BREAKING: Ringo Starr Breaks His Silence on Paul McCartney at Age 84 — A Candid Reflection from Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, California | 30 Minutes Ago — July 4, 2025
In a moment that is already reverberating through the music world, Ringo Starr—legendary drummer of The Beatles—has finally opened up about his longtime bandmate, Paul McCartney, in an emotional and unscripted revelation at his Beverly Hills home. Now 84 years old, the iconic musician addressed what many fans have speculated about for decades: was there ever unresolved tension between the two remaining Beatles? Or, perhaps more intriguingly, is there still?
As the sun set behind the Hollywood Hills, Starr, relaxed and seated with close friends and media, made an unannounced appearance during a private charity event supporting his *Lotus Foundation*. What began as casual banter about music, friendship, and the past quickly turned intimate, with Ringo deciding it was time to address “the question that’s been with me for 50 years.”
### **”Paul and I Have Always Been Brothers in a Way…”
Without any prompting, Ringo paused and leaned forward. “You know, people always ask me: ‘Ringo, do you and Paul still speak? Was there bad blood after The Beatles broke up?’ And I’ve always danced around it a bit because, truthfully, it’s hard to explain something that big in a soundbite.”
He continued, “But I’m 84 now. I don’t feel like I need to hold back anymore. I’ll say this: Paul McCartney is like a brother to me. Sometimes we fought, sometimes we didn’t speak for a while, but we *never* stopped loving each other.”
The room went silent. Those closest to the moment described it as “raw,” “real,” and “a long time coming.” Starr’s voice trembled slightly—not with sadness, but with the weight of years lived under the lens of history.
On the Beatles’ Breakup and Aftermath
The Beatles officially split in 1970, and while the breakup was blamed largely on Paul McCartney’s decision to publicly announce his departure (as well as disagreements over management, creative direction, and business), each member carried their own version of the story.
Ringo admitted during his talk that the breakup hurt him deeply. “We were four lads who changed the world. But in the end, we were just human. We had egos, pride, fear. I was hurt, yeah. When Paul went off to do his thing, and John was with Yoko, and George started his own projects… I felt alone. And I know Paul did too, in his own way.”
When asked if they ever had serious arguments that caused long-term damage, Ringo shook his head. “Not really. We had fights—sure—but we always came back around. You can’t go through what we did together and *not* have a bond.”
Their Quiet Reconnection and Enduring Friendship
Ringo revealed that he and Paul have actually remained quite close over the last two decades, especially after the deaths of George Harrison in 2001 and John Lennon in 1980.
“Losing John was like losing a limb,” Ringo said. “But when George passed… that’s when Paul and I really started talking again, deeply. We realized that there were only two of us left from something that was bigger than all of us. And since then, we’ve made an effort.”
Ringo smiled as he recalled recent studio sessions and surprise performances with Paul. “We still jam now and then. He calls me, sometimes out of the blue, and says, ‘Hey Ring, I’ve got a new tune,’ and I just laugh and say, ‘Let’s do it.’”
He also mentioned that they regularly check in on each other. “Paul’s like that—you think he’s off writing symphonies or doing stadium tours, but he’ll still call to ask how I’m feeling or if my dog’s okay.”
A Message to the Fans: “Let Go of the Drama”
Perhaps the most powerful part of the moment was Ringo’s message to the millions of Beatles fans worldwide who’ve spent years speculating and romanticizing the rifts between the band members.
“Listen,” he said. “We were kids when we got thrown into that madness. We were in our 20s when we were being called geniuses. That kind of pressure cracks most people. But we made it through. And Paul—he’s my mate. Always was, always will be.”
He added with a grin, “So let go of the drama. There’s nothing left but love now.”
The Music Lives On
In recent years, Starr and McCartney have reunited for select performances, including a touching duet of “Helter Skelter” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Their shared moments on stage are not only symbolic for fans but serve as emotional reminders of a bond that transcends music.
Ringo also hinted at the possibility of another collaboration in 2025. “We might have something cooking. Nothing major, but just two mates making music again. That’s all it ever was.”
Final Thoughts
Tonight, Ringo Starr didn’t just address lingering questions—he closed a chapter. With wisdom, heart, and undeniable charm, he reminded the world of what The Beatles always stood for: unity, peace, and love.
In an era marked by division and noise, the 84-year-old icon chose clarity and kindness. He spoke not with bitterness or regret, but with grace.
Paul McCartney has yet to respond publicly to Ringo’s heartfelt words, but those close to both say Paul will no doubt be touched. As one Beatles historian noted, “This might be the most important thing Ringo’s ever said—because it came straight from the heart of a Beatle.”
And for fans who have grown up, aged, and passed The Beatles’ music on to their children and grandchildren, tonight was a gift: the confirmation that behind the fame, the albums, and the legacy, there was—and still is—genuine brotherhood.
**”Peace and love,” Ringo said as he closed the evening, flashing his signature two-finger salute. “Always.”**
