In May of 1984, a number of newspapers reported the following ....

 

Isaac Tigrett, one of the founders of the Hard Rock Cafe chain of restaurants, had attended an auction in London where he purchased a set of drums that once had belonged to Ringo Starr. Ringo learned of this and decided that he wanted his drums back. Ringo's called his ex-wife, Maureen Starkey, who was Tigrett's girlfriend at the time.[1] Ringo was in London and Maureen was in New York with Isaac. So, Ringo's call woke her up at 3:30 in the morning. Having gotten nowhere with Maureen, Ringo called Harry Nilsson, asking his friend to "collect my drum." Already having had a few drinks, Nilsson went to the Hard Rock and went upstairs with Isaac Tigrett. After a few more drinks, Harry couldn't remember why he was there.[2]

 

The story first appeared as a short blurb in a column by "Suzy" (Aileen Mehle) in the Daily News (New York, New York) on May 11, 1984. No source for the story is given.