Challenges Faced by Ringo Starr: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Ringo Starr's life and career.

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey, is a celebrated English musician, songwriter, and actor, best known as the drummer for the Beatles. Achieving worldwide fame with the band, he provided distinctive drumming and occasional lead vocals. Notable lead vocals include songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help from My Friends". Starr also contributed to the Beatles' songwriting, composing "Don't Pass Me By" and "Octopus's Garden", and co-writing several other tracks.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 1948: Discharge from Myrtle Street children's hospital

In May 1948, Ringo Starr was discharged from Liverpool's Myrtle Street children's hospital after a year-long recovery from peritonitis.

1953: Admission to sanatorium with tuberculosis

In 1953, Ringo Starr contracted tuberculosis and was admitted to a sanatorium for two years. It was during this time that he was first exposed to percussion instruments.

September 1962: First Recording Session with The Beatles

In September 1962, Ringo Starr had his first recording session with The Beatles. On September 11, he was temporarily replaced by session drummer Andy White during the recording of "Love Me Do" and "P.S. I Love You".

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1964: Libel suit and temporary replacement due to illness

In 1964, during a Playboy interview, Lennon stated that Starr filled in when Best was ill, to which Starr replied that Best took pills to make himself ill. Best then filed a libel suit against Starr, which lasted four years and resulted in an undisclosed settlement. In June, Starr contracted a fever, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis before a world tour, and was temporarily replaced by Jimmie Nicol for five concerts. Starr rejoined the band in Melbourne on June 15. In August, the Beatles met Bob Dylan, who offered them cannabis cigarettes, which Starr tried first.

February 1965: Marriage to Maureen Cox and stress of Beatlemania

On February 11, 1965, Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox. He received a death threat before a show in Montreal and positioned his cymbals defensively. He felt increasingly isolated from the band's musical activities, which were moving beyond traditional rock. He spent recording sessions playing cards with road managers while the others perfected tracks. A fan asked the Beatles to let Starr sing more, and he replied that he was happy with one track per album.

August 1967: Epstein's death and Magical Mystery Tour

In August 1967, Brian Epstein's death left the Beatles without management. Soon after, the band began the film project Magical Mystery Tour. Starr's interest in photography led to him being billed as the Director of Photography for the movie.

1967: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and alienation

For the Beatles' 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Starr sang lead vocals on "With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles". Despite the album's success, Starr felt increasingly alienated, feeling like a session musician. His inability to compose new material led to him adding minor percussion effects to songs. He worked on his guitar playing during his downtime.

November 1968: Release of "The Beatles" (White Album) and India trip

In November 1968, Apple Records released The Beatles, known as the "White Album". The album was partly inspired by the band's interactions with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Starr completed his first recorded Beatles song, "Don't Pass Me By by The Beatles", in Rishikesh, India, but left after 10 days. His childhood health problems impacted his time in India, causing allergies and sensitivities to local food, so he took his own food with him.

August 1969: Final Beatles gathering at Abbey Road Studios

On August 20, 1969, the Beatles gathered for the final time at Abbey Road Studios for a mixing session for "I Want You by The Beatles".

April 1970: McCartney's announcement of leaving The Beatles

On April 10, 1970, McCartney announced he was leaving The Beatles, making the band's break-up public knowledge.

April 1970: Falling out with McCartney and release of "Sentimental Journey"

Shortly before McCartney announced his exit from the Beatles in April 1970, he and Starr had a falling out. This was due to McCartney's refusal to cede the release date of his solo album to allow for Starr's debut, Sentimental Journey, and the Beatles' Let It Be. Starr's album peaked at number seven in the UK and number 22 in the US. Starr then released Beaucoups of Blues, which received favorable reviews but was a commercial failure. Starr combined his musical activities with acting.

1975: Divorce from Maureen Cox

In 1975, Ringo Starr and Maureen Cox divorced following Starr's repeated infidelities, alcoholism, and volatile behavior.

1977: Release of "Ringo the 4th"

In 1977, Ringo Starr released the album "Ringo the 4th", a blend of disco and 1970s pop, which failed to chart in the UK and peaked at number 162 in the US.

April 1979: Starr's serious illness and surgery in April 1979

In April 1979, Ringo Starr became seriously ill with intestinal problems and was hospitalized in Monte Carlo. He underwent surgery on April 28, during which several feet of intestine were removed. Three weeks later, he played with McCartney and Harrison at Eric Clapton's wedding.

1982: Completion of "Old Wave" album

In 1982, Ringo Starr completed the album "Old Wave" with producer Joe Walsh but was unable to find a record company to release it in the UK or the US.

1987: Abandoned country album sessions

In 1987, Ringo Starr abandoned sessions in Memphis for a planned country album, produced by Chips Moman, after which Moman was blocked by a court injunction from issuing the recordings.

November 1988: Starr and Bach attend detox clinic

During November 1988, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach attended a detox clinic in Tucson, Arizona, to receive treatment for alcoholism.

1992: Release of "Time Takes Time"

In 1992, Ringo Starr released his first studio album in nine years, Time Takes Time. The album featured guest appearances by various stars including Brian Wilson and Harry Nilsson, although the album failed to achieve commercial success.

1999: Release of "I Wanna Be Santa Claus"

In 1999, Ringo Starr released the Christmas-themed album I Wanna Be Santa Claus, which was a commercial failure.

2001: Starr reflects on his career in 2001

Speaking in 2001, Ringo Starr attributed the downward turn in his career to his "[not] taking enough interest" in music, referring to himself, Nilsson, and Keith Moon as "junkies dabbling in music."