Ringo Starr talks EPs, 'Get Back' and that final Beatles song | AP extended interview

There are rock stars, and then there is Ringo Starr. The prolific musician is releasing his fourth EP in three years, "Rewind Forward." And he's recorded a country music EP, is hitting the road on a tour and added fresh drumming to the much-discussed AI-assisted final Beatles song. He sat down with Maria Sherman of The Associated Press to talk in this extended interview about all that, plus voicing Thomas the Tank Engine and the "Octopus's Garden" creation story.
__ In this video __
0:00 - introduction
0:27 - the "Rewind Forward" EP title
1:57 - prolific last few years
3:41 - country EP
5:31 - creating "Rewind Forward"
6:47 - Paul McCartney relationship, new song together
8:28 - touring
10:10 - AI-assisted final Beatles song
12:55 - music and technology
15:31 - Peter Jackson's "Get Back" and "Octopus's Garden" creation
19:25 - The Beatles and optimism
21:08 - Thomas the Tank Engine
22:52 - new music

[@ghoppr71]

Very emotional hearing him say that this will be the last ever recording with the 4 boys... John, Paul, George, and Ringo. How lucky we are to be here to experience a brand new Beatles tune in 2023-24 !

[@TimmyJamesDafunnyMan]

This man is 83 and still going strong

[@raulmacias6146]

Incredible how lucid and quick witted Ringo is at 83! Ringo has stated he eats a lot of broccoli!

[@MassiveLib]

Apparently it's because of broccoli

[@gostrum1]

@@MassiveLibHe’s eating so much of it, it’s seeping through his jacket

[@trevorsmith7753]

​@@raulmacias6146 Ringo (83) pushing the vegan kick for his masters. Forgot to mention the stem cells and adrenochrome! John and George were free thinkers, so got whacked at 40 & 58.

[@shandonsahm3343]

83 n Looks still youthful

[@MrTimjd123]

I look forward to watching him still playing when he turns 90. Ringo is a blessing to the human race.

[@jammyb90]

👍👍

[@christophbruhn7471]

saw him last night. runs on stage. jumping. drumming, singing. dancing. 83. Don't ever stop, everybody. Keep at it. Rest is rust, motion is lotion.

[@robertbrown7408]

​@@christophbruhn7471Great advice ! Just gave me a lift at 67 !!!😊

[@mikerico5568]

Freaken AMEN! Can you imagine life w/o the Beatles? Just thinking about that gets me close to crying!

[@GT380man]

@@mikerico5568Crikey, the Tavistock programming works really well on some.

[@sophiemilton5939]

(I'm UK, 70 years old ex-hippy. Well ...... not really ex ..... kinda part-time now....;-) ) Ringo is about the only person on the planet who can say "Peace and Love" to me, and I simply believe him. He's genuine.

[@farrellmcnulty909]

I'm in the US, age 60, I was very young at the end cusp of all that, the summer of love, the Beatles career, Hendrix, Woodstock and everything. I was interested and finally caught up with it about 10 years later,so...belated hippy? Also part-time, I have a job and responsibilities, etc., but when that part-time comes up....see you guys later....back from a trip - ah, yeah, it was just great 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@p0llenp0ny]

I'm warning you with peace and love.. no more autographs lol

[@roseblake5803]

@@p0llenp0ny- Now tell why he said that.

[@GT380man]

@@roseblake5803Questioned documents risk?

[@Jaseph2]

Is it even possible not to like Ringo? He is just a joy to listen to whether speaking or performing. He is a treasure.

[@dreamitable]

You are right and so was my grandmother from Liverpool. She was a Treasure! She lived and grew up in their neighborhood it was West Derby. She gave me hope my poor mom was very unhappy with my father. I felt love from gram not mom till later on.

[@ralphdelrio5826]

Ringo is a Sage. The 'real' Sage. Get him to talk as much as possible. Rewind Forward is exactly where we are all at these days. The youth and the older generations as well.

