Ringo Starr celebrates 40th anniversary of surprise performance at Atlavík festival in Iceland

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ringo Starr’s attendance at the Atlavík outdoor festival during the 1984 Labor Day weekend. The iconic drummer, known for his role in The Beatles, traveled to Iceland to present the award for the best band at the festival, but unexpected circumstances led him to perform alongside the local band, Stuðmenn.

Starr arrived in Iceland with his wife, actress Barbara Bach, and drew significant media attention as the visit of such a major celebrity was a rarity for the country. At Reykjavik Airport, journalists awaited his arrival, showcasing the public’s fascination for star power.

In interviews, the couple expressed their affection for Iceland, with Ringo initially stating that he did not plan to perform. Ultimately, however, he joined Stuðmenn on stage, delighting the audience. This spontaneous collaboration turned the event into a memorable one for festival-goers, solidifying its place in Icelandic music history.

The excitement around Starr’s visit to Atlavík reflects the longstanding relationship between music and cultural events in Iceland, and the festival itself has become an integral part of the country’s summer tradition. Though decades have passed since that memorable weekend, memories of Ringo Starr’s impromptu performance continue to resonate with those who were present.