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Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers
Rising star music historian and drummer John Lingan takes you on an electrifying journey through the history of rock and roll, told through the lives of fifteen iconic drummers—from John Bonham and Charlie Watts to Ringo Starr and Questlove.
Rock and roll thrives on rhythm, but the drummers who drive that pulse often stay in the shadows. In A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers, acclaimed music historian John Lingan brings these unsung heroes into the spotlight, delivering a fascinating journey through six decades of rock history.
Lingan’s deep research and vivid storytelling explores the lives of fifteen drummers who didn’t just keep time—they shaped the sound of rock and roll. From John Bonham’s thunderous power with Led Zeppelin to Questlove’s genre-defying grooves with The Roots, these drummers redefined what was possible in music. Iconic figures like Ringo Starr, whose inventive style transformed The Beatles, and Charlie Watts, the steady backbone of The Rolling Stones, take center stage. But Lingan doesn’t stop there—he also shines a light on groundbreaking, underappreciated talents like Maureen Tucker of The Velvet Underground, whose minimalist beats rewrote the rulebook, and Sam Lay, a pivotal figure in rock’s evolution from the blues.
Packed with insider stories and exclusive interviews—from Robert Plant’s reflections on Led Zeppelin’s legendary sessions to superstar recording engineer Steve Albini’s behind-the-scenes accounts—Backbeats offers an electrifying glimpse into some of rock’s most unforgettable moments, including the seismic shift of Dylan going electric at Newport, James Brown’s explosive creation of funk in the late sixties, and the birth of LA thrash metal in the early eighties.
More than just a tribute, this book is a love letter to the art of drumming itself, revealing how these artists not only kept the beat but drove rock and roll forward. Backbeats is a must-read for any music lover, offering a fresh and thrilling perspective on the story of rock through the eyes—and sticks—of the drummers who made it all possible.
Rock and roll thrives on rhythm, but the drummers who drive that pulse often stay in the shadows. In A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers, acclaimed music historian John Lingan brings these unsung heroes into the spotlight, delivering a fascinating journey through six decades of rock history.
Lingan’s deep research and vivid storytelling explores the lives of fifteen drummers who didn’t just keep time—they shaped the sound of rock and roll. From John Bonham’s thunderous power with Led Zeppelin to Questlove’s genre-defying grooves with The Roots, these drummers redefined what was possible in music. Iconic figures like Ringo Starr, whose inventive style transformed The Beatles, and Charlie Watts, the steady backbone of The Rolling Stones, take center stage. But Lingan doesn’t stop there—he also shines a light on groundbreaking, underappreciated talents like Maureen Tucker of The Velvet Underground, whose minimalist beats rewrote the rulebook, and Sam Lay, a pivotal figure in rock’s evolution from the blues.
Packed with insider stories and exclusive interviews—from Robert Plant’s reflections on Led Zeppelin’s legendary sessions to superstar recording engineer Steve Albini’s behind-the-scenes accounts—Backbeats offers an electrifying glimpse into some of rock’s most unforgettable moments, including the seismic shift of Dylan going electric at Newport, James Brown’s explosive creation of funk in the late sixties, and the birth of LA thrash metal in the early eighties.
More than just a tribute, this book is a love letter to the art of drumming itself, revealing how these artists not only kept the beat but drove rock and roll forward. Backbeats is a must-read for any music lover, offering a fresh and thrilling perspective on the story of rock through the eyes—and sticks—of the drummers who made it all possible.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2025
20 people are currently reading
3752 people want to read
About the author
John Lingan
4 books40 followersI'm a writer and author who lives in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. I have written for The New York Times Magazine, The Oxford American, Washington Post, The Ringer, Pitchfork, and many other publications.
In 2022 my book "A Song for Everyone: The Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival" was published by Hachette Books. It's a biography of a great American rock band, from their inception as junior high students in 1958 through their enormous global fame in the late 1960s and their stunning, sudden dissolution in 1972. Based on interview with band members and compatriots, as well as unpublished and rare memoirs from their inner circle, it has been praised in the New Yorker and Wall St. Journal among other places.
My first book, "Homeplace: A Southern Town, a Country Legend, and the Last Days of a Mountaintop Honky-Tonk," was published in 2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the story of Joltin' Jim McCoy, a country music impresario from West Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, and the relationship between his work and his community, which included a pre-fame Patsy Cline.