[@shable1436]

Hahaha ok jack, but forward to rewind actually makes much more sense,

[@KimberlyAustin-sr6xm]

Constantly, throughout life. We should rewind (briefly)/then go forward. To "relearn" the lessons we learned the first time. We always have to "relearn". And it actually gets easier as you get older. The "relearning" happens quicker because you have "been there so many times before". It's also comforting, sometimes, to revisit the past. It helps you remember which way you were going, and why. ♥

[@namesameasu]

Ringo is always a morale boost to hear from. There's a reason why he's the Beatle the media most focused on when Beatlemania first became a craze. Ringomania was a big part of Beatlemania, and still is! Peace and love!

[@tylerthompson1842]

As a life long musician I can’t tell you how appreciated drummers like Ringo are. Great time and feel, great scenes of humor, always ready to serve the song.

[@cannotfindmyshoes3]

Great "scènes" of humour ? Yeah... that's an interesting play on words quite fitting when talking about a Beatle !👍

[@tylerthompson1842]

@@cannotfindmyshoes3 thanks 😊

[@GregoryKeithe]

I concur.

[@jonathanwiegman5334]

He is known as a 3rd rate musician. Cute for the 13 year olds.

[@jefffransen5409]

… and you’re yet another example of the clueless.

[@comedyriff5231]

Looking forward to 'Now and Then". I hope they use the same technology to remaster Lennon´s voice on 'Real Love' and 'Free as a Bird'.

[@KimberlyAustin-sr6xm]

By "remaster" do you mean put it in another recording? I don't think they changed his voice. Or "re created" his "magic". Remastered used to mean simply "put back together in a different song.

[@danielhead8123]

No means removing the crackle and hiss from the demos with the ai which is what peter jackson did with get back documentary

[@bcoldwell1]

My first drum set was in 1964: a set of cardboard boxes with "The Beatles" written across the front. "Pick up a pair of sticks and hit the buggers." I'm with ya, Ringo.

[@robertbrown7408]

Same again for me in 64,but with a pair of wooden spoons on the padded kitchen chairs.Happy times 😊

[@slaphead8835]

Ringo looks 30 years younger than he actually is. I think his ALL STAR BANDS Have had incredible lineups of iconic talent.

[@tourzrap]

Not 30

[@smokesletsgo2374]

I would guess mid 60s if I didn't know any better. But he has clearly used a lot of hair dye. To not even have any gray in the beard at that age is impossible. But he does look fantastic

[@Polyphemus47]

Staying happy and serene works wonders.

[@jonashansen1518]

When you're that young at heart at his age, you can dye your hair without anyone even reacting to it. It just makes sense ​@@smokesletsgo2374

[@justinamenta7241]

​@@tourzrapI've seen 53 years olds that look much worse and older....so someone thinking he was in his 50s is plausible....either way dude looks great for 83

[@rickelliott3683]

We just saw him in concert. So grateful that he is still out there doing his thing. He is still great as usual with first rate band. Keep going Ringo.

[@ethanmerritt8109]

Me too!! Saw him on the 27th in ATL and it was fantastic!

[@ericleiter6179]

Did you see him at the Indianapolis show? @ The Murat theater?

[@hiroehayes593]

Saw Ringo in Tahoe, Nevada , with Edgar Winter, guys from Men at Work, Toto, Average White Band , all in his All Star Band ! Edgar Winter was awesome 😎

[@rosaliegeneis3704]

Out of Time album with The All Star Band is simply unforgettable. One of my favorite song there is " you can take a walk in the moon, shop in Paris and jet back home. " just great stuff. A gift to the human rave race indeed.

[@SuperC888]

Ppl commenting about his band -- it’s all-Starr band (with 2 r’s ) as in Ringo Starr . There’s an edit button btw so spelling mistakes can be fixed 😅

[@garybrodziak2196]

what a marvel, what a career - I was born in 1957 he's been with me my whole life - what a Starr....

[@daveoelke857]

Me too! ‘57

[@brigidsingleton1596]

Not me guys...I'm the oldie here !! 😊 I was born in 1953 (two months _after_ our late Queen_Elizabeth_II was crowned. R.I.P.) R.I.P. John Lennon & George Harrison. Long Live Ringo Starr & Paul McCartney.

[@meteor1237]

The Beatles will never be “in the past”. They move along to each generation. Aren’t we lucky !

