Dark October : We didn’t get along, but it didn’t get to kill…
Ringo Starr has reflected on the relationship dynamics of The Beatles, sharing that despite their many arguments over the years, they never let tensions get in the way of the music.
With the seismic effects of Beatlemania and the whole world eager to know your next move, it’s no surprise that the Fab Four didn’t always get on under such pressure.Speaking to Dan Rather for AXS TV, Starr recalls (via NME), “No no, we didn’t get along. We were four guys, we had rows. It never got in the way of the music no matter how bad the row was. Once the count in, we all gave our best. And that was a little later too which I think is a natural thing, you know?”Interestingly, among their up-and-down relationships, Starr says Paul McCartney helped the band to crack on with work. He adds, “Suddenly, we’ve got lives and I’ve got children. The effort that we put in, ‘cause we worked really hard, was starting to pale a little.
“We always thank Paul to this day. Because of Paul, who was the workaholic of our band, we made a lot more records than John and I would’ve made, say. We liked to sit around a little more and then Paul would call ‘Alright lads’, and we’d go in.”
Despite their disagreements, Starr ultimately still felt grateful to make music with friends: “The time we met Elvis, I really thought, ‘how sad he’s on his own’. He had all those people around but he was on his own. I had three great mates.”Last year, The Beatles released a new song titled Now And Then. The track featured contributions from all four Beatles, and was brought to life with a little help from AI. The technology was used to clean up an original demo recorded by Lennon from 1977.Ringo Starr’s reflections on the dynamics of The Beatles shed light on the complexities of their relationships amidst the immense pressure of fame. Despite the tensions and arguments, the band maintained a remarkable commitment to their music. In his conversation with Dan Rather, Starr emphasized that their personal conflicts never overshadowed their artistic endeavors. “No no, we didn’t get along. We were four guys, we had rows,” he recalled. Yet, once they began recording, those disputes melted away in favor of collaboration. This ability to set aside differences for the sake of creativity is a hallmark of their legacy.
The pressure of Beatlemania undoubtedly strained their relationships. The world was watching their every move, and the expectations were astronomical. Starr noted that while their creative process was intense, it was often punctuated by moments of levity and camaraderie. “Once the count in, we all gave our best,” he reflected, highlighting the professionalism that often prevailed over personal grievances.
Interestingly, Starr pointed to Paul McCartney as a driving force within the band, acknowledging that McCartney’s work ethic pushed them to create more music. “We always thank Paul to this day. Because of Paul, who was the workaholic of our band, we made a lot more records than John and I would’ve made,” he explained. This insight underscores the different personalities within the group; McCartney’s relentless drive contrasted with the more laid-back approaches of Starr and Lennon. Their varied work styles created a dynamic where creativity thrived, even amid tension.
Starr’s reminiscence about meeting Elvis Presley further illustrates the depth of his appreciation for his bandmates. While Elvis, a legendary figure in music, often found himself surrounded by people, Starr felt a poignant sense of connection with his own bandmates. “I really thought, ‘how sad he’s on his own,’” he reflected. This acknowledgment of loneliness amidst fame highlights the significance of friendship and collaboration in their creative journey. For Starr, having “three great mates” made all the difference, providing both support and inspiration.
The legacy of The Beatles continues to resonate, and their recent release, “Now And Then,” showcases the enduring impact of their collaboration. Utilizing AI technology to refine a demo recorded by John Lennon in 1977, the song illustrates how they remain innovative even decades after their initial success. The use of AI in music production opens up new avenues for creativity, allowing fans to experience the magic of The Beatles in a fresh context.
Starr’s comments reveal that the essence of The Beatles was not solely in their music, but also in their ability to navigate personal differences. Their unique chemistry, characterized by both conflict and camaraderie, allowed them to produce timeless music that continues to influence artists today. The band’s ability to collaborate effectively despite their disagreements is a testament to their talent and mutual respect.
As the music industry evolves, the foundational principles of teamwork and shared vision that The Beatles embodied remain relevant. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, creativity can flourish when individuals come together with a common goal. The Beatles’ journey is not just about the music they created, but about the relationships that sustained them through the highs and lows of fame.
In a world where collaboration is increasingly essential, The Beatles’ experiences offer valuable lessons. The importance of listening, adapting, and respecting each other’s contributions cannot be overstated. As artists continue to push boundaries and experiment with technology, the spirit of collaboration that The Beatles exemplified will likely inspire future generations.
Ringo Starr’s reflections provide a nuanced view of The Beatles, illustrating that the essence of their music transcended personal disagreements. Their ability to come together, driven by a shared passion for music, allowed them to create a legacy that endures. With their latest releases and innovations, The Beatles continue to evolve, proving that their impact on music is as vibrant today as it was during their heyday.
Ultimately, the relationship dynamics within The Beatles reveal the intricate balance between individuality and collaboration. Their story is a celebration of friendship, creativity, and the magic that happens when passionate people come together to create something greater than themselves. As they navigated the complexities of fame, their commitment to each other and their craft paved the way for a musical revolution that changed the world.