Hip Hip Hip: Netflix to Premiere a Documentary Series on Ringo Starr — A Deep Dive into Metal Rock Music
Netflix is at it again. The streaming titan just announced a new documentary series that feels both unexpected and wildly exciting: Ringo Starr: Drums of Thunder, a deep dive into the legendary Beatles drummer’s unique connection to metal rock music. Yes — metal. At first glance, the peaceful, affable Ringo Starr might seem like the furthest thing from a metal icon, but this series promises to change how we see him forever.
Set to premiere later this year, Drums of Thunder will trace Ringo’s surprising influence across generations of rock, exploring how his rhythmic genius planted seeds in genres far beyond classic pop. While the Beatles never ventured into full-on metal territory, their experimentation — particularly in their later years — helped shape the sonic chaos and lyrical freedom that metal would later thrive on. This series is ready to uncover just how deep that influence runs.
Ringo Starr Meets the World of Metal
Each episode of the series will focus on a different theme, artist, or era. From Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to Metallica and Slipknot, the documentary will map out Ringo’s indirect (and sometimes direct) influence on metal’s rhythmic evolution. Featuring exclusive interviews with rock and metal titans such as Lars Ulrich, Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, and Corey Taylor, the show sets out to answer a surprising question: Could Ringo Starr be an unspoken godfather of modern metal?
“Ringo had this swing to his drumming, this subtle control of chaos,” says Ulrich in the trailer. “If you strip away the distortion, a lot of what we do is rooted in that instinct — rhythm first.”
The Surprising Metal Roots in Beatles Tracks
One standout episode breaks down “Helter Skelter,” a Beatles song often cited as proto-metal. Paul McCartney’s screaming vocals, George Harrison’s distorted riffs, and — crucially — Ringo’s thunderous drumming culminated in something raw and ahead of its time. Famously, Ringo stormed out of the recording session, shouting, “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!” after pounding the kit so aggressively. That primal energy? Metal to the core.
Netflix’s documentary doesn’t just stay in the ’60s. It bridges the gap to the ’70s and beyond, showing how drummers like Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) and John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) took inspiration from Ringo’s timing, fills, and groove. “Without Ringo, there’s no Bonham,” states producer Rick Rubin in one segment. “And without Bonham, there’s no heavy metal.”
A Personal Perspective
Adding depth to the documentary is Ringo himself, who participates heavily in the project. Now 84, Ringo narrates much of the series, reflecting on his musical philosophy, the evolution of his drumming, and his views on metal music.
“I never thought I’d be mentioned in the same sentence as metal,” he chuckles in the trailer. “But you know what? Music is a river. It flows, it twists, and sometimes you don’t even realize what you’ve helped create.”
The series uses archival footage, restored concert tapes, and private home recordings to bring Ringo’s world to life. Viewers will see him jamming with metal legends in private sessions — a striking moment involves Ringo and Dave Grohl trading drum fills at a surprise warehouse gig in Los Angeles. Another episode captures Ringo visiting Lars Ulrich’s home studio, where the two break down Beatles songs and recreate them with a metal edge.
Bridging Generations
One of the most heartwarming arcs of the show is how today’s younger metal and hard rock artists — from bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Gojira, and Spiritbox — openly cite Ringo as a foundational figure. For them, it’s not just about distortion or screaming — it’s about groove, feel, and the kind of authenticity that Ringo brought to every Beatles track.
In a memorable moment, a teenage drummer from Sweden tears up while meeting Ringo backstage at a festival. “You’re the reason I picked up sticks,” she says. It’s this kind of emotional resonance that gives Drums of Thunder its unexpected power.
A Netflix Game-Changer?
In a time when music documentaries are booming — think Get Back, The Defiant Ones, or This Is Pop — Netflix’s Ringo Starr: Drums of Thunder is aiming to set a new standard. Combining cultural history, musical analysis, and personal storytelling, it’s not just a documentary about a drummer — it’s a love letter to music’s endless evolution.
With its sleek editing, immersive audio design, and a soundtrack blending Beatles classics with face-melting metal riffs, the series is already generating award-season buzz. Rumors suggest that Netflix is considering a second season focused on other unlikely metal pioneers, with names like Brian Eno and Stevie Wonder being floated.
Final Thoughts
Who would’ve thought? Ringo Starr, the peace-loving, quirky Beatle, stepping into the roaring arena of metal music and commanding the stage like a titan. Yet, the more you watch, the more it makes sense. His timing, touch, and tone laid groundwork that echoed into genres far beyond his time.
Hip hip hip indeed — here’s to Ringo Starr, a drummer whose reach was always louder than expected. And here’s to Netflix, for shining a spotlight on the beat that never really stopped.
