Call me Ringo. That's what the former Beatles drummer says when asked if we should refer to him as Sir Ringo, a title he earned in 2018 for his contributions to music. Meeting at the luxurious Sunset Marquis hotel in West Hollywood, known for its history with rock stars, Ringo was in good spirits, keen to share insights about his new country album, Long Long Road.
While he was knighted, Ringo prefers to keep things informal and focuses more on music than titles. Peace and love, he says, a refrain from the 85-year-old legend who maintains a youthful spirit.
The new album features collaborations with notable artists like Sheryl Crow and T Bone Burnett and showcases a more Nashville vibe, reflecting Ringo's deep-rooted love for country music, dating back to his childhood in Liverpool, which he recalls as 'the capital of country music in England'.
Ringo emphasizes the importance of collaboration. I've made all my mistakes on stage, he remarks, urging aspiring musicians to connect and collaborate rather than practice in isolation. He reminisces about days gone by when he practiced drums as a child, often mischiefing to neighbors' chagrin, and he now advises his grandchildren to join bands instead of practicing alone.
The drummer reflects on his songwriting journey, mentioning that he initially wrote very few songs during his time with The Beatles, but has since flourished as a songwriter. He laughs at his earlier writing days when his bandmates would tease him for simply rewriting other songs. Today, however, he and Paul McCartney still collaborate and their latest duet 'Home to US' is featured on McCartney's upcoming album.
Ringo is all set to tour his new album across the western US in May and June, equipped with both a stage set of drums for himself and his drummer Gregg Bissonette, demonstrating how he continues to embrace both roles of drumming and singing.
As he prepares for the tour and reflects on a lifetime of music, he's excited for what's next, urging fans to keep an eye out for youthful energy in music, evidenced by recent developments in the country genre, showcasing artists like Beyoncé entering this vibrant musical space.
Ringo Starr remains a beacon of creativity and joy in the world of music, a testament to the enduring spirit of collaboration and expression in art.
