Ex-Guns N’ Roses stickman Matt Sorum recently made a birthday post for Ringo Starr on Instagram. In his post, he talked about what he thought of Starr and how the Beatles drummer shaped his own music career. Sharing a photo of them captured by Danny Clinch, Sorum wrote:
“This man changed my life and destiny at the age of 5. When The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, my family was in front of our RCA TV, sitting on the green shag carpet with my two older brothers.”
He expressed his admiration for the drummer and continued:
“Everyone seemed to gravitate towards the singers John & Paul, but I was transfixed on the drummer Ringo. He was animated and otherworldly. At that moment, it sparked my imagination. I asked for drums for Christmas, and the rest is history.”
The rocker recalled his first meeting with Starr:
“Fast forward 30 years later, and I’m standing face to face with the man that influenced and inspired that young kid. After some hellos, I told Ringo he’s the reason I’m a drummer. He replied, ‘I hear that all the time.'”
Sharing his reaction to these words, he added:
“I laughed hearing it with that famous Liverpool accent. Only Ringo could say that, and it does not sound pretentious. He is a very humble and gracious man who always stands up when greeting me. He calls me to check in on me and is very much a spiritual being in my life. Happy Birthday, Ringo. Peace & Love!”
Matt and Ringo crossed paths in 2014 just as the former GN’R drummer dropped his album ‘Stratosphere.’ Back then, the former Beatle shared his thoughts on their meeting and Sorum’s music in a YouTube video. He said:
“Well, I’m in the middle of making my new CD. I’m in the guest house, of course, just up there. I was out last night, and I met this other guy, Matt Sorum, and he’s got a CD out. So, we’re still working at it. You know, he was the best promo for Guns N’ Roses. He’s doing a lot of good stuff for the world right now. When I tell you I love you, Matt, and I hope the CD goes really well for you. Peace and love.”
You can check out Matt Sorum’s recent post for Ringo Starr here.