[@morbidmanmusic]

If not for Disney, they were on the way to being forgotten . Fact.

[@BigManUndead]

@@morbidmanmusicYour mother won’t even remember your music

[@graniterhythm53]

@@morbidmanmusic Who or what is Disney?

[@daveoelke857]

@@morbidmanmusic😮

[@daveoelke857]

@@graniterhythm53😄

[@xav9156]

I wish Ringo was my friend. I wish my friends were like Ringo. Peace and Love Ring. Love Xav

[@kwright3929]

Warms the heart to hear Ringo. Such a treasure. Peace and love ✌️

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

Aside from being one of the greatest rock drummers ever (maybe the best), Ringo is us a positive being. I suspect that contributes greatly to his energy and youthfulness, in appearance and attitude, at his age. I wish him many more happy years.

[@fordmusicstudio2376]

Ringo is so cool, so are Paul/John/George. Best group in the world BEATLES

[@Landrew1208]

Ringo reached hero status for me when he went to Yoko & Sean the day after. He and Barb showed the world what friends do for each other.

[@Legeniefrancais-sl8sj]

Yoko asked to him to came to the Dakota without Barbara : He refused. He asked to her they was like John and Yoko so she accepted .

[@Landrew1208]

@Legeniefrancais-sl8sj Yoko wasn't having a party and asked Ringo to come alone. Why? Because Yoko didn't want to cry in front of a Barbara at that time. It was only a day or two before that John was butchered in Yoko's presence. Imagine the world is hating on you for 10 years, and then that world murders your husband and partner? Let's have mercy.

[@Legeniefrancais-sl8sj]

@@Landrew1208 Yes of course

[@MobiusMinded]

Proud to say my son and i both played percussion with Ringo, and I sang backing vocals and engineered quite a bit of a couple of his records.

[@daveoelke857]

😮

[@lopaka173]

I was fortunate to see Ringo and his All Star Band in Hawaii. I’ve been to a lot of concerts, but non of them compare to the fun I had with Ringo. Such a class act

[@raulmacias6146]

This wonderful man never ages! I'll never forget first seeing Ringo on the cover of the American "I Want To Hold Your Hand/I Saw Her Standing There" Capitol Single. The pic was taken by Dezo Hoffman. I remember thinking Ringo resembled "Bob Denver" from the Television Shows "The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis" and "Gilligan's Island"! Bravo! Richard "Ringo Starr" Starkey"!

[@yvonnegill1382]

Peace and love Ringo. I enjoyed that thoroughly.

[@vivaldesque]

I loved this interview. Thanks for posting! It’s great to see Ringo doing so well. He’s a pleasure to listen to!

[@garyhoffman503]

Just saw Ringo & The All Stars! Fantastic show, one of the best live shows I have seen!

[@californiahiker9616]

Ringo has a wonderful sense of humor, and he can be so funny! I saw him some years ago, he put on a great energetic show. He seems so humble and so grounded. I love listening to him! Peace and Love! ✌️☮️❤

[@mortonwilson795]

Loved the bit about 'I keep time while they're writing then I play to the song' (paraphrased). The thing I always felt was that he was a 'melodic' drummer . . . enhancing what was written, not trying to make a splash. Such a humble man. And Thomas - the VHS tapes came out at the perfect time for me to watch them with my son - FAB!

[@GardenGirlD76]

This is a joyful treat! One of the best interviews I have seen of dear Ringo! Peace and Love always!

[@hawaiifiles]

What a great interview.... Ringo is such an energetic and optimistic person.

[@valuetraveler2026]

why he lived so long

[@brigidsingleton1596]

​@@valuetraveler2026 Why he _has_ lived so long so far (otherwise it makes it sound like he's no longer with us, and that's not a day we look forward to, is it 😢?!) ❤️😊🎵 🧡🎶😊🎵😊💙🖖

[@savinggrace1234]

Great interview. Rings is an amazing, authentic human being. No pretense, no huge ego. Just who he is and happy to be who he is. Salt of the earth kind of guy.

