June 21, 2005. Copyright 2005, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Laconic ex-Beatle Ringo Starr marks 65th birthday
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, June 21, Graphic News:  Of the former Beatles, Ringo Starr, who turns 65 on July 7, was possibly the best-loved. While some felt they had to side with either John or Paul, and others found George just too quiet -- StarrÕs easy-going personality meant not just that he was the least divisive band member, but also that he has been left more or less in peace to get on with life since.

Indeed, since the Famous Four split in 1970, Starr has pursued an eclectic career that has included narrating the Thomas the Tank engine TV series, acting and producing in films, and releasing several solo albums. In January it was announced that he will star as a superhero in a cartoon series planned for 2006.

Like fellow Beatles John Lennon and Paul McCartney, StarrÕs childhood was a tough one. Born Richard Starkey in a poor area of Liverpool, his father left home when he was three, and ÒRitchieÓ battled against serious illness and enforced absences from school before working briefly as a messenger, a barman, and an apprentice joiner on Merseyside.

When Liverpool was hit by the skiffle craze in the late 1950s, Starkey began playing percussion for a group that became known as Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. In search of a gimmick, the drummer was soon nicknamed Ringo Starr because of his fondness for wearing jewellery. As the bandÕs success grew -- and against the advice of his family -- Starr gave up his day job.

But it was a chance meeting with another young Liverpool band sharing the bill at a club in Hamburg that sealed his fate as one of the best-known musicians of all time. Back in Britain, Starr began to substitute for Beatles drummer Pete Best, and accepted the job full-time after Best was sacked in 1962. Nevertheless, it would take a while for the newest member with the morose looks and razor sharp wit to be accepted as a full Beatle.

To many, the BeatlesÕ drummer was the least attention-grabbing yet most likeable of the band members. It was typical of his down-to-earth nature that he continued to send home money to his aunt to finance contingency plans to open a hairdressing salon -- even after the Famous Four had begun to enjoy worldwide success with early hits such as Love Me Do.

By the time the group went their separate ways in 1970, Starr had already released albums Beauty of the Blues and Sentimental Journey. Further solo efforts in the early 1970s spawned several top 10 UK hits, including It DonÕt Come Easy. The drummer has also continued to appear with his All Starr Band, sometimes alongside son Zak.

In 2006 Starr is to play himself in a new animated television and DVD series. The former Beatle will play a reluctant superhero, said creator Stan Lee, adding: ÒRingo is beloved worldwide for his commitment to people and his singular wit. Our Ringo superhero will combine these qualities along with RingoÕs secret powers.Ó

Starr has three children by his first wife, the late Maureen Cox. The couple divorced in 1975 and Ringo married actress Barbara Bach in 1981.
/ENDS