starr tours 2022 schedule

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Finally Set to Return to the Road This Spring

• By Jon Blistein

Jon Blistein

After two delays, Ringo Starr will finally launch his tour with his All Starr Band this spring.

The trek is set to launch with two nights at the Casino Rama in Rama, Ontario, May 27 and 28. From there, Starr will make his way around the East Coast — including three nights at the Beacon Theatre in New York City — then down south. The run wraps on June 26 at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida.  

Tickets for all shows are on sale now. Complete information is available on Starr’s website .

For the 2022 tour, the All Starr Band lineup will boast regulars Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette, and Hamish Stuart, while the group will also welcome back previous collaborator Edgar Winter. Starr and Co. were originally slated to tour in 2020 and 2021 , although both runs were postponed because of the pandemic.  

Meet the New Cast of ‘Love Island USA' Season Six

Sturgill simpson is back with new tour, new album ... and a new name, 'the acolyte': this 'star wars' prequel series isn't a force to be reckoned with, normani channeled janet, recruited brandy, and put 'absolutely everything' into her album 'dopamine'.

“I can’t wait to get back out on the road and play,” Starr said in a statement. “This is the longest I’ve been off the road in years — up until 2020 I was touring every year with the All Starrs — and I’ve really missed it. Making music in the studio has been great, and it certainly saved me during the pandemic, but nothing beats playing live with great musicians in front of an audience. I love my fans and they love me and it’s going to be wonderful to be peace and loving and playing for them again.”  

Starr has kept busy during the pandemic, releasing two EPs last year , Zoom In and Change the World . He also taught his own MasterClass course , released a retrospective book, Ringo Rocks: 30 Years of the All Starrs 1989 – 2019 , and has another book on the way, Lifted : Fab Images and Memories In My Life with the Beatles From Across The Universe .  

Ringo Starr and the All Starr Band Tour Dates

May 27 – Rama, Ontario @ Casino Rama May 28 – Rama, Ontario @ Casino Rama May 30 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC June 2 – Boston, MA @ Wang Theater *With The Avett Brothers June 3 – Worcester, MA @ Hanover Theater June 4 – Gilford, NH @ Bank of NH Pavilion *With The Avett Brothers June 6 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre June 7 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre June 8 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre June 10 – Red Bank, NJ @ Count Basie Theater June 11 – Easton, PA @ State Theater June 12 – Providence, RI @ PPAC June 14 – Baltimore, MD @ Modell Lyric June 15 – Baltimore, MD @ Modell Lyric June 17 – Lenox, MA @ Tanglewood June 18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Arena June 19 – Philadelphia, PA @ Metropolitan Theater June 21 – Richmond, VA @ Virginia Credit Union Live June 22 – Atlanta, GA @ Cobb Center June 24 – St Augustine, FL @ The AMP June 25 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock June 26 – Clearwater, FL @ Ruth Eckerd Hall

Travis Scott Moves to Dismiss Sample Lawsuit Over ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’ Lyrics

• Copyright Claims

Gloria Trevi Sex Abuse Lawsuits: Search for Music Producer Sergio Andrade Intensifies

• 'Seemingly Disappeared'
• By Nancy Dillon

Halsey Details 'Rocky Start' in Recovery From Lupus, Rare T-Cell Disorder

• Hopeful and Healing
• By Larisha Paul

Neko Case to Release Memoir, Which Will 'Cast a Spell of Love,' Next Year

• A Case of Her
• By Kory Grow

Adam Levine Returning to 'The Voice' on Season 27 Coaching Panel Alongside Kelsea Ballerini

• Planning for the Future

Most Popular

Jennifer lopez cancels summer tour, monet painting at the musée d’orsay vandalized by climate activist, insiders claim taylor swift is deeply ‘worried’ about this aspect of travis kelce’s new lifestyle, 'the rings of power' actor confirmed not returning for season 2, you might also like, kylie minogue, janelle monáe and keke palmer kick off pride month with a bang at west hollywood’s outloud music festival, equinox celebrates pride and explores ‘the disappearance of the binary’ with work from major artists, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, ‘the curse’ finale that came out of nowhere: benny safdie reveals all, ai video firm spiideo lands $20m venture capital investment.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Ringo Starr tour 2022: How to buy tickets, schedule, dates

• Updated: May. 23, 2022, 10:37 p.m. |
• Published: May. 23, 2022, 6:05 p.m.

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band are playing concerts all over the U.S. this year. AP

• Matt Levy | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The Beatles are back — sort of.

The Beatles’ living members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr , are both staging massive, nationwide North American tours in 2022.

While McCartney is playing arenas and stadiums all over the country on his “Got Back” tour, Ringo will perform at more intimate theaters and concert halls .

