‘This shows you what it was like’: Grammy exhibit puts everything in perspective for the Beatles’ Ringo Starr

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Ringo Starr, in going through his things for a new Grammy Museum exhibit, found a priceless piece of pre-Beatles memorabilia from his time as a drummer with the group Rory Storm and the Hurricanes.

He says it says a lot about the times, before fame and fortune — and even before cell phones.

“The great letter, I love, from Rory Storm,” Starr remembers in this clip. “This shows you what it was like in those days. He’s written to me to tell me we’re playing on Thursday night. We didn’t have a phone! He says: ‘We’re playing Thursday night at the Jive Hive. I’ll bring your cymbals — and your money!’ (Laughs.) So, of course, I went!”

“Ringo: Peace and Love,” which continues at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles through March 30, 2014, also includes the drum kit Starr played on for the White Album, Abbey Road and Let It Be, his Sgt. Pepper suit and as well as assorted other personal items.

It’s yet another milestone for a young performer who grew up dirt poor in working-class Liverpool.

“I didn’t have a car,” Starr adds, “and it was very difficult for a drummer in those days. I’d take the snare drum to the gigs, and I’d beg a drummer who had his whole kit there: ‘Let’s use your kit, man.’ Sometimes they said yes, and sometimes they said no. Then, when I did get a car, and was able to take my kit to the venues, other drummers would ask me.”

Starr is set for another 16 shows through November 2013 with the latest edition of his All Starr Band, including Gregg Rolie, Steve Lukather and Todd Rundgren, beginning on October 29 in Brazil.

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