I originally wanted to poke fun at Ringo Starr's most recent solo release, Ringorama. But there's nothing at all funny about lampooning the former Beatles drummer anymore. At least I don't think so.
Everyone loves taking jabs at the poor guy. Even when Ringo enthusiasts seem to have nice things to say, they wind up subtly insulting him....
George Harrison on Ringo's drum fills: "Ringo starts them all in the wrong place and all of that... but that is brilliance, that's pure feel."
Beatles biographer, Ray Coleman on Starr's "cool" disposition: "Ringo is, in the nicest sense, a clown."
Paul McCartney on Ringo's extensive input into the writing of Beatles songs: "Obviously, a lot of things came out of what Ringo was playing, but we would always control it. We always gave Ringo direction on every single number."
At this point, he'll be the first to admit to his shortcomings.
Ringo on the importance of practicing: "I just don't do it."
Ringo on his drumming peers: "Whenever I hear another drummer, I know I'm no good."
Ringo on his strengths: "I'm good with all the motions, swinging my head, like. That's because I love to dance but you can't do that on the drums."
Ringo on Recess editor, Greg Veis: "No thank you, chap. Although he does look a whole lot cuter than the second-hand groupies Paul handed down to me back in '64."
- Scott Hechinger
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