Ringo Starr Pays Tribute To Beatles Photographer Astrid Kirchherr
Words by Riley Fitzgerald
Graphic by Press
Ringo Starr has paid tribute to Astrid Kirchherr.
Following news the German photographer “who gave the Beatles their style” has died age 81, Starr has posted a message via his official Instagram account.
“God bless Astrid,” the drummer writes, “a beautiful human being and she took great photos peace and love.”
Kirchherr first befriended the Beatles at Hamburg in 1960, a period before Starr had joined the band.
The first professional photographer to shoot the band she would also cut their now-iconic Mop Tops.
Kirchherr was also familiar with Starr’s pre-Beatles outfit Rory Storm and the Hurricanes, a Liverpool group well known on the Hamburg club circuit.
(It was in Roy Storm’s backing outfit the Starr, born Richard Starkey, would devise his famous stage name.)
After dating former Beatle Stuart Sutcliff before his death in 1962, she would marry Ringo Starr’s replacement in The Hurricanes in 1970.
(The pair would divorce in 1985.)
Kirchherr would later shoot Starr along with the rest of the Beatles behind-the-scenes on their breakthrough concert film A Hard Day’s Night and several other occasions.
Exasperated by the tag of “The Beatles Photographer”, she would later retire from professional photography in 1970.
Far from disenchanted with the band, she would continue to share fond memories of her Hamburg days with various Beatles biographies and assisted in organizing fan conventions in the German city.
Kirchherr is reported to have died in Hamburg on May 13.
She was 7 days shy of her 82nd birthday.
Others, including son of John Lennon, Julian Lennon as well as George Harrison‘s wife Olivia Harrison and Dhani Harrison, have also offered their condolences.
One of my all-time favorite photos thank you Astrid peace and love. 😎✌️🌟❤️🎶🎵🥦🦏💖☮️ pic.twitter.com/mVHvVmIaQV
— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) May 17, 2020
Astrid is and was the sweetest woman, so thoughtful and kind and talented, with an eye to capture a soul. Our family loved her and none more than George. I am truly saddened but honoured to have known her. Olivia #AstridKirchherr pic.twitter.com/5Dt7OmuGS8
— George Harrison (@GeorgeHarrison) May 15, 2020
Rest In Peace Astrid…. ♥️🙏🏻😘https://t.co/mt7h3lnXtU
— Julian Lennon (@JulianLennon) May 15, 2020
Dearest Astrid, I really wish I could have spent more time with you in this life. You were always so kind and loving towards me. May God bless you always. pic.twitter.com/hFFi65bUMv
— Dhani Harrison (@DhaniHarrison) May 16, 2020
RIP Astrid Kirchherr, who was an important influence on the early Beatles, and to whom many attribute the band's revolutionary style and haircuts. https://t.co/awcW0KRrqv
— Brian Ray (@brianrayguitar) May 15, 2020
Ringo Starr and All Starr Band 2021 Tour Dates
Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario New date TBA Previously May 29, 2020
Casino Rama, Rama, Ontario New date TBA, Previously May 30, 2020
Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJ New June 1, Previously June 14, 2020
Boch Center Wang Theatre, Boston, MA New June 3 with The Avett Brothers, Previously June 10, 2020
Bank of NH Pavilion, Gilford, NH New June 5 with The Avett Brothers, Previously June 11, 2020
State Theatre, Easton PA New June 7, Previously June 6, 2020
Beacon Theater, New York, NY New June 8, Previously June 2, 2020
Beacon Theater, New York, NY New June 9, Previously June 9, 2020
Beacon Theater, New York, NY New June 11, Previously June 5, 2020
Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ New June 12, Previously June 7, 2020
Providence Performing Arts Center, Providence, RI New June 13, Previously June 13, 2020
Modell Lyric Theatre, Baltimore, MD New June 15, Previously June 16, 2020
Modell Lyric Theatre, Baltimore, MD New June 16, Previously June 17, 2020
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA New June 18, Previously June 20, 2020
Tanglewood, Lenox, MA New June 19, Previously June 19, 2020
Metropolitan Opera House, Philadelphia, PA New June 20, Previously June 21, 2020
Cobb Energy Centre, Atlanta, GA New June 22, Previously June 23, 2020
Cobb Energy Centre, Atlanta, GA New June 23, Previously June 24, 2020
St Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL New June 25, Previously June 26, 2020
Hard Rock Casino, Hollywood, FL New June 26, Previously June 27, 2020
Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, FL New June 27, Previously June 28, 2020
