"I understand it when I'm Ringo the Beatle. But when I'm Ritchie the person I should be freer."

"When we were just becoming famous it was nice to go around to see people knowing you, which is how all famous show-biz people are supposed to do. But it was a drag."

"I'm beginning to see now that I am what I am because of the sort of upbringing I had, with no father and my mother always out of work. It did make me quiet and introverted."

"I think the four of us together, all sort of equal, made us one whole. We're different from each other, yet alike. When you have a single star, or a leader and a backing group, you either take him or leave him. With the four of us, there's more to go on."

"I can't act, of course. I don't know how to. I watch these actors on television. You can tell they're actors because their faces are going all the time. You should see their eyes. I can't do all that. I just don't do anything. I don't know. Perhaps that's acting."

"It'll be nice to be part of history, some sort of history anyway. What I'd like to be is in school history books and be read by kids."

"There was a light at the end of a tunnel that I had to get to, and I came out like that, and then I was born. There was lots of cheering. In fact, my mother used to say to say that because I was born, the second World War started. I don't know what that meant, really; I never understood it, but that's what she used to say. I suppose it was the only way they could celebrate, and it could be true--you never can tell."

"It was magical. I mean, there were really some loving, caring moments between 4 people. A really amazing closeness, with 4 guys who really loved each other- it was pretty sensational."

"I've never really done anything to create what has happened. It creates itself. I'm here because it happened. But I didn't do anything to make it happen apart from saying 'Yes'"

"You know I'm not very good at singing because I haven't got a great range. So they write songs for me that are pretty low and not too hard."

"I think the four of us together, all sort of equal, made us one whole. We're different from each other, yet alike. When you have a single star, or a leader and a backing group, you either take him or leave him. With the four of us, there's more to go on."

"There's a woman in the United States who predicted the plane we were traveling on would crash. Now, a lot of people would like to think we were scared into saying a prayer. What we did actually--we drank."

"I became a drummer because it's the only thing I could do. But whenever I hear another drummer, I know I'm no good.....I'm not good on the technical things, but I'm good with all the motions, swinging my head, like."

"I'm always good for starting a bit of a tune and the first verse, but after that I just can never go anywhere. It takes me years, that's why I'm so slow."

"It just carried on; we each carried on being one."

"I don't say anything because nobody believes me when I do."

"I won't go to funerals because I don't believe in them. I believe your soul has gone by the time you get into the limo. She or he's up there or wherever it is. I can't wait to go half the time."

"None of us ever worried about things like the future. I've always just taken chances myself and been lucky. I've always had a few bob in my pocket. There were good and bad nights on tours, but they were really all the same. The only fun part was the hotels in the evening, smoking pot and that."

"Touring was dangerous sometimes, but we never thought about it. A plane did catch fire once in Texas and scared everyone, and once we flew from Liverpool to London with a window open. We were a bit worried when our death was predicted on a plane in the States--that wasn't nice."

"I don't mind if people attack us--because we're so popular, it doesn't matter--but critics can kill records when a lot of people might have enjoyed them. When you're coming up, everyone is all for you, but when you've made it, they want to knock you down if they can."

"When I'm ninety-five and it's 'This is Your Life' time, they'll still be referring to me as 'ex-Beatle'...it does have it's advantages. It's still the best way to get a good table at a restaurant."

"So this is America. They must be out of their minds!"

"I hope the fans will take up meditation instead of drugs."

"Do you remember when everyone began analyzing Beatles songs? I don't think I ever understood what some of them were supposed to be about."

"The future will never come, it will all soon be over tomorrow."

From Press Conferences

Reporter: How tall are you, Ringo?
Ringo: Two feet, nine inches.

Reporter: What did you think when your airline's engine began smoking as you landed today?
Ringo: Beatles, women, and children first!

Reporter: Is it true that you're all writing books, and if so, what's the subject matter?
Paul: No, John's the only one who writes.
Ringo: We haven't learned how yet.

Reporter: Ringo, you didn't look too happy when you got off of the airplane. Was there any reason?
Ringo: If you'd been on it for fifteen hours, how would you look?
John: How would he look, Ringo?
Ringo: I don't know. Look at him now.

Reporter: Sorry to interrupt while you're eating, but what do you think you will be doing in five years time when this is all over?
Ringo: Still eating.

Reporter: What is the biggest threat to your careers? The atom bomb or dandruff?
Ringo: The atom bomb. We've already got dandruff.

Reporter: Ringo, why do you wear two rings on each hand?
Ringo: 'Cause I can't fit them through my nose.

Reporter: You and the snow came to Washington at the same time today. Which do you think will have the greater impact?
Ringo: The snow. We're going tomorrow.

Reporter: What do you think of Beethoven?
Ringo: I love him, especially his poems.

Reporter: Do you like topless bathing suits?
Ringo: We've been wearing them for years.

Reporter: Why do you think you get more fan mail than the other Beatles?
Ringo: I don't know. I suppose it's because more people write me.