Do we like Ringo Starr?
Our score: 9 out of 10. Cancelled a show over an anti-trans law, raised money for Black Lives Matter, and has been preaching peace and love for years; the only marks are a family spat and a thin record on some issues.
Ringo Starr is the Beatles' drummer, and for decades he has been the band's friendly, funny face. He has run his All-Starr Band since 1989, and he says of it: “it just works.” He still tours it, and the 2026 US run was booked for May and June.
The best proof he walks the talk is from 2016. He cancelled a North Carolina show over House Bill 2, which the Boston Globe describes as barring transgender people from public bathrooms that match their gender identity. He said “we need to take a stand against this hatred.” That cost him a gig and a pay cheque, and he didn't have to do it.
On the harm check, nothing nasty turned up. In 2020 his birthday livestream raised money for Black Lives Matter, WaterAid and MusiCares, and he told viewers that Black lives matter. In 2021 he tied an EP to the climate, saying half the world is on fire and half is under water, and asked whether politicians have kids. I found nothing on who he works with that raises a flag; his recent records are with T Bone Burnett and a long list of country and Americana guests.
The nearest thing to a stoush is a family one. When Zak Starkey was sacked from The Who in 2025, Starkey told Rolling Stone his father had never liked the way “that little man runs that band”, meaning Roger Daltrey. Far Out noted that it was relayed second-hand, and Daltrey later hit back publicly. It's a dad being loyal to his kid, and a small mark at worst.
The recent news is quieter. Long Long Road came out on 24 April, produced by T Bone Burnett, with Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Sheryl Crow and St. Vincent as guests. On his 86th birthday in July he again asked everyone to say, post or think “peace and love” at noon, as he has since 2008. He told the crowd “we can't beat you up for peace”.
The good stuff is long and consistent. He was knighted in 2018 and said he was glad to be recognised for his music and his charity work, both of which he loves. The yearly Peace & Love day has been going since 2008. It's earnest and a bit daggy, and it's the same message he's pushed for years.