Peace, Love, and Country: Ringo Starr’s ‘Magical Week’ Culminates in Historic Grand Ole Opry Debut and Star-Studded Nashville Celebration

In a convergence of rock and country music history, Sir Richard Starkey, better known to the world as Ringo Starr, recently captivated Nashville with a “magical week” of events. The cultural icon’s visit celebrated his enduring legacy and his deeply rooted, if often-unseen, connection to country music. The festivities were anchored by the grand opening of an exclusive career-spanning exhibit and, most notably, his long-awaited, deeply emotional debut on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry. This extraordinary series of events was a fitting spectacle for a man who has always championed peace, love, and the universal power of music.

The cornerstone of Ringo’s time in Music City was the momentous opening of his new exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, aptly titled, “Beats & Threads.” The exhibit, which officially opened to the public on February 20th, 2025, a date that kicked off the full week of celebrations, offered fans a stunningly intimate look into the life and career of the legendary Beatle. Far from being a mere retrospective, the showcase was an acknowledgment of Starr’s multifaceted impact on global popular culture, not just as a drummer, but as a fashion icon and philanthropist.

The “Beats & Threads” exhibit carefully curated a fascinating collection of artifacts. Visitors could marvel at Starr’s iconic drum kits, including the very instruments that helped propel The Beatles to worldwide fame. The display also featured personal documents, sticks, snares, and, true to the exhibit’s title, a remarkable array of era-defining outfits that cemented his influence on rock and roll fashion. These garments, worn during pivotal moments like the filming of Magical Mystery Tour or the famed rooftop concert, provided a tangible link to some of the most historic moments in music. The exhibit served as a powerful prelude to his major Nashville performance, setting the stage for a week that would resonate with the past, present, and future of music.

The selection of Nashville for this showcase was no accident. As Linda Chambers, Co-Founder and CEO of the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, noted, Ringo Starr is a musician who “not only represents different genres of music but has had a historic career for over 60 years and continues making music history.” The decision to host the exhibit in the same city where he had recently been inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2023 with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award only deepened the significance of the event. Furthermore, all proceeds from the sale of the limited-edition companion book, also titled BEATS & THREADS, were pledged to The Lotus Foundation, a philanthropic endeavor close to Ringo’s heart, underscoring his enduring commitment to peace and goodwill.

Yet, even the excitement of a new major exhibit paled in comparison to the electric anticipation surrounding his Grand Ole Opry debut. The invitation to perform at the Opry, a venue famously dubbed the “Mother Church of Country Music,” came in an unforgettable moment in January 2025. During his two sold-out headlining shows at the Ryman Auditorium, his longtime friend, Opry member Emmylou Harris, surprised him onstage with the official invitation. A delighted Starr, known for his quick wit, playfully asked if the debut was scheduled for “July” before enthusiastically accepting the February 21st date, calling it “an honor and a pleasure.”

The Opry debut on February 21, 2025, was a true highlight of the venue’s ongoing 100th Anniversary celebration. Ringo, stepping into the legendary wooden circle for the first time, visibly absorbed the atmosphere. Decked out in a slick white cowboy hat, he shared his emotion with the sold-out crowd. “As you may have noticed I dressed up a bit tonight. I’m a cowboy inside,” he quipped, adding, “It’s just a dream to end up here. It’s far out.” It was a profoundly moving moment for the veteran musician, acknowledging the weight of country music history embodied in that stage.

Ringo Starr’s connection to country music is not merely a passing interest; it is deeply woven into his career tapestry. From covering Buck Owens’ “Act Naturally” with The Beatles to recording his second solo album, the country-focused Beaucoups of Blues, in 1970, his appreciation for the genre has been a constant. His latest album, Look Up, a country album produced and co-written by T Bone Burnett, further solidified this affinity, earning him his first solo number one album on the UK Official Country Chart, notably surpassing Taylor Swift.

His performance at the Opry was a perfect blend of old favorites and new material. He treated the audience to “Time On My Hands” from his chart-topping Look Up album, before launching into a spirited rendition of the classic “Act Naturally.”

The evening reached a powerful, genre-melding crescendo during the grand finale. Ringo was joined on stage by a stunning assemblage of country music luminaries and Opry members. This all-star collective included Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, Riders In The Sky, Don Schlitz, Mandy Barnett, Rhonda Vincent, Mickey Guyton, and Ricky Skaggs. Together, they delivered a rousing, joyous version of The Beatles’ timeless anthem, “With a Little Help From My Friends.” The shared moment epitomized the Opry’s tradition of welcoming friends from diverse musical backgrounds and reaffirmed that, at its heart, music is a unifying force that transcends genre lines.

Ringo Starr’s “magical week” in Nashville, spanning the ribbon-cutting for his “Beats & Threads” exhibit and culminating in his triumphant Opry debut, was a celebration of longevity, versatility, and the simple, yet profound, message that has defined his life: peace and love. Nashville’s embrace of the rock legend underscored its open-armed approach to all who respect the power of music, making the week an unforgettable chapter in the ongoing history of Music City. As Ringo himself asked the energized crowd, “Can you dig it?” The resounding answer, both in the Opry House and across the music world, was a definitive, enthusiastic “Yes.”