Beatles Legend Ringo Starr Blasts ‘Totally Untrue’ Rehab Allegation

Representatives acting on behalf of Ringo Starr have denied claims that he has been checked into rehab for a “tune-up.”

The Beatles drummer – who has previously battled with alcoholism and substance abuse – reportedly admitted himself into a residential rehabilitation clinic to “dry out” before his autumn tour dates with his All-Starr supergroup.

Copyright [Splash News]

A Radar Online report alleged that the 76-year-old star had been residing at the facility for a number of weeks as a precautionary measure, their source explained: “Ringo wanted to go into rehab. As a long-recovering alcoholic he’s constantly worried about falling off the wagon. That’s his biggest fear.

“The temptations to drink and do drugs again are all around him, especially when he’s on the road. He wanted to make sure that didn’t happen!”

However Ringo’s spokesperson has insisted that the British musician is “healthy and happy” while enjoying a summer break in Malibu, California with his wife Barbara Bach.

Copyright [Getty/Kevin Winter]

“The story today about Ringo in rehab is totally untrue,” his representative told The Mirror. “[He is] healthy and happy and has been on holiday with his family in Malibu and sends everyone Peace & Love.”

Shortly after The Beatles’ acrimonious split in 1970, Ringo entered rehab with his wife - who he married in 1981 – and admitted that alcohol often played a destructive part in their early marriage as he was “absolutely lost.”

He previously recalled: “It got progressively worse, and the blackouts got worse, and I didn’t know where I’d been, what I’d done. I knew I had the problem for years. But it plays tricks with your head. Very cunning and baffling is alcohol.”

Copyright [Getty/David Redfern]

Speaking to The Express in 2010, Ringo revealed that his addictions escalated during the 1970s/80s, to the point where he was drinking 16 bottles of wine a day, and now has trouble remembering those years of his life.

“I’ve got photographs of me playing all over the world but I’ve absolutely no memory of it,” he said. “I played Washington with the Beach Boys – or so they tell me. But there’s only a photo to prove it.”

Despite these previous issues, the former Beatles band member is currently gearing up his All-Starr band for their autumn tour, which kicks off on October 15 at the Snoqualmie Casino in Washington.