A few of those theaters and concert halls include New York City’s Beacon Theatre on June 6-8, Red Bank’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre on June 10, Philadelphia’s Met on June 19 and Atlantic City’s Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Sept. 24.

The best way to find out if Ringo and his All Starr Band will include Beatles classics on their set list is to see them live.

Here’s everything you need to know about the tour.

Where can I buy tickets to see Ringo Starr?

Tickets to see the former Fab Four member live are available on all verified ticketing sites.

NJ.com readers using Vivid Seats for the first time can get $20 off ticket orders over $200 with promo code NJ20 at checkout.

You can also check StubHub , TicketCity , SeatGeek , Ticketmaster and MegaSeats for help to find the right seats for you.

A complete calendar featuring all of Ringo’s tour dates, show start times, venues and links to buy tickets can be found here .

Other classic acts on the road in 2022

Starr won’t be the only 20th century star touring in the next few months.

Here are five that may be coming to a city near you soon.

• Paul McCartney’s “Got Back” Tour (June 16)
• The Who’s “The Who Hits Back!” Tour (May 26)
• Elton John’s “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” Tour (July 23-24)
• Dead & Company with John Mayer (July 15-16)
• Chicago and Brian Wilson with Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin (July 11 and 13)

RELATED STORIES ABOUT LIVE EVENTS:

The 26 biggest concerts and festivals in N.J. this summer

Is StubHub legit? Do they have fees? Here’s everything to know

The biggest classic rock concert tours in 2022

Vivid Seats promo code: How to get a discount on tickets

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust.

Matt Levy covers the live entertainment industry, writing about upcoming concerts, festivals, shows and events. He can be reached at [email protected] .

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band Reveal Revised Fall Itinerary Including The 12 Rescheduled Spring Dates

Pictured: Warren Ham, Edgar Winter, Colin Hay, Ringo Starr, Hamish Stuart, Gregg Bissonette, Steve Lukather. Photo Credit: Mike Colucci

Thursday, June 16, 2022 – Today  Ringo Starr  and His All Starr Band –  Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Gregg Bissonette, Hamish Stuart  and  Edgar Winter –  revealed the revised itinerary for their September tour, which now includes all 12 of the dates that they recently had to postpone .  The tour now begins September 5 at Tanglewood, in Lenox, MA and concludes in Mexico City, Mexico on October 20 (for the complete list see below). 

As previously announced, these shows were initially planned for 2020, and Ringo and the All Starr Band were eager to finally get back out on the road. Almost halfway through the 22 show run, which kicked off May 27 from Casino Rama in Ontario, Ringo let audiences know on Tuesday June 7, during the second of three sold out shows at New York’s Beacon Theater, that Edgar Winter had Covid, but the All Starrs would play on. However when Steve Lukather also tested positive for Covid, they were forced to stop and to reschedule the remaining 12 dates. 

“We were having so much fun playing again and it was disappointing to have to stop. But we were able to reschedule these shows and add them to our Fall tour – and so as the song goes – I’ll see you in September! Peace and love, Ringo.”

Here is the revised itinerary with rescheduled dates (as noted):

September 5/was June 17 Lenox MA – Tanglewood

September 6/was June 14 Baltimore MD – The Lyric

September 7/was June 15 Baltimore MD – The Lyric

September 9/was June 11 Easton, PA – State Theater

September 10/was June 18 Pittsburgh PA – PPG Arena

September 11/was June 19 Philadelphia, PA – The Met

September 15/was June 24 St Augustine, FL – The Amp

September 16/was June 26 Clearwater FL– Ruth Eckerd Hall

September 17/was June 25 Hollywood FL – Hard Rock

September 19/was June 22 Atlanta, GA – Cobb Center Performing Arts Center

September 20/was June 21 Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live

September 22/was June 12 Providence, RI – PPAC

September 23 Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amp

September 24 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Etess Arena

September 26 Montreal, Quebec – Place Bell

September 27 Kingston, Ontario – Leon’s Centre

September 28 Toronto, Ontario – Massey Hall

September 30 Mt Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino

October 1 New Buffalo, Mi – Four Winds Casino

October 2 Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino 

October 4 Winnipeg, Manitoba – Canada Life Centre

October 5 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – Sasktel Centre

October 6 Lethbridge, Alberta – Enmax Centre

October 8 Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Centre

October 9 Penticton, BC – South Okanagon Events Centre

October 11 Seattle, WA – Benaroya Hall

October 12 Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Hall

October 14 San Jose, CA – San Jose Civic Center

October 15 Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amp

October 16 Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theater

October 19 Mexico City, MX – Auditorio Nacional

October 20 Mexico City, MX – Auditorio Nacional

Meanwhile in other Ringo news, on July 7 friends and fans around the world will have the opportunity to join Ringo for his annual Peace and Love birthday celebration, where he invites everyone everywhere to say, post or even just think  Peace and Love  at Noon their local time. Starting in Australia, New Zealand and Asia and ending in Hawaii, people help Ringo wrap the Earth in a wave of peace and love. Fans are already organizing local events around the world, and details and live streams from the events will soon be available on Ringo’s Facebook page.

