From Beatle to boss: Ringo Starr on running his All-Starr Band

by

As I read through this interview, it felt like taking a stroll down memory lane with a long-time friend. Ringo Starr’s reminiscences of his life and experiences, from sharing a house off Sunset Boulevard to playing with Paul McCartney at iconic venues, evoke a sense of nostalgia that transcends time. His humor, as always, shines through in the anecdote about his cowboy attire and Burt Lancaster’s reaction.

Ringo Starr casually strolls towards the eatery at the Sunset Marquis, sporting a pristine white cowboy hat and an identical denim jacket.

I, an ardent fan, find myself marveling at the news that the legendary drummer once of The Beatles, now 84, is currently capturing images for a new country album he’s wrapping up with esteemed producer T Bone Burnett. This project, in essence, can be seen as a continuation, half a century later, of his 1970 release “Beaucoups of Blues.” Notably, this upcoming album pays tribute to the lead-vocal roles he assumed with The Fab Four, notably in their rendition of Buck Owens’ “Act Naturally” and the self-penned “Don’t Pass Me By” from the White Album.

As for the upcoming LP, I’m more than happy to talk about it later when we have all the details,” I say, flashing a bright smile.

Currently, his primary concern is an upcoming tour with his All-Starr Band, which kicks off in San Diego this Saturday and moves to the Greek Theatre on Sunday evening. The All-Starr Band is made up of musicians he’s worked with throughout his career, offering a dynamic lineup that features Richard Starkey (also known as Ringo Starr) alongside a changing roster of experienced performers – at present, these include Steve Lukather, Colin Hay, Warren Ham, Hamish Stuart, Buck Johnson, and Gregg Bissonette. The tour presents a fun-filled concert of classic rock anthems.

Starr mentions that they practiced both Saturday and Sunday, stating that it’s pretty much all they required. He resides primarily in Los Angeles since the early 1990s and appears relaxed following a break in Malibu with his wife Barbara Starkey (previously known as Barbara Bach), some of their children, and grandchildren.

Starr mentions that they were joined by Barbara’s sister, Marjorie, and her famous brother-in-law, Joe Walsh of the Eagles, who tied the knot with Marjorie Bach in 2008. He strums his fingers on nothing as if it was a guitar to signify Joe. Starr concludes by saying they had a fantastic time together.

How do your grandchildren address you?

Who among your circle addresses you as Richie or Rich instead of Ringo? My guess is that it’s mostly your family who use those names for you – either Richie, Dad, or even endearments like Darling.

Anyone use the full Richard?
Sometimes Barbara when she’s angry: “Richard!” But that’s like twice a year.

The All-Starr Band was formed back in 1989 after Pepsi approached someone who then reached out to me about going on tour. Initially, I agreed and started pondering over how it would work since I hadn’t put a band together before. Grabbing my old phone book (since it was still the pre-digital era), I called Joe Walsh and proposed the idea: “Hey man, they want me to go on tour. I don’t have a band yet. Would you like to join?” He agreed.

Was Joe Walsh’s number listed in the telephone directory back in 1989? Indeed, we also got in touch with Nils Lofgren since he was a friend of ours and he agreed. Dr. John had collaborated on the [“Ringo’s Rotogravure” album], so I reached out to him. That was an amusing incident as Dr. John could be a bit gruff, sometimes hard to comprehend what he was saying. So I asked a friend for help and explained, “I just spoke with Dr. John, and I believe he declined the offer.” My friend replied, “He just called me, and he thinks you don’t want him.” Then it struck me that I should reach out to Levon [Helm] and Rick [Danko] from the Band, who also agreed. Eventually, I had to halt making calls because everyone was saying ‘yes.’

It’s true, our first performance featured no less than three drummers: myself, Levon, and Jim Keltner. Despite my initial doubts, it all came together quite well. Back then, you could purchase records by dialing a toll-free number. We were known as the premier band to call for records in those days.

Have you ever found it unusual to perform alongside individuals who admire you deeply? Well, I must say, it’s quite an honor when Steve Lukather considers me a hero. It’s always enjoyable [laughs], especially since Luke and I share a strong bond. Onstage, everyone has their own territory, and we all support one another. Whenever we come together, I make it a point to say, “I’ll give my best for you, and in return, I expect you to do your best for me, and for him, and for him.” Some members from the ’90s didn’t quite grasp the dynamic. One of them approached me with complaints about another performer. He threatened to leave, but I told him, “Go ahead if you wish – you’re not going to blackmail me.” Remarkably, he didn’t leave.

Are you skilled at making decisions regarding hiring and dismissing team members?

Would you care to name him?
No.

Reflecting on memories, it strikes me that the Greek show this coming Sunday marks nearly three decades since my first performance with the All-Starr Band there, which took place on September 3, 1989. The night was as vivid as if it had happened yesterday. Many stars graced the event, and Los Angeles felt like home. Barbara and I purchased our house in ’92; prior to that, we were based in Monte Carlo, so our lives were filled with frequent relocations. She occasionally reminds me of our early days in L.A., when we were sharing a rental home together.

Do you recall it was at Bedford, on Sunset Avenue? We used to spend time there, engaging in our activities. However, my stay was limited to just three months. I’d often say, “We need to depart by Tuesday…” as we had to arrange for someone to look after the children. Nowadays, things are different; we’ve become more established.

Are you a U.S. citizen?
No.

My reaction to that response from Keith Richards would be a hearty chuckle. It’s quite amusing, isn’t it? After all, he’s known for his colorful language and unconventional demeanor.

You’ve been residing here for nearly four decades, but I should clarify that I hail from England, and my children and family are based there. It doesn’t mean I’m living alone, and there are many cherished memories tied to that place. Being American isn’t about nationality; it’s about embracing the spirit of America. When we initially arrived in ’64, I was sporting a poncho with a holster and a toy gun. We visited Burt Lancaster, and he asked me what I was up to. I replied, “Sir, I’m in L.A. – I’m a cowboy.” This encounter led to him gifting me a lovely belt and two pistols, which I still possess to this day.

Many other British musicians have made their way here over time, such as Rod Stewart, Jeff Lynne, and Dave Stewart (who now resides abroad). In 2008, we collaborated in Liverpool during a concert honoring the city’s status as a cultural hub of Europe. Coincidentally, around that same time, my alma mater, Dingle Vale, was planning to name their fields “Starr Fields” and asked if I would be willing to open the ceremony for them. Although I wasn’t particularly athletic, I would often help mark out the sports field.

Why weren’t you sporty?
Just didn’t attract me. Even then I was deeply a musician.

Did you last perform alongside Paul McCartney at Dodger Stadium in 2019? Could we possibly witness a similar event again?

Read More

2024-09-07 14:24