Call me Ringo. That's what the former Beatles drummer says when asked if we should call him Sir. Sitting down at the Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood, a legendary spot for rock stars for decades, we delve into Ringo's new country album, Long Long Road.
Despite being knighted in 2018 for services to music, he playfully corrects, It's technically wrong to call me Sir Ringo because I'm actually 'Sir Richard.' Ringo often chooses to focus on the music rather than titles, embodying a relaxed demeanor more typical of an LA local than a Liverpool native. Peace and love, he often says, reflecting his upbeat, easy-going attitude.
His new album brings together collaborations with artists like Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St Vincent, and leans heavily into the Nashville sound. Ringo notes, I love the attitude of LA, revealing a passion for the warmth and light of the region, which he has called home since the 1970s.
Speaking about his new work, Starr asserts he never plays music alone, declaring, I made all my mistakes on stage. This reflects his belief in the importance of collaboration. He shares humorous memories from his teenage drumming days when neighborhood complaints about his practice sessions were frequent.
Starr also reminisces about the country music scene of his youth in Liverpool, which he describes as the capital of country music in England. With an unwavering affinity for the genre, he mentions how Liverpool workers brought records of various musical styles, including country, from the US, forming his appreciation for the music early on.
This ongoing love for country music has remained, further emphasized by his enthusiasm for contemporary artists and their contributions to the genre. Starr expresses admiration for Beyoncé's recent country efforts and acknowledges the changing landscape of the music industry.
As the discussion pivots back to his creative processes, Ringo is candid about his journey as a songwriter, sharing that he only penned a couple of songs during his early Beatles days but is now more prolific. He delights in recounting how he went from being laughed at for his early attempts to appreciating his evolving style as a songwriter.
Starr is currently gearing up for a tour in support of Long Long Road, blending the roles of drummer and lead singer, as he humorously notes he still takes charge of the drums. Two drum sets are prepared for his performances, allowing him and fellow percussionist Gregg Bissonette to seamlessly transition between playing and singing.
The legacy of Ringo Starr continues to evolve, and through his new album and upcoming performances, he remains a vibrant part of the music scene while imparting wisdom learned throughout a lifetime of collaboration and artistry.
