FEATURE:
Home to Us
IN THIS PHOTO: Ringo Starr
Why We Are So Privileged to Have New Music from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr
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I will bring in new interviews…
IN THIS PHOTO: Paul McCartney/PHOTO CREDIT: Mary McCartney
concerning both artists. However, I was motivated to write this feature as it has struck me how so fortunate we are to have Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr with us. Not to be morbid, but as both are in their eighties and putting out new music, who would have thought that?! There are legends of music around that age who are still releasing music and delighting fans. Though a lot younger, Madonna releasing new music and very much being the Pop queen she has always been is such a pleasure! Paul McCartney turns eighty-four in June, whilst Ringo Starr is righty-six in July. The two have released their own solo albums in the same year before. However, I think 2026 is particular emotional and important. There is so much new conversation around The Beatles. The films directed by Sam Mendes will be out in 2028. Both artists, especially Paul McCartney, still talking about the band. How painful the break-up was. Ringo Starr recently released Long Long Road. A Country album, there is a sense of Starr nodding to his youth. He has said how U.K. Country originated in Liverpool (where he was born). Although Starr lives in the U.S., you can feel him remembering his home and the Country music he would have heard as a youngster. Paul McCartney released The Boys of Dungeon Lane late next month. That album very much about his younger years. Dungeon Lane is in Speke area of Liverpool, and the album is generally inspired by McCartney's childhood memories in the area. In different ways, both artists thinking about their childhood and earlier years. I do wonder if the two will be in the same city when they tour the albums, so that they can share the stage.
Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr will duet on McCartney’s Home to Us. It would be amazing if both albums, Long Long Road and The Boys of Dungeon Lane, were nominated for awards. Maybe the Mercury Prize judges would overlook the albums of feel Starr and McCartney do not need the recognition. However, how amazing would it be if both albums got shortlisted! I think Starr is eligible, even though he is based in the U.S. – and has been for many years. In any case, how these former Beatles are putting out albums and very much in each other’s lives is such a treat and blessing! I have never seen McCarney and Starr play live, so that is something I definitely need to do. It is awesome that they have new albums out. USA TODAY spoke with Ringo Starr recently about Long Long Road, being on tour, and what he thinks about the new Beatles biopics:
“Question: Do you consider yourself a country artist primarily now? Or is this a detour?
Ringo Starr: Right now, that's all I am is a country artist. I think just “artist” is enough, you know? We play pop, we play rock, and we got back very strongly into country because of T Bone.
Your tour runs right up to your 86th birthday (July 7). Do you intend to play as long as you're physically able?
No, I just intend to play this year. That's as far down the line as I'm going. We'll see what happens at the beginning of next year or the end of this year. For the last five years, I've told my kids, “That's it, I can't go on anymore." (And they say), “Oh, Dad, you said that last year.” I'm just doing the 12 gigs. But in my head, at least twice a day, (I’m thinking), “Nah, we should do September as well.” But so far, I'm holding up.
You've joked that the secret to your fantastic health is blueberries and broccoli. What have you learned over the years about taking care of yourself?
I have a trainer still three times a week. And the gym's just there (points off camera). I go in on my own at least one day, usually two days, when she's not there. Just to get my heartbeat (up) and get on the treadmill, do a bit of running and weights. I’ve been doing it so long, it's just like, “Oh, I'll go over to the gym.”
Paul has a new song out (“Days We Left Behind”) in which he’s reminiscing about The Beatles. Have your memories of the band changed over time?
No, no, I love that band. I love the front line. That’s why I left Rory (Storm and the Hurricanes, his pre-Beatles band). But what made them make the phone call, I don't know.
Do you think Barry Keoghan, who's playing you in the four Beatles’ biopics, looks like you?
In a way. You've got to say yes. You know what I mean? He's got the gig. And he came up one afternoon before they started shooting. We just hung out and let him get the vibe of what I am. And he was a really kind, good guy. And he's a fine actor. We can't doubt that. So I'm going to look great.
I was blessed because last summer-ish, I went to the set. And I saw the guys who were playing John and Paul (Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal). And they were great. It was one of those days where they were having an argument. I'm waiting for the documentary because, “Oh, that didn't happen. That happened there.” No, it's a film. Let it go. It's hard to talk about it because you're going to give it away”.
This is a unique moment. Not that Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are releasing music at the same time. I just feel their individual albums are so meaningful and important. They are very close friends and will appear on record together. The Beatles broke up fifty-six years ago, though there is still this closeness between the two surviving members. Maybe we take for granted what a privilege it is that these two are still with us and making such excellent music. And that they are talking about The Beatles with openness and fondness. Not that there are interviews around The Boys of Dungeon Lane yet. However, I did want to reference an interview from Paul McCartney’s official website. Not only has Paul McCarney announced a new album. Recently the Man on the Run documentary came out. About McCartney’s post-Beatles life with Wings. A book also available. I might have referenced this before but, as this is a feature where I want to get an insight from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr in 2026, it is worth bringing it back in:
“The Wings renaissance continues, as Paul revisits this remarkable era once more and this time on the silver screen. The new feature documentary, Paul McCartney: Man on the Run, arrives globally on Prime Video on Friday 27th February, offering an intimate, emotional, and often surprising look at his journey after The Beatles.
So, with Man on the Run on the horizon and fans buzzing with excitement, we sat down with Paul to talk films, documentaries, and what it feels like to watch this chapter of his life unfold on screen.
PaulMcCartney.com asks: Man on the Run is emotional, funny, reflective and overall a real journey. What is it like for you watching it back?
Paul: It’s crazy; like a period of my life flashing before my eyes. It’s wonderful because it’s full of different emotions and facets. One of the big things for me is seeing so much of Linda, which is great for me and the kids.
There are parts that are embarrassing. I even asked Morgan Neville if we should take some of those bits out; like me doing ‘Mary Had a Little Lamb’ with a red nose on, and the band in silly outfits. I thought maybe we didn’t need that. But he said, no, that it works, and that the ups and downs make the ending feel more earned. I think he’s right.
Overall, it’s a success story. The big question after the Beatles was: How do you follow that? Do you not bother? Or if you try, how? I think we did it in a particularly madcap way, and that’s what’s good about the film, it shows how we pulled it off.
PaulMcCartney.com: Are there any documentaries you’ve seen recently or at any time that really made an impression on you?
Paul: I do like documentaries; I tend to watch movies and documentaries more than long series. I’ve seen some good ones recently and some older ones too. One that really stuck with me is Cow, it’s pretty hardcore, but very good. It reminded me of Linda’s song of the same name which is equally as powerful.
PaulMcCartney.com: There is an app for movie lovers called Letterboxd. It’s where you can review, rank and share your favourite films. On people’s accounts they have a Letterboxd Top 4, these are the four films that represent them: their favourite films, or the film that brings them comfort or ones they feel represent them. What would be your Letterboxd four favourites?
Paul: The Girl Can’t Help It, I always love that one and watch it again and again. On the Waterfront, with Marlon Brando, fantastic film. Get Out, I think Jordan Peele did a great job with that. And The Last Waltz - that’s a nice one to round it out”.
I am so thrilled that the phenomenal Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney are bringing us new music. Starr’s Long Long Road is fantastic. I cannot wait to hear both of them together on McCartney’s Home to Us. A year when these fond friends are gifting us with incredible music. Let’s hope that they continue to do so…
FOR years more.