Hip Hip Hip: This is Realistic and Super Cool; Netflix to Premiere a Documentary Series on Ringo Starr – A Deep Dive into Metal Rock Music
Netflix has announced its latest music documentary series, and it’s one that bridges the unlikely yet fascinating gap between one of the world’s most legendary drummers—Ringo Starr—and the thunderous legacy of metal rock music. Titled “Ringo & the Roar: A Journey Through Metal,” the series is set to premiere this fall, offering fans a powerful mix of musical history, unexpected connections, and an intimate look at how one of the Beatles’ most iconic members intersects with the evolution of one of rock’s heaviest genres.
From Liverpool to Loud: The Genesis of a Surprising Story
On the surface, pairing Ringo Starr with metal rock might seem like a musical mismatch. After all, Ringo is best known for his steady, often understated drumming style with The Beatles—a band known for their early rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia, and genre-defining pop anthems. Metal, on the other hand, is characterized by distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and thunderous rhythm sections.
But this new Netflix series seeks to peel back the surface and explore deeper themes. As revealed in the official trailer, the connection isn’t about Ringo playing metal—it’s about how his legacy, rhythm techniques, and personal philosophy influenced a generation of musicians who would go on to shape the metal genre.
Produced by acclaimed documentarian Sam Dunn (Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, Iron Maiden: Flight 666), the show is set to follow Ringo as he travels across the globe, meeting with some of the most influential names in metal—including Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and even newer acts like Ghost and Gojira.
Breaking Down the Beat: What Ringo Brought to Rock’s Evolution
While Ringo’s drumming style may not scream “metal” at first glance, seasoned musicians have long pointed out his subtle innovations. He was one of the first mainstream drummers to focus on groove and feel over flash, which helped set the tone for future genres that demanded precision, power, and emotional expression.
In the first episode, titled “The Calm Before the Storm,” we see archival footage of Ringo’s early days in Liverpool, his tenure with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and his transformation into a household name with The Beatles. Interviews with drummers like Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Vinnie Paul (Pantera) highlight how Ringo’s pocket drumming inspired them to prioritize musicality over technical exhibitionism.
The episode goes further, showing how the shift from pop rock to hard rock in the late ’60s and early ’70s relied on the solid rhythmic foundation that drummers like Ringo laid down. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, in a surprising cameo, remarks, “Without drummers like Ringo keeping things grounded, none of our experimentation would have had structure.”
Metal Meets Mindfulness: Ringo’s Personal Philosophy
Beyond technique, the series delves into Ringo Starr’s spiritual journey and how his peaceful, introspective worldview contrasts yet somehow harmonizes with the raw aggression of metal. Episode three, “Peace, Love & Power Chords,” showcases how Ringo’s advocacy for peace and mental wellness resonates with a metal community often misunderstood for its intensity.
Bands like Metallica and Slipknot open up about mental health, citing how music—including metal—is a cathartic space for processing pain. Ringo joins group meditation sessions with artists who reveal their struggles with fame, anxiety, and addiction. The episode paints a picture of solidarity, where Ringo’s message of “Peace and Love” isn’t just relevant—it’s urgently needed.
Behind the Kit: Jam Sessions and Collabs
One of the most exciting parts of “Ringo & the Roar” comes in the form of exclusive jam sessions. Each episode features Ringo playing alongside legendary and contemporary drummers in the metal world. Watching him trade fills with Dave Lombardo (Slayer) or collaborate with Brann Dailor (Mastodon) offers a rare crossover moment—gentle giant meets thunder god.
Perhaps the most surprising moment comes in episode five, where Ringo records a brand-new track with members of Tool and Metallica, blending psychedelic textures with progressive metal grooves. The track, tentatively titled “Black Sky Love,” might not make Ringo a metalhead overnight, but it’s a bold, experimental work that underscores the spirit of musical unity.
More Than a History Lesson: A Love Letter to Music’s Fluidity
What makes “Ringo & the Roar” truly stand out is its refusal to box artists into genres. Music, as the series makes clear, is fluid. It’s built on influence, shared energy, and cross-pollination. Ringo, who once kept time to “Yellow Submarine,” now finds himself discussing double bass drumming with Joey Jordison’s protégés.
Netflix executives say the project aligns with their goal to create “genre-busting music content that goes deeper than surface-level nostalgia.” It’s about discovery—finding new connections in old stories, and vice versa.
The Final Word
As Ringo himself puts it in the final moments of the trailer, “Music is a conversation. I didn’t expect to be talking metal, but here we are. And I love it.”
“Ringo & the Roar: A Journey Through Metal” is more than just a documentary—it’s a celebration of music’s strange, beautiful web of connections. It’s about finding common rhythm in seemingly opposite styles. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan, a headbanging metalhead, or just a curious music lover, this series promises something refreshingly unexpected.
So tune in, turn it up, and bang your head—peacefully.
