Review & photos by Joe Schaeffer
The Venetian Theatre was the setting this evening as Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band took the stage for the second night of his six-show residency to a packed house.
Peace and Love is the trademark of every show and tonight was no exception. Having turned 85 this past July, Ringo stated that now more than ever we need a little more of each to keep the world a great place for all.
As per All-Star Band tradition, Starr kicks off the evening, this time opening with “Honey Don’t” followed by “It Don’t Come Easy.” Over the next two hours, his “All-Starr’s” took turns centerstage and then passed the baton back to its ringleader.
The band’s lineup for this tour includes Ringo, Steve Lukather (Toto), Colin Hay (Men at Work), Hamish Stuart (Average White Band) as well as a one-time member of Paul McCartney’s recording and touring band from 1989 to 1994), Greg Bissonette (David Lee Roth, Steve Vai), Buck Johnson (Aerosmith, Brother Cane) and Warren Ham (Kansas/Toto). Their musicianship is flawless, and each artist brings a talent that supplements each other’s material.
Steve Lukather offered up a rousing version of Toto’s smash hit “Rosanna,” which saw Starr settle in behind his trademark Ludwig drum kit. Hamish Stuart then led the band with the crowd favorite “Pick Up the Pieces,” a top ten hit from his days with the Average White Band. Finally, Colin Hay found himself in the spotlight with one of Men at Works biggest hits “Overkill.”
A half dozen tunes that Ringo sang were split by “Cut The Cake” featuring Hamish, while Ringo was off stage for the song. Various classic rock snippets were played. Greg Bissonette even included the opening drumbeats of “Come Together” and the drum solo section of “The End.” Most notable was a new tune called “Look Up” from Starr’s 2025 country album of the same name. The “No-No Song” was played live for the first time since 2003 as well.
Always a highlight of every Starr show is “Yellow Submarine.” Lukather jokingly teased the audience by playing the riffs to the Beatles’ “Day Tripper” and “Please Please Me” before they kicked into the track. The crowd thoroughly enjoyed singing, dancing and twirling about. There wasn’t a single person sitting by the time the song was finished.
Another round of songs from each “All-Starr” then ensued. The highlight of this group was Lukather superb musicianship for the Toto’s “Africa.” We also saw Mr. Starkey perform “I Wanna Be Your Man,” singing once again from behind the drums.
For their final showcases of the night, Hay and Lukather kept the audience rocking with versions of the Men at Work chart-topper “Who Can It Be Now?” and Toto’s first hit, “Hold The Line,” with a little help from Warren Ham on lead vocals.
As the show neared its end, Starr came back out to the front of the stage. He had the lights come on so he could engage with the gathering. He was enamored with how dressed up the audience was and even accepted a gift from a member of the crowd. The band then proceeded to perform his No. 1 hit “Photograph,” and the Buck Owens song, “Act Naturally.”
What better way to bring the concert to a close than with one of the great all-time sing-along tunes “With a Little Help From My Friends.” For good measure, the All Starr’s played a bit of the John Lennon anthem, “Give Peace A Chance,” sending the audience home with happy and positive vibes.
Ringo Starr is still as animated as ever. Whether he was out front rocking and joking with the audience or behind the kit, his energy is infectious and his commitment to the craft is commendable.
