Why Ringo Starr is my Favorite Drummer

[@davidp419]

I stumbled on to this channel. Really nice to see Gregg's appreciation for Ringo and the Beatles. My friends always made the claim that Ringo wasn't a great drummer. I always said he played to support the song and not his ego. Gregg backs that up. Thank you!

[@spiritgover4223]

I used to think Bonham was just so-so. What a doofus I was.

[@c0ns1d1ne]

Enjoying Gregg fanboying out on this. I totally agree, Ringo is a great drummer, not because of flashy chops but because of taste, musicality, time and feel.

[@aragusea]

Gregg is not only among the GOATs of playing the drums, he's also among the GOATs of TALKING about drums. People are rarely as good at doing the thing as they are at talking about the thing, or vice versa. Gregg has it all, and I'm so glad he's doing his own channel now. All of these lectures in his head must be recorded before that scratchy voice of his finally gives out!

[@nealixd.3011]

Well said. I was thinking he is very enthusiastic and very informative too. Never really heard him talk before, he definitely inspires me with his love of the craft.

[@45axelh]

random ragusea appearance.

[@markowalski1]

I love how you and Kenji are also music nerds 😀

[@JeiElRai]

A wild Adam appeared! Or: "Why I season my fills, not my grooves."

[@stanleynich]

Ive had some musicians tell me that Ringo wasn't a good drummer that Paul played alot of drums, I tell them to play Ringos parts they can't do it, Thank you Ringo, and Thanks Gregg for this video

[@carnacthemagnificent2498]

I hear this sometimes and i have to wonder: if Ringo just played what Paul told him to, then why doesn't anyone on Paul's solo albums play drums that way? Did Paul stop having an opinion on drums? Or... now bear with me... or... could it be that Ringo actually was a musician with a unique style? I know, crazy.

[@ZappyDollittle]

Paul did play on a few songs but overall he couldn't play as creatively as Ringo. As far as instructing Ringo on what to play, Ringo is the one who carried them out and likely not exactly as instructed but what he played was better.

[@theritchie2173]

Gregg, I don't know anything about drums but I could listen to you talk about music all day long.

[@davewills94]

I have always thought that Ringo‘s BLOP at the end of that last chorus of Ticket to ride was one of the most musical and best uses of a flam in rock ‘n’ roll history. Quite humored to hear that Greg thinks the same thing! 😂 much love!

[@williamfotiou7577]

Ringo is one of the greatest and most influential drummers to ever live. From ticket to ride to get back, some of the patterns he came up with were brilliant! He has a very musical approach, and his playing is just sexy! Thanks Greg!

[@bryanstaddon5998]

Thanks for being part of a great group of drummers giving Ringo the respect he deserves. My whole life in Bands, 50 plus years I’ve been hearing people talking trash about Ringo. Very few drummers have completely integrated themselves into the songs like he did, I get off on scary good technique too but nothing impresses me more than a drummer who is as essential to the song as everyone else. Thanks again,Peace and love to all.

[@CurtisDWhale]

The genius is, that Ringo changes the pattern in the third and fourth verse. Thank you Greg for firing me up and letting me love to play my drums even more!

[@andthensome512]

Ringo is really the first drummer that I know of that had a heavy, consistent bass drum.

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

Gregg, that was amazing. You’re like a little kid in a candy store the enthusiasm behind everything you do and being so blessed to play with such a great drummer like Ringo. Thanks a lot man.

[@rayk.1548]

Ringo is the reason I learned to play the drums. Thanks Greg.

[@stanleyvorce9540]

Thank you, Gregg, for this great drumming appreciation video. You have such a contagious affection for Ringo; we can feel your emotions in your lesson. GOD bless you, sir.

[@EddieG1888]

"Why Ringo Starr is my favourite drummer: because he's RINGO!" Ringo is a very unusual drummer. Lars Ulrich is a very similar drummer (bear with me here), because both will sit and listen to the music, play to the MUSIC, and write something that locks in with the music itself. It could be accenting a guitar riff, but they'll pick that out as something to push and will write something to sit alongside it. Most drummers will listen to the music, pick a particular tempo, throw fills in at the appropriate point, switch to a ride cymbal when its right etc etc. Ringo will listen to the music, and then in the case of something like Ticket To Ride, will play something that accents a particular piece of the music, like the last two notes of the main riff and he'll accent those on toms. Or Tomorrow Never Knows, he'll completely mirror the picking of Paul on the bass by playing a drum pattern that matches those picked notes exactly, or Come Together with that absolutely majestic main pattern, then switching to a kick and floor tom pattern which works PERFECTLY. I could go on and on, and Ringo could do it all. Ringo made unusual choices because he's a musician, but if it fitted the song, it was the right choice for that song. Ringo didn't play drums; Ringo wrote pieces of music on percussion. Think what he did was easy? Try it. That's all, just try it. Try to come up with completely unique drum arrangements every single time Lennon & McCartney hand you a piece of music, and for those drum arrangements to be as unique and world-shaking as the music you've written them for!! The man is an absolute genius, he didn't know he was in a box in the first place so thinking outside of it was absolutely no issue, his playing is so unique that anyone even trying to play with that late 60s swing feel (that Taylor Hawkins called "washing the windshield" and Abe Laboriel referred to as "swampy", both spot on) is labelled as "playing like Ringo". How many other drummers out there have a feel or a groove that is instantly recognisable as *their style?!?* I really can't think of any others. Ringo made it ok for rock and pop drummers to not play drums, and not just to keep the tempo. If Ringo hadn't been in the Beatles, they might still have been a successful band, but nowhere near as interesting. FACT.

[@shawn576]

I don't know anything about drums but I love this guy's passion for it. lol

[@CoverBandDrummer]

I may spend the rest of my life working on those double stops! So great!

[@dougsaroma]

I'm not even a drummer, but your lessons are so fascinating and fun. I could listen to this stuff for hours.

[@bryter00]

I’m not a drummer yet I can listen to drummers talk about Ringo’s genius all day.

[@Sundaydrumday]

Dang it this story is so cool, what a great father and family you have, This must have been one of the best memories ever, my dad took me to see Van Halen for my first concert, and when Alex drum riser rose up off the stage and started spinning in circles, Sammy Hagar singing like an angel, Mike doing his thing, Eddie played eruption, that was it for me, I was and am still so obsessed with music till this day.

[@shirleypanu8020]

Ringo is my favorite drummer, too!

[@JeffTullock-fs4de]

Caught the St. Louis. 3rd row. The new band members were great. New songs to add to the All Star list. I found out Ringo fell a few days before that later. I hope next summer the All Star Band tours again. I’ve seen almost every tour and at 13 different concerts. Never gets old.

[@thingy54]

What a fantastic vid, and thanks for that! As a "Northener" from England and the 60´s, and a Beatles fan to boot, I really appreciate your RIngo accolade. He really was an "anchor", musically, socially and politically to the guys. LOL!

[@ronjon5386]

Ringo forever. ✌🏻✌🏻✌🏻 Love the color of those Dixon drums. They sound really great

[@wimheitinga728]

Wow Gregg, you played with Ringo! Dude that's so cool! Ringo is the original master of 'less is more'. When I was young I underestimated him because I didn't understood the genius of his play, out of ignorance I believed 'more is better' like drumfills everywhere. Now that I'm a bit older I understand it and learned to really appreciate Ringo and the Beatles.

[@gcrichman53]

It was Paul McCartney who suggested Ringo's great drumming on John's great Ticket To Ride and Paul also played the great bass and great lead guitar on it as well as on his own song also from early 1965,Another Girl as well as on George Harrison's great early 1966 song on their great Revolver album too.

[@spiritgover4223]

Mr. Bissonette - I just love everything about you - your playing, upbeat attitude, love of drumming - thank you!

[@HarryCollins99]

Gregg also combines incredible talent with tremendous modesty. Really impressive. 👏

[@gordonjennings5145]

Hi Gregg, Aside from Ringo, you are one of my favorite drummers! Since you are doing sort of a Ringo breakdown, give a listen to the studio cut of Long Tall Sally - isolated drums. Close to the end of the song Ringo is just fabulous! As a child, Feb. 9, 1964, The Ed Sullivan Show was my OMG moment! In 2023, The Beatles are still an OMG moment! Thanks, Gordon

[@andrewnewman3951]

Hi Greg - Andy bar band drummer down here in s Florida same age as you and I share your love of the Beatles and like a zillion other drummers I was 7 years old almost 8 on feb 9 64 and from that minute I wanted to play the drums Love your videos Greg and your passion / great stuff / RINGO the ultimate “song” drummer for sure

[@Kiekhaefer6]

Gregg, thanks for this. Hey just wanted to mention about the Ticket To Ride drum fill(s), if you listen to the isolated drum track and use the KZbin speed selection at about half speed or so, it sounds like 7 32nd notes. You have to remember that he’s starting with his left hand. So 4 on the left, 3 of the right with a rest before the crash. The other fills all basically follow this pattern as well. It’s so amazing that you get to drum along side that man. Congrats man. You are the best.

