Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr

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Biography

Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey; 7 July 1940) Ringo Starr is a British musician best known for being the drummer of The Beatles.

Childhood: Ringo Starr was born in Liverpool to mother Elsie (née Gleave) and Richard Starkey, who were both confectioners. Elsie and Richard separated when Starr was young and his father made little effort to visit him after, leaving Starr with 'no real memories' of his father. Elsie took on several jobs, before becoming a barmaid as she struggled to survive on Richard's support payments. When Starr was six years old he developed appendicitis, which caused him to fall into a three day coma. His recovery took twelve months. When he was discharged, his mother let him stay at home, causing him to miss school, meaning he was still illiterate at the age of eight. Starr nearly caught up with his peers academically after several years of twice a week tutoring from his neighbour, Marie Maguire, however in 1953 he contracted tuberculosis and was admitted to a hospital. During this time, the medical staff made an effort to stimulate Starr's motor ability, which led to Starr's first percussive instrument; a makeshift mallet made from cotton which he used to strike cabinets by his bed.

Starr went to Church of England primary school St Silas near his house, and then Dingle Vale Secondary modern school. Starr was often behind his classmates due to hospitalisations. After Starr's recovery from tuberculosis, he did not go back to school, choosing instead to stay at home and listen to music while playing along hitting a biscuit tin with sticks. Starr entered the UK workforce in 1955, briefly having a job at British Rail. However, Starr was let go from this job and was granted unemployment benefits. He then became a waiter on a day boat, serving drinks, but he quit the job with the fear that he would be subscribed to military service, thinking that the job would give the Royal Navy he was suitable for seafaring work. At his next job as an apprentice machinist, he met Roy Trafford who introduced him to skiffle, which Starr soon became a big fan of.

Musical Career: Starr was in a few bands before joining The Beatles, including Eddie Clayton and the Clayton Squares, Rory Storm and The Hurricanes and he drummed for Tony Sheridan. Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, replacing their original drummer Pete Best. John Lennon, McCartney and George Harrison, completed the band's line-up. Starr played his first show with The Beatles at a Horticultural Society dance at Port Sunlight on 18 August 1962. At this time, Beatles fans were upset at Best's firing, so they held vigils outside Starr's house shouting 'Pete forever! Ringo never!' Starr first recorded with The Beatles in September 1962. Beatles producer George Martin was not impressed with Starr at first, Starr stating that Martin thought he was 'crazy and couldn't play because I was trying to play the percussion and the drums at the same time, we were just a four piece band'. Martin replaced Starr with session drummer Andy White for the next recording session, which was The Beatles' first single 'Love Me Do'. Starr played tambourine on the track and maracas on the song's B-side 'P.S. I Love You'. This left Starr worried about his position in the band.

As of November 1962 Beatles fans had accepted Starr, who were now calling for him to sing songs and send him as much fan mail as the other Beatles members received, helping secure his position in the band. The Beatles became increasingly popular in England. Second single 'Please Please Me' went into the UK charts and an appearance on television show 'That Your Lucky Stars' gained them good reviews, causing to an increase in sales and radio play. The Beatles had become an international success by the end of that year, with a phenomenon called 'Beatlemania' spreading through the country and crossing over into America. An appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show gained a record breaking 73 million viewers.

The Beatles made their film debut in 'A Hard Day's Night', where Starr's performance received much praise from critics, who noted his humorous delivery as great part of the film. Starr won a Melody Maker poll against the other Beatles, after the release of the second Beatles film 'Help!', for his performance in the film. During their period of major success, Starr felt that his input into their albums were minimal, stating that he felt more like a session musician than a member of the band due to his inability to compose new material and the other members directing his drumming style. Starr sang lead vocals on a handful of Beatles songs, such as 'Yellow Submarine', 'With A Little Help From My Friends' and 'Octapus's Garden'. The Beatles split up in 1970, following Lennon's decision to leave as well as McCartney's.

Since The Beatles' demise, Starr has released seventeen solo albums, including 1973's 'Ringo' which was certified gold in the United Kingdom and Platinum in the United States and 1974's 'Goodnight Vienna' which was certified silver in the UK and gold in the US. Starr has also guested on many other albums as a guest drummer including John Lennon's 'John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band' and George Harrison's 'Dark Horse'. Starr's musicianship and contribution to music has been praised by both critics as well as other musician's such as Phil Collins, Steve Smith and Dave Grohl.

