Paul McCartney Pays Tribute to Ringo Starr Ahead of 85th Birthday: “He’s Ringo. And Nobody Else Is”
As the legendary drummer Ringo Starr approaches his 85th birthday on Monday, tributes are pouring in from fans and fellow musicians around the world. But none are as touching—or as telling—as those from Sir Paul McCartney, his Beatles bandmate and lifelong friend. In a heartfelt interview with The New York Times, McCartney opened up about his deep admiration for Ringo’s unique drumming style, his irreplaceable contribution to music, and the enduring bond the two share more than six decades after the world first heard The Beatles.
“Even though I’ve played with other drummers, he’s the best,” McCartney said during a phone interview, his voice firm with conviction and affection. “Ringo has got a certain feel that is very difficult for other drummers to capture.”
McCartney, who has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his career, emphasized that while there are many technically brilliant drummers, few have what Ringo Starr possesses—a musical intuition, a rhythmic personality, and a soulful touch that can’t be taught.
“Some things you can’t explain. It’s just in him. That groove, that swing—it’s Ringo,” McCartney said. “He brings a human feel to the drums, not a robotic one. It breathes with you. You listen to those Beatles records and his playing just fits like a glove, even if it was totally unexpected.”
For Beatles fans, Ringo has long been the underrated heartbeat of the group. While John Lennon and McCartney were celebrated for their songwriting, and George Harrison for his spiritual musicianship, it was Starr’s subtle genius that provided the glue. His timing was impeccable, his fills tasteful, and his character behind the kit unshakably authentic. Whether it was the off-kilter brilliance on “Rain,” the masterful simplicity on “Let It Be,” or the swinging shuffle of “Ticket to Ride,” Starr proved that less could indeed be more—and often was.
“He’s Ringo. And nobody else is,” McCartney summed up with reverence, echoing a sentiment many musicians have echoed over the years. That elusive je ne sais quoi, the unspoken magic that makes Starr so special, remains one of rock’s enduring mysteries.
The feature, published by The New York Times ahead of Starr’s birthday, dives into the life and legacy of a man who defied the odds. Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool in 1940, Ringo grew up poor and sickly, spending long stints in the hospital as a child. But music gave him purpose—and eventually, it gave him the world. He joined The Beatles in 1962, replacing original drummer Pete Best just as the band was about to take off. The rest, as they say, is history.
Despite being the last to join the group, Ringo became an essential part of The Beatles’ chemistry—not just musically, but personally. He was the unifier, the easygoing spirit who kept the band grounded even in the midst of fame, tension, and creative pressure.
“Ringo was the guy you could always rely on to be real,” McCartney said. “He never let the madness go to his head. He’s always been just Ringo—funny, honest, steady.”
Even now, at 84, Ringo remains active and optimistic. He continues to tour with his All-Starr Band, spreading peace, love, and joy through his music and message. “I’m not retiring,” Starr has said in recent interviews. “I love what I do. Why stop?”
And McCartney couldn’t be more proud. “We’ve been through everything together—fame, fights, breakups, reunions. But at the end of the day, there’s only me and Ringo now,” he said. “And I’m so lucky he’s still here, still rocking, still Ringo.”
The article is part of a broader celebration leading up to Starr’s milestone birthday. Events are being planned around the world, from tribute concerts to fan meetups, all culminating in Ringo’s annual Peace and Love moment on July 7th—an idea he began in 2008, asking people everywhere to pause at noon and say “Peace and love” in unison.
“It’s simple,” Starr once said of the tradition. “But it matters.”
And as his 85th birthday approaches, it’s clear that Ringo Starr matters more than ever—not just as a drummer, but as a symbol of resilience, joy, and humanity in music.
As McCartney put it best: “He’s Ringo. And we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
