Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“He shared in a PEOPLE exclusive that he eventually checked into rehab after realizing he hadn’t been taking care of himself.”
Ringo Starr Reflects on 37 Years of Sobriety: “I’m Grateful Every Day”
At his annual “Peace & Love” birthday celebration in Beverly Hills, Ringo Starr shared rare insight into his journey of sobriety, which now spans nearly four decades.
The legendary drummer, who turned 85 on July 7, spoke candidly about the life-changing decision he made years ago. “I landed in rehab because I wasn’t showing respect to myself or to others,” Starr said, recalling the turning point. “It was all centered on me. But after getting clean, I haven’t touched alcohol since. Thank the Lord.”
Starr has previously discussed his struggles with alcohol, notably telling the Times of London in 2015 that the 1970s and 1980s are mostly a blur. “I was constantly drunk,” he admitted. “There are whole stretches of time I just don’t remember.”
He also reflected on the emotional toll of The Beatles’ breakup. “I was angry,” he confessed. “For two decades. Sure, there were moments of calm in between, but that feeling stayed with me for a long time.”
In 1989, Starr opened up to PEOPLE about the rehab experience he went through alongside his wife, Barbara Bach, whom he married in 1981. “By the eighth day, I knew I was there for a reason—I needed help,” he said at the time. “I followed their guidance, and thankfully, it helped me pull through.”
More recently, in an interview with The New York Times on July 2, Starr reflected on reaching his milestone birthday. “It blows my mind,” he said. “I look in the mirror and I still see a 24-year-old. That’s how I feel.”
When asked about how he stays energized, Starr credited his passion for his craft: “I love what I do. That’s what keeps me going.”
