Ringo, my hero!

[mervap]

That title sounds sappy, doesn't it? For those who may be unaware, I am a drummer and there is a very short list of drummers that I admire greatly: Jim Keltner, Hal Blaine, Buddy Rich, Neil Peart, Alan White.....and Ringo Starr. Most folks think Ringo was "the luckiest bit-part player in the world's greatest Love story"....not so, although he was quite fortunate to be in the Beatles. I think Ringo is a genius! Why, one might ask? One undeniable fact: Ringo's is the face that launched a million drummers. Simply put, if you asked twenty drummers why they picked up the sticks, 15 of them would say it was because of Ringo. He makes drumming look so fun (it is) and so easy (not so much) that anyone can do it...and many tried.

Ringo seems to have an innate sense of just what a song requires....never overplays, right in the pocket. Not flashy, not splashy, just right.

[2 of 3]

Yeah, Phil Collins said almost the same thing. He found it amusing that some drummers would dismiss him, but if they had to try and copy how Ringo played, they would be lost. Ringo if very subtle...and that is one thing that is hard to duplicate.

[chris]

sadly, i have never learned an instrument. but look up any list of best drummers from a reputable source...and i assure you ringo would be on it. not overplaying is a skill lost on many drummers, i think. as much as i love keith moon, neil peart and john bonham...i think huge kudos have to go to both ringo and charlie watts. these two layed down the framework to what drumming is supposed to be like.

and this topic needs more cowbell. thanks a lot mr ferrell. 

[mervap]

Thank You!

[2 of 3]

sadly, i have never learned an instrument.

It's never too late my friend....go buy a keyboard....one that plugs into the computer. There's tons of software out there that is good for learning an instrument. In no time, you will be playing Babe.

[Kylenz]

I've always liked Ringo's style but there are so many great drummers out there. Hal Blaine was definitely worthy of a mention, he played on so many hit records in the 60s.. but I have a new favourite (sorry Ringo) - Ed Cassidy of the band Spirit. Reminds me a lot of Ginger Baker, very much a jazz-trained stylist who could also pound the skins very hard when he needs to. He was already in his late 40s when he joined Spirit in the late 60s. He was the stepfather of the lead singer / guitarist, Randy California. Unfortunately Randy died tragically trying to rescue his drowning son in 1997, but Ed Cassidy still plays drums today! Hal Blaine also does a bit of drumming.

But if you want to hear some Spirit songs with awesome drums, listen to 'Fresh Garbage' from 1968 (sampled on Pink's song 'Feel Good Time') 'Dark Eyed Woman', '1984' from 1969, and 'Mr Skin' from 1970. Here's a link to Fresh Garbage - listen to all the neat time signature and dynamics changes in it and great feel - I think it's Ed shouting out the 'yeahs' from behind the percussion http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jCmNtLSCPI - there's a good video clip of Spirit performing 1984 on YouTube as well.

[The Big Guy]

You right, Kyle, Mr. Cassidy certainly belong on any list of top drummers, especially in his era. He does get handicapped by his band being not particularly well-known to the casual listener.