That Eric Alper

Born July 7, 1940, Sir Ringo Starr is more than the drummer for the Beatles — he’s a musical icon, peace-and-love advocate, and one of rock’s most beloved personalities. To celebrate his 85th birthday, here are 85 real, fascinating facts about Ringo Starr. Each one is a glimpse into the life of the man who kept the beat and never stopped moving forward.

1. Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England.
2. He is the longest-living member of the Beatles as of July 2025.
3. As a child, he suffered from appendicitis and peritonitis, spending nearly a year in hospital.
4. He later contracted tuberculosis and spent two years in a sanatorium.
5. His first exposure to drums came while recovering in hospital, using a cotton bobbin to tap furniture.
6. He formed his first band, the Eddie Clayton Skiffle Group, in 1957.
7. He joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes in 1959.
8. He adopted the stage name “Ringo Starr” due to his rings and love of country & western.
9. He officially joined the Beatles in August 1962, replacing Pete Best.
10. Ringo’s first performance with the Beatles was on August 18, 1962.
11. His first Beatles recording session was on September 4, 1962.
12. He sang lead vocals on several Beatles songs, including “Yellow Submarine.”
13. He wrote and sang “Don’t Pass Me By” and “Octopus’s Garden.”
14. Ringo was praised for his acting debut in A Hard Day’s Night (1964).
15. He won a Melody Maker poll for his performance in Help! (1965).
16. He temporarily left the Beatles during the White Album sessions in 1968.
17. He returned to the studio to find his drum kit covered in flowers.
18. He considered his drumming on “Rain” his best Beatles performance.
19. Ringo’s first solo album was Sentimental Journey (1970).
20. His 1973 album Ringo was a top 10 hit in the U.K. and U.S.
21. The single “Photograph” hit #1 in the U.S. in 1973.
22. “You’re Sixteen” also topped the U.S. charts in 1974.
23. He directed the 1972 T. Rex documentary Born to Boogie.
24. Ringo voiced Thomas the Tank Engine for its first two seasons.
25. He played Mr. Conductor in the PBS show Shining Time Station.
26. He formed the All-Starr Band in 1989.
27. The All-Starr Band has toured with 13 different lineups.
28. Ringo was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice — as a Beatle in 1988 and solo in 2015.
29. He was knighted in 2018 for services to music.
30. Ringo narrated 26 episodes of Thomas & Friends.
31. He appeared in The Last Waltz with Bob Dylan and The Band in 1976.
32. His solo single “Back Off Boogaloo” peaked at #2 in the U.K. in 1972.
33. Ringo sang on Cilla Black’s TV show in 1968.
34. His playing helped popularize the matched grip technique in drumming.
35. He inspired Phil Collins, who cited his drum fills on “A Day in the Life.”
36. He played drums on Lennon’s Plastic Ono Band and Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.
37. He performed at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971.
38. He appeared on The Simpsons in the episode “Brush with Greatness.”
39. Ringo received the fifth spot in Rolling Stone’s reader poll of greatest drummers.
40. He helped promote The Beatles: Rock Band in 2009.
41. He released the holiday-themed album I Wanna Be Santa Claus in 1999.
42. He performed “Photograph” at the 2002 Concert for George.
43. He launched a peace campaign called #peacerocks in 2014.
44. Ringo received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
45. He received a Diamond Award on behalf of the Beatles in 2008.
46. He published a MasterClass on drumming and collaboration in 2021.
47. His catchphrase and life motto is “peace and love.”
48. He has eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
49. Ringo is a vegetarian and avoids garlic and onions due to allergies.
50. He meditates daily.
51. Ringo auctioned Beatles memorabilia in 2015, raising over $9 million.
52. He co-wrote “It Don’t Come Easy” with George Harrison.
53. He played drums on “Real Love” and “Free As A Bird,” the Anthology Beatles tracks.
54. His solo song “Never Without You” was a tribute to George Harrison.
55. He often credits Jim Keltner as his favorite drummer.
56. He owns properties in Los Angeles, Monte Carlo, and Chelsea.
57. He received an honorary doctorate from Berklee College of Music in 2022.
58. His drums helped Ludwig dominate the U.S. market in the 1960s.
59. His vocals appear on “Act Naturally,” “Honey Don’t,” and “Boys.”
60. He named “With a Little Help from My Friends” as a favorite song to perform.
61. Ringo starred in the cult comedy Caveman (1981) with future wife Barbara Bach.
62. He married Barbara Bach on April 27, 1981.
63. Ringo performed “Walk with You” with Paul McCartney in 2010.
64. He toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 2013.
65. He performed two sold-out concerts in Israel in 2018.
66. He contributed to the 2020 charity single “Here’s to the Nights.”
67. He toured in 2022 after a pandemic hiatus.
68. He tested positive for COVID-19 in October 2022, cancelling several shows.
69. He released the EP EP3 in September 2022.
70. He collaborated with T Bone Burnett on the 2025 album Look Up.
71. His drumming influenced Steve Smith, drummer of Journey.
72. He was inspired by skiffle, big band, and rockabilly music.
73. Ringo described Gene Autry as his first musical hero.
74. He played biscuit tins and washboards before owning drums.
75. His first drum kit was a Christmas gift made from scrap pieces.
76. Ringo was knighted at Buckingham Palace by Prince William.
77. His solo career includes over 20 studio albums.
78. He performed with Paul McCartney at the 2014 Grammy Awards.
79. He played on “Little Willow,” McCartney’s tribute to Maureen Starkey.
80. He sang “Good Night” on the Beatles’ White Album.
81. Ringo was the first Beatle to become a grandfather in 1985.
82. His 1976 home video for “Snookeroo” featured a 40-foot robot.
83. He appeared in Lisztomania, Son of Dracula, and Blindman.
84. Ringo is the only Beatle to have been in The Magic Christian with Peter Sellers.
85. On his 85th birthday, he remains the beat behind the peace and the love.