Why is Ringo Great? Drummers Against ITK

An historical review of Ringo (Richard Starkey) of The Beatles.
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[@Xcorgi]

Ringo was great because he played around the melody of the song and not just the rhythm.

[@alkohn1844]

RE: Commenting on Ringo's groove on "I Feel Fine". The wonderful thing about this that nobody seems to comment on is the actual groove during the verse that Ringo plays. Remember, the Ray Charles hit "What'd I Say" was popular at the time "I Feel Fine" was out in 1964. Listen really close to the studio version. Ringo is playing the reverse of "What'd I Say". Instead of the cross stick being on beat 2 and the rack tom being on the beats 4 &, he reverses it. Again as he was a left handed drummer on a right handed drum set, his right hand lead on the bell of the ride cymbal is amazing. I know this is very technical, but any drummer worth his salt will truly appreciate this. He may not have read music, but his grooves, musicality, and yes, time were phenomenal for the genre at the time.

[@andrewridge4978]

A favourite of John Lennon's at the time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrPf5mbqcxqedU

[@keith1222]

There are several well-highlighted examples of Ringo's superb drumming (she said, she said, rain etc) but has anyone actually noticed how good his drum track is in Here Comes the Sun? Take a listen.

[@stephenhosking7384]

I just had a listen. Yep - brilliant drumming. For the first 1:30 he just helps in the build up of the song, before really joining and then driving it. Beautiful!

[@CMZIEBARTH]

Yes, it's great.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@stephenhosking7384 Good analysis as well as a good description.

[@Maverikk68]

My opinion, as a guitar player and singer, is that Ringo is the best there is. The Beatles, while still great, would have been a step down without a drummer like Ringo. His playing gave the songs tons of personality that would otherwise have been missing from the group's legendary sound.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Lennon was a smart guy and great leader. As a lead singer and songwriter Ringo brought lots of intangables to ANY band long before he joined The Beatles.

[@RoxxHoffner]

Hands down.

[@thumbsaloft]

+Dave Himlin, that doesn't sound like a compliment to me! To say someone is adequate means they are just getting by. He didn't even say he was good, but only adequate. Dress it up if you want, but that isn't good.

[@theblytonian3906]

@dave himlin WTF has being "jewish" got to do with the topic of drumming or ability of an individual? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING? Then why mention it? No-one prefixes Lennon as an Anglican guitarist or McCartney as Catholic bassist. Ringo was raised Anglican if you were inferring otherwise.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Well, for point of comparison you got the two versions of Love Me Do, with Ringo and with the session drummer, and you got Back in the USSR and Ballad of John and Yoko (were there others? think Dear Prudence might've been one too) that Paul drummed on. You can definitely tell it's not Ringo.

[@WHOABUBBAvideos]

What I love about Ringo is that he didn't need to do anything fast or difficult to make their music sound good. He is an example in that good instrument addition to a song does not necessarily call for complexity.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Yes. True. Just the start of Day Tripper is another example. Most Drummers would've played half the bar to start ( I would've). Ringo plays 4 tasty 16th notes. Listen to it. After 50yrs of playing it is intelligent thinking on drums.

[@almostfm]

A friend of mine who is a drummer explained it this way: Ringo's greatest strength was his ability to figure out what a song needed from the drums, and then to play exactly that-no more, no less

[@drummersagainstitk]

A great assessment.

[@roman14032]

why is ringo great? 1.impecable good taste 2; impecable time 3; ability to hit the drums musically you may wonder what that means it means when you hit the drums harder they get louder TO A POINT, then if you hit them harder than that they dont get louder they just get shitier sounding he NEVER DID THAT #3 is HUGE RINGO ALWAYS SOUNDED GOOD he hit the drums WITHIN the dynamic range of the drums RARE ATTENTION TO THAT IMPORTANT DETAIL

[@harrydarling1]

perfect analysis

[@mrfester42]

4. He played to the music. The song always came first. All four Beatles knew this instinctively. They never played to show each other up or to stand out. They always played to make the music the most important thing. THAT is the sign of a great musician.

[@g0ferboy]

Not really. I hear I feel fine and it's just ok. He's not amazing. But he is to the Beatles like water is to people. It was necessary.

[@eliolopez3107]

You forgot to mention his tone. He would loosen the drum heads and stuff towels to stop the rattling. This enabled them to remove the head of the kick drum, (something drummers now use), and bring the mikes closer to the kit.

[@Braglemaster123]

roman14032 Yes

[@jasonpp1973]

Those kick arse drum fills on A Day in the Life!

[@olaby_ola6707]

jasonpp1973 imposible for the technically greatest ; I have seen lots of drummers that can do it like he did...

