Ringo Starr, former drummer for The Beatles, has been forced to cancel the final dates of his U.S. tour after falling ill, leaving fans in Philadelphia and New York City disappointed as they await news of his recovery.
Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band were scheduled to perform in Philadelphia on September 24 and in New York City on September 25. However, due to a cold, the legendary musician was advised by his doctor to cancel these remaining tour dates. Subsequently, fans and netizens quickly took to social media to express their worry.
The musician has been touring across North America since the fall leg of his 2024 tour kicked off in San Diego on September 7. The tour had planned stops across the U.S., with the final shows scheduled for the East Coast.
However, just hours before his performance in Philadelphia, Starr’s team announced that the remaining dates of the tour would be canceled due to his illness.
“Ringo has come down with a cold and after consulting a doctor he was advised to cancel these two remaining shows and get rest,” the official statement read.
The announcement also explained that ticket holders for the canceled performances at TD Pavilion in Philadelphia and Radio City Music Hall in New York would be refunded automatically, or they could contact their point of purchase for assistance. Starr’s signature message of “peace and love” was included at the end of the announcement.
This sudden cancellation marked the end of what had otherwise been a successful tour. Starr and the All Starr Band began performing earlier in the year, with shows on the West Coast and in Mexico, as well as a residency at The Venetian in Las Vegas.
News of the canceled shows came as a disappointment to many fans, some of whom were just moments away from seeing the drummer perform live. One fan voiced their sadness on Instagram, writing, “Im gonna cry. 4 hours before the show is diabolical 😕😕 [sic].” while another echoed, “I was really looking forward [to] tonight’s show. 😢 But I hope Ringo has a quick recovery [sic]!”
Many fans expressed their support and wished him a speedy recovery. One netizen shared, “I’m sad we don’t get to see him tonight, but first and foremost, we just want him to be healthy and happy! Get well soon, Ringo! ☮️❤️ [sic].”
Another wrote, “Take care of yourself, Ringo, listen to the doctors. You are precious to us and need to be around for a long time ❤😘 [sic].”
Others who had made significant efforts to attend the concerts also expressed their feelings. One fan from Chile posted, “I had traveled from Chile to see him in NY, I feel sad but I prefer he gets better [sic].”
Another netizen shared, “Oh no, we were half way there when I saw this. Sad for sure but we understand. Hopefully we can see you next time around. Peace and love [sic].” Some fans expressed a desire for the shows to be rescheduled. One said, “Reschedule please, I been dying to see you [sic].”
One netizen added, “Oh, Ringo, please get well soon. I was about to get ready and drive to your show. This would have been my first concert to see a Beatle and I’m 61 years old. It would have been worth the long drive. However, the concert is not as important as your HEALTH. Thank you for following DOCTOR’S ORDERS. Love you forever, Ringo!”
These heartfelt messages highlight the strong bond Starr has maintained with his fans, many of whom have followed his career for decades.
Born on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, the musician rose to fame as the drummer for The Beatles. He became known for his steady rhythms and charismatic personality.
His contributions, including lead vocals on tracks like “With a Little Help from My Friends” and “Yellow Submarine,” cemented his place in music history.
Starr joined The Beatles in 1962, replacing Pete Best, just before the band achieved global stardom. After the group disbanded in 1970, he launched a successful solo career, releasing hits like “It Don’t Come Easy” and “Back Off Boogaloo.” His 1973 album “Ringo” produced singles such as “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen (You’re Beautiful and You’re Mine).”
Recognized for his contributions, Starr has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a Beatle and again as a solo artist. In 1989, he formed the All Starr Band, which featured a rotating lineup of musicians that has toured successfully for decades.
In addition to music, he is known for his “Peace & Love” message, shared annually on his birthday, July 7. Moreover, Starr has acting credits in films like “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Help!” and his 2013 book “Photograph.”
As reported previously, Starr’s daughter, Lee Starkey, experienced a devastating loss when her mother died of leukemia in 1994. The tragedy was compounded when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor the following year.
Lee Starkey at the launch of the former Beatle’s new album and forthcoming world tour in London on June 4, 1992 | Source: Getty Images
Starkey underwent brain surgery at the Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in Boston to remove the tumor. The surgery went well, and doctors informed her that she had a great chance of recovery. They happily revealed later that her prognosis was good and that the tumor was “completely removed.”
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After she was discharged, Starkey was expected to remain in Boston for around six weeks to receive daily treatments at the hospital. She eventually fully recovered, but in 2001, six years later, she faced her second trial with the same disease.
Lee Starkey gets into a cab in Boston after leaving Brigham and Women’s Hospital on November 28, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
Upon her return to the Boston hospital, tests showed another tumor had developed, and it was a rare form known as an ependymoma. Luckily, Starkey underwent more procedures, managed to beat her second diagnosis, and has since lived a fulfilling life, welcoming triplets along the way.
The triplets consist of two boys, Smokey and Jakamo, and one girl, Ruby Tiger. They have been photographed with their parents at public events over the years, including attending the Rockins Happening event at Liberty London in June 2016.
Lee Starkey, Jay, Smokey, Jackamo, and Ruby Tiger Mehler at the Rockins Happening event on June 1, 2016, in London, England | Source: Getty Images
The following year, Lee opened up about her kids in a rare interview. She revealed that the triplets, who were seven then, were receiving lessons from their famous grandfather.
Jakamo played the drums, Smokey also played drums and guitar, and their sister was more into the piano. Lee also shared how she envisioned the triplets starting their own band when they were older.
