Talk:Ringo Starr

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Contents

[edit] Bill Harry's encyclopedia of Ringo

I don't think anyone should quote from that book. Whenever some is commenting or speaking about Ringo in the book, the author [Bill Harry] never shows where he got his quotes from or whether he interviewed any of these people.

Does anyone else agree that his book is sometimes unreliable? Sandy June 23:05, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Singing

Does Ringo sing one song off each Beatles album, or at least one? Did he have two on The White Album? Abbey Road? Also, we really should add something about his solo career and his acting career; there is more to his life than The Beatles, though that is clearly what he's most known for. --Koyaanis Qatsi

One per album. Since The White Album was 2 disks, I guess you could say one per record :-)

[edit] Humour

This is more of an opinion than an encyclopedia-style entry, so I'm putting it here -- but Starr's main contribution was his laconic humor. The Beatles were as much about personality and charm as they were about music, and Starr was one-fourth of that. To simply focus on the songwriting does him a disservice, and misrepresents the band. Lots of English guys had musical and songwriting talent, but only four of them became the Beatles.

Favorite Ringo line: during a United States tour, he was asked, "How do you find America?" Starr replied, "Turn left at Greenland." - RjLesch

It was John Lennon who spoke that line in the movie "A Hard Day's Night", not Ringo Starr.

Are you sure? AHDN predate the big breakthrough in the US doesn't it. I certainly don't recall that line of dialogue. -- GWO

Yes, I'm positive. The movie actually doesn't predate their breakthrough in the US. They came to the US in February of 1964, and the movie was released later that year. It was Lennon who said that line in the movie.

You're right. Sorry. Horribly illegal script here: http://gayatri.nm.ru/harddn.htm

I recall it being from a genuine press conference though.

It was from a press conference. Most of the lines from the AHDN 'press conference' sequence are taken from actual Beatles press conferences. Not quite sure who first 'quipped' the infamous Greenland line though.

It's indeed from a real press conference and for whatever reason, in A Hard Day's Night they decided to have John say what Ringo really stated and vise versa.

[edit] Singing

Starr was underrated as a singer, thats my opinion, but Ive also heard hes mean to fans who ask for autographs AntonioMartin

Wouldn't you be ocasionally mean after signing thousands and thousands of autographs? (He was probably eating, talking to someone, or on the toilet at the time.) --andreasegde 09:25, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Personal life

Where is the deatils about Rong's personal life? His marraige to Babara and Maureen? All this tell us is of his musical career.


[edit] Really the best?

Did John, Paul, and George really say Ringo was the best R&R drummer in the world? I have heard that John, at least, when asked whether Ringo was the best drummer in the world answered "He's not even the best drummer in Beatles". I also understand that other drummers filled on on some of the studio work that Ringo couldn't handle. I don't have anything against giving Ringo his due, but this article seems to overstate his abilities.

That stuff about Bernard Purdie doing some of the drumming on early Beatles stuff is trash. He worked on some of the very early stuff, when "The Beat Brothers" (John, Paul, George and Pete) backed up Tony Sheridan, but nothing after that. As for whether the Beatles ever said Ringo was the best drummer, I'm sure Paul has. John, I believe, was joking in the remark about Ringo not being the best drummer in the Beatles; it was not long after Ringo briefly quit, and Paul drummed on "Back in the USSR". Whether he's called him the best, however, I can't be sure. As for George, he and Ringo were fairly close, I'd say he must have said it at some point, but that's just conjecture. Anyway. - Vague | Rant 04:19, Dec 21, 2004 (UTC)

Please! There is NO WAY a person can listen to the drumming on, say, "Magical Mystery Tour" (the song) and something like "Savoy Truffle," back to back, and maintain that they are the same drummer. At least, not anyone who has ears & knows the first thing about drums. "Magical Mystery Tour," which is certainly Ringo, is pretty near incompetent---the kick sounds like a drunk 5-year-old is playing it and the feel is crappy---whereas "Savoy Truffle" is 100% world-class grooving. Bernard Purdie-style grooving. I know these are later tracks, but there it is. Take the listening test for yourself. And by the way, if anyone ever had the PR and financial muscle to hush up a thing like this, The Beatles did. (And also by the way, if any drummer has no motive whatsoever to embellish on the credits of his career---his career being absolutely stellar---that drummer is Purdie.)


That's Ringo playing on Savoy Truffle. Do you want to know how I know this? The FIRST take was recorded on October 3, 1968 and the final mixes were done by October 14, 1968. Ringo left the band in August of 1968 and came back in the first week of September. Let's try to be accurate here please and also let's try to sign our names after our comments. Don't be a coward. And another thing, his drumming on "Magical Mystery Tour is far from incompetent. I've listened to that song and it sounds good. Ringo 'made' the songs sound great. Sandy June 05:26, 20 March 2007 (UTC)


The drummer on both "Magical Mystery Tour" and "Savoy Truffle" is Ringo Starr and only Ringo Starr.

