The Beatles exploded onto the music scene in 1963. Their energy, songwriting, and iconic personalities singlehandedly changed Rock n Roll. Today, only two of the Beatles are alive.
Which Beatles are alive? At the time of writing the only two remaining members of the Beatles are Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney was born in 1942. He and John Lennon wrote some of the most popular music of all time. His boyish good looks earned him the nickname, “The Cute Beatle”. Paul’s song, “Yesterday”, is the most covered song in the history of music.
After the Beatles broke up in 1970, he continued churning out hits throughout the 70s with his band, The Wings. He even wrote the theme song to 1973’s James Bond movie, “Live and Let Die”.
The 1980s saw collaborations with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder. Paul turned his hand to classical music in the 1990s and wrote to critical acclaim, “Liverpool Oratorio”. He continues to be active today with no plans to retire.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on March 11, 1997. With his knighthood comes the title, Sir Paul. Although too modest to use the title, he is officially referred to as Sir Paul McCartney in the British press.
Paul married Linda Eastman in 1969. She was a collaborator, an inspiration, and a bandmate in The Wings. They have four children. Linda died of cancer in 1998. Paul then married Heather Mills in 2002 and had another child. They divorced in 2006 and Paul married Nancy Shevell in 2011.
He is worth approximately $1 billion.
See our post “Which Beatles are Dead?”
Ringo Starr
Ringo Starr was born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940. His childhood was marred by his father’s abandonment of the family, a bout of peritonitis, and two years spent in a tuberculosis sanatorium. However, he learned to play drums in the sanatorium which led him down a path to fame and fortune.
He changed his name to Ringo in 1960 to acknowledge the many rings he wore. Starr was a stylized abbreviation of his last name.
He joined the Beatles in 1962. Fans quickly recognized his unique drumming ability and charming personality He was assigned lead vocal on only one song per album which was serendipitous. He sang the iconic “With a Little Help from My Friends” on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Ringo’s solo career included a string of hits in the 1970s. He created the All Starr Band in the 1980s which has a revolving membership featuring star performers such as Joe Walsh, Nils Lofgren, and Billy Preston. He continues touring and recording live albums with the All Starr Band.
His other talents included acting. He appeared in films like Peter Seller’s “The Magic Christian”. He was the narrator for the 1980s children’s show, “Thomas and Friends”. He collaborated with Paul McCartney and George Harrison on the documentary, “Beatles Anthology”, in the 1990s.
He married Maureen Cox in 1965 and had three children. They divorced in 1976. He married Barbara Bach, a Bond girl, in 1981 and they are still married.
He is worth approximately $3 million.
Paul and Ringo have had noteworthy careers as part of The Beatles and solo. Their talent will be revered for many generations to come.