File this under, “punches my gut can’t handle.”
Sir Richard Starkey, better known as beloved Beatle “Ringo Starr” was forced to cancel tour dates after contracting Covid-19. So no, this bastard virus isn’t done yet.
The former Beatle, who is 82, had been playing a string of dates in the US and Canada with his All-Starr band before falling ill this weekend. After cancelling two shows at the last minute, "it has been confirmed today that Ringo has Covid and the tour will be on hold", his spokesperson said.
The drummer is "recovering at home" and hopes to resume shows soon, they added.
Tour dates planned for this week in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia have all been cancelled. A decision has yet to be taken on upcoming shows in the US and Mexico.
I love Ringo. He is an incredible performer, however, he is a well known humanitarian as well as seen here-
At age 82 and continuing to tour, he has shown resilience throughout his life dating back to childhood, when appendicitis went sideways.
At the age of six, Starkey developed appendicitis. Following a routine appendectomy he contracted peritonitis, causing him to fall into a coma that lasted days.[16] His recovery spanned twelve months, which he spent away from his family at Liverpool's Myrtle Street children's hospital.[17] Upon his discharge in May 1948, his mother allowed him to stay at home, causing him to miss school.[18] At age eight, he remained illiterate, with a poor grasp of mathematics.[18] His lack of education contributed to a feeling of alienation at school, which resulted in his regularly playing truant at Sefton Park.[19] After several years of twice-weekly tutoring from his surrogate sister and neighbour, Marie Maguire Crawford, Starkey had nearly caught up to his peers academically, but in 1953, he contracted tuberculosis and was admitted to a sanatorium, where he remained for two years.
It was at this point young Mr. Starkey picked up a liking for percussion.
In 2006, I heard “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” for the first time. I can’t describe what it is like to see a new color. A new dimension. It was one of those moments where my entire being was instantly changed. For me The Beatles are more than just music, or even culture.
Their brilliance transcends time, and speaks to the unspoken bonds of humanity that can only be experienced spontaneously. It was a moment in my life unlike any other, and my philosophy was forever changed.
Incredibly, most of their hits were written in hours, as their well of genius would pour out in recording sessions. A song would not quite click, and then John would lay in a riff, or Ringo would insert one of his unique fills.
For me, their work is best described as if Monet, Renior, Rembrandt and Dali got together in a studio, had some beers, and collaborated on paintings.
After “Weeps” I heard “A Day in the Life” which is considered their opus, and their historical masterpiece.
I am still trying to figure out how they came up with that arrangement.
Their songs will never, ever date out.
I wish Ringo the fastest recovery, and also thank him for him and his All-Star band providing the best live show I have ever seen.
Will update as events warrant.
Please share your favorite Beatles memories or music in the comments.
-ROC