[@porcaro4ever]

Gregg you have been such an inspiration and influence to me and my playing since I saw you with Maynard back in the day! You have always said Ringo was your first true inspiration and back when I saw that you joined the All Starr Band I remember saying to myself that your dedication and hard work played off and now you get to sit next to your hero!! Nobody on earth deserves it more than you pal!!

[@Gondarth]

Hi Gregg. I saw you on tour with Ringo in Liverpool in 2011. It was an excellent time, especially watching you both play side by side. Ringo truly is the greatest. His drum patterns and grooves are excellent, his timing is nothing short of perfection, and most important for me, he was the one who made me want to pick up the drumsticks. I remember picking my first All Starr Band DVD, the one from 2001, and when he goes up to the drums to play Back Off Boogaloo, that just set off a magical spark in my mind that started me on the path to the drums... I remember, in that "Lifetime of Peace and Love" show David Lynch organised for him in 2014, Joe Walsh describes him as a human metronome, and that sums him up perfectly. You see younger drummers play high-tempo drum solos on the level of John Bonham and Keith Moon, and it's cool to see, but they're missing the point. It's all about holding a beat behind the rest of the band and keeping a song together, and no one did that better than Ringo. When you hear someone criticise him as one of the worst drummers in the business, they're missing the point by a mile. I always tell them, "You ask any professional drummer, they will more than likely speak highly of Ringo's abilities." If I might, can I suggest a future video? It'd be really cool for you to talk about some of Ringo's solo work. Back Off Boogaloo, Oh My My, Rory and the Hurricanes, Instant Amnesia. He puts out a lot of great stuff these days, but people mostly want to talk about his Beatles work...

[@davidcastelli7893]

I love this guy.

[@jgoel3266]

You are the drum whisperer...so cool to hear your stories and musical explanations!

[@MulaMusic67]

Takes me back to chatting about Ringo with you at a drum clinic in Newcastle, UK, around 2001 (with Zoro); I've never forgotten that. Thank you, Gregg. 😎

[@turbo7757]

That's a great story, Gregg. I am fan. A few years younger than you and been blessed to play withs some greats. But I always played the center on B sections and then back to the rim snare. Not sure how I ended up playing that way, but, bc I could be loud, not was suggested to me to play "lighter". I am sure to was a horn player...but I developed it into something that really worked well for over the years. Thanks for this video. Ringo is an icon with his playing. I would say he played drums like another entity of the band and just not a "rhythm" guy. This was done before many drummers getting smart and not just bashing.

[@codersexpo1580]

Ok...nobody else is gonna say it but....uh yah, maybe because he pays so well and has a lot of connections. I mean lets get real. I do have to say I agree, Ringo is a boss. He has done amazing things and I won't take that away. Enough said. ;-) I just want to add I have mad respect for both these guys. Gregg is just an incredibly diverse drummer...and one of my favorite drummers.

[@brent3760]

Greg, my drum hero, and also my drumming phenom 10 year old little man's favorite drummer is also Ringo! 💍-O is just the man! Played the drums to perfection with The Beatles. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jazzpianoman01]

Great video, thanks Greg for your thumbs up on Ringo who fitted in perfectly with the Beatles and his iconic drumming.

[@rockmoussealt7764]

I had an "I Love Ringo" button in 1964. I still love him. Had great fun at a All Starr Band concert in 2018, watching the fab Gregg Bissonette playing with Ringo. A dynamic combination to be sure. Living, breathing music itself. Thank you.

[@ManWithNoName2007]

Great video Mr. Bissonette!👍👍👍

[@benfox8709]

This is why I don’t get when people say ringo was not a technical drummer. He wasn’t the most advanced but I think a lot of his little isms are quite challenging for even advanced drummers. Most importantly it was musical

[@RodDonley]

I think this is one of your best! I was also at the Olympia concert with my older brother. I am looking forward to playing with you.