In 1969, Paul sent Ringo a card reading, "You are the best drummer in the world. Really." This was a day after the rooftop concert.

George Harrison once called him "the best backbeat in the business". As far as Ringo being replaced, this was only on "Love Me Do", the first single. During the White Album sessions, Ringo got fed up with the others and left for a few days, Paul filled in for him on drums during some songs on that album. Danthemankhan 20:01, Feb 11, 2005 (UTC)
He was replaced on "Love Me Do" because when they auditioned for George Martin, Pete Best was their drummer(my source here is the Anthology, and it's a little sketchy, but worth looking into, so take it as you like, but my point is that Andy White was replacing Pete, not Ringo).

- -Andy White replaced Ringo Starr on September 11, 1962. It is Andy White on drums for the LP version of "Love Me Do." Ringo Starr had "failed" his audition on drums on September 4, 1962. Starr was to play the drums from November 1962 on, however.

There is a recording of "Love Me Do" with Ringo on drums on a Beatles Rarities album from the 80's.  Also, I recall in the Anthology, either Paul or a recording of John is heard calling Ringo "the best rock drummer".

John Lennon was once asked in an interview if Ringo was the best rock 'n' roll drummer in the world and his answer was, "He's not even the best drummer in the Beatles!!!"

Re. the above (unsigned) contribution: I have yet to see a citation for the interview where Lennon is supposed to have said this about Ringo. I have seen articles claiming he said it, but only in the last few years (long after his death). Prior to that I recall Jasper Carrot (UK comedian) used the line (unattributed to Lennon) in his act in the late 70s/early 80s. --Beatlefan63 16:49, 17 July 2006 (UTC)


Paul also plays drums on Ballad of John and Yoko.

Okay, First off, wikipedia is not a debate over who's better at anything. It happens to serve as a useful information website that brings FACT, with a small bit of opinion. Second of all, before you go criticizing (sp?) Ringo, think to yourself: What makes a good drummer. After you find that out, think: Does that explaination serve everybody's feelings? IF the answer is yes, than I stand corrected. But Srriously, your thoughts on good drumming are certainly diferent than mine, so why don't we just shut up about the whole gosh darn thing. Thank You. Zachary McDevitt 16:12, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Alcoholism

I remember reading about Ringo's alcoholism, but there's no mention of it here. I recall reading that he recorded an album (late 90s? early 21st century?), and sobered up during post-production, then blocked the album's release because he felt his alcohol-influenced performance was substandard.

Is there someone more knowledgeable than I who would like to add something about this?


Ringo did sue producer Chips Moman over some session tapes recorded in 1987 for a proposed album. The judge heard the tapes in court, and I believe the judgment came out in favor of Ringo. In 1989 Ringo submitted to a cover story in the American magazine "People", discussing his and his wife's alcoholism and their treatment.

[edit] Organization

I've reorganized this article a bit -- created separate sections for early years, role in the Beatles, then everything after the Beatles. This makes it easier to follow, and also puts it a bit more in line with the Harrison article.

Also, I've reorganized the material in the Beatles section. It should be drumming first, then singing, then songwriting, since that was the order of importance of his roles in the Beatles. The contribution his personality made needs to be added, as someone noted above, as well as his country mustic influence. I'll try to do that next. The post-Beatles material also needs a lot of work. --jls


"The post-Beatles material also needs a lot of work." Do you mean the article or Ringo's actual material!?!?! Ha HAHAHAHAHA

[edit] Maybe I'm just being stupid...

But:

Starr's parents split up when he slept with his Mr. Granmothers nose;

Makes no sense to me.


Make's sense to me....

[edit] From a recent edit

This was deleted almost immmediately (it certainly didn't belong at the top of the article like that), but I thought I'd paste it here in case there's anything important (or even true - it's the first I've heard of it):

According to "The Beatles Anthology" book printed in 2000 on page 33 (this is the United States version I'm quoting.) "My real name is Parkin, not Starkey. My grandad was named Johnny Parkin. When my grandfather's mother remarried, which was pretty shocking in those days, she married a Starkey, so my grandfather changed his name to Starkey too. (I went to have my family tree done in the sixties, but I could only trace back two generations -- and they couldn't find me. I had to go to my family to find out, and even they hadn't wanted to say anything in case the press found out.)"
This makes me think that The Beatles page should be changed to reflect this or that this information needs to be proven false. However I believe that this is most likly true as it is one of the few books that they contacted all of the living members of The Beatles to write this book. (This is according to "The Beatles Anthology" book to be released in fall 2000 which I think is at least partly accurate.)