[@neebinmakwah349]

Ringo gave the needed space for the Beatles to flourish. He was a genius at playing for the song, as opposed to showing off chops. My appreciation has grown for his ability to play dynamically, yet tastefully, within the arrangement. Always played with swing, even at real slow tempos, with imaginatively cool fills.

[@abc456f]

Love Ringo. The tone he got from his snare with the wet tea towels, or whatever he used, is iconic. It's so rich, almost sounds like each hit has a beginning, middle, and end.

[@91dodgespiritrt]

I was hoping to gain some "insight" but all I got was more inane opinionated "hero worship". Grow up. "Lennon thought Ringo was cool.". Who cares? Ha, ha.

[@Stuckinthe6Ts]

Love Ringo's playing, especially those fills on all the songs you folks have mentioned in this thread. But my favorite is the way Ringo drives the band on their cover of Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally." It's not just the back beat he provides, listen to the way he kicks things into gear for each chorus. Then listen to his drumming at the end of the first instrumental break. No doubt this was what they were looking for and needed when they sacked Pete Best.

[@878set]

A lot of professional drummers agree that his work on "Rain" and "She Said, She Said" are among his best performances as well. I don't know much about drums, but I hear those songs are incredibly hard to play.

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Yes, I would agree. Being a drummer myself, I can say that any drummer is going to have a hard time, playing those two songs, the way Ringo did. And, of course, professional musicians will always know, when they hear a great musician or piece of music :)

[@mickavellian]

Well impossible to repeat actually. Yeah a drummer can TRY to imitate Ringo, but TRULY , it all sounds like an adlib with flawless timing . If you look at a chart he begins on 4/4 goes to 2/4. Now, I do not know if the drumming was enhanced electronically but he crashes a cymbal lets it ring .. and as the sound decays hits the buzzes the snare and for a second the snare sounds like the decay of the cymbal. If you listen to the song itself there was no straight rhythm to rain I gave up on that song after 2 weeks. Here you have Ringo at his most creative www.songsterr.com/a/wsa/the-beatles-rain-tab-s2631t5

[@cretoolsen5031]

he was the best influence in my drumming career, every drummer in any band says that Ringo had an influence, he was awesome

[@direnova6284]

The drumming in "A Day in the Life" is fantastic, the rolling swing of Ringo's drumming is unique and as you say very creative.

[@stevefranckhauser7989]

I don't think A Day in The Life would be an iconic tune without his drumming. It's as if they act as a shadow vocal.

[@28if]

Agree Ringo is fantastic but "Twist and Shout" was done in one take at the end of a marathon session with Johns voice giving out

[@bpabustan]

According to a Beatles historian Mark Lewisohn, based on the EMI index card and track sheet, there were two complete takes of Twist And Shout. But the one we are hearing is take 1.

[@mickavellian]

To the accolades about his technique and metronome timing I feel he is GREATLY underrated in his MELODIC drumming NO one did what Ringo did in "What You're Doing" it is a percussion chart. He repeats it again in ""Tomorrow Never Knows" but plays the last two notes at 1/8 so they almost sound like one note and its echo. And he goes and stmps a RINGO Tattoo on "Love me do" "Ticket to ride" "Rain" "Happiness is a warm gun" "Come together" "Get Back" "Something" "Rocky Raccoon" "Don't Pass me by" There was never a 4/4 fill crash and repeat. Ringo played drums as if they were a piano (and he is NOT a bad keyboard player)

[@kentknows5918]

Strawberry Fields is where I think Ringo makes his statement as a drummer who is much more than a timekeeper or a guy playing fills. Yes, there is a layered drumtrack, (played backwards) added by George Martin. But, Ringo's part adds balance, tone and strengthens the track that Martin added. Listen carefully to the drums on that song and tell me who else could have created that same feel and texture that Ringo did.

[@glennwood9501]

Ringo got down on "I feel fine" to say the least. I don't know what's up with those who question the Beatles choice to add Ringo.

[@eddiewilbury1666]

Regarding how Ringo perfectly maintains the time, in the sessions to record "Free as a bird", Jeff Lynne who was the producer, expected to use a metronome to record. Ringo only said that he was the metronome. So that song was recorded again like any other beatle song; without a metronome.

[@Svatopluk]

I really like how you gauge and direct your comments to encourage younger drummers. Well done!

[@Iamverybald]

Ringo's drumming in Rain is simply exquisite.

[@StonyRC]

Ringo was a great drummer who provided exactly what the song required in terms of percussion while staying out of the way of the other musicians.

[@craigusselman546]

Not a drummer I play guitar But I love to hear his drumming I always ending up drumming with my fingers on my belly with him I even like his voice hes just a wholesome dude.

