Ringo Starr truly hated him more than anyone.

When you think of Ringo Starr, you likely picture the beloved drummer of The Beatles, the steady heartbeat of the iconic band. But beneath that warm exterior lies a story of tension and betrayal, particularly involving his close friend and bandmate, Paul McCartney. What really happened when their friendship faced its biggest test?

As the Beatles transitioned from their carefree days in Liverpool to global superstardom, cracks began to form in their once-solid foundation. The death of their manager, Brian Epstein, in 1967 marked a turning point. Epstein was more than a manager; he was the glue that held the band together.

With him gone, the dynamics shifted dramatically.

By the late 1960s, Paul McCartney’s relentless drive to lead the band began to rub his fellow Beatles the wrong way. During the tumultuous recording sessions for The White Album, Ringo felt increasingly sidelined and criticized. In a moment of despair, he made the 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 decision to quit the band, believing he was no longer valued.

However, a surprising revelation awaited him when he discovered that each member felt like an outsider.

After a brief hiatus, Ringo returned to the fold, welcomed back with flowers adorning his drum kit. But the underlying issues remained unresolved. The tension escalated further in early 1969 when the Beatles faced financial troubles.

A battle for control erupted over the management of their company, Apple Corps. Paul wanted his father-in-law to take charge, while the others opted for a tough American manager. This disagreement set the stage for a confrontation that would change everything.

Fast forward to April 1970. As the Beatles were unraveling, Paul was secretly working on his solo album, planning to release it on the same date as the band’s final project. The other Beatles, viewing this as a threat, decided to delay Paul’s album and tasked Ringo with delivering the message.

This was a role Ringo dreaded, caught between loyalty to Paul and allegiance to the rest of the band.

When Ringo arrived at Paul’s house to deliver the news, the atmosphere was charged. Paul, feeling cornered and frustrated, erupted in anger. Ringo later described the scene as terrifying, with Paul shouting and demanding he leave.

This moment marked a painful breach in their friendship, leaving Ringo wounded and shocked.

In the aftermath, Paul publicly announced his departure from the Beatles just ten days later, igniting a very public breakup. Rather than retaliate with anger, Ringo channeled his emotions into music. His response came a year later with the release of his hit single “It Don’t Come Easy,” but it was the B-side, “Early 1970,” that revealed his true feelings.

The song cleverly reflected on his fractured friendships, particularly with Paul, leaving listeners to ponder the state of their bond.

Despite the hurt, the story didn’t end in bitterness. Paul quickly regretted his outburst and reached out to Ringo with apologies. Their friendship began to mend, culminating in a remarkable reunion during the recording of Ringo’s solo album in 1973, where all three former bandmates contributed.

Over the years, Ringo and Paul have collaborated numerous times, solidifying their bond. From heartfelt gestures to shared stages, their relationship has evolved into a lasting friendship. Ringo has expressed that Paul is like the brother he never had, and they continue to make music together, most recently on the final Beatles song, “Now and Then.”

This saga of conflict and reconciliation serves as a reminder that even the strongest bonds can be tested. The myth of an unbreakable brotherhood was challenged, but ultimately, love and respect prevailed. What other hidden stories of conflict and resolution lie within the legendary history of The Beatles?