-GTBacchus(talk) 19:15, 16 December 2005 (UTC)

As I've said in my recent edit, it certainly doesn't belong in the first line of the article. He received his MBE as Richard Starkey, his songwriting credits are as Richard Starkey. Secondly, now I have time - vandals blocked - to read this more closely, I think you misunderstand the quote. He's saying that by rights he is a Parkin, through the male line. When his great grandmother remmaried, his grandfather changed the male line to Starkey. Richard is legally Starkey, and always has been, but had things been different he would have been a Parkin. Am I right?
Right or wrong, if I find it in the first line again I'll be deleting on sight. We don't rewrite history round here, we simply chronicle it. --kingboyk 05:11, 11 March 2006 (UTC)
OK, further logic to say I'm right. He traced his family tree back 2 generations because they were Starkeys. The trail stopped there, because prior to that they were Parkins. That does not legally or for the purposes of our article make him a Parkin. It's no more than trivia (and could go into the trivia section). --kingboyk 06:35, 11 March 2006 (UTC)
I support mentioning it somewhere appropriate (trivia, family background, a footnote to one of those, something). I oppose it being in the lead sentence, it's not relevant enough to be a lead sentence thing, IMHO. I've added the page to my watchlist as well, and will revert on sight unless the person who puts it in discusses it here first. ++Lar: t/c 00:46, 12 March 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Recent Vandalism

There's been a lot of vandalism of this page in the last weeks.And it consists in changing a few names ( like "Hamburg" to "Ham Bug" ), which makes it hardly locatable.

Why aren't the last changes watched ? Maybe we should lock the page, I don't know.

MrGater 20:43, 8 January 2006 (UTC)

It's been crazy tonight, and I've just blocked 2 IP addresses for an hour. I didn't have this article on my watchlist but will add it now. In future if you see vandalism as organised as this, please rush over to Wikipedia:Administrator intervention against vandalism to report it, or Wikipedia:Requests for page protection to request protection. --kingboyk 05:13, 11 March 2006 (UTC)


Someone changed the date he became a grandfather to 1965 again. Since that date definitely is incorrect I've changed it back to 1985.

[edit] Ringo Starr vs. Apple Sauce

Is it really a coincidence that Ringo was in an apple sauce commercial, or was the japanese word part of the stage name etymology? --Nintendude 07:42, 21 January 2006 (UTC)

Re: the recent sauce → juice edit — seems to be correct [1] [2] unless he did both. Femto 11:57, 17 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "last" song

' Starr did all this without ostentatious flash: the only drum solo in The Beatles' catalogue is on "The End" (in some senses the "last" Beatles song) ' The parenthetical was removed but if there's a source for it, I think it's a neat thing to keep. Unsourced? Must go. ++Lar: t/c 14:04, 6 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] References to Ringo in text and exception.

In accordance with discussions over at The Beatles:Project and elsewhere I have changed all references from "Ringo" to "Starr"/"Ringo Starr", except one. This is where Carl Palmer says he sold his drumkit to Ringo. Whilst it is not in quotes it is very likely to be reported speech, and therefore I have kept it as is. In any event, this article is the one where the policy is least effective - since Ringo IS Ringo. I am sure that I have seen "serious" articles elsewhere in the past where The Beatles are named as Lennon, McCartney, Harrison and Ringo.LessHeard vanU 12:37, 17 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Irish?

Am I right in suggesting that of all the Beatles, Ringo was the only one who didn't (or couldn't) claim Irish descent? We know of Paul and John, and I had always assumed that George had some Irish in him somewhere.. but did Ringo? I ask because he is listed in the article List of Irish people#Notable people of Irish descent as being of Irish descent. --Mal 10:49, 20 April 2006 (UTC)

Who in Liverpool is not of Irish decent, Liverpool is sometimes jokingly referred to as the real capital of Ireland. Starkey is an Irish surname to my knowledge! George is connected on both sides, his paternal grandgather Harrison came from Co Waterford, Ireland. 86.40.10.82 14:21, 20 April 2006 (UTC)
I'm somewhat reminded of a sketch on Goodness Gracious Me - "Indian!" :-) --kingboyk 02:19, 21 April 2006 (UTC)

Starkey is certainly not a common name in Northern Ireland (though that doesn't necessarily mean that its uncommon in the Republic also). Having done some research on it, it looks as though it is of English and/or German origin - not Irish. However, that doesn't mean that people with the surname Starkey hadn't settled in Ireland at some point.. after all, FitzGerald is a common name in the RoI, but its not an Irish name - its Norman.

Gleave (his mother's maiden name) is also not an Irish name.

According to Alan Clayson's biography, Straight Man or Joker? he was described as the only Beatle not to have had Irish blood.

