Photo credits: Ringo Starr Instagram.
Amid the sunlit glamour of Monaco, where residents bask in the Principality’s charm, one name pulses with a rhythm all its own: Ringo Starr. At 84, the iconic drummer of The Beatles continues to bring his infectious energy and timeless cool to this Mediterranean jewel. A resident since the late 1980s, Starr has woven his larger-than-life persona into Monaco’s tapestry, proving that even among the world’s most celebrated stars, his beat remains uniquely irresistible.
Born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in the lively city of Liverpool, England, Ringo Starr’s early days unfolded quietly, away from the glow of fame. Growing up in the warm, working-class Dingle neighborhood, he faced some personal challenges—health hiccups that kept him in hospitals during much of his childhood—before blossoming into the star we know today, with a path that didn’t emphasize formal schooling. At 13, a wonderful gift arrived during one of those hospital stays: a drum kit that ignited a spark of joy and purpose. This kindled a love for music that would soon touch the world. By 1962, he joined the delightful trio of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison in The Beatles, bringing his steady rhythm and charming spirit to a group that would beautifully reshape the sound of a generation. Treasured songs like “Yellow Submarine,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” and “Octopus’s Garden”—where his heartfelt voice glowed.
When The Beatles disbanded in 1970, Ringo’s star didn’t fade. He launched a solo career with hits like “It Don’t Come Easy” (1971) and “Photograph” (1973), proving his talent stretched beyond the drum kit. His film roles in Candy (1968) and The Magic Christian (1969), alongside a Grammy-winning legacy, showcased his versatility. Today, with over 20 solo albums and his All-Starr Band tours, Ringo remains a musical force, his peace-and-love mantra as vibrant as ever.
Photo credits: Ringo Starr Instagram.
Monaco entered Ringo’s life during The Beatles’ heyday, when he first visited in the 1960s. “I loved the vibe,” he once said, drawn to its beauty and tranquility. By 1988, seeking a quieter pace after years in Los Angeles, he and his wife, actress Barbara Bach, settled in the Principality. Their Monte Carlo home—a sleek, modern retreat overlooking the sea—became a sanctuary. “Monaco’s got everything: the sun, the sea, the peace,” he’s noted, often spotted enjoying local haunts like the Café de Paris or strolling the yacht-lined harbor. A car enthusiast, he’s even embraced the Monaco Grand Prix, a nod to his love for speed and style.
At 84, Ringo radiates vitality. A vegetarian since the 1990s, he credits his energy to healthy living and a youthful spirit—“I feel 24 inside,” he quips. His days in Monaco blend creativity and leisure: painting (a passion that’s led to gallery exhibitions), recording music, and hosting friends like fellow Beatle Paul McCartney, who’s visited his seaside abode. In 2024, he released Look Up, a new EP, proving his artistry still thrives. Knighted by Prince William in 2018 as Sir Richard Starkey for services to music, Ringo wears his honors lightly, his trademark grin a constant.
Photo credits: Ringo Starr Instagram.
Life hasn’t been without its trials. Ringo battled alcohol dependency in the 1970s, emerging sober after rehab in 1988—a turning point that coincided with his Monaco move. “I got a second chance,” he’s said, his optimism unshaken. His first marriage to Maureen Cox ended in 1975, but his 1981 union with Barbara Bach, whom he met on the set of Caveman, has been a rock-solid partnership, their love a quiet anchor in Monaco’s glitz.
Photo credits: Ringo Starr Instagram. Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach. “It was 40 years ago today The love of my life said yes yes yes. And I said it right back peace and love.”
In his Instagram account he posted Tibetan Proverb: “The secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure”.
Photo credits: Ringo Starr Instagram.
For Monaco Voice readers, Ringo Starr is more than a celebrity neighbor—he’s a reminder that joy and resilience can harmonize. “Peace and love,” his signature sign-off, echoes through the Principality, a beat that keeps Monaco dancing.