41- Starr’s first musical hero was Gene Autry, about whom he commented: “I remember getting shivers up my back when he sang, ‘South of the Border'”.
42 – Starr and Maureen had three children together: Zak, Jason and Lee.
43- Ringo was the narrator and did character voices of the UK animated series Thomas The Tank Engine(also known as Shining Time Station) from 1985-1991. His replacement was none other than comedian George Carlin. (thanks, Michael – New Bedford, MA)
44- In 2008, he issued a strange statement in a video on his website: “I’m warning you with peace and love, I have too much to do. So no more fan mail. Thank you, thank you. And no objects to be signed. Nothing. Anyway, peace and love, peace and love.” Not a great way to show appreciation for fans. (thanks, Bertrand – Paris, France)
45- Starr Auctioned off His Famous Beatles Drum Kit for $2.2 Million
46- When The Simpsons premiered in 1990, three Beatles were still living, and all appeared on the show, at separate times. Starr was the first to do so. In an April 1991 episode, he’s shown getting around to answering all of his Beatles-era fan mail, and sends Marge a letter thanking her for the “fab painting” she made of him. “I hung it on me wall!” he adds.
47- Starr was the only Beatle who had a job before Beatlemania hit. In his early 20s, in the early ‘60s, Starr worked as a ferryboat steward.
48- He also hates motorcycles, traveling early in the morning, and setting up his drums in a hurry.
49- In 1964, when the Beatles first came to America, Ringo was actually the most popular Beatle. At least he received the most fan mail of the four.
50- He was the first Beatle to leave the group. Frustrated during the sessions for The Beatles (the White Album) sessions in August of 1968, Ringo left the group and went for a holiday in Sardinia. It was there that he wrote his biggest hit for the Beatles “Octopus’ Garden.” When he returned, his drums were coated with flowers (they were put there by George).
51- Ringo was the first Beatle to smoke marijuana. On August 28, 1964, the Beatles were introduced to marijuana by Bob Dylan at the Delmonico hotel in New York. It was Ringo who took the first puff of the infamous weed after being offered a hit by Dylan.
52- He is the only Beatle who was never busted for drugs. Ringo recorded a radio spot against “dangerous drugs” in the 1970’s.
53- In 2002, Mr. Richard Starkey was inducted into the prestigious Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. Ringo joined fellow inductees Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa and William Ludwig (Ringo always uses Ludwig drum kits.)
