The music of The Beatles has served as a soundtrack for countless lives, a timeless melody woven into the fabric of popular culture. Their impact on music is undeniable, their legacy a towering monument. Yet, beneath the surface of catchy tunes and infectious grooves, simmered a different story.
Rumors of tension and disagreements within the band have lingered for years, casting a shadow over their seemingly perfect image. Recently, Ringo Starr, the ever-reliable drummer who anchored their sound, admitted that the band really “didn’t get along”.
Ringo shared with Dan Rather for AXS TV that The Beatles were only trudging along for their love of music, and, of course, the relentless urging of a “workaholic” Paul McCartney.
Ringo Starr Sets the Record Straight on Beatles’ Fights
In a recent interview, Ringo finally addressed the long-standing rumors about tension within The Beatles. He acknowledged the stories, but clarified that the reality was more complex. Ringo explained that, like any close group of friends working together, they had disagreements and arguments.
“No no, we didn’t get along. We were four guys, we had rows. It never got in the way of the music no matter how bad the row was. Once the count in, we all gave our best,” the drummer explained.
However, he emphasized that these conflicts never spilled over into their music. No matter the intensity of the fight, once they started playing, they gave it their all. Ringo compared it to any close relationship, especially one under such immense pressure.
The Workaholic Who Kept The Beatles Going
Over time, as the band members grew older and their lives changed – Ringo mentioned having children as an example – their initial focus and energy on The Beatles naturally waned. However, Ringo credits Paul McCartney’s work ethic for keeping them productive.
Ringo Starr elaborated on the impact of changing priorities within the band. He explained, “Suddenly, we’ve got lives and I’ve got children and you know, the effort that we put in cause we worked really hard was starting to pale a little and we always thank Paul to this day.”
The drummer described Macca as the group’s “workaholic”, the one who constantly pushed them to create music even when John and Ringo preferred to relax. Ringo himself wasn’t lacking in commitment, having been involved in the music industry since leaving his factory job in 1960. However, Paul’s relentless drive provided a crucial counterpoint.
Ringo acknowledged this head-on: “Because of Paul, who was the workaholic of our band, we made a lot more records than John and I would’ve made,” the “Photograph” performer said. “We liked to sit around a little more and then Paul would call ‘Alright lads’, and we’d go in.”
Staying Grounded Amidst the Frenzy
Ringo offered a unique perspective on the pressures of fame. He observed that many successful artists lose themselves at the peak of their careers. But Ringo believed The Beatles, thanks to their shared background and unwavering support for one another, managed to stay grounded.
He explained their secret weapon: a healthy dose of reality checks. Whenever a band member started developing a “big shot” attitude, the others would quickly intervene and ensure no one got carried away.
Ringo even recalled a specific moment that solidified this dynamic: meeting Elvis Presley. Despite being surrounded by people, Elvis struck Ringo as a lonely figure. In contrast, Ringo always had his bandmates by his side, a constant source of support.