BN1 catches up with established singer and songwriter Bobby Ward as he releases his new single Fly Away and regales stories of past encounters with the likes of Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney
“The year was 1965, and the world was swept up in the phenomenon that was The Beatles. The city of Hove would soon find itself at the centre of Beatlemania, as Ringo Starr and his newlywed wife, Maureen, chose the charming locale for their honeymoon. Little did I know, as a young fan and a school pupil of Hove, that I was about to have an encounter with Ringo Starr that would remain etched in my memory for a lifetime” recalls Bobby.
“It was a typical afternoon when the buzz began to spread across Hove College – Ringo Starr was in town, and he was staying right next door on Princess Crescent. Like a magnet, the news drew students and fans from all around, including myself, eager for just a glimpse of the Beatle. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans gathered, screams and cheers filling the air. And there I was, standing outside the house, soaking it all in.
As Ringo was being interviewed in the back garden, only visible to TV crews, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to take a chance and sneak around to the side entrance. My heart was pounding as I cautiously opened a wooden side door leading to the garden, only to be met with the stern face of Alan Jacobs, the lawyer who owned the house. In an instant, I felt the clout of his hand across my face, and I was swiftly shown the exit. Dazed but not defeated, I made my way back to the front, where the other fans continued their adulation.”
A Daring Climb and a One-on-One with a Beatle
“But I wasn’t ready to give up just yet. Spying a tall wall at the back of the property, a plan formed in my mind. With determination, I began to climb, ignoring the sharp pain from the dragging glass that topped the wall. As I finally reached the top, I looked down to find Ringo Starr, immediately below me still wearing his polka dot shirt and jacket, the very clothes he had worn during the interview. My heart skipped a beat.
Summoning all the courage a 12-year-old could muster, I greeted him. “Hello, Ringo.” His response was warm and friendly, and we soon found ourselves engaged in conversation, just a fan and a Beatle, sharing a moment in time.
We talked about his new puppy, a wedding gift named Tiger, and I couldn’t resist asking the question that had been burning in my mind: “What’s it like being a Beatle?” His reply was candid and tinged with humour “You don’t get any peace”, and when I pointed out that he had fame and fortune, his laughter was genuine and heartfelt.”
A Lesson in Authenticity
“Our conversation turned to my prized possession: a signed Ringo Starr drum. With a twinkle in his eye, he explained the process behind the autographed merchandise, dispelling the myth that he had personally signed every item. It was a lesson in authenticity that I would carry with me for years to come.
As our conversation drew to a close, with Maureen waving from inside signalling that it was time for tea, Ringo expressed his delight at our chat. He made me feel seen and heard, a young fan with a passion for music and a deep admiration for the man in front of me.
A Lasting Memory and Proof of a Magical Encounter
As I made my descent from the wall, basking in the afterglow of our encounter, I knew that this was a story I would tell for years to come. And though some may have doubted the authenticity of my tale, the universe had a way of providing proof when I least expected it.
Decades later, as Ringo Starr appeared on television promoting his book “Postcards from Ringo,” my wife and I watched with interest. And there it was, the undeniable proof of my unforgettable encounter: a postcard mentioning Ringo’s little dog, Tiger.
The story of my unexpected and thrilling encounter with Ringo Starr has been a cherished memory, a tale of adventure, determination, and the power of music to connect us all. From a daring climb to a personal chat with a Beatle, this experience has remained a highlight of my early teens, a moment in time when the stars aligned, and I had the chance to meet a legend and I’m sure Ringo would remember this moment to this very day!”
Reminiscing an Unforgettable Day at Air Studios with Paul McCartney
As the dimmed lights of Air Studios in London cast a nostalgic glow on the intricate designs of the well-worn furniture, Bobby Ward, a musician full of rock-history stories, took us back in time to the early 80s. The air was filled with anticipation and the spirit of music, as he tells of his serendipitous encounter with none other than Sir Paul McCartney.
The year was 1982, the details of the encounter permanently etched in his memory. Château d’Hérouville in Paris, a renowned recording studio which had witnessed the genius of Elton John, David Bowie and all the greats, was where our story unfolded. The Michael Schenker Group was in session, and amidst the symphony of instruments, Bobby crossed paths with the legendary late, great record producer, Martin Birch.
