Yes it was 50 years ago today that Ringo Starr had his tonsils removed and in 1964 this was top news for Beatle fans around the world. So I thought I would include some photos and news stories from the week that Ringo was in the hospital having his tonsils taken out.
Ringo Loses Tonsils
Ringo Starr, the Beatles' drummer, had his tonsils removed today in London. A hospital spokesman said his condition was satisfactory. Hundreds of fans of the 24 year old mophead telephoned a special number for news of their favorite and heard the news via the recoded voice of Anne Collingham, and employee of the Beatles' manager. Ringo expects to be in the hospital about 10 days, he said. He took with him red pajamas, a pink toothbrush, 20 long-playing records, a pack of playing cards and a science-fiction novel. "One thing is certain," he said, "Nobody is getting my tonsils as a souvenir. Believe me, I'm going to have them burned. " When he entered the hospital last night, someone asked Ringo whether the three other members of the "Liverpool string quartet" would be visiting him. He scoffed: "Are you kidding? I'm not married to them..." Meanwhile, out in Dayton, Ohio, Carole Glauner, a nurse and Mrs. Judy Tardiff, a doctor's assistant, both in their "early 20's" sent Ringo a medal with purple ribbon, it proudly proclaims: "Medal for bravery: My tonsils are out." The girls' doctor employer gives similar medals to children to cheer them up after a tonsillectomy.
Beatles tell Ringo He sounds "Funny"
London-December 5
The other Beatles visited Ringo Starr in the hospital today and one of them found that Ringo's voice had changed slightly since his tonsils were removed Wednesday.
Starr, 24, drummer of the singing group clutched his throat and said, "It hurts when I laugh."
Beatle George Harrison quipped "You do talk a bit funny." Ringo's nasal tones were said to be a little clearer now than before the surgery.
Ringo Released
London- December 10
Beatle Ringo Starr left a London hospital today, to the shrieks of 50 adoring girls. Eight days ago, he had his tonsils removed, then burned to frustrate souvenir hunters.
