The list of rock stars who are instantly recognizable by a single name is a short and prestigious one: Cher, Madona, Pink, Prince… but long before these superstars burst on the scene, there was another artist who became known throughout the world by a single name, Ringo.

Ironically, Sir Richard Starkey (aka Ringo Star) achieved this monomial notoriety not as a solo artist, but as part of a group, of course, not just any group, but The Beatles, who revolutionized rock in the early 1960s. Although fans quickly became enamored with Ringo’s loveable looks and personality, those knowledgeable about drumming appreciated him as one fine percussionist. It’s no accident that Rolling Stone named him one of the top five rock drummers of all time.

Ringo’s personality and musicality are still rocking sold out venues. Adding to the upbeat mood of his shows is the colorful lighting of LD Susan Rose. Working with lighting designs by the legendary Jeff Ravitz, Rose has been traveling the world with Ringo and his band since 2003. An accomplished musician and songwriter herself, she has deftly set the mood of the music in light for Ringo, and the special guests who have appeared with him, a group that’s included the likes of Peter Townshend, Jeff Lyne and his old bandmate Paul McCartney.

Rose, whose busy schedule includes tours for stars like Melissa Etheridge, graciously set aside the time to talk to us about her two decade association with this living legend.

So, we have to ask, what was the first Beatle song you liked growing up? How old were you?
“Ironically enough, growing up I actually listened to Country music. So, when I first went to work for Ringo, I really wasn’t as familiar with him and the Beatles as much as people thought I would be. But after working with him, I developed a great appreciation and respect for the Beatles and how they revolutionized the music industry.”

But even so, did you ever imagine you’d be lighting one of the Beatles?
“Quite honestly, I never imagined being successful in a lighting career! As you know, I started out as a country music singer, and when I moved to

Nashville to pursue a music career, my lighting career was born. At that point, I never imagined that I would work for such an iconic legend in music, especially doing lighting.”

 

As you mentioned, Ringo has had such a legendary career, does he ever talk about his times as a member of the band?
“It’s always very interesting to sit

in Catering and over hear Ringo and the band reminiscing about old times and funny stories in their careers.”

We remember Ringo sending you a birthday video not long ago. So, what’s his personality like when you are working with him?
“He’s actually amazing to work with! He has that English dry sense of humor and keeps me laughing all the time. He’s so personable and approachable and is definitely an artist that appreciates those he works with. I was so honored that he did a video tribute to me when I was inducted into the Full Sail University Hall Of Fame!”

So, does Ringo get very involved in lighting?
I know that he and Jeff Ravitz talk about lighting and the approach to lighting, as well as the theme for our beautiful backdrops that Jeff also designs. There’s only a few specific things that he asks for, for instance, he likes to see the audience in between songs when he’s talking. But we definitely have a ‘less is more approach’ with the lighting.”

What is it about lighting that he appreciates most?
“As I said, we definitely approach it with a ‘less is more’ approach. The show is very pretty and tasteful, using lighting with vibrant colors and gobos on the colorful backdrop to create the moods of each song.”

What kind of mood do you try to create in lighting his shows?
“It’s definitely about using colors and gobos projected on the colorful backdrop to create the moods of each song.”

How has working with Ringo influenced your development as a designer?
“Working with Jeff Ravitz and Ringo was essential to the success of my career. Jeff has been such an incredible role model for me and I have learned so much from him. The support and encouragement from Jeff, Ringo and the entire band and management definitely launched my career and I can’t thank them enough for this incredible opportunity.”

What’s the best thing about working for Ringo?
“It’s been such an honor to work with such an iconic legend. I’ve loved all of the music that I gotten to be surrounded by – and the amazing musicians I’ve gotten to work with, as well as the opportunity to travel, see and explore this beautiful world.”