A Very Young Ringo Starr in the Photo Booths in the Early 1960s

In the early 1960s, before Beatlemania swept the world, Ringo Starr was often captured in fun and candid moments — one iconic example being photo booth pictures. These images typically show him goofing around, pulling faces, or simply posing with his signature mop-top haircut and youthful charm.

Ringo (born Richard Starkey) officially joined The Beatles in August 1962, replacing Pete Best. Around this time, the group was still performing in clubs like The Cavern in Liverpool and in Hamburg, Germany. His first official performance as a Beatle was on August 18, 1962, at a Horticultural Society dance.

Ringo’s steady, reliable, and unique drumming style became a crucial element of The Beatles’ distinctive sound. He was seen as an equal part of the Fab Four, contributing to the band’s emotional stability and good humor. While not a primary songwriter, he often sang lead vocals on at least one song per album, such as “Boys” (1963) and “Honey Don’t” (1964).

The early 1960s saw The Beatles achieve massive success, first in the UK and then internationally, leading to Beatlemania. Ringo was an integral part of this phenomenon, performing in iconic concerts like the one at Shea Stadium in 1965 and appearing in The Beatles’ films like A Hard Day's Night (1964) and Help! (1965), which also showcased his acting talents. In 1965, he and the other Beatles were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).