His maternal great-great-grandfather was a Cunningham (a ancestral surname I have in common with Ringo). This is common in Ireland (particularly in Ulster), but it is primarily Scottish. However, it has been used as an Anglicisation of some Irish surnames.

His maternal great-great grandfather was a Johnson - and that is even harder to determine when it comes to ancestry, being such a common surname throughout the English-speaking world.

I can't see that Ringo has any Irish ancestry at all. Even if he does.. somewhere along the line, it is tenuous at best. I'm going to remove him from the list.

As for who in Liverpool is not of Irish descent.. ermm.. non-Irish descended people perhaps..? lol --Mal 21:02, 23 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Did he die?

I heard from our teacher who is a fan that Ringo Starr died not long ago. Is it true?

no Anger22 13:59, 27 April 2006 (UTC)
Tell your teacher to read a book sometime. --andreasegde 09:20, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ringo's lack of talent

In everything I have read and seen in documentaries, all I can gather is that Ringo Starr was not a very good drummer at all and all the innovation this article talks about is not true.

I have read in many places (Blender magazine's recent article about the song Ticket to Ride, for example) that Paul McCartney had to constantly tell Ringo how to play. I also remember a quote that went something along the lines of this:

Interviewer: "Is Ringo Starr the best drummer in the world?" John Lennon: "He's not the best drummer in the Beatles!"[3]

As far as I'm concerned, that puts a lot of the statements about Starr's abilities and virtuosity into question and this article needs a lot of citation. There's also a question of whether Ringo was great because of his drumming or because he was in the Beatles. There are/were plenty of much better drummers (Buddy Rich, for example) with far less fame because they weren't part of the most popular rock group in history. --Stellis 01:14, 7 May 2006 (UTC)

I'm afraid most of the Beatles articles are in need of citations and referencing. Why not join the Beatles WikiProject and help with such tasks?
i've always held to the belief that he was merely an adequate drummer, but the most adequate drummer there is. in terms of time keeping, he has a very great reputation, rather than someone like Keith Moon, who can make an awesome din but can barely keep a simple rhythm. Joeyramoney 02:05, 5 June 2006 (UTC)
As regards to your specific comments, can you tell me how John Lennon can be considered an authority on drumming quality? I really wouldn't give too much weight to what he said in a jokey context; I'd give more weight to what he did, which is to sign Ringo in place of Pete Best just as they were on the verge of fame.
Ringo certainly isn't a flashy drummer, and flashiness is how drummers tend to be assessed these days. However, he kept a solid beat and was sympathetic to the music of the times (cf. Charlie Watts). Ultimately, though, what you, I or other editors think is - as you've alluded to - irrelevant. Ideally this article would quote other drummers on Ringo's qualities and deficiencies. I think there's serioys schools of thought both for "Ringo is great" and "Ringo is a talentless chancer who got very very lucky"! --kingboyk 01:20, 7 May 2006 (UTC)
Nod. Let's teach the controversy. Find the cites for all viewpoints and present them all, and let the reader draw their own conclusion. As usual, because that's the essence of WP:NPOV... ++Lar: t/c 01:40, 7 May 2006 (UTC)
Ref Macca telling Ringo how to play, it should be noted that Sir Paul was also in the habit of telling George Harrison how to play the solo's on Beatles record... few people today doubt Harrisons ability and status as a guitarist.LessHeard vanU 12:24, 7 May 2006 (UTC)
Telling George what guitar sound he wanted might have been a bit bossy, but it's not the same as disputing his talent. (Sorry, but I see a continuing gentle undercurrent of anti-Macca sentiment on talk pages round here :) George is my favourite Beatle too but Paul a) is not dead (just thought I'd clear that one up :P ) b) was (in terms of songs written and playing ability) every bit as good as Lennon, if not better! :) ) --kingboyk 12:43, 7 May 2006 (UTC)
Just to clarify what I (thought I) was saying, having Macca tell/suggest what/how to play does not mean the player is substandard. Macca seems to have a very clear vision of how he wanted "his" songs to sound like, and would detail the arrangements. I thought that this aspect of his approach, contrasting with Lennons more experimental methods, was understood to be one of the reasons for the tensions that later arose within the group? The Lennon quote regarding Macca's assumption of "leadership" after the death of Epstein appears to refer to it. For the record, I believe Macca to be the better tunesmith and Lennon the better lyricist - but I liked George best of all!
As for Ringo, if they had used different drummers then they would likely have credited it. They did when Macca played drums, or when Billy Preston played keyboards or Eric Clapton played guitar - Lordy, they used to credit Mal Evans if his handclaps were on the track - so the theory that Ringo was substituted doesn't hold water. If his drumming standards were not always maintained to the highest level, then it may be that it was because he was merely excellent (but maybe not the greatest in the world). It still appears that he is under-rated, even after all these years.LessHeard vanU 20:33, 7 May 2006 (UTC)

