RINGO: "DRUMMING IS MY MADNESS

Still flashing his trademark peace sign after all these years, musical legend Ringo arrives in Chicago June 28 not only with his All Starr Band in tow, but with a bevy of artwork that just might give us the clearest view of the man as he stands today.

Question: Your artwork is currently on exhibit at the Hard Rock Cafe here in Chicago. What have you been able to say through your art that you haven’t been able to say through your music as of yet?

 

Ringo Starr: I understand your question, but it’s not something I sit thinking about. I play music. I’m a musician. In terms of the art, you have a lot of downtime as a musician. You hang out in a lot of hotel rooms. In 2005, I start doing some computer art. It filled in the time between playing music. If you look at my art when I first started and my art now, you can see that it changes as the years go on. I’m blessed to be an artist that can go with whatever comes to mind. I love the whole “let’s try this — and then let’s go this way now” mentality.

 

Q: Do you feel as content holding a paintbrush as you do holding a drumstick?

RS: No way. I’m a musician. Drumming is my madness. Art is something I love to do. It will never be a choice between the two.

 

Q: The music industry is quite a muddled one at the moment, don’t you think?

RS: I was in the music business yesterday and I’m in it today and all being well, I’ll be in it tomorrow. These days, it’s not about records and making records, even thought I still do it along with everybody else. The way you can get the music is just so different. No one goes to the shop and goes through the racks anymore. I have no control over those kinds of things, so I just go along with it.

 

Q: What about the “goose bump” factor — anyone in the music industry today giving it to you?

RS: It changes all the time. I like to search for new bands and have a listen and see what’s happening… but that’s my life. I’m not so big on promoting new bands. I just enjoy listening to music for my own self.

 

Q: This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America. Do you pay attention to such milestones?

RS: They make me happy. They make me feel good. It was a landmark in my life. All the music that I loved came from America, so the fact that we were in America and being loved and it was working was great. I only have great memories and guess what? I’m still doing it.

 

Q: You have had a chance to reunite and play with (Beatles band mate) Paul (McCartney) on stage a few times this year. What did it feel like standing next to him again?

RS: I love playing with Paul. We are good friends, and I love playing with friends. We have played a lot together. [Laughs] Look, it’s a thrill for me to play with him. I love the man. He is an incredible musician who has great songs. It was funny … when we played The Beatles Tribute, I did my set and he did his set. Then he was forced to play “Help” with me and he forced me to play “Hey Jude” with him.

 

Q: Forced?

RS: [Laughs] I was waiting for that gasp. [Laughs] Ringo said he was forced! We have our headline! [Laughs]