Few modern drummers have achieved the legendary status of Dave Grohl. As the powerhouse behind Nirvana and the frontman of Foo Fighters, Grohl is celebrated both as a performer and songwriter. His thunderous energy behind the drum kit has made him one of the most recognizable drummers in rock history.
But despite his own reputation, Grohl has never shied away from crediting his influences. While he has often cited Neil Peart of Rush and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin as technical inspirations, when it comes to pure musical intuition, Grohl gives the crown to one Beatle in particular: Ringo Starr.
Learning Without Tradition
Grohl’s own beginnings as a drummer were unorthodox. Growing up in Virginia, he didn’t learn in the traditional sense with lessons or sheet music. Instead, he practiced on pillows, bashing away while listening to rock bands like Rush. Over time, this developed his trademark power, which he later unleashed on Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit and other classics.
Yet Grohl quickly realized that drumming was not just about force—it was about feeling the song. That’s where Ringo Starr became a central influence.
Why Ringo Starr Stood Apart
Ringo has long been criticized as the “least technical” Beatle, but for Grohl, that’s exactly what made him special. Unlike Bonham or Peart, Starr wasn’t focused on complex fills or dazzling solos. Instead, he knew how to serve the song.
Tracks like “Come Together” and “Ticket to Ride” showcase Starr’s minimalist style—never overpowering Lennon, McCartney, or Harrison’s songwriting, but locking the groove in place so the songs could breathe.
Grohl once told the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
“Define the greatest drummer in the world. Is it someone who’s technically proficient, or is it someone that sits in the song with their own feel? Ringo was the king of feel.”
The Art of Simplicity
Some of Starr’s finest contributions are deceptively simple. On “All You Need is Love”, his steady pulse kept the track universal and easy to connect with. On “Come Together”, his hypnotic tom-tom groove turned minimal drumming into pure magic.
Grohl has often emphasized that simplicity in drumming is a skill in itself:
“If you can just play this [basic drumbeat] and have people dancing, you’re a fucking badass.”
For Grohl, that’s what made Ringo great—not technical wizardry, but soulful restraint and timeless groove.
Ringo’s Lasting Legacy
Though often underrated, Ringo Starr’s drumming became the heartbeat of The Beatles. His ability to keep time with feel and musical intuition helped make their songs accessible to a global audience.
As Grohl notes, Ringo wasn’t about showmanship—he was about serving the music. And in doing so, he earned a permanent place among rock’s greatest percussionists.
Even decades later, the lesson holds true: sometimes, it’s not about how much you play, but how deeply it feels.
