Call me Ringo. That's what the former Beatles drummer says when asked if we should call him Sir. He joins us at the swanky Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood, where rock stars have gathered for decades in a luxury oasis behind the Sunset Strip. We're here to talk music – specifically Ringo Starr's new country album, Long Long Road.
But first, we deal with the honorifics because although he was knighted in 2018 for his services to music, technically, he says it's wrong to call him Sir Ringo because he's actually Sir Richard.
Sir Richard laughs. He just wants to talk music, and he's not worried about formalities or titles. His new album is more Nashville than Los Angeles, and he seems more LA than Liverpool as he encourages an American interviewing a British national treasure for the BBC to just relax.
Peace and love, he says, a soothing catchphrase often used by the 85-year-old music legend who looks, moves, and sings like a much younger man.
I've always loved the attitude of LA, he says, adding that he's had a home here since the 1970s. Besides, I love the heat and the light; it's just been a good place for me.
On his new country album, Starr collaborates with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St Vincent. He shares that he never plays music alone, emphasizing the joy of collaboration. That's how I did it. I made all my mistakes on stage, he says, laughing about his early drum practice that annoyed the neighbors.
Starr speaks fondly of his journey into country music, recalling how Liverpool was dubbed the capital of country music in England due to influences coming through its port from various genres. He connects his love for country music back to his youth, revealing his critical role in writing Beatles songs that reflect his diverse musical influences.
As he prepares to take his new album on tour, Ringo remains the vibrant spirit he's always been, not just as a drummer but as an artist committed to sharing his passion for music with the world, reminding everyone of the importance of playing music together.
But first, we deal with the honorifics because although he was knighted in 2018 for his services to music, technically, he says it's wrong to call him Sir Ringo because he's actually Sir Richard.
Sir Richard laughs. He just wants to talk music, and he's not worried about formalities or titles. His new album is more Nashville than Los Angeles, and he seems more LA than Liverpool as he encourages an American interviewing a British national treasure for the BBC to just relax.
Peace and love, he says, a soothing catchphrase often used by the 85-year-old music legend who looks, moves, and sings like a much younger man.
I've always loved the attitude of LA, he says, adding that he's had a home here since the 1970s. Besides, I love the heat and the light; it's just been a good place for me.
On his new country album, Starr collaborates with the likes of Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St Vincent. He shares that he never plays music alone, emphasizing the joy of collaboration. That's how I did it. I made all my mistakes on stage, he says, laughing about his early drum practice that annoyed the neighbors.
Starr speaks fondly of his journey into country music, recalling how Liverpool was dubbed the capital of country music in England due to influences coming through its port from various genres. He connects his love for country music back to his youth, revealing his critical role in writing Beatles songs that reflect his diverse musical influences.
As he prepares to take his new album on tour, Ringo remains the vibrant spirit he's always been, not just as a drummer but as an artist committed to sharing his passion for music with the world, reminding everyone of the importance of playing music together.
