is popular with rock players MAYBE for a couple of reasons.. Rock drummers tend to hit really hard, which seems difficult with conventional grips, and rock drummers tend to be flamboyant, which might also be difficult with conventional..
But, in the long run, I think it boils down to whatever a drummer's idols did before him.. If Neil Peart, or Peter Criss, or John Bonham etc used conventional grips, I think more rock drummers would be using them today, as well..
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..