The Drum Mystery in The Beatles' Most Beautiful Song | Dear Prudence

[@YouCantUnhearThis]

New episode is here!! Who do YOU think played 🥁? Paul, Ringo...or both? Let me know in the comments!

[@elirosen1391]

To reiterate what I said earlier, based on the evidence you have presented here, the idea of Ringo playing the drums on "Dear Prudence" is ostensibly illogical. It doesn't seem right that neither the Beatles nor EMI crew would have mentioned his involvement on it if he had contributed to it after he had nearly called it quits.

[@joemartin35541]

Hey I love your videos and I think personally it’s Paul could you ever look into doing a video on Blue Jay Way such a good trippy one from George

[@TheNewSoda]

Honestly I thought Ringo was on the background vocals

[@damianmoon]

As a drummer for 12 years, I'm 99% sure that's Ringo playing. The feeling and fills used in the ending of the song are his signature. Paul is a great drummer, but no way he could play it that way.

[@jasonnewman4152]

It's not out of Paul's range, listen to Kreen Akore (from McCartney), but regardless os who played it, it is an absolutely amazing song.

[@WowIndescribable]

Why doesn't someone simply ask Ringo and Paul about this to find out (while they still can)?

[@kinsarangel5267]

Great idea.

[@lauraval4757]

Exactly what I was wondering!

[@crystalbelle2349]

Being a person born in 1961, of these men remember I’d almost bet they both remember it differently LoL. I agree that would be a great conversation.

[@kpk124]

I asked Paul when he did an ask me anything on Twitter during early pandemic or so. No dice

[@cameronthomas826]

Absolutely. Another thing, Im not sure why no one has attempted to get Ringo and Paul to sit and chat for an hour or so. Now i speculate they have some sort of aversion to each other which only makes sense being the biggest band in history and the way things were ended and all but im sure they could put that aside and understand a sit down with them would be bigger than whatever differences they have. I dont know if any attempt has been made for something like that but it would be a killer Dateline or 60 Minutes special probably go down as one of the greatest television moments ever. Times running out for an event like this…

[@gspublishingdirect1749]

Paul’s drumming is unmistakable in the ‘Ballad of John & Yoko’. That’s the way Paul drums. In my opinion, Ringo definitely dubbed the drum fills on ‘Dear Prudence’. Those fills are something I never heard from Paul. 🥁

[@jasperhalsey8574]

@@healthywaves4706 Good point. You cant fake experience and the second bit was definitely played by an experienced drummer

[@2ridiculous41]

With you there. While Paul is a perfectly good drummer, the style at the end is completely different and fits Ringo perfectly.

[@85geoffm]

@@healthywaves4706 true, but this is something Paul would have understood as well. Given the uncertainty as to whether Ringo would return to the band at all, Paul could have come to this same realization and adapted a more Ringo-esque style so as not to have to explain to fans that Ringo was no longer in The Beatles while recording a new album, which was the most ambitious and experimental album of their career. It certainly does sound like Ringo, though. Occam's razor may apply, but Paul was good enough to sound like Ringo.

[@Lorddavud]

@@85geoffm I suppose that Paul is the featured drummer in the earlier portions, and then Ringo over-dubbed in the later portions, possibly as a way of the boys making up for pissing him off and driving him away. This is the first time I'm hearing of this though. Has anybody asked either Paul, or Ringo, what's what?

[@85geoffm]

@@Lorddavud well, the problem there is that Paul has misremembered things in past interviews. Hard to blame him though. He's forgotten more than I could even remember.

[@johnyarusso4953]

As a drummer myself, it has always sounded like Ringo playing during the end section, especially the very last fill LRRLRRL which Ringo often used and McCartney never used. However, McCartney probably could have pulled it off with numerous takes.

[@seralouise.]

i think he couldve pulled it off just fine. hes a perfectly fine drummer who knew his friend and his style very well. it mightve taken practice but its not like a ludicrously hard part or anything

[@jethrox827]

Just sounds like a variation of the Purdie shuffle to me, Billy probably got the shits with Ringo being a bitch and just pulled Bernard in for a quick single take, no big deal lol

[@BigSky1]

@@seralouise. I thought i was responding to someone else and not you. Damn KZbin. I will delete my comment to you and put it where it should be. Sorry.

[@BigSky1]

Don’t you mean could have pulled it off and not couldn’t?.

[@BigSky1]

@@seralouise. I was trying to reply to the person at the top and not you. They have contradicted themselves.

[@feelthejoy]

Those fills definitely feel like Ringo. His drumming style is often described as “shuffling” and he himself described it as “like falling down the stairs”. That being said, Paul is a gifted mimic and a decent drummer. The question is, is/was he good enough to imitate Ringo’s style that well? I’m not sure!

[@feliscatos4435]

The sound of the snare drum changes. You can hear the ringing when the stick catches the rim and the head when the drum is tuned for it and there is no muffling on the head.

[@streamofconsciousness5826]

Maybe he could imitate the feel, but not the confidence, those drums are hit with confidence, a bit of "SEE!!" and some territorial swagger.

[@proteus244]

It's Ringo. The unique style and the snare hits behind the beat leave no doubt. There is no song where McCartney plays drums that sounds like that. As Ringo pointed out, Paul is a good, but limited, drummer.

[@stevenflack2763]

Yer right ... Paul is a decent drummer ... but in no can anyone in the whole wide world that can, as you say, can imitate Ringo's style of , as Ringo himself says, "falling down the stairs" ...spot on

[@johnmcminn9455]

@@proteus244 Band on the Run, tho

[@robpassavanti]

Ringo, absolutely. Every drummer has a certain way that he addresses the drums, even if they play the same exact notes. As a drummer I I hear Ringo in the more complex part.

[@michaelbarat3212]

That's good enough for me.

[@kevinwilliams1602]

I agree, just, as in my post above, it could be from earlier recordings dubbed in

[@_Dalton_]

As a drummer it just sounds like he just flipped the switch on the snare strainer to me. As a recording musician the drums you can hear bleeding through don’t contribute anything as evidence as laying down a simple beat just to play on before re-recording a better wrote groove later down the line at the start of a recording is pretty common. I’ve known plenty of people that can’t play to a metronome while recording, so had to resort to using a simple drum track

[@gutgolf74]

Since Ringo wasn't there and there is ABSOLUTELY no documented drum overdub anywhere and NOBODY from the Beatles EVER claimed this for Ringo that is highly unlikely. And WHY would he even go there and overdub this certain part??!! Absolutely no logical or musical or technical reason for it. Furthermore, that ending is in fact quite messy and rhythmically all over the place. Ringo would have been much more precise. It totally sounds like what Paul did on "Keen Akrore", it's just him fooling around trying to come up with an interesting drum part. It sounds more complex as it is because there are indeed two drum tracks - both played by PAUL.

[@abneryokum]

@@gutgolf74 Your use of all caps has convinced me that you must be correct.

[@endthisnonsense7202]

It doesn't matter who plays what. The switch in style of drumming is one of the many things that makes the song great!

[@javierfueyo6871]

ALASBUENAS Otia Tôy Flipando He Hacido un Guapo capicúa. SALUD

[@shaft9000]

Agreed; it's not interesting or anything to 'un-hear'. If Ringo didn't play in the session... well, so what?

[@MrCook1227]

I have always found the way the guitars build up in complexity and volume throughout the song so thrilling to listen to that I never noticed the change in the drumming. Even after watching this I can't stop focusing on the guitars.

[@marcusphelan57]

Yes they're brilliant.

[@marcusphelan57]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3OYYn2Zncqqesk

[@be_reel]

The drums at the end have the leading left-hand rolls from right-to-left which are Ringo's trademark, as he can't roll around the kit from the other side. All of Paul's examples such as Back in the USSR have the left to right rolls (snare, high tom, floor tom). Both Paul and Ringo (on the outro) are on the track.

[@cgall4444]

Anyone that spent their youth listening to the Beatles know it’s Ringo.

[@gutgolf74]

@@cgall4444 LOL, only it's impossible to be him. He wasn't there when they recorded it, and Ken Scott confirmed they didn't do later overdubs.

[@mikem9001]

Quite right. Ken Scott never ruled out that they did overdubs, nor ruled out that it was only Paul drumming. They frequently overdubbed and its quite likely John would consider a passage by Ringo to be better for that song. As literally dozens of experienced drummers have observed on this thread alone, the style does not fit Paul at all.

