The Beatles: Day Tripper (Drum and Tambourine Cover)

“Day Tripper” was released as a double A-side single on December 3, 1965 backed with “We Can Work It Out”, just in time for the Christmas season. Based around an electric guitar riff, John was the primary author of the track with Paul adding some contributions. It was one of the final new songs the group added to their live performances until 1966 when they retired from touring. Lennon has described the song as a “drug song” with the title being in the sense of a psychedelic drug experience, as well as tourists taking a “day trip.”

The group recorded the song on October 16, 1965 at EMI Studios The rehearsed the song throughout the afternoon and recorded the basic track with take three being the take selected for overdubs. The lineup consisted of John on rhythm guitar, George on lead guitar, Paul on bass, and Ringo on drums. Both John and Paul overdubbed lead vocals while George overdubbed a harmony vocal during the choruses and the solo. A tambourine was also overdubbed by Ringo. After completing the track, they recorded the basic track to George’s “If I Needed Someone” in one take.

For me, the hardest part in this drum performance are Ringo’s tom rolls in my opinion, particularly the ones right after the guitar solo (1:44), and during the outro (2:37) where Ringo starts on the floor tom and ends on the rack tom. It was challenging switching between the two drums without it feeling odd. After a few attempts though, I believe I got it. I also like Ringo’s little snare rhythm during the choruses. I think it adds a nice touch to the track. The drum and tambourine videos are both from Gretsch Man’s full band instrumental cover of the song. Go check it out if you haven’t already!

Thanks for watching and as always, stay tuned for more!