Ringo Starr: 'I made all my mistakes on stage'

April 23, 2026

Ringo Starr, now 85 and knighted as Sir Richard, has released a new country album titled "Long Long Road," collaborating with artists like Sheryl Crow and producer T Bone Burnett. The former Beatles drummer traces his love of country music back to 1950s Liverpool, where merchant sailors brought American records to the port city, and he nearly emigrated to Texas as a teenager to be near blues musician Lightnin' Hopkins. Despite writing only two songs during his Beatles years, Starr has become a prolific songwriter and continues performing, sharing drumming duties with Gregg Bissonette during live shows.

Who is affected

Ringo Starr (Sir Richard Starkey)
Collaborating artists including Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, St Vincent, and producer T Bone Burnett
Drummer Gregg Bissonette who shares stage duties with Starr
Paul McCartney (collaborating on upcoming duet)
Actor Barry Keoghan (cast to play Starr in upcoming film)
Director Sam Mendes (directing four Beatles movies)
Nashville musicians who participate in recording sessions

What action is being taken

Ringo Starr is promoting his new country album "Long Long Road"
He is planning a tour of the western US in May and June
He shares drumming duties with Gregg Bissonette during performances, playing drums and moving to the front to sing
Sam Mendes is producing four Beatles movies scheduled for 2028
Paul McCartney is preparing to release his album "The Boys Of Dungeon Lane" next month, which includes a duet with Starr

Why it matters

This represents the continued artistic evolution of one of music's most iconic figures, demonstrating how Ringo Starr remains creatively active and relevant at 85 years old. His embrace of country music connects to Liverpool's historical role as a port city that absorbed diverse American musical influences, showing how global cultural exchange shaped The Beatles' sound. The upcoming quadruple Beatles film project by Sam Mendes will offer unprecedented cinematic exploration of each band member's story, preserving and reinterpreting the legacy of the world's most influential rock band for new generations.

What's next

Ringo Starr will tour the western US in May and June
Paul McCartney's album "The Boys Of Dungeon Lane" featuring a duet with Starr will be released next month
Four Beatles films directed by Sam Mendes, including one about Starr starring Barry Keoghan, are scheduled for release in 2028

Read full article from source: BBC