With a song in his heart and a mission to strike a deal, Bobby spent ten captivating days at the Château. The culmination of this musical rendezvous was a collective decision to regroup at the esteemed Air Studios in London. The day arrived, and as the clock struck 11, Bobby found himself sipping coffee near the lift, on a couch in the reception area.
The lift doors slid open, and there he was, Paul McCartney, in a jumper, casual yet exuding an aura of greatness. Bobby’s heart skipped a beat, but before he could get lost in awe, Paul was sitting next to him, striking up a conversation as if they were old mates.
“Hello, how are you?” Paul greeted in his thick Liverpudlian accent, sparking a conversation that transcended the ordinary. From Hayleys Comet to Paul’s new album, they delved into the depths of music and life, sharing laughter and jokes. It was during a playful banter about artwork and music, initiated by a call from Linda McCartney, that Bobby felt the true essence of friendship with a Beatle.
With a final handshake and a heartfelt goodbye, Paul disappeared into the hustle of his day, leaving Bobby gathering his thoughts. As he stepped out of the studio, the reality of the encounter sunk in, leaving him with a story for the ages, a tale of music, laughter, and an unexpected moment in time with Sir Paul McCartney.
In the heart of BN1, as Bobby recounted those remarkable days with Ringo Starr and Sir Paul McCartney, the passion in his voice and the twinkle in his eye transported us all back to those magical moments. It is a reminder that sometimes in the unlikeliest of places music can bridge the gap between legends and mortals creating memories that resonate through time.
Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of rock and roll with his latest masterpiece, “Fly Away.” Click HERE to experience a harmonious blend of retro vibes and classic rhythms that pay homage to the golden era of music.
A Serendipitous Ride: The Day I Met John Lennon’s Father
It was a typical morning in Brighton, 1969, now a seventeen year old, I was on my way to Brighton Technical College. Standing by the road, thumb outstretched, I was trying my luck at hitchhiking. A car pulled over, and hurriedly, I ran towards it, not expecting what would unfold next.
“I got in the back of the car, right behind another guy who had just hopped in,” I recall, still amused by the memory. “The driver turned to me and asked, ‘What are you doing?’ I replied, thinking they were offering a lift, ‘I thought you were giving me a lift.’ To my surprise, he just said, ‘No, but get in the car then.'”
As we drove towards Brighton, I learned that the two gentlemen in the front were police officers. A bit apprehensive at first, I soon found myself engrossed in their conversation. The policeman said “guess who’s just moved next door to me?” to his colleague. He then elaborated that he had a gift from John and Yoko for Fred Lennon (John’s father), which instantly piqued my interest. That’s when I realized I was in the midst of something extraordinary.
The discussion in the car brought an unexpected insight. “The police officer, who was Fred Lennon’s neighbour, accidentally received the gift and passed it on to Fred.”
Once we reached the centre of Brighton, the officers let me out. “Out you get then,” one said, and I continued my journey to college. But the conversation I had overheard stayed with me. Over the next few days, driven by curiosity, I wandered up Ladies Mile Road, which was near my parents’ house. And there, in the local Newsagents, to my astonishment, I saw Fred Lennon and went for a chat.
“Our chats were brief but memorable,” I reminisced. “He was a friendly man, short with long slicked silver hair, and there was this blonde girl living with him. I remember asking him casually, ‘Everything all right then?’ and he replied, ‘Yeah, we’ve just moved here.'”
I couldn’t resist asking about John. “Do you see much of John?” I inquired. Fred’s response was simple yet poignant, “No, not really, I don’t see much of John.” I left that initial encounter with a polite, “Nice to meet you, Fred,” his response “you too, young lad”.
Our interactions continued beyond that initial meeting. We crossed paths several times, engaging in conversations where I shared about my father being a prisoner of war, and in turn, he spoke of his experiences as a merchant seaman.
“McCartney, Ringo and John Lennon’s father Fred. What an incredible chance of events over the years!”
More amazing stories to follow in BN1 Magazine, including an exclusive look into the former country home of Brian Epstein, manager of the Beatles. Watch this space…
