Ringo Starr, 85, Reflects on The Beatles, New Music, and His Timeless ‘Peace and Love’ Message

At 85 years young, legendary drummer and all-around icon Ringo Starr took a stroll down memory lane, recalling how he and his band, The Beatles, went from modest beginnings in Liverpool to becoming a worldwide phenomenon. He still marvels at how quickly it all happened: when they landed in America, they shot to number one almost immediately. It was like waking up in a dream — suddenly everyone knew their names, and the mania had truly begun.

Ringo remembers those years with fondness: the crazed fans, the blur of tours, the relentless energy. He once said that four years of touring during “Beatlemania” might have been enough for anyone — yet for The Beatles, the influence never really faded. Even decades later, new generations continue to embrace their records and stream them in massive numbers. He’s used to it, but it still amazes him. The beat goes on.

The Legacy Keeps Rolling

These days, Ringo remains deeply involved in new music and archival projects. He’s mentioned that hours of unseen footage from the original Beatles era were uncovered while working with filmmaker Peter Jackson, promising more surprises for fans in the future. Some early recordings are also being remixed so that listeners can now hear the bass drum clearly for the first time — a small detail that, for Ringo, carries huge meaning. It’s proof that his music isn’t just a memory; it’s alive and evolving.

Ringo still tours with his All-Starr Band, promising each concertgoer that they “will know one song” — those big classics. But he says it’s more than that: each show is about magic, collaboration, and a shared love of music between him and his bandmates. For fans, it’s a chance to be part of that spirit.

Peace & Love: More Than a Catchphrase

More than anything, Ringo is known for two simple words: “peace and love.” He often explains how the phrase took root during the 1960s — a time of major social change, shifting fashions, and youth culture on the rise. To him, it’s more than nostalgia; it’s a mindset.

During a birthday celebration in 2008, a journalist asked what gift he wanted from his fans. He replied simply, “Peace and love.” From that moment, the phrase stuck — not as a gimmick, but as a genuine message he continues to share with the world. Ringo believes kindness, joy, and human connection matter deeply, and those words remain his compass.

Art, Charity & Staying Inspired

Outside of music, Ringo channels his creativity into art and philanthropy. His spin-art pieces — vibrant, unpredictable, and joyful — reflect his free-spirited approach to creation: you never know exactly how things will turn out, but you let the energy guide you. Using a special rotary setup to fling paint, he watches colors swirl into unexpected patterns. The results are more than aesthetic; proceeds from his work go entirely to his charity, the Lotus Foundation, which supports causes ranging from clean-water initiatives to schools for children with disabilities.

He laughs that his partner sometimes asks, “Ringo, what’s all this paint doing in the living room?” So now, he keeps his own art space. She loves the finished pieces, and he loves that art continues to bring him joy and purpose — even during breaks between tours.

On Illness, Survival & Staying Young at Heart

After a lifetime marked by triumphs and trials — from severe childhood illnesses (he recalls nights when doctors told his mother he might not survive) to fires, setbacks, and reinventions — Ringo describes himself as “blessed.” He’s not entirely sure why he’s been able to bounce back so often, but he’s endlessly grateful to still be here doing what he loves.

When asked how old he feels, he grins and says, “Twenty-four.” That’s where his head and heart remain, even if his passport says otherwise. He’s carried that youthful spark through decades of shifting culture, evolving music, and personal growth.

In short, Ringo Starr is still the man drumming with a grin, painting with abandon, and rallying the world around “peace and love.” His legacy with The Beatles was seismic — but even now, he continues to write, play, create, and give. And that, he says, never gets old.