"Lack of talent" is just plain disrespectful. Ringo was not the greatest drummer technically, indeed he was never formally trained and learned by listening to records. But being ambidextrous and improvising his drumming, he had a style that could not easily be emulated, which gains him much respect in the drumming world. Many excellent and professional drummers have tried – and failed – to copy him, which is why he’s in such a respected category. He’s Ringo Starr, for crying out loud! He only got the MOST fanmail of all the Beatles ;-)

Fanmail is not a yardstick for talent. Ringo was a very good drummer, and he was part of The Beatles right until the end. His technique was good enough for the band to expand their sound and attempt various styles throughout their career.LessHeard vanU 23:28, 23 June 2006 (UTC)
He was brilliant because he didn't play like a normal drummer. Listen to the later Beatles stuff and get a drummer to try and copy it. Ringo played like an orchestral percussionist on many tracks, and never just blasted his way through. "Come together" is a perfect example. It's not about expertise, it's about originality. All of The Beatles were not technically gifted, but they were original, and that's the hardest part... --andreasegde 10:58, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

I've been a drummer for 40 years, and I think that Ringo is exceptional. I once saw Keith Moon answer the question, "Who's your favorite drummer?" with "Ringo". Listen to "Tomorrow Never Knows", "Come Together", "Sun King", or even the straightforward "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". For dynamics, he has few equals. His beat choices were often inspired and inspiring. His counting was metronomic: think of the way he just nails "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" down. 72.83.172.216 05:42, 23 January 2007 (UTC)dangfitz

Ringo didn't have a choice. He HAD to play as the writers wanted it or else the song wouldn't sound right, the same with George. He was forced to play it as John or Paul wanted it. Usually drummers are forced to play as the writers or producers wanted it-- Ringo is no exception. Listen to "I Me Mine" in the Let It Be movie. Ringo complements George as he's playing his guitar riff: something truly amazing.

Another thing is that Ringo made the "cut" with Please, Please Me. He could have been replaced as he was in Love Me Do, but his drumming saved him. Read Bob Spitz's book "The Beatles". Sandy June 23:44, 8 March 2007 (UTC)

Re: comments above about Buddy Rich. Buddy Rich would be worse for the Beatles than Starr. First, it wasn' this idiom. He had the talent to adjust (play louder, play simpler beats, no solos, leave space for the bass part to shine), but he wouldn't have done it. Stepping back from that specific drummer, many pre-rock'n'roll drummers looked down on it as a genre and didn't want to play it. I suspect that was partly age and "I know what I like" attitude, but who knows? As a drummer (who makes some noise on other instruments, too!) I think he was great. His sense of time is very good. His cymbal work is excellent; listem to McCartney's sloppy cymbal work on the stuff he played for the Beatles and then listen carefully to almost anything Ringo did. Don't get me wrong; Paul's a good drummer for someone who isn't a drummer and he also has a sense of what to play and what not to play. Starr had that, too, and while some parts were suggested to him (sometimes the songwriter is trying to get the band to play what he hears in his/her head), he had to understand what they meant and make it real. If you listen to the alternate versions we have available, pay particular attention to songs that changed style and how Ringo's parts sound pretty good in both versions. Songs that changed dramatically during the recording process are an interesting indicator of what he brought to the band. He "got it".
all that said, it's appropriate for this topic to be in the article, but properly cited. I don't think the criticism or praise has to come from drummers, but it must come from reliable sources, like everything else. Professional reviewers, professional drummers in written works or interviews, etc. John Cardinal 02:34, 9 March 2007 (UTC)


Hey Stellis, if John didn't think Ringo wasn't the best drummer in the Beatles why did pick Ringo to drum on some of his songs? Also, John is well known for his biting sarcasm. He's criticized the other two Beatles before. But, Ringo is a good drummer in his own right. Check out She said She said. That's some great stuff man. He did some nifty drum fills on Long, Long, Long. Ringo just had his own sound, which was very important to the Beatles. Even George Martin says this in his book: All You Need Is Ears. Sandy June 23:23, 26 March 2007 (UTC)

[edit] "Ringo" or "Ritchie"

What was the name that the others used to refer to him? Listening to Harrison's "Living In The Material World" there are the lines "Though we started out quite poor / We got Richie (sic) on a tour" and I found that kind of odd, if the guys usually referred to him as "Ringo". Also, in the beginning of the atrocious "Magical Mystery Tour" he identifies himself as Richard Starkey, not Ringo. So I was just wondering how people in his personal life addressed him. (People, that is, who knew him from before becoming famous - there could be a difference between what people he knew, pre-fame, in Liverpool called, and what people, meeting him only after he had become famous, called him.) Does anyone know? Hi There 04:23, 9 May 2006 (UTC)
Ringo or Richie I believe. His wife Maureen and family called him Richie. This is all from memory (reading books and listening to bootlegs), I can't tell you exactly how I know... :) --kingboyk 10:20, 9 May 2006 (UTC)
Paul often called John "Johnny". George and Ringo often called The Beatles 'them', or 'they' (third person) when referring to The Beatles on Anthology. --andreasegde 11:05, 9 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Contradictory Sentence?