[@deanwallis183]

I am very happy to see Ringo getting his due these days. In terms of 'chops' certainly not the best. However, I don't think I have ever enjoyed listening to a drummer more than I enjoy Ringo Starr. Listen to "Something" from Abbey R. - incredibly good.

[@drummersagainstitk]

+Dean Wallis Indeed The 2 trks I mentioned I Feel Fine (entire trk) and the beginning of Paperback Writer are very creative and no question his time keeping was solid (A Hard Days Night)

[@longde]

+Dean Wallis The whole ABBEY ROAD record is a master class on drumming, and i never get tired of listening to it.

[@keithpix]

I heard that Ringo was especially happy with his work on Rain. Side B of a fruitful recording period.

[@gerrynightingale9045]

I have put in my 'two-licks worth' here...listen to "Please Please Me" when the vocals take a 'three-beat caesura' and 'Richie from the Dingle' adds that brilliant 'kick and minor 5-'hits'...it's so perfect it's scary! Another is "She Loves You"...I consider this a 'Ringo Special' because he's actually 'driving the song' for the 'other Three'...and it's **FUCKING MAGIC** ! (there's a good 'live performance' of this, here on 'Tube...watch and listen closely, and you'll hear exactly what I mean! For once, Lennon's relentless 'rhythm-guitar' is not 'driving the band' as per the norm in the early days...IT'S **RINGO** on 'lead'...and it makes the entire tune 'work')

[@bowtieguy377]

At first glance, Ringo's drumming is not flashy and fast so some casual observers may conclude he is not very good but when you get into the subtleties and the "feel of drumming" to compliment the actual song being played, which is what a drummer is looked upon to do, drive the beat and keep excellent time, very few can compare... Ringo will be the first to admit he is not "technically good" but his gift was enhancing the songs with his drumming and that is no easy feat!

[@beatlejim64]

Drumming need not be flashy and fast to be good...that's not the drummers job!!!

[@DeekJohnson]

Why why why - does not a single drummer ever mention ringo's "swing" beat??? It's in every beat he does. His snare is delayed. It's not on the beat. It's what makes his beat so powerful and dimensional. It's the secret sauce. Ringo himself makes mention of it here kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJ2cYmtuerWXgqs Listen to any early rock tune they did like "She was just seventeen" or "Rock and Roll Music". Listen to just the snare...its on its own time line. It even sounds separate from the other drums and band itself. It floating BEHIND the beat, not on it. This is what adds dimension and thickness to their music. Listen to penny lane and tap your fingers and you see his snare is noticeably LATE. Sgt. Pepper too...some tunes more then others...but virtually all his tunes. Come Together...please make a video on this.

[@mickavellian]

ALL serious drummers talk about the "buttering". Ringo got more sound and effects out of that technique that if he had one extra hand a tpunbarine and a clave. That is a VERY old New Orleans style. In tose times the "TRaps" (the kit ) was maybe 3 pieces so a straight up down note on the hi hat would decay REALLY quick . Ringo "sizzled" that one note and changed it at will with the space on the HH cymbals . I have seen Buddy Rich do it (besides his up.down crashes . that extended the crash for 4 extra notes) Now where a boy in Liverpool learned that New Orleans "Butter" trick.. he aint talking. Another GREAT Ringo trick was to MUTE a roll . In Ticket to ride" he does let that last note on the opening and middle figure ring out . He pushes the stick down and you got just a semi note. The guy is just MAGIC man.

[@ferociousgumby]

I was listening to an isolated drum track by Ringo and it reminded me of George Gershwin's piano playing, which had a similar quality of not being on the beat. It was like a bolt of lightning - it threw the listener off-balance just a hair and was unexpected and exhilarating, almost like being drunk. I think it's an intuitive thing great drummers/rhythm cats have.

[@ryankklein]

He swings great before youtube I thought that early stuff was eight notes but he was actually playing a shuffle. That's when I knew he was bad ass.

[@couldliveonyoutube1841]

Lee R I always heard that delay he does. I agree. That’s what makes it out of this world

[@mnj1tdk12]

Love that video - always "heard" it but never put my finger on it until now. What's funny is he ascribes it just to being a left handed drummer on a right handed kit. He even says in the video, "People say, oh, he's a genius, and the reality is, I'm late on that beat because I can't get my left hand over on time"

[@glennmariacher4525]

One more thing; Ringo never overplayed. Some just don't know when to walk away. His taste was impeccable. Glenn

[@Soapandwater6]

Ringo was never interested in stealing the show, just embellishing the song. He had to be coaxed into doing a drum solo at the end of Abbey Road.

[@ronnyraygunz8718]

ringo is the master of the drum hook. to have one memorable hook, like the dude on wipeout, or ginger baker on white room, is a rare achievement. ringo had come together, in my life, and the entire song of rain, tomorrow never knows, and others I can't think of at the moment! I could go on with why ringo is great, his fills, subtle hi hat work, his organic feel, but i'll leave it at that, i'm tired of typing with my one finger!

