Who is the greatest drummer of all time? Jeff Lynne’s answer might surprise you—and it’s not just about technical skill.
Far Out sat down with the legendary Jeff Lynne, and the conversation quickly turned to the heartbeat of any great band: the drummer. Lynne, known for his meticulous perfectionism in the studio—whether with ELO or the Traveling Wilburys—has always aimed for the stars. But here’s where it gets interesting: for Lynne, the best drummer isn’t necessarily the one with the fastest hands or the most complex fills. It’s about something far more profound.
Lynne’s journey from his early days with The Idle Race and The Move to the orchestral grandeur of ELO’s A New World Record and Out of the Blue taught him that perfection in the studio often comes at a cost. Live performances of these sonic masterpieces required compromises, as recreating their layered complexity on stage was nearly impossible. Yet, it was this very challenge that led Lynne to appreciate the raw, unfiltered energy of rock and roll—a lesson he carried into his work with the Traveling Wilburys, where simplicity and camaraderie reigned supreme.
But this is the part most people miss: when Lynne was tasked with producing the final recordings of The Beatles, he witnessed firsthand the magic of Ringo Starr behind the kit. Starr, often overlooked in discussions of drumming greats, brought something unique to the table—a human touch that transcended technical prowess. Lynne recalls, ‘Ringo’s one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard. Probably the best. He’s just so… I don’t know what it is. His fills are just right. He’s a great drummer.’
Starr’s strength lay in his ability to listen—to lock in with his bandmates and serve the song rather than overshadow it. While other drummers might speed up or lose tempo, Starr was a human metronome, his fills becoming rhythmic hooks that defined Beatles classics like ‘Ticket to Ride’, ‘Tomorrow Never Knows’, and the iconic drum solo in ‘The End’. His playing wasn’t flashy, but it was undeniably effective, infusing every track with a heartbeat that felt alive.
And here’s the controversial part: Lynne boldly claims that Starr’s subtlety and groove outshine the raw power of drummers like John Bonham or Neil Peart. Is he right? Or is technical mastery the ultimate measure of greatness? Starr’s approach was all about feel, about blending seamlessly into the music—a stark contrast to the showmanship often associated with drumming legends. But perhaps that’s precisely what makes him unparalleled.
So, what do you think? Is Ringo Starr the greatest drummer of all time, or does the title belong to someone with more technical flair? Let’s debate it in the comments—because when it comes to music, there’s no one right answer, just endless room for passion and perspective.
