Ringo Starr: 'I made all my mistakes on stage'

Ringo Starr: ‘I Made All My Mistakes on Stage’

Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, recently sat down with the BBC to discuss his latest musical endeavors, including his new country album, Long Long Road.

Call Me Ringo, Not Sir

At the elegant Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood, Ringo shares his thoughts on his knighthood received in 2018, declaring, Call me Ringo. He humorously notes that being referred to as Sir Ringo isn’t quite accurate; technically, he’s Sir Richard. Despite this playful distinction, he prefers the informal approach and focuses on what matters most—music.

A Journey through Music

Starr’s new album captures a distinctly Nashville vibe. He embraces the Los Angeles lifestyle, where he has lived since the 1970s, fondly saying, I’ve always loved the attitude of LA. At 85, he maintains an infectious energy that belies his years, often greeting fans with his mantra: Peace and love.

Collaborations that Shine

On Long Long Road, Ringo collaborates with talented artists such as Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St. Vincent. He enthusiastically highlights the advantages of recording in Nashville, stating, T Bone knows all the great musicians in Nashville. They just pop in to play. It’s great!

Embracing the Stage

Ringo emphasizes the importance of collaboration in music. I made all my mistakes on stage, he reflects, recalling his childhood practice sessions that prompted complaints from neighbors. He encourages his grandchildren to join bands rather than practice alone, creating a shared musical experience. If you play piano, bass, saxophone, I will play with you all night, he says, stressing the joy of playing with others.

Country Music Roots

Ringo’s attraction to country music dates back to the 1950s and 60s when Liverpool served as a hub for diverse genres. Merchants brought records from across the globe, including a wealth of country music. He reminisces about wanting to move to Texas at age 18 to be near blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins, showcasing his deep-rooted appreciation for American music.

Songwriting Evolution

Interestingly, Ringo only penned two songs during his Beatles career—Don’t Pass Me By and Octopus’s Garden. He reflects on his initial songwriting struggles, sharing, They’d all be just laughing hysterically because all I’d done is rewritten another song. However, his skills matured over time, garnering appreciation from Paul McCartney, who recently collaborated with Ringo on a duet titled Home to US.

Future Plans and Musical Legacy

Ahead of his tour in May and June, Ringo enjoys being both the lead singer and drummer, stating, No, I am the drummer, with a laugh. His concerts feature dual drum sets, allowing for seamless transitions between singing and drumming alongside his band members.

Throughout his career, Ringo Starr has been a constant source of intrigue, with numerous stories and rumors surrounding his life. He confirms some anecdotes, like coining the phrase A Hard Day’s Night and taking the first puff of marijuana among The Beatles.

As new documentaries and films breathe life into his narrative, Ringo expresses no anxiety about their reception. I think the four films should be viewed in one long marathon day of movie-watching, he suggests, enjoying the idea of fans gathering together with snacks.

Conclusion: A Lifelong Musical Journey

With Long Long Road, Ringo Starr showcases not only his artistic evolution but also his enduring love for music. I made all my mistakes on stage, he says, reminding us all that every mistake is a step toward achieving greatness. His legacy continues to inspire generations, proving that music—and the joy of collaboration—remains timeless.