In 2014, Starr joined fellow band mate McCartney for an exclusive performance at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles he then went on to tour Canada and the US in the same year. In July he was involved in #peacerocks which was an anti-violence campaign and won a GQ award for his humanitarian work throughout the project. In 2015 Starr tweeted his fans the title of his 18th studio album Postcards from Paradise (released March 2015) which is said to be autobiographical.

Personal life: Ringo Starr married Maureen Starkey Tigrett in 1965, with Beatles manager Brain Epstein being best man. Starr and Tigrett had three children together, Zak, Jason and Lee. Starr bought Lennon's former home, Tittenhurst Park at Sunninghill in Berkshire, then moved his family there. Starr and Tigrett divorced in 1975, due to Starr's constant infidelities. Tigrett died of Leukaemia in 1994. Starr married actress Barbara Bach in 1981, whom he'd met on the set of the film 'Caveman' in 1980. Starr became a grandfather in 1985, following the birth of his son Zak's daughter Tatia Jayne Starkey. Starr has admitted that he has battled an addiction to alcohol for 20 years after the split of The Beatles and says that after the split it left him absolutely lost.



Biography by Contactmusic.com

Sir Ringo Starr Has A Nice Ring To It - And An Even Nicer Medal


Ringo Starr Beatles

Ringo Starr becomes the second beatle to be knighted at Buckingham Palace as he is named Sir Richard Starkey by the Duke of Cambridge. It's a huge achievement for the drummer, though it's admittedly a long time coming. And he knows exactly when he'll be wearing his new medal.

Ringo Starr pictured with Paul McCartneyRingo Starr pictured with Paul McCartney

The 77-year-old Knight Bachelor was awarded one of the highest honours the UK has to offer its citizens for his services to music this week, having been informed of his recognition back in December as part of the 2018 New Year Honours. 

Continue reading: Sir Ringo Starr Has A Nice Ring To It - And An Even Nicer Medal

Radiohead Star Philip Selway Plays Beatles With Ringo Starr


Radiohead Philip Selway Beatles Ringo Starr

Radiohead's Philip Selway and Ringo Starr has got to be one of the coolest live collaborations this year - and there have been quite a few. They performed a rendition of 'With a Little Help From My Friends' during Ringo's New York show earlier this week.

Ringo Starr celebrates his birthdayRingo Starr celebrates his birthday

The drummer and the former Beatle united for a performance of the 1967 Beatles number from their 'Yellow Submarine' album on Wednesday night (November 15th 2017) at the Beacon Theatre in New York City as part of the Ringo Starr All Starr Band tour dates. 

Continue reading: Radiohead Star Philip Selway Plays Beatles With Ringo Starr

Bruce Springsteen Pays Tribute To Tom Petty


Bruce Springsteen Tom Petty Steven Van Zandt Sir Paul McCartney Ringo Starr

Bruce Springsteen has paid tribute to his ''long lost brother'' Tom Petty.

The 'Born To Run' hitmaker has been left ''heartbroken'' after the loss of his pal - who passed away on Monday (02.10.17) aged 66 after having his life support turned off following a cardiac arrest - and admitted he always felt a ''deep kinship'' with his music.

He wrote on Twitter: ''Down here on E Street, we're devastated and heartbroken over the death of Tom Petty. Our hearts go out to his family and bandmates.

Continue reading: Bruce Springsteen Pays Tribute To Tom Petty

Ringo Starr Says He Voted For Brexit - "But Don't Tell Bob Geldof!"


Ringo Starr

Former Beatle Ringo Starr has voiced his continued support for Brexit, urging the people of Britain dissatisfied with the result of the referendum to “get on with it” – but said not to tell Bob Geldof!

In a new interview with BBC Newsnight on Wednesday (September 13th), the 77 year old drummer was asked about his views on the Brexit process, 15 months after last June’s referendum. He believes that Theresa May’s Conservative minority government should hurry up with the process, with the clock for negotiations with the E.U. ticking down to March 2019.

