Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer for The Beatles, recently shared insights into the band's ongoing success and his personal life. Despite decades passing since their breakup, Starr emphasized that The Beatles continue to reach new generations, generating billions of streams annually. He highlighted the timeless appeal of their music and the consistent demand for their work across various platforms.
Speaking from his home in Los Angeles, Starr reflected on his perspective of age, humorously stating he still feels 24. This sentiment, he explained, stems from a moment in 2007 when his son Jason worried about turning 40. Starr's lighthearted response underscores his youthful outlook and enduring energy.
Key Takeaways
- Ringo Starr highlights The Beatles' continued popularity, with billions of annual streams.
- He maintains a youthful outlook, stating he feels 24 despite his actual age.
- Starr is also an active artist, with an exhibition in Las Vegas.
- Proceeds from his art sales benefit the Lotus Foundation, a charity he co-founded.
- The Beatles' music remains relevant to every new generation of listeners.
The Beatles' Undiminished Global Reach
The Beatles, formed in Liverpool in 1960, remain one of the most influential bands in music history. Their impact continues to resonate globally, a fact Ringo Starr proudly affirmed during a recent interview. He pointed to their significant streaming numbers as evidence of their sustained relevance in the digital age.
"We're still selling records. We do billions of streams a year! It's far out. I know why. The music was great, the songs were great, the attitude was great," Starr stated.
This enduring appeal extends beyond older fans. According to Starr, every new generation interested in music discovers The Beatles. This consistent engagement ensures their legacy continues to grow, adapting to new consumption methods like streaming.
Did You Know?
In 1964, the year Ringo Starr first turned 24, The Beatles led the "British Invasion" in the US, sparking widespread Beatlemania and making "I Love Ringo" badges a popular item.
The band's active presence in the 2020s further reinforces their status. Recent projects include the television series Get Back and the release of the reactivated single "Now and Then." Additionally, a remastered version of The Beatles Anthology documentary series, first aired in 1995, is set for release in November, with a new episode.
Starr's Life Beyond the Drums: Art and Philanthropy
Beyond his musical career, Sir Richard Starkey, as he is officially known, also pursues visual arts. He shares this interest with fellow surviving Beatle, Paul McCartney. Starr's colorful abstract paintings and prints offer a different creative outlet.
His artistic process is spontaneous. "I just go to the canvas and start... And then you realise you've been there two hours. I'm always shocked. What, it's like 4pm already? I just love it," he explained, detailing his passion for painting and printmaking.
Starr's Artistic Journey
Ringo Starr's interest in art began in his late twenties or thirties during visits to Amsterdam. He credits the city's artistic atmosphere, and initially, the influence of marijuana, for sparking his creative exploration. Rembrandt is a favorite painter of his.
Currently, an exhibition of his artwork, titled 'Starr Art', is on display at the Animazing Gallery in Las Vegas until October 15. The gallery is located in the Grand Canal Shoppes, a Venetian-themed mall.
Art for a Cause: The Lotus Foundation
The works available at the exhibition include prints priced between $2,000 and $10,000, while original paintings range from $50,000 to $200,000. All proceeds from these sales support the Lotus Foundation.
The Lotus Foundation is a charity co-founded by Starr and his wife, Barbara Bach. Its mission includes assisting individuals with addiction problems. Both Starr and Bach have personal experience with addiction, having become sober after a rehabilitation program in 1988.
A Look Back at Starr's Early Life and Influences
Ringo Starr's early life was marked by hardship. He described his upbringing as the toughest among the four Beatles members. His father left when he was three, leading to his mother working tirelessly to support them. He was largely raised by his mother, grandmother, and grandfather in a small, modest home.
Art was not a part of his childhood environment. The family home was overshadowed by a high wall and tenement block, blocking out much sunlight. This experience fueled a desire for a different life.
"I always wanted to get somewhere in the light," Starr emphasized. "As soon as I could make enough money to do so, I moved."
This drive for a brighter future led him to Monaco in 1975, a stark contrast to his childhood home. The Mediterranean sun and sea mirrored his later life in California, where he continues to appreciate the ocean's vastness.
The Beatles' Creative Process and Iconic Album Art
The Beatles' connection to visual art extended to their album covers, which became iconic in their own right. John Lennon's art school background and Yoko Ono's concept art career also highlight the band's artistic leanings.
The Peter Blake design for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a prime example of their album sleeves becoming artworks. Starr noted its fame, almost rivaling that of Abbey Road.
The story behind the Abbey Road cover, featuring the band walking across a zebra crossing, reveals their practical approach. "We're all sat around in a circle talking about how we've got this album, let's go to India and do it, let's go to Everest, let's go to the Pyramids — or let's just walk across the road. And that's just what we did!" he recounted with amusement.
This simple decision resulted in one of the most recognizable album covers in music history, proving that sometimes the most straightforward ideas yield the greatest impact.
Starr's Ongoing Musical Journey
At an age he prefers not to see in print, Ringo Starr remains active in music. He recently completed recording vocal and drum parts for a follow-up to his country album, Look Up, released earlier this year. His recording studio in Beverly Hills serves as his creative hub.
He continues to tour with his All Starr Band, expressing enthusiasm for the current lineup and the energetic audiences. "Paul and I are still doing what we were doing then. We're on the road, we're making records," he confirmed, highlighting the consistent musical output of the surviving Beatles.
During a two-day break from his current tour, Starr spoke about the joy of performing. He described audiences being "on their feet, having a good time," a testament to his enduring passion for live music. As the conversation concluded, Starr's signature message of peace and love resonated: "Listen, man, it's been cool. Peace and love."