I tend to not take people seriously when then put Ringo down. They obviously don`t recognize a true artist. I can`t spend time on ignorance so I change the subject to how wonderful and lucky we are that John and Paul and George created those amazing beats and rhythms. ( now that does sound ridiculous )
Ringo is probably the most underrated,overlooked drummer in music history.. All of those know nothing critics don't know Jack Didly squawt about anything about the intricacies behind drumming fundamentals.
Spot on. What Ringo brought to the studio is actually quite rare amongst drummers: a listening ear, rather than a monster ego. He listened, and instinctively played what was right for the song. I doubt that he over-analysed anything in the moment - for all that his parts have been pored over and picked to pieces ever since. Good instinct, and good timekeeping are the key to his playing. Neither are a given.
I was so fortunate to play for many years with exactly the kind of "great" drummer that you mentioned. You didn't even notice what he was doing most of time, but the music always felt so alive and just where it ought to be. The rest of us could relax, sing and play our parts with the knowledge that the time and feel would be right where it should be like a solid wall of stone that we could lean on at all times. He blended his drumming into each song so well that while he drove the song, he also disappeared into it. He could play any drummer's style, he understood what they were doing so well. From Ginger Baker to Mitch Mitchell, to Charlie Watts to Levan Helm to, I don't know, you name it, he could nail it. It was the closest thing to playing with Hal Blaine as you might imagine. When the subject of Ringo came up, and we did a lot of Beatles' songs, you could see a glow in his face and he would smile. He would say, "He was the gov'ner, the best." Such praise from him was of the highest imaginable.
Thank you for this unique and informative argument against the “Ringo sucks” stupidity. But it’s kind of like preaching to the choir. I’ve been a professional musician, songwriter and producer almost 40 years and have had this conversation countless times. I finally realized the people who can’t understand the genius of Ringo Starr’s drumming will very likely never see it. There are two kinds of musicians; those who play from the heart, and those that play from the head. Ringo played from the heart. That’s why some musicians don’t like him; because they play from their head. To those who love Ringo it’s a singular joy to listen to his isolated drums and a thrill to actually watch him play. You can feel the musicality of his drumming just by watching him play. In the ‘80s I formed a band named The Britt’ns; in which we performed note perfect renditions of British classic rock. We played the Stones, Who, Kinks, Zeppelin, Bowie, Pink Floyd and of course The Beatles. We could always find drummers who effectively recreated all those drummers (even Keith Moon and Bonham). But we could never find drummers who could emulate the singular feel and style of Ringo’s drumming. They could hit the right beats in the right places; but they couldn’t capture the swing, style and feel of those classic recordings. In my 40 years as a musician I’ve auditioned countless drummers. My test is always the same; play the drums from “Come Together” and “Help”. Every drummer could play the iconic drum fill in Come Together; but most often it sounded like a programmed drum fill. They were hitting the right toms and playing the correct pattern; but it sounded nothing like Ringo (even if they put tea towels over their kit). Even the layed back feel while Ringo played his floor tom in the verses speaks of his natural musicality. If you listen to the isolated drums from CT it tells you everything you can know about Ringo. If you’re one of those who listen and you can’t hear what I’m describing then I feel sorry for you. You’re missing so much of the heart, soul and vibe of The Beatles recordings. Of course I’ve played those isolated drums for the people who think Ringo sucks; and they can only hear the simplicity of the parts. How sad to be missing out on so much.
I once went to a drum clinic in Ronnie Scott’s to watch Steve Smith - he said a lot of what you’re saying. He went further though. He said in rock n roll records before the Beatles there were blues and jazz session players who played on other people’s records. He said - Ringo was the first rock drummer ever.
And also he said ‘ringo’s sense of time is unmatched - imagine trying to play without a click track now? Ringo WAS the click track’ Also I didn’t know you played with Robert plant. My mate still plays guitar with him now
I love what you are saying about "playing to the song". Ringo totally understood that. Most of the phenomenal technically gifted drummers that I have worked with have to be reminded constantly that our job is to give life to the lyrics. Ringo added life to the music. 👌
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Loved the video. What do you think of Bernard Purdy? Will you make a video about him too? I love his groove. He really is the epitome of what you described here in my opinion. I don't hear his technique but the song. It just makes me want to move.
There's an old joke amongst veteran drummers (that's been told to me by a couple of them, independently), that uses a handful of great drummers' names (season to taste), but goes something like this... Simon Phillips comes upon a sealed envelope. On the front of it are written the words, "To The Greatest Drummer In The World..." He thinks, "Well, this isn't for me," so he leaves it where Steve Gadd will find it. Gadd sees the envelope, reads the front. Says, "This can't be for me," hands it off to Bernard Purdie. Purdie is tempted, but shrugs and leaves it for Buddy Rich. Buddy Rich sees the envelope, says, "Hell, yeah! That's me!" Tears open the envelope and reads the first line: "Dear Ringo,"
Yes, Andy!!!! Another Beatles truth bomb dropped! A perfect summary of one of the greatest drummers of all time. I would like to add the subject of his precise accuracy and timing. As an example, all 60s bands recorded in mono and stereo. They would record the master and achieve the mono and stereo mixes from this... except the Beatles! Up to Rubber Soul they would perform and record an individual stereo version and a mono version that were almost identical! Give or take the odd cymbal crash and extra beat at the end. This level of accuracy is almost impossible... and yet Ringo was able to achieve this. When I compare the different recordings and listen to my bootlegs I still cannot figure out how Ringo does it. It's mind blowing! This skill also contributed to the shear volume of amazing music that no other artist of the 60s could compete with. 2 albums, 4 singles, 2 ep's on average each year???!!! .. those that tried such as Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson crashed (literally in Dylan's case) and burned. Not that Highway 61, Bringing it all back home, Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations are anything other that genius. They just couldn't keep up. Great to see Ringo get some love, sorry I've gone off on a tangent thats nothing to do with fusion and hope this adds a little more to illustrate his genius.
Aside from the signature drum beats he came out with, I've always said to people who try and tell me Ringo wasn't a good drummer "do you think the other 3 would have had him there if that was the case?"
And if they were presented with those songs as a demo (or with a John, Paul or George playing it in front of them for the first time) could they come up with drum parts as good as Ringo? He's the gold standard!
It's such a nonsense, you don't get to be the greatest band in the world if one of your members can't play. The Beatles with a bad drummer don't get to become the Beatles. The Beatles with a good drummer get to be successful for a while. The Beatles with a great drummer get to do whatever they want, which they did.
The drum 'stutter' in the middle of ' I feel fine ' just perfect and another little detail in a Beatles song that makes them so listenable all these years later
Many thanks for this. I love how passionate and articulate you are about Ringo's genius. I love that Ringo always has to see a song's lyrics in order to understand the song so he can play to the song. Incredible musicality, plus unique distinctiveness = Ringo's drum parts (and the man himself).
Just listen to Help, or Ticket to ride, or she said she said, or The long and winding road, or Get Back or Strawberry fields forever, or Something, or Yer Blues or Don't let me down, orI want you (She's so Heavy) or Penny Lane, or Taxman, and you hear how great Ringo is.
There is one scene in the “Beatles: Get Back” documentary that drove home YOUR message to me more than anything: When Paul starts playing what would later become “Get Back” at 1:04:36 and he struggles to form the melody, Ringo jumps in by clapping the beat, which changes everything right there while we are watching. Within seconds, the melody forms, and then, Ringo even sings along to support the melody, which helps Paul unveil it fully. Voila, another hit born! All that without Ringo giving any verbal input. As an amateur drummer and someone with multi-instrumental interest, I can see how exceptional that is. Thanks for making this argument in your video - it really changed my view on Ringo’s drum skills and also his musicianship!
