In an exciting development for music and film lovers, Netflix has officially announced the production of a new documentary focused on the untold story of Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer of The Beatles. The documentary, which is still in early production, promises to shed light on the life, career, and personal struggles of the often-underappreciated Beatle, offering fans a rare glimpse into the man behind the drum kit.
Titled “Peace & Drums: The Ringo Starr Story,” the documentary will explore Starr’s humble beginnings in Liverpool, his early battles with illness, and the unique journey that led him to become one-fourth of the most influential band in history. According to Netflix, the film aims to go beyond the surface-level narratives and present a more intimate, human portrait of Ringo’s life both on and off the stage.
Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Neville, known for “20 Feet from Stardom” and “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”, the documentary is expected to feature never-before-seen footage, personal letters, and audio diaries, as well as exclusive interviews with Starr’s family, close friends, and fellow musicians. Neville stated, “Ringo’s story is about survival, humor, and peace. It’s a story that’s been overshadowed for too long.”
One of the core themes of the film will be Ringo’s personal transformation following the Beatles’ breakup in 1970. While his bandmates pursued solo careers often soaked in critical attention and commercial rivalry, Ringo focused on sobriety, self-discovery, and spreading his now-famous message of “peace and love.” The film intends to explore how Starr quietly built a legacy of resilience, generosity, and musical evolution.
Netflix executives say the idea for the documentary was first discussed in 2023 during a conversation between Neville and Starr’s management team. The project gained traction quickly when Starr himself agreed to participate actively, even offering access to his private archive—something he had never done before. “This is a chance to finally tell my side of the story,” Starr reportedly said in a teaser statement.
The documentary will also highlight Ringo’s underrated influence as a drummer. Long seen as “the quiet Beatle,” Starr has often been overlooked in critical discussions of the band’s success. However, the film will showcase testimonials from modern drummers, including Dave Grohl, Questlove, and Sheila E., who all cite Starr as a foundational influence on their own styles.
Fans can also expect the documentary to explore Ringo’s post-Beatles music, his All-Starr Band collaborations, and his deep friendships with George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, and others in the 1970s L.A. music scene. Rare footage from these eras, including outtakes from recording sessions and private jam sessions, will offer an unprecedented view into the life of an artist who has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.
While Beatles documentaries are not new—Peter Jackson’s “Get Back” being the most recent critical and fan favorite—Netflix says this project is fundamentally different. “This isn’t a Beatles documentary. This is a Ringo Starr documentary,” said executive producer Lisa Nishimura. “We’re interested in the man who survived fame, heartbreak, addiction, and still shows up every day with a smile and a beat.”
The release date has not been officially confirmed, but Netflix hints at a 2026 global premiere, likely to coincide with Starr’s 86th birthday in July. A teaser trailer is expected by the end of this year, and insiders say it includes a heartfelt voiceover from Ringo himself, set over images of Liverpool streets and vintage stage footage.
Critics and fans alike are already buzzing about the announcement. Music historian Elijah Thompson called the documentary “long overdue,” saying, “Ringo was the heartbeat of the Beatles, and yet we know so little about what made him tick. This film could change that.”
In a music world that often overlooks quiet legends in favor of louder myths, “Peace & Drums: The Ringo Starr Story” seems poised to finally give Ringo Starr his solo spotlight. And with Netflix at the helm and Neville in the director’s chair, fans may finally get a chance to truly know the Beatle who kept the beat.
More updates are expected to follow as production ramps up this summer, but one thing is clear: the world is about to rediscover Ringo Starr—not just as a Beatle, but as a man whose rhythm carried more than just music.
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