[@mht525]

Ringo scored big time with Barbara and his EP's short and sweet. The All Stars rock ✌️💛🇦🇺

[@brupic8968]

his drumming ability is appreciated more these days than it was when the beatles broke into the world's consciousness.

[@markstevens1729]

Nice to get some long-form Ringo. The man who put the beat into the Beatles. No small achievement.

[@zovalentine7305]

Great comment 🥁

[@e.z2024]

i just can't believe we'll have a beatles song with 2023 as official release date

[@GenialHarryGrout]

He looks well for someone that was a sickly child. Ringo will be rocking for many more years

[@rzorbcksfan5747]

Ringo is awesome. I saw them on Ed Sullivan in 1964, and have been a fan for life. Ringo just keeps getting better.

[@vincepetrilla2887]

Paul even did the drums. “We had to take them off!”😂Hahahaha Love him!

[@dabreu]

He did the drums for the demo only. He knew it was for the demo! I am sure he never thought Ringo would give up playing the drums himself. It is so obvious. Some people are telling this story as if he had rejected Paul. People have no sense of humour.

[@king77703]

Yeah, Billy Shears played many musical instruments 👍

[@SuperC888]

@@king77703 which instruments did Billy shears play besides drums? I’d like to know

[@deepdiver51]

Thanks so much for explaining that Ringo Starr was a Recording Artist!!!!!

[@sulufest]

Lolz I thought the same when I saw that very helpful tag. Would have been clueless otherwise!

[@morbidmanmusic]

Funny that you'd think everyone would know that.

[@katyriggall4553]

Great interview, thank you for posting. Ringo has such a warm , lovely personality and a calming presence.

[@monique4172]

What a wonderful conversation and it's such pleasure to be a fly on the wall, listening to it. Thank you.

[@robertcavalier6133]

The 4 lads from Liverpool, England were FAB! Their power gave the world big fun. We remember John Lennon's birthday on the 9th of October. Love, Cav in Oregon. *

[@massapower]

80 years old and in better shape then most ROCKERS today 😁👍🏻

[@adolescentwombat]

83 at that.

[@arsen5479]

The Living Legend.

[@thepirate5955]

Such a prince - a truly decent human being and treasure.

[@jacquescousteau217]

Ringo looks great for eighty two years old. He also still has the spirit as well .

[@barrykarpowich731]

Your honestly the best I love to here you about life we are blessed😊

[@yvonnegill1382]

I love to hear all the Beatles songs. I’ve been listening to them since the 60s when I heard them on Sunday night Ed Sullivan.

[@billjones8503]

Ringo is a class act.

[@william_marshal]

Never get tired of listening to you Ringo, so calm, collected, humane and funny ... and long may it continue.

[@MarkKramKarmVI]

Thank you Ringo❤❤❤

[@upyours574]

One of the two left of the real "Greatest Band in the World".

[@spankflaps1365]

Apparently before Ringo’s big roll in “Thomas the Tank Engine” he was in a band?

[@DynaCatlovesme]

Apparently, you didn't always live under a bridge.

[@BeesWaxMinder]

Yeah but they weren't that successful so…🤷‍♂️

[@joemacaluso4627]

HAHAHAHA

[@joemacaluso4627]

NO,RINGO WAS IN “THE BAND” !!!!!!!

[@waynej2608]

That's the rumor.

[@robertrussell9336]

Thank you Ringo for giving us "YOU." Honesty , feel, peace and love comes through in all of your unique work inspiring generations. The Beatles were so ALIVE in their refreshing spin on every melody and we know now that you were and are a huge part of the ALIVE feelings that resonate to this day. I saw here standing there is one of my personal faves, Your crisp energy is amazing and the pace is still unbelievable. I usually play it 3 times in a row to get all the parts I love.I once heard Georges solo referred too as rather choppy........at that pace he was a genius to say so much with so little time. In our hearts forever,they were just a band.....til there was you ! Love you man.

[@paulcachia3480]

Ringo endures so much to us all with love and Peace in our loving hearts!! 👍🥰☮❤😎

[@elescritorsecreto]

Yes. The rumor i heard from Penn Jillette who visited Giles in Abbey Rd was that the new single was supposed to be released in mid-September but I am guessing they will release it on John’s b-day, Oct 9.

