Ringo Starr Reveals Shocking Health Battle: ‘Eating My Body’

Ringo Starr, the renowned drummer and former member of The Beatles, is returning to his country music roots with a new album titled Look Up. Produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett, the album is scheduled for release on January 10, 2025. Produced by ‘Roots’ music icon T Bone Burnett, the album not only revisits The Beatles’ incredible run but also celebrates their influence. However, Starr recently recovered from a serious illness that led him to cancel the final shows of a Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band tour.

He told Variety, “It wasn’t the virus” — referring to COVID, contrary to initial reports — “I had that two years ago. It was a mad thing eating my body, and they found out when they took my blood that the white cells there was 12,000 of ’em. That’s pretty high. And that happens. That’s what saved your life — they were fighting the attacker. And so with pills and medication, I got over it in two weeks.” While severe, the health scare was met with effective treatment allowing Starr to make a full recovery.

Born Richard Starkey, Starr gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. Known for his unique drumming style that played a key role in shaping the band’s sound, Starr wasn’t just behind the drums; he also contributed vocals to some of their hits like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” After The Beatles disbanded, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing popular tracks such as “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.” Ringo is also noted for his peace and love messages, frequently using his fame to promote social and environmental causes.

Beverly Hills, California United States – July 7 2024: Ringo Starr celebrates his 84th birthday with Joe Walsh and Don Was, at his annual Peace and Love Campaign.

Burnett was impressed by Starr’s physical condition, recounting a recent performance: “I saw him play at the Ryman a few months ago, and, he took a break in the middle and his dressing room was upstairs, and he ran up the stairs.” He said that Starr literally sprinted up the stairs after a vigorous first half of singing and drumming. “So I think he’s got plenty of miles left in him,” Burnett said.

Born Richard Starkey, Starr gained worldwide fame as the drummer for The Beatles. Known for his unique drumming style that played a key role in shaping the band’s sound, Starr wasn’t just behind the drums; he also contributed vocals to some of their hits like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” After The Beatles disbanded, he embarked on a successful solo career, releasing popular tracks such as “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Photograph.” Ringo is also noted for his peace and love messages, frequently using his fame to promote social and environmental causes.

London, UK. 210512. Ringo Starr at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show held at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. 21 May 2012.

His new single, “Time on My Hands,” reflects on moving past old relationships, a theme at odds with his enduring connection to country music—a genre he’s embraced since his Beatles days. “Well, I was the country guy,” he explained to Variety. Starr’s musical project features substantial contributions from various artists, but notably avoids overloading each track with celebrity appearances, as producer T Bone Burnett felt this would be beneath Starr’s stature. Instead, Burnett chose talented young country musicians to infuse fresh energy into the album.

“He’s such a beautiful singer, Ringo,” Burnett said. “He was in a band with two of the best singers in rock and roll history, so people never took him as seriously as a singer as they should. … I was listening to the Beatles radio on satellite radio and I heard him sing a Harry Nilsson song, a beautiful ballad, and it knocked me out. I thought, God, this cat is a great singer. So that part of this was bringing songs that could bring out what a great singer he is. And I don’t think he’s ever sounded better than on this record, at 84 years old, and he’s still getting better.”

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