For more information please visit:

www.RingoStarr.com

Throughout his career, Ringo Starr has received nine GRAMMY® Awards and has twice been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — first as a Beatle and then as solo artist. Between 1970 and 2020, Ringo has released 20 solo studio records and 2 EP’s in 2020 and 2021. He has acted in over 15 films, received an Academy Award®, and has been nominated as an actor for an Emmy®. Ringo has published 8 books; had a stint as a male fashion model, and that same year went behind the lens as the photographer for some Foo Fighters PR photos. In 2018, Ringo was knighted and in 2019 he celebrated 30 years of touring with his All Starr Bands. In 2022 Ringo received an honorary degree as a Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music. For all his many creative successes, Ringo is and always will be first and foremost a musician, a drummer. Ringo’s candor, wit and soul are the lifeblood of his music. Peace and love are his life’s rhythm and melody, and he propels this universal message in everything he does: his evocative artwork, his enthusiastic live performances, his legendary songs, all imbued with the joy, reflection, and wisdom of the music icon the world knows and loves simply as “Ringo.”

• Facebook Facebook logo
• Instagram Instagram logo
• YouTube YouTube logo
• Spotify Spotify logo
• TikTok TikTok logo
• Pandora Pandora logo

Ready to Book? 410.442.6872

• One-Day Bus Trips
• Multi-Day Bus Tours
• Cruise Vacation Packages
• Fly Vacation Packages
• View All Tours
• Solo Travelers
• 2024 Vacations Catalog
• Sign up to Receive Our Vacation Catalog
• Departure Locations
• Tour Protection
• Refer-A-Fried & Earn Rewards
• Policies & Information
• Tour Directors
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Gift Certificates

Keyword Search

McCartney Times

• Paul McCartney Music
• Paul McCartney Artwork
• Linda McCartney’s Work
• The Linda McCartney Centre
• Jim McCartney
• Mary McCartney
• Stella McCartney, OBE
• James McCartney
• Heather Eastman McCartney
• Mrs. McCartney’s Wines
• Mrs. McCartney’s Teas
• Mrs. McCartney’s CBD
• Angie’s Book – My Long & Winding Road
• Ruth McCartney
• Mike McGear McCartney
• Benna McCartney
• John Lennon
• Paul McCartney
• George Harrison
• Ringo Starr
• Beatle People
• The Beatles’ Albums
• Books about The Beatles
• McCartney Multimedia, Inc
• McCartney Studios
• Mrs. McCartney’s Teas
• Mrs. McCartney’s Wines
• McCartney Sports
• Contributors

Ringo Starr tour 2022: How to buy tickets, schedule, dates – nj.com

The Beatles are back — sort of. The Beatles’ living members, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr , are both staging massive, nationwide North American tours in 2022. While McCartney is playing arenas and stadiums all over the country on his “Got Back” tour, Ringo will perform at more intimate theaters and concert halls . A few of those theaters and concert halls include New York City’s Beacon Theatre on June 6-8, Red Bank’s Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre on June 10, Philadelphia’s Met on June 19 and Atlantic City’s Etess Arena at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Sept. 24. Read more, click link below…

Source: Ringo Starr tour 2022: How to buy tickets, schedule, dates – nj.com

About Author

• Martin Nethercutt

Martin A Nethercutt is a writer, singer, producer and loves music. Creative Director at McCartney Studios Editor-in-Chief at McCartney Times Creator-in-Chief at Geist Musik President (title) at McCartney Multimedia, Inc. Went to Albert-Schweitzer-Schule Kassel Lives in Playa del Rey From Kassel, Germany Married to Ruth McCartney

Related Articles

• Lisa Marie Presley dies at 54 after hospitalization | AP News 0
• The day Victor Spinetti told me the true meaning behind I am the Walrus by The Beatles | Somerset County Gazette
• The Beatles 50th anniversary ‘White Album’ remix, expanded box set due Nov. 9 – Los Angeles Times 0

There are no comments at the moment, do you want to add one?

Only registered users can comment.

