At 84 years old, Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, shows no signs of slowing down, as his upcoming tour with the All Starr Band proves. His children, however, have grown weary of his frequent retirement declarations over the years. Starr himself reflected on this dynamic during an interview with People magazine. “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,” he shared.
Starr's career continues to thrive as he prepares for a 10-date tour in June 2025, followed by a six-show residency at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas later in September. The All Starr Band, which he founded in 1989, consists of notable musicians such as Steve Lukather and Colin Hay. Starr fondly reminisced about the early days of the band, describing how he would search through a phone book to call musicians to join him. “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,” he said.
This drive for performance is highlighted further with the release of his latest country album, “Look Up,” which debuted in January 2025. This record marks only his second foray into country music but has achieved significant success, even reaching No. 1 on the UK charts. “It sort of took its own way. We can make the right turns sometimes,” Starr commented, expressing surprise at the album's warm reception.
Despite his busy schedule, Starr reveals that he doesn’t routinely play the drums outside of professional engagements. “I don’t even look at them,” he stated in a 2024 interview with USA Today. “I’ve never liked just drumming by myself. I always want to be in a band with players.” This speaks to his love for collaboration and the energy it brings to performances.
Starr's family, particularly his sons Zak and Jason and his daughter Lee, have come to accept their father's unique career trajectory. Born to his late ex-wife, Maureen Cox, the siblings are now 59, 57, and 54, respectively. They often express their disbelief about Starr’s plans to retire, likely knowing their father has an insatiable passion for music.
As he embarks on this new touring cycle, while promoting his latest album, Starr continues to evoke nostalgic journeys through his music. As one of the last surviving members of The Beatles, he represents a pivotal chapter in music history. Fans were drawn to him not only for his talents but also for his ability to connect with them through performances.
On-stage, Starr reflects the joy of performance, an experience he cherishes deeply. His enthusiasm and commitment to his craft have allowed him to remain vibrantly active in an industry that often sees artists fade away over the years.
As upcoming shows approach, fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness Starr not only as the extraordinary drummer he is but also as a musician who is constantly growing and evolving, even at an age when most have long retired. It’s this blend of skill, heart, and endless determination that sets him apart, making each performance a fitting testament to his legacy.
In a time of uncertainty for many artists, Ringo Starr's vibrant spirit and responsive nature in adapting to changes in the musical landscape continue to inspire. He shows that while retirement might linger as a thought, the passion for music holds the power to keep artists alive on stage, transforming those fleeting moments into unforgettable memories for fans around the world.
This upcoming tour and residency highlight not just the undying allure of Starr's music, but also the enduring love he has for entertaining audiences, proving that when it comes to Ringo Starr, retirement is merely a passing thought, one that has yet to take root.
As he prepares for this new chapter, it’s clear that Ringo Starr is far from ready to hang up his drumsticks for good.
