Ringo is celebrating his 85th birthday! That’s not easy for anybody.
But here he is, still singing and playing 55 years after the Beatles broke up. He’s released 21 albums, and still tours with his All Starr Band.
So how does he do it? His methods are familiar. Eating well, (he’s been a vegetarian for decades) exercise in the gym multiple times a week, and staying off the substances.
Ringo indulged in dope and booze in his youth, and it began taking its toll by the time he was in his 30s. Now he avoids the drinks and drugs and credits it as part of the reason for his longevity.
So here he is, beating the odds and beating the drums as as octogenarian. And on his birthday on 7/7, he’ll hold his annual Peace and Love party, where he encourages everybody around the world to make the peace sign and say “Peace and love” at 12 noon.
Say what you will, love him or loathe him, you’ve got to be impressed with his boundless energy.
And I admit, I’ve not always spoken highly of the ex-Beatle. Though I’ve always liked his drumming and many of his tunes, (he has 7 top ten hits as a solo) I’ve sometimes been critical of his self acclamation and over exposure on the Beatles channel.
But I’ve had a change of heart. Here’s a guy who played drums for the greatest band in the world. He’s a part of my childhood. There are fewer of those vestiges of the past all the time. And he’s still kicking. Also… not easy. Hats off to one of my boyhood heroes!
Happy birthday Ringo! Peace and love.