# The drummer Stewart Copeland and Phil Collins both agree is the greatest ever

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-drummer-stewart-copeland-and-phil-collins-both-agree-is-the-greatest-ever/
- Published: 2026-11-04T11:48:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-05T23:57:15+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/drummer-stewart-copeland-phil-collins-both-agree-greatest/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- Collins and Copeland both admire Ringo Starr’s drumming.
- Starr’s playing served each Beatles song without showing off.
- His subtle choices gave tracks their distinctive character.

## Summary

Stewart Copeland and Phil Collins both praise Ringo Starr as one of the greatest drummers, crediting his ability to serve a song rather than draw attention to himself. Their recognition matters because Starr’s restrained, inventive playing helped shape The Beatles’ sound, even though his contribution was often overlooked.

Collins points to the drum parts in “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “A Day in the Life”, and says Starr made difficult playing, such as the shuffle in “All My Loving”, sound effortless. His choices gave songs distinct character: the heavy rhythm of “Ticket to Ride”, the fluid force of “Rain”, and the absence of drums on “Yesterday”. In a 2022 interview, Copeland said Starr was at last being appreciated as a musician.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.