Ringo Starr has seen one musician perform 100 times. His devotion goes back to the 1960s
Ringo Starr says he has seen Bob Dylan perform about 100 times, a devotion that began when Dylan first toured in the 1960s. The article says Starr, already a major star with the Beatles, was drawn to Dylan’s songwriting and the way it addressed the politics and social concerns of its time.
Starr recalled seeing Dylan at the Royal Albert Hall, where some audience members shouted “Traitor!” after he began using rock instrumentation. He later named “When The Deal Goes Down”, from Dylan’s 2006 album *Modern Times*, as a favourite. Starr also recorded a track with Dylan in Memphis in 1987, but the planned album was abandoned amid Starr’s alcohol problems.
In short
- Starr says he has seen Bob Dylan perform around 100 times.
- His fandom began with Dylan’s 1960s performances.
- A 1987 recording session never became a completed album.
Explained simply
Ringo Starr was the Beatles’ drummer, while Bob Dylan became known for songs that often reflected the politics and social concerns of the 1960s. Although both were leading musicians of the period, Dylan’s move from acoustic folk to rock music divided some listeners.
Starr has said Dylan’s songwriting drew him to his music. Their paths also crossed in the studio: they recorded a track together in Memphis in 1987, but plans for an album did not go ahead.