At 84, Ringo Starr remains a rock ‘n’ roll icon, but on Tuesday night, he became the center of a jaw-dropping revelation. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the legendary drummer confirmed one of the most enduring rumors about his life—yes, the first time he ever smoked marijuana was with none other than Bob Dylan.
“It’s true,” Starr admitted with a grin. “Back in the ‘60s, Dylan handed us a joint, and we figured, ‘Why not?’”
With Hollywood gearing up to release multiple Beatles biopics, Starr took the opportunity to clear the air on a few more mysteries surrounding his life.
A Life Without Pizza?
One of the biggest shocks of the night came when Kimmel pressed Starr on a bizarre claim—that he had never eaten a slice of pizza.
“I’ve never had one,” Starr said, sending the studio audience into gasps. “People in the back are going, ‘What?!’”
Adding to the disbelief, the former Beatle also revealed he had never tasted curry. But the reason isn’t a strange aversion to global cuisine—it’s medical.
“I’m allergic to several foods,” Starr explained. “With pizza, you never quite know what they’re putting in it. Same with curry. I have to be careful because I get sick immediately.”
While the revelation may surprise fans, Starr has long been known for his disciplined lifestyle. After surviving a near-fatal bout of appendicitis as a child, he spent two years in a sanatorium recovering from tuberculosis. His fragile health in childhood led him to adopt a cautious approach to food and wellness, a habit that has followed him throughout his life.
How a Sickly Boy Became a Rock Star
During his years of hospitalization, Starr found solace in music. He recalled a defining moment in his teenage years when a woman visited the hospital, carrying an assortment of percussion instruments.
“She had maracas, tambourines, and a little drum,” Starr reminisced. “She gave me the drum… and from that point, I only ever wanted to be a drummer.”
That passion would soon become his destiny.
The Birth of Ringo Starr
Born Richard Starkey in Liverpool, Starr’s path to fame took an unexpected turn when he joined a local street gang as a teenager. Known for wearing multiple rings, he quickly picked up a nickname.
“Everyone called me ‘Rings’ back then,” he told Kimmel. “They’d say, ‘Hey Rings! What’s happening?’”
When he began performing in Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, the name stuck—but with a twist.
“I thought ‘Ringo Starkey’ didn’t have the right ring to it,” he said. “So I changed it to ‘Ringo Starr.’ Fabulous!”
A New Chapter in Country Music
Starr’s latest album, Look Up, released earlier this month, takes a bold step into country and western territory. Co-produced by 12-time Grammy winner T Bone Burnett, the album features collaborations with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh and bluegrass legend Alison Krauss.
In support of the record, Starr will headline a tribute concert at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, airing on CBS and Paramount+ as a benefit for the American Red Cross and California wildfire victims.
“It’s always a thrill to play the Ryman,” Starr said. “And this time, we’re going country. T Bone has put together an incredible show. It’ll be two nights of peace, love, and country music.”
Special guests for Ringo & Friends at the Ryman include Sheryl Crow, Jack White, and The War and Treaty. Fans can expect a mix of Starr’s greatest hits, reimagined in a fresh country style.
Final Mystery: The Yellow Submarine
Before wrapping up, Kimmel threw in a lighthearted question: Did Ringo actually own a yellow submarine?
“I can’t talk about that,” Starr joked with a wink.
Even after all these years, the legend of Ringo Starr continues to captivate audiences—one revelation at a time.
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