“The people voted and, you know, they have to get on with it,” he told the interviewer. “Suddenly, it’s like, ‘Oh, well, we don’t like that vote. What do you mean you don’t like that vote? You had the vote, this is what won, let’s get on with it.”

Continue reading: Ringo Starr Says He Voted For Brexit - "But Don't Tell Bob Geldof!"

Ringo Starr Wants Us All To 'Give More Love' On His Birthday


Ringo Starr

It's Ringo Starr's birthday this week and to celebrate he has a present for all of us. It's a new solo album entitled 'Give More Love' and it's coming this Fall, with a number of different musical legends having worked on it in the studio.

Ringo Starr with Paul McCartney at premiere of 'Eight Days A Week'Ringo Starr with Paul McCartney at premiere of 'Eight Days A Week'

The former Beatle turned 77 today (July 7th 2017) and with it comes his brand new 19th album 'Give More Love'. It comes two years after his 'Postcards from Paradise' release which featured the song 'Island in the Sun', written by his All-Starr band.

Continue reading: Ringo Starr Wants Us All To 'Give More Love' On His Birthday

The Beatles Music Will Be Celebrated With Arts Festival


Sir Paul McCartney Ringo Starr

The Beatles' 'Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band' album is set to celebrate 50th anniversary with arts festival.

The iconic band, which was comprised of the late musicians John Lennon and George Harrison, as well as Sir Paul McCartney, 74, and Ringo Starr, 76, will have a musical bash held to mark half a century since their eighth studio album was released on June 1 1967, according to BT Online.

The upcoming event will see numerous artists come together to pay homage to the band and their iconic music at the bash.

Continue reading: The Beatles Music Will Be Celebrated With Arts Festival

Ringo Starr (left) and Sir Paul McCartney attending the world premiere of 'The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years' at Odeon Leicester Square, United Kingdom - Thursday 15th September 2016

Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney

Paul McCartney and Ringo Star pose together at the 'The Beatles: Eight Days a Week' World Premiere held at Leicester Square, London, United Kingdom - Thursday 15th September 2016

Paul Mccartney and Ringo Star
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney
Ringo Starr and Paul Mccartney

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years - Trailer and Clips


In 1962 The Beatles were signed to a management deal with a local record shop owner called Brian Epstein after he heard the band playing at their local venue, The Cavern Club, this was the first step in a series of events that soon saw the four lads from Merseyside become the biggest phenomenon the world had ever seen. 

Once George Martin signed the band to Parlophone Records, it didn't take long for them to make their first visit to Abbey Road Studios and once they found themselves a permanent drummer in the form of Ringo Starr, the band had a number of possible singles recorded with the likes of 'Love Me Do' and 'Please Please Me', as good as the songs were, their reputation was still unknown and their first single peaked on the singles chart at #17. Their first number one came about after re-recording 'Please Please Me' at a faster tempo and the band began to make TV appearances. The clean shaven boys had style and an edgy quality that attracted young girls and their music was good enough that boys liked them too. 

Thousands of fans followed them wherever they went and it lead to the band touring and promoting themselves and their music continually.

Continue: The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years - Trailer and Clips

Ringo Starr posing alone and with Barbara Bach at the 10th anniversary of LOVE held at The LOVE Theater at The Mirage Hotel and Casino - Las Vegas, Nevada, United States - Thursday 14th July 2016

Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach

The Beatles' Management Contract With Brian Epstein Fetches £365,000 At Auction


Beatles Sir Paul McCartney John Lennon George Harrison Ringo Starr Brian Epstein

The original contract signed by The Beatles and their manager Brian Epstein sold at auction for £365,000 on Tuesday (September 29th).

The document, dated October 1st 1962, was signed at Epstein’s office in Whitechapel a matter of days before the group released their first single ‘Love Me Do’. It confirmed Epstein, often referred to as the ‘Fifth Beatle’, as the group’s permanent manager and also brought in Richard Starkey (known obviously as Ringo Starr) in place of their former drummer Pete Best.

