It actually did come easy as Ringo Starr – 82 years of age – and his All-Starr Band approached the stage for a recent sold-out show at Hard Rock Live in Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood.
The All-Starr Band consisted of Ringo and an incredible array of seasoned and legendary musicians, all with classic hit songs of their own. Ringo began by performing up front before moving behind the drums and supporting the others as they rocked the night away. The All-Starrs included Toto’s Steve Lukather; Edgar Winter; Colin Hay of Men at Work; Average White Band’s Hamish Stuart; Warren Ham, a vocalist, saxophonist and flautist who has played for both Kansas and Toto; and drummer Greg Bissonette.
The stage wasn’t extravagant, just a cloth backdrop with psychedelic images of stars. Pyrotechnics and special effects aren’t needed when that much musical talent is on stage. The combined skill and knowledge came through as the musicians avoided cruise control and engaged themselves in each and every song. It had a contagious effect on an audience that showed up ready to party. The band combined rock, funk, jazz, disco and blues in an ego-free way, working cohesively towards the overall goal of making so many classic hits come alive. There was magic in having these powerhouse classic tunes with their instantly recognizable hooks and melodies performed on stage in a night of pure fun.
After opening with a favorite Beatles cover, Carl Perkins’ Matchbox, Starr closed the night by spreading his universal message of peace and love. The setlist ended with Photograph, Act Naturally and – perhaps most appropriately – With A Little Help from My Friends.