Ringo always played warmth generosity in his back beats and everything leading to them. His beat in any song was generous and ultimately relaxed. His dynamics, micro and macro are always in the service of the groove and the song being played. One can’t imagine the Beatles without Ringo. He is special in so many ways. ‘Forever a fan !!
Yes this but scatches the surface of the zen mastery of Ringo. He is the Beatle that encompasses Beatleness in itself. His approach to singing... His humor... His humility... His pride... Each deserves its own explorative video. His recollections are the most trustworthy and meaningful. The maharishi had nothing to teach a soul as advanced as Ringo.
And not to be shallow, but his looks also contributed a lot. He just fitted perfectly with the rest, where Pete Best did not. And his beatles haircut was always the most perfect.
The compelling and highly emotional Peter Jackson doco sets the record straight on so many things Beatle-esque but one truth is constant. Percussion ? Sorted. Ringo just keeps on delivering - nailing it again and again. No fuss. No confusion. Always for the song. And what a charming patient guy. Band of Brothers. We were truly blessed. Thanks Andy - love your work.
Take the song Something-one of my all-time favourite Beatles recordings-and compare the original to any of the million of covers of it out there. It showcases (in addition to Harrison's brilliant songwriting, of course), one of the ways in which the Beatles stood out from the pack. The bass and the drums are not simply a rhythm section on that song. They are two melodic instruments, creating this incredible counterpoint with George's voice and guitar, and with the strings. Change Paul's bass line, or change one of Ringo's drum fills, and it's like you changed the song's melody.
And that's the same with "Come together". Paul & Ringo nailed it not just "completing" the song with their instruments but CREATING a blended "melody" with the bass and drums that NO ONE ELSE in the music industry would create or imagine. Giving to that Lennon's composition an altitude that was impossible to reach without such simplicity but unique creativity.
One thing I like about the drums in many a Beatles song is that the drum part over the whole song is like a composition in itself, with sections, recurring motives, phrases and such, woven together and into the song.
Thank you, Andy. To hear a clearly highly skilled and experienced professional drummer “with chops” evidentially explain something I as a pleb ‘get’ but couldn’t express is such a relief. What sets you apart is your deeply admirable humility - there is greatness in that.
Hahaha well said Andy!!! I remember auditioning drummers years ago. This young lad came in giving it large, with fancy fills all across the kit....but when asked to hold a simple groove down with the bass....he just couldn't, his timing was all over the place...he just couldn't 'play the song'.....Needless to say we got someone who didn't have the big chops but was 'solid' and in the pocket!! This lad obviously hadn't learnt the basics.....but wanted to run before he could walk.... BTW saw a recently clip of Ringo...jamming in the studio and he was just so strong 'holding it down', great fills....it was a total joy to watch, and hear!!!!
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer yep..... I have a bass lesson today. They stared off wanting to play metal riffs....Told them that's not what I do. I have taken them right back to the basics so they will be able to play any xong that is put in front of them.
When I hear someone say, "Ringo wasn't so good-- this other drummer 'Brand X', can play like Ringo". And I think, "But Ringo created the move. It's just not the same. They are imitating him after he trailblazed the way."
Mr. Andy Edwards, thank you for this video in support of Ringo Starr. Ringo Starr did actually inspire many future drum players to come. It's unfortunate that many modern drummers attack Ringo just because his playing does not necessarily sound as advanced as today's standards. However, as a longtime Beatles' fan, Ringo has played many drum riffs that are worth remembering, even if they are not very complex. Like you said, Ringo always investigates to see how his drum playing is for the betterment of the song, as well as the group itself. I would say that Ringo is a true team player, if that makes sense. Plus, he's very creative in his simple riffs for each song that he is studying. Not that there are other great drummers out there, but Ringo Starr is the first mainstream drummer that I ever heard. And like I mentioned before, he is able to develop drum patterns which are unforgettable. His simplicity in his drumming for the most part is what makes his drumming unique. Once again Andy, this is a great video.
Watching this video for the first time and agree with you completely about playing for the song and how this, in itself, is an ideal. Thanks for making this essential point. Ringo did this throughout the Beatles’ time together. Just one example I’ll note (among hundreds): I love the way Ringo would swish the high hats (by keeping them slightly open) on songs such as All My Loving, Can’t Buy Me Love, and others. It added a key element to how those songs sounded in their totality.
I could never ever criticize Ringo, or any Beatle, they are all very talented and I lived some 60 miles east of Liverpool in Colne, Lancashire. They put Lancashire on the map. Bless them all four, sadly our beloved John and George no longer with us. I wish remaining Ringo and Paul could live forever! Bless all Beatle fans.!
I first heard the Beatles, knowingly, in 1973 watching Hard Days Night at Saturday matinee in Portland OR as a six year old. In 1980 I rediscovered the Beatles following the murder of John Lennon - I'd just turned thirteen a month earlier - connecting their early catalog with their latter. By eighteen I owned most of their 12" LPs and lived next door to Beatles impersonators. Now in my 50s, I've listened to a lot of music, 90% of which is back in the 20th century, and heard a lot of crap talked about Ringo Starr. Most drummers who speak ill of Ringo have never tried to play his beats. Great drummers respect Ringo because it took them countless hours to achieve what Ringo did routinely and seemingly without effort to help make the Beatles arguably the greatest band in the world. Great music is like great food. All the ingredients must compliment the entire dish. Anyone can drown a dish with one ingredient so much so that the other flavors are lost entirely, but having the right combination of quantity and quality of ingredients makes the dish perfect. This was the Beatles. Divided, they each made good music, but when united their music was on an entirely different level because of how much better they made each other. It's funny, but when people talk about great tomato sauce in Italian cooking, they may mention the garlic, or basil, or oregano, but more often than not they forget about the tomatoes - Ringo was like that. He was the foundation of every Beatles song. Thanks for a great take on the Beatles and Ringo.
I'm not a drummer and barely a musician but this video speaks to something I've suspected for a long time. Ringo's drumming to me has always been very tasteful and in accordance with whatever song he's playing. Almost never was something extra was added to the song. The only exception I'd argue on this is the Magical Mystery Tour version of I am the Walrus compared to the single version here in the states. On the Magical Mystery Tour version at the end of the first verse after John sings I'm crying, there is a little bit of drumming that was not on the single. I like the single version of it better because the absence of the drum there deadens the feeling of the song which works better with that song. Whether that was his decision or not is another thing. Look at all the types of songs the Beatles played. They played pop songs, ballads, psychedelic songs, rock and hard rock, songs like Long and Winding Road, love songs, and blues. They covered rockabilly and Motown songs. That is a large variety of styles. Ringo was on for all of them. That means he had to adjust and he did seamlessly. It is a great skill to do that. As to ego, I can't imagine Ringo during a gig suddenly taking off at one point on an insane solo during a song. Ringo showing a big ego with Paul and John in the band. Yeah that would have worked.
Ringo= solid meter, knows when to fill and when not to, leads in and out of the changes, great licks and great dynamics. I've been watching him since 1964 and he never disappoints.
Why Ringo was so great? You ,mean besides giving me a great music career with my Beatles Tribute British Export? He was so great at fitting a drum part to the written songs that was innovative and different in most of the 200 plus songs. He was a lovable character and was a living metronome. Peace and Love!