The BeatlesThe Beatles' management contract went under the hammer this week

Continue reading: The Beatles' Management Contract With Brian Epstein Fetches £365,000 At Auction

Julien's Auctions, the world's premier entertainment auction house, is proud to announce the December 4th and 5th auction of Property from The Collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. The once-in-a-lifetime collection curated by Ringo and Barbara, features items from their London estate, Beverly Hills and Monaco residences. The couple, who met in 1980 on the movie set of Caveman, when Ringo first met the beautiful actress and former Bond girl Barbara, married in 1981 and have enjoyed an enduring love since. Comprised of musical instruments including drums and guitars, career memorabilia from the Beatles era and Ringo's solo career including his All-Starr Band, fine antiques, custom-made eclectic furnishings, fine art and personal items, this auction will be a unique and historic event. The auction of The Property From The Collection of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach includes the most important drum kit to ever hit the auction block. Among the seven of Starr's personal drum kits in the auction is the iconic musician's first 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl three-piece drum kit. The kit was used by Starr in more than 200 performances between May of 1963 and February of 1964 and used to record some of The Beatles biggest hits including: "Can't Buy Me Love," "She Loves You," "All My Loving," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Money," and "I Wanna Be Your Man," and many others. Paul McCartney also used the Oyster Black Pearl kit on his first solo album, McCartney. This specific drum kit has not been seen in public for more than 50 years (Est. $300,000 - $500,000). "I am not sure I can find the right words to describe how remarkable this auction is," said Darren Julien, Founder & CEO of Julien's Auctions. "To be able to say you are representing such music royalty as that of Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach is not only an honor but one of the greatest privileges of my life and professional career." The auction includes over 800 items whic at Beverly Hills - Los Angeles, California, United States - Monday 14th September 2015

Collection, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach's

Ringo Starr - Ringo Starr opens a display of his photographs charting his childhood, The Beatles and beyond, at the National Portrait Gallery. - London, United Kingdom - Tuesday 8th September 2015

Ringo Starr

The Beatles' First Ever Recording Contract Going Up For Auction In New York


Beatles John Lennon Sir Paul McCartney George Harrison Ringo Starr

A critical piece of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia is to go on sale next month, with the news that the first ever recording contract signed by The Beatles is to go under the hammer in New York.

The Associated Press reports that the contract, believed to have been signed when The Fab Four were in Hamburg, Germany in 1961 serving as backing band for Tony Sheridan on the song ‘My Bonnie’, will be up for auction alongside about 300 other pop music artefacts sold by the estate of Uwe Blaschke, a German record producer and graphic designer who died in 2010.

The BeatlesA fresh-faced Fab Four at the start of their career

Continue reading: The Beatles' First Ever Recording Contract Going Up For Auction In New York

Green Day Crash Into Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame With Emotional Speeches And Powerful Gig


Green Day Joan Jett Ringo Starr Bill Withers Stevie Ray Vaughan

This year's inductees into the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame, Joan Jett and Ringo Starr, definitely fall within the "about time" category. And they aren't the only ones. The 2015 inductees also include the cool kids of rock, Green Day

Green Day
Green Day were a bit overwhelmed on the night of their induction.

The Bay area trio also played a pretty intense show on the night of their induction, reminding everyone why they were the band to take punk rock to the masses back in the 1990s. From the opening power chords of American Idiot, Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tre Cool had the crowud at Cleveland's Public Hall up on their feet and dancing along to the tune of 90s nostalgia.

Continue reading: Green Day Crash Into Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame With Emotional Speeches And Powerful Gig

Ringo Starr

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Ringo Starr

Date of birth

7th July, 1940

Occupation

Musician

Sex

Male

Height

1.68




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Ringo Starr Movies

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years Movie Review

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years Movie Review

A-list director Ron Howard worked with the surviving Beatles to assemble this engaging documentary, which...

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years - Trailer and Clips Trailer

The Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years - Trailer and Clips Trailer

In 1962 The Beatles were signed to a management deal with a local record shop...

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A Hard Days Night [Remastered] Trailer

A Hard Days Night [Remastered] Trailer

In 1964, black and white music comedy 'A Hard Day's Night' was released, starring the...

The Last Waltz Movie Review

The Last Waltz Movie Review

The Band were one of the best rock groups of the '60s and '70s, creating...

Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars Movie Review

Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars Movie Review

Throughout most of David Bowie's 1973 concert film "Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,"...

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