Beatles drummer Ringo Starr reveals his most proud moment within the band
Ringo Starr, the beloved drummer of The Beatles, celebrated his 85th birthday last week. His career, marked by resilience and humility, began with an unusual setback during the recording of The Beatles' debut single, "Love Me Do," in 1962.
Producer George Martin, aiming for a polished sound on the band’s first official single, decided to bring in session drummer Andy White to play drums for the recording session on September 11, 1962. Starr, who had recently joined The Beatles and regularly played drums live, was asked to play tambourine instead on the final released version.
Starr took this decision professionally, understanding the common practice at the time of using experienced studio musicians to ensure a flawless recording. He didn't feel bitter, instead accepting the decision with grace.
Despite this brief setback, Starr resumed drumming duties on Beatles recordings soon after and became an integral part of The Beatles’ sound. His unique "feel" on the drums can be heard on nearly every major Beatles track after "Love Me Do," such as "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Come Together," and "Rain."
This incident, often seen as a stepping stone rather than a career setback for Starr, ultimately demonstrated his professionalism and resilience, helping to establish his important place within the band moving forward.
George Martin, who had initially expressed uncertainty about Starr's ability, was quick to acknowledge his role in the band. He famously said, "The Beatles did this," referring to the band's success, with Starr being a significant part of that success.
In a twist of fate, Starr and Jeff Lynne, who produced a documentary on Starr, live close to each other. Lynne called Starr to play on a track due to their proximity, and Starr continues to play a significant role in the music industry.
Starr's proudest moment of his career with The Beatles was during the recording of their debut album, "Please Please Me." He referred to himself as the "click" in the studio, a testament to his steady rhythm and the heart he brought to the band's music.
Starr's drumming style, influenced by his emotions and feelings, is not something he can explain or replicate intentionally. It's a natural talent that has made him an icon in the music industry. His 85th birthday is a celebration of this talent, resilience, and the unique contribution he made to The Beatles and the world of music.
References: 1. The Beatles Bible 2. Rolling Stone 3. NME
Celebrities like Ringo Starr often face setbacks in their career, as Starr did when he was asked to play tambourine instead of drums on The Beatles' debut single in 1962. However, his acceptance of the decision with grace, and his unique drumming style that can be heard on tracks like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "Rain," ultimately established him as an integral part of pop-culture and the music industry. Despite this incident, Starr's professionalism and resilience continued to shine throughout his extensive career in entertainment.