[@gutgolf74]

@@mikem9001 Every single of your statements is false, and there is nothing you can do.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 Single what? Everything I have written is correct, and you know it.

[@wilberforce95]

the "new snare drum" could literally just be a tea towel (which they often used as dampening) accidentally falling off the snare and allowing it to ring out

[@leowatley]

or the mics were moved/changed. it could also have been a different eq setup. getting overdubs to match perfectly back then would have been much more difficult ti nail.

[@lisag18]

exactly

[@peteskyrunner4845]

If the tea towel had 'accidentally' fallen off surely they'd have stopped and put it back on again. It's not like it was a live performance. I guess they could have deliberately taken it off if they'd decided they wanted the sound to change.

[@mmjahink]

@@peteskyrunner4845 Certainly a valid theory. The Beatles by this point in their recording career would allow for random things like that to exist and help develop the track they were working on.

[@AlIguana]

yeahbut... the Beatles were into multiple takes and overdubs, if the sound wasn't deliberate (or a happy accident) then they wouldn't have left it in

[@gturner9533]

I think it's fairly well documented that Ringo's return occurred in early September at Abbey Rd, when George had arranged for Mal Evans to deck out Ringo's drum kit with flowers. Mark Lewisohn's Recording Sessions book documents this as taking place on 5 September, the day after Ringo had in fact rejoined for the shooting of the Hey Jude / Revolution promo clips at Twickenham (out of interest, this was also the same day the Beatles 'liberated' the EMI 8-track machine from Francis Thompson's office...). While Dear Prudence, by all apparent evidence, was wrapped at Trident the week before, I always had it in my head that it would have been an apt gesture for the Beatles to have Ringo overdub a drum part onto Dear Prudence to pump up his tyres and emphasise his worth to the band. There's no evidence of this of course, and the Beatles history is ridiculously well recorded in intricate detail... However, you just never know. For example, with the release of Get Back last year, it has become apparent that the Beatles had almost certainly engaged in additional Let it Be recording sessions at some point in February 1969 - sessions for which there is no documented evidence.

[@gutgolf74]

Whatever you've got "in your head" and feel to be "apt" - as you also admit, there's absolutely no evidence of this. End of story. It's pure fan-fiction. All Paul, no Ringo, no mystery.

[@allenjones3130]

Actually that tape machine that the Beatles appropriated was made by 3M, not EMI.

[@tomjoad9447]

The latter half drums sound like Ringo ...it's brilliant as are the guitar parts...George's leads are cosmic psychedelic and even bluesy

[@saucyjk6453]

why doesnt someone ask Ringo for fucks sake. lol

[@mikem9001]

@@saucyjk6453 Its unlikely anyone would remember details like that, even a few years later. it certainly could have been Ringo. There is no 100% evidence of what overdubs they did or didn't do.

[@francispaulmarottikal1839]

I once was in a electronic devices showroom. They played, Dear Prudence, on Bose speakers. I thought that the Beatles were in the next room playing live. I had heard this song but to me it was just another Hit musical piece from the Beatles. Now I was completely hooked on this classic masterpiece. Sometimes you need to hear on a real good sound system and know the worth.

[@andrewarthurmatthews6685]

For me it’s nothing to do with the audio quality and everything to do with drumming style. I M O this has Ringo’s hands all over it

[@JaneNewAuthor]

While My Guitar Gently Weeps is my favourite song, ever. I'm 70, I remember when it was released. I was working in a cafe with a jukebox, I think I wore the record out.

[@angelotro]

My wife used to critique my lack of yardwork, one time singing "While My Mower Gently Weeps".😒

[@herberthallum2078]

One of my favorite songs too.

[@jrlaudio]

Please do not ask how I know this, I can't respond. That being said, at the time EMI did not have the ability to mix down an 8 track recording, so the tracks were mixed down at Trident to four track. Once back at EMI two of the four tracks were bounced down to a single track in order to overdub additional drum tracks. These were performed by Ringo upon his return. This was after the group played the tracks for Ringo and he had some ideas to supplement what was already done. They decided to let him add the additional parts as a way to bring the group back together as a unit and ease some tensions. This is why some tracks were bounced to one, to make room for Ringo's new parts. So yes, those overdubs were Ringo.

[@lancegould]

Cool. That sounds about right. It seems that, over the years, I’ve read something about an appeasement of Ringo for his return. The story was about George’s song, so the details in the article were vague, but I could totally believe that it was viewed as incomplete if that’s not Paul playing. Although there’s quite a bit going on at the end of that song, I the we can all agree that it wouldn’t be the same with only, in essence, a click track in back. Plus, I’m convinced, after watching this video, that you can tell that whomever is playing that end part, is doing so whilst smoking a cigarette.

[@ebkesq72]

If we cannot ask you how you “know” this, then we have no way to judge the accuracy of your comment.

[@bobsquires4521]

@@lancegould They ALL smoked cigs and THEY ALL played the drums. lol But I bet none of them could claim to hold a match to Ringo's ability. You can hear it - night and day. Anyone with ears PLUS half a musical brain (that's important) can recognize Ringo's niche in the Beatles - just because Ringo wrote the song and played the piano for his only 1 Beatles song that he contributed ("Don't Pass Me By") doesn't mean he was a pianist.

[@jrlaudio]

@@ebkesq72 It's bad enough I made this comment, but the reason is NDA's I signed many years ago which have yet to expire. To hint at it, I had access to original multitracks when doing some archival A/D conversions for Abbey Road, which means I could hear conversations during recording between takes. It was Ringo on those tracks. I really can't say more.

[@pennyether8433]

@@jrlaudio When do your NDAs expire, roughly?

[@Chiggerticky]

"Dear Prudence" almost always leaves me with tears in my eyes. Thank you for this amazing backstory.

[@thomasriley5830]

People often undersell Pauls drumming. Check out “My Dark Hour” by Steve Miller from 1968! Paul Plays drums and sings backing on it. The drumming is very intense and uncharacteristic of Paul’s drumming!

[@ChromaticHarp]

Wow I just listened to My Dark Hour. I had no idea that Paul played drums on that!

[@evertvdb000]

its 1969

[@waynecameron4579]

Wow didn't know that

[@zakmike8615]

Yeah, Paul's a competent drummer... Blah blah blah. I am a better drummer than Sir Paul McCartney. Ringo obviously contributed to Dear Prudence.

[@evertvdb000]

@@zakmike8615 i agree

[@travistownsend6750]

So interesting! The second drum part is what made this my favorite Beatles song back in the day! I definitely always felt like it sounded like Ringo.

[@maxxxmodelz4061]

I can't believe Dear Prudence wasn't a massive hit back in 68. I wasn't alive back then, but having been introduced to The Beatles by my dad's extensive collection of their albums, I always found that song to be one of their best. It was remade in the 80s by Susie and The Banshees and became a hit for her. Great song.

[@blackletter2591]

It's because it was an album song and it was in no way up to the standard of the big hitters from that album. There was no need to make Prudence a single release - we all had it on the album. Back in the USSR, ObladiOblada, While my guitar gently weeps, Blackbird, Julia etc. "Beatles most beautiful song"? Nah, not even close. Not even the best song on the album which had at least 8 good songs, with Prudence coming in about 7th. In those days, everybody bought every Beatles album, because we knew you'd get your money's worth. Other bands and artists, you'd get maybe one or two hits and a bunch of duds.

[@larryglusak8176]

Dragonize is correct. We didn't buy singles and we learned that most of the Beatles music was of the same caliber. I bought the white album at least six times. Every time the girl I was living with back then and I separated, it seems they got the albums that I paid for. Fortunes of war I guess.

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

you were alive. Just in a different form

[@feeberizer]

Ringo was, and is a massive talent. Personally, I don't care who played what, when, or how. What I pay attention to is the final cut and the mastery these four men had making music that changed the culture around the world.

[@tomfurlong5091]

i agree...

[@BeatlesCentricUniverse]

NOWHERE in Paul's entire drumming catalogue are there back-to-back tumbling fills like those heard in Dear Prudence. Yes, including My Dark Hour. (edited for spelling.)

[@listenup7284]

Maybe I'm amazed ghost notes.

[@aschneider70]

I met Ringo in a backstage gig in Brazil around 2011, my friend is a drummer and his company was promotion his All Star Band in Porto Alegre. I asked him many things, one of the question was "who is the drummer in Dear Prudence?" He said: " - Paul did it because I was on vacation, and I put my rolls before". He told he told: You make a lot of questions, what are you, a MI5?

[@gutgolf74]

What do you mean with "I put my rolls before "?