[@troycampbell7408]

Why don’t people mention his playing on Strawberry Fields, A Day in the Life, and Rain? Those are some of my favorites and uniquely Ringo. They totally fit the song.

[@thoroakenshield7283]

The fact that Ringo is left handed, but can go with the "French Grip" (thumb up) with the right hand, and play rapidly, especially with a song like "I Feel Fine," shows his brilliance.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Yup..It is a great drum track. A signature of his style that no one can duplicate.

[@annascoria6178]

fun topic Over the years I have told jazz players that scoff at Ringo to: 1) play in the studio without a click track 2) play a right handed set left handed 3) play at about 150 bpm kansas city swing 16ths with your non dominant on the hi hat for 3 minutes while singing Not one jazz drummer could do number 3 or do numeral 2 very well

[@dammitjim9131]

Have always enjoyed Ringo's drumming. I remember watching Phil Collins on Letterman praising Ringo's drumming. Thanks for doing the same and for posting this video.

[@Two_Seat_Pete_FatA55]

I challenge anybody to name many drummers that have playing as distinctive as ringo, as musical as ringo and as many recognisable drum beats and fills and hooks..

[@z512345]

Love Ringo, but don;t ever forget Hal Blaine.

[@grandpaobvious]

You young kids are just so darn cute!

[@justmick3858]

Jeff Porcaro = hundreds of Wrongo's

[@georgiethumbs2438]

John Lennon once said he didn't think the Beatles would have been as successful as they were without Ringo. I absolutely 100% agree. The very first thing that caught my ear when I first heard the Beatles was Ringos drumming. Even when I heard that song "In my life" the words and music went totally over my head at first, and all I was focused on was the drums, I was like wow, that is such a cool drum beat and then using the cymbal along with a tamborine, what a great sound and I'm not even a drummer, but that's absolutely what caught my attention first otherwise I would have never gotten into the Beatles. Maybe later on I would have, but Ringos drummng is absolutely what got me into them. Like I saw her standing there where his hi hat sounds like a locomotive, just an incredible drummer.

[@philipm06]

The Beatles first album, "Please Please Me" was recorded in March 1963 in one day - so no 40 or 50 takes.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

He doesn't purport to know everything about their sessions. Cut him some slack.

[@Diego_Aracena_Kovacevic]

Great video and wise analysis. By the way, I Feel Fine is from 1964.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Please. He's not an expert. Close enough. It was on Beatles '65.

[@lauradannanmusic]

Great video! Love Ringo :-D

[@rolmanable]

great video!!! thanks for doing this

[@toddvanfleet8576]

Is this channel still active? Pro drummer here. Smart stuff that people do not discuss enough. Even the comments are knowledgeable. Thank you .

[@ogden700]

Bless you, sir: a rare exceptional level of comprehension--especially for a younger drummer who wasn't there (like this old guy was!) Spot on.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Bless you, Sir to think I wasn't there. Laugh. Take a look at my Why is Moon, Bonham and Paice vids and Psycho Riffs in Rock 1-5. Let me know what you think. Be well.

[@Braglemaster123]

Love Ringo's crossover to the floor tom starring his beat with his left hand.

[@garyt6747]

Just found you.Gary,40 mins over border in Wales from liverpool. I agree with your comments, I feel fine,PAPERBACK WRITER too.He had a feel that complicated their sound.My fave Ringo recordings are those stated,Ticket,She said, Rain,Sonething,You cant do that,We can work...its endless really.Good job...RINGO!!!!!

[@annemayseyfried8907]

Just saw his interview on Conan> he was born left-handed, but was 'forced' to learn to write right handed, does everything else left-handed on a right-handed drum set, all by ear & emotionally. Awesome!! Off to listen to "I Feel Fine" & "Paperback Writer" again! Thx!

[@ElliotRose]

Ringo is the only Beatle that was hired - for his musical ability. They could not get a recording contract without him.

[@garydavidson922]

If you think Ringo was an average or simple drummer, go get yourself a copy of The Beatles: Rock Band game and play the songs on expert drums. It's very possible to use an electronic drum kit as a controller for this game, so in this manner you can play the actual drum parts on an actual drum set and see if you can score 100% on Helter Skelter, Hey Bulldog, I Feel Fine, or I Wanna Be Your Man. It takes a great drummer to top the leaderboards, because those parts were performed by a great drummer.

[@KevinSmith-dj2ey]

Gary Davidson I hope you know how far off that analogy is, comparing video game drums to actual drumming. Rock Band and Guitar Hero drums aren’t accurate to actually playing it on a kit. Ringo is a average drummer in terms of technicality. If you want technical greats, it’s Neil Peart, Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy, and all the other drummers who are far more technical.

