At 85 years old, legendary drummer Ringo Starr is proving that his creative fire remains as bright as ever. The iconic musician is currently promoting his latest project, a country-inspired album titled ‘Long Long Road.’ Despite his global fame and 2018 knighthood, Starr remains remarkably grounded, preferring to go by his birth name, Richard, while continuing to champion his lifelong mantra of ‘peace and love.’ Having resided in Los Angeles since the 1970s, he credits the city’s warmth and light as a primary catalyst for his ongoing artistic output.

‘Long Long Road’ represents a significant creative milestone, marking his second collaboration with renowned producer T Bone Burnett. The record, which was developed across Los Angeles and Nashville, features an impressive roster of guest talent, including Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, and St. Vincent. Starr has always been a proponent of collaborative music, noting that he rarely practices alone. He fondly recalls his early days in Liverpool, where the port city’s access to diverse international records—specifically country music from Texas—first ignited his passion for the genre.

Reflecting on his storied career, Starr discussed his evolution as a songwriter. While his contributions to The Beatles were limited in his early years, his craft has matured significantly, leading to recent collaborations with former bandmate Paul McCartney. As he prepares for a tour across the western United States this spring, Starr continues to balance his drumming duties with his role as a frontman. Meanwhile, fans are eagerly awaiting the 2028 release of four biographical films directed by Sam Mendes, which will chronicle the lives of each Beatle. Starr has already met with actor Barry Keoghan, who is set to portray him, and remains optimistic about the ambitious cinematic project.

Key Takeaways

• Ringo Starr is releasing a new country album titled 'Long Long Road,' produced in collaboration with T Bone Burnett.
• The legendary drummer is preparing for a tour of the western United States scheduled for May and June.
• Four upcoming biographical films directed by Sam Mendes, featuring Barry Keoghan as Starr, are slated for a 2028 release.

Editor’s Analysis & Impact

Ringo Starr’s pivot to country music at this stage in his career highlights the enduring versatility of legacy artists who are no longer bound by the commercial pressures of their peak pop-stardom years. By leveraging his deep-seated appreciation for the genre—dating back to his youth in Liverpool—Starr is successfully bridging the gap between his classic rock roots and contemporary Americana. The upcoming biographical film project represents a broader industry trend of ‘prestige biopics’ that aim to humanize cultural icons through multi-perspective storytelling. From a market perspective, Starr’s ability to maintain relevance through consistent touring and high-profile collaborations demonstrates the sustained value of the ‘Beatles brand’ in the modern streaming era, ensuring that his influence remains a fixture in both music history and current cultural discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the title of Ringo Starr's latest album?
A: The latest album is titled 'Long Long Road,' which features a country-inspired sound and collaborations with artists like Sheryl Crow and St. Vincent.

Q: Who is playing Ringo Starr in the upcoming Beatles films?
A: Actor Barry Keoghan has been cast to portray Ringo Starr in the four upcoming biographical films directed by Sam Mendes.