I'd love to hear you analyse some Beatles songs and explain why Ringo's drumming in them was so good. As you say, he played for the song, and you have to choose to concentrate on listening to his drumming rather than the song as a whole in order to realise how good he is. I'm not a drummer, so I don't really know what's difficult or out of the ordinary. I just know what sounds good to me. It would be interesting to learn more about it.
I always loved Ringo's drumming! His fills, back beats and what he brought to the song as well (as song writing) has been undervalued for so long! He not only backed up the group but help lay the foundation for those songs. Listen to Day Tripper and try to guess where this song would be without Ringo. This goes on throughout their whole catalog. He liked country swing and he seemed to like playing a right handed kit, left handed and he stuck with it. Good show Andy!
Ringo was the drummer in the #1 Liverpool band while "The Beatles" were barely a band. They got to know him in Hamburg. So when it came to dropping Pete Best they knew who to call. Ringo was also the oldest member of the band.
Thank you, Andy! I've been watching and enjoying your videos for some months now, but I hadn't seen you do a video about The Beatles (or even, as in this case, a Beatle), and had only heard you give them the odd cursory mention. All leading me to believe that perhaps you hadn't a very high regard for the group. So, your prefatory words about the band and your impassioned yet well-reasoned defense of Ringo was great to hear--as a fan of the Fab Four, of Ringo...and now of you!
This was an awesome tribute to Ringo - thank you, Andy! Hope that you will do a follow up with songs where you feel he contributed something really special.
Interesting that you mentioned Ringo as a more seasoned player vs. the other 3 guys (in your The Beatles/Fusion video). I recall my earliest garage bands...the drummer was always the more advanced player than the rest of us. I recalled that after watching some bands from my youth on YT (The Hollies, The Turtles, et al). The drummers in those early Pop Rock bands seemed like they were the best players (chops-wise) than the guys playing guitars & bass. Caveat: The guys playing keys might be the exception. ;-0
Think of U2, The Clash, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Blondie, Joy Division, Simple Minds, Big Country etc. All bands where there is a moderate level of technical ability, but sat on top absolute monster drummers. I wish I had a groove like Ringo's. If you watch Get Back, he is pumping out incredible grooves for hours on end. He was incredibly able and I hope I get it across in this vid
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer ...and Missing Persons. I have always loved the Rooftop Concert. That's the way to go out. A killer Live performance, playing your current material. I have a book about their last US (?) Concert in San Francisco/Candlestick Park. Lame...IIRC, about 30 minutes of their early R'n'R tunes and covers.
I fully agree: I listened a hundred times to „Home“ by Michel Petrucciani, with Steve Gadd and Anthony Jackson in Tokyo. You hardly notice him playing until some crescendo by the end. As you said: he plays the song, not showing off chops.
I love this! Thank you man we need people with a bit of wisdom and a good heart to put things right on the internet and get some concepts right like what is a good drummer and what is a great drummer. At the end a lot of things might just remain subjective (as you wisely acknowledge it) but if we can talk about concepts instead of personal tastes then there is a chance we can debate on the internet as opposed to just arguing ☺️ thanks for sharing your wisdom 👍🙏☺️❤️🌈
Catching up with all your videos (particularly the 'drummer' themes). Fabulous critique and breakdown of the 'why's' and pointless criticism of Ringo. Superb!
I agree 100%. Another way of putting it: Ringo was a huge part of the reason that the Beatles music had such great groove and feel. What is more important?
Because Ringo is one of us. …and always manages to lay down the perfect drum beat for the song. I just saw him last year with the Allstar band…in his 80s and still playing, running around, and being great!
Whenever I read or hear someone espousing what you are relating here, it’s always by someone who is knowledgable about drumming and music n general. I’ve yet to hear a pro, especially a drummer, criticize Ringo’s playing. On the contrare. Oh, I can imagine Buddy Rich as one who may do that, but one would expect that from him. Your video Andy just adds to the weight of what most musicians know, Ringo is a great drummer….period!
Exactly right. Whomever criticises Ringo should simply leave music and start watching sports or circus tricks, because that''s what they're into..some kind of athleticism with drums. And as you say, Ringo had solid technique as well. I would love to see a drummer who says Ringo is no good play 'Act naturally' while singing, and keeping a solid shuffle...in front of 73 million viewers.
Greg Lake was talking about Ringo and he said that there is a rhythm accuracy indicator device for drummers called Russian Dragon - meaning you are rushing or dragging. He said that Ringo is a millisecond late, he is after the beat. This makes his sound "bigger" and even a little "swingy."
I don't know if you read many comments, but this was huge for me. Disappearing into the song. I play all the instruments, but I sometimes overdue my instrument of choice - drums. I've been beating myself up over a song where the drums, keys, melody and vocals just don't quite mesh. I finally figured out it was the drums. Once i stripped it down to the kick on just 1 and 3 with an occasional transition accent, it was like the clouds parted. Yeah, so maybe the drums don't sound as "cool" but it's about the song, not the drums. I didn't need any convincing about Ringo's greatness, but the becoming one with the song bit I will take with me forever, Can't thank you enough. Btw - i have the same feelings about Jim Keltner as well. Cheers
Give me ringo over a rudimentary type drummer any time he says far more musically by serving the song his playing on songs like rain ,strawberry fields forever, long tall Sally (especially live)or a day in the life still sound amazingly fresh and magnificent every time you listen to him
When I heared the drumbeat that starts the Reprise version of the Sgt. Pepper’s song, I felt that I was listening to the greatest drum groove of all time!! I play bass myself. My wettest dream still is comming in with the band on that same drum groove in that same song! Over and over again. (Perhaps, with a very attractive specimen of the female persuasion counting it off... 🤫) Ringo is the best of the best. 🖖
A 7 year old Avery "Drummer" inspired me to play. I figured "if he can do that, I can too." Almost 3 years later I still cannot "do that". That kid is talented.
This is exactly what I aim for in my drumming. I agree that Ringo is great for exactly the reasons you laid out. I was given the nickname "Dr. Smooth" by a guitar player friend that liked my style and touch.
He was a star before he became a star with the Beatles. His name Ringo Starr was not manufactured by the Beatles, he called himself that before he joined them. And what a great name to pick. There would have been no Beatles without Ringo and the same with other 3.
I watched a video of someone interviewing John Lennon sometime in the 1970's where the interviewer said something which was kind-of-dismissive about Ringo's drumming in passing, and John got really upset about it. I'd also make the observation that if the other three Beatles really are such great musicians (and they are...), then they wouldn't be willing to put up with anyone they felt was beneath their ability. I've seem a few videos with Ringo working in the studio, and one thing that struck me was that he seems to focus on listening. He then decides "what can *I* do which will *contribute* to this song?" Not "How can I show off?", not "how many beats can I stuff into this song?", but "what can I do which will improve this song?". I remember an interview with Charlie Watts about his own drumming, and he made the point that he (Charlie) is not famous for being a drummer, but for being the drummer in the Rolling Stones. He was a "just a band drummer", and he was fine with that. He wasn't playing in a band because he wanted to be noticed. He just wanted to play on a lot of good songs. I think Ringo is also "just a band drummer", and I think that's an major talent and accomplishment.
... I've also found it pretty funny that Ringo absolutely hates practicing on his drums. He loves playing in concerts though. I keep thinking that whenever he feels that he's getting rusty, he decides to start up another All-Starr tour just so he can avoid practicing at home.
