Review: Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band Rock the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles

Below, enjoy a review and selection of photos from Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band’s recent gig at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles – review by Peter Palmiere, and all photos courtesy Jill Jarrett. 
Ringo Starr, one of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s greatest icons, made another triumphant return with his All-Starr Band to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on July 1st before a packed audience of more than 5,000.
Ringo’s current All-Starr band, which has been together for over four years, consists of: Todd Rundgren, Gregg Rolie (Santana, Journey) Steve Lukather (Toto), Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette and Richard Page (Mr. Mister).
The concert received a very enthusiastic response, due to a very choice selection of Beatles songs, Starr’s post-Beatles solo hits and a very generous selection of classic rock hits and popular album tracks, performed faithfully.

Starr started the show (upfront on stage) with, Matchbox, followed by It Don’t Come Easy. Before performing What Goes On, Ringo noted that it’s the only song ever written by Lennon/McCartney and Ringo himself.
He then made his way to his drum kit, where he happily backed his fellow band mates as they perform their individual hit songs, including Rundgren’s I Saw The Light and Bang The Drum All Day. Gregg Rolie performed the Santana classic Black Magic Woman, which the crowd absolutely loved.
Richard Page’s hits included Kyrie and Broken Wings. Steve Lukather included Rosanna and Africa. Ringo’s selection of songs included Boys, Yellow Submarine and I Wanna Be Your Man in addition to two solo numbers including You’re Sixteen and I’m The Greatest.

Watching and listening to the All-Starr band was much like going to a restaurant for the first time, not knowing what to order…then choosing a combination plate, and loving everything served.

All the vocals were spot on. You could tell the band is not only musically together, but they are like family. A tinge of sadness came over them whenever they mentioned it being the very last show of the tour and how they were going to miss one another afterwards, expressing it several times. Rundgren joked that “this band has almost outlasted the Beatles.”

Amongst the highlights of the evening, included a stellar guitar performance by Steve Lukather and Todd Rundgren and a mean sax solo by Warren Ham.
Ringo’s drumming is still very tight. He is easily one of the best and the most influential drummers in rock music. His stage persona, complete with wisecracks and one liners, was very endearing. Equally impressive is his mobility onstage.
One can hardly believe he is 76 and moves on stage like a much younger man. It’s obvious that the band looks up to Ringo as a great musician and a mentor, a lovable personality and a cherished friend. He is in their words, “a fearless leader.” He has said he intends to keep this band going and they are currently backing him up musically in the studio, recording his next album. The new album is said to include some country-flavored songs, as Starr professes to be in a “country mood.”

Back to the show: 25 songs were played in a little less than 2 hours. Starr ended the evening with Photograph, Act Naturally and a well-received performance (joined onstage by Billy Mumy) of With A Little Help From My Friends, in addition to a brief Give Peace A Chance.
The evening left everybody very well satisfied and fulfilled as they filed out of the Greek and into the night.

© 2016 – Jill Jarrett Photography