He was part of one of the most successful groups of all time and has been performing for half a century. But that hasn’t stopped Ringo Starr getting stage fright every time he plays in public. The 71-year-old said he still felt nervous before concerts - but he gets by with a little help from his friends. He told the Austrian magazine News: ‘I feel like running away three seconds before I’m due to hit the stage. That’s why I always run on to it. I would love to coolly stroll on stage but I cannot.’
Starr, who is currently touring in Austria, added: ‘I love performing but I just have this nervousness every time.’ The former Beatles drummer said that he does not mind that he is still thought of primarily as a member of the band. Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey, said: ‘I AM a Beatle and will always stay one. So people always refer to me as a Beatle and that’s not something that bothers me. Many bands are still judged by the standards of The Beatles.’ Asked whether he ever felt strained due to his packed schedule, he said: 'No, I love to work. Other bands may play two concerts a week when on tour. I prefer doing five.' Ringo added: 'B.B. King is my hero. Chuck Berry is still performing too. I’ll give concerts as long as I can hold on to the sticks. You cannot tell when it’s all over.'
Starr, who is currently touring in Austria, added: ‘I love performing but I just have this nervousness every time.’ The former Beatles drummer said that he does not mind that he is still thought of primarily as a member of the band. Starr, whose real name is Richard Starkey, said: ‘I AM a Beatle and will always stay one. So people always refer to me as a Beatle and that’s not something that bothers me. Many bands are still judged by the standards of The Beatles.’ Asked whether he ever felt strained due to his packed schedule, he said: 'No, I love to work. Other bands may play two concerts a week when on tour. I prefer doing five.' Ringo added: 'B.B. King is my hero. Chuck Berry is still performing too. I’ll give concerts as long as I can hold on to the sticks. You cannot tell when it’s all over.'
