Ringo Starr’s HBO Special “Off The Record,” Hosted by Dave Stewart. And a killer signed poster.

 

An amazing piece I’m thrilled to add to my growing Ringo and Beatles collection.

OBTAINED DIRECTLY FROM ONE OF THE CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS OF THIS PROGRAM MARK FARRELL. THE POSTER MEASURES 4′ X 5.’ IT’S A BLACK AND WHITE HEAD SHOT FROM 1965 OF RINGO. IT WAS USED AS A BACK-DROP FOR THE SET DESIGN STAGE. (IT CAN BE SEEN HANGING IN THE REAR OF THE STAGE DIRECTLY BEHIND WHERE RINGO IS SEATED.) THE PHOTO WAS ALSO USED AS THE IMAGE FOR THE TITLE SEQUENCE OF THE SHOW’S OPENING.

THE BACK-DROP POSTER WAS SIGNED BY RINGO FOR MARK FARRELL FOLLOWING THE TAPING OF THE SHOW. RINGO SIGNS IN BLACK FELT MARKER:   “WOW ”  RINGO O6  +  ACROSS THE AREA OF HIS HAND. THE AUTOGRAPH MEASURES A WHOPPING 8½” ACROSS AND 5″ HIGH. THE POSTER WAS TAKEN DOWN BY MR. FARRELL, SIGNED BY RINGO, AND THEN ROLLED. IT HAS REMAINED ROLLED SINCE THAT DAY AND IS IN STUNNING NEAR MINT CONDITION.

“Ringo Starr: Off The Record” is a great sentimental journey and one of the best interviews with Ringo. Part of it certainly is the fact that his buddy Dave Stewart, who worked on Ringo’s record “Liverpool 8” hosts the interview. It puts Ringo in a comfort zone from the very beginning. But really the credit goes to the fact that the interview seriously explores Ringo’s creative vision of the Beatles and how he saw his role in the band. The show doesn’t just rehash Beatles history. Ringo shows pride at his role in the band, as well he should, and it’s evident in his comments.

There are the usual questions about the early days and how Ringo came into the band without an audition. Then the discussion turns to Beatlemania, which Ringo actually looks fondly on a contrast to George’s thoughts in the Anthology that “Everybody went mad.” The absolute must-see moments in this show however are when Ringo goes actually behind his drum kit and plays riffs from several Beatles songs. Not all are songs he has played with the All-Starr Band publicly — perhaps in some time, but nonetheless still manages to play effortlessly.

Another charming segment is when Stewart pulls out a box of LP albums and plays a flash card game with Ringo, asking him for improvisational comments on the records. A few of the comments are quite unique, especially the ones on a couple of The Beatles albums. The show is also dotted with rare film clips from Shea Stadium, Japan, the films “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Let It Be,” as well as several Beatles videos.

The poster can be seen here on the set.

A close of this great signature.

4′ X 5′ BACKDROP POSTER OF 1965 RINGO STARR BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAPH

*The poster is accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance from Mr. Farrell and noted Beatles autograph expert Frank Caiazzo, both can be seen below.