Overshadowed by bandmates

Frankly, I'm sure the Beatles would have achieved the level of popularity they did without Ringo. What other drummer would have performed better?

Nor was he totally overshadowed though. He drew a lot of attention with the Beatles however more so as a personality than as a drummer.

Because he actually does have an amiable personality, I think the ultra hip and somewhat snotty rock music media of the day tended to give him the short shift as a drummer. I think he has garnered greater respect as a drummer over the years as peoples hindsight becomes more like 20/20.

The Beatles could not have achieved the success they have without a drummer that helped catalyze things and that's exactly what he did. He was a key ingredient in the soup and not overshadowed nearly as much as most good drummers out there probably.

Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers. Tom Petty is the star, but, these guys are the backbone of the band.

John Paul Jones and John Bonham, an unsung powerhouse of a rhythm section that was often cited a vehicle for th real talents of Page and Plant.

Without either of those two SZep could not be and the proof is that Zep had to break up after Bonzo's death.

John Frusciante of Red Hot Chili Peppers. When he left the band to enjoy heroin full time, the song quality significantly deteriorated. They brought him back and went on to make great stuff.

Would that be the music or the heroine?lol...........

I believe Zep had a gentleman's agreement that they would cease to be if any member left the band, breathing or not breathing.