Episode 299: Ringo's Beats and Threads with Gary Astridge
Released: February 1, 2025
Host: Robert Rodriguez | Guest: Gary Astridge
Introduction to the Episode and Guest
In the penultimate episode of "Something About The Beatles," host Robert Rodriguez warmly welcomes Gary Astridge, a distinguished drum historian and co-author of the acclaimed coffee table book, "Beats and Threads: Ringo Starr, Drumming Legend, and Fashion Icon." Gary's expertise lies in the meticulous preservation and documentation of Ringo Starr's iconic drum kits and fashion ensembles during his tenure with The Beatles.
Gary Astridge’s Beginnings and Connection to The Beatles
Gary begins by recounting his pivotal moment as a child when he watched The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show at age seven. Initially unaware of their full impact, this experience sparked a profound passion for drumming and The Beatles. He shares:
Gary Astridge [08:34]: "I was one of those kids, yeah, that was me. That was the change of life moment."
This newfound interest led him to delve deep into Ringo Starr's musical journey, even before the advent of the internet, showcasing his dedication and enthusiasm.
Journey to Becoming Ringo’s Drum Historian
Robert and Gary discuss the challenges Gary faced in the pre-digital era while researching Ringo’s drum kits. Without the vast resources available today, Gary relied on local music stores, fan magazines, and meticulous observation to gather information. He explains:
Gary Astridge [10:54]: "It was just a hobby and a passion and it just carried through my whole life."
His relentless pursuit of authentic details laid the foundation for his later collaborations and publications.
Ringo Starr’s Drum Kits: History and Preservation
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Gary’s work with the Grammy Museum on the "Ringo Peace and Love" exhibit. Gary describes the dire condition of Ringo’s drum kits due to neglect and environmental damage:
Gary Astridge [16:06]: "We took all the time, and... put everything back together."
Working alongside Jeff Chonas, Ringo’s drum tech, Gary meticulously documented and restored each drum kit, ensuring they retained their historical integrity while being suitable for exhibition.
Personal Encounters and Trust with Ringo
Gary shares heartfelt anecdotes about his interactions with Ringo Starr. One standout moment was presenting Ringo with his famed Abbey Road jacket, leading to an emotional reunion:
Gary Astridge [74:02]: "Ringo gave me a hug, and then he went into Barbara's closet... He was crying."
These personal stories highlight the deep mutual respect and trust between Gary and Ringo, underscoring Gary’s unique position within The Beatles’ legacy.
Insights from "Beats and Threads" Book
The discussion transitions to Gary’s book, "Beats and Threads," which serves as a near-memoir for Ringo Starr, encapsulating both his musical prowess and fashion sense. Gary emphasizes the book’s role in preserving The Beatles’ history through:
- High-definition images of Ringo’s drum kits and clothing.
- Detailed narratives that provide context and stories behind each artifact.
- Authentic preservation methods that maintain the original state of the memorabilia.
Gary Astridge [45:24]: "If you like Beatle history and Ringo, who said he would never do a memoir, this might be the closest we get to it."
Ringo’s Drumming Style and Mastery
Gary delves into Ringo’s unique drumming style, highlighting his confidence and the chemistry he shared with his bandmates. He praises Ringo’s ability to infuse energy and subtlety into each performance:
Gary Astridge [42:08]: "He’s not a technical drum geek, but this guy is so impressive. You could watch it over and over and you're always pulling something else out of it, going, wow, this is awesome."
This mastery is evident in iconic tracks where Ringo’s drumming played a crucial role in shaping The Beatles' sound.
Emotional Anecdotes and Impact on Fans
The episode highlights the profound emotional connections fans have with Ringo and The Beatles. Gary shares his experiences during Ringo’s "Look Up" album tour in Nashville, where he witnessed fans’ heartfelt reactions:
Gary Astridge [78:26]: "Everything’s normal, a lot of people around. Woman gives me her phone... She's crying and I can feel it coming here."
These moments underscore the lasting legacy and deep emotional resonance The Beatles continue to have across generations.
Ringo’s Continuous Influence and Active Lifestyle
Gary discusses Ringo’s ongoing contributions to music and his active lifestyle, which includes practices like meditation and regular exercise. Ringo’s recent achievements, such as his "Look Up" album topping country charts and his performances at prestigious venues like the Grand Ole Opry, exemplify his enduring vitality and passion.
Gary Astridge [86:33]: "Ringo is a life lesson. I wish I could follow it because he's in a lot better shape than I am."
Preservation Efforts and Future Projects
Looking ahead, Gary outlines ongoing and future projects aimed at further preserving and celebrating Ringo’s legacy. This includes plans to send Ringo’s Peace Hand sculpture to Liverpool and expanding the reach of "Beats and Threads" with additional editions and special releases.
Gary Astridge [85:14]: "There's plans in the works for another big push getting the book out. And it's something I can't talk about right at this time, but look for it because it's right around the corner."
Conclusion and Heartfelt Appreciation
As the episode concludes, both Robert and Gary express mutual admiration and gratitude. Gary thanks Robert for his efforts in archiving The Beatles’ history, while Robert commends Gary’s dedication and emotional investment in preserving Ringo’s legacy.
Robert Rodriguez: "Gary, for sharing your intimacy and how your expertise and love and passion that came about that February night, took you on this inconceivable journey... It is your gift."
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Gary Astridge [08:34]: "I was one of those kids, yeah, that was me. That was the change of life moment."
- Gary Astridge [10:54]: "It was just a hobby and a passion and it just carried through my whole life."
- Gary Astridge [16:06]: "We took all the time, and... put everything back together."
- Gary Astridge [22:50]: “Here you go, here you can see the kit, and it's originally mine.”
- Gary Astridge [42:08]: "He’s not a technical drum geek, but this guy is so impressive..."
- Gary Astridge [74:02]: "Ringo gave me a hug, and then he went into Barbara's closet... He was crying."
- Gary Astridge [45:24]: "If you like Beatle history and Ringo, who said he would never do a memoir, this might be the closest we get to it."
- Gary Astridge [78:26]: "Everything’s normal, a lot of people around. Woman gives me her phone... She's crying and I can feel it coming here."
- Gary Astridge [86:33]: "Ringo is a life lesson. I wish I could follow it because he's in a lot better shape than I am."
Final Thoughts
Episode 299 provides an enriching exploration of Ringo Starr's drumming legacy and personal style through the passionate lens of Gary Astridge. It offers listeners a deep appreciation for the meticulous preservation of The Beatles’ artifacts and the heartfelt stories that continue to keep their legacy alive. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to The Beatles' history, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring influence and timeless magic of the Fab Four.
For more information on Gary Astridge and his work, visit ringosbeetlekits.com and Julian's Auctions.