Recent Posts

• ‘One Hand Clapping’ – The Live Studio Album by Paul McCartney and Wings, Out 14th June | The Beatles
• Famous George Harrison ‘Here Comes The Sun’ Washburn Acoustic Guitar Going Under The Hammer
• #Teaflix Tuesday with very special guest Vivek J. Tiwary
• Why George Harrison didn’t mind Pattie Boyd marrying Eric Clapton
• On This Day in 1973: Paul McCartney & Wings Topped the ‘Billboard’ 200 and Hot 100 Charts with ‘Red Rose Speedway’ and “My Love”
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• October 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• November 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• February 2022
• January 2022
• December 2021
• November 2021
• October 2021
• September 2021
• August 2021
• February 2021
• January 2021
• December 2020
• November 2020
• October 2020
• September 2020
• August 2020
• February 2020
• January 2020
• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• February 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018
• November 2018
• October 2018
• September 2018
• August 2018
• February 2018
• January 2018
• December 2017
• November 2017
• October 2017
• September 2017
• August 2017
• February 2017
• January 2017
• December 2016
• November 2016
• October 2016
• September 2016
• August 2016
• February 2016
• January 2016
• December 2015
• November 2015
• October 2015
• September 2015
• Beatles Fans
• Beatles Locations
• Beatles Tribute Bands
• Brian Epstein
• Dr. Angie McCartney
• GEIST Book of Shadows
• Julian Lennon
• Linda McCartney
• McCartney Family News
• McCartney Multimedia
• Mrs. McCartney's Teas
• Mrs. McCartney's Wines
• Other Related Articles
• Stella McCartney
• The Beatles
• The Beatles Artifacts
• McCartney Companies

Loading, Please Wait!

• Entertainment
• Celebrities
• Ticket Sales

trending now

Baggage handler issues warning to passengers who tie ribbons to...

Woman claims to be 8-year-old Pa. girl who vanished from bus stop...

Soda company recalls multiple drinks sold in restaurants across...

Kanye West's 300-acre ranch in Calabasas is seen in complete ruins

New sexually transmitted fungal infection detected in NYC — the...

Spirit Airlines flyer tracks down her stolen luggage to airport...

NFL QB staying tight-lipped about his stunning offseason weight...

Kate Middleton 'may never come back' to her previous royal role...

Keanu reeves’ band dogstar announced a huge tour. get tickets today.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

Way back in 1992, Weezer ‘s very first gig was opening for Keanu Reeves’ band Dogstar at a “dumpy” Los Angeles club called Rodiges.

Thirty-two long years later, both groups are back on the road and playing much bigger venues. However, one doesn’t need to be a rock snob to know that they took relatively different paths to headliner status.

In Weezer’s case, Rivers Cuomo and co. tirelessly released music and toured. As for Dogstar, Keanu and the band took a 20-year hiatus (!) before gigging all over North America last year in support of their 2023 album ‘‘Somewhere Between The Power Lines and Palm Trees.”

With the success of that run, Dogstar — as hinted at above — is back at it again this summer. From July through August, the three-piece outfit will play venues all over North America.

As of now, the only New York gig they have booked is at Waterloo’s del Lago Resort & Casino on Sunday, Aug. 18.

Fans can purchase tickets for all upcoming shows on sites like Vivid Seats; the official on-sale is Friday, June 7.

Vivid Seats is a secondary market ticketing platform, and prices may be higher or lower than face value, depending on demand.

They have a 100% buyer guarantee that states your transaction will be safe and secure and will be delivered before the event.

Dogstar tour schedule 2024

A complete calendar including all tour dates, venues and links to buy tickets can be found below.

Dogstar set list

Based on our findings at Set List FM , Dogstar stuck to a pretty strict set list on their tour last year.

For a closer look at what they played, here’s a look at what made it to the stage at their Dec. 19 gig at Atlanta’s Center Stage:

01.) “Blonde” 02.) “Lust” 03.) “How the Story Ends” 04.) “Everything Turns Around” 05.) “Lily” 06.) “Glimmer” 07.) “Dillon Street” 08.) “Sunrise” 09.) “Sleep” 10.) “Just Like Heaven” (The Cure cover) 11.) “This Is What Math Is For” 12.) “Overhang” 13.) “Upside” 14.) “Breach” Encore

15.) “I Wanna Be Sedated” (Ramones cover) 16.) “Halo” 17.) “Shallow Easy” 18.) “Jackbox”

Dogstar new music

On Oct. 6, 2023, Dogstar dropped their third studio album “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees,” which happened to be their first in 23 years.

Comprised of 12 tracks, the record delivers straightforward meat and potatoes rock and roll. Standout songs include the catchy “Everything Turns Around,” downbeat “Glimmer” and bluesy “Lily.”

