By Laura Ferreiro
When Russell Brand interviewed Ringo Starr at the famed Troubadour in L.A. last week, it was a hilarious affair. The Beatle was promoting his new solo album, “Ringo 2012,” and ended up teasing Katy Perry’s ex about being sexually repressed (which anyone who’s familiar with the English comedian knows is the farthest thing from the truth). Between jokes and anecdotes about his adventures with the Beatles and his unique drumming technique, Ringo got deep about The Lotus Foundation, the charity he started with his wife, Barbara Bach.
Ringo said they started The Lotus Foundation as a way to assist with a wide range of worthy causes around the world, focusing primarily on family and child welfare, women’s issues, addiction recovery and education. He explained that The Lotus Foundation believes that the best way to fund these causes is to give for a three-year time period, “so they’re not struggling from day one.”
Ringo also touted WaterAid, one of his favorite charities, which improves access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. (Note: I was excited to hear Ringo mention WaterAid because I used to be WaterAid’s Communications Manager, and it’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart.) “We like to support WaterAid because I believe everyone should have water,” he said.
Check out Ringo chatting with Russell Brand about WaterAid and The Lotus Foundation below.