Ringo Starr has shared his thoughts on the “Swiftie effect.” The former Beatles drummer recently commented on the excitement surrounding Taylor Swift, likening it to the era of Beatlemania.
During an interview with American Songwriter, Starr was asked if he thinks the “Bejeweled” singer has a comparable cultural impact to The Beatles. He confidently replied, “I do.”
“Taylor is ‘the now’ one,” Starr, 84, stated, joking that he and his fellow Beatles are the “still now” ones. He also referenced other iconic artists like Madonna, who have made significant cultural impacts, but suggested that Swift is the leading influential force of this generation.
In the interview, Starr continued to praise Swift, saying, “I think Taylor Swift is great anyway.” He noted her ability to attract fans, then shared a personal story about meeting the “Anti-Hero” singer.
“I have to mention that the first time I met her, she was 14, attending the Grammys with her mother,” he reminisced. “I even saw a photo of her with her mom just yesterday.”
“So mom’s still at it,” he chuckled.
Fans on social media appreciated Starr’s recognition of Swift’s immense fame. One user on X (formerly Twitter) remarked that Starr is one of the few who can truly grasp the power of fan excitement, while another noted, “Ringo acknowledging Taylor’s impact is truly iconic.”
