Beats & Threads, a new limited-edition retrospective hardcover by legendary Beatles drummer and global music icon Ringo Starr, is to be sold exclusively by the publishing division of Julien’s Auctions, the industry’s leading Rock ‘N’ Roll memorabilia auction house. Ringo’s latest publication is an unprecedented chronicle of over 70 years of his legendary sonic and sartorial style, dedicated to his historic drum kits and era-defining garments that made music and fashion history.
Featuring nearly 300 images capturing iconic and many never-before-seen intimate moments of Ringo’s illustrious life and career, along with the musician’s warm memories told in his own words, this immense tribute to the enduring influence and time-transcending impact of the Fab Four member is a ticket to ride through fashion and Beatles history, and gets back to why Ringo’s trend-setting threads were as signature as the beat of his drums.
The 312-page book is available for purchase exclusively online at www.juliensauctions.com. Exclusive limited editions of the commemorative hardcover book with a special colour cover of the Beatles signed by Ringo Starr are available for $500, and exclusive Ringo Starr signed limited editions of the book housed in a special designed slip-case that also includes an exclusive video of Ringo Starr will be available for $750.
All proceeds of the book sales will benefit The Lotus Foundation whose mission funds supports, participates in and promotes charitable projects aimed at advancing social welfare in diverse areas including, but not limited to substance abuse, cerebral palsy, brain tumors, cancer, battered women and their children, homelessness, and animals in need.
Comprehensive
Ringo, in collaboration with noted historian, author, speaker, drummer, and vintage drum collector, Gary Astridge, offers for the first-time the most comprehensive look at his legendary Beatles-era drum kits in a book containing decades of research-based information with curated and detailed photographs of these pieces of music history.
Accompanied by archival documentation including drum specifications, contracts with drum making companies such as Ajax Edgware, music engagement schedules and more, the book uncovers new perspectives and untold stories of Ringo’s and the Beatles’ musical and style evolution, such as the remarkable revelation of The Beatles’ “Drop-T” logo and its actual creator, Eddie Stokes that includes the only photo that exists of the late freelance sign painter of one of the most recognisable logos in the world.
Nine of Ringo’s original drum kits are presented here featuring his 1958 Ajax Edgware drum kit, 1960 Premier Mahogany Duroplastic, 1963 Ludwig Downbeat Drum kit, 1963 Oyster Black Pearl Ludwig Jazz Festival Snare Drum– considered one of his most important and utilized instrument in Ringo’s assortment of drums throughout his Beatles career and heard on most of their recordings.
Instrumental
Alongside this treasure trove of information are pages bursting with dazzling images of Ringo’s iconic clothing worn playing behind his drums, his life off and on the road, in studio and at home. From the early influence of the Beatles manager and father figure, Brian Epstein, who was instrumental in creating their early modern look of the Beatles’ iconic three-piece black suit designed by Douglas Millings and Beatle Boots to the Fab Four’s individual and most photographed styles, such as Ringo’s “Hey Jude” green pinstripe three-piece ensemble worn in the filming of their iconic performance filmed at Twickenham Film Studios on August 4, 1968, to his custom-made embellished “All You Need is Love” lavender silk tunic, these photographs capture the decades’ spirit and the Beatles phenomenon.
Ringo’s unforgettable and inimitable style was created by the designers who crafted these artisanal pieces from London’s most distinguished designers on Savile Row to King’s Road, Chelsea to the hippie floral shirts and bold colour jackets from the Hung on You boutique as well as Ringo’s insouciant choice of wearing then-wife Maureen’s red vinyl raincoat to protect himself from the inclement weather in the Beatles’ 1969 mythic Apple Studios rooftop performance of the filming of Let It Be.
“I enjoyed getting it together with the help of Gary, Scotty and Julien’s and I hope you enjoy it too! Peace and love, Ringo,” said Ringo Starr.
The release of the book coincides with Beatlemania back on top of the charts with the recent record-breaking release of the Beatles’ final song Now and Then making history and Peter Jackson’s acclaimed Get Back documentary that continues to be seen by millions of fans around the world since its premiere on Disney+. In 2023, Ringo went back on the road with a 34th anniversary tour with his All-Starr Band, released Rewind Forward, his fourth EP release in three years that includes the track Feeling the Sunlight with Paul McCartney and collaborated with McCartney on Dolly Parton’s cover of the Beatles’ Let It Be.
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