The Night Paul Mccartney Played Drums On “Back In The U.S.S.R.” Instead Of Ringo

March 20, 2025

It was a crisp afternoon in September 1968 when the Beatles gathered in the famous Abbey Road Studios for what they thought would be a routine recording session. Little did they know that the day would turn into an unforgettable adventure, one that would challenge their teamwork and redefine the spirit of their music. Ringo Starr, the beloved drummer of the band, had stepped away for a brief holiday, and the pressure was on for Paul McCartney. With a playful grin, Paul announced, “Well, I guess I’ll have to step in and play drums for ‘Back in the U.S.S.R.’!” The other band members exchanged glances, half-amused and half-concerned, but they knew that with Paul’s versatile talent, they were in for a unique experience.

As the session started, the atmosphere in the studio was electric. George Harrison and John Lennon prepared their guitars, while Paul took a seat behind the drum kit, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. It was a challenge he had never expected to face. Drumming required a different kind of energy—one that was physical and demanding. With every beat, Paul felt initially awkward, but as he settled into the rhythm, his excitement grew. He closed his eyes, letting the music flow through him, and before long, his heart was pounding in sync with the thumping bass of the song.

The moment the recording rolled, magic happened. Paul’s technique blended perfectly with the energy of “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” transforming the track into a high-octane celebration of rock and roll. The intensity of the drums, powered by Paul’s raw passion, infused the song with a new life. When the take ended, John and George erupted into cheers. “That was brilliant!” John exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with surprise. Paul beamed with pride, knowing he had stepped out of his usual role and into a new one, proving that he could conquer any challenge thrown his way.

That day, Paul discovered a deeper connection to music than he had ever felt. Drumming on that track became a pivotal moment in his career, showing him that creativity knows no bounds. He realized that being a part of the Beatles meant embracing risks, trying new things, and supporting one another. After Ringo returned, Paul was able to return to his bass guitar, but the experience of that day never left him. It ignited a fire within him to explore different styles and to push himself beyond the limits of what he thought he could do.

Years later, as Paul continued to write and perform, he often reflected on that session. It inspired him to take risks throughout his career, from exploring different music genres to collaborating with unfamiliar artists. The spirit of resilience and joy in the face of challenges became a defining aspect of his life. He embraced every opportunity that came his way, reminding himself that passion could turn any daunting experience into a beautiful symphony.

In the end, the day Paul McCartney played drums on “Back in the U.S.S.R.” was more than just an anecdote from the recording studio; it was a lesson in courage and creativity. It illustrated that sometimes, stepping into the unknown can lead to extraordinary discoveries. That day was a testament to the power of music—a reminder that no matter the obstacles, the rhythm of passion can always rise above, inspiring others to dance along.