I’m with you on your comments about his abilities and creativeness on bass. I’m not a musician, but it always seemed to me his playing on Beatles songs could be considered a second “lead”.
And not to go off topic, but Ringo is also vastly underrated for his drumming. I can’t think of one Beatles song that would have been better with a different drummer.
None of their songs featured extended “solo’s”, but their musicianship was superb.
Their politics notwithstanding, they changed music forever and there will never again be a group of 5 people (George Martin included) come together that will collectively be as talented and innovative as John, Paul, the Georges and Ringo.
You are spot on. Brad Carlson (Bun E. Carlos) of Cheap Trick fame admired Ringo Starr immensely. Brad was once nick-named by my bass player brother “OB” (one beat). Well, Brad, even though he no longer tours, still practices two hours a day, and will always be the recording drummer on any future CT albums.
We all grew up in Rockford IL and my brother played with Brad for a little over three years. They had a number one hit in Chicago. Brad is a real professional and Ringo was as innovative and creative as any of the Beatles.
I think the Beatles were a high-water mark of achievement that will stand for decades if not forever.