Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, recently marked his 85th birthday, a milestone he seems intent on treating as just another chapter rather than a final act. For a figure often seen through the lens of historical significance, Mr. Starr remains remarkably active. Earlier this year, he released a new album, his twenty-first studio effort titled “Look Up,” and has continued to undertake tours, albeit shorter ones, across America. It appears the long-standing Beatle mantra, “All You Need Is Love,” continues to resonate with particular meaning in Ringo`s life, and judging by his sustained career and public affection, love is something he still has in abundance.
His quick wit was apparent from the early days. During The Beatles` initial invasion of the United States in 1964, when asked by American journalists, “How do you find America?”, Ringo famously replied, “We went to Greenland, and then we turned left.” This concise, paradoxical humour became a hallmark, an essential skill when navigating the unique pressures and adulation of being one of the Fab Four. Yet, Ringo`s ability to poke fun at the fan hysteria, the proclaimed greatness, and the overwhelming ambition that defined The Beatles` career was paired with an undeniable work ethic and a talent for finding common ground.
Born Richard Starkey, his path was marked by early hardship. As a child, he spent a year hospitalized with peritonitis and later missed two years of school due to tuberculosis, leaving him without a formal education. Given the state of British post-war healthcare, these were significant battles for survival. This inherent resilience would prove valuable even after achieving wealth and fame, as fate continued to present challenges throughout his career.
Richard Starkey became Ringo Starr after forming his first band, Raging Texans, influenced by American country music. “Starr” certainly sounds more fitting for a musician than “Starkey,” while “Ringo” was a nickname given by bandmates for his habit of wearing multiple rings. He later joined Rory Storm & Hurricanes, a popular Liverpool band, where his drumming helped him earn enough for a Ford Zodiac, a prized possession at the time. But it was his connection with The Beatles that proved to be a perfect fit.
More Than Just a Drummer: The Beatles Era
Fans of Starr have perhaps grown accustomed to the persistent, if often good-natured, jabs at his drumming prowess. John Lennon famously quipped that Ringo “wasn`t even the best drummer in The Beatles” – a line that became legendary, if not entirely fair. The Beatles` legendary producer, George Martin, did replace Ringo with a session drummer during early studio recordings. Paul McCartney, in the intensity of recording “Sgt. Pepper`s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” even re-recorded some of Ringo`s drum parts himself, which must have been a knock to the ego.
However, such anecdotes should not overshadow Starr`s crucial role. Ringo often served as the “cement” that held the disparate personalities of Lennon (the rebel/philosopher), Harrison (the mystic), and McCartney (the driven visionary) together, at least for a time. His importance became particularly evident when the band started playing large venues. In an era before in-ear monitors, musicians relied heavily on the drummer`s beat as a beacon through the overwhelming roar of the crowd. The inability to properly amplify live performances and hear themselves adequately was a significant factor in The Beatles` decision to stop touring.
Navigating the Solo Path and Enduring Legacy
After The Beatles` breakup, the members pursued solo careers with varying degrees of ease. Starr arguably faced the toughest path initially. While he composed only two songs himself within the band (“Don`t Pass Me By” and “Octopus`s Garden”), relying on his bandmates for vocals on many others, he launched into solo recording with considerable energy. In the 1970s, his albums often outsold releases by Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison. Yet, the 1980s saw Starr perceived as “hopeless retro,” with major record labels losing interest. His hard work, sense of humor, and knack for finding collaborators (epitomized by his successful All-Starr Band touring concept) helped him overcome creative and personal challenges, including struggles with addiction.
An interesting anecdote demonstrating his character comes from his 1998 visit to Russia for two concerts amidst the country`s financial crisis. Promoter lore suggests that while traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Mr. Starr visited the organizers` train compartment and offered to return his fee upon learning of their financial difficulties. A tale, perhaps apocryphal, but one that speaks to a potential generosity not always associated with rock stars.
His recent album, “Look Up,” continues his musical journey, embracing a country sensibility that aligns well with current trends. The record delivers his signature sound: a recognizable groove, a relaxed vocal style, and his enduring message of love and peace.
In December of last year, Ringo joined Paul McCartney on stage during McCartney`s world tour show in London. The two remaining legends performed classics like “Sgt Pepper`s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Helter Skelter.” Together and separately, the 83-year-old Paul McCartney and 85-year-old Ringo Starr continue to honor the memory of a time when songs seemed to descend from the heavens, uniting millions worldwide. As everyone celebrates Ringo`s birthday, there`s a collective hope that if we behave ourselves, perhaps he`ll still take us along on his Yellow Submarine. After all, it`s got everything we need.