[@prettyshinyspaghetti8332]

That was the obvious guess from me. John song, therefore release it on John's birthday

[@waynej2608]

This is great news. 😎👍

[@knockedoutloaded279]

They need to hurry to get that date, v frustrating.....

[@alfsmith4936]

Looks like they're going for number 1 in the charts on John's birthday instead. 😊

[@tyronewhitehead3123]

I enjoyed this interview Ringo I love your positivity ✌️♥️

[@aloizioandrade2363]

From Brazil with Peace and Love! Bravo Ringo !!!

[@mikerico5568]

Peace and love to you Ringo!

[@ottopenquist5545]

Would love to see Ringo on tour where it is just Ringo, his drums and no one else!

[@JohnLennon99791]

Wow yeah...me too

[@gostrum1]

I think you’d at least need an electric guitar and bass

[@ottopenquist5545]

@@gostrum1 He could have it pre-recorded and played through the speakers. Only one I would want to see on stage with him isSir Paul.

[@gostrum1]

@@ottopenquist5545 Hey karaoke beatles with elderly Ringo & Paul. Cool!

[@ozharms]

Not even him singing, just playing the drums for two hours.

[@anthonyD2365]

Is Ringo the luckiest Man in rock ‘n’ roll, and maybe the world? Lol. Yes. I mean he falls in with the Beatles. Nuff said. Then marries sultry, stunning, Barbara Bach. But he is also the sweetest kindest man in the world I think so anyway. Other drummers could’ve played for the Beatles and they would’ve still been Great. But no Drummer was a more perfect fit in every way than Ringo Starr! ❤️

[@Mozart1220]

Ringo was the best Drummer in Liverpool.

[@waynej2608]

They wouldn't have been The Beatles without any one of them.

[@jjohnson7859]

Is there another drummer who can also play guitar, play piano, sing, lead vocal, write his own music, play a right handed drum set left handed and be a band leader? I’ll answer my own question, no.

[@MIB_63]

Lucky since adulthood for sure but not so much when he was a child where he constantly went in and out of hospitals.

[@MIB_63]

​​@@jjohnson7859 Dave Grohl comes close. He used to be the drummer in Nirvana but is now leading his own band (Foo Fighters) where he sings, plays guitar and is the main song writer.

[@o.__felixxx]

We love you Ringo!

[@zovalentine7305]

Always my favorite Beatle. ✌❤🥁📣 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@zovalentine7305]

Still acting naturally. Hasn't aged a bit ✊

[@williamswanson6199]

Ringo is great what can you say the greatest drummer of all time he loves life peace and love

[@AngelAcosta-xd8md]

The best interview ever, loved it! Thank you

[@martygould5114]

I was born in 1961 so I grew up with The Beatles. Ringo!!!

[@Peter7966]

Ringo looks like he's getting younger... "better all the time." Must of hit the rewind button, or something. We need more of Ringo's "peace and love" spirit these days... because these days "it can't get no worse."

[@lindamcgough3645]

Such a wise man. Best chuckle in the world!

[@user-xq5vx7rs4w]

The albums on vinyl had big jackets with a from and back. The smell of a new record. The sleeve….. sometimes an article would be on the back. Side one, side two….! The songs written on the label… so new, like discovering gold! You fished it out of the record bin in the record store or department. Found! New! Amazing! That was the 12” record!

[@markdoughty8780]

Ringo looks almost as young here as he did in the 1980s! He's obviously got the Fountain of Eternal Youth in his back garden! Great to hear from him, as ever, and great to see he's looking so well. Thoroughly enjoyable - thanks for uploading.

[@johnmueller5482]

Great interview with ringo he is the best

[@BryanM362]

For all his fame and success, he is very down to Earth!

[@drmorqWarrenProject]

Thank YOU for everything, Sir Ringo!

[@nedadevcic5840]

A rare Man of integrity, joy and sensitivity to life! ✌️💛🎵😎🍀

[@beatlebarb64]

Ringo is always so relaxed and humble! Keep on keepin on Ringo Starr!!

