If there’s one enduring image of The Beatles that warms the heart, it’s Ringo Starr’s infectious smile, bright enough to lift anyone’s spirits.
Often the target of Fab Four jokes, Ringo exuded a welcoming charm that endeared him to both friends and fans.
His dedication was evident when he famously set out to respond personally to every piece of fan mail he received, embodying the band’s most beloved personality.
While John Lennon was known for his sharp wit, George Harrison had his temperamental moments, and Paul McCartney showcased his serious side through delicate melodies, Ringo seemed like the gentle soul among them.
However, that perception doesn’t fully capture the drummer’s complexity.
The Cuddly Beatle with a Fierce Side
More than just the cuddly member of the band, Ringo had his share of moments where his claws came out.
One notable instance was when he temporarily left The Beatles, only to return inspired after a vacation with actor Peter Sellers, leading to the creation of his beloved song “Octopus’s Garden.”
After the group disbanded, tensions flared between Lennon and McCartney, while Harrison allied himself with Lennon, crafting pointed songs aimed at Paul.
Ringo, on the other hand, seemed to sidestep the public spats and focused on his own artistic pursuits, ultimately becoming one of the more successful former Beatles.
Ringo as a Musical Peacemaker
During the turbulent breakup, Ringo rarely donned his metaphorical boxing gloves. Instead, he aimed for reconciliation through his music.
His track “Early 1970” is often regarded as one of his best works, emphasizing unity over division. Ringo wanted to remind everyone that the bonds formed during their time together were far more significant than the conflicts that led to their separation.
In contrast, on “Back Off Boogaloo,” released in 1972 and frequently hailed as one of his finest solo efforts, Ringo didn’t hold back. The song includes pointed jabs aimed squarely at his former bandmates, particularly McCartney.
Aiming Shots at McCartney
While all former members of The Beatles took turns critiquing each other through their solo albums, McCartney often bore the brunt of the criticism.
As the band’s creative leader during their peak years, Paul was frequently identified as a focal point for their issues.
Despite being a contributing member at various times, his stronger leadership role during the late ’60s drew ire from the others.
In “Back Off Boogaloo,” Ringo directly expresses his frustration with McCartney’s music, referring to him as a “meathead.”
With George Harrison lending his guitar talents, Ringo challenges Paul with lyrics urging him to “get yourself together now and give me something tasty.” The song’s title itself was a playful jab, as “Boogaloo” was Ringo’s nickname for McCartney, signaling a clear message to those in the know.
Reconnection Through Shared Experiences
Over the years, Ringo and Paul have resolved their differences, sharing the stage on numerous occasions.
As they navigated the loss of their bandmates, they found common ground and a renewed connection. One could argue that Ringo’s artistic expression allowed him to confront and exorcise his grievances in a healthy way—an essential outlet for any artist.
