As a former Beatle Ringo Starr knows a lot about life in the most famous boyband in the world.

So the 74-year-old drummer is well placed to speculate why Zayn Malik may have chosen to leave One Direction, although it doesn’t sound like he’s that impressed with their music.

Asked about Zayn’s departure, Ringo said: “He must have all his own good reasons for it. I don’t think it will stop the band. They’re not really a band are they, they’re singing boys who dance. One Direction is going in another direction.”

One Direction at an event of some sort
Zayn Malik has left One Direction (Ian West/PA)

Ringo is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next month by his former Beatles bandmate Sir Paul McCartney.

Ringo said: “Paul McCartney was hanging out with some people, and my name came up and they were talking about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and they realised I wasn’t in it. I believe one of them was Dave Grohl and then he called [Bruce] Springsteen.

Ringo Starr is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Jeff Daly/Invision)
Ringo Starr is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (Jeff Daly/Invision)

“I feel Paul wanted a day out, so he’s nominated me, and I’m up and I’m getting it and he’s going to do me. He’ll be there with me.”