The sentence "Starr commented that the other Beatles gave him very explicit instructions on what to drum so it's worth bearing in mind that he was to an extent "programmed"" seems to contradict the paragraphs above it. Is this a legitimate sentence? If so I think it needs a source and needs to be rewritten for clarity.

[edit] sections

This article could really do with a lot more subsections. Stevage 08:15, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Old Wave LP

The article stated that "Old Wave" was only released in Germany, Canada and Brazil but I have seen this LP as being released in Scandinavia as well as Australia. I have lived in both places and currently reside in the latter. Does anyone know of other countries where this LP may have been released? I have added this information to the article relating to what I have stated.--Peter Jensen 13:00, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Ringo's drumming ability

I think there's a lot of negative nonsense being written about Ringo's talents. Many drummers have praised Ringo's talents including Phil Collins. There's a great article called THIRTEEN REASONS TO GIVE RINGO SOME RESPECT by John Bryant (a drummer). This article as written by a drummer clearly shows just why Ringo deserves recognition for his abilities as a drummer. I would copy it here but it is copyrighted so I can't without infringement of the copyright. But I'm sure if anyone does a search on the Internet they will find a copy. Please do proper research before posting negative comments.--Peter Jensen 13:14, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

As the majority of tyhis page are Beatles fans, it's safe to say we agree with you. However, it would be wrong to ignore the critisism Ringo has recieved. However, we have also made an effort mention the praise he has recieved and it seems very well balenced to me. I like him, fuck Phil "slaphead" Collins with his massive drumkit or that twat out of Cream and his 20 minute drum solos that bored me shitless. Fuck them, hail Ringo for being steady and innovative.
A bit embarrassed to sign your name?LessHeard vanU 15:38, 29 July 2006 (UTC)
Uncited comments regarding Ringo's drumming, for good or bad, are POV and should not be included in the text. A link to the article mentioned above could be included at the end of the article, if appropriate.LessHeard vanU 22:06, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

I think Ringo Starr could beat Phil Collins and Nick Mason in a three-way tornado drumming fight. Do I win £5?--Crestville 22:55, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

Here's a link to the John Bryant article http://web2.airmail.net/gshultz/bryant.html but please don't copy and paste the article into the Ringo Starr page without permission from the author.--Peter Jensen 04:38, 29 July 2006 (UTC)

"Hello Goodbye" is proof enough.[4] Ever heard a drummer playing a solo in the verse, and floor tom in the chorus? Never. Originality is something that hours in the woodshed with a rubber practice pad can never be achieved. How many drummers have you seen with a tea towel over their snare to make it sound different? None. This kind of conversation makes my blood boil...--andreasegde 06:37, 10 October 2006 (UTC)
It seems fashionable to critisize Ringo's drumming, but I think the last word should rest with The Beatles. From 1965 onwards the band were the biggest in the world, and every musician would have sold their mother to have played with/for them. In that time Ringo's place was never in doubt, even as Lennon and McCartney pushed songwriting and recording into hitherto unknown areas. He was good enough for the greatest band of the era - 'nuff said!LessHeard vanU 09:45, 10 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] external links - Russian (?) entry

Is this just a joke title to the correct link, or simply vandalism? I don't want to remove a legit link just because it reads juvenile in English.LessHeard vanU 20:11, 29 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Overdoing it

I feel like the section "role in the beatles" is a bit gushing at times, and it overstates his talent. The whole thing seems like an enthusiastic defense of his playing skills, rather than an objective look at them. I suggest someone look over it. AdamBiswanger1R.I.P. Steve Irwin 19:44, 28 September 2006 (UTC)

