Legendary rockers (and, well...all types of musicians) have a right to choose which songs are played during their most important moments. Even if a performer might not truly be at the event. Funeral songs have been around for ages, of course, and some have even written requiems for themselves in advance of their inevitable doom, but not all of those songs are sad.
Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones once told GQ that the song that best fits his philosophy of life was "Tumbling Dice." The song is about gambling (of course!) but also how to not be afraid of falling in love while also remaining true to oneself. If that doesn't scream Richards - and the Rolling Stones - in general then what song would will remain a mystery.
Richards did go on to say he would think "Tumbling Dice" should be played at his funeral only he also did not want to be there. Funny. Yet all, classic Richards.
Ringo Starr mimics Keith Richards and names the song he would like played at his funeral
Not to be outdone, former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr also has a song he would like played at his own funeral and he wants everyone singing along when the song is played. That track is "Octopus’s Garden," one of the few Starr-penned songs that the Beatles recorded.
The song also showcases Starr's great sense of humor, but there is much more to the tune than that. There is a sense of peace that comes when listening to the song, which also seems like it could be a child's tune. That was the point when Starr wrote it (he also sings on the track).
In other words, people gathering around wherever Starr's funeral is held and bursting into words at full throat might bring a few tears, but there would also be quite a lot of laughter. That is exactly what Starr would want. Who knows? Maybe he is looking down on the entire event and smiling with Keith Richards playing his guitar next to him, but thankfully, music fans do not have to worry about that yet.