Ringo Starr Shines

Ringo Starr hit the Palomar Starlight Theater stage in Palo, California as part of his 2008 All-Starr tour, with the enthusiasm, musicianship and energy that I can not aptly describe. The words in awe come to mind. Being received with a standing ovation, and several more throughout the night, he started his All-Starr show with It Don't Come Easy. The fun ensued from there.

The All-Starr Band includes:

Ringo Starr – drums, vocals

Bill Squier – guitar, bass, vocals

Colin Hay – guitar, vocals

Edgar Winter – keyboards saxophone, percussion, vocals

Gary Wright – keyboards, vocals

Hamish Stuart – bass, guitar, vocals

Gregg Bissonette – drums

Bringing wit and personally to the forefront shined through the night as well. Starting after his second song, What Goes On, Ringo jested that he'd be happy to start the show from the top once the few remaining concert goers finally found their seats in the packed house.

Later joking and waving to the people watching the show from their high-rise hotel rooms; who got to see the show for free.

As the sun dropped on this outdoor venue each musician took his turn, rotating a few times actually; singing, playing and supporting one another. Ringo was in fine voice and his drumming superb as always.

The All-Starr band, with Ringo commenting, "each a star in his own right", plainly had a great time playing and performing together. Each brought their "A" game to the show. And not only when playing their own songs, but, when supporting each others as well. Their enjoyment was infectious.

From "Shout" (Billy Squier) to "Dream Weaver" (Gary Wright) to "Frankenstein" (Edgar Winter) to "Who Can It Be Now" (Colin Hay) to "Pick Up The Pieces" (Hamish Stuart), all as great as ever.

Ringo ran the gamut of his career. Singing Boys while keeping tempo on his drum kit to being front-man performing Photograph, Choose Love, Never Without You (dedicated to George Harrison) and from his latest, Liverpool 8: a title taken from his home towns zip code. The crowd came to their feet again and sang in unison to Yellow Submarine.

The encore, a tradition Ringo also joked about bringing laughter, was With A Little Help From My Friends and Give Peace A Chance. After which the audience was thanked for coming and to "give peace a chance".

The entire concert was upbeat and positive with liberal doses of peace and love being offered and shared by all. After all, that's what he and his three former Liverpoodlian band mates have always been about: peace and love. And Ringo continues to spread that same message today, even after all those years ago.

You couldn't help but leave with a smile on your face and love in your heart, for this extraordinarily talented man named Ringo.