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

Great anecdote. Ringo's style; after that it's moot. When asked, "Is Ringo the greatest drummer in rock"? Mr. Lennon replied, "He's not even the the best drummer in The Beatles". Total fun for Us either way.

[@gutgolf74]

@@R.Akerman-oz1tf Dude, get INFORMED before parrotting debunked anecdotes. It was NOT Lennon who said that. Jeez...

[@R.Akerman-oz1tf]

It was a long time ago; so sorry. Still, it does sound like Ringo.@@gutgolf74

[@plinn777.]

@@gutgolf74 You are correct. In fact, NO one ever said it. Its from some parody/ comedy sketch.

[@aidannolastname]

Paul and Ringo have a kind of distinct style for drumming. Paul, being a perfectionist, has a very straightforward type of play style. Ringo is left handed and plays a right handed kit which gives him a "lagging" kind of style to his drumming, which is heard in Dear Prudence. As many people have said, it isn't impossible for Paul to have played that end section but the lagging kind of style just screams Ringo to me.

[@titmusspaultpaul5]

Totally agree, me ears tell me all the nuances are ringo. Having said that there is no proof, but I believe my ears. Paul doesn't dwell on the past and creates new music all the time and given he played on the song originally he wouldn't be able to give an answer. Unless someone played it on the spot for him and I don't see that happening. Plus the intrigue is better for everyone.... cheers.

[@JH-si9oe]

Paul is also left handed

[@SOcialHIPpie]

@@JH-si9oe Good point

[@siroswaldfortitude5346]

@@JH-si9oe yep good point...I didn't even realise that Ringo was left handed lol

[@theninjamaster67]

@@Oh_I_Will Wouldn't he have just been using Ringo's kit for this one though wouldn't make much sense to move in a whole new drum kit for just a few songs then move Ringo's right back in.

[@Igor_Vinicius]

I can't imagine this kind of debate involving any other band. That's just one of the reasons the Beatles are and always will be the most fascinating act of all time.

[@jimreadey4837]

I think it's the other way around -- _because_ the Beatles are and always will be the most fascinating acts of all time, this kind of debate has arisen.

[@williamvanvugt9117]

Spot-on, my friend. Spot-on.

[@robfaulhaber8204]

Grateful Dead

[@vollsticks]

I see you're not familiar with The Fall's online community...

[@vollsticks]

@@jimreadey4837 I get why a lot of people, especially serious muso types, would believe that but calling The Beatles *the* most fascinating act of all time is a tad hyperbolic, no?

[@jamesshugart8015]

One of my favorites, I bought the album the day it hit the stores in Pasadena Texas and took it to School with me the next Monday and played it in art class ,Miss Reid was cool like that.

[@satychary]

'Hey Dude'...

[@stephenquinn106]

It's been 6 mouths and I here been waiting for the day when he releases a new vid. Can't wait

[@JamesBond-uz2dm]

Yesterday, Ringo was awarded an honorary degree from the Berklee School of Music in Boston (US).

[@ronnienaidoo3249]

Wow !!! Congratulations Ringo.

[@phillipschloss3984]

Ringo is one of the most underrated drummers of all time. It’s also in his genes, witness Zack Starkey who has given The Who a new lease on life. One of the smoothest drummers in rock n’ roll today.

[@BikeVermont71]

Nothing explains the corporate genius of the Beatles like this analysis of Dear Prudence. The group is greater than the sum of its parts. The Muse worked through all of them together -- even when Ringo was absent.

[@johnhenrycurry8209]

I agree. For me the Beatles were an artist's collective more than a band. It didn't matter who did what, they were all part of all the music called The Beatles. They early broke many pop music molds; first as a fabulous vocal group that wrote its own material *and* played its own accompaniment. After they gave up on touring their collective dominated. They became a single artist with four heads. Who did what didn't much matter and, as you suggest, it was greater than the individual parts. Which played a roll in their disbanding. The compromises a collective requires became a drag. In "Get Back," George asks about adding Billy Preston to the group but Paul says (something like); it's hard enough for the four of us!

[@ronnienaidoo3249]

A great assessment !!!

[@bhornannawindeedeigh5007]

... love, Love, LOVE "Dear Prudence" - one of my Top 5 Beatles tunes. In my humble opinion, it was Ringo's drumming on the final cut... it has his spirit in it. 🥁 Why won't someone simply clear up the debate by posing the question to him? "Did you, Sir Ringo, play all of Dear Prudence?" Inquiring minds want to know. 🤔... 😃 Thank you for this vid! I appreciate your work, dear channel owner! 💐🙏🏽❤️

[@RingoStarr39]

DP was recorded at Trident Studios on 8 track tape. The drums were originally played by Paul across several tracks of the tape, through multiple overdubs. All of the drum tracks were reduced down to one track on the tape, with each part being used in different spots. This accounts for the change in snare tone and overall sound of the drums. Most of the original live drums weren't used in the final recording. Ringo wasn't present at the Trident session.

[@SeboDigital]

Yep, that´s true. But wait for some "Chaos Theory" people claiming that was Ringo on the overdubs.

[@RingoStarr39]

@@SeboDigital Maybe people want Ringo to be on the song. haha But Paul was capable of drumming when he needed to.

[@lauskanaal4260]

@@RingoStarr39 Paul couldn't drum like Ringo like in the end of this song.

[@RingoStarr39]

@@lauskanaal4260 That part is actually two drum parts combined on one track of the tape. The individual parts aren't that complicated. Completely within Paul's capabilities.

[@lauskanaal4260]

Dave Grohl at 2:53: "You hear his drumming, you know exactly who it is". kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXu3m513jamNibs

[@davetir]

I am in the camp that Ringo came back and added drums later, simply because it sounds too "Ringo-ee" not to be him. But I never knew this story so I also always assumed "round round round..." was sung by Ringo because it sounds just like his voice. Is it a far fetched idea that Ringo came back and then added drums and backing vocals when the others welcomed him back?

[@SurferJoe1]

The vocals (always jumped out at me, too!) are documented: Mal and Neil, I think, and maybe someone else.

[@elirosen1391]

@@SurferJoe1 Mal, Neil Aspinall, etc. were in the chorus. Mal probably provided that bass D2 in the background, him being a 6'6 man mountain.

[@SurferJoe1]

@@elirosen1391 Yeah, a voice that low is something you don't expect to hear on a Beatles record! I had wondered about it since I was a kid before finally looking it up, some years ago. A couple songs later we get the highest voice on a Beatles record from Yoko...

[@Mediawatcher2023]

Paul did all the drumming

[@heggy_69]

I still like to think Ringo did backing vocals

[@PACM1990]

It was actually Yoko's mom who played drums on Dear Prudence.

[@cmonte98]

Yo’s mom

[@burtreynolds2969]

Yo mama

[@BIZARBIES]

Noko

[@DLD2Music]

Mom's Yoko

[@latentsea]

Yoyoka

[@beckylynn209]

Probably my favorite Beetle's album! I remember sitting in my room singing every word to every song on this album.. I still owe it.. Thank you.. I learned a lot.. 🎶🤗🎵

[@barneybyron2094]

Paul's drumming always sound solid but quite simple. This really does sound like Ringo to me.

[@andrewgardner3092]

Yeah, after hearing it next to Strawberry Field’s concluding drums, it seems obvious to me to.

[@marcstevens8576]

I think it was Paul. He'd been playing with Ringo for so long, he knew Ringo's style & was most likely asked by producers to overdub a duplication of it in order to keep the same sound. Do remember, unlike The Who, who took years off between albums, The Beatles came out with at least one every year. Nobody really noticed at the time..

[@mega4m]

@@marcstevens8576 "...asked by producers" 😂

[@royharper2003]

Quite simple describes Ringo's playing

[@mickavellian]

As a kid being more and more fascinated with music in general than just drumming grooves I remembered my utter infatuation with"Dear Prudence " because it broke pretty much EVERY rule my young drumming career has exposed me to. The vocals playing on top of ta lengthy drum fill (which became a groove and THAT was never mentioned as a UNIQUE drumming technique ( which has not been repeated again by anyone)

[@brandonmshrock]

I’m not the most huge Beatles guy, but I have always liked this song and have learned this drum part. To me, it feels like it was something played by someone who doesn’t normally play drums, but still has some major skills (like Paul). It was wild and very outside of the box with lots of movement. To me, it sounds like something a bass player would come up with. I totally get the Ringo theory, but I personally believe it was Paul.

