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Ringo Starr Blames eBay for Autograph Ban

Ringo Starr has explained that he stopped giving autographs because people were selling signed items on eBay.

Back in October 2008, the former Beatle posted a video on his Web site where he said he would no longer sign memorabilia and would throw out any fan mail.

In an interview with Sir Terry Wogan on April 11, Starr revealed he had become aware that fans "were making money out of me.

"I was signing and then they were on eBay the next day," he said on Sir Terry's BBC Radio 2 morning show. "So anyway I just decided, I think I've done my share. That's it."

Starr told the broadcaster he had "done millions" of autographs before imposing the ban and had been surprised by the reaction to his announcement. "I honestly didn't think it was going to be world news -- BBC or CNN," he said.

Now based in Los Angeles, Starr also praised his son Zak Starkey -- himself a drummer with Oasis and the Who – despite early disagreements when his son was growing up. "It was difficult when he was a teenager, because we're both in the same game," Starr admitted. "So we had a few rows over that, but we're friends now."

While refusing to sign autographs, Starr has remained busy otherwise. Earlier this year, he released a solo album 'Y Not,' which featured contributions from former bandmate Sir Paul McCartney. As reported in Spinner, he has also been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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eileen

ha stephen ---- awesome... people put yourself in his shoes- he'll sign for a real fan - that's the cool thing but the rest looking for a buck ruined it for the rest - that's what's sad. such is life look at politics

June 29 2010 at 11:51 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Elaine

To D - Don't pick on Paul because Ringo is a jerk! Paul seems to have a good attitude and treat his fans well.
To Nancy - I totally agree!
To HC - LOVE IT! Very wise.
To Jody Rope - Guess what? That is the price of fame. Most people respect a star but yes there are some that are jerks and bother them when it is innapropriate. He has been well paid for his time. He isn't on the way to the hospital, he is being asked at a performance. It is expected there.
To Dee - He has never done anything for me personally or otherwise. Good or bad! I never bought any of his stuff unless it was connected to The Beatles. I liked Sir Paul and George. They seem to appreciate what they have and their fans. The other 3 Beatles had the talent. Ringo was along for the ride.

April 13 2010 at 4:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Elaine

Oh yeah poor Ringo. He is on welfare and can't afford healthcare and lives in a shack. COME ON! Are you for real? Granted making money on music nowadays is difficult because people steal it all off of the Internet but believe me Ringo Starr isn't hurting for dough! He lives more than a comfortable life.

April 13 2010 at 3:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
D

He and McCartney have become cartoon characters. Shut up!

April 13 2010 at 2:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Nancy

Note to Ringo: Who made your famous? Who made you rich? Who the hell do you think you are? Any of you who have made an excellent living off the public owe it to that same public to thank them, which includes giving out autographs. So what if someone sells your autograph on e-bay and makes a few bucks. You've made your millions - and it isn't costing you a penny. If anything, it should tell you that people are interested enough in Ringo to buy the autograph. This is why I don't care about "stars", tv, movie, music, sports, any of them. They want the financial success without any of the sacrifices that come with recognition.

April 13 2010 at 12:59 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
hc

I wonder if he knows anything about economics. If he stops signing then the existing ones become more valuable, which means people will make even more money. But if he signed everything and anything then it would decrease the value because there are more out there.

April 13 2010 at 12:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jim

They chose the lifestyle.........go back an earn $50,000 per yaer if you do not like it......

April 13 2010 at 11:09 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rludtke

If he is so concerned about people "making money off him". Maybe he should stop recording music because eventually it may be worth more than a customer paid for it. Just like the old original beatles albums. Too bad he does not seem to care that fewer fans means less money for him.

April 13 2010 at 11:02 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bulldog

In 1972 as a young lad I had the opportunity of getting the entire NY Mets roster autographs on an official ML baseball..It sat on a shelf in my room for about 2 years along with my brothers..As kids, we played ball all the time and needed a baseball one summer day to play with.Yep, I used it, I also stole my brothers baseball, boy was he pissed...I never asked for a persons autograph and never will,I could care less..but boy those were the days..Thank you NY Mets for the donation and enjoyment we had with those baseballs..!!

April 13 2010 at 9:38 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jody rope

Ever hung around a well-known person, they are plagued, like 90% of their lives in public (even in washrooms) signing autographs and listening to strangers tell them the story of their lives. IF the famous person says, "I have to get to the hospital, sorry,my kid's sick," people say, "Snob!" Who can blame Ringo? You stop yr life, sign something, and the donkey sells it.

April 13 2010 at 9:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply