TOM DOYLE – RINGO STARR: A FAB LIFE
ECW PRESS
BOOK REVIEW BY AARON BADGLEY
Tom Doyle is a very respected music journalist who has also written several books about many artists. His library includes books about Paul McCartney, Elton John, Kate Bush and many others. It was big news that he was turning his attention to Ringo Starr, and with the advantage of having interviewed Starr himself, the end result did not disappoint. Ringo Starr: A Fab Life is a thorough overview of Starr’s life and career. From his “hellish” beginning (as Doyle refers to his childhood) to playing in bands to his being asked to join The Beatles. He documents Starr’s life up to his most recent album, Look Up. And it is a long, long road.
Besides drawing upon his brilliant interviews with Starr (from 2010 and 2024), Doyle has done a great deal of research in order to discuss Starr’s incredible career/life. He does make it very clear that Starr has not really ever received the recognition he deserves. Sure, as a Beatle, he has been revered, but that is just a small part of Starr’s life. Doyle goes a long way to look at Starr’s music, films, All-Starr Band, and session player. It makes for fascinating reading, and he does unearth some little gems, especially in the chapter about the ill-fated and yet fascinating film, Son Of Dracula.
Doyle is an excellent writer. Ringo Starr: A Fab Life is a brilliant read, and he writes it in the form of a story. He lets Starr and the people (characters) in his life tell the story and he fills in the blanks. He does not turn away from any negative areas in Starr’s life, but he is able to put everything into a context. And although The Beatles will be the draw to the book, Doyle does spend a great deal of time with Starr’s solo career. It is incredible to think that Starr has been making solo music for over 50 years, and the All-Starr band has been around longer than The Beatles, so it is important to address those years and numerous accomplishments.
Ringo Starr: A Fab Life is a fab book (I could not resist). It is well researched, written and delivers what the title promises. Doyle has written yet another brilliant book, and with the bonus of exclusive interviews, Ringo Starr: A Fab Life is a must have for all Starr/Beatle fans. However, casual fans or simply music historians will find the book equally entertaining and enlightening.
ISBN 10: 1917923139
ISBN 13: 978-1770418936
PURCHASE RINGO STARR: A FAB LIFE VIA
SPILL BOOK REVIEW: JENN L. BECKWITH – ALL GOOD CRETINS GO TO HEAVEN: THE ENDURING SPIRIT OF THE RAMONES
SPILL BOOK REVIEW: DEIRDRE O’CALLAGHAN – THE DRUM THING (COMPACT EDITION)
SPILL BOOK REVIEW: CAM GORDON – TRACK CHANGES: THE ORIGIN STORY OF CANADIAN MUSIC ON THE INTERNET (1990 – 2010)
SPILL BOOK REVIEW: RIK EMMETT – LEANING INTO IT
