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Why Paul McCartney play drums on several Beatles songs

Published on 02/13/2020

The legendary Beatle Paul McCartney play many instruments and he even recorded his recent solo album McCartney III all alone, playing all the instruments. In the Beatles, Paul also made similar things like in the classic “Yesterday”.

In “The Ballad of John and Yoko”, the last Beatles song to top the UK charts, McCartney was the one playing the durms

Paul McCartney on the drums of “The Ballad of John and Yoko”

Lennon and McCartney recorded the song without their bandmates George Harrison, who was abroad, and Ringo Starr, who was filming The Magic Christian. McCartney recalled that Lennon was so convinced the song had to be recorded immediately, he was “on heat, so to speak”. Reflecting the unusual situation, the session tapes include the following exchange:

Lennon (on guitar): “Go a bit faster, Ringo.”
McCartney (on drums): “OK, George!”

In choosing to collaborate on the song, Lennon and McCartney set aside the antagonism that existed between them during a period when McCartney was outvoted in the Beatles’ choice of a new manager for their failing business enterprise, Apple Corps

Related Topics:articles, beatles, CLASSIC ROCK, Featured, george harrison, john lennon, paul mccartney, pop rock, ringo starr, yoko ono

Rafael Polcaro

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG