Imagine being in a position to collaborate with one of the most iconic drummers in music history—Ringo Starr. This is a dream that nearly every musician would eagerly seize. Despite the ongoing banter from critics who label him as the least gifted member of The Beatles, it’s undeniable that the band would not have reached such extraordinary heights without Starr's unique ability to complement each song perfectly. However, after spending years together, the transition to a solo career was bound to be challenging for all members involved, including Ringo.
In reality, no one wished for The Beatles to remain intact more than Starr himself. His friendships with each member ran deep, yet he must have faced the daunting question of what his own musical journey would look like without his beloved bandmates. Although he enjoyed some initial success with solo hits, merely being the charming vocalist known for songs like 'Yellow Submarine' and 'Boys' wouldn't suffice for his evolving career.
While Starr occasionally joined forces with his former bandmates, it became evident that his most successful albums were those featuring his closest musical companions, creating an exhilarating atmosphere akin to a joyous gathering. One could argue that he thrived on the idea of needing... well, let’s say it together... a little help from his friends. Whenever his friends reached out for collaboration, he was more than ready to reciprocate.
Comparing the different paths taken by the former Beatles, George Harrison quickly emerged with his remarkable album 'All Things Must Pass,' while John Lennon needed more time to reflect on their separation. After dedicating nearly half of his life to the band, Lennon found himself needing space to evaluate his thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, he channeled this introspection into his songwriting, pouring his emotions into his music as a means of processing the band's breakup.
Through his lyrics, Lennon revealed his vulnerability; ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ offers a glimpse into his childhood, while the album 'Plastic Ono Band' stripped away any pretense, laying bare his experiences and emotions. With only his guitar, Klaus Voorman on bass, and Starr on drums, he had the freedom to express his sentiments about the dissolution of The Beatles and to move forward.
Songs such as ‘God’ vividly illustrated the end of the band, yet Starr embraced the opportunity to play in this smaller ensemble. He fondly remarked, "John, Klaus and I [were] one of the finest trios I ever heard. We did it like a jam. We knew John had the songs and we’d kick it in and felt where it should go. We knew Klaus anyway. John and I really knew each other, so we were psychic where the atmosphere was going to go." This connection stemmed from the years they spent performing together, which allowed them to intuitively understand each other’s musical instincts.
Klaus Voorman seamlessly integrated into the group, contributing beautifully with his rich chords on tracks like ‘Hold On.’ Meanwhile, Lennon’s rhythm guitar skills had evolved since Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, ensuring that even if Lennon decided to take a song in an unexpected direction, Starr's steady beat would keep everything sounding flawless.
Similarly, Yoko Ono's Plastic Ono Band, which released music around the same time, provided Starr with the freedom to explore his creativity more, particularly on songs like ‘Why.’ While these may not represent the most groundbreaking performances of his career, listening to tracks like ‘I Found Out’ reveals why Starr and Lennon shared such a profound musical synergy, propelling The Beatles forward in their heyday.