{{sofixit}} A fresh set of eyes is probably exactly what it needs. Show no mercy mate, we don't want fancruft round here :) Thank you, over and out. --kingboyk 20:02, 28 September 2006 (UTC)
Eh, this is an incredibly famous guy with passionate fans. If I did go ahead and make said changes without asking first and seeking a consensus, there would likely be an averse reaction, especially considering he is apparently the greatest drummer to ever hold a drumstick. I might delve into it soon. AdamBiswanger1 02:33, 2 October 2006 (UTC)
We adhere to NPOV here (cough)! If an opinion regarding Starrs ability or lack thereof is going to included then if needs references/citations. Removing pro comments may cause a spate of reverts, but be bold and request the reverter provide refs, etc. Removing anti comments, as you seem to suggest, may not create the same reaction but the same rules apply if there is. Have fun. LessHeard vanU 16:15, 2 October 2006 (UTC)
Yes. Most Beatle fans probably don't rate Ringo as the best drummer ever you know (whilst they certainly rate him as a vital ingredient in the mix), but some professionals do. Other professionals no doubt think he's a chancer of dubious talent who got very lucky. The ideal would be to quote both, with citations. In the meantime, feel free to zap any over-enthusiastic fancruft or, indeed, anything overly negative. Cheers. --kingboyk 16:22, 2 October 2006 (UTC)
I did a little bit of cleanup. It's ok, but it could get better. AdamBiswanger1 21:50, 5 October 2006 (UTC)
This talk about how good, or bad, he was/is should stop. If anyone doesn't like his drumming, just turn the stereo knob on your sound system to the left, or the right, and you will have no problem. The man was original, and he was in The Beatles. As Paul McCartney said on Anthology about this kind of thing; "Hey, it was The Beatles, it sold - shut up." Stop nit-picking. --andreasegde 06:43, 10 October 2006 (UTC)

I think he's a good drummer, maybe not a technical genius but I like his style. I like the drum beat to all The Beatles songs at any rate. And at least he didn't ever resort to performing that holy grail of gobshite-drummer tricks: The Drum Solo. Euugh. He did a little one when forced to on The End, but it wasn't some fucking Phil Collins-in-Genesis/Ginger-twat-out-of-cream 10 minute self indulgent BORING BORING BORING tripe. For this alone he should be praised. And the drum loop on Tomorrow never knows.--Crestville 09:34, 24 January 2007 (UTC)

Wow, I just realised I wrote an almost identical comment about 2 topics up and forgot to sign it. At least I can't be accused of being inconsistant. Although I do feel that Ringo's critics should certainly be represented in the article. He gets a lot of stick, to be sure.--Crestville 09:40, 24 January 2007 (UTC)

[edit] References and citations from a book

Important: Read this on the editing page, or it won't make sense. Click on the "edit" icon. >->->->->->->

How to put a reference in an article:

Use a book, and start with this:

[1]

The name "Spitz" is the surname of the author.

Add this in the middle:

Spitz, Bob. The Beatles: The Biography, Little, Brown, and Company, New York, 2006. ISBN 1845131606

You will find this information in the book you have.

The whole thing looks like this:

[1]

When you want to repeat a reference from the same book in the same article, use this:

[1]

That’s all.

Note: Copy the information over to notepad, or Winword, and insert the information there, and then copy it back to the page. It will save time…

Note: Make sure the page you are editing has a "References section". (This one has.)


--andreasegde 13:23, 13 October 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Citations

Does anyone else think that 42 "citation needed" tags in this article is a bit excessive? I think there is a "this article does not cite its sources" banner that could go at the top without constantly interrupting the flow? If the same philosophy was applied to every article - i.e. that practically every single statement needs a citation - then 90% of articles would be nothing but a forest of these tags.

The George article is the same, I agree it makes it hard to read (as you tend to pronounce all the 'citation needed's in your head). Perhaps a symbol, rather than the actual phrase might help. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 202.161.11.199 (talk) 16:34, 5 December 2006 (UTC).
Yes, there are far too many citation tags, and many of them are unnecessary. If a Starr song appears in a film, it doesn't really need a print citation since it is credited in the film.--Son of Somebody 18:50, 16 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Rolling Stone

Didn't the Rolling Stone name him the #1 drummer of all-time?--Kingforaday1620 23:20, 2 November 2006 (UTC)

Doubtful. I think he's great, amd I think he'd be listed in the top 10 because of his innovations, but best? But then, who knows? Freshacconci 22:51, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Ringo's death?

Why does someone write in the article "Ringo passed away December 9, 2006 peacefully in his home in Reading, England at the age of 52." First of all this seems totally untrue as nothing reports his death (and no reports about fading health exist), secondly the age is totally wrong as Ringo is 66 years old. I guess this entry is a bad joke and should be removed from the article. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 170.65.192.6 (talk) 13:15, 9 December 2006 (UTC).

