BEATLES MAGAZINE: THE LADDERS: JOHN , GEORGE AND RINGO

Friday, 15 August 2025

THE LADDERS: JOHN , GEORGE AND RINGO

In the history of popular music, few albums have the resonance of “Ringo,” Ringo Starr's third LP.

Released in 1973, it was not only a commercial success but also represented a tacit and moving reunion of the four ex-Beatles. While George Harrison and Paul McCartney contributed their talents, it was John Lennon’s input that brought to life one of the album's most memorable songs and united the former band, at least in spirit.

The centerpiece of Lennon's collaboration was "I'm the Greatest," a song he had previously written, he wrote the song in December 1970, was inspired to write the song after watching the first UK television broadcast of the Beatles' 1964 film A Hard Day's Night.

At his home studio in Tittenhurst Park, John Lennon recorded initial versions of the new song. He made another demo of "I'm the Greatest" in July 1971, as the recording sessions for his album Imagine were concluding. He set the song aside until early 1973, when Ringo Starr, preparing for his first pop solo album, Ringo, asked his former bandmates for new material. In response, Lennon modified the song to fit Starr's style and perspective.

Lennon later explained that he felt singing the song himself would cause controversy, despite the title being a famous phrase of Muhammad Ali's. He believed that the public "wouldn't get upset" if the line was delivered by Starr instead.

The recording sessions for Ringo marked a significant period of reconciliation among the former Beatles. This was largely because John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr had recently ended their professional relationship with Allen Klein, whose management of Apple Corps had created deep rifts with Paul McCartney. According to Klaus Voormann, who also worked on the album, everyone involved was eager to help Starr establish himself as a solo artist.

On March 13, 1973, with Richard Perry producing, Ringo laid down the rhythm track for "I'm the Greatest" at Sunset Sound Recorders in Los Angeles. John Lennon was present and also played on the session. George, who was in town for other business—including meetings for upcoming Beatles compilations and to produce an album for Ravi Shankar—heard that John and Ringo were working together. He called the studio and asked if he could join. John enthusiastically responded, "Hell yes... Tell him to get down here right away and help me finish this bridge."

The session tapes reveal a professional yet playful working dynamic. Ringo embraced his role as vocalist with full confidence, delivering the lyrics in a natural style. John, for his part, provided harmonies and vocal guidance. The synergy between them was palpable. Ringo's ability to make John's potentially arrogant lines sound like an inside joke turned "I'm the Greatest" into an anthem of resilience and a nod to the band's history.

The band lineup on "I'm the Greatest" mirrored a group that had been the subject of rumors since 1971, often referred to as the Ladders.

Reports in the British music media at the time speculated that this new band would be a reimagined version of the Beatles, with bassist Klaus Voormann taking the place of Paul McCartney.

In October, following his separation from Yoko Ono, John Lennon told Melody Maker's Chris Charlesworth that the four former Beatles were "closer now than we have been for a long time" and that a temporary reunion was "always a chance." He also mentioned that Paul McCartney would likely have played on "I'm the Greatest" if he had been in Los Angeles at the time.

Recognizing the significance of the session with Lennon and Harrison, Ringo Starr made sure to record Paul McCartney's contribution, "Six O'Clock," in London. This decision ensured that all four ex-Beatles were featured on his album.

This album is a testament to how, despite the band's breakup, the friendship and collaboration among its members continued to exist.