On July 7, Ringo Starr — the ever-charming drummer of The Beatles and one of the two surviving members of the iconic band — turned 85 years old. While most people at that age are well into retirement and slowing down, Starr continues to defy expectations, thriving in both spirit and energy. As the only Beatle to reach this milestone so far, Starr stands as a symbol not just of musical legacy, but also of endurance, joy, and timeless cool.
Though it’s been over five decades since The Beatles disbanded, Ringo Starr has never stepped out of the spotlight. His solo career and his longstanding All-Starr Band project have kept him touring and recording for years, allowing generations of fans to experience his joyful approach to music in person. And remarkably, he doesn’t just show up — he delivers performances with the energy and enthusiasm of someone far younger.
At a recent All-Starr Band concert at New York’s famed Radio City Music Hall, Starr proved just how ageless he is. As Lindsay Zoladz noted in a recent profile for The New York Times, “he bounded onstage with the springy energy of a man half his age and spent much of the show behind an elevated drum kit, bopping away.” Indeed, for longtime fans and first-time concertgoers alike, it was hard to believe the man drumming and singing with such vibrancy had just entered his mid-80s.
So, what’s his secret?
Over the years, Ringo has attributed his longevity to a combination of clean living, consistent movement, and a positive outlook. A longtime advocate for peace and love — his signature catchphrase — Starr maintains a mostly vegetarian diet and has avoided many of the hard-partying habits that plagued some of his contemporaries in the rock world. In interviews, he’s also spoken about the importance of meditation and staying mentally grounded, even amid the chaos of fame and global adoration.
But beyond any regimen or habit, Starr’s enduring vitality seems to come from his deep connection to music and his genuine love for what he does. While he may have been known in the Beatles era for his easygoing nature and humorous quips, he was also a groundbreaking drummer whose unique style gave countless Beatles tracks their signature feel. Songs like “Come Together,” “Rain,” and “A Day in the Life” owe much of their rhythmic soul to Starr’s understated yet innovative drumming.
At 85, Ringo continues to travel the world, sharing that same infectious joy with fans from every generation. His birthday is more than a celebration of age; it’s a celebration of persistence, passion, and the power of staying true to oneself.
As fans across the globe send birthday wishes to the legendary Beatle, Ringo Starr shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s behind the drums, flashing his signature peace sign, or leading his band through yet another joyful encore, he reminds us all that age is just a number — and music, when played from the heart, never grows old.