Ringo Starr was spotted at the Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles in 2023. Despite The Beatles breaking up in 1970, their legacy continues to thrive. Recently, the group won a Grammy Award for best rock performance for the demo “Now and Then,” originally recorded by John Lennon. With the help of Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and artificial intelligence technology, the song received a new life.
Starr, 84, expressed his surprise and joy at winning the Grammy, feeling like John Lennon’s spirit was present with them. The track triumphed over songs from other renowned bands such as The Black Keys, Green Day, and Pearl Jam. “Now and Then” was originally written and recorded by Lennon as a ballad in the late 1970s but remained unfinished. In 1994, Yoko Ono shared the demo with Starr, McCartney, and George Harrison for The Beatles Anthology project.
The trio revisited the song and, with the assistance of Peter Jackson and advanced technology, completed it with Lennon’s vocals. The track was released as “the last Beatles song” in November 2023. Additionally, McCartney and Starr reunited in London in December 2024.
Starr has been active with new projects, including the release of his album Look Up in January. He also performed at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, featuring a mix of new songs and classic Beatles hits like “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Starr reflects on the enduring quality of the group’s music and the emotional impact it still holds today. For more details on Ringo Starr, check out the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine.
