More than five decades after The Beatles transformed the face of music, the two surviving members—Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr—continue to share a connection that transcends fame, time, and loss. In a recent profile published by The New York Times on July 2, Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney opened up about the enduring friendship and “special” bond they’ve nurtured as the only living Beatles.
Their reflections offer a rare glimpse into the deeply personal relationship between two music legends who not only witnessed the birth of modern rock and roll but also experienced it together. With John Lennon tragically murdered in 1980 and George Harrison passing away from cancer in 2001, McCartney and Starr have remained not just former bandmates, but lifelong friends and collaborators—brothers in music, memory, and legacy.
“I love Ringo. He’s like my baby brother,” McCartney said in the piece, expressing a warmth that speaks volumes about their enduring friendship. The pair met in the early 1960s when Ringo replaced Pete Best as The Beatles’ drummer, solidifying the “Fab Four” lineup that would go on to revolutionize music and culture.
Despite the meteoric fame and the pressures that came with being part of the most iconic band in history, McCartney and Starr have managed to maintain a close relationship that has only deepened with time. “We don’t hang out every day, but when we see each other, it’s like no time has passed,” Starr said in the interview, emphasizing the kind of bond that doesn’t fade with distance or age.
Their friendship has extended into recent collaborations as well. Over the years, McCartney has made guest appearances on Starr’s solo albums, and the two have performed together on multiple occasions, to the delight of fans around the world. Whether it’s McCartney contributing bass lines or vocals to a Starr track, or the two of them sharing the stage at a charity concert, their continued creative partnership is a testament to their mutual respect and affection.
What makes their bond even more poignant is the shared understanding of what it meant to be a Beatle. Few people on Earth can relate to the whirlwind of Beatlemania, the intense scrutiny, the artistic pressure, and the profound impact their music had on the world. McCartney and Starr not only lived it—they helped shape it. That shared experience creates a connection that no one else can truly replicate.
Even in their 80s, both McCartney and Starr remain active and passionate about music. McCartney continues to tour and release new music, while Starr still records and performs with his All-Starr Band. Their continued presence in the music industry serves as a reminder of their unmatched legacy, and their bond remains one of the most touching chapters in the story of The Beatles.
As fans reflect on what The Beatles meant to the world, McCartney and Starr reflect on what being Beatles meant to them—and the answer lies in friendship. A friendship that has endured fame, loss, and time itself. In an ever-changing world, the enduring bond between Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr stands as a beautiful reminder of music’s power to connect hearts forever.