The tune to keep your eye on though is “Lust,” with its slow build, seductive production and tight drumming. We’re not fortune tellers but we’d guess you’ll likely want to give it a second spin after first listen.

Want to check out the record in its entirety? You can find “Somewhere Between the Power Lines and Palm Trees” here.

Dogstar members

The band isn’t just Keanu.

At all shows, the action star will be joined by lead singer and guitarist Bret Domrose as well as drummer Robert Mailhouse.

’90s bands on tour in 2024

Many acts that made their name before the dot com bubble burst are still out and about.

Here are just five of our favorites you won’t want to miss live these next few months.

•  Foo Fighters

•  Blink-182

•  Everclear

•  Green Day

•  Third Eye Blind

Who else is on the road? Take a look at our list of the 58 biggest ’90s stars on tour in 2024 to find out.

Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post

This article was written by Matt Levy , New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed Bruce Springsteen and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.

Share this article:

Ringo Starr, with new San Diego and L.A. concerts set, talks candidly: ‘I’m giving away all the secrets here!’ he says

The music legend discusses his upcoming country album, a possible new project with Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson, the next chapter for ‘The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil,’ and the Fab Four’s infamous run-in with Imelda Marcos. He also has a message for the ‘boat people’ at Humphreys.

• Show more sharing options
• Copy Link URL Copied!

Ringo Starr is on the phone from Las Vegas and he’s got lots of fab things to talk about, including some that have been largely kept under wraps.

“I’m giving away all the secrets here!” said Starr, who has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist and as a member of The Beatles.

Simultaneously thoughtful and animated, the illustrious drummer, vocalist and bandleader happily discussed a number of topics. They included his upcoming country album with “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” music mastermind T Bone Burnett; a possible new Beatles’ project with Oscar-winning film director Peter Jackson; and the yet-to-be-determined future of “The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil,” which on July 6 will conclude its 18-year run at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

And there’s more.

On May 31, Starr released his fifth EP since 2021. Entitled “Crooked Boy,” the four-song release is a collaboration with former San Diego singer-songwriter Linda Perry, the former leader of the band 4 Non Blondes. His eighth book, “Beats & Threads: Fashion of a Beatle,” was published in November. Proceeds from the limited-edition book go to the Lotus Foundation, the charity that Starr and his wife, Barbara Bach, founded to aid economically challenged families, children and the elderly.

Before his interviewer could pose a single question, however, Starr had something he was eager to trumpet. He and his All Starr Band today are announcing two new Southern California performances as part of their 2024 tour.

The first is Sept. 7 at San Diego’s Humphreys Concerts by the Bay. The second is Sept. 8 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Tickets for the Humphreys show go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at humphreysconcerts.com .

‘A special venue for me’

“Great news! We’re coming back to Humphreys, brother!” said Starr, who has regularly performed there since 1995. “It is a special venue for me.”

Review: Ringo Starr rocks and boogaloos at his 2023 tour-opening concert at Pechanga with his All-Starr Band

The veteran solo star and former Beatle, now 82, drew a sell-out crowd to his Friday show with his six-man band. He and the group will also perform sold-out shows May 28 and 30 at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay in San Diego

May 20, 2023

A longtime Beverly Hills resident, Starr will turn 84 on July 7. His recording and performing schedule indicate he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

The All Starr Band’s 2024 spring tour opened May 22 at The Venetian in Las Vegas and includes concerts Wednesday and Thursday at Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional. Their fall tour will open with the Sept. 7 San Diego show at Humphreys. It will conclude with a Sept. 25 date at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.

The band’s lineup features Toto guitarist Steve Lukather, Men At Work leader Colin Hay, Average White Band mainstay Hamish Stuart, saxophonist, flutist and keyboardist Warren Ham, and former Maynard Ferguson/David Lee Roth drummer Gregg Bissonette.

Edgar Winter, a longtime All Star member, has been sitting out the spring tour due to illness. He is expected to rejoin the band in time for its Sept. 7 San Diego gig at Humphreys. Winter’s spot is temporarily being filled by Aerosmith touring keyboardist and guitarist Buck Johnson.

Starr spoke with the San Diego Union-Tribune on May 31. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Q: In our interview last year, you told me the Greek Theatre is your favorite place to play. Is Humphreys a close second?

Ringo Starr talks drums, The Beatles, bouncing back from COVID and rocking on in his 80s

Busier than ever, the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has two 2023 concert tours set and plans to release three EPs this year alone. ‘We’re off and running!’ he says

May 14, 2023

A: Yeah. I do love the Greek — because I get to go home after the show! I love the sound and the people who are there to (provide) support. But Humphreys is a special venue for me. I’ve always loved it. At times they’ve tried to put me in other venues down there in San Diego, and I’ve said: “No. I play at Humphreys.”

