Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly
Episode: The Beatlology Interviews: Springsteen Drummer (and Beatles fan) Max Weinberg
Release Date: September 2, 2024

In this enriching episode of Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly, host Terry O'Reilly sits down with Max Weinberg, renowned drummer of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and an avid Beatles enthusiast. This in-depth conversation delves into Max's early inspirations, his perspectives on drumming within the Beatles, personal anecdotes, and his illustrious career in the music industry.

1. Early Beatles Influence on Max

Max Weinberg's introduction to the Beatles was pivotal in shaping his musical journey. Reflecting on his first encounter with their music, Max shares:

Max Weinberg [05:19]: "The first time I became aware of the Beatles was in late November '63... I loved the sound. I was in a band... I just was like radar hooked onto Ringo."

This musical awakening occurred shortly after the assassination of President Kennedy, marking a significant moment of cultural transition. Max’s passion for drumming was already budding, inspired by figures like DJ Fontana accompanying Elvis Presley, which naturally aligned with Ringo Starr’s style.

2. Drumming Insights: Ringo Starr's Legacy

Addressing the often-debated topic of Ringo Starr's drumming prowess, Max offers a seasoned perspective:

Max Weinberg [12:27]: "Ringo's a phenomenal drummer... he was the best drummer in Liverpool."

Max debunks the myth that Ringo wasn't the best drummer, emphasizing Ringo's ability to complement the Beatles' diverse songwriting styles. He highlights Ringo's unique contribution to rock drumming, particularly his straight-ahead beats and use of the hi-hat, which revolutionized the genre.

3. Beatles Albums and Their Impact

Max delves into the significance of key Beatles albums that influenced his drumming style:

Max Weinberg [14:16]: "Where Ringo changed rock drumming, he single-handedly changed rock drumming. Ringo was the first guy to popularize just playing straight-ahead like that."

He discusses Revolver and Sgt. Pepper, noting how Revolver introduced a more metallic snare sound and innovative drumming techniques, while Sgt. Pepper pushed artistic boundaries, blending different musical styles and rhythms.

4. Personal Experiences with the Beatles

Max shares cherished memories of interacting with Beatles members, showcasing his deep-rooted admiration and personal connections:

Max Weinberg [29:39]: "Whenever you happen to run into the three of them, it's quite an experience."

From playing with Paul McCartney in intimate settings to a memorable moment with George Harrison at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Max illustrates the profound impact the Beatles have had on his life both personally and professionally.

5. Max's Career Highlights and Collaborations

Beyond his Beatles fandom, Max Weinberg's career is illustrious. As Springsteen's drummer, he has been integral to numerous hit albums and tours. He discusses:

Max Weinberg [38:28]: "Born in the USA... I really captured what I was going for, which was a very tough sound."

Max also highlights his work with other artists, including playing drums on Bonnie Tyler's "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell," showcasing his versatility and influence in the rock genre.

6. Beatles Memorabilia and Collection

Max's admiration for the Beatles extends to his personal collection of memorabilia. He recounts:

Max Weinberg [34:23]: "I have symbols that Ringo's given me... I've got four beatle dolls that I bought when I was 13 years old."

His collection includes rare items like original band magazines, newspaper articles, and memorabilia gifted by Ringo Starr, underscoring his dedication as a fan and collector.

7. The Importance of Live Performances

Max emphasizes the irreplaceable energy of live performances, a sentiment that resonates deeply given his extensive touring experience:

Max Weinberg [25:53]: "That's the only place it exists today... you need to play live."

He reflects on the differences between touring in the 1960s and today, acknowledging the evolution of live music while maintaining its essential role in connecting artists with their audience.

8. The Beatles' Internal Dynamics

Exploring the internal dynamics of the Beatles, Max sheds light on George Harrison's role within the band:

Max Weinberg [27:22]: "It's well documented that there was quite a bit of resentment... he gets more airplay than anybody."

He discusses the challenges George faced as the third songwriter and how his contributions, while sometimes overshadowed, were crucial to the band's success. Max also touches upon the lack of recognition and revenue sharing issues that contributed to internal tensions.

9. Concluding Thoughts and Legacy

As the conversation wraps up, Max reflects on the enduring legacy of the Beatles and their influence on his life and career:

Max Weinberg [32:14]: "John Lennon was... he represented an extreme idealism that love could change the world, and then he gets murdered. That's what he was about, love."

He underscores the cultural and emotional impact of John Lennon's death, likening it to the end of an era. Max also celebrates the reunion and continued synergy of the E Street Band with Bruce Springsteen, highlighting the timelessness and resilience of their musical partnership.

Key Takeaways

• Max Weinberg's Dual Passion: Balancing his role as Springsteen's drummer with his deep admiration for the Beatles, Max embodies the fusion of classic rock influences with modern rock execution.

• Ringo Starr's Influence: Max champions Ringo Starr's drumming style as revolutionary, emphasizing its foundational impact on rock drumming techniques.

• Personal and Professional Synergy: Max's personal experiences with Beatles members and his illustrious career illustrate the profound interconnectedness between personal passions and professional achievements in the music industry.

• Enduring Legacy of the Beatles: Through Max's insights, the episode underscores the Beatles' lasting influence on music, culture, and individual artists like Max Weinberg.

Notable Quotes

• Max Weinberg on Ringo's Drumming:
  "Ringo's a phenomenal drummer... he was the best drummer in Liverpool." [12:27]

• Max on the Impact of Revolver:
  "Ringo was the first guy to popularize just playing straight-ahead like that." [14:16]

• Max on Live Performances:
  "That's the only place it exists today... you need to play live." [25:53]

• Max on John Lennon's Legacy:
  "John Lennon was... he represented an extreme idealism that love could change the world." [32:14]

This episode offers a comprehensive exploration of Max Weinberg's relationship with the Beatles, his drumming philosophy, and his experiences within the rock music landscape. For fans of the Beatles, drumming enthusiasts, and rock aficionados, this conversation provides both nostalgic insights and contemporary perspectives on the enduring legacy of one of the world's greatest bands.