An Analysis of Drum Solos in 'Come Together' by The Beatles: Why It Was Avoided
When one listens to the iconic rock song 'Come Together' by The Beatles, one might be surprised to find no drum solo in the track. As a matter of fact, this absence is a result of the unique dynamics and personalities of the band members, particularly Ringo Starr. Why is there a drum solo in the middle of 'Come Together' by the Beatles John Lennon?
Understanding Ringo Starr’s Stance on Drum Solos
Ringo Starr, the beloved Beatle known for his distinctive drumming style, famously detested the idea of drum solos. This aversion stemmed from a broader perspective of drumming in the 1950s and 1960s, where the drum was primarily seen as the foundation of the band. Many drummers of that era, including Ringo, felt that drum solos were a departure from the band's core function. However, this perspective was less common in the 1960s, when The Beatles were at the forefront of revolutionary music. Let's delve deeper into why there was no drum solo in 'Come Together' and explore the reasons behind Ringo’s stance.
Why 'Come Together' Lacks a Drum Solo
The absence of a drum solo in 'Come Together' stands in stark contrast to the numerous solos featured in other Beatles tracks. This omission can be attributed to the band's shared vision and Ringo Starr’s personal preference. The 1960s marked a period of artistic evolution for The Beatles, where collaborative efforts often took precedence over individual showmanship. The final track on The Beatles album (commonly known as the White Album) was originally intended to be the 23-second long "Her Majesty," likely intended to pad the run time of the next-to-last track. However, this meant that the 'final send-off' meant for 'The End' was mistakenly mixed in. Nevertheless, the band had one last attempt to include an instrumental break in 'Come Together' and despite the need, Ringo’s resistance was overcome.
Behind the Scenes of 'Come Together'
The story behind 'Come Together' reveals the band's collaborative process and the influence of other musicians. According to Ringo's recollection, other band members, still determined to include a drum solo, managed to convince him to perform an instrumental break. This break was meticulously designed to be minimalistic, showcasing Ringo’s playing skills while respecting the song's overall structure. The solo, which plays for only 8 measures, was heavily inspired by the famous drum solo in "In-A-Gadda-Da-Voda" by Iron Butterfly, a track that was popular at the time.
Conclusion: The Legacy of 'Come Together'
In conclusion, the absence of a drum solo in 'Come Together' is a testament to the unique dynamics within The Beatles. It highlights the band’s commitment to artistic integrity and the respect for each member's contributions. Ringo Starr’s personal aversion to solo performances juxtaposed with the band's collaborative spirit creates a fascinating narrative behind this iconic song. While omitted from 'Come Together,' the idea of a drum solo is etched into the history of the 1960s and continues to influence rock music enthusiasts today.
Further, understanding this context sheds light on the broader themes of The Beatles' music and the evolution of rock. This analysis of 'Come Together' not only deepens our appreciation of The Beatles as a group but also provides a window into the artistry and challenges of collaborative music-making.
Keywords: Come Together, The Beatles, Ringo Starr, Drum Solo, Beatles Album
Link to further reading: An in-depth analysis of 'Come Together'