[@pamwasham2152]

Thank you so much for making this video! I teach my drummers to listen to the way Ringo gave the Beatles a solid and predictable foundation that made their music stand out in a very unusual way. No other drummers were doing anything close to the sounds Ringo could create. I agree with you about the 2 songs you mentioned. Also, I noticed Rain. John Lennon certainly knew exactly what Ringo could do for the band. They wouldn't have been able to change the world of music if Pete Best had not been replaced. It was sad for Pete. I'm not sure that there was a pleasant way to put Ringo in his place but it really had to change if The Beatles were going to be The Beatles. I am sure I wouldn't have been able to play a right handed trap set if I had been a lefty. It's sort of funny that Paul and Ringo were both left handed. It seemed like Ringo was taken for granted some of the time. I really hope that he finds this video of yours! I wish that I could thank Ringo for all of the things I learned by listening to the way he held the band together so well. It still amazes me to be honest and I am 64. I feel very lucky. I got to feel the magic as it happened when old Ed had those four young lads from Liverpool on his Sunday night tv show a few times. All those parents and grand parents who always watched the accordian players and tap dancers every week got a taste of something that no one was expecting. That still cracks me up when I watch those shows. I remember thinking, "Well, move over Beach Boys and Elvis. These guys have something magical going on. A bunch of it had to do with Ringo's drums. Thank you again from one drummer to another! It means a great deal to me to hear you appreciating the things I do. George Martin recognized Ringo's greatness too.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Thx Pam. I did get to meet Ringo for 10min at Ocean Way studios in LA in 1990. He was as funny and cool as he presented himself in A Hard Days Night to a tee.

[@andzwe]

A video that does Ringo justice. I can also relate very much to what drummer Jim Keltner said about Ringo Starr ànd Charlie Watts: "Two of the guys with the biggest bands in the world, who play like nobody else and you can't really describe their playing. No matter how good you are, you never gonna sound like them. You can not play like how Ringo played with The Beatles and you can not play like Charlie Watts when he plays with The Rolling Stones."

[@BinkDinklage]

Great insight on a great player. Do you think you could do videos about other classic drummers like Bill Ward or Bonham or some jazz cats like Gene Krupa?

[@drummersagainstitk]

BustinKeopectate Yes. I'll call it the "why" series. I would rather bring up unknown or unheralded players like in my Psycho Riffs vids.

[@ferociousgumby]

This is why he yelled "I've got blisters on my fingers!" He actually did. I think he worked harder than any of them.

[@ferociousgumby]

I think Ringo was the glue holding the group together. They would have blown apart a lot sooner without him. Part of it was musical, part of it was temperamental - he wasn't the prima donna the others were. John and Paul were one-upping each other all the time, writing songs "at" each other, and George was off meditating on a mountaintop somewhere. I didn't know how to analyze this and how to say it, but today I was listening to one of Ringo's isolated drum tracks and kept thinking, he's always ahead of the beat by just a nanosecond - I mean, the impact of the drum stick is ahead of the explosion of sound, the fireball that IS the "beat". I don't think they teach these things in drum school. Ringo was and is a savant, a working class boy who walked into history.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

You want to know why Ringo is one of the greatest? Just listen to 'Ticket To Ride'. It's all right there.

[@Cinemagoer_64]

I am a big beatles fan and of ringo as well! But ticket to ride was never a big deal to me. I feel fine is a much better representation of his playing. Also other favs of ringo's drumming are: Not a second time, Paperback Writer, A Day In The Life, Strawberry Fields, Come Together, Rain. Just my opinion.

[@johncook8154]

+Anthony Monaghan , Ticket to Ride is one of my all time favorite drum beats ,the opening and continuing beat.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Seriously brother...go back and give it another listen. In the world of pop music it was a real game changer. That beat he plays just slightly behind the natural beat (I'm not a drummer so mind my ignorance around the proper terms). The way he picks up the rhythm during the "I don't know why she's riding so high" sequence then drops back into that strange sort of swing beat. Genius drumming.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Also his drumming on "Back Off Boogaloo". Brilliant.

[@mickavellian]

He played the "backbeat" wich is 100% R&R on the other hand Stewart Copelanf plays the "Face" beat which one note ahead of the music.

[@jods1]

When Ringo left the Beatles, during the recording of the White Album, they could have brought any drummer in the world they wanted. [And who in their right mind would ever refuse to join the best band that ever was?] Guess who they elected - that's right, they chose the best living drummer, and his name was Ringo. They even decked the drum kit with flowers to celebrate his comeback. That's how good he was.

