Ringo Starr, the legendary drummer and former member of The Beatles, continues to defy the odds as he embarks on a robust tour schedule while also promoting his new country album, Look Up. At the age of 84, Starr is generating buzz not just for his music but also for the endearing candor with which he discusses his career, family, and aging.
With a busy calendar filled with a 10-date tour set to commence in June, and a Las Vegas residency scheduled in September, the iconic musician shows no signs of slowing down. Starr will be accompanied by his All Starr Band, boasting an impressive lineup that includes renowned artists like Steve Lukather and Colin Hay. As Starr aptly quipped in a recent interview with People magazine, “Sometimes when I finish a tour, I’m like, ‘That’s the end for me.’ And all my children say, ‘Oh, Dad, you’ve told us that for the last 10 years.’ And they get fed up with me.”
The tour will start on June 12, 2025, at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and wrap up on June 25 at the Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, North Carolina, making stops in major cities including New York City and Philadelphia. Despite expressing fatigue after long tours, the thrill of performing before live audiences remains a powerful motivator for Starr. “We’ve been doing it ever since because I love to play live. I love the audience, I know they love me and we have a great time,” he remarked, reflecting on the enduring appeal of his All Starr Band, which he has led since 1989.
The band’s lineup for this year features a rotating cast of talented musicians including current members like Warren Ham and Buck Johnson. The concept, which started in a unique manner back in 1989, involved Starr gathering musicians from his contacts. “In those days, I had a phone book, so I found guys who were musicians and I’d call them,” he reminisced. “We opened in Texas in a field and it was great.” This spontaneity and connection to the audience have been hallmarks of Starr’s career.
In addition to his upcoming tour, Starr's new album, Look Up, released in January 2025, has been remarkably well-received, marking a successful return to country music for the former Beatle. The album features several tracks produced in collaboration with T Bone Burnett, a project that has also drawn attention due to its commercial success; Look Up became his most successful record in years, entering the Top 10 on Billboard's album sales chart and receiving accolades across the industry. “We can make the right turns sometimes,” he noted, appreciating how the album formed organically around various tracks that Burnett sent his way.
Accompanied by live performances, including a special at the Ryman Auditorium titled Ringo & Friends at the Ryman, streamed on Paramount+, Starr further showcased tracks from his new album, performing alongside esteemed artists like Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris. The Ryman Auditorium, celebrated for its historical significance in country music, provided a fitting backdrop for these performances. “It is always a thrill to play the Ryman, and this time we are going country,” Starr expressed, highlighting his enjoyment in seeing his songs interpreted by a new ensemble of musicians.
Starr's vibrant career has not diminished his sense of humor or ability to engage with his fans. A notable appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! earlier in the year revealed a quirky detail about his life — the fact that, due to allergies, he has never eaten pizza. “I’m allergic to several items,” Starr explained, humorously indicating his commitment to a strict diet.
As Starr embraces both his celebrated legacy and his current endeavors, he remains committed to his music, embodying resilience and passion that resonate deeply with fans around the world. With each tour and album, he continues to showcase not only his enduring talent but also a refreshing willingness to explore new musical terrains. As he prepares to hit the road again, it is clear that Ringo Starr's journey in the world of music is far from over.
