Ringo Starr's Two Loves: Inside The Beatles Drummer's 44-Year Marriage To A Bond Girl And His First Wife's Tragic End

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As of December 2025, Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer for The Beatles, remains happily married to his second wife, actress and former Bond girl Barbara Bach. Their enduring union is one of the longest and most stable celebrity marriages in rock history, having celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary in April 2025. The story of Ringo's life and loves is one of dramatic contrasts, moving from the whirlwind fame of the 1960s with his first wife, Maureen Starkey, to a quiet, decades-long partnership with Bach, all while maintaining a vibrant career that includes a new 2025 album release and a major world tour.

The public's fascination with Ringo's personal life is a testament to his enduring legacy. His romantic history is deeply intertwined with the trajectory of The Beatles, providing a rare glimpse into the man behind the iconic drum kit. From a young hairdresser in Liverpool to a Hollywood actress, the women in Ringo’s life have been as influential as his music.

Sir Richard Starkey: A Complete Biographical Profile

Richard Starkey, known globally as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor. He achieved international fame as the drummer for The Beatles, joining the band in 1962 and cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in music history.

  • Full Name: Sir Richard Starkey
  • Date of Birth: July 7, 1940
  • Place of Birth: Dingle, Liverpool, England
  • Current Wife: Barbara Bach (m. April 27, 1981)
  • First Wife: Maureen Cox (Maureen Starkey Tigrett) (m. 1965; div. 1975)
  • Children (with Maureen Cox): Zak Starkey (born 1965), Jason Starkey (born 1967), Lee Starkey (born 1970)
  • Key Career Milestones: Joined The Beatles (1962), Solo Career (1970–Present), Formed Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band (1989), Knighted (2018)
  • Notable Songs: "Yellow Submarine," "With a Little Help from My Friends," "Octopus's Garden," "It Don't Come Easy," "Photograph"

The Beatles Era: Ringo Starr's First Marriage to Maureen Starkey

Ringo Starr's first marriage was a classic rock-and-roll romance born in the heart of the Merseybeat scene. He married Maureen Cox, a young hairdresser from Liverpool, on February 11, 1965.

A Cavern Club Romance

Maureen, often known as "Mo," was a devoted fan of The Beatles, regularly attending their legendary performances at the Cavern Club. She met Richard Starkey before he officially joined the band, and their relationship blossomed as Beatlemania took hold of the world. Their wedding came at the height of The Beatles’ fame, making them one of the most photographed couples of the era.

Family Life and Divorce

The couple had three children: Zak, Jason, and Lee. Zak Starkey followed in his father's footsteps, becoming an accomplished drummer who has played with bands like The Who and Oasis. Despite the outward appearance of a fairy-tale life, the pressures of fame, constant touring, and Ringo's struggles with substance abuse took a toll on the marriage. They divorced in 1975.

Maureen's Later Life and Tragic Passing

Following the divorce, Maureen later married Isaac Tigrett, co-founder of the Hard Rock Cafe. Sadly, Maureen Starkey Tigrett passed away in 1994 at the age of 48 after a painful battle with leukemia. Ringo, along with her children and her second husband, was reportedly by her side at the end, a testament to the enduring bond of their family despite the divorce.

The Second Act: A Decades-Long Union with Barbara Bach

Ringo Starr's second marriage to Barbara Bach is a Hollywood love story that began on a film set and has lasted over four decades, proving to be a source of stability and sobriety for the rock icon.

Meeting on the Set of Caveman

Ringo and Barbara met in 1980 while filming the prehistoric comedy Caveman. At the time, Barbara Goldbach (her birth name) was already a notable figure, having achieved global fame as a Bond girl, playing the Russian agent Anya Amasova in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me alongside Roger Moore. The two were both coming out of difficult periods in their lives and quickly formed a deep connection.

The Secret to a 44-Year Marriage

Ringo and Barbara married on April 27, 1981, and their longevity in a notoriously volatile industry is often attributed to shared values and a commitment to health. Early in their relationship, both struggled with alcoholism, leading them to seek treatment together in 1988. This shared journey to sobriety became a cornerstone of their marriage.

  • Shared Sobriety: Their decision to get clean together provided a foundation of mutual support and health.
  • Privacy and Simplicity: Despite their fame, they maintain a relatively private life, often citing "keeping things simple" as the secret to their success.
  • Shared Purpose: The couple is actively involved in philanthropic work through the Lotus Foundation, focusing on charitable causes ranging from social welfare to arts and education.

Barbara, who is now officially styled as Lady Starkey following Ringo's knighthood in 2018, has largely stepped away from acting to focus on their life together and their charitable endeavors. Their relationship is a symbol of lasting love, overcoming personal struggles, and mutual respect.

Ringo's Enduring Legacy and Fresh 2025/2026 Updates

Despite being in his mid-80s, Ringo Starr shows no signs of slowing down, a testament to his vitality and the support of his family. His career continues to thrive with new music and extensive touring, proving his relevance to a new generation of fans.

New Album: Look Up (2025)

In a surprising and fresh update, Ringo Starr is set to release a brand-new country music album titled Look Up on January 10, 2025, via UMe. The album, which features 11 original tracks, was produced and co-written by the acclaimed T Bone Burnett, marking an exciting new direction for the legendary drummer.

The All-Starr Band Tours

Ringo continues to take his music on the road with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, a supergroup concept he founded in 1989. The band's current lineup for the extensive 2025 and 2026 tours includes music legends such as Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette, and Buck Johnson. These tours celebrate his solo material, Beatles classics, and the hits of the All-Starr members, ensuring his distinctive drumming and vocal style remain a fixture on the global music scene.

The enduring story of Ringo Starr's marriage to Barbara Bach, now in its fifth decade, provides a powerful narrative of second chances and lasting love. Coupled with his vibrant, current career—including a new country album and ongoing tours—Ringo Starr continues to redefine what it means to be a rock-and-roll legend in the 21st century. His life, from the early days in Liverpool to his current status as a knighted, happily married musician, is a compelling and unique chapter in music history.

ringo starr married
ringo starr married

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