by Ringo Starr’s Favourite Beatles Song to Play Live Was Actually a Cover
For a band defined by original songwriting genius, it’s a delicious twist that Ringo Starr’s favourite Beatles song to play live wasn’t a Lennon–McCartney original at all — it was a cover. But for Ringo, that choice made perfect sense, because it took him back to the very roots of The Beatles, before fame, before pressure, when music was about feel, sweat, and connection.
That song was “Boys.”
Originally recorded by the Shirelles in 1960, “Boys” became one of The Beatles’ staple live numbers during their formative years in Liverpool and Hamburg. When the band needed a moment to spotlight their drummer — and to let John, Paul, and George catch their breath on stage — Ringo stepped forward to the microphone. It was raw, playful, and loud, perfectly suited to his personality.
Unlike many Beatles songs that demanded complex arrangements or emotional restraint, “Boys” was pure energy. Ringo could sing and play with abandon, driving the beat while shouting the lyrics with joy rather than precision. In interviews, he’s hinted that the song’s simplicity and rhythm made it especially fun — it wasn’t about perfection, it was about groove.
There was also something symbolic about Ringo singing a girl-group song with the lyrics left untouched. In the early 1960s, this wasn’t a statement — it was instinct. The Beatles didn’t worry about image or interpretation; they played what moved them. That freedom, that lack of self-consciousness, is exactly what Ringo loved about performing “Boys.”
Live performances of the song — from the Cavern Club to the Hollywood Bowl — often triggered explosive reactions. Fans loved seeing Ringo step into the spotlight, and the band loved the shift in energy. It reminded audiences that The Beatles were, at heart, a live rock ’n’ roll band before they became studio innovators.
In later years, as the Beatles’ catalogue grew more sophisticated and the band moved away from touring, “Boys” faded from the setlists. But Ringo’s affection for it never did. Even decades later, when reflecting on his time with The Beatles, he’s singled it out as one of the most enjoyable songs to perform live.
In a career filled with history-making originals, Ringo Starr’s favourite live Beatles song being a cover feels beautifully right. It captures who he was — and still is — at his core: a drummer who plays for the joy of the moment, a singer who thrives on feel, and a Beatle who never forgot where the music began. 🥁✨
