The question is: over-rated by whom? Fans? Every band is over-rated by their fans, that's natural. Critics? When a band is considered to be the greatest ever it's not a surprise that some people who prefer other bands think that they're over-rated.
Actually I think that the Beatles' rhythm section is usually under-rated.
Oh, yeah, by whom? (chainsaw)(chainsaw)
Just kidding, I promise!!
Actually, hombre, the more I learn about music, the more I have come to appreciate the very same thing you are saying. Ringo did such an INCREDIBLE job in hanging the framework for the others. Paul of course did a great rhythm in the early days, maybe later he was more of an instrumentalist/soloist as he became uber-proficient on the bass. But, he only had the freedom to do this because Ringo was the man!
And ... John's rhythm guitar was so dang good. I think he might have been a drummer at heart! What I am especially impressed with (and I know you were in a band because I've seen your pictures on other threads
) is how much John knew when/what NOT to play. Sparse but effective rhythm, thank you very much!
When I listen to what those 20-25 year old guys could do ("Meet The Beatles", for example, especially maybe "All I've Got to Do" as a good example), I'm just convinced they were touched by angels. And without anyone to model themselves after, it's just incredible.