Ringo

With a Little Help

By: Michael Seth Starr

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Ringo: With a Little Help is the first in-depth biography of Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, who kept the beat for an entire generation and who has remained a rock icon since the Beatles took the world by storm over 50 years ago.

This book traces the entire arc of Ringo's remarkable life and career, from his sickly childhood to his life as the world's most famous drummer to his triumphs, addictions, and emotional battles following the breakup of the Beatles. Born in 1940 as Richard Starkey in the Dingle, one of Liverpool's most gritty, rough-and-tumble neighborhoods, he rose from a hardscrabble childhood marked by serious illnesses, long hospital stays, and little schooling to emerge, against all odds, as a locally renowned drummer. Taking the stage name Ringo Starr, his big break with the Beatles rocketed him to the pinnacle of worldwide acclaim in a remarkably short time. He was the last member of the Beatles to join the group but also the most vulnerable, and his post-Beatles career was marked by chart-topping successes, a jet-setting life of excess and alcohol abuse, and, ultimately, his rebirth as one of rock's revered elder statesmen.

©2015 Michael Seth Starr (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[F]ascinating perspective." ( Publishers Weekly)

Starr power

This is the biography of Ringo I’d hoped existed on audiobook. Except for the narrator not being able to even come close to a Liverpudlian accent, he was very competent and most enjoyable. I began the book en route to see Ringo in concert. The perfect read. An awesome concert!

Very Good

I’ve read many books on the Beatles and individual members, but this was the first on Ringo. I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and provided significant detail on this icons life.

Very good

Really enjoyed this and I thought it was very interesting. Ringo is a very kind and thoughtful guy.

Ups and Downs.

Extraordinary life. I had no idea of his many accomplishments. The author worked hard to discredit his subject, which is not surprising. I usually do not read unauthorized biographies due to the hallucinatory evaluations. He couldn't possibly know what the subject was thinking although such statements are made with full conviction. There are the hallucinatory evaluations one might expect. But it was interesting and covered many accomplishments I was not aware of. He has so many talents and skills that were never publicized.

Appreciate Ringo More

He had a very active and unique life. I appreciate him as a drummer much more than I have in the past. It's really hard to be that popular, but I understand him better as a person.

Ringo Exposed

Like a million other guys I was that 5th Beatle "born" February 9, 1964 as I watched mesmerized as these so called mop tops enchanted us from the Ed Sullivan theater. I've read many histories of the Beatles and have many books but listening to this account which focuses on the groups talented timekeeper, was an absolute delight. I believe the author tells us in the very beginning that Ringo did not give him his endorsement so it is unauthorized and yet I have to think if he listened to this, he would give him a thumbs up or at least his trademark two fingered peace sign. Thank you Ringo for your place in rock history. And thank you Michael Seth Starr for showing us the depth of this multifaceted human being, warts and all, who has the heart to care about all who he has influenced.

Best Ringo book ever

17 hours of Ringo for Ringo fans in entertaining detail. A great history of a great Beatle, unique drummer and cool human.

Greatest drummer of my time

Ringo is not just great drummer, he also has a great sense of humor. He went through such a rough time after the break up from the group, but came back big time in his own way. Author did an excellent job of describing Ringo’s journey. Ringo is a living legend.

Not A Bad Story, But Fact-Checking Needed

This has been my third book on the individual members of The Beatles. My next book will be one about George. As I wrote in another review, the reader does a terrible job attempting to imitate a female voice when directly quoting various women. While my knowledge of Ringo's life is, or has been limited, the author needs better editing/fact-checking. For example, when he credits Paul McCartney for having written 'Across The Universe. REALL? That is one that immediately stood out to me so who knows how much else the author got wrong. My problem is that I don't know who to trust in the retelling of the lives of The Beatles. I'm hoping I do better picking an author for George Harrison.

Good Research

The author’s extensive research gave a lot of insight into Ringo’s life. While there were a few things that seemed out of chronological order and a few accounts of Beatles related things that didn’t match up with other accounts, overall I found it intersecting and enlightening.