Ringo Starr, the former drummer of The Beatles, recently sat down with journalist Rafa de Miguel from EL PAÍS in a luxurious hotel room in London to discuss his new album, Look Up. They touched on various topics including his fascination with country music as a young boy in Liverpool, the role of Yoko Ono in the band, and the tours that The Beatles embarked on, including a trip to Spain in the summer of 1965. The band performed in bullrings in Madrid and Barcelona, an experience that left a lasting impression on Ringo, who was 25 years old at the time. He recalls feeling saddened by the bullfighting spectacle, as it was something foreign to him and seemed cruel to him.
Despite the distressing experience with bullfighting, Ringo emphasizes that he overall found Spain to be a fantastic country. His new album, Look Up, is set to be released on January 10th and features eleven country music tracks, most of which were written by T. Bone Burnett, a guitarist who worked with Bob Dylan in the seventies. This is not Ringo’s first foray into the country music genre, as he previously composed and produced the album Beaucoups of Blues over fifty years ago.
During the interview, Ringo also touched upon the creative process of The Beatles, highlighting the hard work they put into crafting their songs. He emphasized that even when they were partying, they made sure to focus on producing quality music. Ringo’s new album reflects his continued passion for music and his desire to explore different genres and styles. It showcases his growth as a musician and his willingness to experiment with new sounds.
Ringo’s reflections on his time in Spain provide insight into how cultural differences can impact individuals, even those who are world-famous like The Beatles. The experience of witnessing bullfighting left a deep impression on Ringo, highlighting the importance of respecting and understanding different traditions and customs. Despite the upsetting nature of the bullfight, Ringo chose to focus on the positive aspects of his time in Spain, praising the country for its beauty and charm.
As Ringo prepares for the release of Look Up and looks back on his storied career with The Beatles, he continues to find joy and fulfillment in creating music. His new album is a testament to his enduring love for music and his ability to adapt and evolve as an artist. Ringo’s exploration of country music shows his willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and try new things, proving that his passion for music knows no bounds. Look Up promises to be a captivating addition to Ringo’s impressive discography, showcasing his talent and creativity in a new light.