[@gutgolf74]

Well said!

[@brandonmshrock]

@@gutgolf74 Thanks!

[@francoismariedru5581]

"I’m not the most huge Beatles guy."... all is said. it's Ringo

[@mcnultyssobercompanion6372]

@@francoismariedru5581 His preface about not being a "huge Beatles guy" was him being intellectually honest. It actually _enhances_ his argument a bit. Beyond that, he's clearly a drummer, which means his ability to discern technique cannot be dismissed just because he likely cannot name every track on "Rubber Soul". He at least presented an argument. To be fair, your argument consists of two words: "it's Ringo". We all know you believe that. Why? Who knows. BRANDON SHROCK'S argument doesn't *prove* who's on the recording, but it's an informed opinion from a drummer and, for me, that makes it interesting and worthwhile.

[@sportsmediaamerica]

Can someone just go ask Paul?? He's still alive, you know. Ringo too.

[@dynjarren7523]

Dear Prudence is proof of Lennon’s genius. It wasn’t a single or a top 40 hit but it is brilliant and moving. I also enjoyed his beautiful tribute song to his mother Julia. He was a great artist.

[@davidcarter5038]

Agreed, but it's interesting that the cover by Siouxsie and the Banshees reached #3 in the UK singles chart.

[@garethde-witt6433]

John was a crap singer

[@P.Galore]

The Beatles considered singles different and in addition to an album....

[@s.w.3604]

You must be a Bieber fan? Lol.@@garethde-witt6433

[@PC4USE1]

@@garethde-witt6433 OMG to have that 'crap' voice would be a blessing to any singer. Not as versatile as Paul but a fantastic singer.

[@andypozzuto7612]

I believed Paul was the drummer but after listening to this it really does sound like Ringo. Not sure either would still remember but I wonder if anyone ever asked one of them.

[@justfelix6171]

I’m glad someone finally talked about this! These small Beatles mysteries are what absolutely intrigue me

[@AtomicLobotomy]

Just a note--Took a summer Arabic class at UC Berkeley -- summer of 78 or 79 -- and there was a young woman enrolled named Prudence. Actually, at first nobody thought twice about her name. But at some point, in a break somebody asked her about it and mentioned the Beatles' song. Well, sure enough, it was Prudence Farrow -- she was married to grad student at Berkeley and would herself get PhD from Berkeley. A few weeks later she threw a party--living in very modest grad student housing. A very, very nice, gentle person--somebody you could understand Lennon being attracted to. She was very, very deep into Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's teachings, and apparently spent all of her time either listening to lectures or in her bungalow meditating. (Sorry, I can't tell difference between Paul and Ringo's drumming.)

[@williamvanvugt9117]

Me too--and no other group or artist can touch me as deeply.

[@THOMMGB]

Has anyone ever asked Ringo or Paul about the drumming on Dear Prudence? I know it's been a very long time, but I'd be very interested in hearing what they had to say.

[@joehumeas7196]

They’re both alive, I’m surprised no one has asked them

[@foxandscout]

My thoughts exactly. Why deliberate when they are both alive and certainly know the answer.

[@bassesatta9235]

@@foxandscout they did ask them, they both said paul. Its already proven that paul played in the track, the mystery lies in the coda. Who played the ending since it sounds vastly different to the previous sections. Did ringo overdub the ending? Thats something neither of them can remember

[@foxandscout]

@@bassesatta9235Thank you! I guess that makes sense considering how much music they put out together and alone; considering that this was the first time in an 8-track studio And they went a little overboard though the result with dear prudence was magic. There are plenty details I don’t remember in My life even though my long-term memory is pretty intact. I just turned 68 last day May. More important to enjoy the music Then investigate Every tiny detail.

[@dachille1]

I saw Ringo in an interview he said he’s not on the track. it was on some TV talkshow.

[@samplexample]

I’m a drummer and a lifelong Beatles fan. I’d bet money it was Paul. When asked if Ringo was the greatest drummer in the world, John famously said “he’s not even the best drummer in the Beatles”😅

[@Jasonwithadot]

He never said that, it was a comedian who said that in the 1970s

[@gutgolf74]

Yeah, that was a famous joke by some british comedian.

[@paulsimpson3113]

To name the said comedian, Jasper Carrot of funky moped fame

[@michaelharrington75]

You're not much of a Beatles fan if you think John Lennon "famously said" that. You probably think digging out their 20 greatest hits every 10 years, and giving it a listen makes you a "lifelong fan"?

[@harveywilson5497]

what an embarrassing comment. John never said that. some "LiFeLoNg FaN" you turned out to be.

[@foujj]

If you listen close you'll hear Ringo's weird emphasis on fills because he plays a backwards kit. Paul is good, he can even get close to mimicking Ringo, but feel is everything and Ringo has an unmistakable feel.

[@abundantYOUniverse]

Exactly right

[@jimmullane3498]

Sounds correct to my ear.

[@jimmullane3498]

@@abundantYOUniverse they should ask them!! Both are nostalgic and open to talking..... have Sean Lennon ask them both!! Love that kid!

[@abundantYOUniverse]

@@jimmullane3498 Me too and Julian is a great musician too.

[@spambrando]

WTF?! A BACKWARDS kit?! LOL, Seriously? For who? The left-handeds? It's set up for righties. I write left-handed but play righty. The floor tom is to his right. Wow....

[@williamvanvugt9117]

After hearing and seeing this several times (and after a half-century and more of listening and studying the Beatles--whatever that is worth) I am convinced that Ringo did the overdub at the end. Not that Paul could not have done that just as well--but it would have sounded different. For me, the most brilliant drum track of all time is Ringo on "A Day in the Life." Listen to how sophisticated that is! No one else could sound quite like that, and it has similarities to the last drum track on "Dear Prudence." I agree that the real joy in this is the consideration and discussion. The genius of the Beatles becomes more and more apparent with superb documentaries like this. Thank You!!

[@ronnienaidoo3249]

Brilliant views !!!

[@Mike-ri6ez]

I couldn't agree more with your comment on Ringo on "A day in the life". One of my favorite drum tracks of all time. I'm not even sure why

[@drums1ish]

As a drummer, I'm fairly sure that the last section of Dear Prudence could only have been played by a seasoned drummer. Those triplets on the snare have to practised hard and executed by a 'dedicated' player and they sound very Ringo-like.

[@gutgolf74]

Paul didn't think about doing "triplets" or whatever fancy stuff, he was just banging along, trying to add some cool drum flavour to the ending. He played a very basic beat before, you can still hear it. Ringo wasn't there, and they didn't do any later overdubs as Ken Scott confirmed.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 There is no 100% proof that they didn't do later overdubs

[@gutgolf74]

@@mikem9001 Ken Scott confirmed it, that's good enough for me. Also, why would they do that?! Also, it's nothing Paul couldn't play, it fits his style even better than Ringo.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 Ken Scott didn't confirm it. They frequently overdubbed and its quite likely John would consider a passage by Ringo to be better for that song. As literally dozens of experienced drummers have observed on this thread alone, the style does not fit Paul at all.

[@gutgolf74]

@@mikem9001 LOL, yes he DID confirm it. Just that you don't like it doesn't make it go away, you know?!

[@DanBerthod]

The guitar part added by George, at 4:29, is an absolute masterwork.

[@marcusphelan57]

Yeah it's beautiful. I did a video demonstrating the guitars: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpqYhZmDn5uoeLssi=NYD67aS_CTyRSD_l

[@matthewsnyder6127]

It's not that Paul was technically incapable of playing like that, it's that the feel of the playing is so very Ringo. That is much, much harder to reproduce than the rhythmic patterns alone.

[@ManCrew]

I totally agree. I love David Gilmour and I have listened to a thousand covers of Comfortably Numb. Nobody can play exactly like Gilmour. Ringo has a very signature sound. My ear says the complex parts are his.

[@gutgolf74]

Since Ringo wasn't there and there is ABSOLUTELY no documented drum overdub anywhere and NOBODY from the Beatles EVER claimed this for Ringo that is highly unlikely. And WHY would he even go there and overdub this certain part??!! Absolutely no logical or musical or technical reason for it. Furthermore, that ending is in fact quite messy and rhythmically all over the place. Ringo would have been much more precise. It totally sounds like what Paul did on "Keen Akrore", it's just him fooling around trying to come up with an interesting drum part. It sounds more complex as it is because there are indeed two drum tracks - both played by PAUL.

[@dopeymark]

Exactly.

