![]() ![]() “Starr” just seemed to fit perfectly (and was a lot more “show-biz” than Starkey - and Rory Storm was very attuned to that sort of thing. Westerns including “Stagecoach” (in which John Wayne played “The Ringo Kid”) and the 1957 movie “Johnny Ringo.” And Richy wore several rings on his fingers, so “Ringo” was appropriate. He was renamed “Ringo Starr” after he joined Rory Storm and the Hurricanes - “Ringo” had a double significance: Rory (and Ringo) were big fans of U.S. MSS: Ringo spelled his name Richy (without the “e”), thought I’m not sure why he chose that particular spelling. Can you tell us about that, and how he arrived at Ringo? And please tell us about Maureen Cox’s name change (which I had never heard of before your work)? L4LM: Ringo went by ‘Richy’ in a spelling new to many fans. I think that’s why Ringo evolved into the person he became. Richy/Ringo also had a extended family of aunts, uncles (and his grandmother on Elsie’s side) who were supportive of him and provided a loving atmosphere. It helped that the Starkey grandparents lived just a few doors down (or a block away, after Richy and Elsie moved to 10 Admiral Grove), and that Richy got along famously with his stepfather, Harry Graves. She idolized her son, was always supportive of him and worked several jobs (barmaid, cleaning lady) to make sure Richy had a roof over his head and clothes on his back. Although he was a sickly child - and though his father left the family when Richy was 3 - he grew up in a loving household, thanks in large part to his mother, Elsie. ![]() MSS: He had a relatively happy childhood growing up in Liverpool as Richy Starkey. Will you tell us about Ringo’s youth in Liverpool? L4LM: John Lennon was known as the Beatle singing ‘Mother’, and working out family childhood issues. If fans of the drummer even think of missing this work, uh-oh, honey don’t. His answers act as an appetizer and enticement for a full reading. Michael Seth Starr graciously set aside some time to chat with L4LM’s Bob Wilson, and we’re certainly grateful that he didn’t pass us by. Long time fans and those new to the Beatles story will want to scour these pages, and relive a riveting rock and roll story that winds up behind the doors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ringo’s marriages, acting career, substance abuse and recovery, and career with his All Starr Band make for a fascinating read. ![]() Ringo plays as an enigma whose personality eased tensions within the group, yet whose ego spiraled out of control after the dissolution of the band. Michael Seth Starr takes us from Ringo’s youth, through the Beatles years and beyond, filling in gaps that many fans will not even knew existed. Unlike Lennon, Starr’s birth father never returned for more than one chance meeting, even after the Beatles conquered the world as leaders of the British invasion. ![]() The lad got by thanks to his mom Elsie, his ‘stepladder’ Harry, and the propinquity of loving grandparents. Although John Lennon was the Beatle most known for parental strife, Ringo was abandoned by his own father as a child. Ringo Starr’s story is an interesting one, to say the least. The tome is filled with a multitude of facts that may surprise even the most avid fan of the Beatles, not to mention all of the jaw-dropping anecdotes and photographs. Ringo: With A Little Help (Backbeat Press, 2015) is an unauthorized treasure by author Michael Seth Starr. ![]()
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