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Hip Hip Hip: This is Realistic and Super Cool; Netflix to Premiere a Documentary Series on Ringo Starr – A Deep Dive into Metal Rock Music
Netflix has announced its latest music documentary series, and it’s one that bridges the unlikely yet fascinating gap between one of the world’s most legendary drummers—Ringo Starr—and the thunderous legacy of metal rock music. Titled “Ringo & the Roar: A Journey Through Metal,” the series is set to premiere this fall, offering fans a powerful mix of musical history, unexpected connections, and an intimate look at how one of the Beatles’ most iconic members intersects with the evolution of one of rock’s heaviest genres.
From Liverpool to Loud: The Genesis of a Surprising Story
On the surface, pairing Ringo Starr with metal rock might seem like a musical mismatch. After all, Ringo is best known for his steady, often understated drumming style with The Beatles—a band known for their early rock ‘n’ roll, psychedelia, and genre-defining pop anthems. Metal, on the other hand, is characterized by distorted guitars, aggressive vocals, and thunderous rhythm sections.
But this new Netflix series seeks to peel back the surface and explore deeper themes. As revealed in the official trailer, the connection isn’t about Ringo playing metal—it’s about how his legacy, rhythm techniques, and personal philosophy influenced a generation of musicians who would go on to shape the metal genre.
Produced by acclaimed documentarian Sam Dunn (Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey, Iron Maiden: Flight 666), the show is set to follow Ringo as he travels across the globe, meeting with some of the most influential names in metal—including Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana), Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, and even newer acts like Ghost and Gojira.
Breaking Down the Beat: What Ringo Brought to Rock’s Evolution
While Ringo’s drumming style may not scream “metal” at first glance, seasoned musicians have long pointed out his subtle innovations. He was one of the first mainstream drummers to focus on groove and feel over flash, which helped set the tone for future genres that demanded precision, power, and emotional expression.
In the first episode, titled “The Calm Before the Storm,” we see archival footage of Ringo’s early days in Liverpool, his tenure with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, and his transformation into a household name with The Beatles. Interviews with drummers like Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) and Vinnie Paul (Pantera) highlight how Ringo’s pocket drumming inspired them to prioritize musicality over technical exhibitionism.
The episode goes further, showing how the shift from pop rock to hard rock in the late ’60s and early ’70s relied on the solid rhythmic foundation that drummers like Ringo laid down. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, in a surprising cameo, remarks, “Without drummers like Ringo keeping things grounded, none of our experimentation would have had structure.”
Metal Meets Mindfulness: Ringo’s Personal Philosophy
Beyond technique, the series delves into Ringo Starr’s spiritual journey and how his peaceful, introspective worldview contrasts yet somehow harmonizes with the raw aggression of metal. Episode three, “Peace, Love & Power Chords,” showcases how Ringo’s advocacy for peace and mental wellness resonates with a metal community often misunderstood for its intensity.
Bands like Metallica and Slipknot open up about mental health, citing how music—including metal—is a cathartic space for processing pain. Ringo joins group meditation sessions with artists who reveal their struggles with fame, anxiety, and addiction. The episode paints a picture of solidarity, where Ringo’s message of “Peace and Love” isn’t just relevant—it’s urgently needed.
Behind the Kit: Jam Sessions and Collabs
One of the most exciting parts of “Ringo & the Roar” comes in the form of exclusive jam sessions. Each episode features Ringo playing alongside legendary and contemporary drummers in the metal world. Watching him trade fills with Dave Lombardo (Slayer) or collaborate with Brann Dailor (Mastodon) offers a rare crossover moment—gentle giant meets thunder god.
Perhaps the most surprising moment comes in episode five, where Ringo records a brand-new track with members of Tool and Metallica, blending psychedelic textures with progressive metal grooves. The track, tentatively titled “Black Sky Love,” might not make Ringo a metalhead overnight, but it’s a bold, experimental work that underscores the spirit of musical unity.
More Than a History Lesson: A Love Letter to Music’s Fluidity
What makes “Ringo & the Roar” truly stand out is its refusal to box artists into genres. Music, as the series makes clear, is fluid. It’s built on influence, shared energy, and cross-pollination. Ringo, who once kept time to “Yellow Submarine,” now finds himself discussing double bass drumming with Joey Jordison’s protégés.
Netflix executives say the project aligns with their goal to create “genre-busting music content that goes deeper than surface-level nostalgia.” It’s about discovery—finding new connections in old stories, and vice versa.
The Final Word
As Ringo himself puts it in the final moments of the trailer, “Music is a conversation. I didn’t expect to be talking metal, but here we are. And I love it.”
“Ringo & the Roar: A Journey Through Metal” is more than just a documentary—it’s a celebration of music’s strange, beautiful web of connections. It’s about finding common rhythm in seemingly opposite styles. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan, a headbanging metalhead, or just a curious music lover, this series promises something refreshingly unexpected.
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