The Beatles' Ringo Starr Made Beautiful Music but Will Sign Autographs No More

Ringo Starr, the former drummer of the Beatles has announced that he is done with signing his autograph on paper, rocks, scissors or anything for that matter. He is done. He is 68 and he has simply had enough.

It is hard to believe that the drummer of one of the greatest rock bands that ever existed has put a cap on his public relations. Most celebrities these days can't get enough attention. The great thing about Ringo Starr is that you know exactly who he is and what he has done. Ringo Starr is a rock and roll musician. He is a drummer. He helped the Beatles become one of the greatest musical icons in history. All you have to do is see a picture of him and you immediately know who he is and what he has done. That is how in tuned your brain is to the popular culture surrounding Ringo Starr's existence.

The same can not be said about most celebrities today. Take for example Nick Lachey. Who? Exactly. Here is a guy who was part of a boy band a long while ago. He had a reality show with an ex-wife of his who also has questionable talents. He has not done anything of any real significance to contribute to the popular culture tapestry except that he maintains celebrity status for the sake of celebrity. He gets photographed and quick stories are reported about him that have no meaning or consequence. Since he has no discernible talent, that is all that can be said. Yet, his mutated star shines on. For some reason people still want his autograph. Hardly comparable to the accomplishments of Ringo Starr.

The Beatles' drummer helped create an elaborate musical catalogue that will be worshipped by legions of fans from countless generations for many years, probably decades, to come. Lachey did not. Ringo Starr is a notable talent who has contributed to other incredible work recognized for its quality and resilience. Lachey is not. In fact, I believe it is safe to say that Lachey will never again contribute anything meaningful to society. He will not be remembered for anything of significance as the years go by. As far as the arts are concerned, there will be nothing noted in the history books about him. However, the requests for appearances and autographs continue.

Now, Ringo Starr has declared that he will no longer sign anything. He has had and continues to have a remarkable existence. There is the chance that he could lose a few fans or upset various groups of people as a result of this recent decision. It reminds me a little bit of a Seinfeld episode where everybody in Jerry's building had tacitly agreed to greet one another by kissing. Jerry decides that he doesn't like the kissing and is put on the stinker list by his neighbours in the building. Ringo will likely be considered a bit of a stinker by a few admirers but for the most part it will pose minimal consequences to his daily life. Lachey could never make the same decision. He needs the attention. He needs people to believe that he is somebody. Were he to decide to stop with the autographs, by the next day he would be forgotten...forever.

Celebrity is a unique and magical thing. It is that mechanism that defies logic in that the more you hear or see somebody, the more you want to hear and see them. The answer to why that happens is the million dollar question. One thing is for certain, although Ringo is saying no, his Starr will shine for a long time to come.