Ringo Starr has seen and done it all. He just came out with a new disc titled “Give More Love” and just started a fall tour back on October 13th in Las Vegas. After doing 8 shows in Vegas he made his way down south and up the east Coast. He made a stop by the beautiful Morristown Performing Arts Center this past Tuesday with his All Star Band. The band consists of Todd Rundgren and Steve Lukather on guitar, Gregg Rolie on keyboards, Warren Ham on saxpahone/flute, Richard Page on bass and Greg Bissonette on drums. It’s been generally the same band since 2010 (Ham took over for Mark Rivera a few years back). In addition to a night of music Starr was also selling his artwork at his merch table and ALL the proceeds go to Lotus Foundation (this handles various charities such as cancer, substance abuse and animals in need).
Coming running out and giving his trademark peace and love sign, Starr was ready to go and locked in. He seemed in great spirits as he cracked jokes all night and made a lot of eye contact with the audience. He opened the set by signing the first 3 tracks before taking behind the kit. Starr didn’t look at all that he was 77 years young. He was full of energy and it showed. His voice hasn’t lost anything on songs like “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Photograph” and of course, “With a Little Help From my Friends.”
Having a terrific band, the accolades can be lengthy in describing each artist but I will point out the vocals for Page were possibly the highlight of the evening. “He not only nailed it on his song from his band Mister Mister in “Kyrie,” he made it sound even better live. His voice took it to another level. He even got to sing an original song titled “You Are Mine,” which was much deserved and Page nailed that as well.
Starr used to constantly change the band upon every new tour. For the last 6 years, he has primarily kept the same band because he feels camaraderie with this outfit. When the formula works why change it? The guys love playing with Starr and Star loves playing with them. If you never experienced a Ringo Starr and his All Star Band show, then you don’t know what you’re missing. It’s a fun show for all involved and that’s what matters most!
Setlist:
Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover)
It Don’t Come Easy
What Goes On (The Beatles cover)
I Saw The Light (Todd Rundgren song)
Evil Ways (Willie Bobo cover)
Rosanna (Toto cover)
Kyrie (Mr. Mister cover)
Bang The Drum All Day (Todd Rundgren song)
Boys (The Beatles cover)
Don’t Pass Me By (The Beatles cover)
Yellow Submarine (The Beatles cover)
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen (Santana cover)
You’re Sixteen (Johnny Burnette cover)
Back Off Boogaloo
You Are Mine (Richard Page song)
Africa (Toto cover)
Oye Como Va (Tito Puente cover)
I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles cover)
Love Is The Answer (Utopia cover)
Broken Wings (Mr. Mister cover)
Hold The Line (Toto cover)
Photograph
Act Naturally (Buck Owens cover)
With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover)
Give Peace A Chance (Plastic One Band cover)
We would like Elizabeth Freund from Beautiful Day media for the credentials to review the show.
