Aspiring musicians, take out your notepads! Ringo Starr once divulged an invaluable secret about keeping a successful band together. It’s a secret that many have tried to replicate, but none have succeeded in the way The Beatles did. Surprisingly, Starr’s advice does not pertain to music and can actually be transferred and utilized in any facet of life, as it revolves around the importance of friendship.
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The Beatles’ breakup was on the ugly side, but they were once an inseparable four-headed monster that did everything together. Of course, they had their trials and tribulations, but even after they broke up they still seemingly always found a way to close the gap. And that is what Ringo Starr believes to be their secret to success.
Ringo Starr Points to Friendship as the Foundation of a Successful Band
In an interview with Dan Rather on AXS TV, Ringo Starr discussed nearly every facet of his career. Although, the topic that roused the most passion from Starr was the topic of John, Paul, George, and himself. When Rather asked Starr about The Beatles’ secret to success and longevity, Starr replied with a very simple answer.
“I think it’s all part of where we came from,” said Starr. “You know, I always give credit that there [were] four of us. […] You know, one of us would be freaking out or being a big shot. Three other people would go, ‘Excuse me?’”
Per Starr’s comment, it seems the secret he is alluding to is the discipline and accountability embedded in the relationship between the Fab Four. In other words, to Starr and the group, it was not one for all, but all for one.
In hopes of amplifying the importance of their solidarity and friendship, Ringo Starr recalled the feelings he felt when he first met Elvis Presley.
“The time we met Elvis, I really thought, ‘How sad he’s on his own,’” Starr told Rather. “He had all those people around him, but he was on his own. I had three great mates, I’m well enough of it here.”
As important as it is to practice, hustle, and promote one’s music, to Starr, it’s more important to have a good group around you. This notion is true for a plethora of different reasons. But in essence, there is always strength in numbers. Neither Ringo Starr nor The Beatles seemingly took their friendship for granted, as they climbed to the top together and have remained there ever since.
Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
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