[@barryblum7468]

Ringo has really added meaningful songs Barry Blum

[@caroletomlinson5480]

✌️ & ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💖 Been with you since ‘63, Ringo , no one can keep the 💗beat like you.

[@SusanBame]

Hey Ringo -- your point about every generation still has a listen -- I was in first grade when you came on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964 and I remember the impact that had on me and my generation. I watched a KZbin last week of three young African American guys doing a "react" video, where the first-ever Beatles song they listened to was "Revolution." I mean -- sheesh -- if that's the first Beatles song you're going to listen to? LOL. They were blown away, as one might imagine. They said they'd put off listening to the Beatles because "somebody told them" the Beatles weren't all that great. (They now disagree with whoever it was who said that.)

[@GT380man]

I recommend they really listen to “If I fell”, then try to sing the harmonies. They’ll find it almost impossible. It’s very clever and sounds wonderful. Probably my favourite Beatles song.

[@Realblakeshelton.]

Hello, how are you doing today? Thanks for your love and support❤

[@leonb456]

I love that, even for him, it’s “John, Paul, George and Ringo”.

[@barrykarpowich731]

Love all the old love the new there is no old they are the best😊

[@knockedoutloaded279]

I'm going mad waiting for new song,,i'm sure it will be brilliant...prob out..09/10/2023...

[@christianpflaumer7286]

Just fascinating. I love this man and could watch him for hours!❤

[@christianpflaumer7286]

@RingoStarrofficial-hp8bw Since my guitar teacher Peter back in Germany, who was a huge Beatles fan (bless him!!!), introduced me to The Beatles in greater depth and taught me some of the songs. That was ca. 1978/1979. Music has been one of the greatest gifts in my life!😀

[@moreheff]

What a lovely interview. Ringo seems so unaffected by his fame and down to earth about it all. What you see is what you get. Proper one of a kind Peace and Love ❤

[@TonysMusic1974]

Love this man!

[@jamesbryce2498]

He’s a great guy that Ringo!

[@susandelongis885]

Lovely gentlemen, bless him.

[@Realblakeshelton.]

Hello, how are you doing today? Thanks for your love and support❤

[@Legeniefrancais-sl8sj]

🌹Ringo is the only beatle never annoyed with another member of the band , he was the real wise of the band.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

Knowing Paul the business man, the song will be put out in November for Christmas.

[@Mozart1220]

That is the record companies decision, and why NOT make money? That's how they make their living.

[@DJ-bj8ku]

@@Mozart1220 No argument there.

[@TheAnnaFisher]

Apprecialove Ringo and AP, far out! REWIND FORWARD is another magnificent example of your true genius!

[@StephiSensei26]

Great fun! Thank you.

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Man, Ringo never changed. We love you! 😘

[@ollieperry9657]

Lovely little interview

[@SuperC888]

Great interview!

[@janebraun4482]

I missed his concert, ugh -how you one not want to see a fit guy like him still sounding and looking great!! So inspiring for the rest of us!

[@janebraun4482]

I am from the SF Bay area, its seems you were here but I got caught up in stuff and missed your show, will you be back or where next, if I travel.... Got a greeting from both Paul & Julian, how great is this!@RingoStarrofficial-hp8bw

[@Realblakeshelton.]

Hello, how are you doing today? Thanks for your love and support❤

[@lavatar3562]

Fascinating interview. Now and Then!?! Fab4forever

[@user-ui7yb2mu8b]

1/4 of the full genius; Period. (Long Live Ringo...)

[@russelljdj]

As Klang said in Help! Ringo please! Great interview.

[@angru5oklok]

Love this guy!❤

[@ihavespoken4555]

I've never met the man and unfortunately I probably never will. But I love him. Such a sweet spirit. He's like a ray of light in a dark world. Keep rocking Ringo, peace and love ❤

[@wonsuponatime76]

How can you not love Ringo? Through it all he's been the constant touchstone. He had his beefs with the others, sure, but it's drop in the bucket compared to the sue you/sue me blues between George, John, and Paul. He's the center of the Beatle universe with the others in constant orbit but always keeping an eye on Ring...

[@larrywildes2262]

Great interview

[@marchcyr1811]

All My Loving Ringo !!!!