MusicCityNashville.net: Rock Legend Ringo Starr Still Shines Bright at Raucous Ryman Return in Nashville

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Rock Legend Ringo Starr Still Shines Bright at Raucous Ryman Return in Nashville

by Rich and Laura Lynch

September 24, 2023, was an extra special day for Ringo Starr. Prior to his sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee the drummer was recognized at the Musicians Hall of Fame with the Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy Award.

Rock Legend Ringo Starr Still Shines Bright at Raucous Ryman Return in Nashville

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band returned to the Ryman in 2023.

Of the moment, Starr said, "Wow what a lovely tribute - thank you Linda, Peter, Brenda and everyone at the Musicians Hall of Fame for all of this. I am really touched and honored to be here and to accept the first Joe Chambers Musicians Legacy award. I've always loved Nashville, and country music, though I know this place honors all musicians regardless of genre or instrument. I've had a long happy relationship with this town and it's really lovely to be here and to be receiving this award."

Ringo first and foremost is best known for his role in the Beatles. After that legendary band broke up Starr enjoyed success as a solo artist and also dabbled in acting. The concept of Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band was conceived in 1989 and is still going strong. The group consists of a rotating line-up of musicians who perform Ringo's material along with their own.

Ringo Starr and his world famous drum set.

The 2023 line-up features Colin Hay (guitar, harmonica, vocals), Hamish Stuart (bass, guitar, vocals), Edgar Winter (keyboards, saxophone, percussion, vocals), Gregg Bissonette (drums, percussion, trumpet, backing vocals), Steve Lukather (guitars, bass, vocals) and Warren Ham (saxophone, percussion, keyboards, harmonica, vocals).

At the Ryman, Ringo looking fit and wearing his MHOF medallion was warmly welcomed as the All-Starrs went straight into "Matchbox" a Carl Perkin's tune that the Beatles had covered. It was followed by an animated "It Don't Come Easy" running into "What Goes On". Edgar Winter took center stage with a lot of accolades to the band while Ringo moved to the drums to add more grooves to "Free Ride". Steve guided the collective through "Rosanna" (Toto) that featured sizzling guitar solos from Lukather.

Steve Lukather in Nashville.

It was time to get funky with the Average White Band's "Pick Up the Pieces" punctuated by sassy saxes. Colin led us "Down Under" (Men at Work) then it was back to Ringo singing and drumming The Shirelles' "Boys". Starr left the kit for "I'm the Greatest" and the crowd pleasing "Yellow Submarine". For the more extensive jamming on "Cut the Cake" (Average White Band) and "Frankenstein" (The Edgar Winter Group), Ringo let his very capable team to play while he left to have some juice.

Edgar Winter in Nashville.

Ringo returned for a whimsical trip to an Octopus's Garden flowing into "Back Off Boogaloo". Hay led us through "Overkill" followed by an extensive journey into Toto's "Africa" and "Work to Do" featuring Hamish. Back to the Beatles with "I Wanna Be Your Man". Next, Edgar guided the group through the classic "Johnny B. Goode" that he dedicated to his brother Johnny then Hay took the reins for "Who Can It Be Now?"

Colin Hay in Nashville.

"Hold The Line" (Toto) was a hit while Starr shined on "Photograph" and "Act Naturally". The concert ended "With a Little Help From My Friends" that included a sing-along with friends Peter Frampton and Rodney Crowell. Ringo wished us peace and love as he exited, while the band concluded with "Give Peace a Chance" (John Lennon and Plastic Ono Band).

Hamish Stuart and Gregg Bissonette in Nashville.

Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band - as they have been doing for decades - delivered an eclectic quality show. The night at the Ryman was packed with songs from the beloved Beatle along with complex music from the catalogues of this current All-Starr Band - it is a winning formula for Starr that continues to keep fans coming back for more year after year.

Sales of Ringo's artwork benefited The Lotus Foundation.

Related Links: For more information on RINGO STARR and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Ringo Starr | Ryman Auditorium | Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum

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