It’s a curious thing, isn’t it? When you’re part of a phenomenon as colossal as The Beatles, the gravitational pull of that legacy can be both a blessing and a curse. For Ringo Starr, the band’s inimitable drummer, this post-Beatles existence has been a particularly fascinating tightrope walk. While his drumming prowess is undeniable – a cornerstone of that legendary sound – his solo career often feels like it’s been viewed through a different lens than those of his more prolific songwriting bandmates, Lennon and McCartney.
The Shadow of the Fab Four
Personally, I think there’s an inherent unfairness in how we often judge Ringo’s solo output. We tend to measure him against the stratospheric achievements of his former colleagues, setting an impossibly high bar. No one realistically expects Ringo to churn out an 'Maybe I'm Amazed' equivalent, but what makes this particularly fascinating is that his albums, even when bolstered by the presence of his famous friends, sometimes felt like they landed with a thud. Albums like Goodnight Vienna and Ringo themselves, while offering glimpses of that unmistakable Fab Four magic, weren't exactly chart-topping juggernauts. What this really suggests is that the sheer weight of The Beatles’ collective genius cast a long shadow, making it difficult for any individual member’s solo work to truly shine independently.
When the Party Fades
What many people don't realize is that the narrative of Ringo's solo career often hinges on his ability to recapture that collaborative spirit. When his friends like George Harrison and John Lennon lent their talents, his albums transformed into something akin to a party. However, as the years wore on, and the band’s final days receded further into the past, Ringo’s solo journey seemed to lose some of its earlier sparkle. One thing that immediately stands out is the shift that occurred when he ventured into more experimental territory, like the ill-fated disco attempt with Ringo the 4th. In my opinion, this was a critical misstep, a "shitshow" as some have described it, that seemed to derail his momentum when he desperately needed a hit.
The Unreleased Echo: Old Wave
This brings me to what I consider one of the most poignant and, frankly, disappointing moments in Ringo’s post-Beatles career: the shelving of his album Old Wave in America. From my perspective, this wasn't just another forgotten record; it was a stark indicator that even a Beatle could find himself at a commercial dead end. The news that no American label would pick it up, leading Ringo to express his "real disappointing" feelings and even contemplate "throwing in the towel," is incredibly telling. It begs the question: if a Beatle, a global icon, couldn't secure a release, what does that say about the industry's perception of his solo viability at that point?
A Glimpse of What Could Have Been
Now, it’s easy to dismiss Old Wave as a failure given its fate. However, if you take a step back and think about it, the situation is far more nuanced. The source material suggests the album wasn't entirely abysmal, with a few decent tunes and some enjoyable collaborations, particularly with Joe Walsh. But interspersed with these brighter spots were tracks like 'Hopeless,' which, in my opinion, painted a grim picture of Ringo’s career trajectory – a beloved figure slowly becoming a relic. What this really suggests is that while the industry may have moved on, Ringo was still capable of producing music that, while perhaps not groundbreaking, was still worthy of a listen. It’s a shame that America didn't get to hear it, a missed opportunity for fans to perhaps see a different side of his evolving sound.
The Enduring Legacy
Ultimately, Ringo Starr’s journey is a powerful reminder of the complexities of fame and artistic evolution. While Old Wave's fate in America was undoubtedly a low point, it’s fascinating to consider how different his career might have been had that record seen the light of day. It’s a testament to his enduring spirit that he continued to tour and spread his message of peace and love, even if his records didn't always trouble the charts. What I find especially interesting is the transformation he underwent, from a Beatle struggling for solo recognition to the universally beloved peace-and-love icon we know today. Perhaps Old Wave was the necessary low point that paved the way for that later, more contented chapter. It makes you wonder what other 'lost' albums might hold similar stories of potential and disappointment.