In 2022 my book "A Song for Everyone: The Story of Creedence Clearwater Revival" was published by Hachette Books. It's a biography of a great American rock band, from their inception as junior high students in 1958 through their enormous global fame in the late 1960s and their stunning, sudden dissolution in 1972. Based on interview with band members and compatriots, as well as unpublished and rare memoirs from their inner circle, it has been praised in the New Yorker and Wall St. Journal among other places.
My first book, "Homeplace: A Southern Town, a Country Legend, and the Last Days of a Mountaintop Honky-Tonk," was published in 2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. It tells the story of Joltin' Jim McCoy, a country music impresario from West Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, and the relationship between his work and his community, which included a pre-fame Patsy Cline.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 14, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advance copy of this book on musical history focusing on the most maligned and joked about position in any band, the drummer, and the importance of drums, and the some of the most pivotal, and influential people how have kept the beat for so long.
I came to music late, not that I didn't listen to music, it was that I didn't really understand what I was hearing. I was a Top 40 kid like my parents were, listening to whatever was on the radio usually the AM band. I know it was the band Rush that first made music mean something to me. The mix of lyrics, the music, and the propulsive drummer. Neil Peart was my God, and I wished to know more about the pantheon in which he drummed. Drummers were my thing, from Kodo, to African, Native American, even Irish. This was my gateway into music, something which I have gotten away from, but have recently rediscovered. Thankfully because of books like this. Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers by John Lingan is a look at musical history from the rear of the stage, where the beat is laid down, with profiles and discussions on some of the most influential players, and why their contributions were so important.
The book begins with a nice section discussing the different parts of drumming, the toms, the bass drums, the reasons why they sound like they do, and why they are important. There is then a discussion about the author's love for drums. Lingan also came to music late, but where I took my satisfaction listening, Lingan took lessons learning how to drum, and to gain a better understanding of why he liked percussion so much. As a writer Lingan met some of his influences, and was able to talk and learn from them, further deepening his understanding. What follows are fifteen profiles of drummers from the early blues days, up to Questlove himself. Lingan gives biographical details from people like Charlie Watts, Hal Blaine, John Bonam and others. Lingan discusses their influences, how they started, different ways they played, and how what the did influenced others. There is a nice section on Maureen 'Mo' Tucker from the Velvet Underground, a woman who does not get the credit she deserves for her playing. Lingan also features interviews with numerous music people, other musicians, producers and even fans discussing why these people are important and their lasting legacy.
This is the second book I have read by Lingan, the first being a biography of Creedence Clearwater Revival which I really enjoyed. This one was no exception. Lingan is very good at writing the profiles, covering the important moments in the drummer's life, and sometimes sad and early death. Lingan as a drummer can describe techniques, sound, and make something that seems hard easy to understand. Lingan also can describe things we take for granted in many drummers, and make sure the reader understands how amazing it is to do this. The book is not really subjective, one can understand the choices, but I am sure that many will have a lot of suggestions for who should have been in the book and who should have been omitted. A second book would be eagerly snapped up by myself.
A book for music fans, drum fans, and people who are just starting to get into music. This is one of the those books that the love of music is clear on every page. There are lots of songs to look for, to listen and to enjoy, and after reading this book understand. I had a lot of fun with this book, and eagerly await what John Lingan has planned next.
I came to music late, not that I didn't listen to music, it was that I didn't really understand what I was hearing. I was a Top 40 kid like my parents were, listening to whatever was on the radio usually the AM band. I know it was the band Rush that first made music mean something to me. The mix of lyrics, the music, and the propulsive drummer. Neil Peart was my God, and I wished to know more about the pantheon in which he drummed. Drummers were my thing, from Kodo, to African, Native American, even Irish. This was my gateway into music, something which I have gotten away from, but have recently rediscovered. Thankfully because of books like this. Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers by John Lingan is a look at musical history from the rear of the stage, where the beat is laid down, with profiles and discussions on some of the most influential players, and why their contributions were so important.
The book begins with a nice section discussing the different parts of drumming, the toms, the bass drums, the reasons why they sound like they do, and why they are important. There is then a discussion about the author's love for drums. Lingan also came to music late, but where I took my satisfaction listening, Lingan took lessons learning how to drum, and to gain a better understanding of why he liked percussion so much. As a writer Lingan met some of his influences, and was able to talk and learn from them, further deepening his understanding. What follows are fifteen profiles of drummers from the early blues days, up to Questlove himself. Lingan gives biographical details from people like Charlie Watts, Hal Blaine, John Bonam and others. Lingan discusses their influences, how they started, different ways they played, and how what the did influenced others. There is a nice section on Maureen 'Mo' Tucker from the Velvet Underground, a woman who does not get the credit she deserves for her playing. Lingan also features interviews with numerous music people, other musicians, producers and even fans discussing why these people are important and their lasting legacy.