Q: Do you have a special message for the “boat people” who watch your shows at Humphreys for free from the adjacent marina?

A: Oh, yes: “You tight bastards — buy a ticket!” Ha ha ha ha!

Q: Your recent collaborator, Linda Perry, used to live in San Diego. What do you like most about working with her?

A: Oh, she’s great ... She’s a great writer, she’s fun to be with. You know, we just get on. I mean, doing the EPs, I’ve been calling people that I’ve never worked with, just to (have a) change ... I thought: “Well, I’m gonna work with people I don’t know.”

I didn’t know Linda. I mean, I knew about her, but I didn’t know her. I gave her a call and she gave me a song, and it was really great. Then she said: “When are you gonna let me do an EP (with) you?” And I said, “Great,” and that’s what she did. She called it “Crooked Boy,” and they used a very nice photo of me on the cover.

Q: The great bassist Nathan East is from San Diego. He told me that — beyond admiring you as a musician and a person — he is impressed that you phone him personally when you want him to do a recording session.

A: Yeah, well, that’s what I do, you know? I call and say: “Hi. I’m doing this (record). If you’d like to join in, it would be great!” I mean, with Nathan, we’ve come to a place now where I only call him when I want bass on (at least) three tunes, because he does them all in half an hour! So, I don’t call him right away. I wait ‘till we’ve got a couple of songs for him to record on, not just one, because he is such a fine bass player.

Q: He certainly is. There are a few points during each All Star Band concert where you go offstage while one of your band mates is doing a song. I’m curious: What are you doing offstage during that time when you’re not up there with the band?

A: I’m having a cup of tea.

A: No, not really! I’m just saying that now. When I’m off stage, I’m just having a break and letting the band run with it. I mean, it depends. When I started the All Starr Band (in 1989), I would invite (the members) to sing one of their songs, just by themselves if they wanted ... When I take a break during a show, the band’s still there (on stage), it’s still rocking, (and) somebody gets a chance to do a song of theirs where it’s just the band, because it’s so good, instead of the spotlight just being on me.

Q: In 1970 you released your first country-music album, “Beaucoups of Blues,” which you recorded in Nashville with Pete Drake and a bunch of other great players. Now, you’re coming full circle and doing a new country album with T Bone Burnett. How did that come about and how is it shaping up?

A: Well, it came about (as a result of) the pandemic. I was working out, doing some painting or whatever, and that kept me going. But after I started doing EPs (in 2021), we went out to the Sunset Marquis (hotel, in November 2022) because Olivia Harrison was reading from her book, “Came the Lightening: Twenty Poems for George.”

There were about a hundred of us there, listening to her, and it was great. T Bone was there. We’d never had dinner or anything, but I had bumped into him over the years, many times. And he said: “What are you doing?”

And I said “Oh, I’m making EPs, and if you’ve got a song — if you feel like it — send it to me and I’ll put it with the other three song I’ve got on my (next) EP.” All of the other three songs for the EP were like pop songs. T Bone sent me a very moving country song, and I thought: “Well now I’m gonna do a country thing!”

But that’s how I work. It’s just like, the moves are made and I continue the moves. It’s not like I sat there thinking: “Well now I’m gonna do a country one.” It just came about because T Bone sent me this track; I never thought: “Oh, it will be a country track.”

Q: There are quite a few people, as you may well know, who believe no other band will ever be as great and as meaningful — or have the same impact — as The Beatles. What do you think?

A: Well, yes, I do think (that will happen) one day. I mean, no one was going to be bigger than Elvis. No one was going to be bigger than Sinatra ... But then, always, someone comes up.

Q: Is there anyone now you would point to?

Q: After 18 years, on July 7 “The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil” will close its run in Las Vegas at The Mirage, which is being re-branded as Hard Rock Las Vegas. Might “LOVE” take on a new life somewhere else, in or out of Vegas?

A: Well, there’s no plan for that. We were there last night; we went to see “LOVE,” And it was great ... We were talking about how the first (2006 iteration of “LOVE”) was so great. We have to thank (the late Beatles’ producer) George Martin and (his son) Giles Martin for how great it sounded. Because they spent months on it, putting different stuff on tracks and taking stuff off, and giving them the (beefed up) harmonies. It was really great and every seat had stereo speakers.

Then, (Cirque founder) Guy (Laliberté) sold Cirque (in 2020) to this company. And they put all these speakers everywhere (throughout the venue), big speakers in the ceiling, so that changed it. But it’s an amazing show. I mean, the changeovers (between songs and segments) — how do they do that? Because you can’t tell things are changing and it’s so beautiful. When we saw it last night, it seemed to be that teenagers were running the show! It was so great and fast, with really crazy stuff. And they have, like, 9-year-olds as John, Paul, George, and Ringo!