[@mastinofpuppets]

Gregg, I am also a drummer that grew up in Warren, MI (went to Warren High School). I remember being super excited to hear you got the DLR gig! Love your channel and especially this episode (with the Warren, MI name drop).

[@charlestea3642]

This is so killer! Amazing playing man!. My faves are: Ringo, Charlie Watts & John Densmore, which all three are a lifetime study. Cheers from an old Las Vegas drummer!!

[@rhnstjegilrhkscvn1djhrj969]

many many years ago at one of your clinics it was like a dream of yours to play drums with Ringo and just like that it finally happened. happy for you and jealous. Go Michigan

[@mikosoft]

You're the only guy who could play the Rosanna shuffle almost perfectly yet you're still enthusiastic about a drummer who wouldn't even play the hihat part of the shuffle. What a class act

[@bernardowens1648]

Thank you!!! You taught me so much about Ringo and his music!!! He truly is a brilliant drummer!! Had heard for years that musicians loved working with him.

[@udomuthsam-hauselmann8176]

Vielen Dank Gregg.❤. Was für eine Energie😊

[@Latitudedriver]

Thanks Greg I’m a drummer and always learn great things from you

[@markshveima]

Gregg, your exuberance is such a joy to experience. And this was the best video I have seen about Ringo's playing. Top-notch! Thank You.

[@ralphonofrio1518]

GREG.....Love your Dixon drums....Bob Crelin is a good friend of mine....We did the first, yes,the first Rogers Dynasonic video in 2017....See the video at ''2017 New Dynasonic snare drum'' I'm the old guy....YES,Ringo swings on everything....''Tell me Why'' one of the greatest drum parts ever.

[@scottc4471]

Ringo was more than a drummer, he was a musician and an artist.

[@andrewgood4230]

Is... The man is not dead yet.

[@sodoffski5642]

Magical abilities you two

[@billsmith1957]

Awesome share Gregg! Much thanks for this..take care & G.B. ✌️ & ❤..

[@danepaulstewart8464]

And you’ve even got a PURPLE SPARKLE drum kit. Greg, could you be ANY MORE COOL??!! 👍😄👍 What a great episode! I’m also a life-long drummer guy with a dummer father who played me his Beatles records from about age 2, and I was playing Ringo beats on his drumset when I was 7 in 1973.. Thanks pop! And thank you RINGO! 😎✌️

[@sancus6544]

Clear, informative, competent, enthusiastic. Thank you, Greg!

[@fabricetremblay9023]

J'adore ce drummer exceptionnel !!!

[@nazfrde]

The first take of "Tomorrow Never Knows" is also on the Super Deluxe Revolver box set. So cool and funky.

[@Bsloga]

Greg you are an amazimg drummer yourself and your respect for Ringo is really infectious and special. Great video!

[@Swimnomore]

Thank you so much for this Gregg. You are as inspiring as Ringo. We are honored you share this knowledge. You are appreciated.

[@carloscolon9153]

Talking about music ! Thank you Gregg !

[@nicholasbell9017]

Greg, I really enjoyed this. It's amazing how Beatles music continues to inspire. Thanks, mate! Nick

[@mikaelsirri17]

A great video about a great drummer, Gregg. Good job!

[@MarkGraves-of3gu]

very entertaining video and topic thanks the best to you and Ringo !!!

[@CensureAsylum]

Love for Greg Bissonette. Adiration. Liked & Subscribed.

[@RandyHanley]

Warren, Michigan drive-in shout out! Such great stories, My mom graduated from Warren Woods Tower! hahah. Best drum stories on KZbin, Gregg.

[@DimaBulwinklBochk0]

Hi Gregg, great vid, long time ago when you endorsed Mapex I translated some of your clinics in Russia, it was overall both a great learning experience for me as a musician and a drummer, and very pleasant work time as a professional. Thank you for both of those! As for this segment, I remember that part of the clinic vividly, suck a great section and explanation, and after all these years I can testify to the humbling effect of "Ticket to Ride" on people who didn't really listen to Ringo before criticizing his chops.

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Love your energy and stories. Keep 'em coming!

[@neverzackdown]

Gregg was the first drum clinic I saw as a kid and I started playing the drums because of Ringo.

