Ringo Starr’s Influence on John Bonham: A Tale of Two Drumming Legends

Ringo Starr and John Bonham, two iconic drummers from the golden age of rock, left indelible marks on music history through their work with The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, respectively. While their styles diverged dramatically—Starr’s understated grooves anchoring pop masterpieces and Bonham’s thunderous, virtuosic power driving hard rock anthems—their paths crossed in meaningful ways, and Starr’s influence on Bonham is a fascinating thread in the tapestry of rock drumming. This article explores how Starr shaped Bonham’s approach, recounts their notable interactions, and evaluates who might be considered the “better” drummer, based on their unique strengths.

Report: The Influence of Ringo Starr on John Bonham and a Detailed Comparison

Ringo Starr and John Bonham stand as towering figures in rock music, each leaving an indelible mark on drumming through their work with The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, respectively. This report delves into how Ringo influenced Bonham, their interactions, and a comprehensive comparison of their drumming styles, addressing who might be considered the “better” drummer and why. The analysis draws on historical accounts, interviews, and expert opinions to provide a thorough exploration.

Background and Context

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, joined The Beatles in 1962, replacing Pete Best. He became known for his distinctive drumming style that supported the band’s evolving sound.

Born in 1948, John Bonham came of age as The Beatles dominated the global music scene in the 1960s. Not being able to escape the Fab Four’s omnipresence and Ringo Starr, as their rhythmic foundation, was a key figure in his musical landscape. Joining Led Zeppelin in 1968, he brought a powerful, technically proficient approach that defined the group’s hard rock identity.

Both drummers operated during the peak of classic rock, marked by close-knit relationships among musicians that facilitated mutual influence and interaction.

Ringo Starr’s Influence on John Bonham

Ringo Starr’s drumming had a notable influence on John Bonham, particularly through Bonham’s respect for Ringo’s work.

Bonham acknowledged this influence in a 1970 interview with NME, praising Ringo’s drumming on Abbey Road, stating, “Let’s just say I think the drumming on Abbey Road is really good” and noting, “Some of the rhythm on the album are really far out. The drumming on all the Beatles’ records is great. The actual patterns are just right for what they are doing.“  This admiration highlights Ringo’s approach — a knack for serving the song by emphasising feel and song support — likely resonated with Bonham, even though their styles were distinct. It was a trait Bonham would later echo in his work, despite his flashier style.

The era’s cross-pollination of ideas, with musicians like Ringo and Bonham often collaborating or socialising, suggests Ringo’s influence extended beyond direct mentorship to a shared musical dialogue.

Ringo’s style, characterised by simplicity and emotional connection, contrasted with Bonham’s technical complexity. However, Bonham’s recognition of Ringo’s effectiveness highlights how Ringo’s work may have inspired Bonham to appreciate the importance of rhythm in supporting a band’s overall sound. As stated previously, Bonham, like many drummers of the time, grew up listening to The Beatles, whose music was ubiquitous and influential.

Starr’s impact on Bonham wasn’t about technical complexity but rather his intuitive feel and musicality. Starr, a left-handed drummer playing a right-handed kit, developed a distinctive swing and phrasing that gave Beatles tracks like “Come Together” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” unforgettable grooves. Bonham, a fan of jazz drummers like Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, likely appreciated Starr’s subtle swing and triplet fills—elements that surfaced in his playing, such as the iconic triplet-driven groove in “Whole Lotta Love.” While Bonham’s influences were broad, ranging from jazz to blues, Starr’s prominence in the rock world provided a model of how a drummer could elevate a band without overpowering it.

Led Zeppelin

Whole Lotta Love

Drumming peers have noted this connection. Paul McCartney, who later worked with Bonham on Wings projects, ranked him alongside Starr and Keith Moon as one of his top three drummers, suggesting a shared lineage of feel and power. Liberty DeVitto, Billy Joel’s longtime drummer, also praised Starr’s song-serving sensibility, a quality Bonham mirrored when he locked into Jimmy Page’s riffs or Robert Plant’s vocals. Though Bonham’s style leaned toward the explosive, his ability to anchor Led Zeppelin’s sound owed a debt to Starr’s earlier example of rhythmic restraint and creativity.

