Ringo Starr, Wife Under Treatment in U.S. for Alcoholism

Friends and colleagues of former Beatle Ringo Starr said today they were stunned that he and his wife are being treated for alcoholism in a U.S. clinic.

The Beatles’ former spokesman, Derek Taylor, said on Sunday night that the drummer and his actress wife, Barbara Bach, had entered an unnamed clinic for treatment four weeks ago using Starr’s real name, Richard Starkey.

Show-business associates of the 48-year-old Starr said he had stayed off alcohol at recent cocktail parties, sipping mineral water and ignoring offers of drinks.

Taylor, who said he was issuing the statement with the consent of Starr and his wife, said the couple had been treated for four weeks and had another month to go.

He declined to name the clinic, which he said was in the United States. British press reports ruled out the Betty Ford Clinic.