Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, is often remembered as the calm, easygoing heartbeat of The Beatles.

His steady drumming and unflashy style helped define the sound of one of the most influential bands in history.

But behind his laid-back exterior lay a man shaped by hardship, insecurity, and fierce personal battles — including a surprisingly intense feud with none other than Beatles producer George Martin, and complicated dynamics with bandmates like Paul McCartney.

This is the story of the drummer who kept the peace while harboring his own storms.

Richard Starkey was born in the working-class Liverpool district of Dingle to confectionary workers Richard and Elsie Starkey.

Life was far from easy.

His parents separated when he was very young, and his father drifted away, leaving Elsie to work multiple jobs to support her son.

At just six years old, Ringo suffered a life-threatening bout of appendicitis that led to peritonitis and a long coma.

He spent a year in the hospital, falling behind in school and struggling with reading and math.

At eight, Ringo contracted tuberculosis and spent two more years in a sanatorium.

But it was during this difficult time that something extraordinary happened: he discovered his passion for drumming.

Encouraged by hospital staff, he played in the hospital band, using makeshift drumsticks.

This early love for rhythm would become his lifelong calling.

In 1962, after the Beatles fired their original drummer Pete Best, Ringo Starr joined the band.

His arrival was transformative.

George Harrison later said that when Ringo first played with them, “everything clicked instantly.” Unlike Best, who was limited in style, Ringo’s versatile, steady drumming perfectly matched the band’s evolving sound.

Yet, Ringo’s start was not without humiliation.

During the recording of their first EMI single, “Love Me Do,” producer George Martin doubted Ringo’s readiness and brought in session drummer Andy White to replace him on drums.

Ringo was relegated to tambourine, a blow that wounded his pride deeply.

He later admitted to hating Martin for years over this decision, feeling rejected and insecure.

Despite the rocky start, Ringo quickly proved indispensable.

His drumming was never flashy but always perfectly suited each song’s mood — from the intricate rhythms on “Here Comes the Sun” to the hypnotic beat of “Tomorrow Never Knows.

” Over the Beatles’ catalog, not one track features bad drumming, a testament to Ringo’s skill and musical intuition.

More than just a drummer, Ringo became the band’s peacemaker.

As tensions grew among John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison, Ringo’s calm demeanor and good humor helped hold the group together.

Even when tempers flared, Ringo was the steady hand, often mediating disputes and smoothing over conflicts.

The bruising experience with George Martin’s initial lack of confidence left a lasting scar.

Ringo never fully forgave Martin for sidelining him, even though the relationship improved over time and they created some of the most iconic music in history together.

Ringo’s relationship with Paul McCartney was more complicated.

While they shared many good times, Ringo openly admitted disliking much of McCartney’s solo work, including the *Ram* album, which he felt was heading in a strange direction.

Their disagreements sometimes spilled into sharp moments, like when Ringo delivered difficult messages about band lawsuits to McCartney and was brusquely rebuffed.

Yet Ringo’s critiques were never cruel.

Unlike Lennon’s biting “How Do You Sleep?”, Ringo’s song “Back Off Boogaloo” was a playful jab, more like a big brother telling a younger sibling to chill out.

Despite frustrations, Ringo’s temperament allowed wounds to heal quickly, and he maintained friendships with his bandmates until the end.

The 1970s brought personal challenges for Ringo.

His marriage to Maureen Cox struggled, especially amid the growing tensions inside the Beatles.

Adding to the drama, George Harrison began an affair with Maureen, leading to bitter confrontations.

When Maureen’s infidelity was revealed, Ringo threatened divorce, and the situation deeply hurt him.

Meanwhile, Harrison’s own marriage to Pattie Boyd deteriorated, with Boyd eventually leaving Harrison for Eric Clapton.

The overlapping affairs created a web of distrust and emotional pain among the Beatles’ inner circle.

Despite this, Ringo and George managed to rebuild their friendship, showing resilience amidst heartbreak.

Ringo Starr’s legacy is immense.

His drumming style influenced countless musicians, and his role as the Beatles’ peacemaker helped preserve the band’s unity during turbulent times.

Beyond music, Ringo became a symbol of peace and love, famously encouraging fans worldwide to celebrate his birthday by spreading those messages.

Even into his 80s, Ringo remains active in music, collaborating with friends and releasing new work.

He embraces his age with humor and vitality, continuing to inspire generations with his steady beat and warm personality.

Ringo Starr’s story is one of triumph over adversity, musical genius wrapped in humility, and a quiet strength that kept one of the greatest bands in history together.

His feuds and frustrations reveal a man who, beneath the easygoing exterior, felt deeply and fought for his place.

Through heartbreak and betrayal, Ringo’s spirit endured, leaving a timeless legacy that continues to resonate around the world.