Hip Hip Hip: Netflix to Premiere a Documentary Series on Ringo Starr — A Deep Dive into Metal Rock Music
Netflix is at it again. The streaming titan just announced a new documentary series that feels both unexpected and wildly exciting: Ringo Starr: Drums of Thunder, a deep dive into the legendary Beatles drummer’s unique connection to metal rock music. Yes — metal. At first glance, the peaceful, affable Ringo Starr might seem like the furthest thing from a metal icon, but this series promises to change how we see him forever.
Set to premiere later this year, Drums of Thunder will trace Ringo’s surprising influence across generations of rock, exploring how his rhythmic genius planted seeds in genres far beyond classic pop. While the Beatles never ventured into full-on metal territory, their experimentation — particularly in their later years — helped shape the sonic chaos and lyrical freedom that metal would later thrive on. This series is ready to uncover just how deep that influence runs.
Ringo Starr Meets the World of Metal
Each episode of the series will focus on a different theme, artist, or era. From Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath to Metallica and Slipknot, the documentary will map out Ringo’s indirect (and sometimes direct) influence on metal’s rhythmic evolution. Featuring exclusive interviews with rock and metal titans such as Lars Ulrich, Dave Grohl, Ozzy Osbourne, and Corey Taylor, the show sets out to answer a surprising question: Could Ringo Starr be an unspoken godfather of modern metal?
“Ringo had this swing to his drumming, this subtle control of chaos,” says Ulrich in the trailer. “If you strip away the distortion, a lot of what we do is rooted in that instinct — rhythm first.”
The Surprising Metal Roots in Beatles Tracks
One standout episode breaks down “Helter Skelter,” a Beatles song often cited as proto-metal. Paul McCartney’s screaming vocals, George Harrison’s distorted riffs, and — crucially — Ringo’s thunderous drumming culminated in something raw and ahead of its time. Famously, Ringo stormed out of the recording session, shouting, “I’ve got blisters on my fingers!” after pounding the kit so aggressively. That primal energy? Metal to the core.
Netflix’s documentary doesn’t just stay in the ’60s. It bridges the gap to the ’70s and beyond, showing how drummers like Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) and John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) took inspiration from Ringo’s timing, fills, and groove. “Without Ringo, there’s no Bonham,” states producer Rick Rubin in one segment. “And without Bonham, there’s no heavy metal.”
A Personal Perspective
Adding depth to the documentary is Ringo himself, who participates heavily in the project. Now 84, Ringo narrates much of the series, reflecting on his musical philosophy, the evolution of his drumming, and his views on metal music.
“I never thought I’d be mentioned in the same sentence as metal,” he chuckles in the trailer. “But you know what? Music is a river. It flows, it twists, and sometimes you don’t even realize what you’ve helped create.”
The series uses archival footage, restored concert tapes, and private home recordings to bring Ringo’s world to life. Viewers will see him jamming with metal legends in private sessions — a striking moment involves Ringo and Dave Grohl trading drum fills at a surprise warehouse gig in Los Angeles. Another episode captures Ringo visiting Lars Ulrich’s home studio, where the two break down Beatles songs and recreate them with a metal edge.
Bridging Generations
One of the most heartwarming arcs of the show is how today’s younger metal and hard rock artists — from bands like Bring Me The Horizon, Gojira, and Spiritbox — openly cite Ringo as a foundational figure. For them, it’s not just about distortion or screaming — it’s about groove, feel, and the kind of authenticity that Ringo brought to every Beatles track.
In a memorable moment, a teenage drummer from Sweden tears up while meeting Ringo backstage at a festival. “You’re the reason I picked up sticks,” she says. It’s this kind of emotional resonance that gives Drums of Thunder its unexpected power.
A Netflix Game-Changer?
In a time when music documentaries are booming — think Get Back, The Defiant Ones, or This Is Pop — Netflix’s Ringo Starr: Drums of Thunder is aiming to set a new standard. Combining cultural history, musical analysis, and personal storytelling, it’s not just a documentary about a drummer — it’s a love letter to music’s endless evolution.
With its sleek editing, immersive audio design, and a soundtrack blending Beatles classics with face-melting metal riffs, the series is already generating award-season buzz. Rumors suggest that Netflix is considering a second season focused on other unlikely metal pioneers, with names like Brian Eno and Stevie Wonder being floated.
Final Thoughts
Who would’ve thought? Ringo Starr, the peace-loving, quirky Beatle, stepping into the roaring arena of metal music and commanding the stage like a titan. Yet, the more you watch, the more it makes sense. His timing, touch, and tone laid groundwork that echoed into genres far beyond his time.
Hip hip hip indeed — here’s to Ringo Starr, a drummer whose reach was always louder than expected. And here’s to Netflix, for shining a spotlight on the beat that never really stopped.
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