Ringo Starr has opened up about a historic first in his five-decade-long friendship and musical partnership with fellow Beatle Paul McCartney: a genuine vocal duet. The two have worked together countless times since the Beatles disbanded—Starr has drummed on McCartney's solo records, and McCartney has played bass and sung backing vocals on Starr's tracks. But until "Home to Us," they never shared lead vocals on a song. The track appears on McCartney's latest album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, released on May 29 by Capitol Records.
Starr, who turned 86 in July, spoke with PEOPLE at his birthday celebration in Beverly Hills, California, describing the experience. "Well, it's the first time we've ever done it like a couple—we're both singing it. I've sang a few choruses on his tracks. He's played on my tracks. He's come over with the bass," he explained. "It's not like we don't know each other," he added with a laugh.
The duet began as a typical McCartney composition. He initially asked Starr to play drums on the song, which was written as a solo piece. But during the recording sessions, McCartney decided to elevate Starr's role. "I loved it because we were in this band together, and it's just the best band ever. And Paul, his bass playing is incredible, and he's a songwriter," Starr said. "I mean, I can go on forever. He's just a wonderful lad."
The Significance of the First Vocal Duet
While Starr and McCartney have appeared on each other's albums for over 50 years, a true duet—where both singers share the melody and lyrics—had never materialized until now. The Beatles famously featured harmonies across their catalog, but lead vocals were usually handled by one member. In the solo years, McCartney often sang lead on his own songs, while Starr contributed drums and occasional backing vocals. Similarly, Starr's solo albums feature McCartney on bass and harmony, but Starr always took the lead vocal.
"Home to Us" changes that. The song opens with both voices singing in unison: "The place we used to live / The road was going to take us." It's a nostalgic look back at their shared Liverpool roots. McCartney, now 84, wrote the track as a reflection on where they came from. "In writing the song I'm talking about where we came from. In common with a lot of people, you come from nothing and you build yourself up," McCartney said in a statement. "Ringo was from the Dingle, and that was well hard."
Background on The Dingle and Their Upbringing
The Dingle is a district in southern Liverpool with a rough history. Starr (born Richard Starkey) grew up there, facing challenges from a young age. He suffered from serious illnesses as a child and later worked odd jobs before joining the Beatles. McCartney hails from the more suburban areas of Speke and Allerton. The contrast in their childhoods adds depth to the song's lyrics. McCartney recalled that Starr "used to get mugged coming home, because he worked. Even though it was crazy, it was home to us."
The Beatles formed in Liverpool in 1960, initially with McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison, and drummer Pete Best. Starr joined in August 1962, replacing Best, just in time for the band's first recording session. The group's debut album, Please Please Me, was released in 1963. Over the next seven years, they released 12 studio albums, revolutionizing popular music. When the Beatles disbanded in 1970, all four members launched solo careers. McCartney's first solo album, McCartney, came out in 1970, as did Starr's Sentimental Journey.
Previous Collaborations Between Starr and McCartney
Over the decades, the two musicians have supported each other's projects. McCartney played bass on Starr's 1973 hit "Photograph" and on the 1981 album Stop and Smell the Roses. He also contributed to Starr's 1992 album Time Takes Time and 2017's Give More Love. Starr, in turn, has drummed on many of McCartney's post-Beatles albums, including Ram (1971), Band on the Run (1973), and Flaming Pie (1997). He also appeared on McCartney's 2018 album Egypt Station. But all those collaborations were instrumental or involved backing vocals, never a shared lead.
"Home to Us" is the second single from The Boys of Dungeon Lane, McCartney's 20th solo studio album. The first single, "Days We Left Behind," was performed on the season 51 finale of Saturday Night Live in May. The album has received positive reviews, with critics praising its introspective tone and McCartney's continued vitality.
The Album: 'The Boys of Dungeon Lane'
The title The Boys of Dungeon Lane is a reference to a street where McCartney and his brother Mike once played as children. The album features 12 tracks, blending rock, ballads, and folk influences. Production credits include McCartney and long-time collaborator Greg Kurstin. The album's themes center on memory, home, and the passage of time—fitting for a musician approaching his mid-80s.
Starr's involvement extends beyond the duet. He also plays drums on several other tracks, though McCartney handled most percussion. The recording sessions took place at McCartney's studios in Sussex and London. Starr described the atmosphere as relaxed and familiar. "It's like riding a bike," he said. "We know each other so well that we don't need to overthink it. Paul would come up with an idea, I'd add a beat, and it just works."
Media Reactions and Fan Excitement
The announcement of the duet sparked enthusiasm among Beatles fans worldwide. Social media buzzed with clips of the song and interviews. Many noted that it took 55 years of solo careers for them to finally create a proper duet. The timing also feels poignant: both Starr and McCartney are the only surviving Beatles, with John Lennon murdered in 1980 and George Harrison passing in 2001. Their bond has grown even closer in later years, often seen together at events and in the studio.
In addition to the PEOPLE interview, Starr promoted the song at his birthday gala, which raised funds for the Lotus Foundation, a charity he supports. The event featured star-studded performances and a cake shaped like a drum kit. Starr expressed gratitude for his health and career, joking that he plans to continue playing "until I drop."
"Home to Us" has been streamed millions of times since its release, and radio stations have played it heavily. Music critics have highlighted the emotional resonance of hearing the two friends sing together. "It's not just a novelty; it's a genuine musical moment that captures their unique chemistry," wrote one reviewer. Others noted the song's restrained arrangement, letting the voices take center stage.
Future Prospects for More Collaborations
When asked about the possibility of more duets, Starr was noncommittal but optimistic. "Never say never. We'll see what happens. If Paul writes another song that fits, maybe we'll do it again." McCartney, in his own statements, has hinted that he enjoys working with Starr and values his contributions. Given the success of "Home to Us," many fans hope for a joint album or tour, though no plans have been announced.
For now, the Beatles' legacy continues to grow through such unexpected delights. The duet serves as a reminder that even after decades of separation, the bond of music endures. As Starr said, "It's not like we don't know each other." And indeed, their familiarity and mutual respect shine through every note.
Source: MSN News