[@avlisk]

He was the perfect drummer for the band he was in.

[@RobbieDunn]

Ringo played the song gave the Beatles the rounded sound he was a man for all songs and occasions

[@mattdoran8344]

It’s funny you say... imagine 40-50 takes of twist and shout and rock and roll music... when both those songs were done in one take.... I think that Not guilty had somewhere in the vicinity of 100... but you’re point is well said.. he was exhausted after marathon sessions..

[@jamesflickinger1363]

Very good video. Thanks !

[@NorsePJ]

A question. When I listen to Keith Moon's solo in the song "Won't Get Fooled Again" it reminds me very much of Ringo's solo on the Abbey Road song "The End". Just wondering if anyone else have thought about that or noticed it? Is it possible that Moon was inspired by Ringo's one drum solo? No, it's not exactly the same but its structure and timing seem very much alike. Just an observation.

[@drummersagainstitk]

The drum solos style of the 60's in general tended to be lots of eighth notes with accents {Very much like Gene Krupa in the big band era.). Although Moon was not "inspired" drum wise by Ringo, they loved each other company and to drink a lot together.

[@NorsePJ]

@@drummersagainstitk Anyway, I believe that Keith Moon may have been inspired by Ringo's "The End" solo. And I believe Moon would indeed have been inspired by Ringo. Many drummers of that era would have been and I would think many still are. Many famous drummers admit to Ringo being an inspiration. People like Ian Paice and Phil Collins to name but a couple. Cheers from Down Under! ☺

[@alanhenderson3949]

I have played a couple of Beatles songs, and thought they would be easy, wasn't a big Beatles fan. But when I listened to the drum parts, I mean really listened, I thought WOW what is this guy doing? This is fantastic stuff! Then quickly saw the genus of the entire band. Now a huge Beatles fan. Question: I heard the other Beatles had "ghost" drummers come in and do drum parts on some recordings. Is this true? And if so, whats up with that? Thank you

[@drummersagainstitk]

3 trks Ringo did not play on in The Beatles history. Love Me Do (Alan White), Back in the USSR and Ballad of Yoko Ono (Paul played) Ringo quit (went to Italy for a month) when they were making the Let It Be movie. The use of ghost drummers is a proven falsehood because every single person coming in and out of Abbey Road (EMI) were catalogued and logged. EMI was a freak about accounting everything. John sd when Ringo quit that month "we've just lost the greatest RnR drummer in history" to have you understand Geo Martin could never have brought another drummer and go against Lennon IN THIS LIFE AND LIVE. Be well thx for asking and supporting

[@davidpadilla9468]

No not true at all its ringo

[@ericportillo8277]

ringo had a great raw sound with a swaggar who wasnt just a timekeeper and never played too stiff. that physical live drum sound is missing in music now. everyones just focussing on being clean and perfectly in time which sounds kinda flat compared to the ridges, textures and tectonics an unpredictable drummer can take the song through.

[@williedegee1]

Watch The Beatles live @ The Washington Coliseum to Witness Ringo go wild on his drum kit...

[@Braglemaster123]

You know when you hear ringo on a song so that tells you everything !!!!!

[@Luthiart]

I play guitar and bass and I don't think you can get a full appreciation for how great a drummer Ringo is until you play along with those tracks and FEEL how the drumming just propels your playing. His time is perfect, his fills are tasteful, with just enough "flash" (i.e., he serves the song, not his ego), and it's dynamic, but SOLID. It must have felt incredible to feel that at your back on stage. I can feel it just coming out of my speakers. A lot of people don't know that the band Ringo was in when the Beatles called on him (Rory Storm and the Hurricanes), was the biggest band on the circuit, and Ringo was considered one of the best drummers around. He was making a decent living too. It was a bit of a risk giving up a steady paycheck join a band that MIGHT make it... Obviously, he made the right decision.

[@rhylievilloria3737]

i think all drummers vary. it doesn't matter how complex the beat is, it's all about complementing the song and having fun playing it...music is meant for expression...not competition. i'm a beginner drummer...i know i suck for now, but i love playing...so for me, i'm awesome for that ^__^

[@alixturmel7234]

+Rhylie Villoria you are right

[@alixturmel7234]

+Rhylie Villoria you are right

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Well said

[@ricochofsky8293]

ringo he only did 1 or 2 takes of 'twist and shout' (lennon's voice was shot) -- the 'please, please' lp was recorded in one day, only a few takes of each track

[@Apodicticus]

100 % agree! Back in the 60s-70s, I was one of those young, noisy, Keith-Moon-wannabes, who ragged on him, as well as the late great Charlie Watts. I watch them now and humbly acknowledge I couldn't hold a candle to either on my best day,

[@glennmariacher4525]