[@johnmcminn9455]

well said

[@Zeusdattilo]

Sorry, but I think just the opposite. According to many sources it was Paul and as a Beatle fan who listen to their records for decades I agree. The main difference is just that Paul played the drums istinctevely and drove to a chaotic drum solo that wasn't absolutely Ringo's style. Ringo, moreover, never liked solos. Ringo was an excellent drummer but Paul made an amazing job because his solo joins John's voice and together they reach the dramatic peak of the song that the 2018 remix in some way erased.

[@WhileMyGuineaPigGentlyWheeks]

Dear Prudence is one of my favorites. Paul’s bass playing is the best part for me. Some of his best I think.

[@AnnieVanAuken]

It's Richard in the last section of "Dear Prudence". The flourshes are reminiscent of his work on "I Am the Walrus" where the drums practically sing a rhythmic counterpoint.'

[@BooBooJonez]

It's Ringo. Paul laid the backing track and Ringo added his later...

[@dorothybeacham4856]

In just listening to the end part of the drumming to my ear, having heard Ringo’s unique style on Rain, etc, it is Ringo playing at the end. I love Paul’s drumming, but Ringo does have a distinct, rolling sound, on the snare. In Rain, it really makes that song another Beatles masterpiece in my view. So many layers in their music that fit seamlessly into a whole complete piece. You may not hear the individual parts but the whole is a true work of musical art. Penny lane is another example.

[@gutgolf74]

This sounds nothing like "Rain", but it does sound a LOT like "Kreen Akrore". That's because it's Paul on the drums. Ringo wasn't there when they recorded it. And Ken Scott confirmed that they didn't do ANY additional overdubs later at Abbey Road with Dear Prudence. So it's just not possible. Also, it's quite sloppy, just like Paul fooling around, trying to add a little drum flavour at the end. He did two drum tracks, one basically providing the basic beat, the other with some experimental fills. No mystery at all, and definitely no Ringo.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 There is no proof that additional overdubs were not done. It likely is Ringo, and doesn't sound anything like Kreen Akrore

[@asarand]

Has no one asked Paul and Ringo about this? They are the only two Beatles left. Since this concerns both of them I would think that they would be able to clear this up, and I'm sure that they would both be willing to.

[@jimreadey4837]

Thanks, I'm on it, *Wayne.* I've put in on my calendar to call them both on Monday...

[@jamespenny9482]

@@jimreadey4837 Lol

[@raindrops21_9]

@@jimreadey4837 🤣🤣

[@ronnienaidoo3249]

Yes absolutely !!! They should be approached.

[@DarthCalculus]

Yeah, these mYsTeRiEs are great for clicks (it got mine 😬) and if this oddity has been discovered after their deaths it would be a cool thing to discuss... But right now it's just "we didn't have the resources to get the answer"

[@chrismac9640]

The Beatles were a super talented group who grew from humble beginnings in the 1950's, endured hard life experiences while in Germany (Stuart Sutcliff Death), replaced the original drummer (Pete Best) with Richard Starkey (Ringo Star), to end up producing some of the best music of the 1960's which is still current today. Their music will live on forever. The pressure placed on Ringo Star causing him to walk out was and is understandable, with the remaining beatles improvising by using Paul McCartney as a drummer, and or supplementing some of Ringo's other drum recordings onto other tracks is a reflection of how the band survived and produced so many good songs. THEY WERE SO GOOD.

[@zarzee8925]

Those examples of Paul's drumming sound... middling. No triplets, no flourishes. Makes me lean towards the camp of "Dear Prudence was overdubbed by Ringo." Man, to have been a fly on the wall of every Beatles recording ever!

[@Stonkzy]

Another thing I heard about the sound change of the snare drum near the end may have been due to the tea towel on it falling off, but your theory is also an interesting take on it

[@YouCantUnhearThis]

Good point! I hadn’t considered that, but it’s certainly a possible explanation for the change in sound.

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

exactly my thinking!

[@elirosen1391]

Or maybe Paul decided to take it off midway into the song. Regardless, how do you account for the fact that the drums leaking into the vocal track are different from the released version?

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

@@elirosen1391 There's definitely a punch in when the fill drums come in - I'm 100% certain about that. It's the mid way change between ringing snare and tea towel snare that could have been accidental :)

[@TheHSIHP]

Especially because the "new"snare sounds is ringy.

[@hobbzee77]

The thing that seals it for me is the playing coming out of the fill section when it straightens out for the last 6 bars. For me there's no question that's Ringo's famed backbeat swagger & not Paul's on top of, if not pushing the beat style. So i've always thought it's Paul right up until the fills come in & then it's a chopped up overdubbed Ringo all the way home \m/

[@scalzmoney]

You got it right when you said they can sound like each other. Paul was great a mimicking George's guitar style. Maybe with overdubs and bounced tracks he was able to achieve the drum sound from the second half of the song.

[@jimboy419]

There is really fantastic drumming on Beatle's albums. I love Ringo's laid-back but propulsive beat. The songs move but are somehow relaxing.

[@ericingham9925]

I did notice Ringo's terrific drumming in She Said She Said is very much his own unique style. Thanks for this great video and comments.

[@eugenetalley7447]

Rain.... I don't mind to die in the rain

[@eugenetalley7447]

He had a micro beat he had to make it fine. I can show you

[@frankjamesbonarrigo7162]

One of the finest Drum songs ever

[@patriciaeddy7629]

These guys were so incredible! John seemed like a magician and poet in one. Never was he more impressive than on the song Rain, his voice so hauntingly beautiful and calming. I never met him,but loved him deeply through every song he sang.💜

[@57Jimmy]

Well said. How he wound up under the spell of that evil witch is hard to fathom. I know of no one that sees it any differently. That moody anchor just wreaks of destruction to every link in her barnacle encrusted chain.

[@patriciaeddy7629]

@@57Jimmy Agree. 100%

[@christianakre7324]

All documentation from that time is clear on Paul providing the drums on this track. The last part with the fills is clearly more technically advanced and required overdubs and most likely parts spliced together. As Paul is a self taught drummer, he lacks the grip proficiency and thus doesn't have the same attack as Ringo. This distinguishes Paul's drumming from Ringo's, and on this track it's noticeable all through, so Paul is playing and kind of emulating Ring in the fills at the end of "Dear Prudence".

[@gutgolf74]

LOL, some people will read this and think you said it is Ringo playing!

[@ramonarellano4988]

To me, this is the greatest Beatles song ever.

[@SamHarrisonMusic]

I'm actually in the Paul camp here - the playing to me doesn't really feel like Ringo, I don't know why. Whoever it was, I LOVE it!

[@dynaboyjl.4220]

That swing feel is missing. It's still a great drum track, but it doesn't feel as confident as Ringo's work. But I'm not a drummer myself, what do I know.

[@thesilvershining]

Honestly, I think it's Paul because it's a tiny bit sloppy, which absolutely WORKS for the song. Ringo was always extremely precise in his fills.

[@Dashie04]

@@dynaboyjl.4220, You’re absolutely right, as a drummer myself.

[@wchambers3849]

IMHO John's greatest under rated song and my favorite Beatles track...period! I listen to it nearly everyday. Absolutely a joy to listen to! "Won't you come out to play..."

[@markhunter8554]

For me it's a tie between Rain and Prudence.

