Ringo Starr: ‘I made all my mistakes on stage’

At the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood—a hub for rock legends since the 1970s—Ringo Starr begins with a simple statement: “Call me Ringo.” The 85-year-old musician, who was knighted in 2018, humorously corrects the use of “Sir” by claiming it should be “Sir Richard.” Though he doesn’t dwell on titles, his new country album, *Long Long Road*, is the focus of the conversation. The project, steeped in Nashville’s spirit, reflects his evolving musical tastes and a desire to embrace a different sound than his previous work.

Ringo’s collaboration with producer T Bone Burnett, known for his work with Bob Dylan, marks their second joint effort in under two years. The duo recorded in both Los Angeles and Nashville, with the latter offering a vibrant network of talent. “T Bone knows all the great musicians there,” Starr explains, noting how the Nashville connections allowed for spontaneous creativity. The album’s country roots are evident, and Starr admits the genre has gained a fresh, modern appeal, citing Beyoncé’s *Cowboy Carter* as a prime example of its current popularity.

Starr’s fascination with country music began in the 1950s and 1960s, when Liverpool was “the capital of country music in England.” Merchants brought records from around the world to the port city, including Texas-style tunes that resonated with him. “Liverpool loved country,” he recalls, highlighting how the genre shaped his early years. Despite this, he didn’t pursue it seriously until later, instead choosing to join The Beatles at 18. His move to Texas was initially driven by a passion for Lightnin’ Hopkins, the blues icon who influenced his musical direction. However, the bureaucratic hurdles of emigration led him to abandon the plan, a decision he now jokes about.

While with The Beatles, Starr penned only two songs, one of which—*Don’t Pass Me By* (1968)—hinted at a country sensibility. “We did it in a country fashion,” he sings a snippet, adding that the album would sound “more country now” with T Bone’s input. His peers, including McCartney, Lennon, and Harrison, initially mocked his early attempts at songwriting. “They’d all be laughing hysterically,” Starr says, recalling how he eventually found his voice. Today, McCartney is more impressed, as evidenced by their recent duet on his upcoming album, *The Boys Of Dungeon Lane*.

For his current tour, Starr takes the lead as a vocalist, but the drumming duties remain shared. “No, I am the drummer,” he laughs, revealing two sets on stage—one for himself and another for Gregg Bissonette, who steps in when he moves to the front. The setup, he insists, is a source of joy rather than pressure. “We have a lot of fun,” he says, emphasizing the camaraderie that fuels his live performances. As he continues to explore new genres, Starr remains grounded in his love for music, often echoing the “peace and love” ethos that has defined his career.

Country Music’s Global Influence

“Country music now is very cool. Even Beyoncé’s making country music.”

Starr’s latest work underscores a broader trend of country’s rising prominence in global pop culture. His partnership with T Bone Burnett, along with guest appearances by artists like Sheryl Crow and Billy Strings, highlights the genre’s versatility. The album, recorded in both Los Angeles and Nashville, captures the essence of a style that has long been a part of his personal history. “I made all my mistakes on stage,” he remarks, a testament to his philosophy of learning through performance.

A Legacy of Collaboration

“If you play piano, bass, saxophone, I will play with you all night.”

Starr’s approach to music—always collaborative—dates back to his youth. He admits to practicing drums alone as a teenager, a habit that drew complaints from neighbors. “I think that’s what did it,” he jokes, now advising his grandchildren to “get with people” instead of isolating themselves. This lesson in teamwork has carried into his adult career, from The Beatles to his solo projects, ensuring that his creative process is as dynamic as his performances.