Your opinion is right on the money. Ringo remains one of the best rhythm drummers of all time and, easily, the best of his time. So many people of that skill so make it look easy that uninformed people just overlook them. As one person put, it is like referring to Beethoven as a " piano player ". Glenn

[@rolmanable]

the fills on "I want to your hand " are tricky

[@za-music]

What about Long Tall sally? I always regarded it as one of his best performances

[@hailuberbeast8892]

Indeed, the Hamburg version is killer. He was a powerhouse

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

2:00 I'm a bit surprised about this. As far as I know before, say Rubber Soul and Revolver, those typical studio album band recordings were mainly on the spot live recordings of the band performing. Drums were not recorded separately, so there even weren't 40 takes to record. Twist and shout (recorded feb 1963) or Rock 'n roll music (recorded october 1964), I looked up in Mark Lewisohns Beatles Recording Sessions book, were recording in a few ort even one take. But maybe you have better sources?

[@normanswarn4949]

A Day on the Life great drum piece !

[@KbcBerlin]

I would also add the range of music Ringo got thrown at him was very wide, and just got it right.

[@jaelge]

Ringo was THE most innovative and versatile drummer of his time. He could play any genre on demand. And demanded of he was. Rock, Jazz, Progressive, Pop: any thing that Lennon, McCartney, George or George Martin threw at him he was always capable of delivering. He was a master of knowing when NOT to play or embellish. I suppose you could say that he was the master of the "less is more" technique when applicable. Nice to hear that this particular video gives it up to him regarding "I Feel Fine". I have often thought that I was alone in recognizing the absolute perfect Jazzy back beat that Ringo produced for this song. Oh yea, I'm just an ignorant guitar player, composer. But having to do my own drums on my recordings I am proud and eager to say that everything I've ever learned about drumming I learned from the master ... Ringo Starr!

[@metaldetectingwithlugnut]

Listen to Ringo's Drumming on the song "Rain"

[@rickfeels]

What is your opinion on Zach Hill?

[@drummersagainstitk]

bryceisnyce Love em'

[@konarain]

Palmer was an orthodox grip guy, kinda jazzy. Ring was the first to popularize the grip which I was taught by Porcaro (toto's dad) Jeff told me sound is everything..Ringo has the Sound, and I can hear the timecube effect on clearer mixes.. (a slight delay?) I've played Ringo's houndstooth Ludwig toms on the drummer that played 'Ricky don't lose dat number' they played Ricky as a trio.. then overrun the solo. Ringo's drums sound giod, no, w steely dan? Ringo gave those toms to the drummer from 'mad dogs and englishmen' I played then, then the drummer told me, 'those are Ringo's toms!' I can play exactly like Ringo. do I need a mixer to record my drums, or just use my phone.. I can do it all, but I'm getting older too.. Alohz

[@flimbambo]

Listen to his opening solo on Sit Right Down and Cry on the BBC Sessions

[@patrickbanish8154]

yes they were all about the music. they were seasoned veterans long before they recorded an album. most importantly they sometimes they changed the tempo a bit to keep Ringo's drumming.

[@judmcc]

They only recorded two takes of Twist and Shout and I think the second one broke down.

[@randyzeitman1354]

Oh man... I Feel Fine ... exactly.

[@benh2807]

Definitely the coolest Beatle! Talking of great moments how about the way he comes in on I Am the Walrus? Doesn't hit the crash or anything at the end of his fill, just lets the note rest. Absolute, total moment of genius there (unless he just missed the cymbal!)

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Fantastic example that illustrates just how important leaving something out can be and know when to leave it out.

[@patrickbanish8154]

Ringo was great because he can compliment not compete with any song. look at helter skelter what I think was some of his best drumming. and that like half second delay he uses because he's left handed. and he's got that goofy cool vibe going ya know. Ringo forever!

[@jacksprat3009]

Well, that was the signature of the band itself - as George said on why he had Eric Clapton play the solo on a few of his songs, "It's the song, not my playing" Nobody in the Beatles was dominant or stood out or was an exceptional musician. if you want that, go to jazz or one of the bands featuring a guitarist who plays 100 notes a second. (Musical masterbvation). The idea wasn't to feature one or two, but to make the song as good as they could.

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Well, first of all, Eric only played on one Beatles-track ever, and that was of course While my Guitar Gently Weeps. But perhaps you meant George's solo stuff too? Secondly, yes, The Beatles were great musicians. A musician is not great or good because he or she can play the most technically advanced things on an instrument. It's not about that. Music is not about that. If you can do things like that, sure, great. But it's about using that, in the right, most tasteful and musical way. I mean, especially Paul, was a fantastic musician.

