By Neil Farrell ~
Heading into Paso Robles’ Vina Robles Amphitheater I knew Ringo Starr would be the big draw, reprising his hit songs both as a solo artist and a member of The Beatles, but didn’t know that it would also mean hearing the best of several super groups.
Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band boasts a line up that includes multi-instrumentalist, producer and hit maker Todd Rundgren; Richard Page the lead vocalist/bassist with 1980’s super group Mr. Mister; Gregg Rolie the original Santana vocalist and co-founder of Journey; and Steve Lukather lead guitarist and singer with Toto, the glittering stage show turned into a performance that was like having a juke box with your favorite songs playing one after another.
In this the 25th year and 12th incarnation of the All-Starr Band, which includes former lineups with a myriad of rock ’n’ roll gentry, the musicianship was of course superb and the hits just kept on flowing. Rock music fans got a healthy dose of “It Don’t Come Easy,” You’re 16,” “Yellow Submarine,” “Act Naturally” and “With a Little Help From My Friends,” from Ringo’s song list; Rundgren’s “Hello, It’s Me,” and “Bang on the Drum All Day;” Rolie’s hits with Santana, “Black Magic Woman,” “Evil Ways,” and “Oye Como Va?” Toto’s “Rosanna,” and “Africa;” and a healthy dose of Mr. Mister’s hits, “Kyrie,” “Hunters of the Night,” and “Broken Wings.”
The packed amphitheater roared to life as Ringo took the stage, microphone in hand, his simple drum kit on a raised stand behind him. The man, who with George Harrison formed the backbone of the greatest band ever, was comfortable fronting this group of accomplished musicians, who referred to him as “Boss” more than a few times.
True to form, Ringo took a step back when he picked up the sticks to play along with famed session drummer Gregg Bissonette, on the hits made famous by his band mates. The music was flawless and fresh, with Lukather tackling Carlos Santana’s soaring guitar rifts on “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.”
The show was a real treat for the gray-haired baby boomers, who danced and sang along with every tune, and packed Vina Robles for this throwback show. There’s something to be said about a concert where you know the words to every song, and hear them sung by the actual men who first put them on vinyl is a rare and magical treat.
Plus it’s Ringo Starr. Bravo to Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. Keep bringing it, night after night, with a little help from your friends.
