Why Being Ringo Starr Always Sounds Like a Good Idea

During a recent gathering at the Sunset Marquis, Ringo Starr and T Bone Burnett shared a lighthearted moment when Starr transformed a dining table into a makeshift drum kit, performing a snippet of “Rock Island Line.” The 85-year-old former Beatle reflected on the significance of the late Lonnie Donegan, a British musician instrumental in popularizing skiffle music—a genre that rose to prominence just before the advent of rock ’n’ roll and greatly influenced a generation, including the Fab Four themselves.

“It was Lonnie Donegan who gave us all a great break,” Starr stated, tapping out Donegan’s distinctive rhythm as Burnett watched with admiration. “Did you see just then, when Ringo hit the table, how a whole vibe came alive?” Burnett expressed. “There was a feel there—that’s Ringo’s magic. How does it happen? Nobody knows.”

This unique chemistry is palpable on Starr’s latest album, “Long Long Road,” produced by Burnett and released just 15 months after their initial collaboration, “Look Up.” The new project features a mix of country-inspired originals by both artists and includes contributions from Nashville talents such as Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, and Paul Franklin.

“Long Long Road” boasts not only catchier melodies and deeper grooves but also a heightened emotional resonance in Starr’s vocals, particularly evident in the tender track “You and I (Wave of Love).” Tuttle commended Starr’s spirit, stating, “Ringo’s spirit is so open and loving—he lives inside my mind and heart.” She fondly recalled her mother’s enthusiasm upon discovering Starr’s music, saying, “She grew up obsessed with the Beatles, and Paul was always her favorite. Now she’s a total Ringo-head.”

This summer, Starr plans to tour with his All-Starr Band, concluding performances on June 14 at the Greek Theatre. He is also anticipating a vocal duet with Paul McCartney, marking their first collaboration in this format on McCartney’s upcoming album.

Starr enthusiastically discussed “Long Long Road” and its cover, which features him in a vibrant purple shirt reminiscent of the 1960s. “If you’ve done your homework, you know that shirt is from the ’60s,” he noted. Recognizing the album as a significant evolution from their previous effort, he affirmed, “It’s different and a step up—not different and we’re stepping down.”

In a humorous exchange, Burnett responded to Starr’s musings about the album’s progression, saying, “Well, yes, I have. In fact, I had some this morning.” Starr added, “There’s the headline,” showcasing their easy camaraderie.

The duo recounted their history, with Starr recalling parties in Los Angeles during the ’70s and ’80s where Burnett was a frequent guest. “I could hear all the traffic in L.A. coming to my house at two o’clock when the pubs and the discos closed,” he said, while Burnett fondly remembered a party that featured Mae West, who arrived early to set up the lighting.

Discusing their timeline, Burnett clarified that the tracks for the new album were recorded after their first collaboration. “They were done well after we did the first record,” he explained. This time around, Starr contributed drums and vocals to the songs, allowing Burnett to refine the final mixes.

Starr emphasized the organic nature of their musical collaboration, noting, “I just sit behind the drums and play, and whatever comes, comes.” Burnett acknowledged Starr’s exceptional drumming feel, declaring, “Nobody has Ringo’s feel—that’s just the reality.” They both agreed that Starr’s natural rhythm sets him apart from other musicians, with Burnett further noting, “Ringo is the click track.”

Their discussion touched on the possibility of touring together again. Starr remarked, “It could go on tour, yeah. It’s another All-Starr Band—the country All-Starr Band,” while Burnett agreed it would be an interesting endeavor. However, Starr expressed he had enough on his plate for the current year.

On the subject of future collaborations, Burnett expressed caution, stating, “I don’t want to tempt fate. It’s been such a beautiful collaboration,” while Starr hinted that a follow-up album might be possible.

Finally, Starr shared details about his upcoming duet with McCartney, recounting how their collaboration happened almost by chance. “Paul was working with Andrew [Watt], and Andrew played him the thing with him on guitar and me on drums,” Starr explained. “Paul wrote a song around that, and so he sort of had to ask me to sing on it, didn’t he?”

Reflecting on their enduring connection, Starr concluded, “Same is true for us—that’s where we come from.”