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As he approached his 86th birthday on July 7, Ringo Starr showed no signs of slowing down, much to the amusement-and mild exasperation-of his family. The legendary Beatles drummer, born Richard Starkey, continues to defy expectations with a nearly 70-year career marked by relentless creativity and touring.
Just this year, Starr released his 22nd solo studio album, Long Long Road, on April 24 and recently concluded a spring 2026 tour with his All-Starr Band. Last summer, he collaborated with producer T Bone Burnett on the country album Look Up and led a 10-date tour, signaling one of the most prolific periods in his career. It’s no wonder his retirement discussions no longer carry much weight with his children.
“They get fed up with me,” Starr admitted with a laugh in a previous interview. “Sometimes when I finish a tour, I think, ‘That’s the end for me.’
And all my kids say, ‘Oh, Dad, you’ve told us that for the last 10 years.’ Then I get a call: ‘We’ve got a few gigs if you’re interested.’
And off we go again!”
Earlier this year, CBS aired Ringo and Friends at The Ryman, a special featuring Starr performing country-tinged versions of his songs alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Jack White, and The War and Treaty at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium. Reflecting on the show, Starr said, “It is always a thrill to play the Ryman, and this time we are going country.
T Bone has put together a great show. I’m excited to hear my songs done in a country vein and to play with this incredible group of musicians.”
In addition to his solo work, Starr reunited with fellow Beatle Paul McCartney on McCartney’s recent album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, performing a duet on the track “Home To Us.” When asked about their ongoing tours, Starr joked that he expects to outlast McCartney on the road-not as a rivalry but as a testament to his stamina.
Starr credits his enduring energy to consistent fitness and health routines. “Get in that gym, loosen up,” he advised in a USA Today interview.
“No one can do it for you. You’ve got to get out of bed and do it.”
He maintains a rigorous workout schedule with a trainer three times a week and often visits the gym on his own to keep his heart rate up with running and weight training.
Though he initially planned to limit touring to 2026, Starr admits he’s tempted to extend it into the fall. “For the last five years, I’ve told my kids, ‘That’s it, I can’t go on anymore,’” he said.
“But in my head, at least twice a day, I’m thinking, ‘Nah, we should do September as well.’ So far, I’m holding up.”
Ringo Starr’s relentless passion for music and performance remains as strong as ever, proving that age is no barrier to a life on the road and in the studio.