It seems people who say Ringo is a bad drummer usually aren't drummers. Ringo was the perfect drummer for the Beatles. He always played to the song and could serve as another compositional element for the band. There are many Beatle songs that can be identified just by listening to the drum track alone. For decades pretty much any time that the various drummer magazines ("Modern Drummer", "Drumhead", etc.) would have a "best drummers of all time" poll, Ringo would usually finish in the top 20 (if not the top 10). Hey, drummers know. And speaking of crazy Ringo bashing, I recently came across an internet rumor that the Beatles actually brought in a session drummer to play the drum solo on Abbey Road because Ringo couldn't have possibly played a solo that good. I mean - WHAT?!? Indeed, crazy...
Well-argued take. Long-time drummer here. Struggled with Ringo when I was a young, flash player for the reasons you outline. Have really come to appreciate him in later years. Similar story with Mick Fleetwood. I listen to the Rumours album these days and it's perfect musical drumming, whereas 30 years ago I would have considered the playing simply bang average.
Per Marc Levisohn’s 1st volume on the Beatles, Ringo was one of two well-regarded, very accomplished drummers they auditioned in Liverpool, but the other guy was a simple sort of bloke who wanted to play all his gigs locally, then head to his favorite pub and his own bed afterwards. But the Beatles had already played 2 years in Hamburg, and were now recording in London, and Ringo was ready for anything. I do hope that other guy REALLY enjoyed his favorite pub.
I'm a songwriter that has taught myself to play the drums so that I can TRY to make the drums disappear into the groove of the song. That IS what makes Ringo so great. No offense to my many drummer friends or you Andy. But that is what a songwriter is mostly hoping for. Unless it's one of the rare cases that the beat itself is the actual hook. It is the exception not the rule.
You mentioned Gregg Bissonette - Ringo also created with His All-Starr Band what seems like one of the funnest touring bands a musician could be a part of.
I was recently arguing about Ringo with a typical double-bass-loving metal drummer. The guy couldn’t handle ‘I Feel Fine’ and had to admit Ringo was a badass
Great show! For a fan that is NOT a musician, hasn't got a musical ear, your insight into what is going on behind Ringo's drumming is just fab. It would be great to hear about some of the other drummers. I hope we will get "The Beatles Live in Hamburg Germany" put through the process that can separate the music, and the drumming, from all the other ambient noise. Ringo's great drumming had the great bass playing of Paul. Together they form the Beatles's rhythm section. Is that a big chunk of why they were the greatest band? One story is that one day John came up to him, played him a record and said, ""Ring, play it like that!" And Ringo told him that there were two drummers on the track. To which John said, "Don't let that worry you." Ringo then went on to explain that all three of the others could play drums. But just only in that ONE way. When they were in the studio recording Free As A Bird, Jeff Lynn was using a click track. Ringo was pissed: he was used to being the 'click track'. I love that about Ringo, 'The Best Back Beat in the Business.' Lastly... we did get the drum solo on Abbey Raod Side 2. A final observation (from someone that doesn't do anything about drumming)... he was putting a kitchen towel over his toms in the Get Back sessions. Obviously he's adjusting the sound (he used one on the rooftop session). What is with that?
I was a professional guitarist, but one of my unfulfilled dreams was to buy a basic kit and learn to play by learning Ringo - hopefully before I die - one of my favorites, maybe my favorite…The Word… …my…WORD…
I have met Gregg a few times and described to me a ton of examples of Ringo's technical ability. Gregg has an amazing personality so I'm glad he got to show it on Rick's channel....
I agree with all you've said in this video Andy, except for the statement when Robert Plant told you that he wanted the drums to "disappear" in the song. What an ironic statement from a man who played in a band with Bonham. Can you name a single song that Zeppelin did where the drums didn't hit you in the face and set the entire tone for the rest of the members? How do you think Bonham would have reacted to the request by the singer, of all people, to "disappear" into the music?
Ringo was the best in the group on his instrument in terms of technical skill. None of the Beatles were virtuosos on their instruments but they all had great musicianship and knew their limitations.
Phil Collins says Ringo was a fantastic drummer and George Harrison was a great guitar player. Phil has been a big Beatles fan since he was 13 and he was in the concert audience in The Beatles first film, a Hard Day’s Night in 1964 and he says in a PBS 1994 documentary about the making of A Hard Day's Night that is on youtube, how great their music in the film was and he shows a still from the concert scene in the movie where he was in the audience at 13 years old.. There is a great you tube video, Worlds Greatest Drummers Salute Ringo Starr PHIL COLLINS ON NEW BEATLES DVD John, Paul, George and Ringo - four lads who shook the world. They played, they recorded, they conquered the planet.... And they did it all in the space of a decade. This is an all new documentary special tells the true story of The Beatles from humble beginnings in Liverpool, to the break-up of the biggest band in the world. Their story is ... Phil Collins says Ringo was a fantastic drummer and George Harrison was a great guitar player. Phil has been a big Beatles fan since he was 13 and he was in the concert audience in The Beatles first film, a Hard Day’s Night in 1964. .
I think RIngo Starr was the best drummer the Beatles could have had. He was perfect for the Beatles. Although the Beatles were competent rock-n-roll musicians (as the genre existed at the time) it wasn't about being tremendous instrumentalists, it was about playing the songs and that's what Ringo did.
In case you don't ever get down to specifics and the like theres a TH-cam video where a female 🚺 drummer tells you exact songs where Ringo does things almost no drummer would think of doing with a song.
So many come into music with the 1970s-80s-90s. You persuade them to go back and listen to "The Beatles" -- who kicked the door down for all that followed -- and they say they don't hear anything different. One then has to point out that the later music they consider so original is taking from "The Beatles". I had a friend who made a big deal about this song "Taxman" by some "heavy metal" group. I pointed to the name in parentheses beneath the song title -- "George Harrison" -- and point out that it is a "Beatles" song. He is disappointed because he'd been taught to hate "The Beatles".
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100%. The Beatles were the perfect storm and, to quote Stuart Copeland: "In Ringo Starr, The Beatles were truly blessed."
I tend to not take people seriously when then put Ringo down. They obviously don`t recognize a true artist. I can`t spend time on ignorance so I change the subject to how wonderful and lucky we are that John and Paul and George created those amazing beats and rhythms. ( now that does sound ridiculous )
Ringo is probably the most underrated,overlooked drummer in music history.. All of those know nothing critics don't know Jack Didly squawt about anything about the intricacies behind drumming fundamentals.
The Beatles couldn’t have been so amazing if any one of them wasn’t pulling their weight. Because boy, you gotta carry that weight.
Spot on. What Ringo brought to the studio is actually quite rare amongst drummers: a listening ear, rather than a monster ego. He listened, and instinctively played what was right for the song. I doubt that he over-analysed anything in the moment - for all that his parts have been pored over and picked to pieces ever since. Good instinct, and good timekeeping are the key to his playing. Neither are a given.
I was so fortunate to play for many years with exactly the kind of "great" drummer that you mentioned. You didn't even notice what he was doing most of time, but the music always felt so alive and just where it ought to be. The rest of us could relax, sing and play our parts with the knowledge that the time and feel would be right where it should be like a solid wall of stone that we could lean on at all times.
He blended his drumming into each song so well that while he drove the song, he also disappeared into it. He could play any drummer's style, he understood what they were doing so well. From Ginger Baker to Mitch Mitchell, to Charlie Watts to Levan Helm to, I don't know, you name it, he could nail it.
It was the closest thing to playing with Hal Blaine as you might imagine.
When the subject of Ringo came up, and we did a lot of Beatles' songs, you could see a glow in his face and he would smile. He would say, "He was the gov'ner, the best."
Such praise from him was of the highest imaginable.
Ringo was a machine.
Great drummer. Full stop!
Thank you for this unique and informative argument against the “Ringo sucks” stupidity. But it’s kind of like preaching to the choir. I’ve been a professional musician, songwriter and producer almost 40 years and have had this conversation countless times. I finally realized the people who can’t understand the genius of Ringo Starr’s drumming will very likely never see it. There are two kinds of musicians; those who play from the heart, and those that play from the head. Ringo played from the heart. That’s why some musicians don’t like him; because they play from their head. To those who love Ringo it’s a singular joy to listen to his isolated drums and a thrill to actually watch him play. You can feel the musicality of his drumming just by watching him play. In the ‘80s I formed a band named The Britt’ns; in which we performed note perfect renditions of British classic rock. We played the Stones, Who, Kinks, Zeppelin, Bowie, Pink Floyd and of course The Beatles. We could always find drummers who effectively recreated all those drummers (even Keith Moon and Bonham). But we could never find drummers who could emulate the singular feel and style of Ringo’s drumming. They could hit the right beats in the right places; but they couldn’t capture the swing, style and feel of those classic recordings. In my 40 years as a musician I’ve auditioned countless drummers. My test is always the same; play the drums from “Come Together” and “Help”. Every drummer could play the iconic drum fill in Come Together; but most often it sounded like a programmed drum fill. They were hitting the right toms and playing the correct pattern; but it sounded nothing like Ringo (even if they put tea towels over their kit). Even the layed back feel while Ringo played his floor tom in the verses speaks of his natural musicality. If you listen to the isolated drums from CT it tells you everything you can know about Ringo. If you’re one of those who listen and you can’t hear what I’m describing then I feel sorry for you. You’re missing so much of the heart, soul and vibe of The Beatles recordings. Of course I’ve played those isolated drums for the people who think Ringo sucks; and they can only hear the simplicity of the parts. How sad to be missing out on so much.
Thanks for great addition to Andy's thoughts on Ringo
I once went to a drum clinic in Ronnie Scott’s to watch Steve Smith - he said a lot of what you’re saying.
He went further though. He said in rock n roll records before the Beatles there were blues and jazz session players who played on other people’s records. He said - Ringo was the first rock drummer ever.
And also he said ‘ringo’s sense of time is unmatched - imagine trying to play without a click track now? Ringo WAS the click track’
Also I didn’t know you played with Robert plant. My mate still plays guitar with him now
I love what you are saying about "playing to the song". Ringo totally understood that. Most of the phenomenal technically gifted drummers that I have worked with have to be reminded constantly that our job is to give life to the lyrics. Ringo added life to the music. 👌
Well said
Completely agree!
I always love the opening drum roll of their 'She loves you' and his roll in 'your gonna lose that girl'
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Loved the video. What do you think of Bernard Purdy? Will you make a video about him too? I love his groove. He really is the epitome of what you described here in my opinion. I don't hear his technique but the song. It just makes me want to move.
There's an old joke amongst veteran drummers (that's been told to me by a couple of them, independently), that uses a handful of great drummers' names (season to taste), but goes something like this...
Simon Phillips comes upon a sealed envelope. On the front of it are written the words, "To The Greatest Drummer In The World..." He thinks, "Well, this isn't for me," so he leaves it where Steve Gadd will find it.
Gadd sees the envelope, reads the front. Says, "This can't be for me," hands it off to Bernard Purdie.
Purdie is tempted, but shrugs and leaves it for Buddy Rich.
Buddy Rich sees the envelope, says, "Hell, yeah! That's me!" Tears open the envelope and reads the first line:
"Dear Ringo,"
I saw Al Di Meola in 1981/2 ... in the Hammersmith Odeon..Simon Phillips stepped in for Steve Gadd at short notice ...incredible performance..
Yes, Andy!!!! Another Beatles truth bomb dropped! A perfect summary of one of the greatest drummers of all time. I would like to add the subject of his precise accuracy and timing. As an example, all 60s bands recorded in mono and stereo. They would record the master and achieve the mono and stereo mixes from this... except the Beatles! Up to Rubber Soul they would perform and record an individual stereo version and a mono version that were almost identical! Give or take the odd cymbal crash and extra beat at the end. This level of accuracy is almost impossible... and yet Ringo was able to achieve this. When I compare the different recordings and listen to my bootlegs I still cannot figure out how Ringo does it. It's mind blowing! This skill also contributed to the shear volume of amazing music that no other artist of the 60s could compete with. 2 albums, 4 singles, 2 ep's on average each year???!!! .. those that tried such as Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson crashed (literally in Dylan's case) and burned. Not that Highway 61, Bringing it all back home, Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations are anything other that genius. They just couldn't keep up. Great to see Ringo get some love, sorry I've gone off on a tangent thats nothing to do with fusion and hope this adds a little more to illustrate his genius.
Aside from the signature drum beats he came out with, I've always said to people who try and tell me Ringo wasn't a good drummer "do you think the other 3 would have had him there if that was the case?"
And if they were presented with those songs as a demo (or with a John, Paul or George playing it in front of them for the first time) could they come up with drum parts as good as Ringo? He's the gold standard!
It's such a nonsense, you don't get to be the greatest band in the world if one of your members can't play. The Beatles with a bad drummer don't get to become the Beatles. The Beatles with a good drummer get to be successful for a while. The Beatles with a great drummer get to do whatever they want, which they did.
The drum 'stutter' in the middle of ' I feel fine ' just perfect and another little detail in a Beatles song that makes them so listenable all these years later
Ringo was the soul of the Beatles.
Many thanks for this. I love how passionate and articulate you are about Ringo's genius.
I love that Ringo always has to see a song's lyrics in order to understand the song so he can play to the song.
Incredible musicality, plus unique distinctiveness = Ringo's drum parts (and the man himself).
I have twice met Ringo, a real inspiration, as a drummer and as a person. such a warn, relaxed and down to earth guy with a great sense of humour.
Just listen to Help, or Ticket to ride, or she said she said, or The long and winding road, or Get Back or Strawberry fields forever, or Something, or Yer Blues or Don't let me down, orI want you (She's so Heavy) or Penny Lane, or Taxman, and you hear how great Ringo is.
There is one scene in the “Beatles: Get Back” documentary that drove home YOUR message to me more than anything: When Paul starts playing what would later become “Get Back” at 1:04:36 and he struggles to form the melody, Ringo jumps in by clapping the beat, which changes everything right there while we are watching. Within seconds, the melody forms, and then, Ringo even sings along to support the melody, which helps Paul unveil it fully. Voila, another hit born! All that without Ringo giving any verbal input. As an amateur drummer and someone with multi-instrumental interest, I can see how exceptional that is. Thanks for making this argument in your video - it really changed my view on Ringo’s drum skills and also his musicianship!
Thank you for giving Ringo respect and love.
This video is easy to review, you are right, 100%, period. Thumbs up.
Ringo always played warmth generosity in his back beats and everything leading to them. His beat in any song was generous and ultimately relaxed. His dynamics, micro and macro are always in the service of the groove and the song being played. One can’t imagine the Beatles without Ringo. He is special in so many ways. ‘Forever a fan !!
Yes this but scatches the surface of the zen mastery of Ringo. He is the Beatle that encompasses Beatleness in itself. His approach to singing... His humor... His humility... His pride... Each deserves its own explorative video. His recollections are the most trustworthy and meaningful. The maharishi had nothing to teach a soul as advanced as Ringo.
And not to be shallow, but his looks also contributed a lot. He just fitted perfectly with the rest, where Pete Best did not. And his beatles haircut was always the most perfect.