[edit] # of songs he sang

Does anybody know the number of song in which Ringo was the lead singer (like "With a little help from my friends")? "THROUGH FIRE, JUSTICE IS SERVED!" 04:38, 15 December 2006 (UTC)

I believe it was 3. They were:
  • With a Little Help from My Friends
  • Don't Pass Me By
  • Octopus's Garden

However, I'm happy to be proved wrong if anyone else knows any others. --Liamshaw 19:39, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

There's more--Yellow Submarine, I Wanna Be Your Man, What Goes On, my mind is blank at the moment, but he often had one song per LP. Freshacconci 22:46, 13 February 2007 (UTC)
"Good Night" from the White Album. "Act Naturally". There may be a couple more. Freshacconci 22:54, 13 February 2007 (UTC)
"Honey Don't"--Crestville 10:53, 14 February 2007 (UTC)
"Boys" Vera, Chuck & Dave 19:05, 22 February 2007 (UTC)
"Don't Pass Me By" 72.211.175.219 06:28, 21 March 2007 (UTC)

He also sang matchbox

Ringo, also sang another song after his follow Beatle George Harrison passed away. The song is called " Never Without You". gameplaya 6: 57 31 March 2007

[edit] Songwriting

Ringo confessed fairly recently that George Harrison "co-wrote" It don't come easy. As there exists a demo recording of the song with George singing it, it seems pretty likely that George actually wrote the entire song - this isn't mentioned in the article though - should it be amended and can anyone point to a citation for the co-wrote comment by Ringo? Apepper 23:36, 19 December 2006 (UTC)

If George did co-write It Don't Come Easy, then there would be no surprise if he sang a 'guide vocal' to help Ringo; who was not very confident about his singing. It doesn't mean that he wrote the entire song (nor that he even wrote much at all). He was just helping his mate make the record. However, if Ringo is now saying George did help in the composition then please provide a reference. LessHeard vanU 13:39, 24 January 2007 (UTC)
I always thought they co-wrote it and was credited that way. I may be wrong and don't have the LP in front of me. But then, RIngo does acknowledge George's co-writing on Octopus' Garden, which Ringo is credited alone (plus, Ringo co-write "Badge" with Clapton and Harrison, but didn't get credit). Freshacconci 22:49, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Last Apple Album?

"Blast From Your Past" was not the last album released on Apple Records by a long shot. There have been many others since then. Ever heard of "Anthology" or "Let It Be...Naked", or "Love"? Those are all Apple releases.206.113.132.130 18:01, 2 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Trivia Section

I'm not sure that this article really needs the 'Trivia' section - one piece of rough information does not qualify for an entire section. I am planning to delete the section 'Trivia' in 24 hours if nobody objects. --Liamshaw 19:39, 12 February 2007 (UTC)

Does anybody object? Please say either way - I'd hate to do it without getting feedback from others first. Liamshaw 21:22, 13 February 2007 (UTC)
Hang on; I'll have a quick look and see if the item can be placed elsewhere... LessHeard vanU 22:18, 13 February 2007 (UTC)
It could have been included elsewhere if there was a link which may have shed light on what Full House is. As there wasn't I removed it myself. Liamshaw, best thing in these instances is to be bold and remove/amend as you see fit - with a note in the edit summary. If someone else thinks it should stay they can revert it with explanation. LessHeard vanU 22:25, 13 February 2007 (UTC)
Yup, apologies for my nervousness. However, I've now, at the recommendation of Freshacconci on the Beatles WikiProject talk page, changed "Other Information" into "Trivia". Hope you like. Liamshaw 22:34, 13 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Error in the Miscellenea Section

"In 1990, Starr was the first of the Beatles to become a grandfather with the birth of a daughter to his son, Zak, who is also a drummer and not only plays drums for the Who but also for famous britpop band Oasis, though he is only a semi-official member. Starr arranged for Zak to receive drumming instruction from his idol, the late Who drummer Keith Moon, who was a close friend of his."

How Can this Be When Keith Moon Died in 1978? So Ringo Arranged for his Grandson to have drumming lessons from his friend who died 12 years before the kid was born? Did Ringo not get the memo that Moon had died? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Puppet funk (talk • contribs) 03:18, 15 February 2007 (UTC).

Read carefully. Ringo's son Zak was tutored by Moon; Zak was born in the 60's, long before Moon died. John Cardinal 03:25, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Sir Ringo?

This section seems highly non-notable. The campaign obviously didn't catch on. Any objections if I delete it? Or at the very least drastically reduce it and merge it with another section? --Auximines 18:07, 20 February 2007 (UTC)

The points could be removed, especially if the references link to those same points, or similar points, and merge into "Miscellanea" since that's what this item is, until he actually is knighted. Freshacconci 18:12, 20 February 2007 (UTC)
I thought all four Beatles were simultaneously knighted. No? —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 75.72.21.221 (talk) 02:45, 13 March 2007 (UTC).


No, I think yo're confusing that with when they got MBE's.--Crestville 14:18, 27 March 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, only Paul's been knighted. They all received MBEs in the 60s. I don't think you can be posthumously knighted either, so George and John are out. Just leaves Ringo. And why not? Christ, they knighted Tom Jones! Freshacconci 14:24, 27 March 2007 (UTC)
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