It’s no secret that legacy and classic rock acts are a big draw for deep-pocketed Baby Boomers. So, when a true legend like Ringo Starr, with the ultimate pedigree (The Beatles after all), comes to town, devoted followers will pay steep prices to see him perform. Add a lineup of all-stars from the classic rock realm and you have the makings of a sold-out, memorable performance. Starr brought his All Starr Band back to Hollywood, California’s Greek Theatre on June 15th for a night of recognizable hits, clever banter, and a love fest – between his bandmates as well as to and from the audience.

The two-time inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame started recording solo albums in 1970 as The Beatles were breaking up and he began touring with his All Starr Band in 1989. The lineups have changed over the years, but Starr’s recurring theme is to gather a group of famous, extraordinarily talented musicians and share the spotlight with each of them. The current version of the band includes Toto’s guitarist Steve Lukather, keyboard and saxophone player Edgar Winter, multi-instrumentalist Warren Ham (Toto), Men at Work’s vocalist and solo artist Colin Hay, Average White Band’s bassist Hamish Stuart and drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth Band). Ringo also plays drums but spends a big portion of the show out front singing and telling stories.

The Greek Theatre show was his first in LA since 2019 – the dreaded pandemic caused the cancellation of Starr’s tours in 2020 and 2021; he and a few band members contracted the virus in 2022 which forced the cancellation of the scheduled Greek Theatre date that year. Starr joked with the crowd, “you were probably waiting a long time to see me – hopefully not right outside the venue.”
The show was a big success with a long list of radio-friendly hits spanning the catalogs of The Beatles, Ringo’s solo material, and memorable songs from the other band members. The venue did a great job of lighting the artists and filling the open-air amphitheater with loud, clear sound. Those attributes paired with the likable, talented musicians and fine early Summer weather made it a very pleasant night of classic songs.
Both Winter and Stuart are somewhat new members of the ensemble so their songs were fresh for the attendees that had seen the All Starr’s in the past. Another notable change from previous Starr performances that enhanced the experience, was the decision to spread the other band members’ songs throughout the show. In the past, each member would run through two or three of their hits back to back. This time Ringo kept the audience guessing about whose song would be up next.

Edgar Winter was a revelation – his keyboard work was brilliant while his alliterative ramblings were funny and clever. The band backed him on “Free Ride” and before he launched into the iconic “Frankenstein” he told the audience that he was the first musician to use a portable keyboard or synthesizer onstage. The live version of that distinctive instrumental, with Winter playing a body strap keyboard, was impressive and somewhat shocking based on the many edits and overdubs required to produce it in the studio. Later in the show, Winter dedicated Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Good” to his late brother Johnny Winter.
Hamish Stuart led the band through Average White Band’s instrumental “Pick Up The Pieces,” sang lead on their “Cut The Cake” and also took charge during a cover of The Isley Brothers’ “Work To Do.” Winter and Ham played riveting saxophone arrangements and inventive solos during these songs. Ham may not have had any showcase songs during the show, but he was a jack of all trades – playing various saxophones, flute, keyboards, harmonica, tambourine and congas.
Hay joked about not being able to go out in public during his heyday but now no one recognizes him. However, if anyone hears his stunning, distinctive voice he is immediately recognized. That vocal gift was on display as he led the band through Men at Work hits “Land Down Under,” “Overkill” and “Who Can It Be Now.” Hay played to the crowd, getting them to do a “Hey-O” call and response while “Who Can It Be Now” was a continuous sing-along.

Lukather was a joy throughout the show. His guitar solos were never over the top, but relentlessly impressive. Three Toto megahits were spread across the setlist. Lukather sang lead on “Rosanna,” “Africa” and “Hold The Line.” As with most of the show, Ham, Stuart, Hay, Winter, and Starr provided fine harmonies. Winter’s keys and Ham’s saxophone work were so spot on during these songs that it sounded as if they had originally written and performed them.
Ringo spent most of his early career literally behind the biggest rock stars in the world so it is no surprise that he was comfortable with the spotlight on his bandmates. However, this is Ringo’s band so even though the other guys had ample time to shine, Ringo was the center of attention for much of the show. He sang lead on both The Beatles and his solo songs including “It Don’t Come Easy,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Octopus’ Garden,” “I Wanna Be Your Man” and “Photograph.” On several of the other member’s songs he played drums but usually was out in front of the stage for The Beatles and his solo songs. He constantly interacted with the people in the nearby seats and had the house lights turned up so he could see and call out to the people further back.

Near the end of the show, Ringo told the crowd, “I love what I’m doing and I’m doing it now.” The legend, who is about to turn 83, looked energetic, fit, and happy. As the entire band harmonized during “Photograph” and were joined by the crowd for another big sing-along, Ringo bounced around the stage with a big smile on his face. The predictable grand finale was The Beatles’ “With a Little Help From My Friends” and not unexpectedly, a few additional friends joined the band onstage. Howard Jones, Toto’s David Paich, and Benmont Tench from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers all contributed backing vocals while Jim Keltner (session drummer for solo work by Lennon, Harrison, and Starr) took over on one of the drum kits.
As the song wrapped up Starr told the crowd how much fun he had, said good night and left the stage while the band transitioned into Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’s “Give Peace a Chance.” Of course, Ringo came back out to finish the song and hug it out with everyone on stage. The two-hour show ended on a high note and Ringo’s mantra, “Peace and Love” was felt by everyone in attendance.
Live photos courtesy of Andy J. Gordon ©2023.