This is the second book I have read by Lingan, the first being a biography of Creedence Clearwater Revival which I really enjoyed. This one was no exception. Lingan is very good at writing the profiles, covering the important moments in the drummer's life, and sometimes sad and early death. Lingan as a drummer can describe techniques, sound, and make something that seems hard easy to understand. Lingan also can describe things we take for granted in many drummers, and make sure the reader understands how amazing it is to do this. The book is not really subjective, one can understand the choices, but I am sure that many will have a lot of suggestions for who should have been in the book and who should have been omitted. A second book would be eagerly snapped up by myself.
A book for music fans, drum fans, and people who are just starting to get into music. This is one of the those books that the love of music is clear on every page. There are lots of songs to look for, to listen and to enjoy, and after reading this book understand. I had a lot of fun with this book, and eagerly await what John Lingan has planned next.
October 3, 2025
Backbeats, by John Lingan, is a fun and informative read that will have you listening to lots of good music.
As a history of rock and roll it does an excellent job. No doubt one could choose different drummers but the ones included here connects early rock and roll to what came before, the various genres of music since then, and brings us into the present. If you make this a multimedia read you can spend some time on more of the drummers in addition to the main ones and gain an even better appreciation for what they all brought to the music.
If you always read the liner notes and looked into who some of the session musicians were on your favorite songs, you'll recognize most of the names. It brought back some great memories for me of being young and reading the notes in my dad's various swing, jazz, and blues albums, having him point out his favorites (Krupa and Rich among them). He even talked with me about his opinions on the musicianship on the albums I bought (Beatles, CCR, King Crimson). His emphasis aligns with this book, the percussion section, the drums and bass.
I don't think any kind of exhaustive list of drummers and songs mentioned in the text would be that beneficial of an addition. But I do think a curated playlist that focused on songs that highlight the progression and changes in technique and style would be fun, maybe one for each chapter since they each cover a period as much as it does a single drummer.
Highly recommended for both drummers and their fans but also those interested in music history, this will add another level to an understanding of the rock era.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
As a history of rock and roll it does an excellent job. No doubt one could choose different drummers but the ones included here connects early rock and roll to what came before, the various genres of music since then, and brings us into the present. If you make this a multimedia read you can spend some time on more of the drummers in addition to the main ones and gain an even better appreciation for what they all brought to the music.
If you always read the liner notes and looked into who some of the session musicians were on your favorite songs, you'll recognize most of the names. It brought back some great memories for me of being young and reading the notes in my dad's various swing, jazz, and blues albums, having him point out his favorites (Krupa and Rich among them). He even talked with me about his opinions on the musicianship on the albums I bought (Beatles, CCR, King Crimson). His emphasis aligns with this book, the percussion section, the drums and bass.
I don't think any kind of exhaustive list of drummers and songs mentioned in the text would be that beneficial of an addition. But I do think a curated playlist that focused on songs that highlight the progression and changes in technique and style would be fun, maybe one for each chapter since they each cover a period as much as it does a single drummer.
Highly recommended for both drummers and their fans but also those interested in music history, this will add another level to an understanding of the rock era.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
November 10, 2025
While the singers or guitarists might get all the attention, John Lingan's Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers argues that the drummers are key to a band's success, as the key to shaping the sound or even more basically keeping time. Especially as Lingan, himself, was a drummer inspired by the 90s alternative rock boom and hip-hop.
Lingan moves chronologically, from pre or proto rock and roll, the Blues, through to contemporary drummers. It is clear that this list is subjective and one could create their own list. A significant portion of the feature drummers feels very safe and includes: the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Dave Grohl. The more engaging chapters focus on the work of session drummers who were involved in many familiar songs, but did not reach the level of household fame. Each chapter focuses on a single drummer, providing their biography, drumming style and training or learning, talks through the importance of their playing style and some of their notable recordings. Lignan also works in the history of popular music around the frames of the drummers. The book also begins with a helpful diagram of the standard set up for drums and a glossary of common terms.
It's a fun light read, that should appeal to most fans of popular music, but it could have been better. It only pulls from American and British performers and of the 15 only includes one woman.