[@josiahcole3186]

I’ve studied Ringo’s drumming style for many years as a drummer, and also have a good grasp of Pauls ability. His timing and fills do not have the same clean ghost notes and rhythms as Ringo. It’s good sure, but a little more all over the place and simple. There are certain elements to the fills where you can just tell its ringos hands on those sticks, beyond what Paul would be capable in terms of so closely emulating rudiments and tight timing (when using Paul drumming references such as come and get it)

[@jamesfaivre1197]

Exactly. I bought the album when i was 9, began (lefty) drumming Xmas, '72... Paul's drum fills are stiff, rudimentary and "un-drummery", played like a guitarist, or bassist... drummers know drummers. :-)

[@gutgolf74]

@@jamesfaivre1197 9:44

[@MARINACTORS]

To me, a twenty-something who listened to each new Beatle album with undivided attention and perception, I feel it was both Paul and Ringo playing the drums on "Dear Prudence." Even an amateur, if he listens w/the kind of intensity that I did, acquires a primal sense for nuance in playing style. I was totally unaware that Paul played the drums at all until his first solo album. When I heard what he did on that, I flipped out. Is there any instrument this guy can't play? Apparently not, as he continues to demonstrate to this day. Paul and I are now both in our eighties. (My god!) As he has for millions of others, Paul has become a very important, integral part of my life, underscoring the phenomenon we all experience when we identify w/a favorite artist's talent so much that our brain creates a folder marked, "Friend" for that artist. So, based on this heartfelt blather, I hear first Paul and then Ringo on drums on "Dear Prudence." The Beatles were in the early days of recording on an eight track machine for the first time. Today, musicians, thanks to being able to record digitally, can create as many tracks as needed w/out losing generational fidelity. When you think of it, after listening closely, you realize how much the Beatles accomplished w/their overdubbing. Few relatively early Bealtes' songs were overdubbed as much as they were on "Rubber Soul." For that matter, think of what they (with Sir George's help) accomplished w/Sgt. Pepper, recorded on a four track machine. Clever lads, yes? --- Terry McGovern

[@gutgolf74]

It's impossible to be Ringo, he wasn't there and they didn't do later overdubs. 9:44

[@OliKember]

As a drummer I can confidently say this was Ringo at the end. The fill breaks into triplets timing, which is measures of 3 over the best of 4. None of Paul’s drumming ever shows he can confidently do that. And as all your examples of Ringo’s fills show, this was a trademark for Ringo. I don’t see any debate here. Moreso the fact that there is a basic beat underneath the complex drum fills at the end simply proves that there was a demo version from Paul that Ringo came in and bettered. And why wouldn’t he.

[@surfwriter8461]

All good points that you make. I'm convinced.

[@patrickshaw938]

Ringo soundly spanked Paul with those triplets 😊 "Hey fella, get out from behind my drum kit!"

[@drvee1983]

I'm really happy to read and hear these audio tracks. I read drum music before English when I was 5 years old. McCartney played a decent drum track going back to their Hamburg days and white album/solo albums/career. He was a human click track, and his tempo ( meter) was spot on, and still is. All of the later fills are completely Ringo chops. As a lefty drummer, turned righty , he had fills that are difficult to reproduce/imitate today for right-handed drummers. No one plays like Ringo. His signature is unique. It's Ringo. Thanks for posting!

[@lauskanaal4260]

Only thing is, McCartney was also left-handed. For the rest I agree with you completely. The end is definitely Ringo.

[@drvee1983]

Yes. But he always had to play right handed drums. He can also play right handed guitar, (upside down ) or proper position....growing up in a right handed world. Most lefty guitarists can play something on righty instruments, drummers also. It's the great upside down guitarists that will confuse you as a righty jamming with them. See Albert King for further reference. It's Ringo.

[@lauskanaal4260]

Dave Grohl at 2:53: "You hear his drumming, you know exactly who it is". kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXu3m513jamNibs People don't recognize how great a drummer Ringo is. They think Paul can just imitate Ringo's drumming. Even Beatles fans don't see that Ringo is a drummer that Paul can never be. It amazes me.

[@albeatle17]

Ringo, in my opinion. If ever this issue is to be settle it will be because of the style and the character of the drumming. 1. Own perception. The drum pattern at the end of Dear Prudence resemble those of A Day in the Life, Strawberry Fields, Blue Jay Way, Cry Baby Cry, Hello Goodbye, Here Comes the Sun, She Said She Said, Yer Blues, Good Morning Good Morning, Rain, etc. The hallmark of Ringo's style is unmistakable, mainly I think, in the use of silence at the heart of a complex fill (e.g. A Day in the Life) as well as the particular and "chaotic" alternation of the snare drum with the toms and even the hi-hat (e.g. She Said She Said). In Dear Prudence there is and example of his "signature beat (especially the falling-down-the-stairs, swampy rolls)". 2. Argument from authority. I found on the KZbin channel of batmankozyy the best drum covers of Beatles songs: precise, dynamic, fluid, forceful and faithful. He's been uploading videos since 2008 and I consider him an authority, being able to master Ringo's style and drumming intention. He even has a drum lesson video for Dear Prudence final part, with a transcription of the fills and an execution by himself (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXO4pIVqbc9pm9k&ab_channel=batmankozyy). In the comment section, when asked specifically if he thinks the final part is done by Paul or Ringo, he answers that he's convinced it's Ringo. He even points out Ringo's drumming in the song Vertical Man (exactly between the minute 2.35-2.42) arguing it's almost the same feeling as in Dear Prudence (kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3a4h5tumJdmZrc&ab_channel=hotttomali). 3. Counterarguments for Paul's drumming. Although Paul is able to mimic John's vocal tone in many songs it's not the same as trying to mimic Ringo's drumming due to the technical dexterity needed in the execution. Not even the counterexamples of Paul's drumming as in Kreen-Akrore, Miss America or My Dark Our matches the blueprint of Ringo's style. Even in videos of Paul playing drums, although his capability, he is seen with some stiffness (kzbin.info/www/bejne/gIvCeWCup7KAbqM&ab_channel=LaEstrellaInglesa) that wouldn't allow such a fluid section as in Dear Prudence. 4. Extra hypothesis. Maybe when Ringo returned and asked for contributions in the already recorded tracks, he wanted to print decisively his style and, at least in Dear Prudence, he might wanted to show with strictness the power of his musical contribution to the Beatles. He was first replaced with Jimmy Nichols (in a different context of course) but he felt insecure of his position in the band ever since (as he declared in the Anthology). His intervention in the final section of Dear Prudence might be taken as a drummer statement, as saying "if I ever leave again, let's see if you can replace this".

[@ColinWilliamsDrums]

The effort in this comment is underrated

[@rebecapasillas]

You are, indeed, the guy in the audience with the score on his knees.

[@Myndel]

The first song I remember ”discovering” the stereo effect, with the solo guitar in the right speaker.

[@tonyjoeroach399]

Of course,if you listen to Paul’s solo on “McCartney,” a lot of it sounds like the fills in “Dear Prudence .” (Kreen Akrore.”)

[@robyoung9968]

A great song, Always loved John’s vocals.. The harmonies are great.. Paul has played drums more times than some ever realized.

[@vgreedsonsinc4458]

Four Beatle tracks... Dear Prudence, Ballad of J&Y, Back in the USSR, and Why Don't We Do It In the Road.

[@r2arrigo]

@@vgreedsonsinc4458 ---dont forget Vack in the USSR

[@christophernoto]

I have no idea who played any of this, but I have been listening to this album since it was first released, and I love what you are doing here. The Beatles's oeuvre definitely rewards this kind of close listening! Many thanks!❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🖤

[@hektor6766]

Ringo played drums on all those songs you mentioned plus Strawberry Fields Forever. No mistaking that unique "tumble-over" style. This is definitely Ringo dubbed in. I would play this song over and over on the first day of summer vacation. It is sonically the month of June. And I didn't know the backstory about Prudence Farrow at the time, but she fits the image I had perfectly.

[@gutgolf74]

Yeah, only Ringo wasn't there and they didn't do later overdubs, as Ken Scott confirmed. So it can't be Ringo, and it totally sounds like Paul anyway.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 Ken Scott didn't confirm it, and he wouldn't necessarily know.

[@gutgolf74]

@@mikem9001 LOL, yes he DID confirm it, and if you would follow his content and interviews you'd see that he DEFINITELY knows what he's talking about - in SHOCKING contrast to Emerick.

[@mikem9001]

@@gutgolf74 Ken Scott declined to say that it was definitely all Paul on the drums, he was recollecting years after the event, and he wasn't the only engineer involved. His words give no basis for concluding that there were no additional overdubs.

[@gutgolf74]

@@mikem9001 LOL, nice try. Ken said he can't say what happened in the studio while they recorded it. He mixed it, so he surely DOES know if there were any overdubs, and since he's very clear about remembering that, we have no reason to doubt him. Please give us some verbatim quotes from any other engineer involved who confirms it's Ringo, overdubbed. Wait, I even accept a quote confirming the POSSIBILITY it was Ringo overdubbed later! See, YOU are the one who has "absolutely no basis" for your claim. See 9:44. Bye!

[@davidbowles7047]

If we can't get the two surviving Beatles to actually tell someone who played on this track let's try this, the reason why Paul's style in drumming might be sounding a little like Ringo is that they were both LEFT HANDED playing a right handed kit. Ringo mastered his style in this way through the years, if you're left handed and set your kit up like that of a right handed drummer (being a drummer) has its challenges. Yes, Paul could have switched it around for a left-handed person after Ringo stormed out but the pictures of Paul on drums is Ringo's set up. IMO.

