And in the End

Ringo, meanwhile, enjoyed almost immediate solo success after the Beatles breakup, recording several albums (handling the singing himself), including his 1973 album, Ringo. This was his greatest commercial success, featuring songs by each of his three ex-bandmates and boasting the number-one singles “Photograph” and “You're Sixteen.” He also enjoyed success in the movies, acting in films like The Magic Christian, That'll be the Day, and Caveman. It was during the filming of Caveman that he met his current wife, Barbara Bach. Ringo still tours with a band he calls the All-Starr Band, and regularly performs “With a Little Help from My Friends” (from Sgt. Pepper) during his shows.

In terms of Ringo's career with the Beatles, it is easy to overlook many of his achievements. In the early days of their success, Ringo was the most outgoing Beatle. He was always smiling, always joking, always keeping things upbeat through the long touring days. While his role did change after touring ended, Ringo never tried to overshadow the other members of the group, choosing instead to stay quietly in the background. Ringo was always there, always supportive of the others in the group, and always ready to play. His playing, while underrated by some critics, was always right for the song. John commented, “Ringo was the greatest rock and roll drummer I ever saw.”