Ringo Starr Marries Barbara Bach
Monday 27 April 1981 | Wedding | London
Overview
On 27 April 1981, Ringo Starr married actor and model Barbara Bach in a ceremony held at Marylebone Register Office in London β the same venue where Paul McCartney had wed Linda Eastman in 1969. The wedding brought together members of The Beatles' inner circle and led to a rare on-stage reunion later that evening.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was conducted by registrar Joseph Jevans, who had also officiated McCartney's 1969 wedding. Barbara Bach's wedding dress was designed by Emmanuel's β the same fashion house preparing the gown for Lady Diana Spencer's royal wedding later that year.
- Location: Marylebone Register Office, Marylebone Road, London
- Date: 27 April 1981
- Registrar: Joseph Jevans
Guests
- Paul and Linda McCartney
- George and Olivia Harrison
- Neil Aspinall
- Derek Taylor
- Harry Nilsson
Reception & Beatles Reunion Moment
The reception took place at the Mayfair nightclub Rags, where the evening took an unexpected turn into rock history. Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison performed together on stage β one of the very few times three Beatles had played live together since the band's break-up in 1970.
Harrison played guitar, McCartney and Harry Nilsson shared piano duties, while Starr contributed percussion alongside Ray Cooper. The impromptu set closed with:
- I Saw Her Standing There
- Twist And Shout
How They Met
Starr and Bach first met on the set of the film Caveman in 1980 while filming in Mexico. Their relationship developed quickly during production, and they became a couple by the end of the shoot.
Challenges & Turning Point
In the years following their marriage, the couple faced serious personal struggles with alcohol dependency. By October 1988, following a destructive incident neither could fully recall, they entered rehabilitation together at the Sierra Tucson treatment centre in Arizona β a decision that strengthened their relationship and led to decades of sobriety.
Location
FAQs
Where did Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach get married?
At Marylebone Register Office in London β the same venue where Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman in 1969.
Were other Beatles present?
Yes. Paul McCartney and George Harrison both attended with their partners.
Did The Beatles perform together at the wedding?
Ringo, Paul, and George performed informally at the reception at Rags nightclub β one of the few times three Beatles played live together after the band's break-up.
Where did Ringo and Barbara meet?
On the set of the 1980 film Caveman, filmed in Mexico.
Editorial Note
Ringo Starr's wedding to Barbara Bach stands as more than a personal milestone β it briefly reunited members of The Beatles in a live setting, offering a rare glimpse of their enduring musical chemistry beyond the band's official history.
Also on 27 April in Beatles History
- Bag One Indecency Charges Dismissed β 27 April 1970
- Paul McCartney Live at Liberty Bowl, Memphis β 27 April 1993
- View all events on 27 April in Beatles History
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