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Just been perusing the music magazines in the local Tesco. Some observations...

The latest issue of GUITAR TECHNIQUES features a nice recent-ish shot of Hank on the cover, which extends onto the cover mounted CD. Apache is featured inside, along with a two-page piece with some nice black and white shots of the lads. It is stated that Apache is '...the most influential guitar instrumental of all time...' (or words to that effect) and the notation is included so that you can learn to play along properly. Or try to!! All in all, very nice.



Less nice, from OUR point of view, is an NME special which covers the '60 most important/influential albums of all time.' Whilst some cannot be argued with, why no mention of 'The Shadows' from 1961, as I suspect that this album was influential in a major way and feel sure that the likes of Brian May, Mark Knofphler, Tony Iommi, etc, would agree...

Worse, in my opinion, is the inexcusable absence of either Brian Bennett and/or Tony Meehan in Rhythm magazine's latest special '100 Drum Heroes'. Again, many of the inclusions cannot be argued with, but it does seem to me that they have based much of this list on who is 'cool' or on a case of 'We'd better not leave HIM out!' (for various reasons). To omit Tony and Brian is a disgrace, as I wonder how many drummers that came up during the 60s would happily cite them as their prime influence and, therefore, something of a hero. I suspect that John Bonham and Phil Collins would be just two. Obviously dear old Ringo gets a mention as '...the world's most famous and best loved drummer...' (or words to that effect). Won't say any more on this subject as I am right royally cheesed off and could say one or two things (regarding drummers of questionable talent and influence who ARE included in the list) that might not go down well...

"...............................Drummers of questionable talent and influence"
Thank the Lord for that!
There's hope for me yet!!!
Regards
Paul
P.S. Does ANYONE take these "100 best.................." lists at all seriously any more?

It seems these mags are targeting a younger readership these days, much like the amp demo vids on U Tube - all they show is how many notes the guy can play and pose at the same time and how much distortion the amps provide. Dont forget the 60s started with the Beatles!

Yeah, still it's a shame when two of, I would have thought, the most famous, respected and influential drummers of the 50s/60s are ignored in favour of one or two that, I suspect, the magazine are too afraid to ignore!!!! "We MUST include HIM!" "We MUST NOT forget to include HIM!" "Brian who?" Obviously this would never be admitted as a form of editiorial procedure but I suspect that it is...

Ringo was a steady drummer with an energy, but nowhere near as talented and creative as Tony and Brian, trouble is these mags are run by mere children trying to be down with the kids, usually frustrated ex musicians who never made it and have no knowledge of history and influences and playing to a younger crowd.

I would agree with you wholeheartedly. Some of these so called writers and " experts " know next to NOTHING when it comes to KNOWING music !!! Tony Meehan was a superb drummer and Brian Bennet also, however both vastly differrent in styles and sound. As I was the one who started John Bonham off in music and who had him playing in my band for 3 years, again I believe he was the GREATEST rock drummer in histrory.
Ringo should never be put down also as his infills and constant steady beat were a major part of the Beatles sound.

Ringo Starr - Drummer

An oxymoron.

Actually Ringo is not that bad a drummer, not the best, possibly not in the top 25 but not bad.
Unfortunately these lists are often biased mainly because of the writer. It makes me shudder to think that my heroes Tony and Brian let alone The Shadows as a band are ignored. I watch Eggheads regularly and when the subject of music comes up I am amazed at how little people know about this subject. The usual excuse is "its before my time" - well I love big band music most of which was before my time as were many of the tunes enjoyed by my father and older brothers. However by expanding my general knowledge of music I can only say it has helped me over the years.
The younger generation believe they invented music therefore lists such as these are pretty meaningless.
Ron
P.S. Paul there is hope for us as you say

Here, here! Or is that supposed to be 'Hear, hear!'. Never really known...

Anyway; thanks for the comments.

I believe that when Cliff and the Shads were doing their 20th anniversary season at the London Palladium in 1978, John Bonham went to the stage door and asked to speak to Brian. When Brian came out, Bonham told him "YOU are the reason that I started to play the drums. Please can you get me in to see the show as I can't get a ticket!" Or words to that effect. Certainly when I listen to Bonham's solo, 'Moby Dick', I hear some definite B.B. influences in there...