Q: How did the 9-year-olds do?

A: It’s interesting for me to, you know, to see “George” speaking and “John” (in “LOVE”). So, we had a great time and right now, (it appears to be) the last time. Because on the seventh of July, the show ends. What happens after that? Of course, people are talking about maybe (this), maybe (that). And one part of me thought, you know, it’d be good to do a late-night “LOVE” show. Because we (The Beatles) have some very, not dark but not-too-bright songs.

Q: That sounds like it could be great.

A: Yeah. But anyway, they’ll do what they do and let me know.

Q: Peter Jackson did a terrific job with “Get Back,” the 2021 Beatles’ film documentary. Might there be another Beatles/Jackson collaboration of any kind in the offing?

A: Not that we know of, yet, but we’re hoping. And so, I’m not going to talk about it, because he (Jackson) said “Yes.” And we’ve had a discussion about that “Yes,” and we need him to say “Yes” again. I’m giving all the secrets away here!

The Beatles meet ‘The Lord of the Rings’ in ‘Get Back’: ‘It’ll blow your mind,’ says director Peter Jackson

The six-hour-plus documentary will be exclusively shown by Disney+ over three nights on Thanksgiving weekend. It paints a markedly different picture of The Beatles than the 1970 documentary, “Let It Be.”

Nov. 21, 2021

Q: I appreciate that! I’m also wondering if you could talk briefly about the restored version of (director Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s 1970 Beatles’ film documentary) “Let It Be” that was released in early May. Have you reassessed your negative view of the original film? Or do you you suddenly see “Let It Be” in a new light, now that it’s been restored?

A: No, no, I always thought it was pointed in the wrong direction — only down. And that’s why I was so glad we found 56 hours of unused “Let It Be” footage, which had been hibernating, for Peter Jackson to use (for “Get Back”) ... I was disappointed with “Let It Be,” because I was there (when it was filmed) and we had lots of laughs, as you saw in the Peter Jackson edit.

We had a lot of fun. We did have a few rows (arguments) — that’s what a band does. But everyone thinks The Beatles are like angels and we shouldn’t fight. And we’d have little rows and then we’d get over it. Music is the most important part of what we did, you know, besides the friendships, of course.

Q: You recently said in an interview that Paul McCartney having been such a workaholic spurred The Beatles on to be more productive as recording artists. It may be hard to quantify, but how much less productive and how many fewer albums do you think would have resulted if Paul wasn’t such a go-getter?

A: Well, how many (studio albums) do you think we made?

Q: I’m bad at math on a good day, but 10 or 11?

A: We would have done half (as many), I think.

A: Yeah, because we were like, it was such a change for us (after The Beatles stopped touring in 1966). We enjoyed sitting in the garden, looking at the trees! Paul got us in (the studio) and we went in and we all did our best stuff. It was a great thing. From the count-in (of the first song), nobody was playing around. Anybody who counted in (a song), the four of us, gave our all.

Q: In the Peter Jackson footage in “Get Back,” one of my favorite scenes is the one where The Beatles are in the studio, listening to a playback of a song, and you are sitting next to Yoko (Ono). You’re kind of bopping in your seat to the music, and you pass a stick of chewing gum to Yoko, who breaks it in half and gives half of it to John. You’re all chewing gum and grooving to the music, and it’s a really warm and joyous moment. I don’t know if you even remembered that scene until you saw it when Peter finished the film.

A: Yeah, I only remember it because I’ve just seen it again.

Q: Is there a favorite scene or two in “Get Back” that you hadn’t thought of for decades?

A: No. I often think of John. And because of that, I often think of John and Yoko, and — of course — George. You know, it could be just walking down the street and something will catch your attention, and I’ll sort of associate it with one of the boys.

Q: One of the most memorable Beatles’ misadventures took place when your were in the Philippines in 1966 to perform two concerts in Manila. You had to high-tail it out of the country after Imelda Marcos denounced The Beatles on national TV for not showing up for a breakfast at the Royal Palace.

Q: In the ensuing uproar, I recall that — before you flew out — you and John were at the Manila airport, ducking down behind a group of nuns so that you wouldn’t be spotted by police or soldiers.

A: Yeah, that’s absolutely true. It looked like they were really going to come and get us. And you know they wouldn’t let us get on the plane because Mrs. Marcos was upset with us. When we arrived at the airport, before our concerts in Manila, there were, like, 20 cops on motorbikes to (escort us in a motorcade). And when we went back to the airport, it was with (just) one (motorcycle cop), and people were shouting at us. It was really rough.

