Spring 1965: Close-up candid shots of the newlywed Starkey’s in their new flat at 34 Montagu Square taken by American photographer Henry Grossman during the period the Beatles were filming Help! in London.
Ringo Starr and Maureen Starkey, his first wife, became one of the most iconic couples of the 1960s, symbolizing the intersection of pop culture and the transformative energy of the Beatles era. The couple married on February 11, 1965, during the peak of the Beatles’ global dominance. Maureen, a hairdresser from Liverpool, met Ringo during the early days of the band’s rise to fame, and their relationship grew amidst the whirlwind of Beatlemania.
The year 1965 was pivotal in both Ringo’s and Maureen’s lives. The Beatles were enjoying massive success with albums like Help! and the groundbreaking Rubber Soul. The couple’s marriage came during a period when the Beatles were starting to experiment more with their sound, signaling a shift in their musical journey. Ringo, with his unique drumming style, became not only an integral part of the Beatles but also a beloved figure among fans. Maureen, though often in the background, was part of the fabric of the Beatles’ personal lives, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of their fame.
The couple had three children together before separating in 1975. Despite their divorce, Maureen remained a constant presence in Ringo’s life, and they shared a deep bond. Their marriage in 1965 marked a moment of happiness and connection during the tumultuous years of Beatlemania, solidifying them as an enduring image of 1960s love and rock ‘n’ roll history.