[@tommyhaynes521]

Exactly , I love George's solo's. He didnt' play a lot of notes but he payed the right notes. That solo on All my Loving is perfection..it's great against Mac's walking bass part...the one on "Something" is also excellent and also worked well with Mac's busy bass part

[@kantarelljulletjolahopp5607]

Yes. It's about what was right and what fitted those songs, and George did it excellent

[@donalso]

One little George thing (I assume it was George's lick) I always liked was the end of the guitar solo on Octopus's garden which he ended with a little "dat de dah",which to me sounds like the flip of a fishes tail. All those guys play the song!! Wow!

[@titusho2]

Ringo is a fabulous drummer !!

[@enricomenconi7370]

Exactly !

[@mikelheron20]

I'm not convinced about the 40 or 50 takes. Considering the cost of studio time that seems like an incredible luxury to me.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

John: Hey, Ring, I need something to go with this: gong-gaga-gongo, ba-gong gaga gongo (hums beginning to Ticket To Ride). Ringo: Like this? (plays) John: That's it! People who knocked Ringo in the early days probably thought John, Paul or George handed him a written part for drums. They could never fathom that he created them. Brilliant drummer.

[@anthonymoon6918]

I’m not a musician...so please bare with me. But why would a left handed drummer bother to play the rt handed drum kit? Could he not have simply set it up to accommodate his being left handed? I’m simply curious...huge Beatles fan here! Thanx much.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Ringo like many left handed drummers would often share drumsets on gigs. 97% of drummers play right handed and it would be logistically a hassle to change it around. In Ringo's PARTICULAR case he didn't know the difference growing up.

[@anthonymoon6918]

drummersagainstitk 🤙 a simple reason...thanx, dude.

[@dillmann8862]

The Beatles knew how important he was to get into the band that they actually paid him more than they paid themselves. After he left Rory Storm and the Hurricanes the band was never the same. Also I believe it was Harrison that qued the other Beatles on Ringo being a member instead of Best

[@meatwad1]

George Harrison lobbied hard to get Ringo into the band.

[@HektorBandimar]

Anything Ringo played, pleased me just as much as anything Ginger Baker ever played.

[@stevendavis1940]

Interesting comments. I appreciate where you're coming from because I have always thought Ringo was great. I'm not a musician, but I listen well, and I always thought that Ringo provided great drum fill at the right times as well as keeping perfect time with innovative beats.

[@drummersagainstitk]

Thx man. Your ears and mind don't deceive you. It's just that ppl can't seem to step back and look into CONTEXT of that time.

[@stevendavis1940]

Yes, people don't understand anything if it's not flashy. Ringo added a lot to Beatles songs, even though he didn't play like Ginger Baker. I'm glad he played like he played.

[@emilywalker3352]

Great pacing.

[@brianbianchi8028]

Can someone recomend ringos best drum songs

[@k0c1l]

Ringo himself picks "rain"

[@shadowbannedbyyoutube415]

Strawberry fields and A day in the life of.

[@dmimcg]

Ringo, the Steve Gadd of Liverpool.

[@mkelley5790]

See sina-drums video on Ringo

[@thomastimlin1724]

I don;t know about the 40-50 takes remark. They saved Twist and Shout for last when they recorded it in 1963, it's documented everywhere, because they didn't want Lennon to shred his vocal cords until the last song, they did that one in one take. The early stuff was recorded live, then mostly live with additional instruments added later, and later there were more intricate recordings, but 40-50 takes? for Ringo? Doubt it. Like, were you actually there? Maybe starting with Rubber Soul, then Revolver and Sergeant Pepper albums.

[@mattthemuso8818]

I'm a leftie and I play a right handed kit

[@elementrypenguin3116]

It’s sad that people who don’t know anything about music or drumming think drummers have to be flashy with 10 tom toms, 10 cymbals, 2 or more floor toms, etc. that’s not true.

[@aTF2player]

Alot of drummers got that juicy drum technique. Ringo had that saucey drum feel.

[@NoExitLoveNow]

Ringo always said he was most proud of his drumming on "Rain". He said it was far and away the best drumming he did.

[@drummersagainstitk]

While Rain might be Ringo's favorite trk, I Feel Fine is his most technically difficult because Ringo was a left handed drummer on a right handed kit. Most drummers can play Rain and definately not play I Feel Fine the way he did. Try it.

[@NoExitLoveNow]

I see. Sure, I just thought I would share the information.

[@thomassommerfeld8494]

Ringo is great. More than that. He felt what he played. You can hear that in A day in the life. No one could have done that like him. And everyone who disagrees should listen to all the songs again.

[@mathewgray5162]

The drum fills in she said she said are great.

[@MrROTD]

The tastiest drummer you can name , an innovator and a huge influence 50 plus years later, if you dont like his work then I cant understand but thats your opinion