Additional Coverage:
- Ringo Starr says his family is ‘fed up with him’ as he continues to tour into 86th birthday (themirror.com)
As Ringo Starr approaches his 86th birthday on July 7, the legendary former Beatles drummer shows no signs of slowing down. Despite a music career spanning nearly seven decades, Starr remains as active as ever, continuing to release new albums and tour globally.
Just this year, Starr unveiled his 22nd solo studio album, Long Long Road, and wrapped up a spring 2026 tour with his All-Starr Band. Last year was equally busy, as he collaborated with producer T Bone Burnett on the country-themed album Look Up and embarked on a 10-date summer tour. Given this relentless pace, it’s no surprise that his family has grown accustomed to his refusal to retire.
In a candid conversation with People magazine, Starr admitted, “They get fed up with me.” Reflecting on retirement, he shared that while he sometimes feels ready to stop touring, the allure is always too strong.
“Sometimes when I finish a tour, I’m like, ‘That’s the end for me.’ And all my children say, ‘Oh, Dad, you’ve told us that for the last 10 years.’
And they get fed up with me,” he joked. “I do feel, ‘Oh, that’s got to be enough,’ and then I get a phone call: ‘We’ve got a few gigs if you’re interested.’
OK, we’re off again!”
Earlier this year, CBS broadcast Ringo & Friends at The Ryman, a special showcasing Starr performing alongside artists like Sheryl Crow, Jack White, and The War and Treaty at Nashville’s iconic country music venue. Starr described the show as “two nights of peace, love, and country music,” expressing excitement about hearing his songs reimagined in a country style.
Beyond his solo work, Starr recently appeared on fellow Beatle Paul McCartney’s new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, sharing vocals on the duet “Home To Us.” He even playfully suggested he might outlast McCartney on the road, emphasizing the importance of staying fit and energized.
“Get in that gym, loosen up,” Starr advised in an interview with USA Today. “No one can do it for you.
You’ve got to get out of bed and do it.” Maintaining his health is clearly a priority; he works with a trainer three times a week and often hits the gym independently.
Although Starr initially planned to limit his touring to this year, he admits he’s considered extending it into the fall. “For the last five years, I’ve told my kids, ‘That’s it, I can’t go on anymore.’
And they say, ‘Oh, Dad, you said that last year,’” he laughed. “I’m just doing the 12 gigs.
But in my head, at least twice a day, I’m thinking, ‘Nah, we should do September as well.’ But so far, I’m holding up.”
With his relentless passion for music and dedication to staying active, Ringo Starr continues to defy expectations, proving that age is no barrier to rocking the stage.