The greatest pop/rocknroll/song drummer to ever live by a country mile. Number 2 is nowhere even close.
The compelling and highly emotional Peter Jackson doco sets the record straight on so many things Beatle-esque but one truth is constant. Percussion ? Sorted. Ringo just keeps on delivering - nailing it again and again. No fuss. No confusion. Always for the song. And what a charming patient guy. Band of Brothers. We were truly blessed. Thanks Andy - love your work.
I hope Ringo himself will watch your great Video and comments, he deserves it
imagine such a thing
Ringo is the man who played in "She said she said"... how could people say that he has no chops?
Take the song Something-one of my all-time favourite Beatles recordings-and compare the original to any of the million of covers of it out there. It showcases (in addition to Harrison's brilliant songwriting, of course), one of the ways in which the Beatles stood out from the pack. The bass and the drums are not simply a rhythm section on that song. They are two melodic instruments, creating this incredible counterpoint with George's voice and guitar, and with the strings. Change Paul's bass line, or change one of Ringo's drum fills, and it's like you changed the song's melody.
This is a great point...veery few surpass their originals
And that's the same with "Come together". Paul & Ringo nailed it not just "completing" the song with their instruments but CREATING a blended "melody" with the bass and drums that NO ONE ELSE in the music industry would create or imagine. Giving to that Lennon's composition an altitude that was impossible to reach without such simplicity but unique creativity.
One thing I like about the drums in many a Beatles song is that the drum part over the whole song is like a composition in itself, with sections, recurring motives, phrases and such, woven together and into the song.
Thank you, Andy. To hear a clearly highly skilled and experienced professional drummer “with chops” evidentially explain something I as a pleb ‘get’ but couldn’t express is such a relief. What sets you apart is your deeply admirable humility - there is greatness in that.
Wow, thanks!
Hahaha well said Andy!!!
I remember auditioning drummers years ago. This young lad came in giving it large, with fancy fills all across the kit....but when asked to hold a simple groove down with the bass....he just couldn't, his timing was all over the place...he just couldn't 'play the song'.....Needless to say we got someone who didn't have the big chops but was 'solid' and in the pocket!! This lad obviously hadn't learnt the basics.....but wanted to run before he could walk....
BTW saw a recently clip of Ringo...jamming in the studio and he was just so strong 'holding it down', great fills....it was a total joy to watch, and hear!!!!
Many younger musicians are not focusing on the basics first...TH-cam is to blame
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer yep.....
I have a bass lesson today. They stared off wanting to play metal riffs....Told them that's not what I do. I have taken them right back to the basics so they will be able to play any xong that is put in front of them.
Learning to hit the snare sweetly is something to be emphasised
When I hear someone say, "Ringo wasn't so good-- this other drummer 'Brand X', can play like Ringo".
And I think, "But Ringo created the move. It's just not the same. They are imitating him after he trailblazed the way."
Mr. Andy Edwards, thank you for this video in support of Ringo Starr. Ringo Starr did actually inspire many future drum players to come. It's unfortunate that many modern drummers attack Ringo just because his playing does not necessarily sound as advanced as today's standards. However, as a longtime Beatles' fan, Ringo has played many drum riffs that are worth remembering, even if they are not very complex. Like you said, Ringo always investigates to see how his drum playing is for the betterment of the song, as well as the group itself. I would say that Ringo is a true team player, if that makes sense. Plus, he's very creative in his simple riffs for each song that he is studying. Not that there are other great drummers out there, but Ringo Starr is the first mainstream drummer that I ever heard. And like I mentioned before, he is able to develop drum patterns which are unforgettable. His simplicity in his drumming for the most part is what makes his drumming unique. Once again Andy, this is a great video.
It’s the space. He was more of a musician than a drummer.
Watching this video for the first time and agree with you completely about playing for the song and how this, in itself, is an ideal. Thanks for making this essential point. Ringo did this throughout the Beatles’ time together. Just one example I’ll note (among hundreds): I love the way Ringo would swish the high hats (by keeping them slightly open) on songs such as All My Loving, Can’t Buy Me Love, and others. It added a key element to how those songs sounded in their totality.
I could never ever criticize Ringo, or any Beatle, they are all very talented and I lived some 60 miles east
of Liverpool in Colne, Lancashire. They put Lancashire on the map. Bless them all four, sadly our beloved
John and George no longer with us. I wish remaining Ringo and Paul could live forever! Bless all Beatle
fans.!
Don't forget George Formby.
Agree with you, Andy. Very well argued!
I first heard the Beatles, knowingly, in 1973 watching Hard Days Night at Saturday matinee in Portland OR as a six year old. In 1980 I rediscovered the Beatles following the murder of John Lennon - I'd just turned thirteen a month earlier - connecting their early catalog with their latter. By eighteen I owned most of their 12" LPs and lived next door to Beatles impersonators.
Now in my 50s, I've listened to a lot of music, 90% of which is back in the 20th century, and heard a lot of crap talked about Ringo Starr. Most drummers who speak ill of Ringo have never tried to play his beats. Great drummers respect Ringo because it took them countless hours to achieve what Ringo did routinely and seemingly without effort to help make the Beatles arguably the greatest band in the world.
Great music is like great food. All the ingredients must compliment the entire dish. Anyone can drown a dish with one ingredient so much so that the other flavors are lost entirely, but having the right combination of quantity and quality of ingredients makes the dish perfect. This was the Beatles. Divided, they each made good music, but when united their music was on an entirely different level because of how much better they made each other. It's funny, but when people talk about great tomato sauce in Italian cooking, they may mention the garlic, or basil, or oregano, but more often than not they forget about the tomatoes - Ringo was like that. He was the foundation of every Beatles song.
Thanks for a great take on the Beatles and Ringo.
100% agree. Great drummer. A musical drummer.
Spot on. I think it would be interesting if you picked one song from each album and gave a brief analysis of Ringo's drumming 'to the song'.
I'm not a drummer and barely a musician but this video speaks to something I've suspected for a long time. Ringo's drumming to me has always been very tasteful and in accordance with whatever song he's playing. Almost never was something extra was added to the song. The only exception I'd argue on this is the Magical Mystery Tour version of I am the Walrus compared to the single version here in the states. On the Magical Mystery Tour version at the end of the first verse after John sings I'm crying, there is a little bit of drumming that was not on the single. I like the single version of it better because the absence of the drum there deadens the feeling of the song which works better with that song. Whether that was his decision or not is another thing.
Look at all the types of songs the Beatles played. They played pop songs, ballads, psychedelic songs, rock and hard rock, songs like Long and Winding Road, love songs, and blues. They covered rockabilly and Motown songs. That is a large variety of styles. Ringo was on for all of them. That means he had to adjust and he did seamlessly. It is a great skill to do that.
As to ego, I can't imagine Ringo during a gig suddenly taking off at one point on an insane solo during a song. Ringo showing a big ego with Paul and John in the band. Yeah that would have worked.
Ringo= solid meter, knows when to fill and when not to, leads in and out of the changes, great licks and great dynamics. I've been watching him since 1964 and he never disappoints.
Why Ringo was so great? You ,mean besides giving me a great music career with my Beatles Tribute British Export? He was so great at fitting a drum part to the written songs that was innovative and different in most of the 200 plus songs. He was a lovable character and was a living metronome. Peace and Love!
I'd love to hear you analyse some Beatles songs and explain why Ringo's drumming in them was so good. As you say, he played for the song, and you have to choose to concentrate on listening to his drumming rather than the song as a whole in order to realise how good he is. I'm not a drummer, so I don't really know what's difficult or out of the ordinary. I just know what sounds good to me. It would be interesting to learn more about it.
