Ringo Starr on His 85th Birthday, Peace & Love, The Beatles' Evolution, and Meditation

Reflecting on a Milestone Birthday

• 🎂 Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, is celebrating his 85th birthday on July 7th.
• 💡 He reflects on his childhood in Liverpool, cherishing memories of playing in the park and the early days of his musical journey.
• 🥁 His stepdad gifted him his first drum kit, which he initially disliked but later realized were great old drums, eventually paying off a loan for a new kit.
• 🧘 Despite the milestone, Ringo maintains a youthful outlook, humorously stating he's "24 in here" and embracing the mantra that "the beat goes on."

The Enduring Message of Peace and Love

• 🕊️ Ringo's annual "Peace and Love" birthday event, held at noon on July 7th, encourages a global moment of reflection, peace, and love.
• 🌍 The message originated accidentally during an interview and has since become a significant part of his public persona and advocacy.
• 💔 In a world Ringo describes as going through "madness" and feeling on edge, he emphasizes that the message of peace and love is important every day.
• 🙏 He notes that even Bono of U2 acknowledges his genuine commitment to flashing the peace sign.

The Beatles' Musical Evolution and Studio Magic

• 🎶 The 1960s were a period of immense change for both the world and The Beatles, influencing their music and personal growth.
• 🚫 Ringo recalls an early realization that getting high in the studio led to poor musical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of being clear-headed for recording.
• 🤝 He describes the studio experience with John, Paul, and George as being like "brothers," with deep bonds, occasional rows, but always supporting each other, often with a psychic connection.
• 🎧 Ringo appreciates modern remixes and remasters of The Beatles' music, particularly how they allow the drums to be heard more clearly, contrasting with the early mono recordings.

Meditation, Photography, and AI

• 🧘 Ringo has been practicing Transcendental Meditation since 1992, finding it a way to reconnect with himself and maintain his well-being.
• 📸 He shares his passion for photography, a hobby that began with cameras gifted during a trip to Japan, and continues to capture moments, now often with his phone.
• 🤖 He acknowledges the power of AI, citing its use in isolating John Lennon's voice for the song "Now and Then," but expresses concern about its potential misuse.

The All-Starr Band and Live Performances

• 🎸 Ringo expresses his love for playing music and being part of a band, highlighting the collaborative nature of being a drummer.
• 🗓️ The All-Starr Band is embarking on a new tour, with Ringo now performing a more manageable 12 shows per leg.
• 😊 He observes that his concerts attract a diverse age demographic, all united by the music, and that the audience leaves with smiles, reflecting a shared positive experience.
• 🥁 Behind the drum kit, Ringo describes his playing as being in a "blackout," where instinct, energy, and emotion take over, making each fill unique and unrepeatable.