Former Beatle Ringo Starr has blamed the growth of eBay for his ban on fans requesting autographs.
Ringo Starr has always been slightly enigmatic. The shy and retiring drummer, the Liverpool musician sat quietly behind his drum stool while John, Paul and even George lapped up public acclaim.
A cult figure, Ringo Starr recently issued a video demanding fans stop sending requests for autographs. Explaining that it simply took up too much time, he memorably signed off from the video by saying “peace and peace, peace and love”.
A strange one. The video became an internet sensation, making news headlines across the world. The image of Ringo Starr as a grumpy millionaire became enshrined on the public consciousness, but according to the former Beatle he was only trying to prevent unscrupulous fans from cashing in on his signature.
“I was signing and then they were on eBay the next day,” he said. “So I just decided, ‘I think I’ve done my share. That’s it’.”
Speaking to BBC Radio 2 the drummer added: “I honestly didn’t think it was going to be world news – BBC and CNN”.
Elsewhere, Ringo Starr is set to play a major role on Ben Harper’s new album. The drummer has been recording with the singer, and the results are set to drop later this year.
Meanwhile, the former Beatle recently released his own solo album. Titled ‘Y Not’ the new collection is out now.