I always loved Ringo's drumming! His fills, back beats and what he brought to the song as well (as song writing) has been undervalued for so long! He not only backed up the group but help lay the foundation for those songs. Listen to Day Tripper and try to guess where this song would be without Ringo. This goes on throughout their whole catalog. He liked country swing and he seemed to like playing a right handed kit, left handed and he stuck with it. Good show Andy!
Thank you, Mister Edwards, for bringing back the Dixie Dregs. I love these guys and I totally forgot about them.
Ringo was the drummer in the #1 Liverpool band while "The Beatles" were barely a band. They got to know him in Hamburg. So when it came to dropping Pete Best they knew who to call.
Ringo was also the oldest member of the band.
Thank you, Andy! I've been watching and enjoying your videos for some months now, but I hadn't seen you do a video about The Beatles (or even, as in this case, a Beatle), and had only heard you give them the odd cursory mention. All leading me to believe that perhaps you hadn't a very high regard for the group. So, your prefatory words about the band and your impassioned yet well-reasoned defense of Ringo was great to hear--as a fan of the Fab Four, of Ringo...and now of you!
This was an awesome tribute to Ringo - thank you, Andy! Hope that you will do a follow up with songs where you feel he contributed something really special.
Interesting that you mentioned Ringo as a more seasoned player vs. the other 3 guys (in your The Beatles/Fusion video). I recall my earliest garage bands...the drummer was always the more advanced player than the rest of us. I recalled that after watching some bands from my youth on YT (The Hollies, The Turtles, et al). The drummers in those early Pop Rock bands seemed like they were the best players (chops-wise) than the guys playing guitars & bass. Caveat: The guys playing keys might be the exception. ;-0
Think of U2, The Clash, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Blondie, Joy Division, Simple Minds, Big Country etc. All bands where there is a moderate level of technical ability, but sat on top absolute monster drummers. I wish I had a groove like Ringo's. If you watch Get Back, he is pumping out incredible grooves for hours on end. He was incredibly able and I hope I get it across in this vid
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer ...and Missing Persons.
I have always loved the Rooftop Concert. That's the way to go out. A killer Live performance, playing your current material.
I have a book about their last US (?) Concert in San Francisco/Candlestick Park. Lame...IIRC, about 30 minutes of their early R'n'R tunes and covers.
I fully agree: I listened a hundred times to „Home“ by Michel Petrucciani, with Steve Gadd and Anthony Jackson in Tokyo. You hardly notice him playing until some crescendo by the end. As you said: he plays the song, not showing off chops.
I love this! Thank you man we need people with a bit of wisdom and a good heart to put things right on the internet and get some concepts right like what is a good drummer and what is a great drummer. At the end a lot of things might just remain subjective (as you wisely acknowledge it) but if we can talk about concepts instead of personal tastes then there is a chance we can debate on the internet as opposed to just arguing ☺️ thanks for sharing your wisdom 👍🙏☺️❤️🌈
Catching up with all your videos (particularly the 'drummer' themes). Fabulous critique and breakdown of the 'why's' and pointless criticism of Ringo. Superb!
Hal Blaine, the great session drummer of the Wrecking Crew, also had an amazing ability to play exactly what the song needed, and nothing more.
The Beatles couldn’t have sounded more redundant. Then Ringo arrived. Within 2 years none of their tracks sounded alike. Not a coincidence.
If you want to be A better drummer listen to this guy and Ringo.👍👍👍
I agree 100%. Another way of putting it: Ringo was a huge part of the reason that the Beatles music had such great groove and feel. What is more important?
Because Ringo is one of us. …and always manages to lay down the perfect drum beat for the song. I just saw him last year with the Allstar band…in his 80s and still playing, running around, and being great!
Whenever I read or hear someone espousing what you are relating here, it’s always by someone who is knowledgable about drumming and music n general. I’ve yet to hear a pro, especially a drummer, criticize Ringo’s playing. On the contrare. Oh, I can imagine Buddy Rich as one who may do that, but one would expect that from him.
Your video Andy just adds to the weight of what most musicians know, Ringo is a great drummer….period!
Exactly right. Whomever criticises Ringo should simply leave music and start watching sports or circus tricks, because that''s what they're into..some kind of athleticism with drums. And as you say, Ringo had solid technique as well. I would love to see a drummer who says Ringo is no good play 'Act naturally' while singing, and keeping a solid shuffle...in front of 73 million viewers.
Greg Lake was talking about Ringo and he said that there is a rhythm accuracy indicator device for drummers called Russian Dragon - meaning you are rushing or dragging.
He said that Ringo is a millisecond late, he is after the beat. This makes his sound "bigger" and even a little "swingy."
The word os Pocket....
I love Ringo’s drumming. Charlie Watts, as well. Both guys were perfect for the bands they were in.
I don't know if you read many comments, but this was huge for me. Disappearing into the song. I play all the instruments, but I sometimes overdue my instrument of choice - drums. I've been beating myself up over a song where the drums, keys, melody and vocals just don't quite mesh. I finally figured out it was the drums. Once i stripped it down to the kick on just 1 and 3 with an occasional transition accent, it was like the clouds parted. Yeah, so maybe the drums don't sound as "cool" but it's about the song, not the drums. I didn't need any convincing about Ringo's greatness, but the becoming one with the song bit I will take with me forever, Can't thank you enough. Btw - i have the same feelings about Jim Keltner as well. Cheers
Give me ringo over a rudimentary type drummer any time he says far more musically by serving the song his playing on songs like rain ,strawberry fields forever, long tall Sally (especially live)or a day in the life still sound amazingly fresh and magnificent every time you listen to him
When I heared the drumbeat that starts the Reprise version of the Sgt. Pepper’s song, I felt that I was listening to the greatest drum groove of all time!!
I play bass myself. My wettest dream still is comming in with the band on that same drum groove in that same song! Over and over again. (Perhaps, with a very attractive specimen of the female persuasion counting it off... 🤫)
Ringo is the best of the best.
🖖
BB King called Ringo "the human metronome."
Anyway..... good video. Thanks.
✌️
Greetings from Jacksonville Florida USA. Stumbled on this. Watched the whole thing. Loved it. Subscribed.
Awesome! Thank you!
A 7 year old Avery "Drummer" inspired me to play. I figured "if he can do that, I can too." Almost 3 years later I still cannot "do that". That kid is talented.
This is exactly what I aim for in my drumming. I agree that Ringo is great for exactly the reasons you laid out. I was given the nickname "Dr. Smooth" by a guitar player friend that liked my style and touch.
Superb video 😎
Oh I am exited to watch this Andy , you always do amazing thumbnails , keep up the good work 👍
Glad you like them! I do them very fast too! Thanks for all your support
He was a star before he became a star with the Beatles. His name Ringo Starr was not manufactured by the Beatles, he called himself that before he joined them. And what a great name to pick. There would have been no Beatles without Ringo and the same with other 3.
What was the final beat with Robert Plant?!?!
I watched a video of someone interviewing John Lennon sometime in the 1970's where the interviewer said something which was kind-of-dismissive about Ringo's drumming in passing, and John got really upset about it. I'd also make the observation that if the other three Beatles really are such great musicians (and they are...), then they wouldn't be willing to put up with anyone they felt was beneath their ability.
I've seem a few videos with Ringo working in the studio, and one thing that struck me was that he seems to focus on listening. He then decides "what can *I* do which will *contribute* to this song?" Not "How can I show off?", not "how many beats can I stuff into this song?", but "what can I do which will improve this song?".
