MakeShift

...They had a session drummer do some of the takes and they had Ringo try some of the takes for those songs.  In the end, George chose the Ringo track for the release because he thought it was better.  Ringo was in.  

Ringo claims (in the Anthology DVD) that they eventually put the version with him drumming on the album, but the the version with Andy White on drums was released first as the single.  Another source (that I can't find right now) says it's the other way round.  I don't know which is correct.

Hey Michael, I am reading the same book and I am right at the end. It is an amazing book and I am sure you found it incredible. I certainly learned a lot about the Beatles and John himself. I think it is a very accurate book. I have a lot of respect for those who have read all that detail. It has taken me a while to get through it. I have been listening to the music too. It is very cool to play the tracks as soon as they start referencing them in the book. 

You are spot on with your info about Ringo's first session. There was a connection with him and their time in Germany. He was related to one of the venue owners I think. 

Ringo changed around a lot of the drumming that Pete Best played in Germany. Ringo got much busier and involved the toms in the same spots that Pete Best laid back. John and Paul liked the way the songs changed as a result I think. Pete was a good player too.

I have got another book called 'The Complete Beatles Chronicle' by Mark Lewisohn. It details all their live gigs, appearances and recording sessions. I think the recording sessions are based on George Martin's notes. They did a LOT of live playing.

Hey Jeff,

Yep, great book.  The author does a good job of just laying it all out there.  The book was incredibly interesting and as you say, seemed very accurate.  The author laid it all out there and did n't hold anything back; the good and the bad.  I did the same thing and would throw the song up as they were discussed.  In the early years, they recorded everything live.  How ever many takes it took.  They were such a polished road act back then that it seemed to only take 4-5 tries at it to get a good track.  I think it is were a lot of the "energy" came from in their early recordings.

I have also read Geoff Emricks book on recording the Beatles.  Another fascinating read from the other side of the microphone, the Engineers view.

...Jim,  Pete Best did n't quit the group, he was kicked out of the group...  


Oh...I've only ever heard that he had quit. 


Because the common belief is that he was a better drummer than Ringo, [although that may not have mattered in the greater scheme of things.]

It's a total misconception that Pete Best was a better drummer from Ringo - George Martin insisted they either replace him or he'd get a session drummer in for their first recordings.

So it fell to Brian Epstein to "do the deed"

strikinglyhandsome1


Nowadays they would use EzDrummer - Vintage Kit  (for awesome subtleness) 

No...... Waves Factory's Tea Towel Drums.
 
edit - just realised I replied to an 11 month old post

Great thread (though I'm not a Beatles fan) ... demonstrates to me that band-drummers are the lifeblood of many bands ... humble groove masters (oft) that so many bands cannot expel.  

As many of you alluded, methinks Ringo grew to assimilate contrary personalities, provided (rapid) timing, unprecocious antics, etc. via years of integration with his fellows.  When a youth I felt their tempo was a bit too fast and forced (for the most part) ... so I couldn't really 'sing-along'.

But 'fast-and-forced' tempos were the thing back then.  I suppose Ringo invoked that.

I for one wish my band had a faithful decent enthused drummer to grow with.  Those of you who have a 'reliable'/caring ... kick-snare-hats ... percussionist seem certainly blessed, IMHO.