[@ronaldgarrett7192]

i STILL can't wait until I get some time to have my favorite drummer (you) give me a few drum lessons! Thanks for this Gregg!! Peace and Love.

[@davidyoung1962]

I Love Ringo soo much.

[@markmalonson7531]

Great show

[@PhilRounds]

Ringo was my drum teacher in '65. Back in the day no drum teacher would take you if you used matched grip, and i didn't want to change. Since i was a yooge Beatle fan, i just picked up the sticks and mimicked my fav drummer. I also stole heavily from Charlie Watts and a few bits and pieces from Buddy Rich. Over the years my kit grew as i got into more complex (prog) music, but a few years ago i went back to mostly using a 4 pce kit. It was like coming home ! :) This was great Gregg...looking forward to more!

[@glennhendricks8767]

❤thanks Gregg! Awesome as usual

[@atendriyadasa6746]

Thanks Greg for opening doors to the magical, mysterious world of the master, Ringo Star! P*ace!!

[@JasonRasoMusic]

Fantastic!

[@Agent-px8vj]

Carl Palmer is my favourite drummer 🥁

[@AllikAndOlga007]

Thank you soooo much!

[@HarryCollins99]

Great post! Love Ringo!

[@gordonwoodbatteur]

Thank you very much for sharing this video.

[@robarthur5732]

Gregg! You’re made for this format! Loved this video so much!! Keep it up, brother!

[@jons3808]

Thank you for this video and your enthusiasm! My dad played Beatles albums for me starting when I was about 2 years of age (I'm 56 now). I've always loved their music and Ringo's drumming. I would say the Beatles are a part of me. Ringo always played the perfect part for the song; a true musician in every sense of the word. When I began playing drums myself I realized how much listening to him influenced my playing. You're so lucky to be able to hang out with and play with this legend. Cheers!

[@fabioalbertani945]

Thank you Gregg for this amazing video

[@commanderstraker6732]

Awesome Gregg ! I always thought Ringo played double Tom on Tomorrow NeverKnows until you described it. That’s what I love about Ringo. Being a left handed player his fills sometimes led with his left hand which gave a different groove to his playing. Another player I can think of who was left handed but played a right handed kit was Joe English who played with Wings in the 1970’s. His style was to play open handed through Left hand on the Hi Hat and right on the snare . Great stuff Gregg can’t wait for the next episode 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁

[@JustinWilson01]

Great video. I didn't have towels but found I really like the sound of bandanas on my drums. I clip them to the rim with binder clips. That way they stay put and I can also roll them up towards the clip to reduce the level of muffling.

[@higdaw]

Thanks Man, Wonderful!

[@danthegeetarman]

Wow, this is amazing 🤯🤯

[@davidcurtis4478]

Gregg, I love this bro! Always loved your passion! Can't wait to hang out and tell you some awesome stories! God Bless! DC

[@mymixture965]

Great video, I thought "Anna" first and was supriesed that it was the same in "in my live".

[@blairhelsing630]

Thanks Gregg!!

[@shadrickwynn3264]

Looking forward to seeing you and Ringo in October Gregg!

[@clivethomas7193]

Love your vids Gregg! I grew up listening to ‘Help’ pretty much the only record my parents had that I played over n over! Also love your music, and the way you communicate! Thank you! If you’re ever in the UK and needing a good old British pint - give me a shout 😂. Blessings to you!

[@mht525]

Wow what a story Gregg. Wow i have just picked up middle snare for some parts, rim it other times. Definitely my next practice session. Inspirational 🙏✌️💛🥁🇦🇺

[@besenkopf77]

Great video! Thank you!

[@flesle01]

Thanks for being such a great guy and a FAN just like the rest of us! Enjoyed seeing you at Fest, and thanks for plugging your channel when you were there because it got me here, and I’m enjoying the videos! Keep it up!

[@leesanna7835]

Terrific episode, Mate

[@MarkKramKarmVI]

❤

[@shirleypanu8020]

Love your drumming! I was at the Ringo Starr All Starr Band concert at the Greek Theater. You and Ringo....so good!!! I enjoy learning from you and watching your videos.

[@sandyhanson6082]

My favorite too! What I also love about Ticket To Ride is the snare later in the song changes from the upbeat to the downbeat. Ringo is a true drumming genius! You're pretty good too!😉👍 Thanks Gregg!