Music History

This doc explains why Ringo Starr’s drumming is so different

Ringo Starr is probably responsible for more people taking up the drums than any other drummer in history. Yet for some reason, it’s been fashionable to dis his talent, abilities, and style. That’s all rubbish.

The universe needed a special kind of drummer to keep time in The Beatles. Lennon-McCartney-Harrison needed more than someone who could just thump in 4/4 time. Ringo was perfect. Go back through the entire Beatles catalogue and count the times he just laid down a simple backbeat. There aren’t many. Meanwhile, there are works of drummer genius like “Tomorrow Never Knows,” “Rain,” “A Day in the Life,” and “Come Together.” The inventiveness Ringo demonstrates is breathtaking.

Don’t believe me? Check out this video forwarded by Tom.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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2 thoughts on “This doc explains why Ringo Starr’s drumming is so different

  • That was a great segment on Ringo. I think you have done well by him. I have been a fan since they first started in the USA and am still thrilled to see positive information about The Beatles especially Ringo.

    Reply
  • The Genius of Ringo Starr
    2:20 in the presenter talks about Ringo’s genius on Love Me Do
    That’s probably not a good example

    Is he sure he’s referring to the Starr version?
    There were versions with 3 different drummers: Pete Best, Ring Starr and Andy White

    The Pete Best version was only released once (Anthology 1)
    Ringo on many different occasions, but most of the released versions were by Andy White

    Andy White’s version was used for the second pressing
    and also included on the band’s Please Please Me album
    and on the 1964 Tollie single in the US.
    It was also included on the American LPs Introducing… The Beatles and The Early Beatles.

    Reply

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