Paul McCartney rarely holds back when talking about music — especially when it comes to drummers. Over decades of collaboration, discovery, and admiration, McCartney has developed a deep appreciation for some of rock’s most iconic percussionists. In recent interviews, he’s offered thoughtful reflections on three legendary drummers: John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Keith Moon of The Who, and his longtime bandmate Ringo Starr of The Beatles.
For McCartney, these drummers are not just names in a rhythm section — they represent distinct approaches to music, creativity, and the very heartbeat of rock ’n’ roll.
John Bonham — Power and Precision
When McCartney speaks of John Bonham, his respect is unmistakable. Bonham’s work with Led Zeppelin helped define what it meant to be a rock drummer: explosive power matched with remarkable finesse.
McCartney has emphasized that Bonham’s playing was never about brute force alone. Songs like “When the Levee Breaks” and “Kashmir” are often celebrated for their sonic weight, but it was Bonham’s sense of timing, feel, and texture that elevated those tracks beyond mere volume.
McCartney has said more than once that Bonham’s style was unique because he combined rhythmic strength with musical sensitivity, making the drums a central part of the composition rather than just a backdrop.
For McCartney, Bonham’s legacy is one of balanced intensity — a reminder that technical power and musicality can coexist in rock drumming.
Keith Moon — Controlled Chaos
Keith Moon, the unpredictable force behind The Who, earned his reputation as rock’s greatest wild card. His drumming was unconventional, energetic, and often theatrical — as if the kit itself were a secondary instrument rather than a traditional timekeeper.
McCartney has praised Moon’s uninhibited style, saying that Moon “played like he was having the best time ever.” While some drummers might settle into strict grooves, Moon’s fills, accents, and improvisational spirit injected a thrilling sense of unpredictability into every performance.
According to McCartney, Moon’s strength wasn’t precision — it was pure musical personality, the kind that could shift the emotional direction of a song simply by what he chose to play.
Moon’s approach was less about keeping time and more about making moments — a philosophy McCartney respects for its daring and originality.
Ringo Starr — The Beat of The Beatles
Of course, McCartney’s most personal reflections are reserved for Ringo Starr, his bandmate for more than a decade. In the context of The Beatles’ catalogue, Ringo’s role has often been misunderstood by casual listeners — but McCartney has always insisted that Ringo’s subtle genius was central to the band’s sound.
Ringo’s drumming was never about flash; it was about serving the song. Whether it was a steady backbeat on “Come Together” or a jaunty rhythm on “With a Little Help from My Friends,” Ringo’s choices were always musical rather than showy.
McCartney has noted that what made Ringo remarkable was his feel, his taste, and his ability to enhance a tune without ever overpowering it — a rare quality in any musician, especially a drummer.
That humility, combined with impeccable timing and a knack for creative simplicity, is what McCartney believes makes Ringo one of rock’s most important drummers — even if his contributions aren’t always the first ones people mention.
Three Styles, One Legacy
Taken together, Bonham, Moon, and Starr represent three very different approaches to the same fundamental role:
- Bonham: Power tempered with musicality
- Moon: Wild spontaneity and personality
- Starr: Unfailing musical sensitivity and support
For McCartney, the value of a great drummer is not measured in technical complexity alone, but in how the player shapes the music’s emotional and rhythmic core. His reflections underline a simple truth: drummers don’t just keep time — they give songs their pulse, energy, and sometimes their soul.
Why Drummers Matter
In McCartney’s view, great drummers do more than set a tempo. They establish a foundation upon which melodies, harmonies, and vocal lines can soar. They can transform a simple chord progression into something unforgettable. And when players like Bonham, Moon, and Ringo step up to the kit, they don’t just play rhythms — they define eras.
McCartney’s appreciation for these drummers isn’t just historical; it’s personal. It’s a recognition of how rhythm, feel, and creative courage shape not just a band’s sound, but the very way audiences experience music.
In celebrating Bonham, Moon, and Ringo, McCartney is also celebrating a core truth of rock ’n’ roll: the beat matters just as much as the melody — and the stories behind those beats are part of what makes the music timeless.