I remember an interview with Charlie Watts about his own drumming, and he made the point that he (Charlie) is not famous for being a drummer, but for being the drummer in the Rolling Stones. He was a "just a band drummer", and he was fine with that. He wasn't playing in a band because he wanted to be noticed. He just wanted to play on a lot of good songs. I think Ringo is also "just a band drummer", and I think that's an major talent and accomplishment.
... I've also found it pretty funny that Ringo absolutely hates practicing on his drums. He loves playing in concerts though. I keep thinking that whenever he feels that he's getting rusty, he decides to start up another All-Starr tour just so he can avoid practicing at home.
It seems people who say Ringo is a bad drummer usually aren't drummers. Ringo was the perfect drummer for the Beatles. He always played to the song and could serve as
another compositional element for the band. There are many Beatle songs that can be identified just by listening to the drum track alone. For decades pretty much any time
that the various drummer magazines ("Modern Drummer", "Drumhead", etc.) would have a "best drummers of all time" poll, Ringo would usually finish in the top 20 (if not
the top 10). Hey, drummers know. And speaking of crazy Ringo bashing, I recently came across an internet rumor that the Beatles actually brought in a session drummer to play the drum solo on Abbey Road because Ringo couldn't have possibly played a solo that good. I mean - WHAT?!? Indeed, crazy...
You make a great point I should have said..yes he is in the small group of drummers who has made signature drum parts
Well-argued take. Long-time drummer here. Struggled with Ringo when I was a young, flash player for the reasons you outline. Have really come to appreciate him in later years. Similar story with Mick Fleetwood. I listen to the Rumours album these days and it's perfect musical drumming, whereas 30 years ago I would have considered the playing simply bang average.
anyone since Ringo is “standing on the shoulders of [a] giant.”
Per Marc Levisohn’s 1st volume on the Beatles, Ringo was one of two well-regarded, very accomplished drummers they auditioned in Liverpool, but the other guy was a simple sort of bloke who wanted to play all his gigs locally, then head to his favorite pub and his own bed afterwards.
But the Beatles had already played 2 years in Hamburg, and were now recording in London, and Ringo was ready for anything.
I do hope that other guy REALLY enjoyed his favorite pub.
I'm not a drummer but I know it's what Ringo left put that was important
I'm a songwriter that has taught myself to play the drums so that I can TRY to make the drums disappear into the groove of the song. That IS what makes Ringo so great. No offense to my many drummer friends or you Andy. But that is what a songwriter is mostly hoping for. Unless it's one of the rare cases that the beat itself is the actual hook. It is the exception not the rule.
You mentioned Gregg Bissonette - Ringo also created with His All-Starr Band what seems like one of the funnest touring bands a musician could be a part of.
I was recently arguing about Ringo with a typical double-bass-loving metal drummer.
The guy couldn’t handle ‘I Feel Fine’ and had to admit Ringo was a badass
Great show! For a fan that is NOT a musician, hasn't got a musical ear, your insight into what is going on behind Ringo's drumming is just fab. It would be great to hear about some of the other drummers. I hope we will get "The Beatles Live in Hamburg Germany" put through the process that can separate the music, and the drumming, from all the other ambient noise. Ringo's great drumming had the great bass playing of Paul. Together they form the Beatles's rhythm section. Is that a big chunk of why they were the greatest band?
One story is that one day John came up to him, played him a record and said, ""Ring, play it like that!" And Ringo told him that there were two drummers on the track. To which John said, "Don't let that worry you." Ringo then went on to explain that all three of the others could play drums. But just only in that ONE way. When they were in the studio recording Free As A Bird, Jeff Lynn was using a click track. Ringo was pissed: he was used to being the 'click track'. I love that about Ringo, 'The Best Back Beat in the Business.' Lastly... we did get the drum solo on Abbey Raod Side 2.
A final observation (from someone that doesn't do anything about drumming)... he was putting a kitchen towel over his toms in the Get Back sessions. Obviously he's adjusting the sound (he used one on the rooftop session). What is with that?
I was a professional guitarist, but one of my unfulfilled dreams was to buy a basic kit and learn to play by learning Ringo - hopefully before I die - one of my favorites, maybe my favorite…The Word…
…my…WORD…
Check out Rick Beato's recent interview with Gregg Bisonette for further proof of Ringo's mastery......
I have met Gregg a few times and described to me a ton of examples of Ringo's technical ability. Gregg has an amazing personality so I'm glad he got to show it on Rick's channel....
@@AndyEdwardsDrummer It is a great interview and real fun!!
Ringo is a multi-instrumentalist. Have you seen Ringo and Paul play fast four-handed boogie woogie on piano?
I agree with all you've said in this video Andy, except for the statement when Robert Plant told you that he wanted the drums to "disappear" in the song. What an ironic statement from a man who played in a band with Bonham. Can you name a single song that Zeppelin did where the drums didn't hit you in the face and set the entire tone for the rest of the members? How do you think Bonham would have reacted to the request by the singer, of all people, to "disappear" into the music?
Ringo was the best in the group on his instrument in terms of technical skill. None of the Beatles were virtuosos on their instruments but they all had great musicianship and knew their limitations.
Phil Collins says Ringo was a fantastic drummer and George Harrison was a great guitar player. Phil has been a big Beatles fan since he was 13 and he was in the concert audience in The Beatles first film, a Hard Day’s Night in 1964 and he says in a PBS 1994 documentary about the making of A Hard Day's Night that is on youtube, how great their music in the film was and he shows a still from the concert scene in the movie where he was in the audience at 13 years old..
There is a great you tube video,
Worlds Greatest Drummers Salute Ringo Starr
PHIL COLLINS ON NEW BEATLES DVD
John, Paul, George and Ringo - four lads who shook the world. They played, they recorded, they conquered the planet.... And they did it all in the space of a decade. This is an all new documentary special tells the true story of The Beatles from humble beginnings in Liverpool, to the break-up of the biggest band in the world. Their story is ...
Phil Collins says Ringo was a fantastic drummer and George Harrison was a great guitar player. Phil has been a big Beatles fan since he was 13 and he was in the concert audience in The Beatles first film, a Hard Day’s Night in 1964.
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I love The Beatles, incredible band
I think RIngo Starr was the best drummer the Beatles could have had. He was perfect for the Beatles. Although the Beatles were competent rock-n-roll musicians (as the genre existed at the time) it wasn't about being tremendous instrumentalists, it was about playing the songs and that's what Ringo did.
Word!
Wise words.
You could have saved 20 minutes.
Ringo is great, because he just is! No need to explain!
If a band is just as good as their drummer, and Beatles supposed to be so great, we have the Answer right there.
Ringo is known throughout the Galaxy as "THE guy with the sticks".
Could Ringo let loose? Watch the live version of "Long Tall Sally."
In case you don't ever get down to specifics and the like theres a TH-cam video where a female 🚺 drummer tells you exact songs where Ringo does things almost no drummer would think of doing with a song.
Ringo played drums like bass.
So many come into music with the 1970s-80s-90s. You persuade them to go back and listen to "The Beatles" -- who kicked the door down for all that followed -- and they say they don't hear anything different.
One then has to point out that the later music they consider so original is taking from "The Beatles".
I had a friend who made a big deal about this song "Taxman" by some "heavy metal" group. I pointed to the name in parentheses beneath the song title -- "George Harrison" -- and point out that it is a "Beatles" song.
He is disappointed because he'd been taught to hate "The Beatles".
He had the Latin feel down really naturally as well.