[@davidbowles7047]

Upon doing some research, it was stated Paul played a right handed kit like Ringo but lefty on guitar and bass.

[@mikem9001]

@@davidbowles7047 Correct!

[@huckfinn3987]

Ringo has one of the most distinctive styles in rock drumming and this sounds like him.

[@ofrabjousday1]

As a professional drummer for 23 years, I started by learning EVERY Beatles track on drums. Quite often in the studio, I would be asked to "play this one like Ringo." That said, there is one very stark and glaring difference between Ringo's and Paul's playing styles. Paul, a phenomenal drummer (check out "Let Me Roll It" for a tasty little fill), relies very heavily upon the downbeat. "Dear Prudence" certainly does that in the first 3/4 of the song. But Ringo (also left-handed) by his nature, could effortlessly dance in and out of the backbeat, which the last 1/4 of "Dear Prudence" does, and which McCartney (dare I say) never did. Also, Ringo had that beautiful ability to swing, whereas Paul was far more "do-do-DOO-do, do-do-DOO-do." Check out Giles' remix of "Fixing a Hole" on Sgt. Pepper, and tune in to what Ringo is playing. It's jazz drumming! Sorry, but Paul can't do that, and I love Paul's drumming. I've always been 99.9% positive that Ringo overdubbed that finale in "Dear Prudence."

[@tjcint]

A question for you : how do you rate Ringo as a drummer compared to other drummers ?

[@ofrabjousday1]

@@tjcint That's always been a hard question, and so the honest answer is that I don't compare drummers to one another. Their styles are so different that they can't be compared, I don't think. And so for example, I LOVE Bernard Purdie and Steve Gadd, because they're not limited to rock drumming. I also love Simon Phillips and Phil Collins as drummers when they're not being lazy, because they can play some of the best jazz fusion drumming out there. I'm floored by Igor Falecki, whom at the age of 12 was better than I ever got, but now he's getting lazy as well. On the other hand, I've never cared for Jim Keltner, although he was regarded and sought after by some of the greatest talents out there, for some reason. and then there are guys like Billy Cobham and Carter Beauford, who are ferocious monster drummers, but after an hour or so, they become slightly monotonous, just because that level of proficiency can be exhausting after the thrill wears off. So I must judge them within their own arenas. What I will say about Ringo is that throughout the 60's and 70's, he consistently played exactly what the song needed. He could contribute, rather than flash, and that's how I tend to play. So for me, he's way up there, hands folded and uplifted.

[@tjcint]

@@ofrabjousday1 Thank you for such a thoughtful answer. I really appreciate it. Personally I consider Ringo to be a drum artist, not just a drummer. His drumming weaves into each song, is part of the tapestry, never dominates, always enhances. There is never 'look at me', never ego .. he always serves the song, the other musicians, with artistry and humility. These qualities are rare. This, for me, places him right at the top.

[@ofrabjousday1]

@@tjcint I couldn't agree with you more, regarding his role. You must be either a drummer, a student of music, or both.

[@tjcint]

@@ofrabjousday1 I am a songwriter/composer.

[@kft590]

Paul was a good drummer, but he didn't do extensive fills like in Dear Prudence his drumming was more straightforward.

[@sqidvishus]

The last part on Dear Prudence was definitely Ringo. Paul's style and technique at that point in time was very straight forward. With the dynamics and accents as well as the groove, it certainly feels and sounds like Ringo.

[@JimmyBComputerGuy]

Paul (on drums) is more of a "chipper", meaning he just sort of chips away undynamically with very little groove. Also, his fills are completely linear - a hallmark of the beginner. "Back in the USSR" is definitely Paul.

[@gutgolf74]

Since Ringo wasn't there and there is ABSOLUTELY no documented drum overdub anywhere and NOBODY from the Beatles EVER claimed this for Ringo that is highly unlikely. And WHY would he even go there and overdub this certain part??!! Absolutely no logical or musical or technical reason for it. There drums where overdubbed even before the vocals, so they can't have been added later. Furthermore, that ending is in fact quite messy and rhythmically all over the place. Ringo would have been much more precise. It totally sounds like what Paul did on "Kreen Akrore", it's just him fooling around trying to come up with an interesting drum part. It sounds more complex as it is because there are indeed two drum tracks - both played by PAUL.

[@johnyarusso4953]

Another similar situation would be Old brown shoe. Abbey Road remix claims it was played by Paul because Ringo was filming The magic Christian movie ( in London) at this time. I believe that McCartney couldn't have possibly handled the drums in this song for multiple reasons. There are 5 major and difficult techniques that Paul has never shown the ability to play especially the synchronized double sticking as well as amazing swing, which McCartney admits he can't do. I wish someone would finally clear this mystery up but I believe that if someone at Apple claims Paul played drums on Come together, people would believe it.

[@elementrypenguin3116]

I still think it’s Ringo on OBS. The fills and his cymbal and hi hat work seem like Ringo

[@johnyarusso4953]

@@elementrypenguin3116 I'm sure it is Ringo. The opening fill is the same as Tell me why. The shuffle beat in the verses he used in the bridge in I forgot to remember to forget her. The fast hi hat snare fills are in Ie mine and more. It's Ringo at his best but we suppose to believe it's Paul? Paul's an ok drummer but Old brown shoe is great drumming.

[@elementrypenguin3116]

@@johnyarusso4953 I totally agree! I still say it’s Ringo.

[@marcusphelan57]

Yes definitely Ringo on OBS.

[@mrmustard4478]

Look up Paul touring his studio here on KZbin and he says he can't play shuffles due to lack of coordination. In all his many drumming credits, there's not 1 shuffle, even a slow one. Old Brown Shoe is 100% Ringo. It was just an error on the box set.

[@brettalbert3276]

If you go back to Baby You're a Rich Man and Strawberry Fields, which were played by Ringo - some of the fills in those songs have an extremely similar feel. I'm in the camp that Ringo dubbed in the fills in Dear Prudence.

[@jimringomartin]

As a professional Ringo Starr "tribute artist" for the last 25 years, I can say I have listened to and performed Ringo's tracks and style more than most. I would guess it is indeed Ringo at some point on Dear Prudence. Has anyone actually asked Ringo?

[@gutgolf74]

Since he wasn't there and they didn't do any later overdubs it's impossible to be him.

[@mikem9001]

It is quite possible that it could be Ringo. There is no proof that they didn't do overdubs later.

[@tecnica-de-voz]

Those fills are 100% Ringo. Perhaps John himself asked him to add them at the end since it was his song.

[@Kermit_T_Frog]

To me, they SCREAM Ringo.

[@MrStupidHead]

@@Kermit_T_Frog Exactly Kermie.

[@gutgolf74]

Since Ringo wasn't there and there is ABSOLUTELY no documented drum overdub anywhere and NOBODY from the Beatles EVER claimed this for Ringo that is highly unlikely. And WHY would he even go there and overdub this certain part??!! Absolutely no logical or musical or technical reason for it. There drums where overdubbed even before the vocals, so they can't have been added later. Furthermore, that ending is in fact quite messy and rhythmically all over the place. Ringo would have been much more precise. It totally sounds like what Paul did on "Kreen Akrore", it's just him fooling around trying to come up with an interesting drum part. It sounds more complex as it is because there are indeed two drum tracks - both played by PAUL.

[@boblab]

Paul is always open and honest. Has anyone ever asked him?

[@KristoferProphet]

I feel like he would say it’s him lol

[@gnutsegnuhkar7792]

it's possible that Paul did all the drums given his work ethic which certainly attributes to his well rounded musicianship

[@wantabwriter]

I happened across this by accident. Very glad I did. I'm a Beatles fan since they arrived in U.S. in 1964 and continue to be. I enjoy the comments on this. Very, very interesting. Irrespective of what actually occurred with Dear Prudence it turned out top notch. As with some of the many other things regarding their creative period the mystique is part of the charm.

[@lewisfolksongrevivallewis1912]

I think Ringo has the gift of sounding different than any other drummer!! He is a great great drummer!! So is Paul but Ringo is fascinating on drum- almost like he did the 2nd part to say -“THIS is what you should play!! “ almost like a little argument-but I LOVE both parts!!! And Ringo!! And Paul!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@davidfreud9188]

I think he sounds so unique due to being a self-taught leftie playing rightie. Just my opinion

[@Lamster66]

@@davidfreud9188 Was going to say the same thing

[@brucekain7097]

The sound is pure Ringo. With so many “conspiracy theories,” I’m surprised that neither of the main players has ever definitively ‘fessed up. If Paul could pull it off, then more power to him, but I choose to believe that the Fab Fourth found a way to be heard.

