Ringo Starr Jokes His Kids ‘Get Fed Up’ When He Talks Retirement: ‘You’ve Told Us That for the Last 10 Years’ (Exclusive)

Ringo Starr Jokes His Children ‘Get Fed Up’ with His Retirement Talk

Renowned musician Ringo Starr, known for his stellar career with The Beatles, is showing no signs of slowing down. With a new album recently released, a concert special recorded at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, and a series of upcoming tour dates, Starr sat down with PEOPLE for an exclusive interview. Despite hinting at retirement after each tour, his children, Zak, Jason, and Lee, are quick to remind him of his repeated declarations over the past decade. Starr shared, “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.”

The 84-year-old drummer, father to three with his late ex-wife Maureen, is set to embark on a 10-date tour with his All Starr Band in June. Following this, the band will take the stage for a six-show Las Vegas residency in September at The Venetian Theatre. Starr has been performing with his All Starr Band since 1989, with the current lineup comprising of Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette, and Buck Johnson. Reflecting on the band’s journey, he shared, “We opened in Texas in a field and it was great. And we’ve been doing it ever since because I love to play live. I love the audience, I know they love me and we have a great time.”

Starr’s upcoming shows will also showcase his latest country album, “Look Up,” which was released in January. The album, his second country venture after 1970’s “Beaucoups of Blues,” has been well-received, achieving success on Billboard’s album sales chart. Starr expressed his surprise at the album’s positive reception, crediting producer T Bone Burnett for bringing the project to life. He shared, “He sent me this beautiful track, and it was a country track. Who’d have known?… It’s working out really well. I’ve been surprised a lot lately.”

While transitioning to country music might seem unexpected for some, for Starr, it is a return to his musical roots. Growing up in Liverpool, he was introduced to country music by sailors who brought back records from their travels. As part of The Beatles, Starr recorded covers of country hits and even showcased his love for the genre during his recent performances at the Ryman Auditorium. Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, a special featuring Starr and his music pals like Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris, is now available for streaming on Paramount+.

Embracing new challenges and opportunities, Starr expressed his excitement for the creative freedom he currently enjoys. He shared, “I love that I’ve got the freedom to make a right turn.” With a rich musical history and an ever-evolving style, Ringo Starr continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his timeless tunes. For more insights into Ringo Starr’s musical journey, grab a copy of the latest issue of PEOPLE, available on newsstands or for subscription.

In conclusion, Ringo Starr’s enduring passion for music and his commitment to delivering exceptional performances highlight his status as a legendary musician. With his latest album and upcoming tour, Starr’s fans can expect nothing short of musical brilliance from this iconic artist.