The ‘cathartic’ Beatles pictures that helped Ringo Starr get through lockdown

Sir Ringo Starr has published dozens of heart-warming, candid photos of the Beatles that helped him get through the coronavirus lockdowns. The legendary drummer, now aged 81, compiled the rarely-seen images of himself with John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison as part of an uplifting project.

Starr’s pictures have been put together in the book ‘Lifted: Fab Images and Memories in My Life With The Beatles From Across the Universe’. A limited number of 1,000 have been signed by Sir Ringo and cost £365 ($495) each. Pictured: George Harrison, Sir Paul McCartney, John Lennon and  Sir Ringo in Washington DC at the height of their success as the Beatles in the 1960s.

Sir Ringo sourced and researched the photos himself. Proceeds from the sales will go to Sir Ringo’s charity the Lotus Foundation, which aims to help people struggling with homelessness, illness and domestic abuse. Pictured: Sir Paul, Harrison, Lennon and Sir Ringo are seen during their Magical Mystery Tour.

Some of the stand-out images include one of the fledgling band smartly dressed and sat in a cafe sipping tea with record producer George Martin (right). The famous drummer also shared: ‘We’ve all been through a pretty tough time for a lot of people who’ve been locked down, and this book has really lifted my spirits and took me back to where I once belonged in a whole new way. And in the end, that’s why this new book is called Lifted.’

 The behind-the-scenes images chart the very beginning of the Fab Four, through to the height of Beatlemania, touring America and then the tensions that culminated in the world’s biggest band splitting up.

The Beatles near the end of their time together as a band. Sir Ringo said: ‘These fantastic images came back to me in recent years from across the universe and have somehow helped me get back to seeing my life with The Fab Four through fresh eyes’.

The Beatles are seen ‘somewhere near Woodstock’ shortly before they split up. The fab four finally parted ways in 1970 after a decade performing together.

Sir Paul and Harrison are seen in the studio with famous producer George Martin (center).

Sir Ringo compiled the book while he spent lockdown at his mansion in Beverly Hills, LA. It has been published by LA-based Julien’s Auctions’ publishing division. Above: The band members pose for photograph together.

Another photo depicts the Fab Four chilling out on a sofa in a hotel room with manager Brian Epstein (third from left). John Lennon is seen strumming a guitar, George Harrison studies a document while Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Ringo appear deep in thought.

Ringo Starr behind the drums with The Beatles. The group are the bestselling band of all time and are loved across the world.

The band filming promo videos for their songs at Twickenham Film Studios in 1965. That year, they embarked on a tour of the US.

The Beatles with American star Little Richard during a show at the New Tower Ballroom in New Brighton, Wallasey, Merseyside, in October 1962.

The Beatles are seen rehearsing in one of the images in Sir Ringo’s new book. The group’s albums included Rubber Soul (1965), Revolver (1966) and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967).

John Lennon walking on the street during his time with The Beatles in the 1960s. He was shot dead in New York in December 1980 by Mark Chapman.

Paul McCartney and John Lennon are seen recording a song. The pair were the primary songwriters for the band. Sir Ringo said: ‘I think people today would be surprised to know that The Beatles only ever had one car to take us around. No social distancing for the four of us back then. No big entourage. We were always in the same car. The Beatles knew how to share, and that’s how you really get to know each other.’

Sir Ringo said of his new publication: ‘I think people are going to love this book. There is a real feel-good factor about it.’ Copies of the book are available to buy through the Julien’s Auctions website.