83.