Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles, has shared a unique and rather amusing insight into the band's dynamics. In a recent interview, Starr revealed a simple yet effective rule that kept the band members' fart-related tensions at bay during their early days on the road. This might seem like a trivial matter, but Starr's perspective offers a fascinating glimpse into the band's camaraderie and their approach to managing interpersonal challenges.
Starr's advice to younger bands is straightforward: "If you’re in the van and you fart – own up to it." This seemingly mundane practice had a profound impact on the band's harmony. Starr explains that when they were crammed into a van for long journeys, farts were an inevitable occurrence, and the initial reaction was often blame and denial. However, they soon realized that owning up to their flatulence was the key to maintaining peace.
"We just occasionally with four guys in a three-hour car journey, one of us would make a noise," Starr recalled. "And at the beginning, it was like ‘well, it wasn’t me.’" But by taking responsibility, they found that it "worked a treat and it took the pressure off." This simple act of accountability not only lightened the mood but also prevented potential conflicts, as Starr noted, "It wasn’t a thing. We didn’t like go oh, ‘I’m going next.’"
This isn't the first time Starr has emphasized the importance of this rule. In 2015, during his induction speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he urged younger artists to adopt the same practice. "A tip I’ve got for all bands who are starting out: when you’re in a van, if you fart, own up. It’ll cause hell if you don’t own up because everyone will blame everyone else. Make a pact in the van. We did and that’s how we get on so well," he said.
The impact of this simple rule extends beyond the band's early days. Even today, Starr's All-Starr Band adheres to this principle, ensuring a harmonious and fun-filled atmosphere during their tours. The upcoming tour, which includes ten shows across September and October, promises to be a testament to the enduring power of this fart-related rule.
Starr's revelation not only provides a humorous anecdote but also highlights the band's ability to find humor and camaraderie in even the most mundane aspects of their lives. It's a reminder that sometimes, the key to a successful and lasting partnership is as simple as owning up to one's flatulence.