Interactions Between Starr and Bonham

The 1960s and ’70s rock scene was a tight-knit community, and Starr and Bonham, as prominent figures, crossed paths socially and musically, often attending parties together. One of the most memorable interactions occurred in the 1970s at a party hosted by Starr at his home. As Starr recounted in a 2021 press conference, “I had a drum kit up in the attic… Charlie came, and so did John Bonham. We’ve got three drummers, just hanging out. Bonham got on the kit. But because it was just like… It’s not like onstage, where you nail them down, so they’re steady. It was just like there. So as he was playing, the bass drum was hopping away from him.“ This charming anecdote — three legendary drummers casually collaborating —underscores their camaraderie, a shared passion for drumming, and mutual respect. It reflects the close-knit nature of the rock scene in the 1960s and 1970s, with  Starr lamenting the lack of photos or footage, calling it a missed opportunity for an “iconic” moment. 

Beyond this encounter, their friendship extended to the broader rock social circle. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Starr became a ubiquitous presence in London’s music scene, often rubbing shoulders with Bonham and other luminaries. While no formal recording collaborations are documented, their shared orbit—evident in Bonham’s work with McCartney in the late ’70s —underscores a connection built on admiration. Bonham’s comments about Starr’s drumming on “Abbey Road” further suggest he studied and respected Starr’s contributions, even as his career took off with Led Zeppelin’s rise.

Social connections  likely facilitated discussions and mutual appreciation of each other’s work, further supporting the idea of influence through personal interaction.

Comparison and Who Was Better

Determining the “better” drummer is complex and subjective, depending on the criteria used — technical skill, influence, or suitability for their band. Each excelled in ways that suited their bands and redefined drumming in their genres.

Public opinion, as seen in forums and articles, is divided. Some argue Ringo is underrated, with Paul McCartney noting, “Look, I love Led Zeppelin, but you watch them playing and you can see them looking back at John Bonham, like, ‘What the hell are you doing? This is the beat. You could turn your back on Ringo and never have to worry. He both gave you security, and you knew he was going to nail it”. This suggests Ringo’s reliability and creativity were crucial for The Beatles.

Both drummers were perfect for their bands: Ringo’s understated approach complemented The Beatles’ melodic and experimental music, while Bonham’s powerful style was ideal for Led Zeppelin’s hard rock. Their differences highlight the diversity within rock drumming, with Ringo excelling in feel and Bonham in technical mastery.

Ringo Starr’s Strengths

Starr’s genius lay in his simplicity and musical intuition. His drumming was never about flash—it was about feel. Tracks like “A Day in the Life” showcase his ability to shift tempos and moods seamlessly, while “Rain” features a hypnotic, off-kilter groove that drummers still marvel at. His left-handed approach created unorthodox fills and a relaxed swing that became a Beatles signature. Dave Grohl, in a tribute for Starr’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, said, “Ringo was the king of feel,” emphasising his emotional resonance over technical prowess. Starr’s consistency—over 300 unique drum parts in nine years—proved his versatility and made him a pioneer who inspired countless drummers to prioritise the song over showmanship.

John Bonham’s Strengths

Bonham, by contrast, was a technical and physical marvel. His power, speed, and creativity turned drumming into a spectacle, as heard in “Moby Dick,” where his hand-only solo (no sticks!) demonstrated raw endurance and finesse. His innovative use of bass drum triplets and dynamic shifts—think “Kashmir” or “When the Levee Breaks” — set a new standard for rock drumming. Bonham’s versatility shone in his ability to play softly or thunderously within the same song, blending jazz precision with hard rock aggression. His peers, like Ginger Baker, recognised his gutsy approach, and his influence on drummers like Dave Grohl and Chad Smith cemented his status as a titan.

Many drummers cite him as a primary influence due to his groundbreaking techniques. His impact on rock and metal drumming is significant, with rankings like Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Drummers” placing him at number one.

The Verdict

If “better” means technical skill and innovation, Bonham takes the edge. His command of complex rhythms and sheer power were unmatched, making him a drummer’s drummer.

However, Starr’s case is compelling if “better” is about serving the music and leaving a cultural footprint. His subtle brilliance shaped The Beatles’ unparalleled legacy, and his influence reached beyond rock into pop’s DNA. Starr himself dismissed Bonham’s lengthy solos in a 2012 USA Today interview, saying, “I don’t feel you need solos. You need to feel emotion in the track.” This philosophical divide—Starr’s restraint versus Bonham’s flair—suggests their greatness is incomparable, each excelling in their domain.

Both drummers excelled in their contexts. Ringo’s drumming was subtle, enhancing The Beatles’ songs with unique fills and a steady beat, perfect for their melodic style. Bonham, however, was known for technical complexity and power, ideal for Led Zeppelin’s heavy sound, with innovative rhythms and solos. It’s not about who was better; Ringo’s greatness lies in song support, while Bonham’s in technical mastery, making them both legends in rock drumming.