Ringo Starr returns to New York's Forest Hills Stadium

Ringo Starr recently returned to New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, marking his first performance at the venue since the height of Beatlemania in 1964. The stadium, which hosted the Beatles during a period of intense fan hysteria, remains largely unchanged since those historic shows.

Reflecting on the band's history, Starr recalled the chaotic recording sessions for the song ‘Helter Skelter’ from the 1968 self-titled album. He described the process as being characterized by ‘total madness and hysteria in the studio.’ The track, written by Paul McCartney and credited to his partnership with John Lennon, was a departure from the band's melodic pop, leaning into heavier, distorted sounds that helped lay the foundations for heavy metal.

Starr noted that the recording involved significant improvisation, including McCartney’s vocal screams and intense drumming. The session was famously unpredictable, with accounts of George Harrison running through the studio with a lit ashtray during the process.