John and I shared a (hotel) room; The Beatles, we always shared rooms when we were on tour. We ordered (room service) breakfast (in Manila) and thought: “We’ll turn the TV on while we wait.” And we saw this incredible footage of a cameraman going around a table and kids crying because we didn’t turn up (at the palace). We had said (in advance) we weren’t turning up, but she still went along with it. And so that’s what caused it all.

So, at the airport — when we were leaving — we thought: “Yeah, we’ll be safer with the nuns!” Ha ha ha ha!

Q: Did Imelda Marcos ever reach out after that to apologize?

A: No. She was too busy counting her money.

Q: Your upcoming country-music album sounds very exciting. But when we talked last year, you told me you were done with albums, that you only wanted to make EPs. What made you change your mind?

A: Well, that’s what I’m saying: I am changeable; I’m not stuck in my ways. I mean, I did say I’d (only) make EPs, and I made five of them. And then T Bone sent me that country song and I got other country artists to help me make an EP, which didn’t come out now because the (pop-music) EP with Linda Perry came out.

Then, I said to T Bone: “Would you like to do a (full) record?” He said: “Okay, I’m coming to L.A. and I’ll come over and I’ve got some songs,” and he had nine songs! And so, I thought: “Let’s make an album, let’s change it up.” And that’s what I’ve done. I’ve recorded nine of his songs, uh, 10. And we’re gonna put the one he sent for the EP on (the album) as well. We’ve got 10 tracks already. And I’ve got three others, and maybe this will be sort of a 13- or 14-track record, one way or the other.

Q: What is it about country music that resonates so strongly with people in England, and with you as a young man growing up? I know that Celtic music migrated to America and helped lay the foundation for bluegrass music. And you told me in our 1992 interview that you really like Frankie Laine, who wasn’t a country singer, but ...

A: Yeah, I do love Frankie Laine — he was so dramatic! — and Johnnie Ray. I’m a softie, really, you see! (He begins to croon in a Ray-like voice.)

Q: But what exactly was it about country music that attracted you so much when you were young?

A: I felt it. I loved it. In those days — the ‘50s — for me, it was Hank Williams and everybody else. Kitty Wells was my heroine! And, you know, I’ve just loved it ever since. As you said, I did a record with Pete Drake, and now I’m doing one with T Bone. So, you never know what’s going on in the future!

[email protected]

Get U-T Arts & Culture on Thursdays

A San Diego insider’s look at what talented artists are bringing to the stage, screen, galleries and more.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

More from this Author

Reflections on Street Scene: San Diego’s original music fest was vital precursor to Coachella, Wonderfront, CRSSD, KAABOO and more

June 2, 2024

Rady Shell’s 2024 summer concert season boasts four Rock & Roll Hall of Famers and rising stars alike

May 31, 2024

Jane’s Addiction’s San Diego-bound tour will reunite band’s classic lineup: Here are all the dates

May 28, 2024

Appreciation: Bill Walton was a passionate music fan who saw the Grateful Dead more than 850 times

May 27, 2024

San Diego summer concert guide: 42 shows you won’t want to miss

May 26, 2024

Belly Up to celebrate its 50th anniversary with 50 concerts this summer

May 22, 2024

More in this section

Doug Ingle, voice of San Diego-bred band Iron Butterfly, dead at 78

The group’s biggest hit, “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” was a 17-minute psychedelic journey that sold millions. Jerry Sanders, San Diego’s former mayor and chief of police, was a big fan.

June 5, 2024

Raise a glass: These jazz, country and yacht rock stars are coming to Temecula Valley wineries

Here’s a look ahead at the summer concerts headed to Temecula Valley in the coming months

Entertainment

S.D. Arts & Culture Newsletter: San Diego’s 2024 Fringe festival winds down

This week, Sarah McLachlan, Byron Stamps’ Truth in Comedy, Mandy Patinkin, Sacra/Profana and more

May 30, 2024

The Offspring look back on 40 years as a band and 30 years of ‘Smash’

The Southern California punk rock band will celebrate its breakthrough album by playing it in full at Honda Center in Anaheim on June 1

May 24, 2024

S.D. Arts & Culture Newsletter: Natalie Merchant to deliver more ‘Merch moments’ at Humphrey’s

This week, four shows to catch at the San Diego International Fringe Festival, a remount of the musical ‘Pásale Pásale’ and more

May 23, 2024

La Jolla Playhouse musical to tell the unvarnished story of country legends Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash

La Jolla Playhouse is producing the world premiere of ‘The Ballad of Johnny and June,’ which is co-written and directed by former Playhouse chief Des McAnuff

May 19, 2024