Ringo Starr Net Worth

What Is Ringo Starr’s Net Worth?

Ringo Starr, the iconic English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, has amassed a considerable net worth of $350 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his pivotal role as the drummer for The Beatles, his successful solo career, and various ventures into acting and television.

Ringo Starr’s Journey to a $350 Million Net Worth

Born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, Ringo’s early life was marked by health challenges and humble beginnings. The son of Richard and Elsie Gleave, his parents divorced when he was young, leading to his mother working as a barmaid to support him. Music became a refuge during his prolonged hospital stays due to appendicitis and later, tuberculosis. His stepfather, Harry Graves, gifted him a second-hand drum kit for Christmas in 1957, setting the stage for his musical journey.

Before joining The Beatles, Ringo honed his drumming skills with local bands, most notably Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. By 1960, the Hurricanes were a prominent band in Liverpool, marking a significant step in Ringo’s career. It was during this time that he first met The Beatles in October 1960, foreshadowing his future role in the world’s most famous band. He earned £25 a week while playing at a Butlin’s holiday camp with Rory Storm in 1960, which was more than he could earn in factory jobs back in Liverpool.

Ringo’s career trajectory dramatically changed in 1962 when he was asked to replace Pete Best as the drummer for The Beatles. This marked the beginning of a meteoric rise to fame and fortune. His unique drumming style, characterized by playing left-handed on a right-handed kit, became integral to The Beatles’ signature sound. He contributed lead vocals to tracks like “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” and penned songs such as “Octopus’s Garden,” adding to his value within the group.

While specific financial details of The Beatles’ earnings are complex and confidential, it’s widely known that the band generated immense revenue through album sales, touring, and merchandise. After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Starr embarked on a solo career, releasing fifteen studio albums. His early albums, including “Ringo” and “Goodnight Vienna,” achieved commercial success, contributing significantly to his financial stability. His hit singles like “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen” showcased his knack for creating catchy, heartfelt tunes.

Starr’s solo career saw significant success with singles like “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph,” “You’re Sixteen”, and “Back Off Boogaloo.” These hits not only solidified his status as a solo artist but also generated substantial income through sales and royalties. While precise figures are not publicly available, the consistent success of these singles over the years has undoubtedly contributed millions to his net worth. He reportedly earned around $100,000 for his role in the 1968 animated film “Yellow Submarine,” a significant sum at the time.

Beyond music, Starr ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Caveman” and narrating the children’s television series “Thomas & Friends.” These roles, while perhaps not as lucrative as his music career, provided additional income streams and diversified his portfolio. He also hosted various television programs, further adding to his earnings. In 2023, it was reported that Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, the two remaining members of The Beatles, are set to reunite and release music together.

Ringo’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, including his knighthood in 2018, making him Sir Richard Starkey. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist, solidifying his legacy and contributing to his brand value. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2011, Rolling Stone readers named Starr the fifth-greatest drummer of all time.

Real Estate Portfolio

Ringo Starr’s real estate holdings have played a significant role in bolstering his net worth. Over the years, he has strategically invested in properties, both for personal use and as financial assets.

Notable Past Purchases and Sales:

• Rydinghurst Estate (Surrey, UK): Starr purchased this 17th-century manor on 200+ acres in 1999 for £2 million and sold it in 2014 for an estimated £13.5 million (~$21 million) to Czech billionaire Radovan Vitek. This sale alone generated a substantial profit, significantly adding to his wealth.
• Aspen, Colorado Retreat (USA): Acquired in the mid-1990s, this three-bedroom mountain home was listed for $4.5 million in 2011 and sold around 2012. While specific profit details are unavailable, the sale contributed to streamlining his assets.
• Bel Air, Los Angeles (USA): Starr purchased a 5,500 sq ft home in 1999 and sold it in 2016 for approximately $5.8 million before upgrading to a larger Beverly Hills estate.
• St. George’s Hill, Surrey (UK): This contemporary 3,500 sq ft lakeside house in an exclusive gated community was sold in 2014 as Starr streamlined his holdings.

Current Global Holdings and Values:

• Beverly Hills Mansion (USA): This serves as Starr’s primary residence (~8,000 sq ft). Purchased for $7.2 million, it is now valued around $11.2 million, reflecting a considerable appreciation in value.
• Knightsbridge Apartment (London, UK): This upscale London flat is retained for UK visits. A smaller former Beatles flat in Knightsbridge sold for £2.5 million, giving a perspective on its potential value.
• Naples Beach Retreat (Florida, USA): This recently acquired beachfront home serves as a winter retreat. High-end Naples properties often reach eight-figure values, indicating a significant investment.

These real estate transactions and holdings demonstrate Ringo Starr’s savvy investment strategies, contributing substantially to his overall net worth.

Charity Garage Sale

In 2015, Ringo and his wife, Barbara Bach, auctioned off over 1,300 pieces of memorabilia, raising $9.2 million. The proceeds benefited the Lotus Foundation, which they established in 2004. The auction included Ringo’s 1963 Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl drum kit, which sold for $2.25 million to Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay. Irsay also purchased a 1965 Rose-Morris Rickenbacker guitar, given to Starr by John Lennon, for $910,000.

Other items included Starr’s personal copy of the Beatles’ “White Album” (serial number A0000001), which sold for $790,000, and a framed gold record award for “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” which went for $68,750. Ringo Starr’s pinky ring that he wore as a Beatle, and with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, sold for $106,250. This auction not only contributed to his charitable endeavors but also highlighted the immense value of his personal memorabilia, further emphasizing his significant net worth.

Ringo Starr’s consistent touring with various iterations of Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band has been a steady source of income. While specific earnings per tour are not publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that these performances generate substantial revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and endorsements. He continues to perform around the world today and Ringo Starr is the richest drummer in the world.

In 1965, Ringo Star married Maureen Cox. Beatles manager Brian Epstein was the best man. His stepfather, Harry Graves, and George Harrison were witnesses. The couple had three children: Zak (1965), Jason (1967), and Lee (1970). The couple divorced in 1975 after Starr’s repeated infidelities. He later admitted to being “a drunk, a wife-beater, and an absent father.” Maureen passed away in 1994 at 48 from leukemia. In 1980, Starr met actress Barbara Bach on the set of the film “Caveman.” They married on April 27, 1981. Starr has eight grandchildren: one from Zak, four from Jason, and three from Lee.

Ringo Starr’s net worth of $350 million is a testament to his enduring legacy as a musician, songwriter, and actor. His contributions to The Beatles, his successful solo career, and strategic investments have solidified his financial standing, making him one of the wealthiest drummers in the world. He continues to tour and produce music, proving that his influence and passion for the craft remain undiminished.