John Lingan explores the evolution of music through the lens of percussionists in his book ‘Backbeats: A History of Rock and Roll in Fifteen Drummers’ out now. This 304 page hardcover examines how specific sounds and styles were driven by the often overlooked figures behind the drum kit. The narrative highlights a diverse cross-section of innovators ranging from Ringo Starr and Charlie Watts to the powerful styles of John Bonham and Dave Grohl. This work provides a vibrant group biography that serves as a fresh perspective on what makes the genre special.
The book captures the creative spark of drumming through insider stories and detailed interviews with legendary figures. Lingan documents the birth of funk in the sixties and the rise of Los Angeles thrash metal in the eighties to show the essential role of the drummer. The publication includes the contributions of Maureen Tucker and Al Jackson Jr to highlight how these artists were crucial to the creation of iconic musical movements. Critics at Rolling Stone describe the work as superb and full of moments of transmission where the technical art of the instrument is realized.