The friendship between John Lennon and Ringo Starr, two members of the legendary band The Beatles, endured long after the group disbanded. Despite living in different parts of the world, the pair managed to maintain a strong bond through a unique form of communication—postcards.
Ringo Starr’s solo success brought immense happiness to John Lennon, who initially had concerns about how his bandmate would fare outside of the Beatles’ collective fame. Despite Ringo not being known for songwriting, Lennon believed in his talent and offered advice and encouragement. In a postcard dated 1979, Lennon recommended that Ringo explore a musical style similar to Blondie’s hit song “Heart of Glass,” praising its simplicity. This gesture showcased Lennon’s continued support and interest in Ringo’s solo career.
Lennon’s pride in Ringo’s achievements was evident in his final TV interview in 1975. He expressed happiness for Ringo’s success, debunking the misconception that Ringo was not as talented as the other band members. Lennon acknowledged that while Ringo may not have been known for songwriting, his recording career was likely better than his own.
One poignant postcard, dated January 1971, was sent during a tumultuous time for The Beatles. It featured an illustration of Sunset Strip in Hollywood, with Lennon writing, “Who’d have thought it would come to this? Love John.” Just a month earlier, Paul McCartney had filed a lawsuit to officially dissolve The Beatles. This postcard reflects the bittersweet sentiment surrounding the band’s disintegration.
Ringo’s collection of postcards includes a separate one from John and Yoko, featuring an image of whales jumping in a tank. Ringo commented in his book that during recording sessions, John would occasionally burst into tears or start screaming, which initially startled the band. This snippet reveals the complex dynamics within The Beatles—a group that started as four close friends in a van and transformed into a family with its fair share of ups and downs.
Although communication through postcards may seem outdated to younger generations accustomed to instant messaging, it provided Ringo with a tangible connection to Lennon, maintaining their close bond. The sincerity of these postcards, coupled with Ringo’s comments, demonstrates the genuine care and concern they had for each other, even a decade after the band’s breakup. The exchange of these heartfelt messages exemplifies the enduring friendship between Ringo Starr and John Lennon, solidifying their place in music history and in each other’s lives.