### The Beatles’ Ringo Starr Says ‘We’re Just Musicians’ as He Issues Paul McCartney Tour Verdict
In a candid and thoughtful reflection on his long and storied career, Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer for The Beatles, recently shared his thoughts on his former bandmate Paul McCartney’s ongoing touring career. In an interview that was part of Ringo’s press for his solo work and upcoming projects, he offered a simple yet profound verdict on Paul McCartney’s continuous success: “We’re just musicians.”
The statement, though brief, encapsulated much of Ringo’s laid-back, no-nonsense approach to life and music. While McCartney has enjoyed a near-unparalleled level of global fame, releasing album after album, embarking on world tours, and constantly reinventing his musical persona, Ringo’s take on the matter is grounded in humility and the appreciation for the art of music itself. In the interview, Ringo also shared his thoughts on the broader legacy of The Beatles, his feelings about his place in music history, and the enduring friendships that have survived decades of fame and fortune.
### Ringo Starr’s Perspective: ‘We’re Just Musicians’
Ringo Starr’s quote, “We’re just musicians,” highlights a characteristic modesty that has been a hallmark of his personality throughout his career. Despite his pivotal role in The Beatles, Ringo has always maintained a relatively low-key public persona compared to his fellow bandmates—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison—who were often at the center of the limelight for their songwriting and individual musical talents.
Ringo’s humility is often at odds with the larger-than-life image of The Beatles and their place in music history. As the drummer for the band, Ringo was crucial to the band’s sound, but he was often in the shadow of McCartney and Lennon, the primary songwriters. Nevertheless, Ringo’s influence on the band’s rhythm section, his unique drumming style, and his contribution to the group’s overall sound were vital to their success.
Even as The Beatles’ groundbreaking albums reshaped the landscape of popular music, Ringo’s role was essential, and he consistently brought his own character and energy to the band’s recordings and performances. His approach was always steady, reliable, and sometimes surprisingly innovative for a drummer in a rock band.
However, Ringo has never sought to elevate himself above the collective identity of The Beatles. “We’re just musicians” sums up his belief that, at their core, all the band members were simply artists doing what they loved. This down-to-earth attitude has allowed Ringo to carve out a successful solo career while maintaining a humble view of his legacy within the wider world of rock music.
### Paul McCartney’s Continued Success
Paul McCartney, Ringo’s longtime friend and bandmate, has had a vastly different public journey. After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney became one of the most successful and influential solo artists in history. His solo career, both as a solo act and with his band Wings, produced countless hits and earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
McCartney’s enduring presence in the music world is fueled by his drive to keep performing. At the age of 82, McCartney continues to tour, thrilling audiences worldwide with his live performances, including his iconic Beatles hits and solo material. His tours are massive, multi-continent affairs that attract tens of thousands of fans, proving that McCartney has remained a dominant force in the industry for more than 50 years after the Beatles broke up.
Ringo, for his part, has expressed admiration for Paul’s work ethic and his ability to remain so active in the industry. However, Ringo’s comment—“We’re just musicians”—suggests that, for him, the act of making music and performing is not about fame or the spectacle of touring, but rather the joy of playing. Ringo is no stranger to touring himself, having done so regularly with his All-Starr Band, a group made up of famous musicians who take turns performing with Ringo. But his reasons for touring seem to differ from McCartney’s.
While Paul’s tours are often massive affairs with an intense focus on entertaining and delivering a high-energy show, Ringo’s approach is much more focused on camaraderie, musical expression, and celebrating his peers. Ringo has often referred to his All-Starr Band tours as more of a celebration of music than a commercial pursuit. The performances are often less about him being in the spotlight and more about showcasing the talent of those he shares the stage with.
For Ringo, the joy of performing still comes from the same place it did when he was with The Beatles: the love of music itself. Whether he’s on stage in front of thousands of people or simply jamming with friends in the studio, Ringo remains grounded in the idea that music is an art form meant to be shared and enjoyed.
### Reflecting on The Beatles’ Legacy
In his comments, Ringo also reflected on the continued legacy of The Beatles, a group that has influenced countless musicians across multiple generations. The Beatles’ impact on popular music cannot be overstated, and Ringo is well aware of the global phenomenon that they became. Yet, despite their world-changing success, Ringo remains humble about his place in that history. He has consistently distanced himself from the idea of being a rock god or a larger-than-life figure.
When asked about the Beatles’ cultural influence, Ringo was quick to point out that while the band was certainly innovative, they were also a product of their time. “We were just in the right place at the right time,” he said. Ringo’s acknowledgement of the band’s historical context, while still recognizing their monumental achievements, is a testament to his ability to stay grounded and appreciative of the serendipity that played a role in their success.
Ringo also mentioned the enduring friendships between the surviving Beatles members. While the loss of John Lennon in 1980 and George Harrison in 2001 has left a significant hole in the band’s dynamic, Ringo and Paul McCartney have continued to support each other throughout the years. Their bond, forged in the heat of Beatlemania and tested by the turbulence of the band’s breakup, remains strong. In many ways, Ringo’s sentiment—“We’re just musicians”—reflects his humble approach to his relationship with Paul, acknowledging that while their shared past is legendary, they are still, at their core, simply two musicians who love what they do.
### Touring as an Older Artist: Ringo vs. Paul
Another facet of Ringo’s remarks about Paul McCartney’s ongoing touring is the contrast in their approaches to aging in the music industry. While McCartney has maintained a rigorous touring schedule well into his 80s, Ringo, who is also in his 80s, has been more selective in his performances. Ringo’s tours with his All-Starr Band are generally shorter and less demanding than McCartney’s global stadium tours, but both artists continue to prove that age is not a barrier to their passion for music.
Ringo’s approach to touring highlights his pragmatic view of his career. While McCartney’s tours are big spectacles aimed at delivering maximum entertainment, Ringo’s performances are more about musical collaboration and the joy of playing with fellow musicians. Both approaches have their own merits, but Ringo’s “we’re just musicians” mentality emphasizes that, ultimately, the act of making music is a deeply personal and artistic endeavor, regardless of fame or the size of the audience.
### Final Thoughts: Ringo Starr’s Legacy
Ringo Starr’s career, both within The Beatles and as a solo artist, stands as a testament to the power of humility, hard work, and love for the craft of music. While his former bandmate Paul McCartney continues to captivate the world with his chart-topping hits and expansive tours, Ringo’s grounded approach to fame and music allows him to remain connected to the joy of performance in a way that is refreshingly unpretentious.
Ringo Starr’s statement, “We’re just musicians,” may seem simple, but it reveals a deep appreciation for the art form that transcends fame, money, and accolades. It’s a reminder that, at the end of the day, the most important thing for an artist is the love of their craft—a sentiment that both Ringo and Paul share, even as their paths through the music world continue to diverge.
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