Recommended to readers of musical nonfiction, technical or behind the scenes of recording or best of lists.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Lingan moves chronologically, from pre or proto rock and roll, the Blues, through to contemporary drummers. It is clear that this list is subjective and one could create their own list. A significant portion of the feature drummers feels very safe and includes: the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Dave Grohl. The more engaging chapters focus on the work of session drummers who were involved in many familiar songs, but did not reach the level of household fame. Each chapter focuses on a single drummer, providing their biography, drumming style and training or learning, talks through the importance of their playing style and some of their notable recordings. Lignan also works in the history of popular music around the frames of the drummers. The book also begins with a helpful diagram of the standard set up for drums and a glossary of common terms.
It's a fun light read, that should appeal to most fans of popular music, but it could have been better. It only pulls from American and British performers and of the 15 only includes one woman.
Recommended to readers of musical nonfiction, technical or behind the scenes of recording or best of lists.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
December 21, 2025
Fifteen drummers are profiled and their impact on music history is explored.
The author has great passion for his subject. His interest and knowledge of drumming is extensive. Each of the write-ups were under twenty pages. There wasn't the time nor inclination to truly dive deep into each person's life. Of the fifteen musicians profiled, there were only three that I would consider myself a fan of, Dave Grohl, John Bonham and Ringo Starr. There wasn't anything overtly new or interesting in the book concerning any of the three. The other twelve biographies were mildly interesting. I think I would have a greater appreciation for the book as a whole if I was steeped in the technical aspects of drumming. Not knowing a downbeat from a ghost note or a half time rhythm from a paradiddle lessened my enjoyment and created a sense of sameness to the profiles, the deeper I read. It was also frustrating that within each drummer's chapter, there were constant diversions into other musicians or albums. Already condensed biographies ended up spending even less time with the featured drummer. There was also a glaring mistake within the chapter about Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo. The author reports that that band's guitarist, Jeff Hanneman, died in 2018 due to complications of a spider bite. Neither the date nor the cause of death are accurate.
The author has great passion for his subject. His interest and knowledge of drumming is extensive. Each of the write-ups were under twenty pages. There wasn't the time nor inclination to truly dive deep into each person's life. Of the fifteen musicians profiled, there were only three that I would consider myself a fan of, Dave Grohl, John Bonham and Ringo Starr. There wasn't anything overtly new or interesting in the book concerning any of the three. The other twelve biographies were mildly interesting. I think I would have a greater appreciation for the book as a whole if I was steeped in the technical aspects of drumming. Not knowing a downbeat from a ghost note or a half time rhythm from a paradiddle lessened my enjoyment and created a sense of sameness to the profiles, the deeper I read. It was also frustrating that within each drummer's chapter, there were constant diversions into other musicians or albums. Already condensed biographies ended up spending even less time with the featured drummer. There was also a glaring mistake within the chapter about Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo. The author reports that that band's guitarist, Jeff Hanneman, died in 2018 due to complications of a spider bite. Neither the date nor the cause of death are accurate.
October 8, 2025
What a unique and adventurous concept, to tell the history of rock'n'roll from the perspective of the drummers. I was captivated from the first page to the last. I read it almost straight through, only stopping to cue up a song that was mentioned in the book so I could hear the referenced drum section. I'm not a musician, just a rock'n'roll fan and the book never got too technical for me. Highly recommended for any fan of rock'n'roll.
Being a little nitpicking, and realizing that I read an advanced reader copy so this could be corrected already, I couldn't help but. notice some misinformation in a few chapters, but never pertaining the the key figures of the chapters. In chapter three he credits the Ventures instead of the Surfaris with the surf anthem :"Wipeout" (in the next paragraph it switches to the Surfaris.) In chapter 4 he credits Mitch Murray's composition "How Do You do It" to Lennon and McCartney. In chapter 8 he credits the Ronettes with the song "Da Do Ron Ron" when it was actually performed by the Crystals. None of these issues diminished my overall enjoyment of the book, but facts matter.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced reader copy.
Being a little nitpicking, and realizing that I read an advanced reader copy so this could be corrected already, I couldn't help but. notice some misinformation in a few chapters, but never pertaining the the key figures of the chapters. In chapter three he credits the Ventures instead of the Surfaris with the surf anthem :"Wipeout" (in the next paragraph it switches to the Surfaris.) In chapter 4 he credits Mitch Murray's composition "How Do You do It" to Lennon and McCartney. In chapter 8 he credits the Ronettes with the song "Da Do Ron Ron" when it was actually performed by the Crystals. None of these issues diminished my overall enjoyment of the book, but facts matter.
Thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for an advanced reader copy.
September 18, 2025
Thank you to #Scribner and #NetGalley for the DRC of #Backbeats. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
As a music fan in general and especially of the bands from my formative years, this book was a blast to read. I went down a lot of rabbit holes while reading - looking up the individual drummers, their songs/albums. And I discovered some new artists and music to boot.
This book is a love letter to music, but more specifically to drumming. While the author geeks out on some very technical stuff, you don't have to be a drummer to appreciate it. Each chapter builds on the chapter before, showing how each drummer is influenced by those that came before. Some of the names may not be familiar, but you discover you've heard their playing even if you didn't know who it was.
My only complaint - and I'm hoping it's just because I had an advance reader copy - is that each chapter should have list of all the songs, albums and artists mentioned so you can dig further if you want without having to keep a list. Better yet, a Spotify playlist for each chapter. I also would have like photos of each artist. Overall, a very enjoyable read for music fans.
As a music fan in general and especially of the bands from my formative years, this book was a blast to read. I went down a lot of rabbit holes while reading - looking up the individual drummers, their songs/albums. And I discovered some new artists and music to boot.
This book is a love letter to music, but more specifically to drumming. While the author geeks out on some very technical stuff, you don't have to be a drummer to appreciate it. Each chapter builds on the chapter before, showing how each drummer is influenced by those that came before. Some of the names may not be familiar, but you discover you've heard their playing even if you didn't know who it was.
My only complaint - and I'm hoping it's just because I had an advance reader copy - is that each chapter should have list of all the songs, albums and artists mentioned so you can dig further if you want without having to keep a list. Better yet, a Spotify playlist for each chapter. I also would have like photos of each artist. Overall, a very enjoyable read for music fans.
October 20, 2025
As a non-musician, I'm not sure that I was the target audience for this book. But I love music and following the progression of rock via the drummers was really eye-opening. I cannot stop hearing the drums in every song I listen to now and I have more appreciation for the contribution of the drummers in some of my favorite bands.
I did have to read this with one eye on my Spotify account because many of the songs were completely unknown to me and, even if I was able to recall the melody, I definitely was not able to remember the drums, specifically. I would recommend that the author consider putting together a playlist for this book because that would have made this a more fluid experience.
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads and am happily giving my honest opinion.
I did have to read this with one eye on my Spotify account because many of the songs were completely unknown to me and, even if I was able to recall the melody, I definitely was not able to remember the drums, specifically. I would recommend that the author consider putting together a playlist for this book because that would have made this a more fluid experience.
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads and am happily giving my honest opinion.
November 14, 2025
Ba dum dum tsss
While not being able to keep a beat myself and thus unable to comment authoritatively on this, but I was pretty shocked that Keith Moon was shoehorned under Bonham. A lot of the drummers here were not known to me, but does Tony Thompson really merit his own chapter? I guess my main beef here was that the author tried to cover "all" the music of the past half century (or more) and hence diluted chapters otherwise dedicated to one person. And I've been left more in awe from the myriad YouTubers who cover music. But it was interesting at points and hats off to recognizing otherwise overlooked folks like Moe Tucker.
While not being able to keep a beat myself and thus unable to comment authoritatively on this, but I was pretty shocked that Keith Moon was shoehorned under Bonham. A lot of the drummers here were not known to me, but does Tony Thompson really merit his own chapter? I guess my main beef here was that the author tried to cover "all" the music of the past half century (or more) and hence diluted chapters otherwise dedicated to one person. And I've been left more in awe from the myriad YouTubers who cover music. But it was interesting at points and hats off to recognizing otherwise overlooked folks like Moe Tucker.
September 1, 2025
Who knew the most important person in the band was the drummer! I did not know many of these drummers, for example James Brown’s drummer, who kept perfect time. A few of the drummers we grew up listening to are not mentioned! Ginger Baker? John Densmore? Of course, Ringo is right at the top!! Anyone who loves music will love this book! Put on a record and read… Highly recommended! This was a lot of fun to read!
December 21, 2025
Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers by John Lingan is a vibrant, rhythm-driven journey through rock history. By spotlighting the drummers who shaped the music behind the legends, Lingan delivers an insightful, entertaining, and must-read tribute to the unsung heroes of rock and roll.
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September 4, 2025** I received a [personal invite to a] Review Copy of this book via NetGalley **
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