[@terrylodercreative]

Since the "sound" changes right in the middle of the track, I'm curious as to why it wan't an issue. No way Dave Grohl lets you change his drum sounds half way through. Odd. Like I've always said: ASK PAUL OR RINGO. You'll get their answer and we can move on to whether Paul is still dead.

[@PedroAmA]

It was Paul the credit od the songs says so

[@mikem9001]

Good point. Ringo could easily have been dubbed in later after his return.

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I say it's Paul on the main drum guide track and added overdubs is Ringo. Paul has a very distinctive, nearly one dimensional drum fill that Ringo never plays. It's best hear on The Ballad of John and Yoko. Clearly it's Paul. George and Ringo were on holiday during that session. For Dear Prudence, it's clearly two drummers using the same kit (Ringo's). You can tell the feel of each drummer are clearly differentiated in one track. Irrespective of who played what in the end, Dear Prudence is one of the highlights of the White Album.

[@marylouleeman591]

It's Paul playing Ringo throughout. It is now being revealed what a brilliant musician was Paul Mac. But, wait! that two different snare drum tones, unable to be missed...ok, this would be explained by laying more tracks here and there. Ringo was in the Mediterranean with his family.

[@GerardBrummer]

I'm sure that the second drum part was played by Ringo. I once heard some jazz drummer say: "Ringo has that wonderful 'falling-down-the-stairs' style of drumming." And that's exactly what's happening in the second drumming track and what Paul McCartney is not capable of.

[@matthewbudzinski8320]

💯

[@durban6276]

"Falling-down-the-stairs" style. Love it. Ringo often made me feel he was not going to make it to the right part of the beat, but his deliberately hesitant style made it much more interesting. Paul is multitalented, but much more exact on the drums than Ringo, and therefore less interesting. I agree it is most likely Paul at the beginning, finished off by Ringo.

[@beatlesrgear]

Even tho Paul was a competent drummer, the ending part reeks of Ringo's style. The touch and finesse that Ringo played with would not have been possible for Paul to perfectly duplicate as this human element is unique to musicians and singers. No matter when Ringo came back off holiday, he most certainly is playing at the end of the track.

[@RUfromthe40s]

what´s sad is that in cd the drums don´t sound like drums in Beatles Lp´s or any other sound ,the same happens with a lot of other bands

[@jefjaeger]

Has anyone ever just asked Ringo or Paul about it? As a drummer myself, I think those fills are very Ringo in my opinion. He has a very distinct style...especially on fills.

[@SmilingIbis]

My first thought. These two are still alive today.

[@scottdeluca2929]

I think it is definitely Ringo at the end it sounds like him I don’t think it was Paul!

[@disneyscott98]

I don't know why anyone is saying that someone should just ask Paul or Ringo.. They're both in their 80s now, and this was recorded well over 50 years ago. They've done a lot between now and then..

[@plantfeeder6677]

That sounded like Ringo's way of rolling triplets on the snare. Not saying Paul could not do that in a "free-style" that the song ends with but I've honestly never heard him drum like that before or after ever again. If this is that important to Beatles fans, how about asking them! They're both still here.

[@citygirlfarm]

I always felt some of John's more poetic writing appears on The White Album, and Dear Prudence is one of them. Ringo stated that he was in a band with three want to be drummers. It's funny how after all these years Ringo is getting credit for his talent and input. Back in the 70's he was really cast as just a lucky guy, but his style has finally been put more in the spotlight. By the way it was Ringo.

[@ronnienaidoo3249]

Yes the poetic genius of John's writing is clearly seen in "Dear Prudence". Beautiful !!!

[@lewisfolksongrevivallewis1912]

I couldn’t agree more!!!! You can isolate the drums in any Beatles song and know it’s a Beatles song by the drums!!! Imagine being able to make your mark as a drummer among 3 other Beatles!! He’s a Beatle!! He’s a fabulous drummer!! The drum parts sparkle!! Ringos drum parts are unique, special- different than just keeping time- talent!! Genius

[@leethrelfalllt]

Yes, I remember as a kid in the seventies that ringo was undervalued as a Beatle! Obvious now that he was an equally talented member of the group.

[@joethelion6016]

This is one of the Beatles most interesting songs, very haunting. Siouxsie and the Banshees cover was rather good too

[@chrissayler6767]

Siouxie’s great on that

[@chrissayler6767]

Ya

[@PaulFormentos]

Jerry Garcia Band does a great version of Prudence.

[@joethelion6016]

@@PaulFormentos just listened to it, I agree ☺️

[@thomasvinelli]

Probably my favorite Beatles song. Also learning how to play that intro on guitar into that finger picking style is loads of fun. Lennon was a brilliant guitar player.

[@MikeInABQ]

Not a drummer, but as a huge fan of Ringo's amazing career of great creative decision making, Dear Prudence sounds like him, to me.

[@KirkSandall]

Any Beatles aficionado will tell you the fills in the 2nd half of the song are played by Ringo. I saw Ringo and Max Weinberg on a talk show many, many years ago and they were talking about Ringo's drumming. It was pointed out during that interview that Ringo's drumming on songs written by John was always more "adventurous", for lack of a better term, while his drumming on Paul's songs was always more straightforward (i.e. simple) due to the kind of drumming Paul preferred. John (and George) let Ringo play what he felt was best for the song. Not so, Paul. What I had never considered before is that it's Paul on the 1st half of the song. And that makes sense, now, because the fact that I only registered that drums were being played (and didn't pay attention to them) is indicative of Paul's drumming style; i.e. forgettable. He may be competent on drums but that's all he is while Ringo has an unmistakable, _memorable_ style. So, to answer your question, I'd say it's both.

[@marcusphelan57]

Hi, I'm a Beatle aficionado and me and my fellow aficionados have never considered that Ringo played on this song. We've always known he wasn't there and that Paul overdubbed the drum fills. The whole section after "smile" is an edit piece that was done at Trident BEFORE they added lead guitars and vocals/percussion etc. The bass sound changes because it was part of the edit piece that was overlaid with drum fills. Totally counts out Ringo doing the fills at Abbey Road at a later date.

[@andrejgregoric1324]

​@@marcusphelan57 you can overdub, but that touch can not be imitated.

[@marcusphelan57]

@@andrejgregoric1324 not so much “touch” as belting the whole collection of saucepans and rolling the garbage can down the street. It’s a few overdubs edited together. Ringo would do a much smoother take with real finesse. Even a messy hi hat edit is stuck on at the beginning of the section - it sounds nothing like a Ringo hi hat thingy (eg Don’t Let Me Down.) it’s Paul, It’s Beatley messy and magnificent.

[@greensombrero3641]

It's one of the most beautiful songs in the history of music

[@doctrDave]

To me, the feel of Ringo's fills is as distinctive as John Lennon's voice, particularly on this song. There's a "back side of the beat" laziness, plus the reverse L/R handing of his fills, that Paul, as capable as he is, could never duplicate. Paul could play those licks, but he just doesn't play with that feel. I don't know about the session notes or all the books that have been published, but to say Paul played those ending drums is like saying John sang "Yesterday" because that's what someone wrote on the master tape box. Trust your ears...

[@marcusphelan57]

Is that John I hear singing "all my troubles seem so far away"? Ringo is missing from this recording, sorry.

[@jodyvance1554]

Ringo had some of the most iconic fills. I've heard them copied by other fantastic drummers, if you can claim a fill as your own. Bev Bevan for one had fills like Ringo's. Of course, ELO was heavily influence by the Liverpool legends.

[@marcusphelan57]

@@jodyvance1554 Ok, you say he had some of the most iconic fills. Agree. You say you've heard them copied. Agree. So...Paul couldn't copy Ringo fills, having played with him for more than a bit and also being a fairly competent drummer. Paul also came up with genius drum ideas e.g. Ticket To Ride. That he couldn't match Ringo in skill is obvious. The problem for you and your fellow Ringo theorists for this song is that Ringo wasn't there at Trident. He wasn't ven in the country, let alone London. He returned the following week for the "While My Guitar..." session at Abbey Road. Paul played the drums on Dear Prudence, the last section being a multi-overdubbed edit, pasted on to the main section. Notice the change in the bass sound? The sections were joined before the vocals and electric guitars were overdubbed, so the drums had to be all locked in at an early stage, thus no chance for Ringo to overdub later at Abbey Road.