Ringo Starr’s new album is coming out soon! The album, set for release on October 25, will feature collaborations with various artists, one of them, his former Beatles band mate, Sir Paul McCartney.
Starr has shared that he is doing a remake of John Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me” in collaboration with McCartney. He will be on vocals while McCartney will be his back up vocals and also play the bass. “Grow Old With Me” is a song written by Lennon a few years before he died.
Starr said he was inspired to do a remake when he heard Lennon’s demo tapes entitled “The Bermuda Tapes” for the first time. It was shared to him by Jack Douglas, a well-known record producer. Douglas was instrumental in the production of Lennon’s and Yoko Ono’s album entitled “Double Fantasy”, among other recordings.
Hearing Lennon talk about him in the demo tapes made Starr emotional as they were very close, as with the rest of the band members. He said his emotions get the better of him whenever he thinks about Lennon, adding that he did his best to sing Lennon’s “Grow Old With Me”.
Starr, who has turned his back on traditional recording studios, now produces his songs in his home studio. He said he has gotten tired of the regular studios, and feels more comfortable at his home studio where he invites various artists whom he wants to join him for collaborations.
Starr continues to do music, citing his mother’s words that he is happiest when he is performing.
He recounts that his mom would often watch him play drums during his teenage years, and observed how he loved playing.
He added that his dream to play music started when he was thirteen years old. He is just happy that he was given the chance to fulfill his dream, and that he is still able to do music up to the present. He said the thrill it brings him is still the same way back when he was just starting.
Meanwhile, the Strawberry Field grounds and gardens that inspired Lennon’s “Strawberry Fields Forever” song in 1967 has opened its gates to the public. The former Salvation Army children’s home has been a vital part of Lennon’s growing up years. He lives near the home, and would often play music to Strawberry Field guests during summer garden parties.
Strawberry Field, immortalized by Lennon in his song, pays tribute to the artist by creating an interactive exhibit of his early life. The old children’s home that was replaced by a modern building has been turned into a visitor’s center for the exhibit. It is also home to a training facility for young people suffering from learning disabilities.
The Salvation Army said they want these young people to find a home in the Strawberry Field just like Lennon did. It is reported that around 60,000 tourists flock to the Strawberry Field every year to take a peek at the place that is forever etched in the memory of the Beatles fans.
